01ass__llA IS 
 
 Book^ni — 
 
SELECTIONS 
 
 FROM THE 
 
 LETTERS AND OTHER PAPERS 
 
 OF 
 
 WILLIAM GROVER; 
 
 PRECEDED BY 
 
 A BI0GJIAPHJC4L' NOTICE ()F Hltj'JAFF,. 
 
 3S 
 
 
 " Be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith 
 and patience inherit the promises."— Heb. vi. 11. 
 
 lUmDon 
 
 PRINTED FOR HARVEY AND DARTON, 
 GRACECHURCH-STREET. 
 
 1828. 
 

 \S\0' V 
 
 «»* 
 
r 
 
 Our late friend, William Grovek, was 
 so justly esteemed in our religious Society, 
 that it has been thought the following Selection 
 from his Letters and Papers would be accept- 
 able to his friends. They may instructively 
 revive the recollection of his Christian labours 
 and example amongst us; and of his earnest 
 solicitude for the preservation of his friends 
 from all that is evil, and for their growth in 
 true piety. 
 
 J. F. 
 
 Tottenham, 8th month, 1828. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAP. PAGE. 
 
 I. Biographical Memoir of William Grover . • • . 1 
 
 II. Meditations and Reflections 2 
 
 III. Letters and other Papers relating to the cha- 
 
 racter and principles of our religious 
 Society 33 
 
 IV. Letters and other Papers addressed to the 
 
 Youth , . 45 
 
 V. Extracts of Letters written from the year 
 
 1800 to 1811, with some other papers . . 59 
 
 VI. Extracts of Letters written from the year 
 
 1812 to 1819 82 
 
 VII. Extracts of Letters written from theyear 1820 
 
 to 1823 105 
 
 VIII. Extracts from Letters written in the years 
 
 1824 and 1825 114 
 
SELECTIONS, *c. 
 
 CHAP. I. 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR OF WILLIAM GROVER, 
 
 William Grover, the son of William and Eliza- 
 beth Grover, was born at Brighthelmstone in Sussex, 
 the 15th of the 11th month, 1752. Very few par- 
 ticulars are known of his early life. After leaving 
 school, he was placed as an apprentice with Ed- 
 mund Rack, a Friend, who was a retail country 
 shopkeeper, at Bardfield in Essex. Soon after the 
 expiration of the term, he engaged himself as an as- 
 sistant to Samuel Day, who was also a member of our 
 religious society, and in a similar business, and who 
 lived at Stansted Mount-Fitchet, in the same county. 
 After serving him with diligence and integrity for 
 several years, he became a partner in the concern, 
 and resided there during the remainder of his life* 
 
 B 
 
2 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR 
 
 He inherited some patrimonial property, his father 
 having died when he was young; but, at the same 
 time, he found it necessary to pursue his engage- 
 ments in business, and was esteemed an upright 
 tradesman, of kind and respectful manners; one who 
 was careful, in all things, to act as becomes a member 
 of our religious society. He continued in trade until 
 within a few years of his decease; and though dili- 
 gent in attending to these, the necessary cares of 
 life, he was not engrossed with them : possessing a 
 well-regulated and pious mind, he may be said to 
 have pursued the concerns of time with eternity 
 steadily in view. 
 
 In the year 1786, he married Isabel Weatherald, 
 of Wensleydale, in the north-western parts of York- 
 shire, who has survived him ; and in their union, for 
 nearly forty years, which was a source of mutual 
 comfort and happiness, he proved himself a truly- 
 affectionate husband : uniformly evincing, under every 
 circumstance, the greatest tenderness and sympathy. 
 
 The subject of this memoir, was one who, from 
 early life, was of a thoughtful turn of mind, and 
 showed a strong attachment to the principles and 
 testimonies of Friends. As he advanced in years, he 
 submitted to the humbling, refining operations of 
 divine grace; and, through continued watchfulness 
 and obedience to the pointings of duty, he attained 
 to that experience and stability in the truth, of which 
 his conduct and religious usefulness afterwards gave 
 
OF WILLIAM GROVER. 3 
 
 abundant proof. A description of some parts of his 
 religious character, is appropriately given in the fol- 
 lowing extracts, from a memorial concerning him, 
 issued by the Friends of Thaxted monthly meeting, 
 of which he was a member. 
 
 " It is not our intention to extol the character of 
 the deceased, as a man, estimable as he was, in the 
 various relations of life; but to exhibit his Christian 
 virtues, and ascribe, as he did, all excellency to the 
 power of divine grace, mercifully granted to man- 
 kind, for their salvation, through the mediation of 
 the blessed Redeemer, our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
 Christ. The rectitude of his conduct, in the dis- 
 charge of his moral and religious duties, his humility, 
 meekness, and dedication to the cause of truth, 
 were all fruits -of faith in the means thus graciously 
 afforded. 
 
 " He was very exemplary in the fulfilment of his 
 duty to his Maker, by a constant attendance of re- 
 ligious meetings, when of ability ; in which his solid 
 deportment indicated great reverence of spirit, and 
 fervency of desire to gain access to the Fountain of 
 all Good ; and, on these occasions, we believe that 
 his mind was often enriched with the incomes of di- 
 vine love and peace. 
 
 " He was a great lover of retirement and medi- 
 tation. The frequent reading of the Holy Scrip- 
 tures was also a source of instruction and comfort to 
 him ; and this practice he was often tenderly engaged 
 to recommend to others, as one of the means by 
 b 2 
 
4 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR 
 
 which they might be strengthened and encouraged 
 to advance in the Christian path. 
 
 " The views he took of himself were humble, 
 whilst his estimate of the true Christian character 
 was a highly exalted one. Hence arose great vigi- 
 lance and circumspection, that no part of his de- 
 meanour should dishonour the cause he so greatly 
 valued and loved. This care was manifested in all 
 his conduct; and evidently so, in transacting the 
 affairs of the church, in which his judgment was 
 clear, and his language persuasive ; tending much to 
 encourage friends in the support of the discipline, in 
 the executive part of which he very rarely excused 
 himself from service ; having a great care for the 
 prosperity of truth, and that his fellow-professors 
 might be faithful in our testimonies, -and consistent 
 in all their conduct, endeavouring to keep the unity 
 of the spirit in the bond of peace. 
 
 " Perhaps few have been so much favoured with 
 the prevalence of love : it seemed to be the constant 
 clothing of his mind, and was evinced towards all 
 classes of society. The youth, especially, were the 
 objects of his tender solicitude; for whose early at- 
 tention to the reproofs of instruction, and for their 
 growth and establishment in the Truth, he felt an 
 unremitting concern." 
 
 His important services in our Yearly Meeting, and 
 his communications to his friends, will be long re- 
 membered. He often spoke of the comfort which 
 
OF WILLIAM GR0VER. O 
 
 he derived from reflecting on the goodness, and 
 mercy, and loving-kindness of our Heavenly Father ; 
 inviting others, and particularly his younger friends, 
 to seek to live under the influence of his love. His 
 remarks were clear, comprehensive, and concise ; and 
 the precious influence which they produced, was 
 often, in a remarkable degree, to be felt, after the 
 conclusion of them. 
 
 He was a willing labourer in the church of Christ 
 — an elder worthy of double honour; doing what 
 his hands found to do with a cheerful heart, as one 
 serving a good and gracious Master, and thus 
 forcibly recommending the principles he professed. 
 Highly valuing the care which our Christian disci- 
 pline provides, and manifesting a deep concern for 
 its being rightly and impartially exercised, he at the 
 same time discovered much caution and tenderness 
 in cases of delinquency, cherishing feelings of love 
 and compassion, when judging of the errors and 
 weaknesses of others. He was very anxious that all 
 the meetings, established for transacting the affairs 
 of our society, should be held under the influence of 
 Christian love, and in the fear of the Lord ; being 
 convinced that, were this the case, they would often 
 be times of solid instruction. 
 
 Whilst he was a firm believer in the immediate 
 teachings of the Holy Spirit, he was diffident in speak- 
 ing of his own experience ; and though well persuaded 
 that our religious principles lead to great spirituality, 
 he was very cautious of judging others, or deciding 
 
6 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR 
 
 for them. His desire was, that all might be drawn in 
 love to seek after the guidance of that wisdom which 
 cometh from above, and to see the beauty and excel- 
 lency of the truth as it is in Jesus. Believing, as he 
 did, that our predecessors had been called to uphold 
 a pure and perfect standard of Christian doctrine, 
 he was deeply solicitous that this might in no way 
 be lowered by Friends of the present day ; and that 
 they as individuals, and the Society as a body, 
 might endeavour so to act, as to bring others to see 
 and to acknowledge the consistency of our profession 
 with the gospel dispensation. 
 
 His general appearance was meek and grave, ex- 
 hibiting a bright example of a religious character ; 
 an habitual gratitude, and filial fear of God, marking 
 his life and demeanour. He behaved with great kind- 
 ness and courtesy to all ; at the same time maintain- 
 ing the dignity of a disciple of Christ, so that his 
 deportment commanded esteem and deference. 
 
 Our dear and honoured friend was particularly 
 pleased with the society of young persons; and to 
 many of this class he was endeared by the sweetness 
 and affability of his manners, conversing with them 
 in a way which secured their confidence and esteem. 
 He felt tender solicitude for them, in thinking of the 
 temptations to which they were peculiarly exposed ; 
 and whether any hints which he offered to these, 
 were designed to encourage them to persevere in 
 the right way of the Lord, or to check the early 
 appearance of a departure from Christian simplicity, 
 
OF WILLIAM GROVER. 7 
 
 they were expressed with so much love, that they 
 found a ready entrance into the heart. Highly valu- 
 ing the approved writings of our Society, he often 
 recommended them to the attention of those in early 
 life. He promoted also their perusal of works of 
 literature and useful information; but saw a danger 
 in the young and inexperienced entering much into 
 the religious opinions of others. Yet he was far 
 from being illiberal in his views, often gratefully ac- 
 knowledging his belief, that sects and distinctions are 
 lost in the divine sight. 
 
 William Grover appeared to think unkindly of no 
 one ; but, when obliged to censure the conduct of 
 any, he did it with great feeling and compassion. 
 At the same time, there was a quick perception of 
 what was wrong, and it was not allowed to pass unre- 
 proved. He had a strong objection to hearing the 
 absent slightly spoken of, or their faults made the 
 topic of conversation. On these occasions he would 
 observe silence, or remind the company to be careful 
 in their remarks on others, lest they should unguard- 
 edly injure the character of their friends ; being him- 
 self careful not to make comparisons. He was of a 
 cheerful, contented disposition, and considered it right 
 to derive pleasure and gratification from temporal 
 things, as blessings from the hand of an Almighty 
 Benefactor; provided they were kept in subordination 
 to the great purpose of life, and not suffered to en- 
 gross too much of the time and affections. He met 
 the vicissitudes of life with calmness, and was careful 
 
8 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR 
 
 not to suffer cross occurrences to discompose his 
 mind, or to draw him into the use of impatient ex- 
 pressions. 
 
 The remembrance of his absent friends was fre- 
 quent and lively; and he evinced a warm affection 
 for those whom he had loved and esteemed in his 
 youth. He seldom forgot the afflicted, whether rich 
 or poor. To those of the latter class he was kind 
 and considerate, relieving their wants, often visiting 
 them in their dwellings, when he would enter into 
 conversation in a way adapted to them, and peculiar 
 to himself; and frequently, in the retired circle of his 
 own family, would speak of and commiserate the 
 condition of those who had received fewer blessings 
 than himself, or who had had a greater portion of 
 affliction or suffering. 
 
 He was a man of great punctuality and order in 
 the daily transactions of life, seldom deferring until 
 the morrow the work of the day ; steady and diligent 
 in what he undertook, and a good economist of time. 
 Few were aware of the extent of his usefulness in 
 cases of a private nature, among his neighbours. To 
 these he was free of access on all occasions; and much 
 of his time was employed in their service. Possessing 
 an intelligent mind and a clear judgment, he was 
 often consulted; and his assistance was frequently 
 solicited to settle little differences. He entered into 
 such cases with great deliberation : his decisions were 
 not hastily formed, and they were mostly well re- 
 ceived. 
 
OF WILLIAM GROVER. 'J 
 
 When the Auxiliary Bible Society was formed in 
 that part of the county of Essex in which he re- 
 sided, he readily united in the support of it, and took 
 an active part in investigating the want of the Scrip- 
 tures among his poorer neighbours. He was a diligent 
 member of the committee until the time of his illness, 
 and felt a lively interest in the circulation of the 
 Scriptures both at home and abroad. At the same 
 time, he was anxious that the concerns of this society 
 might be conducted under the influence of those 
 feelings, and in that temper of mind, to which the 
 Sacred Writings bear testimony; and, whilst be- 
 lieving, as he did, in the divine authority of Holy 
 Scripture, he was very desirous that these records 
 should be properly designated, and that men should 
 not confound the possession and distribution of the 
 Bible, and the mere knowledge of its contents, with 
 the partaking of those living waters which flow im- 
 mediately from Christ, the fountain of life — of that 
 bread which cometh down from heaven, and which, 
 when received with a lively, operative faith, enables 
 us to work out the salvation of the soul with fear and 
 trembling. 
 
 His friends had ample evidence of his being a 
 firm believer in the essential doctrines of the Gospel. 
 In a memorandum left behind him, he says : " I be- 
 lieve it is consistent with the genuine principles of 
 Friends, that all the communications of the mercy, 
 love, power, and goodness of God to his creature 
 man, are in, by, and through our Lord and Saviour 
 
10 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR. 
 
 Jesus Christ, and no otherwise, and in this belief 
 I am thankful to live and unite." 
 
 In a letter, written in the eleventh month, 1823, 
 after alluding, in terms of strong disapprobation, to 
 the views of one whose sentiments were decidedly 
 contrary to those of our society, " on a point of such 
 supreme importance as the divine nature of our 
 blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ," he pro- 
 ceeds: " Can I close this subject better, than with 
 the following quotation from a recently-published 
 pamphlet, in which the writer, when speaking of 
 Christ, says : ( What encouragement and comfort is 
 there in the contemplation of his character and 
 offices, both as prophetically indicated, and evan- 
 gelically displayed, from the first and most obscure, 
 to the last and most comprehensive and expressive : 
 viz. The Bruiser of the Serpent's head ; Immanuel, 
 God with us ; the Lord our righteousness ; the 
 Child born; the Son given, upon whose shoulders 
 the government of his people is for ever to be; 
 whose name should be called Wonderful, Counsellor, 
 the mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and the 
 Prince of Peace ; the root and the offspring of Da- 
 vid ; the bright and morning Star ; the Son of Man ; 
 the Son and Lamb of God, who taketh away the 
 sins of the world; who hath loved us, and washed 
 us in his blood *.' " 
 
 * Mary Jesup's Address to Friends. 
 
OF WILLIAM GROVER. 11 
 
 William Grover possessed a sound constitution, 
 and enjoyed remarkably good health, until within a 
 few months of his death. On the 16th of 5th month, 
 1825, he left home early in the morning, to attend 
 the Yearly Meeting, from which he had been very 
 seldom absent for nearly forty years. He arrived in 
 London in time for the first sitting of the meeting of 
 ministers and elders, and acted as an assistant to the 
 clerk; an office which he had for some time accept- 
 ably filled, and which he resigned at the close of that 
 sitting. With his accustomed alacrity and interest in 
 the concerns of the society, he entered, throughout 
 the day, into the proceedings of the meeting. To- 
 wards the evening he felt unwell, and, in the 
 course of the night was so alarmingly ill, that his 
 wife was sent for early the following morning. His 
 disorder was a very painful one; and, for several 
 days, his life was considered to be in great danger. 
 His medical attendants attributed his restoration to 
 health, so far as it took place, to the serenity and 
 humble resignation with which he bore his sufferings, 
 as much as to the means which were employed. 
 
 The following memorandum, written in London, 
 on the occasion of this illness, was found among his 
 papers. 
 
 " This has been a remarkable visitation, such an 
 one as I never knew ; except that of the small-pox, 
 more than forty years ago, may be at all compared 
 with it. I might be said to be attacked very unex- 
 pectedly, and in a lonely condition; but help and 
 
12 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR. 
 
 comfort, as to outward accommodation, sprang up 
 remarkably; and I think it might be said, that every 
 requisite was supplied. As to the most important 
 part, it seemed to have a great effect in breaking the 
 mind off from this world, and exciting earnest desires 
 for a preparation and fitness to enter into rest and 
 peace everlasting. 
 
 " One feature was very striking : the kind, affec- 
 tionate interest of Friends respecting me and my 
 case, was indeed beyond what it would seem proper 
 to record. But, at the same time r perhaps at scarce 
 any period have I so feelingly and clearly seen my 
 own unworthiness and insignificance, or so feelingly 
 prized a state of littleness and humble reduction; so 
 that, like a little babe, I might be permitted, in sim- 
 plicity and perfect innocence, to draw nourishment in 
 quietness from the breast of ever-enduring and inex- 
 haustible consolation;" 
 
 In a letter to two or his intimate friends, he re- 
 marks : 
 
 "I am desirous (I hope with a degree of humble 
 gratitude) of informing you, that, within three or 
 four days, considerable improvement in my health 
 has taken place; and, whilst I am so abundantly 
 sensible, from recent past experience, of the uncer- 
 tainty of the things of time, yet I wish duly to appre- 
 ciate this rich favour, permitted to a poor traveller 
 through the chequered vale of time." 
 
 Towards' the end of the sixth month, he so far 
 
OF WILLIAM GROVER. 13 
 
 recovered, as to be able to return home, on which 
 occasion he made the following memorandum. 
 
 1825.— 7 mo. 13. " Being permitted, on the 30th 
 ult. in company with my dear wife, cousin Elizabeth 
 Glaisyer, and John Hooper, to reach home in safety, 
 I am aware it is my duty, not only as a child, to crave 
 divine consolation, but also to watch the openings 
 and presentations of duty which may be vouchsafed, 
 however small ; so that the talent entrusted may not 
 be buried under the feelings of feebleness, or any 
 thing else." , 
 
 In two letters to his friends, not long afterwards, 
 he thus alludes to his illness : 
 
 1825.— 8 mo. 7. "We can see but little before 
 us ; and what a favour it is, when circumstances arise, 
 to be enabled to meet them with prudence and peace- 
 ful resignation. This illness may be said to be a 
 proof that we are not our own keepers, but poor, de- 
 pendent creatures. Oh ! thabwe may have light in 
 our dwelling and on our path; and, through boundless 
 mercy, peace within our borders." 
 
 8 mo. 26. " Respecting resignation, how just are 
 thy remarks, that our wishes as well as our works 
 should at all times harmonize with the divine will: 
 indeed, our study should be, to be circumscribed 
 thereby; but; this is no light matter, but a high and 
 most precious attainment. Do not thy remarks, 
 however, beg two most interesting questions ; namely, 
 /the day's work accomplished, and the expected 
 consequent reward?' also, ' the time arrived for dis- 
 
14 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR 
 
 solving every tender, earthly tie V With awfulness 
 and reverence these may be left in the holy, dispens- 
 ing hand of Him who doeth all things well ; whilst 
 we, in grateful, humble, sensibility of the value of the 
 present precious blessings, manifest our due estima- 
 tion of them, by neglecting no proper means to secure 
 their continuance, in due and filial submission, all 
 the while, to his infinite wisdom, goodness, and 
 mercy." 
 
 As the health of William Grover improved a 
 little after his return home, his friends cherished 
 the pleasing hope that his valuable life would be 
 lengthened, and that they should be permitted longer 
 to partake of the instruction to be derived from 
 his bright example and Christian counsel. But 
 He who ordereth all in perfect wisdom, and who will 
 graciously supply the spiritual need of those who 
 look in faith unto Him, saw meet to terminate the trials 
 of this his faithful servant, and to admit him, as there 
 is every reason to believe, to the participation of 
 that peace and joy which are reserved for the right- 
 eous in the life which is to come. 
 
 " The expressions of a religious nature, that our 
 late dear friend uttered towards the close of life, were 
 not numerous ; but they all partook of that humble, 
 yet confiding and peaceful character, that distin- 
 guished him when in health, and bespoke a mind 
 looking towards heaven, of which, he said, he had 
 ' had a pleasant view, particularly of late;' and that 
 he was ' favoured to feel very little condemnation.' At 
 
OF WILLIAM GROVER. 15 
 
 different times he thus expressed himself: ' The pre- 
 vailing desire of my mind has been, for many years, 
 that I might close in peace. I have had many bless- 
 ings, many temptations, and many trials in my time ; 
 but have been mercifully helped through them.' At 
 one time, evidently under great tenderness of spirit, 
 he observed, ' The shadow of divine mercy is very 
 broad ;' and at another, when conversing about his 
 illness, he said, f It is a source of great consolation to 
 know, that He who formed us is near.' 
 
 " In the afternoon of the day preceding his decease, 
 he expressed himself to the following effect : ' There 
 is nothing so precious, whether in youth or in age, 
 sickness or health, as a sense of the divine presence 
 and love. I have had great cause thankfully to be- 
 lieve, that the protecting arm of kind Providence 
 has been with me all my life long, from my youth 
 up ;' and, after a pause, added, ' It is my greatest 
 desire that my sun, which now seems nearly set, may 
 go down in brightness, without a cloud ; relying 
 only upon the goodness of the Almighty, who can 
 change a life of suffering for one of comfort and end- 
 less happiness — who can make a death-bed as a bed 
 of roses. Yea, I bless thy holy name, thy presence 
 and love can make a death-bed as a bed of roses.' 
 Afterwards he said, in nearly these words : ' My life 
 seems fast closing, and my afflictions nearly at an 
 end. I have been greatly afflicted, [alluding pro- 
 bably to his illness,] but doubt not that it has been 
 in unspeakable, unerring wisdom, that I have been 
 
16 BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIR, &C 
 
 thrown, again and again, into the furnace ; which 
 is, no doubt, designed for my further refinement. 
 Oh ! may all the purposes of the Almighty be 
 fulfilled. Oh ! what a precious state is that, where 
 nothing is wanted but the celestial gate to be 
 opened. All praise I ascribe unto the Lord's holy 
 name*.'" 
 
 He was enabled to bear, with great patience and 
 Christian fortitude, the extreme sufferings which he 
 endured within a short time of his death ; but, for a 
 few hours before the close, he was mercifully relieved 
 from all pain, and his end was remarkably peaceful. 
 He died the 11th of the 10th month, 1825, in the 
 seventy-third year of his age. 
 
 See the Memorial of Thaxted Monthly Meeting. 
 
17 
 
 CHAP. II. 
 
 MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 
 
 1783. — 4 mo. 27. How different a character is he 
 who is fond of procrastinating and delaying, from 
 him, who, with a wise regard to the uncertainty of 
 to-morrow, ncbly improves each opportunity whilst 
 he has it. 
 
 1783. — 10 mo. 15. From disobedience and diffi- 
 culty, surely I am a dwarf, by not coming rightly for- 
 ward to the duty of the day. How main a thing, 
 through all, is an attention to the conclusion. Do 
 not some of us labour and toil ourselves, to do that 
 from fear, which those who are in the life of goodness 
 do from love ? 
 
 1784. — 10 mo, 13. Oh that none in ease and plenty 
 may contribute, improperly, to make it difficult for 
 those in less favoured circumstances to think of the 
 Author of their being with gratitude and love. 
 
 1790.— 5 mo. 11. " While ye have the light, be- 
 lieve in the light, that ye may be the children of the 
 light." It appears a precious thing rightly to believe 
 in the light, and to follow it; treading in the just 
 
18 MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 
 
 man's path, which is said to be " as the shining light, 
 that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." 
 It is probable that many under our name do not 
 believe in this light, nor expect, through faithfulness 
 to its discoveries, to be led on further and further to 
 the knowledge of the will of God, and to an esta- 
 blishment in his peaceable kingdom, even whilst in 
 this life : not being like minded with a remnant who 
 believe that his kingdom is come ; and who desire, 
 according to ability, to be pressing into it, that they 
 may be faithful subjects of it, and that the govern- 
 ment may be on the shoulders of Him whom they 
 desire to serve. 
 
 8 mo. 17. It is a fine thing to be preserved from 
 every snare. I believe we may be so engaged in 
 things which bear the appearance of being lawful, 
 and even necessary and incumbent, as to be dis- 
 qualified from possessing that tender, childlike, at- 
 tentive state of mind, which appears so necessary to 
 our growth in a divine life, and to a true filial obe- 
 dience, in all things, to the will of our Heavenly 
 Father. 
 
 1792. — 4 mo. 12. Oh! for a sincere love and 
 attachment to that pure and undefiled religion, which 
 stands in a filial devotedness of heart to do the Lord's 
 -will, and in a reverent, holy travail of soul, to be 
 made truly acquainted with what his will is ; that so 
 we may not be deceived, under an apprehension that 
 we are fulfilling the divine will, when we are rather 
 frustrating it by doing our own. This, I believe, may 
 
MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 19 
 
 be the case, even in things which may have a good- 
 like appearance. 
 
 1799. — 6 mo. 13. I believe it is good for young men 
 to make a point of devoting a small portion, at least, 
 of every day, to read a little in the Bible, and endea- 
 vour after a little calm and quiet in their minds. 
 Something may be presented to the minds in these 
 short seasons of inward calm, which may a little 
 nourish and cherish the divine life in the soul, and 
 make room for the love of God to prevail a little ; 
 and so, as this love is cherished and found to grow, 
 the love of the world, and earnest desire after it, will 
 lessen, and the soul be prepared to take its chief de- 
 light in something spiritual and heavenly. 
 
 1799. — 6 mo. 22. I feel low, under a sense of my 
 want of the necessary qualification for active service 
 in the church. Oh ! that there may be more of a 
 waiting for the putting forth ; and a deeper and 
 more frequently-renewed travail after dwelling in the 
 pure life of religion, and after inward communion 
 with the Lord ; — to know his will, and receive ability, 
 in the abasement and abnegation of self, to do it to his 
 glory, and my own soul's true peace. 
 
 1801. — 9 mo. 14. Oh 1 that we may be made 
 what the Lord would have us to be ; that is, in har- 
 mony with his work in the earth ; standing faithful, 
 according to the present day's administration and 
 service, as many of our worthy predecessors stood 
 faithful in their day and time. The great thing is, 
 c 2 
 
20 MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 
 
 to bejound in our lot, let the state of Truth's cause 
 be whatsoever it may in the world. 
 
 I think I see a great danger in Friends getting into 
 easy circumstances : it renders them not so strong, 
 and able to endure hardness as good soldiers. I 
 believe all we have must be at the divine disposal, 
 and so felt by us, before we can be fully qualified to 
 endure all things that may be required of a dis- 
 ciple of Christ, in filling up his lot in the militant 
 church. 
 
 1810. — 8 mo. 8. I find a great proneness in the 
 mind to be, every now and then, laying hold of some- 
 thing wherein to expect a sort of permanency of 
 satisfaction, if not of delight; but I doubt my capa- 
 city to do this, and yet retain a due readiness sin- 
 cerely to say, " Thy will be done," should these 
 things be called for. When we use the words, " Thy 
 will be done on earth, as it is in heaven," surely we 
 mean to be sincere ; but what submission and devo- 
 tion of heart and will does this imply : no obstruction 
 or resistance to the divine will "as in heaven." 
 
 II mo. 8. I believe we came into this world for 
 the great and momentous purpose of being eternally 
 happy. Even the present life, which is a mixed and 
 a probationary state, is replete with numberless bless- 
 ings, and precious enjoyments, along with the attend- 
 ant trials. And our duty and highest interest is, so 
 to encounter the trials incident to this present ex- 
 istence, and so to participate of the comforts and 
 mercies afforded, as that our minds may be capable 
 
MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 21 
 
 to bless the Lord for his goodness, in giving us a 
 being, and preserving us ; and to meet the end with 
 resignation and peace. 
 
 11 mo. 10. The true dignity of man — of a Chris- 
 tian — consists in endeavouring to fill up his duty, in the 
 station which he is permitted to fill in this world. 
 There are few, if any situations, in which a man who 
 is upright may not shine. There is lustre in integrity; 
 and the peace which Christ gives to his humble, de- 
 pendent children, can reach the humble cottager, as 
 well as the inhabitant of the mansion. Many, by 
 having their eye out after things not within their 
 reach, nor within their sphere, neglect or overlook 
 surrounding and intended blessings ; and so are not 
 thankful, as they might be. Thankfulness for mercies 
 received is a very precious feeling, and gives a sweet 
 relish to what we enjoy. Let us, therefore, in the 
 first place, be sensible and feel what we are, and dili- 
 gently occupy and improve our talents and gifts in the 
 fear of the Lord ; and desire, above all things, to be 
 kept within the reach of his blessing; so shall the in- 
 crease, if permitted, be enjoyed without violating the 
 peace of our minds. 
 
 1811.— 4 mo. 28. A precious sentiment it is, 
 "that the spirit of benevolence, if cherished and 
 encouraged, sends forth fresh shoots." The soul is 
 enriched by an increase of benevolence, although the 
 means of gratifying or exercising it, to an extent ade- 
 quate to our feelings, may not be within our power. 
 
 1812. — 1 mo. 25. It is a precious thing to have a 
 
2% MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 
 
 belief and feeling produced in our minds, that we are 
 under the divine gracious care and protection. Per- 
 haps I have not sustained more loss, or religious 
 disadvantage, any way, than I have for want of more 
 diligently minding the very gentle intimations or calls 
 to inward stillness. A feeling of a connexion with 
 the Fountain of Good is, above all things, to be prized ; 
 and this feeling is utterly out of our control or com- 
 mand, and consequently to be accepted with reve- 
 rence and cheerfulness, whenever vouchsafed. We 
 cannot prize it too much : it is a treasure in prospe- 
 rity : it is a treasure in adversity : it will be em- 
 phatically a treasure, when the awful moments arrive 
 for us to bid an eternal farewell to the things of time 
 and sense. 
 
 8 mo. 22. We are, indeed, fearfully and wonder- 
 fully made. From the nature of our present con- 
 dition, we see things very differently at different 
 times ; perhaps, in part, occasioned by our attempt- 
 ing to see and judge when we are not in a situation 
 for it. 
 
 10 mo. 24. Having now, except about three weeks, 
 completed my sixtieth year, I may say, that in turning 
 over some of the leaves of my past life, I may record 
 occasions of reverent and humble thankfulness, for 
 having been permitted to escape with as little of 
 wounds and bruises as I have ; and for the extension 
 of divine goodness and mercy towards me, many ways. 
 And I think my religious experience, if I may call 
 any thing which I have known by that name, has 
 
MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 26 
 
 been much found in the path of faith, rather than of 
 sight. Just enough vouchsafed to preserve me a 
 believer in the path, and in the power which sustains 
 in it. Perhaps this has been the manner in which I 
 have been led along, because it was best for me, as 
 most calculated to keep me humble ; often having 
 nothing good, nor knowing how to come at any 
 good ; but at times sweetly refreshed with calmness 
 and serenity, rather than with the spirit of warm de- 
 votion, or any thing like ecstasy or rapture. 
 
 1813. — 1 mo. %2. The great thing appears to be, 
 to have the right hunger and thirst after righteous- 
 ness excited and preserved, or maintained, in the 
 mind ; then things which are of an earthly, transitory, 
 or unsatisfying nature, will be trials, as they prevent 
 a participation of the blessed fruits of this righteous- 
 ness. Many are resting in these outward enjoyments, 
 as if they were the end of our being ; but the true 
 Christian, the true believer, is permitted to enjoy 
 abundance of blessings, without resting in them, and 
 so has the comfort of the life which now is, and of 
 that which is to come. 
 
 1814. — 3 mo. 24. To write of the immediate and 
 particular influences of the Spirit of Truth upon the 
 mind, in the way we understand and believe that sub- 
 ject, is a very delicate business, especially when an 
 application is made to particular and striking in- 
 stances ; because it may often happen that there is 
 really not a capacity in the persons addressed, to 
 receive what is advanced. Whether the doctrine of 
 
24 MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 
 
 clear, immediate revelation, in the present day, be 
 truth and reality, as we most surely believe, or not, 
 it must be granted to be possible that it may be so ; 
 that is, that it may be truth. 
 
 1814. — 4 mo. 1. How many ways to involve the 
 mind in a continual something that seems plausible ; 
 and so not keep it just in readiness to hear the call, 
 to hearken to the voice, or yield to the gentle, in- 
 clining influence of divine love ; an influence often so 
 soft and silent, as to be very, very easily put by, 
 quashed, lost, forgotten. 
 
 1815, — 11 mo. 2. The occurrence of a great 
 variety of things to engage the attention, on our 
 own and other people's account, seems to fill up 
 much of the time, which is passing over, never to 
 return, that I have great occasion to be careful to 
 give the preference to those things, if I can happily 
 distinguish them, which are of the most importance ; 
 because the remaining sands in the glass are spend- 
 ing very fast, and, most probably, in a few years, at 
 the longest, there will be none remaining. Whilst 
 we are conflicting with the various infirmities of our 
 nature, it is a precious thing, to those who are fa- 
 voured, under all, and through all, to grow in 
 religious experience ; not casting away the shield, 
 either in the day, or in the night season; but in 
 humble trust and dependence on divine support, 
 pressing forward, holding fast the profession of their 
 faith ; not easily blown about by floating opinions, 
 but watching for the manifestations of that light, and 
 
MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 25 
 
 of that calming influence which satisfies the soul, and 
 gives ability to rejoice, amidst the jeopardies of an 
 earthly pilgrimage. 
 
 1817. — 6 mo. When individuals, through diso- 
 bedience or unfaithfulness, have been brought into 
 grievous perplexity and embarrassment, it often hap- 
 pens, that, in condescending goodness towards his 
 poor creatures, our Almighty Father does not will 
 their continuance in this wilderness condition, but is 
 graciously disposed to bring them out of it. But 
 then, if we would come forth perfect, his own all- 
 wise process must be submitted to with patience and 
 resignation. Whatever the provings and the humilia- 
 tion required, we may rest satisfied that they "are 
 necessary to effect the purpose intended; and if we 
 are at length brought through, so as to stand in 
 a state of acceptance before Him, and to partake of 
 the peace which He gives, we shall not have to say, 
 we have suffered more for the attainment of the 
 prize, than it is found to be worth. Oh! the un- 
 speakable value, to the exercised mind, of patience 
 and resignation. 
 
 1818. — 4 mo. 27. - conversing this morning on 
 
 the politics of Europe, concluded with this beautiful 
 sentiment: "that there is nothing substantial and 
 satisfactory but the Supreme Good: in it, the deeper 
 we go, and the more largely we drink, the better 
 and happier we are; whereas, in outward acquire- 
 ments, if we could attain to the summit and per- 
 
26 MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 
 
 fection of them, the very possession and enjoyment 
 palls." 
 
 1818. — 9 mo. 6. Oh! the inestimable favour it is, 
 to be true believers, and thereby to be made, from 
 time to time, partakers of the [spiritual] bread which 
 is broken, and the wine which is in mercy handed to 
 sustain, to animate, to enliven the soul. 
 
 1 SI 9.-6 mo. 15. Oh! for some share of in- 
 heritance, or fellowship, with those whom the Lord 
 delighteth to bless. 
 
 1821. — 1 mo. 5. Many are the favours which 
 the tried and exercised servants of the Lord have to 
 commemorate, in the course of their devotion to his 
 cause. May we all, in our various allotments, endea- 
 vour to be more and more preserved in a state of 
 watchful dependence upon Him ; that so, whether at 
 home or abroad, our experience of his goodness, 
 mercy, and truth, may be enlarged and confirmed, to 
 our own consolation and support, and the consolation 
 and encouragement of others. 
 
 1821.— 5 mo. 20. The Yearly Meeting was largely 
 attended, and was a solid, instructive, and interesting 
 season. As a religious society, we have much indeed 
 to be thankful for; and I do hope there is much to 
 be encouraged about, as to the state of things among 
 us, although much to lament. Perhaps few things 
 more to be lamented, than that many of us are not 
 enough convinced, that there is no advancing in true 
 Christian experience, and inheriting the riches, and 
 privileges, and consolations of the gospel of Christ, 
 
MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 27 
 
 without submitting to his yoke, and bearing his 
 cross. 
 
 1822.— 9 mo. 8. Reverently do I wish to ac- 
 knowledge the belief, that there is that which can 
 richly make amends for every privation, heal every 
 breach, cause the wilderness and the solitary place 
 to be glad, and the desert to rejoice and blossom as 
 the rose. But, oh ! for an increase of capacity to 
 look unto this, and to walk worthy of receiving such 
 blessing. 
 
 1823. — 2 mo. 23. It is a great privilege, in afflic- 
 tion, to be near tender, sympathizing friends; par- 
 ticularly, may I not say, at our time of life, when 
 both bodily and mental energy may be considered on 
 the decline. And oh! that, in all our trials, both 
 inward and outward, the divine arm of everlasting 
 loving-kindness and compassion may be underneath, 
 to bear up and sustain, and afford us a safe landing 
 at last, beyond the reach of all conflict and all fear. 
 
 1823. — 7 mo. 21. We require some one to speak 
 to freely, and also confidentially. And besides, how 
 greatly is human comfort, at times increased, by a 
 reciprocity of innocent communication. I believe it 
 relieves the more weighty, and, sometimes, oveiv 
 anxious cogitations of the mind; and, by so reliev- 
 ing, contributes to our resuming them with more 
 effect and advantage. 
 
 1824. — 3 mo. 7. How much I desire that nothing, 
 amidst all the ups and downs that occur, may be 
 permitted to prevent us from seeking after the love 
 
l £6 MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 
 
 and favour, the support and protection of our Hea- 
 venly Father. I think I scarcely ever found and felt 
 it more needful for myself, than now of late time. 
 
 Give what Thou wilt, without Thee we are poor. 
 And with Thee, rich, take what Thou wilt awaj. 
 
 1853.— 10 mo. 12. How earnestly to be de- 
 sired is a complete redemption from all selfishness : 
 then would envy, pride, and wrath, no more torment 
 the poor mind. 
 
 1824. — 4 mo. May I, with reverence and hu- 
 mility, say, that I believe there is nothing to separate 
 the redeemed soul from the spirit of the blessed 
 Redeemer; and that, where He is, there will also 
 his servants be. He that is in Christ is a new crea- 
 ture ; and being, through redeeming love and mercy, 
 brought into Him, and continuing in Him, who is 
 the resurrection and the life, such shall never die, 
 but remain in Him for ever and evermore. 
 
 1824. — 8 mo. 1. It is a great comfort, when past 
 seventy, to be pretty well ; so as to enjoy the bounty 
 of kind Providence, and endeavour to improve the 
 further portion of time allotted ; so that we may, 
 through mercy, be ready for the final, awful change, 
 when it comes. 
 
 1824. — 12 mo. 8. How unspeakably worthy our 
 love, our allegiance, our seeking after, and our more 
 frequent communion, is the Spirit of Truth. How 
 ought it to be [sought after] from day to day, and 
 through the day, so as to raise and bear up our 
 
MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 29 
 
 minds above the things of time, even whilst we are 
 necessarily engaged in them ; seeing they are all very 
 uncertain, and we may be taken from them, or they 
 from us, very unexpectedly. In such case, to have 
 our minds previously well acquainted with divine 
 love, and, as it were, enwrapped with it — what a 
 treasure! 
 
 1825. — 3 ino. What a fine thing it is to be pre- 
 served in the humility, simplicity, and stability which 
 Truth gives to its sincere and devoted disciples. Oh I 
 for a more general, deep acquaintance with the value 
 of true quiet, where the thirst for change and novelty 
 is not felt ; but a sincere waiting and desire is known, 
 after that which is not of man, nor of the strength 
 and abilities of man, but of the Lord. Here, I be- 
 lieve, the creature will be kept low, diffident, and 
 fearful of itself; and more ready and desirous to be 
 taught and instructed, than to fancy itself qualified 
 to instruct others. 
 
 The creation of the world and of man was, 
 
 and is, a marvellous display of the divine glory; and 
 the highest dignity and happiness of man, is to live 
 in unison with this effect of the divine will and pur- 
 pose, that we may not miss of intended good and 
 enjoyment, which it seems are only to be this way 
 come at. Our Heavenly Father wants nothing. He 
 is perfect ; his glory is perfect ; and this or that act 
 are only a display of such part of his glory, as his 
 infinite wisdom thinks meet, and for the best, at any 
 particular period, or on any particular occasion. 
 
30 MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 
 
 The expression of beautiful sentiments, and 
 
 the reading and approving of them, afford a delight 
 to the mind ; but do not always deepen us in religious 
 sensibility, or increase our love for the simplicity of 
 the Truth as it is in Jesus, or advance us in the con- 
 sequent knowledge and experience of heavenly good. 
 In contemplating this subject, I have remembered 
 the import of a few expressions of an eminent minis- 
 ter : " We love the splendid, pleasant picture ; but 
 this is an easy purchase, in comparison of the deep- 
 hid, inestimable pearl of substantial truth." 
 
 This morning I have a somewhat luminous 
 
 view of the nature and preciousness of gospel minis- 
 try, and other rightly-religious exercises. God is the 
 inexhaustible fountain of all good : there is no good- 
 ness but what comes from Him ; consequently, nothing 
 for poor human nature to plume itself upon. This 
 divine power goes forth in such manner, time, and 
 degree, as is consistent with its own infinite wisdom 
 and goodness ; in displays of beneficence, mercy, and 
 blessing to its creatures: sometimes in immediate 
 communications of light, life, and divine virtue and 
 sweetness to the souls of individuals, for their own 
 advancement in the path of salvation ; and sometimes 
 in precious gifts of qualification, for the benefit of 
 others, the edification of the church, and for other 
 religious services. 
 
 To have a mind preserved in such a state as 
 
 to be susceptible of the impressions of heavenly good, 
 I esteem of primary and vital importance. To those 
 
MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 31 
 
 who desire to witness the fulness of gospel privilege 
 and blessing, this is very essential ; seeing that there 
 are seasons in which such a sweetness and precious 
 solemnity are to be witnessed, as is comparable, in 
 degree, to heaven upon earth ; as well as that it is our 
 Christian duty to lead others, by our example and in- 
 fluence, to the same enjoyment. 
 
 ■ By how many and how various means do we 
 
 get broken down, and gradually prepared for our eter- 
 nal separation from this frail and uncertain state of 
 being ; and how exceedingly is it to be desired that 
 we may all so improve the time of health and bodily 
 ability, as that, when sickness, pain, and affliction are 
 measured out to us, we may be favoured with that 
 sweetness and peace which bear up the mind above 
 the waves, and enable us to say, the rod as well as 
 the staff of the Lord's goodness, are our comfort and 
 our rejoicing. 
 
 Convince me, more and more, O Lord ! I 
 
 beseech thee, that thy time is the only time for true 
 refreshment and comfort to the poor soul ; and that 
 every visitation of thy love and life is exceedingly 
 precious, and not to be trifled with or passed by, as 
 to a more convenient season of mine. 
 
 Grant, I pray thee, that the chief study of my life 
 may be to be found in a state of readiness to receive, 
 adopt, and yield to every of thy gracious offers of 
 love and life ; that so my poor soul may indeed have 
 a share in the spiritual kingdom of Thee, the living 
 and true God, even in this life ; and so come increas- 
 
32 MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS. 
 
 ingly to know that Thou art the only true riches, and 
 that every thing else is fleeting and uncertain. 
 
 Remove, I pray thee, by the gentle showers of 
 thy celestial rain, the hardness of my heart, and 
 make it very susceptible of the impressions of thy 
 Holy Spirit ; that I may be indeed thy servant, and 
 that Thou mayst delight to bless me, and increase 
 my knowledge and experience in thy precious truth, 
 and in Thyself, the only and enduring treasure of the 
 soul. 
 
 Oh adorable Goodness, Wisdom, and Power ! 
 
 preserve me so, I pray Thee, that nothing may 
 deprive me of the capacity to enjoy Thee, according 
 to the manner and degree in which it may please 
 Thee, in thy mercy, to make thyself known to thy 
 poor, unworthy, but depending creature, in time 
 and to all eternity. 
 
CHAP. III. 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS AND OTHER PAPERS, 
 RELATING TO THE CHARACTER AND PRIN- 
 CIPLES OF OUR RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 
 
 Some Remarks on the religious Principles of the People 
 called Quakers, as to Wars and Fightings, 
 
 It becomes those who profess faith towards God, 
 and who, in obedience to what they believe to be 
 their religious duty, differ in some things from other 
 professors, to be willing, in meekness and fear, to ren- 
 der a reason for that difference. And as there may 
 be many who have not been fully informed of the 
 grounds on which the people called Quakers, ever 
 since they were a people, have borne a testimony 
 against Wars and Fightings, it may be acceptable to 
 some serious inquirers, to know a little what those 
 grounds are. 
 
 1st. They believe that the happiness of mankind, 
 in an especial manner, depends upon their living in 
 the fear of God ; walking in obedience to the secret 
 manifestations of Truth, through that divine prin- 
 
 D 
 
34 ON THE CHARACTER AND PRINCIPLES 
 
 ciple of light and grace given to every man to profit 
 with ; forsaking every thing which this divine prin- 
 ciple manifests to be evil ; and following after every 
 thing which it manifests to be righteous, holy, and 
 acceptable to God our Creator, our beneficent Pre- 
 server, and final Judge. 
 
 2nd. They believe that the Christian religion is a 
 religion of universal love ; and that, as the minds of 
 men are, through divine assistance, gathered into this 
 love, they become qualified to fulfil that injunction of 
 Christ Jesus, the author of the Christian religion: 
 " Love your enemies ; bless them that curse you; do 
 good to them that hate you." They believe that this 
 truly noble and happy state of mind is not attainable 
 in our own will and time; but that, as mankind yield 
 to the secret influences of that divine principle of 
 light and grace in the heart, alluded to, they are fa- 
 voured, more and more, to gain an ascendency over 
 self-love, and to witness an enlargement of heart, so 
 as to desire the good of all, and that all may be 
 brought to partake of that happiness which results 
 from the favour and blessing of Almighty God. 
 
 3rd. They believe, that as this divine love has full 
 place in the minds of any people, the understanding 
 becomes enlightened, so as clearly to see that all con- 
 tention is out of the Truth, and out of the way of sub- 
 stantial happiness. And a desire accompanies these, 
 that no part of their conduct may contribute to dis- 
 cord in any shape, either between families, between 
 neighbours, or between nations ; but being made 
 
OF OUR RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 35 
 
 sensible that all contention is evil, and that the con- 
 tinuance thereof interrupts the comfort of mankind, 
 they desire to be preserved from doing any thing 
 to keep it alive ; and, consequently, to manifest by 
 their conduct, that they believe it more consistent 
 for the professed followers of Christ to take no active 
 part in war; because war brings grievous calamity 
 upon the earth, destroys the lives of our fellow- 
 creatures, and tends to cherish that spirit of animosity 
 and confusion which is inconsistent with the gospel of 
 peace. 
 
 4th. They believe that passage of the Sacred 
 Writings to be particularly encouraging to those 
 who profess faith in God, and in his divine provi- 
 dence and protection : " As the mountains are round 
 about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his peo- 
 ple, from henceforth even for ever ;" and that the 
 strongest bulwark to any nation, is the favour and 
 protection of Him, who can save with equal ease in 
 times of great perplexity, as in seasons of less outward 
 difficulty. 
 
 5th. They believe that the way to obtain this fa- 
 vour and protection, is to walk faithfully before Him ; 
 reverently depending upon Him, and in all things 
 desiring that his will may be the rule and government 
 of our lives. And they believe that, for a nation so 
 walking and so depending, there is greater safety in 
 this trust in the divine arm of power, than in the 
 strength of armies; and that it is beautifully con- 
 sistent for those in any nation who are thus con- 
 
 d 2 
 
36 ON THE CHARACTER AND PRINCIPLES 
 
 vinced and thus believing, to endeavour, in humility 
 and reverence, to cast their care upon Him, desiring 
 to be resigned to every dispensation of his provi- 
 dence; and that, whatever happens, they may be 
 found clear in his sight of having contributed to the 
 distress, the unspeakable distress and bloodshed of 
 their fellow-creatures. 
 
 Extracts from Letters, tyc. 
 
 1815. — 12 mo. 29. I am not aware that Friends, 
 as a Society, rate too highly the ground on which 
 they are called to stand ; although, unhappily, too 
 many of us do not maintain our standing. And I 
 think we may safely believe this, without ascribing 
 any thing to the creature, or magnifying the people ; 
 but reverently acquiescing with and acknowledging 
 the Power whence the gifts and ability proceed. 
 
 If, by a mighty hand, and by a stretched-out arm, 
 our predecessors were brought forth from amidst 
 the different denominations of professors, and en- 
 abled to bear faithful and undeviating testimony to 
 the spirituality of the gospel — to the necessity of fol- 
 lowing the Captain of salvation, whithersoever He is 
 pleased to lead by his light and truth manifested in 
 the secret of the soul ; in other words, in the path of 
 self-denial and the daily cross — -to the necessity of 
 avoiding all conformity with formality, all unrighteous 
 conformity to the maxims, policy, fashions, and friend- 
 
OF OUR RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. &7 
 
 ships of the world — to hold up a standard against 
 wars and against oaths, and a testimony to the free- 
 dom of gospel-ministry, and to that worship which, 
 laying aside all rites and ceremonies, as constituted 
 and proper appendages to the gospel dispensation, is 
 performed in spirit and in truth : — If they have been 
 brought to the blessed and glorious avowal, " That 
 in pure, silent worship, we dwell under the holy 
 Anointing, and feel Christ to be our Shepherd ; that 
 here the best of Teachers ministers to the several 
 conditions of his flock, and the soul receives, immedi- 
 diately from the divine Fountain, that with which it 
 is nourished: — If this people have been brought 
 thus far, surely it becomes the living among them, in 
 the depth of humility, reverence, and fear, to say, as a 
 collective body, "He that is mighty hath done for us 
 great things, and holy is his name;" — has placed us in 
 the midst of many mercies, in a state of awful respon- 
 sibility. Are we not brought to the acknowledgment, 
 that " the opening of an inward, silent worship in this 
 nation, is a precious opening ;". and that it is our duty 
 to walk answerably to the nature of an inward com- 
 munion with God, that so no stumbling-block, through 
 us, may be laid in the way of others ? The aw ful- 
 ness of the responsibility does not annul the truth 
 of it ; and I believe it is unsafe to flinch from or 
 deny it. 
 
 I rejoice greatly in the spread of the Holy Scrip- 
 tures, and in the institution of the British and Foreign 
 
38 ON THE CHARACTER AND PRINCIPLES 
 
 Bible Society, as a present, highly-favoured means of 
 this spread. I am concerned, by word and example, 
 to encourage Bible-meetings; and I think am never 
 so comfortable, if I am prevented attending those to 
 which, as appertaining to our district, I may be said 
 to belong : I mean, our quarterly committees and our 
 anniversary at Saffron Walden. But I see great 
 cause, indeed, for Friends to be very watchful on such 
 occasions. How conspicuous seems to be the fond- 
 ness to give applause, if not to receive it; to say 
 nothing of so liberally ascribing to the Bible, that 
 which can rightly be ascribed only to the Divine 
 Spirit. How humble, how deep in travail, then, 
 had Friends need be, that they may be enabled to 
 keep their ground — to support, yea, exalt their 
 testimony to the necessity of help and strength 
 from the Lord, for the advancement of his own 
 cause. I believe they may be greatly useful in 
 such assemblies, and, by the savour of their spirits, 
 tend at times, more or less, to season others. But 
 how great is the danger, lest, instead of communi- 
 cating strength to others, we lose, in degree, our 
 hold of the steadfastness and beauty of the pure and 
 unchangeable Truth. 
 
 I believe, in a meeting for discipline, rightly ga- 
 thered and rightly preserved, the united exercise 
 of living members is, that Truth may prevail over 
 all. To a meeting thus circumstanced, I believe 
 at times, a very precious sensibility is vouchsafed, 
 
OF OUR RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 39 
 
 and Friends travel on in the simplicity of filial fear 
 and reverence ; and when a nomination is depend- 
 ing, Friends become, at times, constrained, at other 
 times feel a tender, brotherly, sensible, freedom, 
 to mention a name, without daring to stamp it high ; 
 but, in resignation, leaving it to make its way, or 
 otherwise, as the Master pleases ; and leaving it 
 with the meeting, whether the right savour attends 
 the expression, and whether there may be a right 
 capacity in the nominee, to accept or decline. Thus 
 Friends feel one for another, and the bond of tender 
 gospel-affection is preserved; and the travail for the 
 cause maintained, and its prosperity sought, beyond 
 all other considerations. Oh ! one can seem to con- 
 ceive what a precious thing it is, when Friends, in 
 their meetings for discipline, can rightly bow under 
 the solemnizing influence ; not stamping any thing 
 they do, high ; but fearing, in the least degree, to 
 wound the precious cause, or contribute to disperse 
 the precious solemnity, either by speaking or by 
 withholding. I speak not, very, very far from it, as 
 one that has attained, but as a believer in the validity 
 of these things ; and in the favoured condition of 
 rightly-gathered, and rightly-preserved meetings for 
 discipline. 
 
 1S17. — 6 mo. Whether we be ministers, elders, 
 overseers, or of whatever class, I believe we should 
 mind where we are ; and rather bear a burden, per- 
 haps rightly brought upon us, from sympathy, or the 
 
40 ON THE CHARACTER AND PRINCIPLES 
 
 operation and influence of the Spirit, than venture to 
 relieve ourselves, when circumstances and the want 
 of opportunity forbid. I believe, in a large meeting, 
 a diversity of exercise may be excited in lively- 
 spirited Friends, which it would be very inexpedient 
 to bring forth in words. But I suppose that the 
 weighty, deeply-attentive, patient mind, is permitted 
 to discover the right time for moving ; and then, the 
 baptizing influence being dwelt under in the exercise 
 of the gift, the meeting feels the precious effect. But 
 I rather think, that some who have a gift in the minis- 
 try, miss it at times, in the exercise of it, for want of 
 understanding, at the time, the state of the meeting ; 
 perhaps, partly, from being involved in their own ex- 
 ercise. When a meeting is baptized under a living 
 ministry, and the minister sits down, it is a nice thing 
 indeed to make an addition ; at least, before a suit- 
 able space has been allowed. As the end of all true 
 ministry is to bring the hearers to an abiding under 
 the influence of the Spirit of Christ, we should re- 
 joice when this is in any considerable degree pro- 
 duced by the ministry of any Friend ; and be very 
 careful not to step in, in a way to dissipate the 
 solemnity ? or remove the sense which has thus profit- 
 ably been begotten. At the same time, it is very 
 desirable that no rightly-appointed offering should 
 be prevented ; and the diversity of states and con- 
 ditions is to be remembered. So that it is indeed 
 a mystery ; and a very weighty thing is living, bap- 
 tizing, ministry. 
 
OF OUR RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 41 
 
 I remember, whilst on this subject, a remark of 
 dear Henry Tuke, in our quarterly meeting, a pretty 
 many years ago, that he thought hardly a greater 
 evil could befall us, as a religious society, than an 
 unbaptized ministry. As to offerings in the ministry, 
 rendered unseasonable from the circumstance of a 
 meeting being in measure baptized by previous minis- 
 try, I believe, solid, judicious elders might be greatly 
 helpful to our dear ministering friends of less experi- 
 ence : they are much to be felt for, and so are meet- 
 ings. 
 
 1821. — 5 mo. 19. My mind so sincerely enter- 
 tains the belief, that all good cometh from God, and 
 therefore must be patiently and reverently waited 
 for, that I can heartily join in desire, that, in our 
 meetings for discipline, the creature may be kept 
 humble, simple, and dependent ; looking for the 
 blessing on its feeble endeavours, unto Him who is 
 the Alpha and Omega, the inexhaustible source 
 both of strength and consolation. It behoves the 
 rightly exercised, to be especially careful to keep 
 their posts in such meetings ; that nothing draw them 
 off their guard, or betray them into movements un- 
 worthy of the faithful followers of the Lamb. The 
 exercised frame of their spirits might be sweetly 
 encouraging to younger, well-inclined Friends, and 
 thus strength be progressively gained to the meet- 
 ing. I am not sure whether it is possible, by words, 
 to convince the gainsayers, if many such there be, 
 
42 ON THE CHARACTER AND PRINCIPLES 
 
 that our meetings for discipline are divinely owned 
 and crowned ; but if those who know the Truth, and 
 love it, would keep their ranks faithfully, with meek- 
 ness and lowliness, yet in stability and gospel-beauty, 
 it would, perhaps, go further than any thing else ; 
 and I believe these, rightly engaged, would be blessed 
 in meetings, and meetings blessed in them. 
 
 I think, in meetings for discipline, made up of a 
 great variety of states and conditions, it is a precious 
 thing that we endeavour to gather into silence ; and 
 may we not consider the solemnity which sometimes 
 prevails, to be like a mantle cast over us, preparatory 
 to entering on the business, and to proceeding in 
 order, as the subjects successively rise before us ; and 
 perhaps, in the condescension of Him who knows 
 the circumstances and state of every mind, it may be 
 permitted, that there should be an entering into the 
 concerns of the meeting, by many, or by most pre* 
 sent, according to their present capacity, growth, and 
 attainment. And in a degree of integrity and sim- 
 plicity, without much religious experience in some, 
 there may be a desire that the right thing may be 
 promoted ; and by these, a few words expressed, 
 without offence or wound to the meeting. 
 
 1822.— 11 mo. 17. May we not with reverence 
 believe, when the Most High was pleased, in the 
 going forth of his wisdom and of his mercy, to gather 
 the religious society of which we have the unspeak- 
 able privilege of being members, that he proposed to 
 
OF OUR RELIGIOUS SOCIETY. 43 
 
 bring them forth as a people, wholly separated from 
 the apostasy, which had previously so overwhelmed 
 the Christian world ; giving, in a wonderful degree, 
 light, and power to discern, exhibit, and faithfully 
 testify against the spirit, and the fruits of that 
 apostasy : — in other words, to call forth a people 
 who should aim at perfection, in accordance with 
 our blessed Saviour's injunction: " Be ye, therefore, 
 perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is 
 perfect:" — who should aim at a state of perfect 
 acceptance with Him; compromising nothing; abat- 
 ing nothing; but pressing on, through all discourage- 
 ment and opposition, towards the mark for the 
 prize — the blessed prize of unalloyed peace. 
 
 If this were the case, can we wonder that they 
 were very quick of discernment, respecting any thing 
 that came in their way, which was, either in root or in 
 branch, appertaining to the apostasy? As they sought 
 the glory of God, they were very zealous against 
 what they believed derogatory therefrom. As they 
 loved the truth as it is in Jesus, they were grieved 
 and offended at any thing which they thought mili- 
 tated against the purity and simplicity of it. The 
 persecutions and trials which they met with, joined 
 with the convictive evidence of Truth in their own 
 minds, tended greatly to wean them from the world, 
 and to fix their attention closely on promoting the 
 glory of God ; therein securing their own happiness, 
 and conducing to the happiness of others in this life, 
 
44 ON THE CHARACTER AND PRINCIPLES, &C. 
 
 and, finally, in that kingdom whereunto the robber 
 and destroyer cannot come. 
 
 Can we, without tender emotion, contemplate 
 what different conclusions will be produced respect- 
 ing the same subjects, where, on one hand, a peo- 
 ple are zealously, yet reverently and humbty, pur- 
 suing the glory of God, as the principal thing, or 
 with an undivided aim ; or where, on the other hand, 
 the spirit, the maxims, and the enjoyments of the 
 world, are claiming a very considerable proportion of 
 the attention of the mind, and the strength of its 
 faculties ? In the former case, how nice, tender, and 
 scrupulous, that nothing be admitted, trenching at 
 all upon their allegiance to God, and their testimony 
 against whatever has sprung from the apostasy, or 
 militates against the spirit of the gospel of Christ; 
 endeavouring to be faithful in every point, and being 
 exceedingly jealous of whatever is either decidedly 
 inconsistent with the purity of the Gospel, or that is 
 of such a complexion. In the latter case, what nice 
 distinctions are sought up, and found out; what sub- 
 tle reasonings, tending to lessen suffering — to abate 
 the distinction between the humble, devoted follower, 
 and those who appear willing to run the hazard of 
 that which may eventually distress, if not lay waste, 
 the Society; keeping as near the world's maxims as 
 they can, with tolerable satisfaction; and having, 
 perhaps, the right eye towards it, and the left eye 
 towards the kingdom everlasting. 
 
45 
 
 CHAP. IV. 
 
 LETTERS AND OTHER PAPERS, ADDRESSED TO 
 THOSE IN EARLY LIFE. 
 
 Tender Counsel to the Young. 
 
 In looking towards the young men in our religious 
 Society, and esteeming them a precious, and very in- 
 teresting part of the body, I consider their preserva- 
 tion in the midst of the dangers of the world, a most 
 worthy object of attention. I believe some of them, 
 from circumstances which occur, are led, at an early 
 age, into temptations and deviations, that eventually 
 tend to their perplexity and distress ; and that they, 
 in many instances, lose a state of comparative inno- 
 cence, before they are rightly aware of the value of 
 themselves, and how much the sweetness and true 
 enjoyment of life, are increased by humbly walking 
 in the fear of God ; not in slavish, but filial fear ; for 
 He is our gracious Father, and the fountain of all 
 blessing. 
 
 I am inclined, in affectionate desire that they may 
 not forfeit the substance of comfort, through a pur- 
 suit of the shadow, to recommend the following short 
 hints: — 
 
 I believe it is good for young men, to make a point 
 
46 LETTERS AND OTHER PAPERS 
 
 of devoting a small portion of time — a few moments— 
 every day, to read a little in the Holy Scriptures, and 
 to endeavour to yield their minds, in sincerity, into 
 a short calm and quiet. For, in divine loving-kind- 
 ness, something may be vouchsafed and communi- 
 cated, in these short seasons of mental recollection, 
 which will, in degree, nourish and cherish the 
 Divine Life in the soul, so that the Love of God will 
 be felt to prevail a little ; and as this love is enter- 
 tained, and found to increase, the love of the world, 
 and the anxious desire after its enjoyments, will 
 lessen, and the mind be prepared to take its chief 
 delight in something spiritual and heavenly. This 
 experience will prove a permanent treasure. 
 
 Thoughts on Company and Books. 
 
 I wish to feel for young people, under the vari- 
 ous temptations and trials to which the years of 
 inexperience are exposed. They are naturally and 
 reasonably inclined to learn, and to accomplish them- 
 selves in ornament and usefulness. To this end, as 
 well as for temporary gratification, they value and 
 prefer company and books. Most of them, perhaps, 
 would say good company and good books; and it is 
 a delicate and very interesting matter to determine 
 in what degree to discourage, or to countenance this 
 inclination. It is an unspeakable favour, however, 
 
ADDRESSED TO THE YOUNG. 47 
 
 early in life, to know, that, in the silence and retire- 
 ment of the mind, there is instruction and comfort to 
 be met with, beyond what can be expected, either 
 from even good company, or good books. It is ob- 
 servable, by the attentive mind, that there may be an 
 enjoyment of books and of company which strength- 
 ens us in the love, esteem, and pursuit of this silence 
 and retirement; and there is an enjoyment of good 
 books and good company, which weakens and enfee- 
 bles the mind, in its capacity to love, pursue, and 
 enjoy this profitable silence and meditation. Here, 
 then, dear young friend, whosoever thou art, is 
 the point of wisdom. Mind, day by day, and through 
 all, an inward sense respecting things, and thou 
 mayst be favoured to perceive what thy duty calls for 
 at thy hands, as to thy outward, temporal, domestic, 
 or social occupations ; and then what time thou canst 
 properly spare for company and books, and how 
 much of either thou canst enjoy, with religious benefit 
 to thy own mind. Much company and many books, 
 or much reading, have often a direct tendency to 
 draw the attention of the mind outward, instead of 
 inward. And here there is need of wise discrimina- 
 tion. If thy company, or thy reading, tends to give 
 thee a humbling view of thyself, and of thy many 
 frailties and infirmities, and to increase the ardour of 
 thy mind, in the pursuit of divine help, of inward 
 quietude, and sweet, enriching peace, thou mayst 
 conclude so much of it is good for thee; but if either 
 of them be such, or indulged in to such a degree, as 
 
48 LETTERS AND OTHER PAPERS, 
 
 unprofitably to occupy thy mind, and rather indis- 
 pose than encourage thee in the love of inward recol- 
 lection and meditation, thou mayst safely conclude 
 there is a snare in it, and that there is danger lest 
 the durable and precious substance may be lost in 
 the pursuit of the shadow. 
 
 The three following Letters were written to young men who 
 lived with W. G. as apprentices. 
 
 1801. — 9 mo. Being favoured to desire that thou, 
 and the other young men, may be kept in a reverent, 
 tender fear of offending the Lord your Maker in 
 any thing, I seemed most easy to attempt a few lines 
 to thee, after this manner, without any wish to write 
 much, but so as to reach the divine witness on thy 
 mind. 
 
 I tenderly request thee to weigh these remarks 
 solidly ; and at such time as thy mind is most favoured 
 with good desires for thyself, and at such times as 
 thou art favoured to crave that, when thou hast 
 done with the things of time, thou mayst be found 
 worthy to have a place in the mansions of eternal 
 rest and peace. Now, I believe that the way to be 
 truly happy, is to endeavour to do the will of God. 
 The way to enjoy the blessings intended for his dear 
 children, is to serve Him, and obey Him in child-like 
 simplicity; to dwell under a sense that He is our 
 Father ; and to look up to Him, as He that can pro- 
 vide for us, take care of us, lead us, feed us, and 
 
ADDRESSED TO THE YOUNG. 49 
 
 keep us. To have this sense upon the mind is very 
 precious, and is what I crave for me and mine, and 
 those under my care. Here self is gradually re- 
 duced, and kept under; and we are made sensible, 
 that there is no safety for us, whatever may be our 
 attainments, but as we are doing his will ; and as we 
 are measurably clothed with a tender, filial fear, lest 
 we should be found doing any thing that would de- 
 prive us of a sense of his love upon our spirits. As 
 this is not at our command, so we are led to prize it, 
 when He is pleased to favour with it; and when 
 it is withdrawn, and we are left barren, and poor, 
 and stripped, and have nothing, as it were, to lean 
 upon, and no feeling of inward support and comfort, 
 oh ! what poor things we are, let things in the out- 
 ward be as they may, ever so fair and flourishing : 
 they are fleeting and uncertain, wearing away one 
 day after another, and leaving us in an unprofitable 
 state, if we have not something within to animate 
 and enliven our minds. As we come to make a right 
 estimate of things, and are favoured to love the 
 Truth above all, and to value a sweet and quiet mind, 
 and the feeling of divine love upon our spirits, above 
 the transient enjoyments of time, we come to feel and 
 to know, that nothing is a little thing to us, which 
 prevents us from drawing nigh to the Lord in our 
 hearts, and offering up ourselves to Him in secret de- 
 dication, [saying,] " Here I am : make me to be thine, 
 and preserve me from offending Thee in thought, word, 
 
50 LETTERS AND OTHER PAPERS, 
 
 or deed ; that so Thou mayst be mercifully pleased 
 to enrich my mind with the light of thy countenance, 
 and to favour me with thy life-giving presence.!' 
 
 As time is very uncertain to us all, both young 
 
 and old, and we know not whether another opportunity 
 so favourable may present, I feel a tender inclination 
 now, at parting, to tell thee, that I sincerely wish 
 thee well; and under that influence, to call thy at- 
 tention to thy own immediate situation, that, by a 
 discreet and timely consideration, thou mayst avoid 
 some of the dangers to which I think thou art likely 
 to be exposed. Thy time of life, and the time of a 
 young man's engaging in the world for himself, is 
 attended with many snares. Gilded prospects, which 
 are calculated to deceive the inexperienced mind, if 
 not strictly on its watch, are apt to present ; and a 
 state of innocence liable to be interrupted, if not 
 lost, which cannot be recovered but through deep 
 suffering. 
 
 I apprehend thou art favoured to have a mother 
 tenderly exercised in her spirit for thy good. This 
 is a first-rate blessing. This was my case ; and the 
 care and counsel of my dear mother, when I was 
 very young, I believe, made impressions which have 
 never been erased. She taught me early to know 
 that I was not my own, nor at my own disposal ; and 
 that, if I would be safe and happy, I must look to 
 
ADDRESSED TO THE YOUNG. 51 
 
 the Lord for counsel. Now this I wish for thee. 
 In all thy movements, be sure keep this in mind. It 
 will, I trust, be an inestimable treasure to thee ; con- 
 firming, in thy happy experience, that the fear of 
 the Lord is a fountain of life, preserving from the 
 snares of death. When temptations, of whatever 
 description, assail, forget not the fear of the Lord ; 
 that thereby thou mayst be favoured to witness pre- 
 servation, and escape. Be in earnest to be good ; — 
 the only way to be happy. If, through unwatchful- 
 ness at any time, thou art in any degree overcome, 
 be sure thou be willing to come under condemnation, 
 and bear the chastening hand for disobedience : be 
 willing to endure affliction for transgression, and do 
 not flinch from it. Let it have its appointed season, 
 and the dispensation of condemnation will have a 
 refining tendency, and thou wilt be likely to come 
 up from the washing-pool, from time to time, with in- 
 creased strength to resist succeeding temptations. 
 We must not expect to be exempt from these. Bearing 
 this reproof and chastisement will give thy mind weight 
 and solidity; and thou wilt, I trust, come to be less 
 and less susceptible of the allurements of the trifling 
 things of the world, and thou wilt be more and more 
 enabled to set a right value upon things. Unlawful 
 tbings, and trifling things, will come to have their 
 proper character stamped upon them, in thy view ; 
 and thou wilt be likely to increase in thy love for 
 quietness, watchfulness, and meditation. As we are 
 
 e 2 
 
52 LETTERS AND OTHER PAPERS, 
 
 sincere and in earnest, although the root of evil as 
 well as of good lies deep in the heart, we may find 
 that, as things of an outward nature are permitted 
 to be snares and baits to our minds; so, many things 
 of an outward nature are permitted to be religiously 
 helps and comforts, and a strength to us, in our jour- 
 ney through time to an everlasting home. Thou 
 wilt find that it is good to prefer the acquaintance of 
 those who, thou believest, sincerely fear God, and 
 to read such books as tend to bring our attention 
 home, and to strengthen this fear in our own hearts. 
 Light and frothy company, and light and frothy 
 books, though specious, thou wilt find wound the 
 peace of the mind, estrange it from the fear of which 
 I have been speaking, and indispose to seriousness 
 and heavenly-mindedness. 
 
 God is the source and centre of happiness. In 
 proportion as we yield ourselves to things which the 
 Light he has afforded us testifies against, in the 
 secret of the soul, we go from Him, and go into con- 
 fusion ; and so miss of the mercies, the favours, the 
 consolations, which He is permitting those to partake 
 of, who dread nothing so much as losing his divine 
 approbation, and the sweetness resulting from it. 
 Do not be halting, and double-minded, I entreat 
 thee ; but yield thyself up to be a consistent Friend, 
 to speak, act, and appear as such, and I believe thou 
 wilt be blest. 
 
 When things present, bring them to the Light: 
 if they will bear the test, we may conclude they make 
 
ADDRESSED TO THE YOUNG. 53 
 
 for lasting peace ; if they will not, they make for per- 
 plexity, and, sooner or later, for distress. 
 
 My heart desires the illumination and strengthen- 
 ing of thy mind, to follow that which adorns the 
 humble Christian, and to flee that which leavens into 
 the spirit and friendship of the world, and ends in 
 
 disappointment and sorrow. Dear now is the 
 
 time. Learn to weigh things correctly : often con- 
 sult the pure witness in thy own heart : mark well 
 and attentively what it leads to, and what it leads 
 from ; and may the blessing of preservation attend 
 thee, is my heart's desire. 
 
 Thy well-wishing and affectionate friend, 
 
 W. G. 
 
 As thou art about finishing thy apprentice- 
 ship, I have had it at times on my mind, to express a 
 few things in writing before we part; as what is written 
 sometimes remains longer under notice than what is 
 spoken, and may be occasionably referred to, in mo- 
 ments of affectionate recollection of those with whom, 
 and under whose care, so considerable and so im- 
 portant a portion of time has been passed. 
 
 I have no reason to think that thy coming to live 
 with us was wrong ; and I think it no small privilege 
 that we have got through, so as to love one another 
 at the conclusion ; and I hope that, as we are pre- 
 served to desire well for ourselves, in the best sense, 
 
54< LETTERS AND OTHER PAPERS, 
 
 we shall continue, at seasons, to remember one ano- 
 ther with pleasure and affection. 
 
 As to business, I hope thou hast attained a pretty 
 competent knowledge of it ; such as will, with hu- 
 mility and industry, under the divine blessing, pro- 
 mote thy getting, in due time, comfortably established 
 for thyself. But my principal object, at present, is 
 thy preservation out of those things which hinder or 
 retard an advancement in the Truth ; and if we miss 
 of that, how transitory, and of how little value, is 
 every thing else. 
 
 Thou hast much to be thankful for in the inesti- 
 mable favour of a religious parent, who has solicit- 
 ously cared for thy best welfare ; and I think thy 
 mind has been, through outward and inward means, 
 so imbued with a sense of what is good and excel- 
 lent, that, if thou art properly watchful, thou wilt 
 be blest with an increase of spiritual knowledge 
 and spiritual strength, and of capacity to overcome 
 those propensities to which by nature we are 
 prone. In order to this, I beseech thee in an 
 especial manner, to be careful what company thou 
 joinest with. I think thy own happiness much 
 depends upon it. It was rather before thy time 
 of life that my mind became seriously arrested, and 
 a desire raised in me after the knowledge of sub- 
 stantial good. This good, dear , is to 
 
 be known, I believe, by submission to the cross of 
 Christ, under which the divine light breaks in upon 
 the mind with sweet instruction, to our edification 
 
ADDRESSED TO THE YOUNG. 55 
 
 and help. Though in this process our own wills 
 are frequently opposed, yet it is here we are made 
 acquainted with that which nothing else can give us. 
 I believe the experience of many has proved this to 
 be true. Suffer, therefore, nobody to deceive thee, 
 or tempt thee to believe that there is any other way 
 to be happy. In submission to the refining discipline 
 of the cross of Christ, the mind is prepared to receive 
 good from the divine hand, both inward and outward 
 good, and to receive it with true relish and with 
 thankfulness; and I think we shall not become happy 
 without it. As the mind, by this refining submission, 
 is brought into a state of fitness to receive, I believe 
 that divine mercy and goodness is ready to bestow ; 
 and here a precious state is known. And as thou 
 seest things thus, thou wilt find that it must, indeed, 
 be good company, to be better than no company ; 
 and thou wilt find that too many young men, as well 
 as older ones, are too much unacquainted with the 
 state I have mentioned, and are more in speculation 
 and reasoning than in living experience. But I entreat 
 thee to keep to thy own business, and the peace of 
 thy own mind ; that is more to thee than any thing 
 else : keeping steadily to meetings, and to the prac- 
 tices and conduct of faithful Friends. This will, I 
 believe, tend to keep thee in favour both with God 
 and man; and I believe that thou hardly needest 
 fear doing well also in outward things. And as thou 
 art favoured, more and more, to know what inward 
 peace and quiet are, thou wilt be more afraid of those 
 
 
 
56 EXTRACT OF A LETTER 
 
 who know not what the Truth is by experience. The 
 way of Truth, I believe, increases in brightness as 
 we walk on faithfully in it, in humble submission to 
 its discoveries. Here the creature is abased and 
 kept in a teachable state, and those discoveries made, 
 and that establishment known, which are no otherwise 
 to be come at. Therefore mind, I beseech thee, the 
 discoveries of Truth ; and if, through unwatchfulness 
 or infirmity, or natural propensity, thou at any time 
 slippest aside, be diligent, by repentance and sub- 
 mission to the rod, to get thy peace restored. Oh ! 
 the danger of letting commissions and omissions gather 
 one upon another, for want of coming under the 
 washing, purifying dispensation of the Spirit of 
 Truth. How many have wofully missed it herein, 
 and incurred a hardened state of mind, unsusceptible 
 of the tendering impressions of good. But I desire 
 thy preservation, and that thou mayst know an 
 establishment in the blessed, unchangeable Truth. 
 In true love, 
 
 Thy sincere Friend, 
 
 W. G. 
 
 Extract of a Letter to two Young Men. 
 
 1815. — 6 mo. 9. I think my sincere desire is, that 
 the Father of mercies may take you and preserve you 
 under his gracious care ; and so renew, from time to 
 
TO TWO YOUNG MEN. 57 
 
 time, his enlightening influence on your minds, as to 
 enable you clearly to perceive the transcendent ex- 
 cellency that there is in the Truth ; and to engage 
 you to prefer it, and your advancement in it, to every 
 other thing. It is cause of real satisfaction to me, 
 that you are capable of business, and inclined to be 
 industrious and persevering. I think your attention 
 to these lawful and commendable pursuits, under due 
 regulations and restrictions, may not only prevent 
 your active minds from being drawn out after things 
 less innocent, but furnish you with ability to be useful 
 to others. Nevertheless, I wish to remind and 
 warn you, that temptations will not be wanting : the 
 enemies of your own house, the propensities of our 
 nature, will closely beset you in one shape or other, 
 in one direction or other, adapting the bait to the 
 circumstances, disposition, turn, and inclination. 
 
 Under this persuasion, how solicitous I am that 
 yon may be circumspect, and maintain a daily watch ; 
 so that preservation may be experienced on every 
 hand. Often bear in mind, I tenderly entreat you, 
 that our great and bountiful Creator's view, in the 
 formation of his creature man, was to make him com- 
 pletely happy, by the enjoyment of Himself, his own 
 presence, his own love, light, and peace : so that our 
 greatest wisdom is to aim continually at this point, 
 which is the great end of our being. If we are thus 
 preserved, we shall endeavour to bear the trials, 
 afflictions, and disappointments of this life, in such a 
 manner as may bring us, day by day, nearer, and 
 
58 EXTRACT OF A LETTER, &C. 
 
 nearer, and nearer to God, who is the perpetual 
 fountain of happiness and of consolation. In like 
 manner, we shall endeavour to enjoy prosperity 
 and the comforts of this life, and the many bless- 
 ings which surround us, in such a sweet, thankful, 
 humble frame of spirit, as will be well pleasing in 
 the divine sight. We may be benefited, I believe, 
 even by prosperity as well as by adversity, if the 
 mind be kept in a state suited to our dependent con- 
 dition ; for dependent indeed we are, every moment 
 of our days. Thus we may be brought on our jour- 
 ney, whether longer or shorter ; so as that, whenever 
 the end comes, either in middle or more advanced 
 age, we may enter, through the divine mercy, into the 
 fruition of that state, where there is neither want, 
 sickness, nor pain ; and where all tears are for ever 
 wiped away. 
 
 We cannot too often look at things after this man- 
 ner : we ought to do it daily, or oftener than the day. 
 It does not unfit us for the concerns of time ; but it 
 leads us to give the preference where it is so justly 
 due, and where our interest requires us. It leads us 
 to desire, in sincerity of heart, that divine goodness 
 will be near us, and help us in all states and condi- 
 tions, and under all our temptations and trials; so 
 that we may not lose our hold of good, but may con- 
 tinually advance, as our days spend and pass away, 
 towards that which is the end and perfection of our 
 being. 
 
59 
 
 CHAP. V. 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS WRITTEN FROM THE 
 YEAR 1800 TO 1811; WITH SOME OTHER PA- 
 PERS. 
 
 1800. — 5th mo. 18, We are again come up to 
 the yearly meeting; not, I trust, that we think, or 
 thought before we set out, ourselves of much conse- 
 quence here ; but wish to think it a favour that we 
 are once more permitted to mingle with Friends in 
 their annual solemnity. Yet I remember that after all, 
 we must, after partaking of the strength derived from 
 the exercise and concern of the lovers of the cause, 
 retire into our own littleness; live, if we do live, upon 
 our own little morsel ; and depend for daily help and 
 daily supplies, as well as for final succour and accept- 
 ance, upon the mercy and favour of Him who knows all 
 our infirmities; and who knows how far some of us are 
 from that heavenly, redeemed state, which I believe 
 many of us would gladly arrive at, however far we may 
 yet be from a due willingness to submit to the terms. 
 Well, my beloved friend, may the sweetness of divine 
 consolation be thy experience, to enliven thy declin- 
 ing years, support thee amidst the varied conflicts 
 
60 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 allotted, and sweeten the bitter cups which the 
 diversified stage admits of to the travellers who are 
 passing over it. 
 
 I remember at this time, a nice young man. 
 Many dangers attend such as he is ; a lively, 
 pleasant activity for business ; and no doubt many 
 ready to associate with him. May he wisely re- 
 member how easy it is for the mind to be drawn into 
 things, the enjoyment whereof is attended with no 
 true sweetness, and which produce flatness and bar- 
 renness, if not bitterness in the end of them. May 
 he remember, none are safe companions who have 
 not the tender fear of God before their eyes; who do 
 not endeavour to yield their minds to that cross which 
 brings into exercise and conflict, and forbids a rest in 
 sensual gratifications, which are vanity, and afford no 
 substantial and enduring comfort. 
 
 I have thought that many would like to feel the 
 comforts of religion, but miss it from expecting to find 
 some great thing to begin with; whereas, perhaps the 
 way appointed for most, is to begin with something 
 very little ; and it would be well, when our minds are 
 exercised and grieved that we feel little or no capacity 
 towards good, to consider whether there is not some- 
 thing manifested that we are not yielding to. Per- 
 haps this is the very thing which is to be the door of 
 entrance into the path of life, and of increasing con- 
 solation, and experience of good. 
 
 1802. — 8 mo. 6. One thins I seem inclined to 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 61 
 
 mention for thy encouragement; and that is, to re- 
 quest, affectionately, that thou wilt not let discourage- 
 ments take place, as to the attendance of meetings 
 for discipline at a distance, now that your borders as 
 a quarterly meeting are enlarged, and the remote- 
 ness may be an additional bar to thy going. I believe 
 thy company will be strengthening and encouraging 
 to the rightly-concerned present, and their company 
 reviving and consoling to thee. Let not thy deafness 
 discourage thee : thy being, in measure, gathered 
 into thy own exercise, will, I believe, help forward 
 the cause. Even the countenance of an Israelite, I 
 believe, strengthens many a drooping mind ; and 
 there are opportunities, now and then, though it may 
 not be our lot to be very active, of manifesting on 
 whose side we are. So that I am inclined, from some 
 persuasion of its usefulness and fitness, to encourage 
 those who, with thyself, sincerely love the cause of 
 Truth, to keep close to it publicly, even in declining 
 days, as to age. Indeed, I have been of the mind for 
 some time, that if things go on well, the more active 
 part in our meetings for discipline will not always 
 fall on those far advanced in years ; but they will 
 probably often sit by, and, like careful fathers and 
 mothers, encourage by their presence and by their 
 weighty spirits, the younger and middle-aged to come 
 up in and maintain their respective ranks ; and now 
 and then, in the language of experience, put in a few 
 words, well-seasoned and well-timed, to the increasing 
 of the weight and solemnity. O ! the use of the 
 
62 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 company of fathers and mothers, my beloved friend, 
 in our Society. O ! the pleasantness of seeing the 
 hoary head in our assemblies, having kept the faith, 
 having loved the Truth, and believed in it to the 
 end. 
 
 1803. — 6mo. 3. It was not pleasant to me that I did 
 not either see or write to thee before I left London, 
 which was not until the 28th. I have repeatedly 
 had in view the expectation I gave thee of a little 
 explanation of my views concerning the investigation 
 of certain points which have often been considered 
 as mysterious, and which I should gladly express in 
 such a manner as would tend to thy satisfaction. 
 
 I am inclined to believe that it is not the design 
 of Unerring Wisdom, that the mind should be satis- 
 fied about these things, by the exertions of its own 
 powers ; but that He has wisely reserved to himself 
 the communication of this satisfaction, dispensing it 
 to the minds of his creatures, when, how, and in what 
 degree he sees meet, from time to time. It seems 
 that a real progress in divine knowledge is very dif- 
 ferently to be attained and experienced, from what 
 may generally be expected and desired by mankind. 
 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doc- 
 trine. — See Jolm, vii. 17. 
 
 It is very gratifying to the natural mind, to have a 
 very full and comprehensive view of the subject of 
 religion, at the beginning of the work; but the religion 
 of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ appears to be 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 63 
 
 very differently intended to be opened to the mind ; 
 beginning, frequently, with a little light or manifesta- 
 tion of the divine will, as to some point or part of 
 duty. And as obedience is yielded to this small 
 manifestation, let it be respecting whatsoever it may, 
 greater and greater degrees of light and of strength 
 are afforded, to follow on to know more and more of 
 the divine will, and of divine things. This is very 
 humbling to the natural mind, which would willingly 
 be getting on faster ; but the real, divine manifesta- 
 tions of Light and of Life must be humbly waited for, 
 and the mind clothed with reverence and fear, lest it 
 get on in its own wisdom, and mix something of its 
 own with the communications of divine Light and 
 Life ; for it is well to remember, that "in Christ, (the 
 Word) was Light, and that Light was the Life of 
 men." Now as the mind is really favoured to believe 
 that all good comes from God ; and that its own 
 conceivings and searchings, in its own wisdom and 
 strength, will end in disappointment, and short of that 
 clearness and evidence which truly satisfies, it is 
 brought into a humble, waiting state ; and in this re- 
 duced, dependent, humble state, as any thing is made 
 known from the source of all true good, I believe a 
 sweet, substantial, satisfying something will attend it, 
 which all the exertions of the mind, in its own wis- 
 dom and activity, cannot afford. And as this comes 
 to be really known and believed, a fear possesses the 
 mind of entering into abstract speculation concerning 
 divine things ; preferring rather to wait, in humility 
 
64 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 and reverence, upon God ; not doubting but He will 
 be pleased, if we yield obedience, day by day, to the 
 manifestations of his light in our minds, to make to 
 us such discoveries as He judges best and most 
 suitable for us. 
 
 Now, as the Holy Scriptures are read in this dis- 
 position of mind, depending on God, through the 
 spirit of Christ in the soul, for the opening of them 
 to our understandings, we may, I believe, often be 
 sweetly refreshed, comforted, and edified, even in 
 reading a very few verses. And if we meet with any 
 thing which is not quite clear to us, we may rather 
 feel disposed to leave it, than to reason, search, and 
 contrive concerning it. Thus thou wilt perceive that 
 I believe the religion of Christ to be a religion of 
 faith in Him ; and that, as in Him are hid all the 
 treasures of wisdom and knowledge, so, as we are 
 brought into a state of true waiting and dependence 
 upon Him, and upon the manifestations of his spirit 
 on the soul, we are in the way to be rightly intro- 
 duced, from time to time, into such degrees of know- 
 ledge in divine things, as is truly best for us, and best 
 adapted to the state of our minds; and that it is not 
 consistent with divine wisdom to communicate the 
 treasures of heavenly mysteries, but as the mind be- 
 comes, through true obedience, refined and prepared 
 for the reception of them. 
 
 1804. — 7 mo. We find, as you do, the present scene 
 and state of things greatly chequered. Many favours 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 65 
 
 and many trials are our lot; and I am ready, at 
 times, to wish that I may not expect to find it other- 
 wise, having little room for it. If I may judge from 
 the fifty years which are passed over my head, what 
 appears to be wanting is a more settled and firm 
 abiding, where neither the storms and tempests, nor 
 the sunshine of time and temporal matters can fully 
 shake or move. For this experience I think I do long, 
 and in measure, I think, pray that this longing may 
 never, never be lost, until a perfect, abiding establish- 
 ment be, through heavenly goodness, experienced. 
 If the tossings and exercises which are met with, 
 both by you and us, may but happily contribute to 
 this establishment, what a favour and mercy will 
 it be. 
 
 Is not the great thing which is wanting in our reli- 
 gious Society, an individual travail, a close attention 
 to individual duty, whereby we should more expe- 
 rience a fitness and qualifications for collective ser- 
 vice, as well as more availingly contribute to the ad- 
 vancement and spreading of Truth ? But whilst I 
 lament my own languor, I wish not, my dear friend, to 
 discourage thee ; but rather that we may unitedly be 
 animated to lay hold of every offer of best help ; and 
 persevere, in increased and increasing hope and con- 
 fidence, to the end. 
 
 1S06. — 3 mo. We have of late time had to wade 
 along under many exercises and trials, not fully 
 known to any but ourselves ; yet I think we have 
 
 F 
 
bb EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 cause humbly to acknowledge that we have been 
 permitted to hold up our heads, and not altogether 
 to sink under discouragement. If the varied con- 
 flicts which we have, from time to time, to endure in 
 our different allotments, do but happily tend to in- 
 crease our acquaintance with the Supreme Good, 
 and to strengthen our confidence in the divine super- 
 intending care and protection, it will be well; and 
 we may have to acknowledge that it is good for us 
 that we have been afflicted. I wish us to guard 
 against unprofitable bewailing ; and rather press on, 
 in a grateful remembrance that we have many favours 
 and blessings intermixed with the difficulties of the 
 day. 
 
 It is, indeed, a nice thing, and requiring a portion 
 of best wisdom, to know how to move along in tem- 
 poral concerns. To be suitably alive to the useful 
 discharge of our duty as to temporal matters, and yet 
 to have the mind so detached from them as to have 
 the one thing needful perpetually before us, is a most 
 desirable attainment. Uncertainty is so stamped on 
 all visible enjoyments, that we had need, indeed, to be 
 solicitous to have our minds established on something 
 beyond them all. 
 
 1806. — 11 mo, 27. I consider it particularly valu- 
 able to young men, to be placed, not only where they 
 may be learning a pleasant and respectable business, 
 which, under Providence, may be the means of pro- 
 curing them a comfortable maintenance and provision 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 67 
 
 in the world ; but where their amusements and en- 
 gagements, in the hours of relaxation from business, 
 will be likely to be of the innocent and rational, as 
 well as religiously-consistent kind. To fill up the 
 hours of leisure rightly is a nice thing; and I hope 
 thou wilt be especially careful of it, particularly in 
 thy reading. I wish thee to read what thy master 
 and mistress approve : such things as may be pro- 
 motive of thy preservation in religious tenderness ; 
 and, when not of a religious nature, such things as 
 will improve thy understanding, and enrich thy mind 
 with profitable knowledge. 
 
 It is not unpleasant that the ground which was 
 once my grandfather's, father's, and afterwards mine, 
 is become the site of a meeting-house for Friends of 
 Brighton: a place where it was, about fifty years 
 ago, not very unlikely, looking outwardly, that there 
 would be hardly any Friends to hold a meeting. I 
 can remember, when I was a boy, sitting on a First- 
 day, by the widow Wilkins's fire-side, to hold our 
 meeting : perhaps about five or six of us in number. 
 There is great cause for encouragement to Friends, 
 both youth and elder, to be faithful to known duty ; 
 then, I believe, we shall indeed be blessed with in- 
 crease both in numbers, strength, and dignity, with 
 the dew of heaven and the fatness of the earth. Very 
 «arly in life we may do something for this great and 
 noblest of all causes, the promotion of Truth upon 
 the earth. Abstaining from every appearance of evil, 
 
 f 2 
 
bS EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 will give to a very youth a certain dignity of charac- 
 ter ; and will be accompanied with humility, which, 
 indeed, is a most excellent adorning, and without 
 which other qualifications and graces lose much of 
 their beauty. 
 
 1810. — 1 mo. 21. Thus it is: we pass away 
 
 one after another, and the place which has known us 
 shall know us no more. I long that those in the 
 vigour of life may increasingly bend to every disco- 
 very and manifestation of duty, which is the way to 
 increase in religious strength. I think I never saw, 
 more than lately, the usefulness and necessity of dili- 
 gence to acquaint ourselves with that divine good, 
 which alone can console and sustain the soul in the 
 hour of trial and extremity ; and I feel, whilst I 
 write, desires that thou mayst, for one, prize the pre- 
 sent day. Love retirement, and frequent, solemn in- 
 troversion of mind ; that so thou mayst increasingly 
 see thy duty and service in religious society, and be 
 careful to do it with Christian magnanimity and faith- 
 fulness, showing, on all occasions, on whose side thou 
 art, that thou mayst be an example and encourage- 
 ment to others to do likewise. Time spends apace, 
 and I am desirous thou mayst be a truly reli- 
 gious character in your large meeting. O ! the 
 beauty of an entire consistency. How does the ex- 
 ample of such operate, within the sphere in which 
 they move ! How does it avail to their own indi- 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 69 
 
 vidual good, the help of others, and the prosperity 
 of the cause of Truth! 
 
 1810. — 6 mo, 24. I understand thou hast a fresh 
 companion, which, I apprehend, will be agreeable to 
 thee ; and I wish you may be strengthened to en- 
 courage one another in faithfulness to the requirings 
 of Truth, and not the contrary; which is sometimes 
 unhappily the case with young men taking counte- 
 nance and encouragement from one another, in smaller 
 or greater deviations from the simplicity of our noble 
 profession. A sight and sense whereof, I believe, 
 thou hast been favoured with ; and keeping faithful 
 to what thou seest, is the way to have the under- 
 standing enlarged, and to see more into the law of 
 liberty — precious liberty, wherein the mind is raised, 
 in measure, above the bondage of this perishing, un- 
 stable world. I desire thy preservation in innocence, 
 and under the teaching of the best Preceptor ; and 
 though it may, at times, be to our humiliation, and 
 we may be led along in a path of self-denial, yet, re- 
 member, none ever repent having timely and early 
 submitted to his discipline ; but many, many have to 
 lament that they delayed the submission of their 
 wills too long, and thereby increased their own 
 difficulties. 
 
 1810. — 7 mo. 25. Those manifestations intended 
 for real, solid, and permanent gocd, are oftentimes in 
 the cross to our own nature ; but, as yielded to and 
 
70 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS* 
 
 obeyed, they tend to change our nature, even to 
 introduce that nature which does the will of our 
 Heavenly Father with delight. And I believe such 
 are always blessed, and partake of substantial good, 
 though it may be often mixed with trial — such being 
 the terms of this life: " In the world ye shall have 
 tribulation." But remember the foregoing words : 
 " these words I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye 
 might have peace." 
 
 1810. — 10 mo, 2. I notice thy remarks on the dif- 
 ficulty of keeping the mind under divine influence. I 
 believe this is not in our power, or by any means at 
 our command ; but yet I think much depends on 
 watchfulness, and religious, tender care of our move- 
 ments. As we keep humble and watchful, I believe 
 the influences of good are more perceived and 
 longer retained : the mind becomes more and more 
 in love with them and desirous of them, and more 
 afraid of things which indispose it to wait for them ; 
 and so it is that our nature becomes changed, and 
 we, prepared to run the ways of the Lord's requirings ; 
 and our minds to be content with what is according 
 to his will. So, my dear — , do not look too far 
 before thee, nor suffer the suggestions of discourage- 
 ment to prevail unprofitably ; but remember, " Greater 
 is He that is in thee, than he that is in the world." I 
 desire thy encouragement to look to the Lord, and to 
 believe that He will furnish the willing and obedient 
 mind with ability to take one step after another in the 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 71 
 
 way which is well-pleasing to Him, until a capacity is 
 known to walk with a degree of blessed firmness and 
 acceptance ; although there is no state to be expected 
 here beyond a state of humble watchfulness. May it 
 be the happy experience of us all. 
 
 1811. — 8 mo. 7. I hope, if permitted to accom- 
 plish your union, that you will be a comfort to each 
 other, and that your principal care will be to walk in 
 humility, reverence, and fear ; knowing, as we cannot 
 but know, if we be wise, that uncertainty marks the 
 path of man, and that our most precious and endear- 
 ing enjoyments in the outward, are only rightly held 
 and possessed, as they are held with humble gra- 
 titude. 
 
 It would be very pleasant to know well 
 
 settled: not that I consider that he may be losing 
 time, unless it be in delaying to take up the cross, 
 and follow, in humility and resignation of heart, the 
 Saviour of men. I am ready to think that the 
 likeliest way for many young men to get forward, as 
 to an establishment in the world, is to seek earnestly 
 and carefully after the pearl of greatest price, trust- 
 ing in the divine promise : " Seek first the kingdom 
 of God and his righteousness, and all these things 
 shall be added unto you." I rather think that many 
 who may be steady, respectable characters, yet not 
 submitting to all the terms needful for those who 
 desire, above all things, to secure to themselves the 
 divine blessing, prevent that substantial advancement, 
 
72 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 even in temporal things, which they would more 
 easily be favoured with, if they were more weighty in 
 spirit, and more fit to be placed in respectable stations 
 at the head of families, having more or fewer young 
 
 men under them. Could come enough to 
 
 put his trust rightly in Him, to whom belongs the 
 earth and the fulness thereof, and whose are the 
 cattle upon a thousand hills, I think something would 
 open; and it would be a comfort to see him, thus 
 trusting and thus depending, settled for himself. 
 
 1811. — 10 mo. As time passes over, we find fresh 
 and fresh exercises brought over our minds ; and I 
 believe it is hardly safe to expect it will be other- 
 wise, whilst we are conversant with the vicissitudes 
 of time. The infirmities of our nature are a great 
 trial ; and we are very liable to have an addition, 
 from unexpected circumstances, over which we do 
 not appear to have any control ; but, as in the out- 
 ward, clouds and sunshine succeed each other, so it 
 is with us. And I am in degree comforted at this 
 time, in some little capacity to salute thee as a be- 
 loved elder sister, in the faith and tribulations of our 
 present pilgrimage ; in the tribulations common to 
 mankind, and in the faith vouchsafed to the humble, 
 exercised Christian. It is a very precious thing, 
 that, although at times and seasons we are permitted 
 to feel ourselves very destitute, tried, and deserted ; 
 and to be, as it were, enveloped in our own nothing- 
 ness and infirmity ; yet, that at other times, a sweet, 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 73 
 
 sensible quiet is witnessed, and a degree of confidence 
 raised in the sustaining confidence of the Lord our 
 God. Here there is no desire to feel ourselves 
 strong and self-sufficient, or to feel the creature 
 exalted; but it is felt to be a mercy, and precious 
 favour, that we can lean upon the divine arm of 
 power, and trust in the source of true consolation. 
 Here the waves and the billows are stilled ; and we 
 are, as it were, ready to say, " What is become of 
 our sorrows?" 
 
 Well, my endeared friend, I believe thou hast 
 abundant cause to trust in the Lord, and put thy 
 confidence in the Holy one of Israel ; inasmuch as 
 He as been thy fear and thy dread, thy shield, and 
 the lifter up of thy head. What have we else to 
 trust to ; however encompassed, however tossed and 
 perplexed? And I believe thou knowest, that some- 
 times, after a season of rather peculiar trial, comes a 
 day of distinguishingly refreshing sweetness and 
 calm. It is a great consolation, that sweetness and 
 peaceful enjoyment are not inseparable from outward 
 prosperity. Indeed, we may do well humbly to re- 
 joice and be glad, that tribulation produceth the 
 fruits of righteousness, if rightly endured : but our 
 nature shrinks from suffering. 
 
74 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 Thy case and situation seem to require 
 
 the kind attention of thy friends. Thy frequent 
 neglect of meetings for worship bespeaks thy mind 
 to be not in a tender, religious frame ; but unguarded, 
 and too indifferent about thy own everlasting good. 
 There was a time, I believe, when thy mind was 
 much more sensible of the benefit of attending meet- 
 ings ; and when thou wouldst have been afraid to be 
 absent, except something particular prevented thy 
 attendance. Now it seems a light matter : seldom 
 more than once on a first-day, sometimes not once ; 
 and seldom on a week-day. It is not the way to 
 gain strength in the best things, to neglect oppor- 
 tunities of waiting on the Lord. Remember the 
 Scripture saying: " They that wait upon the Lord 
 shall renew their strength." But they who neglect 
 to wait upon Him, are in danger of having their 
 minds dissipated, and turned from good, and of 
 coming to have a pleasure and delight in those 
 things which once they esteemed not worth pursu- 
 ing — things which bring no solid peace to the mind. 
 These are accompanied with a sting, and with bitter 
 remorse, unless the pure witness in the mind be so 
 stifled and buried, that it be not heard nor under- 
 stood, but blindness, darkness, and insensibility pre- 
 vail. This is a dreadful state; but I trust this is 
 not thy situation. Yet, I think, if thou dost not 
 speedily turn about, thou art in danger of losing the 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 75 
 
 sense thou once mayst have had of the sweet- 
 ness of a religious life and conversation. Light, 
 unguarded company, is liable to be a sad snare to 
 thee. Evil communications corrupt good manners ; 
 and we may be insensibly leavened, if not upon our 
 guard, into the nature and spirit of those who do not 
 walk in innocency. Thus, one thing after another, 
 of which thy judgment may have been convinced, 
 may be called in question ; plainness and sincerity 
 of speech, plainness of apparel, simplicity and inno- 
 cency of manners, may all be departed from ; and thy 
 poor mind be exposed to many, many dangers and 
 temptations, from which thou mightst have been pre- 
 served, if thou hadst carefully maintained the watch; — 
 if thou hadst fled from every appearance of evil, and 
 been afraid of having the tenderness and sensibility 
 of thy mind hurt, by touching and partaking of 
 things of which thou once sawest the evil and incon- 
 sistency. 
 
 Do not be deceived, or believe any one to be thy 
 true friend who would rejoice to see thee dishonour 
 thy profession, or set light by any tender, religious 
 scruple. It is a great favour and blessing to have a 
 tender mind, fearful of doing any thing to offend our 
 Maker; and those who know not the value of this 
 tenderness of mind, and would willingly rob us of it, 
 are to be guarded against as dangerous companions. 
 
 I do not mention this because I believe thou hast 
 not once known it to be true; but I believe thou hast 
 opened an ear to that which, if followed, will lead 
 
76 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 thee into confusion, if not to ruin ; confusion as to 
 the state of thy mind, and as to thy profession as a 
 Friend ; and, perhaps, confusion as to thy outward 
 concerns. 
 
 I see nothing but that the situation at might 
 
 afford thee a competent livelihood, if properly mind- 
 ed ; but it will require care. It will, I believe, re- 
 quire thee to be frugal and careful in thy expenses, 
 careful of thy time, regular and punctual in doing 
 thy business, and steady in attention to it. If thou 
 art too often from home, thou mayst lose more in two 
 or three hours than will be got again in a week. By 
 all means, be consistent. Do not seem one thing, 
 and be another. Be an industrious tradesman, and 
 mind thy business. Let hardly any thing call thee 
 from it, except thy religious duty ; and take care to 
 give a suitable preference to this duty, above every 
 thing. This will make thee careful how thou con- 
 ductest thyself in thy business, with punctuality, 
 honesty, integrity, and humility. Thou wilt fear to 
 dishonour thy profession in thy words or in thy ways, 
 and this is the way for thy neighbours to have a con- 
 fidence in thee; for though some may scoff at, and de- 
 ride the way of Truth and of simplicity, yet all like 
 to have to do with those whom they can depend 
 upon, and who they really believe are preserved by 
 a principle of integrity, from doing them an injury, 
 even if they had it in their power. 
 
 Do not despise little things, as some may call them ; 
 remembering, " he that despiseth the day of small 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS, 77 
 
 tilings, shall fall by little and little." And by little and 
 little, thou mayst get so far from the right way, as 
 never more to return to it : thou mayst depart 
 from the way of innocence, the way of plainness, the 
 way of humility, the way of safety, so far as to have, 
 in the end, to lie down in sorrow, and to wish that 
 thou hadst never known better things, rather than, 
 having known them, to depart from them, and tram- 
 ple upon them. 
 
 I believe thy situation very dangerous, and requir- 
 ing particular watchfulness and resolution; because 
 thou hast, I believe, opened thy heart to some things 
 of an evil tendency; and that will, if not speedily 
 and firmly stood against, tend to the blinding and 
 darkening of thy understanding. 
 
 I think I need not make any apology for this 
 friendly freedom ; as I did not see that I could be 
 clear in my duty to thee, without submitting a few 
 hints to thy very serious perusal. 
 
 With desires for thy real good, 
 
 Thy respectful Friend} 
 
 W.G. 
 
 Religion is a very serious thing, and by a great 
 man is, I think, thus defined: " Religion is the fear 
 of God, and its demonstration good works ; and Faith 
 is the root of both." Religion, therefore, taken in 
 this sense, which I think is the true sense, is one 
 
78 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 thing; profession is another. A man may, at his 
 own option, and against conviction, change his pro- 
 fession; but his religion he cannot so easily change. 
 If a man is religious, he fears God his Creator ; fears 
 to offend Him in thought, word, or deed, and con- 
 siders himself bound to walk conformably to this fear. 
 Now, according to the degree of true light upon the 
 understanding, is a man's religion. He cannot, at 
 his option, change the convictions of this light; 
 though he may act in opposition to them, and thereby 
 incur condemnation. If a man does not fear God, 
 I conclude he has no religion; if he does fear God, 
 and walks answerably thereto, he endeavours to act 
 according to the best evidence afforded to his under- 
 standing, as to what is, and what is not, agreeable to 
 the will of his Creator concerning him. Thus, if I 
 am not mistaken, a man cannot, at his own option, 
 change his religion ; although, as he can act in oppo- 
 sition to what is really the religion of his judgment, 
 he can, if he be not conscientious, change his pro- 
 fession. 
 
 We believe, as a religious Society, that the duty of 
 a religious man is to endeavour to know his duty 
 as a Christian, both as to matter and mode, and then 
 carefully and conscientiously to do it. Forms of 
 profession may be various ; but the truly pious, of all 
 denominations, are, I believe, near akin. They unite 
 in one grand and fundamental respect; — a sincere de- 
 sire that their whole lives may be conformable to the 
 will of their Creator. This desire embraces not only 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 79 
 
 spiritual, but temporal things; and, with regard to 
 their religion, not only the life and substance, but 
 also the form and profession of it. 
 
 It may well appear strange and wonderful to the 
 believing mind, that the sceptic should not discover it 
 to be a more reasonable conclusion, that that Divine 
 Being, whom we contemplate as self-existent, om- 
 nipotent, and omnipresent, of infinite wisdom and 
 goodness, the centre and essence of all created ex- 
 istence, in whom, therefore, we live, and move, and 
 have our being, should be ever mindful of those 
 rational creatures whom He has brought into ex- 
 istence ; — that it should not strike them, as consistent 
 with a Being of infinite purity and infinite wisdom, 
 who is ever inseparably near, to adapt his sensible 
 influences to the varied circumstances of a creature 
 so fallible, so liable to error as man ; rather than to 
 leave him to himself, to find his way through this 
 life, and to conduct himself in it, by means of any 
 faculties entrusted absolutely to him. That he has 
 faculties, and a capacity entrusted to him, there need 
 be no doubt ; but he has, surely, need of a regulat- 
 ing, superintending, all-intelligent Preserver, to en- 
 courage, to check, to reprove, to animate, to stimu- 
 late, to restrain, to cherish, to console, according to 
 
80 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 the various circumstances to which the creature may 
 be subject, either from causes over which it has no 
 control, or from the wanderings and errors incident 
 to humanity. 
 
 That there is such an influencing principle is the su- 
 preme joy of the just, who live by faith ; and it may well 
 be matter of admiration to them, that the sceptic can- 
 not believe that it exists, or that it is possible it should 
 exist. Well, now, suppose the sceptic should begin 
 to believe that such a thing is possible ; and then let 
 him imagine, that some who have taken a different 
 path to himself, have really found, by experience — 
 by experience so often repeated as to have become 
 undoubted proof to them, that such a precious, such 
 a powerful principle does exist ; and not only exist, 
 but does act infiuentialiy for their good, to their 
 humble and thankful admiration. After this, is it 
 not highly reasonable for him to conclude, that, in 
 admitting the doubts which he has entertained, he 
 has been unwise ? — that he has shut up the way to his 
 experiencing what others have come to know ? 
 
 Suppose again, that those who have come to this 
 experience, (for, after all, experience is the great 
 baffler of speculation,) do find in the Scriptures 
 abundant testimonies to an inward experience of this 
 same living, active, and influential principle in the 
 hearts of others, which they believe they have found 
 in themselves, is it not highly reasonable that they 
 should entertain an extraordinary value for these 
 writings 5 and that, finding so much in them which 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 81 
 
 they cannot but highly approve, and which they can- 
 not doubt the truth of, they are very fearful of under- 
 rating them, and thereby depriving themselves of the 
 help, the consolation, and advantage to be derived 
 from them. These writings give their believing 
 reader to understand, that this pure, active, influen- 
 tial, regulating principle, is the Spirit of Christ — the 
 Spirit of Immanuel, God with us : in other words, 
 that dispensation, revelation, or display of the divine 
 nature, life, and power, which is adapted to the 
 situation, the benefit, the exigencies, of created intel- 
 ligences. And these believing readers, finding that 
 the power which acts in them, which influences, 
 incites, reproves, restrains, and comforts, eventually 
 tends to good, they cannot doubt that it is divine — - 
 that is of God. Hence arises an increased value 
 and esteem for these writings, as testifying of a divine 
 principle so precious, and of the experience of others 
 respecting it, and of its power and virtue, so cor- 
 responding with their own views and experience of 
 its excellency, and of its refining, sanctifying ten- 
 dency. 
 
82 
 
 CHAP. VI. 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS, WRITTEN FROM THE 
 YEAR 1812 TO 1819. 
 
 1812. — 1 mo. 4. Many are the ways by which 
 our poor minds are liable to be brought into trouble; 
 I think I know this, not only from the relation of 
 others, but from my own repeated experience. 
 Sometimes inadvertences of our own become a 
 source of affliction and distress ; and sometimes this 
 is accompanied with infirmity both of body and 
 mind ; and, from these complicated causes, the poor 
 creature is plunged into unspeakable perplexity, from 
 which it sees no way or probability of escape ; and 
 is hoping sometimes for relief one way, and some- 
 times another, but no permanent quiet can be ob- 
 tained. Like the sea, that unstable element, whose 
 billows run very high, and wave upon wave, so rest 
 and quiet seem to have taken their leave of us. But 
 as man did not form, or create himself; so, neither 
 can he deliver or preserve himself. Yet, I believe, 
 in these seasons of deep distress, poor mortals are 
 under the immediate and peculiar notice of the Most 
 High ; and, in the language of one of his favoured 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 83 
 
 servants, we may say, " There is none so nigh sink- 
 ing, but He puts his hand under their head." He 
 knows all our difficulties and perplexities ; He marks 
 our solitary wanderings, and sees the path which we 
 take. O ! then, from whatever causes our distresses 
 arise, whether ever so simple, or ever so complicated, 
 it is good, it is safe, it is most wise to trust in Him, 
 to cast our care upon Him, who knows our frame, 
 and remembers that we are but dust ; and by whom, 
 in the emphatical language of our blessed Lord, 
 " the very hairs of our head are all numbered." The 
 great thing is, and I hope, as thou tenderly desirest 
 it, thou wilt more and more experience it to be a 
 truth ; — the great thing is, to endeavour to be still 
 and wait for his salvation, under a humble, but 
 quiet sense of our own inability to help ourselves. 
 Guard against impatience or activity, but crave to 
 be favoured with stillness. Let the billows pass 
 over, and wave upon wave ; but keep thou in the 
 quiet habitation, and wait to see what will become 
 of the storm. Do not imagine that thou canst still 
 the tempest, nor attempt in thy own strength to do 
 it; but endeavour to stay thy mind on Him who 
 formerly, when his poor disciples were in dismay, 
 said to the wind and the waves, " Peace, be still ; and 
 there was a great calm ; and they were filled with 
 wonder ; and cried out, What manner of man is this, 
 that even the winds and the sea obey Him." 
 g 2 
 
84 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 1812.— 9 mo. 20. I think that, on both sides of 
 the middle path of life, there is great danger of 
 mixing with the spirit of the world. It is very ob- 
 servable, that abundance of the good things of this 
 life, that ease, and large acquisitions of knowledge, 
 have that tendency. On the other hand, where 
 there is a great want of literary qualification, where 
 there is rusticity of manners, and a necessity to be 
 plodding hard for a livelihood, and where temporal 
 conveniences are but poorly supplied after all, there 
 is a great liability for the mind to be let down into 
 the same state, at least in degree, as we too often 
 see amongst the poorer classes of the people at large. 
 Not but that Truth, which is omnipotent to all good 
 purposes, is fully equal to preserve in all right allot- 
 ments. But how shall we in the middle stations, be 
 sufficiently thankful that the " lines have fallen to 
 us in pleasant places," — in profitable places, may I 
 not say. 
 
 It seems to be the great thing wanting in myself, 
 and I suppose in the Society, a capacity rightly, and 
 therefore availingly, to pray ; but we must look for- 
 ward, and press forward : having put our hands to 
 the plough, it will not do to look back. 
 
 That " we are not our own ;" that we are not to 
 gird ourselves, and walk whithersoever we list, is a 
 truth so clear and evident to the enlightened mind, 
 that it should be, I think, almost a first principle in 
 education, in doctrine, in the habitual frame of the 
 mind. But who are sufficient for these things ? 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 85 
 
 May you be favoured to get into that spot where, 
 the eye being kept single, the body is full of light ; — 
 where the earnest desire and breathing of every 
 one is, that no one may be wounded or hurt; — 
 where the willingness to part with selfish views is 
 known ; — where the preservation of love, harmony, 
 and sweetness, is felt to be more precious than any 
 outward good ; and where the mind craves, above all 
 things, that every movement may be agreeable to 
 the will of our Heavenly Father, and tend to his 
 honour and glory, and the promotion of the cause of 
 peace and righteousness. And I sincerely question, 
 whether there be any way in which we more accept- 
 ably serve Him, than when, in the transaction of our 
 outward affairs, we are preserved in meekness, quiet- 
 ness, and self-denial, with our eye and desire to Him 
 for guidance, limitation, and protection. 
 
 1812.— 11 mo. 29. The principle of light, life, 
 and power, as submitted to, more and more leads the 
 awakened and dedicated mind out of a conformity to 
 the maxims and manners of the world, by a path of 
 humble self-denial, to the enjoyment of a peace 
 which is substantial, sweet,- and precious. Press 
 after it, my dear friend : press into the enjoyment of 
 it : whatsoever sacrifices are required, 1 entreat thee 
 to make them through the renewings of best help. 
 Do not embitter thy future days, by persevering in 
 opposition to the clear manifestations of the light of 
 Truth. Get not into abstract reasonings on things ; 
 
86 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 but eye the light, and follow it, step by step, as the 
 way is opened for thy complete deliverance. 
 
 How precious it is, my dear friend, in important 
 movements, to feel a humble, reverent, filial trust in 
 the divine blessing on our undertakings ; and 
 though, at times, we may not be favoured with very 
 clear and strong light upon our path, yet, being pre- 
 served in a fear of offending, and in a sense that, 
 without the divine blessing upon it, all our acquisi- 
 tions and enjoyments will have a void, a painful void, 
 here we are in the way of safety. There is, may I not 
 say, an indescribable distinction between those who 
 have really believed in the reality of divine, inward, 
 immediate communication to the soul, and those who 
 have not. Faith in this divine gift is a most precious 
 thing — a most valuable treasure ; not to be trifled 
 with ; not to be bartered away ; but to be reverently, 
 humbly, and perseveringly treasured up, improved, 
 and lived upon. Remember this, my dear friend; 
 and may heavenly goodness be near to help, direct, 
 and sustain thee. Amen. 
 
 1813. — 2 mo. 18. Our principles are 
 
 calculated to inspire love, esteem, and confidence ; 
 inasmuch, as they point to humility, a general, 
 courteous behaviour to all, and to strict punctuality. 
 How do I desire that * * and * may be favoured 
 to keep little and thankful ; sensible what a favour it 
 is to be enabled to procure, by industry and atten- 
 tion, a comfortable competency, and at the same time 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 87 
 
 sensible also that this is not all that we want to make 
 us truly useful and happy. Uncertainty attends the 
 most flattering outward prospects. Young men en- 
 gaging in business are much to be felt for and sym- 
 pathized with, that they may be preserved from 
 unprofitable depression on the one hand, and undue 
 elevation on the other : happy if they can be pre- 
 served, using their best, honest, and upright endea- 
 vours, whilst they feel a dependence on our Heavenly 
 Father for the needful supplies of strength of body 
 and mind; of prudence, of discretion, and well-regu- 
 lated affections and desires. 
 
 1813. — 3 mo. % In the Sowings of love, and in 
 the enlargement or expansion of the mind, we may, I 
 believe, sometimes be ready to recommend writings 
 which are really very estimable; and yet in which, 
 from the first word to the last, perhaps there is not a 
 single pointing to the Word nigh in the heart, the 
 divine gift, or light of Christ. Does it not require 
 great care how such are recommended? I write 
 with caution, not wishing to prevent any good ; but it 
 wants to be more understood in the world, (and 
 what if this be one of the great ends of our being 
 raised up,) that it is not comprehending sublime 
 truths, even the truths of the Gospel, so much as 
 seeing and knowing our own individual part of the 
 great whole, that is the grand desideratum for us all ; 
 and which, do we not allow, cannot any way be so well 
 known, as by diligent attention to this divine gift ? 
 
88 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 Attending to this divine gift in ourselves, and so 
 being drawn and kept under its influence, it becomes 
 our element, and we move healthfully and safely 
 along in it. And in this element, not out of it, we may 
 look at many things, and touch many things, perhaps 
 without spiritual loss, and possibly with spiritual ad- 
 vantage; but the danger and the loss seem to be 
 from meddling with religious and spiritual things, out 
 of this element. Keeping in this element, we are in 
 the way of feeling the liberty of Truth, and its 
 blessed restraints, as to touching, tasting, or hand- 
 ling this, that, or the other thing, that is thrown in 
 our way. 
 
 1813. — 11 mo. 12. It is indeed occasion for 
 thankfulness, that thou art permitted to report so 
 favourably, which I hope may continue to be the 
 case, as thou art preserved desirous that thy days 
 may be spent in humility, watchfulness, and fear; so 
 that the blessing may attend thy honest and upright 
 endeavours. There is a fear lest any right endea- 
 vours on our part should be wanting, which, I be- 
 lieve, is acceptable in the divine sight, and tends 
 to preservation; and there is an anxiety and ear- 
 nestness, which, I believe, wounds the religious 
 mind, and is not fruitful of good. So that the 
 prayer formerly put up, is emphatically adapted to 
 the Christian traveller of all generations : " Give 
 me neither riches nor poverty, but feed me with food 
 convenient for me." And I am glad thou art 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 89 
 
 favoured to be connected with those who, whilst they 
 are caring that temporal matters may be prudently 
 and reputably ordered, are desirous of giving the 
 upper hand to those things which perish not with 
 the using; but which are necessary to be sought 
 after, cherished, and preferred, whether our allot- 
 ment, as to the outward, be in prosperity or adver- 
 sity. I sincerely desire your preservation, and that 
 the best blessing may attend and enrich your minds : 
 so may the effects thereof be increasingly your happy 
 experience; even meekness, patience, contentment, 
 sweetness, love. 
 
 I am sorry for the account of poor ■ 's miscon- 
 duct. I am in hopes that separation and restraint 
 from improper company may place her in a capacity 
 to discern more distinctly wherein true happiness 
 consists, and the path which leads to it. Speaking 
 on the subject, I am reminded of the experience of 
 that dignified disciple of the great Master, Isaac 
 Penington, where I think he describes himself as in 
 a state of mourning for all the miserable, however de- 
 servedly so. 
 
 It was very pleasant to hear so agreeable an ac- 
 count of , for whose preservation out of 
 
 every hurtful thing we can unite with you in desire. 
 And I wish he may be favoured to see what a privi- 
 lege it is to be comfortably introduced into business, 
 without the hazard, to which many suffer themselves 
 to be exposed, of convulsive shocks, which endanger 
 both temporal and spiritual comfort. He seems to 
 
90 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 have slidden into an establishment very easily, and 
 perhaps with as much encouragement as is desirable. 
 I hope nothing will be permitted to take him off his 
 feet, either prosperity or adversity, for there are 
 snares in both ; but that, by endeavouring to appre- 
 ciate the favours received, he may set a proper, not 
 an improper, value upon them, and see the necessity 
 of watchfulness in every stage of his progress, if he 
 would be kept from wandering, and know an ad- 
 vancement in the pursuit and enjoyment of sub- 
 stantial good, temporally and spiritually. 
 
 " Oh ! the long list of mercies undeserved, 
 And oh ! what greater gifts are still reserved." 
 
 So that there is abundant encouragement to those 
 who are humbly in the pursuit of happiness, within 
 the limits and appointment of that Wisdom and 
 Goodness which are infinite. 
 
 1815. — 2 mo. 16. In the first place, and pre- 
 eminently, I seem anxious, my dear , to say, that 
 
 if thou wert to be induced to leave -, I should en- 
 tertain little doubt but that an enemy had done it. 
 When, through the permission of a kind and gracious 
 Providence, we are so situated as to be not only com- 
 fortably provided for, set down with comparative 
 safety, and free from the risks to which many are 
 exposed, which greatly agitate and prevent a religious 
 growth ; but are also in the way to make a reasonable, 
 and even a handsome, provision for that time of life, 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 91 
 
 if permitted to reach it, when much exertion would 
 be inconvenient, if not unsuitable: — when we are thus 
 circumstanced, how needful it is for the religiously- 
 visited mind to labour after a state not only of con- 
 tent, but of gratitude ; and in the very depth of sin- 
 cerity, on any contemplation of a change, to say, 
 " O Lord, I beseech thee, if thy presence go not 
 with me, carry me not hence." Oh! the many 
 ways there are by which we may be betrayed from 
 a state of humility and reverence of mind, and drawn 
 out of the land of Goshen, the spot appointed for the 
 children of promise, into the land of Egyptian capti- 
 vity, where confusion and darkness prevail, a dark- 
 ness which may be felt. My heart, I think, in mea- 
 sure, travails for thy preservation out of those things 
 that lift up the mind, prompting to aspire after great 
 things ; and unfitting, disqualifying, to sit, in a lowly 
 posture, at the feet of Jesus, the holy example of 
 obedience and self-denial. 
 
 With me it is a very tender thing for any visited 
 mind to leave a situation, in which the blessing has 
 not been withheld, inwardly and outwardly. It is, I 
 think, a ready way for the ungrateful receiver to ex- 
 perience a withering as to the divine life, and often 
 lamentable miscarriage as to the outward. 
 
 Oh ! the safety, the unspeakable advantage of 
 keeping heaven uppermost, and the earth undermost. 
 May this never be unhappily reversed in me, or any, 
 for whose welfare I am particularly concerned. 
 
92 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 1816. — 9 7iio. 19. I hope, with moderate industry 
 and prudent care, you will be permitted, if your 
 days are prolonged, to continue making some ad- 
 ditions to your property; thereby enlarging your 
 sphere of usefulness, as well as increasing your com- 
 fort. Much riches I do not covet for you : they are 
 not necessary for our sweetest enjoyments. Supine- 
 ness and inattention are productive of very little 
 good ; but moderate application, in a reliance on the 
 blessing of Providence upon our humble and upright 
 endeavours, adds much to our comfort, keeping our 
 faculties bright, and even, I believe, the more sus- 
 ceptible of good. I wish your comfort, and that you 
 may rightly appreciate the time and opportunity put 
 into your hands, wisely applying your attention be- 
 tween spiritual and temporal things. I had written 
 dividing, but I drew the pen over it, thinking the 
 expression exceptionable; because I believe we may 
 be favoured to have our minds so preserved as to 
 maintain an undivided preference for that which is 
 best of all, (though necessarily engaged, and rightly 
 so, in the concerns of this life,) and to feel that* we 
 have indeed a connexion with ever and ever, whilst 
 we are conversant with the vicissitudes of an earthly 
 pilgrimage. 
 
 1816. — 12 mo. 28. It is a very interesting and 
 momentous time for you ; and I suppose you hardly 
 ever had more occasion for best wisdom to direct 
 your deliberations, that all may be done in sweetness, 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 93 
 
 harmony, and love, as well as with wisdom and a 
 sound mind. I desire your preservation and ours on 
 every hand, that true happiness and comfort may be 
 your peaceful portion and ours, and, in the end, your 
 and our enriching crown. I believe, in order for this, 
 it is needful to dwell very low, where the right dis- 
 cernment is given ; and the feeling known, whereby a 
 capacity to distinguish is attained, and preservation 
 witnessed. 
 
 As you desire in simplicity so to move as you believe 
 will be the readiest way to solid peace, I hope and 
 believe that a blessing will attend you. When the 
 mind is preserved in a watchful care to do right, and is 
 fearful of wounding its own solid peace, I believe that, 
 although many perplexities may be permitted to at- 
 tend the path which we tread, yet He who sees us 
 and knows our thoughts, and who, as a Father 
 pitieth his children, pitieth those that fear Him, will 
 remember us in an accepted time, and be as a hiding- 
 place from the storm. So that it is good to trust in 
 Him at all times, and to endeavour to walk, as we be- 
 lieve, considering our respective circumstances, will 
 be acceptable in his holy sight. 
 
 My desire is, that you may study moderation in 
 your pursuit of business; not stretching your arms very 
 wide ; endeavouring to carry a snug sail, as the safest 
 in stormy weather ; not hazarding the peace and com- 
 posure, the solid happiness, of your minds, for any 
 specious and glittering, but uncertain and dangerous 
 
94 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 prospects. Be content with what you can, through 
 favour, compass, and compass with satisfaction. 
 
 1817. — S mo. 20. A tender sensibility, and a dis- 
 position raised in the mind to crave and press after 
 that which can be depended on as substantial, sus- 
 taining food, is very precious. It introduces into the 
 exercise of that faith which becomes, from time to 
 time, the Christian's victory, and, through heavenly 
 goodness, his eventual triumph. " This is the victory 
 that overcometh the world, even your faith." 
 
 My object seems to be to express a desire that 
 thou mayst indeed be preserved in a state of humble 
 dependence on the divine arm of Omnipotence ; not 
 seeking or desiring great attainments ; but preserva- 
 tion near to that which has visited, believing that in 
 that are hid the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, 
 ready to be handed forth according to the good will 
 and pleasure of Him who doeth all things well. 
 Mayst thou live in a state of watchfulness for the un- 
 foldings of heavenly counsel, as mercifully, from time 
 to time, and at any time, vouchsafed ; desiring also to 
 increase in subjection of the will, and in well-timed 
 obedience. To the obedient mind, I believe, the un- 
 foldings of heavenly counsel are vouchsafed, in a way 
 and time suited to our condition. 
 
 Considering how supremely needful it is for the 
 religiously visited mind to attend to its own peculiar 
 exercise, I have felt solicitous that nothing, however 
 specious, might involve thee in unprofitable specula- 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 95 
 
 tion. This does not go to the prevention of the ex- 
 ercise of our mental faculties, as rational creatures ; 
 but to the exciting of great watchfulness and care, to 
 distinguish what, in our mental pursuits, makes for 
 peace, and what does not. There is a precious say- 
 ing : " As many as are baptized into Christ, have put 
 on Christ." It is a great favour to have, in any mea- 
 sure, put him on ; and greatly, I believe, will it tend 
 to our safety, to be pretty sure that we do not put 
 Him, the beloved of souls, off, and clothe ourselves 
 with something else, in any of our pursuits, even those 
 which have a religious or spiritual semblance. 
 
 1818 — 11 mo. 10. Probably some of those hav- 
 ing the care of youth, and heads of families, among 
 whom I include myself, have not been enough con- 
 cerned to watch the openings of right capacity in 
 themselves to convey, and the openings of right capa- 
 city in the youth to receive, lively instruction ; and it 
 appears to me, that this watchfulness for the opening 
 is the thing wanted among us. It is, I believe, a 
 humbling, heart work, and would greatly promote 
 the growth both of guardians and their charge. 
 
 Amidst the contemplation of the subject of 
 
 religious instruction, I have remembered with some 
 comfort, those expressions of our blessed Lord to 
 his followers : " I have many things to say unto you, 
 but ye cannot bear them now ;" and I think it cer- 
 tainly requires care, how we press religious truths too 
 far beyond the religious capacity of young people; 
 
96 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS* 
 
 perhaps not possessing the essential preparation for 
 the reception of diffuse religious instruction, a re- 
 signation of the mind to bear the cross. To excite a 
 willingness to bear the cross, with an eye to the 
 crown, I consider a first principle in Christian edu- 
 cation. If I am not mistaken, it has often been in- 
 culcated as a sound principle, not to puzzle our- 
 selves too much to comprehend doctrinal passages of 
 Scripture; but to leave them to be opened to our 
 understandings, if needful, in the due and acceptable 
 time. 
 
 1 think, my dear friend, though I have said 
 
 so much, (I fear too much for me,) I should scarcely 
 be satisfied without now suggesting one idea that has 
 often presented, respecting the instruction of our 
 young people : viz. I fear the public recommendation 
 of any specific plan, for obvious reasons ; but when 
 one individual, or more, see their way to set about it, 
 within their own sphere of action, I think it may be 
 useful and safe ; because this may be continued and 
 prosecuted, as far and as long as the oil flows ; and 
 when it ceases, procedure may be dropped, or con- 
 tracted, as freedom warrants. And if the blessing is 
 on it, we may safely trust that it will be productive of 
 benefit, and that the example will be influential, and 
 perhaps widely so. This latter remark may, in de- 
 gree, apply also to pressing the reading of Friends' 
 writings. A thirst for good will naturally lead to 
 this. To excite this thirst, then, seems the first 
 object. To a mind not thirsty, Friends' writings 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 97 
 
 are, I believe, often very dull and insipid : to a mind 
 in which the thirst is excited, they are, indeed, as a 
 brook by the way ; very precious, very sweet, very 
 reviving. 
 
 Leaving this, shall I mention without wearying 
 thee, that it has lately occurred to me, that an ad- 
 vantage might be derived from pleading our belief in 
 the Divine omnipresence, as one reason of our silent 
 waiting in our meetings, and at other times : namely, 
 because we believe that He is ever near us ; that He 
 is ever over us, round about us ; and because in Him 
 we live, and move, and have our being? And al- 
 though we are not at all times permitted to be sen- 
 sible of his presence, yet, whenever it pleases Him, 
 He can make us perceive it, as in the twinkling 
 of an eye, and comfort us with his light and 
 love. And believing that this perception of his 
 love is our greatest good, and not at all at our 
 command, we find it our duty and our interest, 
 knowing that He is ever nigh at hand, to wait 
 his time and pleasure for making us sensible of it. 
 And when He is pleased to bless us, and to bow 
 our minds, and the faculties of the soul, in reverence 
 and prostration, under a sense of his goodness, and of 
 our absolute need of Him and dependence upon 
 Him, then we believe is performed in us, and by us, 
 that worship which is acceptable unto Him. " God 
 is a Spirit, and they that worship Him must worship 
 Him in spirit and in truth." And in order that this 
 
 H 
 
98 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 worship may, from time to time, be performed in 
 the newness of life, it must be in fresh ability, which 
 He giveth, or rather lendeth ; for He does not bestow 
 it as an abiding capacity, to be exercised in our will 
 and time ; but it must be, from time to time, humbly 
 and patiently waited for. Would it not be a likely 
 thing to impress this view of the Omnipresence on 
 the minds of young people, as most precious and 
 consolatory, and as that which should inspire us with 
 awe, and reverence, and abasedness on one hand, and 
 with animation and confidence on the other. 
 
 1818.— 11 mo. 25. My sincere desire is, that the 
 circumstances which have occurred may be sanctified 
 to you ; that the blessing of Providence may be over 
 you, and round about you ; and that the blessings of 
 love, harmony, and peace, on a right and pure foun- 
 dation, may be your enriching experience. I feel for 
 your prosperity on a right ground so sincerely, that I 
 return again to that subject. Keep low and humble, 
 and attentive to best instruction in the secret of your 
 own minds; and then, I hope, preservation will be 
 vouchsafed to you. Do not crave great things. 
 Remember the saying of a worthy character : " I 
 desire not riches, but to owe nothing." Thou knowest 
 I like commendable industry. The sluggard cannot 
 reasonably expect to prosper ; but then our eye, and 
 the dependence of our minds, should be to the Lord, 
 and to his blessing upon our honest, upright, and 
 moderately circumscribed endeavours. In any mate- 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 99 
 
 rial and important movement, consult us with much 
 openness and unreserved freedom, as we desire thy 
 preservation on every hand. I believe all right situ- 
 ations have their attendant probations; and how- 
 ever we may move, we must not expect to be 
 without them. Trials bring weight ; and a weighty 
 mind is a great blessing. 
 
 It is a matter of sincere regret that — — has so 
 much travelling. I am well aware of its unsettling 
 and injurious tendency, as it respects the humble, 
 tender, well-regulated state of the mind of almost any 
 Friend. 
 
 1819. — 1 mo. 23. I have entertained some 
 fear, lest I had not properly expressed my own 
 views and wishes, on some part of the subjects 
 touched upon in my communication of the 11th 
 month*; particularly that of encouraging young per- 
 sons to read the writings of our early Friends. Per- 
 haps no one wishes more sincerely than myself, to 
 see this practice prevail among our young Friends, as 
 well as those more advanced. It is particularly 
 cordial to me to see young people so engaged ; and 
 I desire it may be encouraged in every proper way. 
 There are many ways, doubtless, of doing this ; and 
 I feel anxious that nothing which has escaped my 
 
 * See the last preceding Letter but one, page 95. 
 H £ 
 
 rLofc. 
 
100 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 pen may discourage any honest and upright endea- 
 vour to promote this object. Many of the writings 
 of our worthy predecessors, with some of those of 
 later date, I esteem an invaluable treasure to the 
 Society, not to say to the world ; and my desire is, 
 that they may be duly appreciated by all ranks 
 amongst us. 
 
 I am fully aware that a careful parent or guardian 
 may very suitably recommend or use Friends' writ- 
 ings, as one means, and a very likely means, to excite 
 and increase the thirst here spoken of; and perhaps, 
 just in this place, I may not improperly tell thee, 
 that this morning, just when I was thinking to ad- 
 dress thee, I very unexpectedly cast my eye on a 
 few lines, which I some time ago penned, and which 
 I had quite forgotten, to the following import : they 
 may seem somewhat illustrative of my view of this 
 matter. " If the mind is directed to that which is 
 good, becoming tender in the fear of the Lord, 
 expecting all good from Him as the everlasting 
 fountain of happiness, peace, and comfort, there is 
 a good foundation laid for receiving the openings of 
 Truth, either immediately by the Spirit, or instru- 
 mentally by the Scriptures, ministry, or good books." 
 
 1819. — 9 mo. 18. We have often cause for thank- 
 fulness, when we can remember any past opportunity 
 with sweetness and satisfaction in the retrospect. 
 This has been the case with respect to thy late visit 
 to us. It left me tenderly interested about thee ; so 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 101 
 
 much so, that I seemed as if I might not do safely, if 
 I omitted telling thee so. I think I am not mistaken 
 in believing that thy mind often possesses a precious 
 sensibility of desire after good, — after peace and sub- 
 stantial happiness. And oh ! the longing that I have 
 felt that nothing may be permitted to quench this 
 desire in thy heart ; but rather that it may grow and 
 increase, until nothing, nothing in this world, may 
 bear any comparison with it in thy estimation. En- 
 deavour, I beseech thee, to keep thy mind inward 
 unto the Lord. Lean upon Him, trust in Him, and 
 He will sustain thee in the humbling path of self- 
 denial and lowly-mindedness. I do not mean a 
 voluntary humility ; but that humility which is in- 
 duced by a watchful, well-timed obedience to the 
 secret manifestations of the divine will. This will 
 humble the creature ; but, blessed be his name, it 
 leads into, and preserves in, a capacity to receive the 
 further and further manifestations of his Will, of his 
 Truth, of his Light, of his Love, even as He knows 
 we can bear it, and as, in his wisdom, He sees meet 
 to unfold them to us. But, oh 1 the great loss which 
 is sustained, I believe, through the want of following 
 on to know Him, in the only way in which we can 
 attain to the knowledge of Him, the way of Faith; 
 which word implies not only belief in, but reliance 
 and dependence upon Him. And though this may 
 sometimes be found a tribulated path, I believe it is 
 the path to the kingdom of heaven — the kingdom of 
 peace and joy; begun, and revealed in degree, I 
 
102 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 believe, to the redeemed mind even in this life, and 
 consummated in that which is to come. 
 
 When I consider where thou art placed, the large 
 meeting thou belongest to ; — how desirable it appears 
 to me, that thou shouldst make an early and full surren- 
 der. Keep in the quiet : keep in sweet innocence. Let 
 peace be the primary object ; and then other things 
 rightly permitted and dispensed, will be enjoyed with 
 humility and thankfulness. 
 
 What would sincere dedication and submission in 
 a few individuals, do in your large meeting. How 
 would example strengthen and encourage others to 
 come forward, who are halting between two opi- 
 nions ; and whilst they hesitate, weakness besets, and 
 probably increases : whereas, if faithfulness were 
 yielded to the manifestations of Truth in the mind, 
 how would the divine arm support and sustain ; 
 how would strength be afforded to walk steadily 
 forward, perhaps with feeble and diffident, but with 
 safe and peaceful steps. Oh ! the exceeding pre- 
 ciousness of early dedication, of early submitting 
 the creaturely will to the discoveries of duty. Inas- 
 much as the Almighty is the fountain of hap- 
 piness, the more we look to Him for direction and 
 safe guidance, the more likely we are to arrive at this 
 fountain; and, I believe, in condescending loving- 
 kindness, He is dealing with those who early make 
 Him their choice. I believe He gives them to ex- 
 perience his fatherly care over them ; and every now 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 103 
 
 and then gives them some proof that it is well for 
 them that they have trusted in Him. 
 
 I do not wish to enlarge ; but I want to encourage 
 thee to be of those who sit alone, and keep silence ; 
 bearing the yoke, that precious yoke, which, through 
 divine goodness, keeps down in us those dispositions 
 and propensities, which, if not kept under, will retard 
 or prevent the growth of the plant of renown, in 
 that dignity and stature which it otherwise would 
 attain, and which should outgrow and overgrow every 
 thing else in us. 
 
 1 was not sure whether the cause [of religion] 
 
 might not, in some degree, suffer from my remarks re- 
 specting the intimations of Truth to the mind about 
 outward concerns. Perhaps an apprehension of the 
 right thing suffering by our friend's over-rating some 
 of his impressions, at the same time that he is ma- 
 naging so poorly, might drive me too far in ex- 
 pression on the opposite side. Exceedingly precious, 
 when vouchsafed, do I esteem the guidance of a 
 gracious Providence respecting outward things. 
 But I think I have noticed that some of those whom 
 I have loved, esteemed, and honoured, have been 
 very cautious of speaking of this favour, as it respect- 
 ed themselves ; probably considering it as something 
 that is better known and felt, than talked about ; and 
 scarcely enough given them as their own, to be made 
 so free with : — being, in order to keep the creature 
 humble, low, fearful, dependent, and in self-abase- 
 
304 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 ment, so gently and faintly, though intelligibly mark- 
 ed and defined to themselves, as may serve to pre- 
 serve them walking by faith, and not by strong sight. 
 Should a suitable opportunity occur, perhaps thou 
 wilt mention a few words expressive of my sense of 
 the matter. I should not like to hurt the cause, nor 
 wound our friend's mind to his disadvantage. I trust 
 I may thankfully say, that I am a humble believer 
 in the condescension, goodness, and mercy of our 
 heavenly Father to his dependent children, both 
 respecting their outward and inward condition and 
 circumstances. 
 
 I wish both you and we may be favoured, at 
 
 seasons, with the renewings of best ability to desire 
 for all the youth, most particularly the objects of our 
 care, that the divine fear may be richly 'placed in 
 their hearts, as the most effectual way and means for 
 them to inherit every blessing consistent with the 
 Heavenly Father's will for them to enjoy; and as the 
 blessed preservation from the many evils which 
 abound in the world, and which court their affection. 
 
105 
 
 CHAP. VII. 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS WRITTEN FROM 1820 
 TO 1823. 
 
 1820. — 3 mo. 9. It is not pleasant to me, that thy 
 kind and acceptable letter of last month should have 
 remained so long unacknowledged. I believe it can 
 be attributed to no cause more justly, than to the 
 poverty of my own mind ; though I am aware, that 
 the expression of this is not likely to make thee rich. 
 However, it behoves us to endure with patience our 
 allotment, and the various changes which are permit- 
 ted ; and happy is it, if our poverty be not the con- 
 sequence of our own indolence, inattention, or dis- 
 obedience. My own health is very favourably 
 continued ; but I very often remember the flight of 
 time, and that many, very many sands have escaped 
 from the glass. This is a chequered and very uncer- 
 tain scene: how happy for those, who under all, and 
 through all, are permitted often to cast anchor; and 
 feelingly to acknowledge, that the Lord is good, 
 worthy to be waited for, served, honoured, and obeyed, 
 under all circumstances, and in all conditions. 
 
106 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 1821. — 12 mo. 15. Oh! the importance, as I view 
 the subject, of Friends keeping in the unity, out of 
 disputations, in the self-denial, (which includes a 
 willingness to suffer,) in the littleness and abasement, 
 rather than that any of Truth's testimonies should fall 
 to the ground. 
 
 I think I never saw the necessity and value of 
 Friends in this nation being a compact undivided 
 body, more than now ; that its conduct may speak, not 
 a confused, but intelligible and inviting language to 
 those who are seeking rest for the sole of their feet. 
 
 I consider it may have been a great favour to our 
 Society to have been disqualified, as the criminal law 
 stands, from serving on juries; as well as, I think it is, 
 from accepting places of profit under government, in 
 the present mixed state of things. And I suppose we 
 neither of us apprehend that Friends, as a religious 
 body, are less in danger from the spirit of the world 
 and its friendship, than they were a century ago. 
 
 1822. — 7 mo. 3 * Though much attended with men- 
 tal poverty, I seem not easy to omit saluting you with 
 a few lines expressive of endeared affection, and of a 
 hope, that amidst the various ways in which the cause 
 of Truth may, under the divine blessing, be acceptably 
 promoted, that in which you are now engaged may 
 
 * This Letter was written to some of his friends, when on a visit, 
 by appointment of the Meeting for Sufferings, to the Friends of 
 Pyrmont and Minden. 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 107 
 
 be one. And under present feeling, I seem as if I 
 might say, it matters little whether the flock visited be 
 smaller or greater, or whether what we have to com- 
 municate be little or much, if the great and gracious 
 Shepherd condescend to own the engagement with 
 the animating influence of his love. 
 
 " A little with the blessing is a deal : 
 Witness the widow's oil, the widow's meal." 
 
 I think I can say my heart dearly salutes you, and 
 craves your preservation in the meekness, innocence, 
 and simplicity of the Gospel. I, if capable of seeing 
 any thing, think there is great beauty and precious 
 safety, in those who come in amongst us, keeping 
 enough to the measure of their own gift and expe- 
 rience ; endeavouring daily, as it may consist with the 
 divine will, to know an increase therein, but not out- 
 stepping their guide. Oh ! what sympathy is called 
 for, on behalf of sincere and tender minds, circum- 
 stanced as this little flock is, in such a country. May 
 your visit tend to strengthen in a lowly, humble, quiet, 
 inward dependence on the increase of the gift, indi- 
 vidually received, as the likely way for them to be a 
 strength to one another. 
 
 James Parnel says to Stephen Crisp, "Be not hasty 
 to know any thing beyond thy measure;" and really 
 there does seem something very precious in this, pro- 
 vided the measure be fully kept up to ; and we are pre- 
 served out of all supineness, lethargy, and inattention. 
 Do remember me as a poor brother, that wishes to 
 
108 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS* 
 
 make some humble advancement in solid experience 
 of that good, which in a day of trial will be more to 
 us than all the world. However appearances may be 
 against it, I have been in so poor a spot myself, as to 
 seem almost unfit to meddle with sacred things, 
 beyond my own breast; yet you see I venture — I hope 
 I humbly venture." 
 
 1822.— 7 mo. 3. What a scale of usefulness do 
 
 and move on, compared with some of us ; but 
 
 then I remember, that no one in sincerity of love and 
 attachment to the cause, shall even shut a door in the 
 house for nought. And there is great sweetness, I 
 believe, often experienced in the humbler and more 
 retired walks in the Master's vineyard ; so that all 
 depends, may we not say, on endeavouring to be just 
 what we should be, whether it be foot or hand, or 
 only as a finger on the hand. 
 
 1822.— 10 mo. 22. What a beautiful society, I 
 believe the Society of Friends would be, if all were 
 diligent to improve the talents bestowed upon them ; 
 pressing daily towards the mark of our calling ; not 
 resting contented in any state, known and felt to be 
 imperfect ; and thereby encouraging others to be easy 
 and satisfied in a state of imperfection. I have of late 
 thought, that however assailed with weakness and 
 trial, it will not do to rest herein; but using the 
 strength afforded, be it little or much, wage war with 
 every thing which we feel impeding our journey to a 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 109 
 
 state of acceptance, wherein there is no condemn- 
 ation. 
 
 1822. — 10 mo. 25. I know, dear friend, that 
 human nature is liable to be much tossed, and tried, 
 and perplexed, sometimes with looking back, and 
 sometimes with looking forward; but our safety, 
 I think, very much lies in seeking after quietness and 
 resignation, faithfully and in simplicity endeavouring, 
 in our outward employments, to discharge the duty 
 of one day at a time, without being over anxious ; but 
 quietly trusting in the Lord for ability to get through 
 the duty of one day after another, as they come in 
 succession ; because He knows exactly our situation 
 and circumstances ; and how availingly to pity us and 
 to care for us in all our temptations and besetments* 
 so that there is great advantage indeed in quietly 
 looking to Him for succour. Be sure, do not look 
 for or desire great things, either inwardly or outward- 
 ly ; but desire, above all things, to be kept in humility 
 and fear, that so thy steppings may be safe and sure : 
 in them is sweet preservation. I believe this is the 
 state in which we are at times favoured to see a little 
 light upon our path ; and I desire thee to be thankful 
 for every degree of true light, be it ever so small ; for 
 we have nothing truly good at our own command. 
 
 1822.— 12 mo. 14. It has often occurred to my 
 mind, that events of this interesting nature [the loss 
 of our near and tender connexions] frequently furnish 
 
110 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 fresh occasion, calmly and deeply to ponder what are 
 the next steps for the nearly-connected survivors to 
 take ; a little light upon the path of the bereaved, at 
 such seasons, is exceedingly to be prized, and if duly 
 appreciated, is, I believe likely, under a sense of loss 
 and stripping, to increase our dependence on the 
 guidance, protection, and sustaining arm of heavenly 
 Goodness. 
 
 1822. — \2 mo. 21. The removal of our venerable 
 elder, William Tuke, will, I think, be felt interesting to 
 many ; as of a standard-bearer in our camp. I feel 
 desirous that his decease may have a tendency to 
 quicken and animate many, to stand nobly for the cause 
 he was concerned to advocate; not for the establishing 
 of their own views, but the advancement of true piety, 
 holiness, and humility, and thereby the glory of our 
 heavenly Father. I believe it would be acceptable to 
 Him, that as one faithful soldier is removed, others 
 should the more nearly and diligently unite, that there 
 be no breach in our ranks ; but that we might, not- 
 withstanding, press forward and advance, as a well- 
 ordered army, under the invincible captain. It feels, 
 as I write, precious to me to believe, that what we 
 sometimes denominate " the cause" is unchangeably 
 good, and worthy to be espoused, being the promotion 
 of the glory of God, in the happiness and salvation of 
 man. And I am a little cheered in the hope, although 
 many, and some very pleasant persons, are too much 
 at ease, very much short of a state of dedication and 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. Ill 
 
 resignation, and of perfect obedience, yet that the 
 call will continue so availingly to go forth, that many 
 will be aroused, and induced to come forward with 
 increased zeal and fervency of spirit, clothed with 
 humility as a garment; and that our society will yet 
 be beautiful and lovely, an ornament and a praise. 
 
 1822. — \2 mo. 29. May we be preserved so hum- 
 ble, so lowly, so in the spirit of gospel self-denial, as 
 becomes the devoted followers of Christ ; and as would 
 enable beholders to discover in us the genuine features 
 of his flock. I hope I hate formality for formality's 
 sake ; but when Friends have had the privilege 
 of being trained and accustomed to a plain, exem- 
 plary dress, I am concerned that those I love may 
 use great caution, ere they depart from it. 
 
 My apprehension is, that the present time is a dan- 
 gerous one to Friends. They are courted and smiled 
 upon by the world ; and, without very great caution, 
 we are liable, in our civil and religious intercourse 
 with them, to be drawn away from that weightiness of 
 spirit, wherein true religious advancement, I believe, 
 is known. The true, real, and genuine ground, upon 
 which Friends have been mercifully brought, I believe 
 to be exceedingly precious ; and our safety and use- 
 fulness to others much depend on our keeping upon 
 it, that we may be strengthened availingly by our ex- 
 ample to invite others on to it, instead of quitting it to 
 go on to theirs. 
 
 It becomes truly religious characters not to run 
 with the changeable spirit of the times. We may 
 
112 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 maintain a care respecting this, and yet have humble 
 views of ourselves, not thinking ourselves better than 
 others, nor piquing ourselves on any peculiarity ; but 
 in watchfulness and fear, endeavouring not to quit our 
 ranks, or give occasion by our example to any fellow- 
 soldier to desert his. 
 
 1823. — 4 mo. In all the circumstances and 
 changes which we have to experience, what a favour 
 it seems to be, to be strengthened to stay our minds 
 upon the Lord, and to feel at times a sensible, refresh- 
 ing calm, in which we can rejoice with thankfulness, 
 though with fear, knowing how little it is in our power 
 to command or preserve, or retain this feeling ; but 
 yet it is very sweet now and then to get a little portion 
 of it. It is something to recur to, and is indeed as a 
 brook by the way, enabling to hold up the head ; and 
 thus, in low, succeeding seasons, how encouraging it 
 is to remember that there is this precious state to be 
 at times known. How does it furnish occasion still 
 to trust on, and not cast away our confidence ; but to 
 believe that although our lot may be in poverty of 
 spirit, yet that the gracious Shepherd, whose goodness 
 and mercy are unbounded, will never leave nor for- 
 sake us, as we endeavour to trust in Him. So that 
 however tossed, or however beset with trying things, 
 let us often, very often, center down in humble quiet- 
 ness, and calm dependence on the Lord ; and then, I 
 believe, he will sustain and preserve us* 
 
 1823. — 10 mo. 18. It has been a subject of very 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 113 
 
 considerable anxiety, that we might be comfortably 
 supplied with a companion gifted with the requisites 
 to contribute to soothe and solace our declining days, 
 which I consider of very great consequence ; that the 
 mind may be sweetly at liberty to husband and 
 improve the supplies of good mercifully vouchsafed 
 day after day, so that there may be a little verdure, 
 even in advanced age. In adverting to the changes 
 we have experienced within the last year or two, 
 how apt is the mind to dwell on the privations, when 
 we might more profitably be clothed with gratitude 
 and humility, in a sense of the many privileges vouch- 
 safed, and continued, and renewed. 
 
 May Friends of every class be encouraged to come 
 up to the mark assigned them, in firmness and 
 humility, two very requisite companions to each 
 other in the Christian character; I might have added, 
 and wisdom. I do believe that the want of these, 
 and of more quietness and inward attention, has tended 
 to lay waste the minds of very many in our favoured 
 society ; intended, in divine wisdom and mercy, as I 
 sometimes think, to have been a compact, separated 
 body, endowed with very precious gifts and favours. 
 If there is too little of a capacity for inviting others, to 
 be seen in many places, there are many amongst us 
 who desire the prosperity of Truth. And oh! that 
 none of us may shrink from baptism : for may this 
 not be called the only way for truly dignified and 
 useful members to be produced in the church? 
 
114 
 
 CHAP. VIII. 
 
 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS WRITTEN IN THE 
 YEARS 1824 AND 1825. 
 
 1824. — 1 mo. 1. Thy allusion to the experience 
 of a winter season, might meet a similar statement from 
 us, and I doubt not, from many more ; and seeing this 
 feeling and allotment are in the permission of a wisdom 
 which cannot err, I desire we may accept them 
 with thankfulness, and be enabled wisely to improve 
 from them, quickening our diligence in the great 
 and highly important engagement of watchfulness, 
 and deep inward retirement of mind, before Him who 
 knows exactly all our wants, and how and when to 
 relieve them to our lasting advantage. Under a feel- 
 ing of inward poverty and want, of late known and 
 felt, I have thought it exceedingly desirable to labour 
 after inward quiet and attention, that the strength 
 may be rightly felt to be renewed, and our religious 
 experience, in the goodness and mercy of Israel's 
 Shepherd, to be enlarged. Hereby the ground-work 
 of true patience would be laid, and the way prepared 
 for that which is so much wanted among us ; namely, 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS* 115 
 
 for our becoming more a weighty, humble, watchful, 
 self-denying people, spiritually intelligent, and diligent 
 in submitting to divine requirings, advancing from 
 step to step on the ladder which reaches from earth 
 to heaven. May greenness adorn our evening, and 
 divine love and mercy be our eternal crown of re- 
 joicing. 
 
 1824. — 3 mo. 15. Oh the simplicity that I think 
 there is in the Truth! Oh the simplicity of the 
 Gospel, and of an inward, attentive, lowly waiting, 
 for the renewed revelations of it! How can this de- 
 parture from it [in America] have been occasioned? 
 What a favour, if those who have been in any 
 degree jostled off the foundation, may be in mercy 
 brought back, and have to declare to others, that, in a 
 cloudy time, they had missed their way, but are now, 
 in humility and meekness, brought back to the quiet 
 habitation, the place of rest and safety, where I believe 
 the filial fear thou mentionest, is happily known and 
 lived in. I hope our dear friends now among them 
 will be graciously protected ; furnished with the 
 needful supply of wisdom and strength, and often have 
 to lie down sweetly beside the still waters. Oh ! what 
 a favour we can conceive this to be, to the poor, 
 exercised, and oft-tribulated servants. Recurring 
 again to the occasions of sorrow, I seem to want to 
 add, how strange it is that any who love the Truth in 
 sincerity, should not dread the baneful consequences 
 
 i 2 
 
116 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 of breaking the unity — the unity of the Spirit, in the 
 bond of peace. 
 
 If I have any good desires, I think one of them is, 
 that the ministry may be increasingly weighty among 
 us. Our dear friends in that station are much to be 
 felt for, and I wish that we may be favoured with 
 increased qualification to contribute to their help and 
 comfort. How does the desire arise, that there 
 may be quite as much in weight as measure. It is 
 a very interesting time we live in ; and I think we 
 are a singularly-appointed people. How desirable is it, 
 that we may know our place, and keep it — a waiting, 
 solid, self-denying people. Greatly favoured we have 
 been ; and we have reason to believe, shall be, if we 
 keep to our principles — I might say, to our principle ; 
 the divine light, life, and power, revealed in the soul. 
 Believing in this with steadfastness, I believe we 
 should often have to be very poor, and sit very low. 
 But I fear to say much on this important and weighty 
 subject. Before I quite quit it, perhaps I may as 
 well say, that I have (of late particularly) thought on 
 the benefit and excellence of quietness and retiredness 
 of mind ; and the want of it in our religious and 
 favoured Society, as well as in the world at large. 
 If it were possible to make Friends sufficiently in 
 love with it, what blessed effects might be hoped for 
 from it. 
 
 1824.— 4 mo. 13 I am a believer in that repre- 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 117 
 
 sentation of George Dillwyn's, respecting important 
 deliberations and discussions in meetings for discipline, 
 somewhat on this wise: that, when Friends are 
 honestly, sincerely, and piously, engaged in delivering 
 their respective views, with becoming condescension 
 and feeling for each other, and the subject is drawing 
 to a point, there is sometimes known a seal on the top 
 of it, which bespeaks the conclusion to be owned. 
 What a favour and encouragement is it, when Friends 
 can perceive this! 
 
 1824, — 7 mo. 30. I notice thy information respect- 
 ing our dear friend's improvement in her health. It 
 is indeed a favour, when humility clothes the poor 
 instruments, as a garment from head to foot : indeed, 
 what virtue is like it for value ? It becomes the man 
 with one talent, and it is quite as needful for him that 
 has the two or the five. What are the most gifted 
 without it, but poor, mistaken creatures, forgetful that 
 in a moment all qualification for profit or service 
 may be withheld and suspended, if not entirely with- 
 drawn ? 
 
 1824. — 11 mo. 12. It is not likely that the 
 expression of my poverty should make thee rich. 
 J would rather endeavour to profit by every dispensa- 
 tion, that I may be favoured to know my attention 
 quickened, and my feet more and more established 
 in the faith, and hope, and patience of the Lord's 
 children. 
 
118 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 I am obliged for the various items of interesting 
 intelligence contained in thy letter. May we who 
 move in comparatively narrow spheres, be enabled 
 to pray for the preservation and protection of 
 the sincere and upright-hearted under every al- 
 lotment, and among all the vicissitudes permitted 
 to occur. How do I desire that the sincere- 
 hearted in America may be kept in the patient, 
 steady pursuit of purity and holiness, and know 
 from season to season ^ the discovery of the brook 
 by the way, enabling to hold up the head, and to 
 trust on. 
 
 What a people should we be, if we all moved on, 
 in the condescendingly-appointed order, desiring to 
 be neither greater nor less, than divine wisdom in- 
 tendeth us to be. Then surely would peace be our 
 portion, and the glory be ascribed to the blessed and 
 holy Head ; and we be living as dear children of the 
 same heavenly-minded family, abounding, according 
 to the divine will, in the fruits of the Spirit. 
 
 1824. — \2 mo. 8. Within a very short space 
 indeed, I have attended to the silent grave the 
 remains of two old acquaintances, respecting whom 
 it may now be said, as by and by of us, the place 
 that has known them, will know them no more. Not 
 that I think it desirable that the dropping off of 
 those, with whom we have been used to converse, 
 should be allowed unprofitably to depress, but to 
 quicken our attention to the solemn subject of the 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 119 
 
 uncertainty of time, and of all temporal things : it is 
 indeed an awfully-serious subject; and worthy of our 
 daily and hourly meditation. Our Quarterly Meeting 
 is again approaching : may it be a time of obtaining a 
 little increase of strength, and of encouragement to 
 walk in the path of faith, and humble confidence in 
 the divine arm of Power. 
 
 1825. — 4 mo. 8. My mind, one day this week, was, 
 I think I may say, sweetly comforted in the contem- 
 plation of the blessedness of that state, which is 
 preserved so low, so little, and humble and feelingly 
 dependent, as to be thankful for even a morsel of 
 heavenly bread, and even a small portion of that 
 living water which sustains the traveller in the path 
 of faith; and this was accompanied with gladness, 
 that, from the morning of our day as a religious 
 society, it was given forth as the sense of Friends, 
 respecting the Scriptures, that whatsoever doctrine is 
 contrary unto their testimony, may therefore justly 
 be rejected as false! It is very pleasant to me, 
 that there is extant part of a letter from William 
 Savery, of America, written at the time of the 
 trouble occasioned by H. B.'s dissent from Friends, 
 to a friend in London ; a few lines of which I incline 
 to transcribe, though I should not suppose they are 
 new to thee: viz. " The longer I live, the more 
 unshaken confidence I think I obtain, that the doc- 
 trines laid down by Robert Barclay and our first 
 
120 EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 Friends, founded upon the New Testament, and still 
 maintained by the body of Society at large, are invul- 
 nerable to the efforts of vain philosophy, sophistry, 
 and curious speculation, so long as we retain our 
 belief in that most excellent of all books; and I am 
 of the mind, that all such as depart from that foun- 
 dation, will wither and be confounded." 
 
 1825. — 4 mo. 28. Since our last friendly conver- 
 sation, I have felt much interested in the comfort of 
 thy declining years. Thou hast often mentioned 
 to me thy uncomfortable feelings and prospects, 
 respecting thyself and human nature. I believe, 
 much of them is occasioned by thy not endeavouring 
 to lay hold of the mercy of God, offered to his 
 creature man, through the Spirit of Christ in the 
 soul; because I think, and heartily believe, that 
 by resorting to that, we are often permitted to 
 feel our minds, through its blessed influence, brought 
 into a state of resignation to the dispensations of 
 Providence, and into a belief that all He does, 
 however inscrutable to our limited and finite com- 
 prehension, is in perfect wisdom; and that his 
 power is sufficient to turn every thing that He 
 suffers to befall us, to a good account in the end, 
 agreeably to the apostle's testimony, " that all 
 things work together for good, to them that love 
 and fear God." 
 
 As we reverently believe that the Almighty is 
 
EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 121 
 
 a being of infinite and adorable perfection in all 
 his attributes, He stands in no need of any thing 
 from us; but we stand in need of every thing 
 from Him. And we cannot rationally suppose 
 any motive in Him by the creation of man, but 
 the communication of happiness to his creature. 
 And it is good to entertain the belief, that this 
 divine goodwill, and gracious design to communicate 
 happiness, is not of a transient nature, but constant 
 and perpetual, in Him in whom it is said " there is no 
 variableness nor shadow of turning." And I cannot 
 for a moment entertain the idea that this Divine 
 and Almighty Being, who created man for happiness 
 and immortality, is so little mindful of him, as, when 
 he is come into the world, to leave him to shift for 
 himself; a creature who, He well knows, has daily 
 and hourly occasion for his providential care and 
 fatherly protection. Remember that interesting 
 saying of our blessed Saviour, " the very hairs 
 of your head are all numbered," as emphatically 
 descriptive of the tender notice and regard of 
 the Most High towards his rational and immortal 
 creatures. 
 
 I am sincerely interested in thy comfort ; and 
 I desire that the evening of thy days may be 
 cheered by the enlivening persuasion, that thou 
 canst not be from under the notice of Him, who 
 is an omnipresent Spirit, and who is not only 
 a God afar off, but also a God nigh at hand ; 
 about our bed, and about our path, and who 
 
12% EXTRACTS OF LETTERS. 
 
 spieth out all our ways ; and, as David beautifully 
 declares, " whose tender mercies are over all his 
 works;" and that thus believing, thy sun may go 
 down in brightness, and thy latter end be crowned 
 with peace, the blessed presage of everlasting 
 happiness. 
 
 THE END. 
 
 Harvey, Darton, and Co. Printers, 
 Gracechurch-street, London. 
 
 LBMr'f* 
 
I 
 
Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 
 Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
 Treatment Date: April 2006 
 
 PreservationTechnologies 
 
 A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 
 
 1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive 
 Cranberry Township, PA 16066 
 (724)779-211*.