LIBRARY OF THE University of California. Accession 86718 Class _ Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2008 with funding from IVIicrosoft Corporation http://www.archive.org/details/daybydaycompilatOOwillrich A - ^j'^ffU-i^k^,^ ^/ <0^/^ -e^^^ % DAY BY DAY: A COMPILATION FEOM THE WRITINGS OP ANCIENT AND MODERN FRIENDS. WILLIAM HENRY CHASE. •' The kingdom of God is not in word but in power."—! Cor. iv. 20. THIRD EDITIOK AUBURN : DENNIS BRO'S & THORNE, PUBLISHERS. 1870. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1869, by DENNIS BRO'S & THORNE, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Northern District of New York. BEMNIS BRO'S A THOBNB, 8TBBBOTYPKR8, ArBXTRN, X. T. '''' I found no narroiimess [in fny hearf\ res= pecting sects and opinions ; hut believed that sincere, uprigkt=kearted people, in every so* ciety, who truly love God, were accepted of Him/' JOHJ^ WOOLMAJ^. 86718 PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITIOK THE favorable reception that the two preceding editions of " Day by Day" have met with, has induced me to offer the third, trusting that this, too, may find its way into many homes. I fervently hope that it may be another means, through Divine aid, of drawing many of those who shall read it into the straight and narrow way — the only way of safety and of true happiness ; while, to the faithful in Christ, it may be, through His blessing, a daily support and comfort. In presenting this work it has been a precious privi- lege, for me, to extend to my beloved brethren every- where, the blessed invitation that Andrew gave to his brother Peter, to come unto Christ. Now that my part of this labor is nearly accomplished, may it go on, how- ever, out of my hands, and like the snow and the rain, not return to the Lord void, but prosper in the thing whereto it may be sent. The simple but glorious expression — "Looking unto Jesus" — is pre-eminently set forth in the testimonies of the one hundred and thirteen witnes^ses who are intro- duced to the reader, as well as in the lives of " a cloud of faithful ones" within the borders of the Society of VI PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION. Friends, extending in a continuous line through its whole history. One of the objects which has prompted to the publi- cation of these extracts, has been to present to those of the Society of Friends who are not familiar Avith our literature, a few precious germs of truth herein con- tained, with the view of inducing such to acquaint them- selves more with the writings of our accredited authors. Ours is a portion of the Christian Church which h^s borne an unusual share of suffering and persecution ; but through tliis great fight of affliction it is sweet to ob- serve the firm and faithful testimony that our prede-^ cessors maintained to the spirituality and simplicity o\ the Gospel dispensation. Should not we, then, their children, feel a responsibility resting upon us to uphold with prayerful zeal these important trutlis ? I cannot refrain from giving just here the pertinent and concise language of William Dewsbury, an ancient Friend, in regard to the rise of this people. He says; " We are not persons that have shot up out of the old root into another appearance, as one sect has done out. of another, till many are come up one after another, the* ground still remaining out of which they all grew ; but that very ground hath been shaking, destroyed and is destroying, removed and is removing in us." I take this opportunity of acknowledging my gratitude to my Christian hrethren^\\\xQ\\<^\Q>\\\j \\\^ land, for their uniform expressions of encouragement and sympathy thus extended. PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION. VU A few of these kind testimonials have been added at the close of this edition. May we, then, one and all, "endeavor to keep the unity of tlie Spirit in the bond of peace," and come expe- rimentally to feel that "one is (our) Master, even Christ, and that all (we) are brethren." William Henry Chase. Ukion Springs, Cayuga Co.,N. Y., fcjccoud Mouth, 1870. INDEX. ADcn, Margaret 55 Alexander, Mary 49, 295 AUen, John. . .31, 97, 207, 232, 256, 301, 310. Allen, William 12,182,183 Atkine, Esther 57 Barclay, John 13, 78, 91, 109, 123, 144, 164, 204, 250, 292. Barclay, Robert 5, 15, 99, 213, 240, 258, 287, 313, 328, 348. Barrough, Edward 146, 205, 230, 279, 341. Bacfehouse, Ann 56 Backhouse, Jonathan 110, 356, 362 Bowden, James 107 Backhouse, Hannah C. . .185, 267, 282, 299, Mi. Bo\vnas, Sam'l 40, 71, 102, 249, 290 Bettle, Jane 243 Crisp, S 312 Churchman. John 25, 53, 226, 251 Crouch, William 26 Corder, Susanna 50 Chalkly, Thomas.... 22, 37, 54, 66, 105, 159, 238, 252, 266, 231, 294. Capper, Mary 106, 132, 133, 136 Conron, John .. .112, 124, 154, 200, 227 Congdon, James, Clerk 195, 222 Crook, John 280 Collins, Elizabeth 69 Caton, William. 176 Davies, Richard 52 Dudley, Charlotte.. .187, 202, 231, 278, 322, 344. Dudley, Elizabeth 203, 345 Dymond, Jonathan 269, 285 Dillwyn, George 163, 216, 332 Evans, Jonathan 35 Ellwood. Thomas 82. B-j. 86, 87, 88 Ellis, William 284 Evans, Thomas 29, 208, 296, 360 Fox, George 1, 63, 75, 147, 148, 149, 150 151, 161, 162, 217, 275, 8, 43. Forster, William 6,7 Fox, Margaret 21, »73 Ferris, David 39, 121 Fry, Elisabeth 160, 246, 298 Fothergill, Dr. 1 28 Fothergill, John 169 Fox, Maria 23, 174, 271 Gurney, J. J. . . .3, 74, 84, 201, 228, 253. 254, 265, 274, 277, 300, 306 336, 349. Grellet, Stephen 16, 47, 72, 76, 131, 194, 248. Gurney, Elisabeth. . . .41, 127, 156, 229, 255. Gurney, Priscilla 58, 77, 103 Gurney, Hannah C 184 Grubli, Sarah 309, 319, 359 Gwinn, Thomas 270 Gilpin, M. A 79, 179, 326,327 Hutchinson, Jonathan 65, 211, 220, ^1, 259, 304, 305i 311, 314, 324, 334, 347, 350. Hagger, Mary 90, lit), 134 Howland, George 120, 141 Hull, Henry 260, 261, 262, 2<« Hunt, Nathan 191, 223 Jordan, Richard 18 Jones, Rebecca 2a3, 234, 235, 237, 257, 302, 333, 346. Jaffray, Alexander 188, 257, 823 Jewsbury, M. J 297,388 INDEX. King, ElizabethT 215 London Epifttle 11, 14,42, 45, 73, 170, 221, 283. Ledra, William 44 Loe, Thomas 193 Lewis, Enoch 17,92 Murray, Lindley 19 Middleton, Maria 145,168 Merritt, Anna.... 177 Marshall, Chaa 48 . Mott, A 239 Neale, Sam'l 5^42, 2&4, 318 Naylor, James 27 Nicholson, E.. 335 Penin?ton, Isaac 2, 4, 142, 340 Pamcll, James.. 122, 186, 210, 303, 339 Penn, Wildam 40, &4, 80, 98, 152, 165, 244. Pemberton, John 60 Pease, Rachel, 68,330 Proude, Mary 137, 138, 139 Penns and Peningtons 94, 95, 96 140, 14:J, 180. Penington. Mary 157, 158 Phillips, Catharine 129, 208, 272 Payton, Catharine 236, 327 Peisley, Mary 315, 316, 317 Pike, Joseph 172 Robson, Elizabeth 70 Ronth, John 171 Routh, Alice 286 Reynolds, Richard 103, 289, 320 Story, Thomas. .329, 354, 353, 363, 364, 365. Shillitoe, Thos 89, Ul, 351, .352, .353, 355 Sands, David 20, :«, 62, 178 Shackleton, Richard. . . .10, :», 83, 111, J 125, 155, 219, 245, 276, 308, 321, 337. Samble, Richard 126 Smith, Thomas ^'.166,167 Stephenson, Isaac 173 Scott, Job..... 198,225 Savery, Wm 51, 206, 212, 307 Scattergood, Thomas 331, 357 Spriugett, Mary 93 Taber, Elizabeth 214 Tallcot, Joseph 197 rallcot, J. and S 36 Taylor, Charles 343 Woods, Margaret, 9, .38, 100, 101, 128, 163, 209, 218, 28S, 361. White, Joseph 24 Whitehead, George.. .34, 101, 135, .330 Woolman, John 61, 130, 18l, 199, 224, 291. Withy, George 67 Wheeler, Daniel 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 175, 189, 190, 192. Waring, S 325 Yeardley, Eliz ibcth .32 Yeardley, Marha 59, 81 Yeardley. John 196, 247, 2S>3 FiKST Month 1.] " Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly callinj?, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profest^ion. Christ Jesus."— Hebrews iii. 1. TO all my clear friends and brethren, everywhere. He that hath the Sou of God, hath life ; all that have not the Son of God, have not life. The Son of God is He who makes free from all sin, and is come to deface and destroy the image of the devil, and to renew us up in the image of God, and so to bring us to walk in righteousness. Praises be unto the glorious God for ever, who has sent his Son into the world to take away the sins of the world. And all friends walk worthy of your calling in all holiness, for holiness becomes the saints; without holi- ness no man shall see the Lord. And every one improve your talents, laboring in the vineyard, dressing in the Lord's vineyard, that ye may be found faithful servants, and all walking in love to God and to one another. Lo, God Almighty be with you all ! The dew of heaven is falling upon you to water the tender plants; and the blessing of God be amongst you, which showers down amongst you ! The heavenly joy fill your hearts, and comfort you in the inward man in all tribulations. The glorious light is shining ; the immortal is springing forth out of death ; the prisoners have hope of their pardon the debt being paid and they freely purchased by ChiisiN blood ; and He is come into the prison houses ; the ] ris oners begin to sing in hope of their eternal freedo.n leaping for joy of heart ; and the dumb tongue shall sing praises — George Fox^ 1053. DAILY IJEADINGS. [First Month J " And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love \ and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God and God in him. —First Epistle of John iv. 16. AND this my soul waits and cries after, even the full springing up of eternal love in my heart, and in tlie swallowing of me wholly into it, and the bringiui:; of ray soul wholly forth in it, that the life of God in its; own perfect sweetness may fully run forth througli this vessel, and not be at all tinctured by the vessel, but per- fectly tincture and change the vessel into its own natui*e ; and then shall no fault be found in my soul before th« Lord, but the spotless life be fully enjoyed by me, and become a perfectly pleasant sacrifice to my God. Oh ! how sweet is love ! How pleasant is its nature ! How takingly doth it behave itself in every condition, upon every occasion, to every person, and about everything I How tenderly, how readily doth it help and serve the tieanest ! How patiently, how meekly doth it bear all •»hings, either from God or man, how unexpectedly soever they come, or how hard soever they seem ! How doth it believe, how doth it hope, how doth it excuse^ how doth it cover even that which seemeth not to bo excusable, and not fit to be covered ! How kind is it even in its interpretations and charges concerning mis- carriages ! It never overchargeth, it never grates upon the spirit of him whom it reprehends, it never hardens, it never provokes, but carrieth a meltingness and power of conviction with it. This is the nature of God. — Isaac Penington. First Month 3.] DAILY KEADINGS. 3 " If the tree fall toward the South, or toward the North, in the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be."— Eccl. xi, 3. rr^HAT there is a solemn meaning couched under this JL simple metaphor, no Christian can doubt. It seems to describe the change, so rapidly coming upon us all, of* probation for eternal fixedness, when the awful sentence will be heard, " He that is unjust, let him be unjust still ; and he that is holy, let him be holy still ; and he that is filthy, let him be filthy still." * But the tree will not only lie as it falls ; it will also fall as it leans ; and the great question which every man ought to bring home to his own bosom, without a moment's delay, is this — What is the inclination of my soul ? Does it, with all its affections, lean towards God, or from Him ? That the bent of all men, in their unregenerate state, is in the wrong direction. Scripture, experience, and history unite in bearing testimony. Man, by nature, is the child of wrath ; he has inherited from his first parents, in the fall, a proneness to sin; and his distinguishing character- istic is the absence of that love to God which is absolutely indispensable to true virtue and happiness. Hence it follows, beyond all doubt or question, that we must " be born again," that we must undergo a radical and inward change before we can live to the glory of God in this world, or be fitted for the enjoyment of his presence in the world to come. " Except a man be born of water and of the spirit, he cannot see the kingdom of God."t— J: J: Gurney. * Revelations xrii. 11. t John ill. 3-6. DAILY READINGS. [First Month 4. " If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."— John xiii. 17. WHAT is obedience ? It is the subjection of the soul to the law of the Spirit; which subject tion floweth from, and is strengthened by love. To wait to know the mind of God, and perfonn his will in everything, through the virtue of the principle of life revealed within ; this is the obedience of faith. This is the obedience of the seed, conv^ed into the creature by the seed, and it is made partaker of the seed. He is the son who naturally doth the will ; he is the faithful witness who testifies concerning the will ; yea, and he is the choice servant also. If I could obey in all things that God requires of me, yet that would not satisfy me, unless I felt obedience flow from the birth of his life in me. " My Father doth all things in me," saith Christ. This was Christ's com- fort. And to feel Christ do all in the soul, is the com- fort of every one that truly believes in him. True obedience, gospel obedience, is natural to the birth which is bom of God. It is unnatural to the flesh, to man's wisdom, to deny himself and take up the cross ; but it is natural to the tnith which is born of God'r* spirit. "That which is bom of the Spirit, is Spirit;" and it is natural to it to be conversant in, and exercised about, that which is spiritual. Honoring and pleasing, and answering the will of the Lord, is the proper aim of the truly obedient. Oh ! how do they delight to do the will of God ! "I have meat," saith Christ, "that ye know not of." — Isciac Penington. PiBBT Month 5.] DAILY RP:ADING8. " For he was a good man, and ftiU of the Holy Ghost and of faith ; and much people was added unto the Lord."— Acts xi. 24. AND, Oh blessed God ! Thou hast been graciously pleased to begin a good work, a glorious work of righteousness, in our day and time. Blessed God and Father ! we humbly pray Thee, carry it on, and make it prosper. Prosper the souls of thy people in it, that they may be a growing, thriving, and increasing people in Thy holy ways, and in Thy blessed work ; and as Thou hast sown a precious seed, and planted a noble vine by Thine own almighty hand, and hast given us a root of life, the foundation of our faith, love, and obedience; which foun- dation Thou hast laid in Zion. Lord, keep thy people sensible of it, that they may mind it, and wait upon Tliee and be preserved in that root of life whence thy blessing is, that Thy people may partake of Thy blessing and grow up into the nature of that life, to bring *forth fruit to Thee, to increase in faith and love, in obedience, and humility, and meekness ; that the life of true Christianity may be promoted and increased among thine heritage; that they may live in it, and shine forth in it, as Thy workmanship, which Thou hast created in Christ Jesus unto faithfulness in all good works ; that they may walk in them. Our souls are deeply engaged to Thee, and we have cause to bless, and praise, and honor Thy great and excellent name ; and through Thy dear Son, to offer up praise and thanks- giving to Thy great and excellent Majesty. Amen. — Robert Barclay. DAILY READINGS. [First Month 6. " It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. He sitteth alone and keepeth silence, because he hath borne it upon him."— Lam. iii. 27, 28. OMY God, the prayer of my heart at this time is that Thy hand may not spare, nor Thine eye pity, until Thou hast made me what Thou wouldst have me to be. Curb, I pray Thee, my rambling thoughts, when gathered from the world and the cares thereof to sit down in solemn silence as at Thy footstool. Grant me, O Lord, I beseech Thee, faith to believe in Thy sufficiency for every good thing, and my insufficiency for the same ; and to believe in the redemption from sin unto salvation, through Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, whom Thou made a little lower than the angels ; and sent Him into the world to be crucified for poor fallen man. Most glorious Father ! if I may but call Thee so, renew, if it be Thy ever-blessed will, my faith in Thee and in Thy ever-blessed Son, Jesus Christ ! And the prayer of my heart at this time is, that righteousness might co\*er the earth, even as the watei*s cover the sea. O ! blessed would be the day. Then, indeed, nation would no more rise up in war against nation, nor would the people learn war any more, which at this day is too sorrowfully the case. O ! the many thousands that have been slain, ay, and the tens of thousands, within these ten years, on the continent of Europe. O Lord, the prayer of my heart is, whilst I am writing, that if it be Thy blessed will, in Thy own time, which is the best time, and must be waited for before we can do anything aright, that Thou will extir- pate wars from every land. — Wm. JFhrster, 1798, aged 14. ^-iRST Month 7.] DAILY READINGS. '' In the morning bow thy seed, and in tlie evening witiihold not thine hand : for thou knowet^t not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall he alike good." — Eccl. xi. 0. WE are deeply bowed before thee, O God, under a sense of wli.at we are, and of thine hifinite ma- jesty. Yea, we tremble inwardly w^hen M'e look at our- selves, and contemplate what we are by nature, ant warm in God's love, power, and zeal for the honor of his name, " that his name may be great among the heathen," or gentiles; and ye may see over, or be overseers with the 'loly Ghost, which was before the unclean ghost got Milo man and woman. So with tliis Holy Giiost, you may see, ond oversee, that the unclean ghost and his works may be kept out of the camp of God. — George Fox, 1682. First Month 9.j DAILY' KKADIxXGS. "T will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O Lord, will I sing." — Psalm ci. 1. THE comfortable reflection, that a watchful Providence regulates every event, and that nothing happens to us but for wise and good ends, greatly tends to alleviate every earthly care, and prevent that anxiety which would otherwise be the portion of mortals. If sickness or even death approach us in our near con- nections, if prospects of various sorrows present themselves to our view, how calm is that mind whose dependence is on the Lord, who considers all the evils of this life as things that endure but for a moment ; and that they may work "for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory!" If we feel that all is riglit within, why should outward events disturb our repose ? If the afflictions we meet witli are not judgments for past transgressions, and to rouse us more to a performance of duty in future, yet the sorrows that encompass us tnay be designed to wean us from tills sublunary Morld, and engage ns to fix our atFections on heavenly objects, and lay up for ourselves treasures where no thief can steal. However discomposed, however aftlicted we may be, yet this liope still remains, a never-failing source of peace ; and the mind tliat sincerely desires so to overcome every propensity to evil, as to be accejited in the sight of the most holy God, will feel a renewal of strength to get t\ir> better of all those passions which vrar against its peace. — Jf(f}y/arct Woods, 1774. ' 1 10 DAILY READINGS. [I'iRST iMONTUlO. " I have uo greater joy than to hear tliat my children walk in truth."— 3 John 4. MY cry is for humility and wisdom, that I may be mercifully preserved from falling, and that I may not be tempted to exceed the life and authority of truth. [ know nothing more excellent nor more desirable than the living virtue of it, qualifying our spirits, and enabling us to move in the Lord's work. I wish it above all things for ourselves ; I wish it above all things for our children ; that they, as well as we, may surrender themselves at the Great Captain's discretion, make no terms of capitulation in yielding up the citadel of their hearts, only that life, s])iritual life, may be granted them, that they may be taken into the service of the Lord. There is no other ser- vice which is attended with such advantages ; there is safety and protection in it, from the usurjDation of other lords which have had dominion ; there is maintenance, clothing, and pay, there is honor, dignity, and immortal glory; all these blessed privileges and rewards are in- volved in this important cause. I heartily desire that our children's obedience in all things may keep pace with the knowledge communicated to them. " Hear and obey, and your souls shall live," is worthy of all accejitation. yirst, to be diligent in waiting, in order to hear the still, small voice, which is of private interpretation to our sev- eral states individually ; next to obey in submission and faithfulness the discoveries of the Divine Will in the jots Hud tittles, as well as the weightier parts of the law. — Richard Shackleton^ 1784. FmsT Month 11. ] DAILY READINGS. 11 " I ihank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ, that in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utter- ance, and in all knowledge ; even as the testimony cf Christ was confirmed in you."— 1 Cor. i. 4, 5, 6. AND, dear Friends, as our forefathers and predeces- sors were led and directed by the spirit of truth publicly to proclaim the sufficiency of the grace of God, inwardly manifested in the hearts of all the children of men ; we earnestly desire, that above all things the di- rections of this heavenly monitor in ourselves may be carefully observed, which will give us the clearest view of our several and respective duties, and guide us into all truth. From a disregard to this heavenly and universal principle of divine light, and disobedience to its holy guidance, proceed that ignorance and depravity which have overspread too many of the professors of Christian- ity. Let us, therefore, who are in an especial manner favored with the knowledge of the truth inwardly re- vealed, and in some degree made experimental witnesses of its power and efficacy, beware, lest any of us also fall away, and lose sight of that inward and unerring guide, which alone is able to keep us steadfast and unmoveable in the practice of pure and undefiled religion, preserve us from the spots and pollutions of the world, make us wise unto salvation, and enable us to perform that which is good and acceptable in the sight of God. To whom, for the comfortable influences of his Holy Spirit, and all his other manifold blessings, both spiritual and temporal, be glory, dominion, and praise ascribed, through Jesus Christ, cur Lord and Saviour. — London Epistle^ 1749. 12 DAILY HEADINGS. [ First Month 12. ''"When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the star?, which thouliast ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him ?"— Psalms viii. 3, 4. TES, we are believers in divine revelation. Some of us have pursued the path of science, have in- vestigated the wonderful works of the Creator, have been permitted to obtain a glimpse of those simple yet sublime and beautiful laws by which the universe is governed, and b)^ which that harmony and order, so es- sential to the preservation of the whole, are invariably maintained. The smallest insect which the microscope can discover, so beautifully organized in all its parts, so complete for the purpose for which it was created, pro- claims Omnipotence as loudly as those vast bodies which revolve round the sun at different distances, and with different degrees of velocity. The very earth which we inhabit, carrying seas agitated by storms, volcanoes, bodies everywhere in motion in all directions, yet re- volves upon its axis with a precision which no time-piece will ever be able to equal. They who have pushed their inquiries the furthest into the works of the great Crea tor, see at every step fresh subjects for admiration and astonishment, and are most deeply convinced that such marks of contrivance and design, such beautiful adapta- tion of means to ends, could only be produced by a Be- ing infinite in wisdom and in power, before whom the most intelligent of the sons of men dwindles into absolute insignificance. — William Allen. A wise man makes what he learns his own. FinsT Month 13.] DAILY READINGS. 13 " But unto yon that fear my name shall the Sun of Righteou!*neHs arise with healing in his wings."— Mai, iv. 2. HOW beautiful, how glorious alight is it, to beliold the sun iu the morning when it issues from its bed of crimson hue, when it gradually ascends tlie hori- zon, dissipating the dusky gloom of fading night, an>d divinity of this doctrine, and all of them joined to- gether bear such a testimony as cannot be resisted. We live in these latter days at a long distance of time from those seasons wherein those miracles were wrought, and wherein God appeared in so immediate a manner from heaven to witness to the truth of the Gospel of his Son. * * * "VVe are not left void at this day. " He that believeth hath the witness within himself." There is an internal testimony given to the Gospel of Christ in the heart of every one 'that receives it in truth. These are the beginnings of that eternal life wrought in the fsoul, which the Son of God bestows on all believersy "He that hath the Son hath life.'' Oh ! the spiritual life of a Christian runs into eternity I It is the same Divine temper, the same peaceful and holy qualities of mind, communicated to the believer here, in the days of grace and visitation, which shall be fulfilled and perfected in the world of glory. — David Sands, 1795. First Month 21.] DAILY READINGS. 21 " I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers Avith pure conscience."— 2 Tim. i. 3. 1"^ Almighty God I appeal, whom I serve with my spirit ill the Gospel of His Son ; whose I am, and to whom I am given up with mine heart and soul to serve, who hath been my Father and leader ever since I knew Him ; who hath led me through many trials, sufferings and exercises that were cross to flesh and blood ; who hath upheld and supported me therein down to this day. And now, in my old age, T am forced to renew my testi- mony again, through a false, lying spirit, gotten up amongst us to oppose and withstand our gracious, blessed truth, in the which we were begotten, and in the which we who are preserved out of this spirit do stand in that blessed unity of the eternal spirit which joineth up to the Lord, and one to another. But an imagining, false, and untrue spirit hath gotten into some, by which they are deluded, and Avill not see or apprehend by any means used to give them satisfac- tion. Yet for the satisfaction of Friends and others I give thus my testimony ; while I breathe upon the earth, then T shall stand up for God and truth ; He that taught mo to render to all men what is their due, and not to owe anything to any but love. In that which is religious and just God hath taught us and manifested His will. And He commands that we should render unto Caesar the things that are Csesar's, and to God the things that are God's, which I shall by His Holy assistance endeavor to fulfill both to God and man. — Margaret Fox, 1701. y 22 DAILY HEADINGS. [ FiHST Month 2 "But exhort one another daily, while it is called to-day ; leet any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."— Heb. iii. 13. IT is a thing truly excellent for mortals to love, serve, and fear him that made them, and gave unto all life and being ; and to begin this work betimes, is very advantageous to the never-dying soul. It is an indis- pensable duty, which is incumbent upon every one, male and female ; and whoever is found in the neglect thereof, will certainly have cause to repent it ; and unless they repent before they go hence, and see man no more, will be miserable to all eternity. This solid consideration hath often been weighty on my mind, and I could not be clear, as I thought, in the sight of God, without laying it before men and women. Truth commands us, reason persuades us, and example is very powerful and inviting, that the children of men would be wise to salvation, and embrace the love of God in his dear and well-beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who himself said, " I am the way, the truth, and the life." Oh ! surely here is a threefold cord, i. e., truth, reason, and example, which is not easily broken. God Almighty grant, for Christ's sake, that by it poor souls may be drawn to him, even now in their tender years. To-day, to-day, if any will hear the voice of the Lord, let them not harden their hearts ; for that is provoking to him that made us. How know we whether he who made the heavens, will be pleased to give us another hour ? How know we, but that after this day we may never open our eyes, till we open them in eternity ? — Thomas Chalkly First Month 23 1 DAILY READINGS. 23 '■' I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the fields, that yii^tir not up, nor aAvake my love, till he please." — Cant. ii. 7. FAR be it from me to give an opinion as to what may be thy future path ; the great Head of the church chooses his own instruments as it pleaseth Hira ; but even if it should be his purpose that thou shouldst thus testify thy love to Him, He may show it thee, as He has done to many others, for years before He calls to the pub- lic acknowledgment of it. I believe, also, that young converts — those who are newly awakened to the value and importance of religion — are very apt, in the ardor of their feelings, to imagine they are called to great things, and in the overflowings of that love to their Saviour which may be raised in their heart, to believe they must, as thou expressest it, " speak his praise " to those around them; but it does appear to me to be oiie of the very successful stratagems of our ever-watchful enemy, to persuade the young, as soon as they begin to walk in the right way themselves, that they are called upon to teach others, rather than abide under the blessed teaching which would, if they had patience to endure its secret reproofs, and wait upon its salutary though silent monitions, in due time, make them more capable to do so, in their daily life and conversation.^ — 3Iana Fox, 183V. No strength have we to do thy will. Except as thou conflrrast our heart ; Say to opposing waves, Be still ; Say to assaulting fears, depart. —Jane Crewdson. 24 DAILY RKxVDINGS. [First Month 24. " And he said unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And hesaith unto me, These are the true pay- ings of God."— ^e v. xix. 9. THE door is open, I see an innumerable company of saints, of angels, and the spirits of just men, which I long to be unbodied to be with ; but not my will, but thine be done, Oh, Lord ! I cannot utter, nof my tongue express, what I feel of that light, life, and love that attends me, which the world can neither give, nor take away from me. My sins are Avashed away by the blood of the Lamb that was blain from the founda- tion of the world ; all rags and filthiness are taken away, and in room thereof love and good will for all mankind. Oh, that we may become more united in the church mili- tant, and nearer resemble the church triumphant ! Oh, that we all might make such an end as I have in pros- ]iect: for it is all light, all life, all love, and all peace. The light that I see is more glorious than the sun in the firmament ! Come, Lord Jesus Christ ! come when thou pleasest; thy servant is ready and willing; into thy hands I commit my spirit. Not my will, but thine be done, Oh Lord ! I am near to enter that harmony with Moses and the Lamb, where they cry, " Holy ! holy ! holy !" I cannot express the joy I feel. If any inquire after me, after my end, let them know all is well with me. — Joseph White, 1777. And wilt f/ioi/ be mine for ever? Shall I live with thee and reip^n ? Come, these mosiklerins? chains to sever? Come, for death to me is gain. —J. J. Gurnet. riB8T Month 25.] »AILY READINGS. 25 " I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day : the night Cometh, when no man can work."— John ix. 4. A CERTAIN" sentence has been presented to the view of my mind, which seemed to contain a gentle engaging caution, and matter of instruction to me, attended with sweetness ; which was, " Work while it is day." Friends, this is our day, wlierein we ought to be diligent and industrious. In the light of the day we may see and understand how to work, and wliat to do, that at the conclusion we may obtain from the Master of the day, who dwelleth in light, the answer of well done ; for the night will come, wherein no man can work. We are favored with liberty in this day, to assemble together for worship unmolested ; and my hearty desire is, that we may properly improve this mercy ; for the time to some of us may come, before our day in this life is closed wherein this privilege may in some measure be taken from us. Something in me would be ready to say. The Lord forbid that it should be the case ; but by reason of the great declension which has overspread the church, I hardly dare to expect any other. Oh ! may Ave therefore be care- ful to prize the mercy of God, and endeavor to gain an inheritance in the light, that wdien night overtakes, and darkness as to the outward, may hang over us, we may be favored to withdraw into the sure hiding-place, and know a quiet habitation. — John Churchman. No bark hath ever foundered, Willi such a Friend on board. No ponl was ever cast away With such a Saviour Lord. — Janb Ckewdson. 26 DAILY HEADINGS. [First Month 26. '• Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth ; keep the door of my lips." — P^^ahn cxli. 3. HE tliat easily credits an ill report, is almost as faulty as the first inventor of it ; for though you do not make, yet you commonly /)ro^a^a^e a lie. There- fore never speak evil of any upon common fame, which for the most part is false ; but almost always uncertain whether it be true or not. * Let us accustom ourselves to pity the faults of men, and to be truly sorry for them, and then we shall take no pleasure in publishing them. This common humanity requires of us, considering the great infirmities of human nature, and that we ourselves also are liable to be tempted. Whenever we hear any man evilly spoken of, if we know any good of him, let us say that. It is always the more humane and the more honorable part, to stand up in the defense and vindication of others, than to accuse and injure them. That you may not speak ill of any, do not delight to hear ill of them. Give no countenance to busy-bodies, and those that love to talk of other men's faults. And lastly, let us set a watch before the door of our lips, and not speak but upon consideration ; I do not mean to speak finely, but fitly; especially when thou speakest of others, consider of whom, and wliat thou art going to speak ; before thy words slip from thee, which, when they are once out of thy lips, are for ever out of thy poioer. — Wm. Crouch to his children. FiKST Month 27.] DAILY KEADINGS. 27 " The four and twenty ciders fall down before him that pat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne."— Rev. iv. 10. THERE is a spirit which I feel, that delights to do no evil, nor to revenge any wrong, but delights to endure all things, in hope to enjoy its own in the end. Its hope is to outlive all wrath and contention, and to weary out all exaltation and cruelty, or whatever is of a nature contrary to itself. It sees to the end of all tempta- tions ; as it bears no evil in itself, so it conceives none in thoughts to any other : if it be betrayed it bears it ; for its ground and spring is the mercies and forgiveness of God. Its crown is meekness, its life is everlasting love unfeigned, and takes its kingdom wnth entreaty, and not with contention, and keeps it by lowliness of mind. In God alone it can rejoice, though none else regard it, or can own its life. It.'s conceived in sorrow, and brought forth without any to pity it ; nor doth it murmur at grief and oppression. It never rejoiceth but through sufferings ; for with the world's joy it is murdered. I found it alone, being forsaken ; I have fellowship therein with them who lived in dens and desolate places in the earth, who through death obtained this resurrection and ?ternal holy life. — James Nayler. 1660. His last testi- mony, said to he delivered before his departure out of this life ; several Friends heipg present. So died James Naylor. He was buried in "Thomae Pameirs burying ground, at King's Rippon," in a green nook of rural England. 27 23 DAILY READINGS. [FiKST Month 5 Let your light so shine before men, that they may Bee your good workB, and glorify yonr father which is in heaven."— Matt. v. 16. I WAS last night at a large meeting which is held here quarterly, under the name of the Young Folks' Evening Meeting. I was pleased to see a very numerous appearance of very promising young Friends of both sexes ; several testimonies were delivered by some that have lately appeared in public ; they seemed to be influ- enced with love and zeal ; and it afforded me satisfaction when I considered that it was possible some of these young hearers might one day stand as bulwarks against the general corruiDtion and degeneracy among us, in the place of their deceased worthy elders and fathers. They have to tell us that better days were coming, that mercy was extended, that Zion yet should shine more brightly. O thrice happy those who live so near the centre of peace, as to be ready, when the alarm is given, to follow wherever the standard is fixed. I can now only desire this for thee and myself, that our dear father's example and precej^ts may insinuate themselves into our minds so far as to influence us to act, to speak, and even to think, as it becomes persons favored in such an extra- ordinary manner. Dear Sister, cease not to shine, though discouragements may too much prevail ; may happiness attend thee. Farewell. — Doctor I. FotJiergell, London, 1738. Ill this divine glass they see face to face, and their couverse is free as well as pure. Penn's Maxims. PiKST Month *).] DAILY KKADINGS. " For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but aliso siifler for his sake."— Philippians i. 29. UNAIDED by any alliance with the great or power- ful ; ridiculed and hated by the world, and every- where pursued witli contempt and cruelty, the principles of Friends silently spread through the kingdom, winning the assent of men who were inferior to none in education, talents, and respectability. Amid the severest persecution, when deprived of every temporal good, torn from home and all its endearments, with every probability that they should seal the truth of their principles with the sacrifice of their lives, they faltered not. Though all around them looked dark and threatening, yet there was light and peace within ; they not only met their sufferings with patience and fortitude, in the unresisting spirit of their Divine Master, but, through the goodness of God, were so filled with heav.enly consolation, that they sang for joy even in the extremity of their suffering. If the calamities in which Friends bore so large a share had no other good effect, they evidently tended to convince the nation of the folly of persecuting men for differences of opinion. More tlian thirty years of suffering had passed over, and not a single Quaker had been induced by it to abandon his profession. They were as prompt and diligent :is ever in the open performance of their religious duties, and as ready patiently to submit to the p..'nalties of unrighteous laws. — Thomas Evans, {Introductory Be- marks to the Life of George Fox). 30 DAILY READINGS. [First Month 30. " Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave un- to his wife, and they shall be one flesh.'"— Gen. ii. 24. I CONGRATULATE the new-married pair on their union ; I hope there is cause to believe that He wlio made them has mercifully condescended to own their connection, that it is not without His Divine notice and approbation. They are young, it is the spring-time of life with them, luxuriant shoots will be apt to grow; may they suffer the pruning hand of Divine culture, the bap- tism which initiates, preserves, and keeps clean, and ren- ders comely and acceptable in the sight of the Husband of souls. Acceptance with Him is all, and without it every en- joyment fails of satisfying the immortal spirit, every com- fort of this life loses its best relish, and every trouble is aggravated by an additional sting ; whereas, dwelling low, keeping in the moderation, and looking to our great Benefactor daily for his blessing, holding all as at his hand, and referring all to him, his benefits are received with humble thankfulness, hefilleth our hearts with food and gladness, the creatures are used to his honor, and not abused to our hurt, and the Great Giver has the praise of all. This world, its bustle, its pursuits, and its highest glo- ry will soon be over to every one that is at present in it. Then the answer of " Well done ! good and faithful serv- ant" will be a more joyful sound, than all the favor and friendship which this life can bestow. — Richard Shackle- ton, 1781. First Month 31.] DAILY READINGS. 3^ " Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you." — Matt. xx. 25. AS Christ's Kingdom was not to be set up, so neither was it afterwards to be sustained, by force or fraud ; human wisdom and greatness, as such, were not to be its pillars, but lowliness and meekness ; for he declared, " except ye become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven," implying ihat th. y could not otherwise be his faithful subjects. When the Samari- tans would not receive him, and some of his disciples in- quired whether they should call for fire from heaven to destroy these unbelievers, he meekly replied, " ye know not what spirit ye are of; for the Son of Man is come not to destroy men's lives, but to save them." Thus he testified that they were not subject to the influence of his meek, holy, and beneficent sovereignty, but ignorant what its nature was, and whose subjects they really were ; for that he came to promote love and truth, to save and not to destroy, even those who op- posed him. It may be asserted that the whole tenor of the New Testament is consonant with this view of the character of the Kingdom of Christ ; and that in proportion to the purity and faitlifulness with which it is upheld, will love, sincerity, and meekness, " peace on earth, good will to men, and glory to God," prevail as its sure tokens and genuine results. — John. Allen^ England, 1853. DAILY READINGS. [Second Month 1. " Enter ye in at the strait gate : lor wide is the gate, and broad is the way thatlcadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat."— Matthew vii. 13. THE broad way seems more and more crowded, while the road to Zion is thinly scattered with poor wayworn travelers; each, or nearly so, of the former living as if there were to be no hereafter, and earth was to be their eternal home. I have thought that as our Blessed Redeemer's arms were extended wide on the cross to embrace perishing sinners, so do these short-sighted mortals extend their arms and their wishes in grasping imsubstantial vanities, and that craving one o{ Mammon, the most fascinating of all, as it increases with age. I hope by what I have felt of the keen arrow of adversity piercing the heart, it will teach me, when I see it wounding any of my fellow-mortals, to endeavor to soothe, if I have nothing else in my power toward heal- ing the wound. Let thee and me be determined, in the name of the holy Jesus, to follow him and not look on others. He is leading us into the pure green, ever green pasture of humiliation, where the sheep of his pasture love to lie. I own the road is not very pleasant ; the descent is rugged, and many times the poor traveler is ashamed of being seen hobbling down by his former acquaintance ; but when once within the sacred inclosure, the sweet aii tliat breathes humility hushes all stormy passions to rest. I read and read again of all those holy folks being divested of self, and anxiously do I desire to be so too, but by the marks they lay down I am very far from that attainment — Elizabeth Yeardley, aged 36. Skcokd MoNta i.] t)AlLV llt^ADlNGS. 38 "And to stand every mornin»e at L'vcn." — 1 Chrou. xxiii. 30i IN the beginning of the day it ought certainly to he our care to lift up our liearts to God as soon as wo awake; and on rising from bed to endeavor to have oil.' minds brought into seriousness and stilhieas ; to thought- fulness as in the Divine presence ; for this is a sc ason when there are many considerations which may, or ought to, suggest a variety of pious reflections and ejaculations, which are so obvious that a mind inclined to piety could hardly forget or miss them. The cheerfulness natural on our first waking; the refreshment we liave found fi'om sleep ; the security we have enjoyed during that defense- h'ss condition ; the enjoyment of witnessing once more the reviving influ'-'nce of the sun; the recollection of the many comforts and conveniences which we have enjoyed or received, and are surrounded with, so graciously pro- vided by the great Author of all our mercies; and now having the prospect of one day more, not oidy to see our dear connections, but to serve our Heavenl}^ Fathei*, whose service is freedom and whose labor is love ; and continued opportunity for the improvement of our minds ; and above all, cherishing a lively hope of finally witnessing a perfect resurrection to an eternal day of happiness and glory. The exercise of private devotion in the morning, I hope you will, my children, engage in as the first work of the day, yet I cannot prescribe a particular method to any of yoa. Consult the witness for God in your own hearts. — David Sands, IV 95. 34 DAILY READINGS. [Second Month a " Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of itEbenezer, sayin. "As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered ; so will I seek out ni}' sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.''— Ezek. xxiv. 12. FOR it is the glorious Gosptl-day, in which God is exalting his dear Son, as Prophet, Priest, and King, in the hearts of his people. O that the nations would hear him, their only saving health, and Israel's great Shepherd ! who takes care of his sheep, that hear liis voice, and gives unto them that follow him in the daily cross unto regeneration, eternal life. He hath sent and is sending forth his servants, to gather home the sheep that are gone astray in all nations, that so there may be but one Shepherd and one sheep-fold ; according to the glorious promise made to these latter times, in which he said he would be the teacher of his people, himself God is awakening men to the knowledge of his glory, in the face or appearance of Christ, by his Spirit in their hearts and consciences, which reveals to men the Father, yea, the deep things of God. O that they would hear and fear, and learn the things that make for their eter- nal peace ! For if the righteous scarcely are saved, where, O where, shall they appear that neglect so great salva- tion ! — a salvation that comes so near them, as to knock at the door of their hearts ; that searches them and tries their reins, and tells unto them their most inward thouglits; and brings a line of judgment over all their words and works. This is Christ Jesus, the Light of the world, who was given of God for salvation to the ends of the earth. — William Penn. Skcond Month 10.] DAILY READLXGS. 4:1 • " Keep thy lieait with all diligeuce ; for out of it are the issues of life/'— Prov. IV. 23. I HAVE been reading Watts' Logic; it tells me how ill-regulated are my thoughts ; they ramble truly ! Regularity of thought and deed is wliat I much want ; I appear to myself to have almost a confusion of ideas, which leads to a confusion of actions ; I want order ; I believe it difficult to obtain, but yet with perseverance at- tainable. The first way to obtain it, it appears to me, is to try to prevent my thoughts from rambling, and to keep them as steadily as possible to the object in view. True re- ligion is what I seldom feel, nor do I sufficiently try after it, by really seeking devotion ; I do not warmly seek it, I am sure, nor do I live in the fear of an all-wise Being, who watches over us ; I seldom look deep enough, but dwell too much on the surface of things, and let my ideas float. Such is my state. I can't tell how I feel exactly — at times all seems to me mystery ; " when I look at the heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and stars, which thou hast ordained, what is man, that thou art mindful of him or the son of man, that thou visitest him ? " ^ Thou must exist, oh God ! for the heavens declare thy glory, and the firmament showeth thy handy-work. — Elisabeth Gurney, ao;ed 20. It is a coal from God's altar must kindle our fire ; and without fire, true fire, no acceptable sacrifice.— TFm.ZVnn. 42 DAILY READINGS. [ Second Month 11. " But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evU : which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."' —1 Tim. vi. 9, 10. LET all promises and obligations for payment of just debts be truly kept and performed ; and due care taken that all offenses, trespasses, and differences be speedily ended and composed, in God's wisdom, accord- ing to gospel order among us, either by mutual forgive- ness, Cliiistian counsel, or just arbitration, as the case may require, and safely admit or allow ; and the choice of arbitrators and umpires be of such just, impartial men, as neither party can justly except against. * * * As our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ exhorted and warned to beware and take heed of covetousness (which is idolatry), w^e are concerned that all professing Christianity among us may take heed of pride, covetousness, and hastenmg to he rich in the world^ which are pernicious and growing evils ; let them be watched against, resisted, and suppressed, in the fear and dread of Almighty God, and have no place or countenance in his camp. O ye grave elders, both men and w^omen ! pray be careful and watch- ful against these evils, and over the youtli in these cases. It is also seriously advised that no Friends suffer romances, play-books, or other vain and idle pamphlets, in their houses or families, which tend to corrupt the minds of youth ; but instead thereof, that they excite them to the reading of the Holy Scriptures and religious books. — London Epistle^ 1720. Sbcond Monxh 12.] DAILY READINGS. 43 " God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Sou, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life."— John iii. 15. DEAR FRIENDS:— I am glad to hear that the concerns of Truth are so well as tliey are with you, and that you have set up your Half-year's Meetings, which may be of great service. And all that are faithful in your country, being kept in the Lord's eternal power, in it keep up all your men and women's meetings, that the power of the Lord God may spread over all, and by it all deceit and looseness may be kept under; and this will ease all the magis- trates, and their courts, of all evil and looseness, by hav- ing it stopped and killed in the birth, before it comes in to action ; and see in your meetings, that Friends give no occasion [of offense] to the Indians. And if sometimes you should have some meetings with the Indian kings and their councils, to let them know the principles of Truth ; so that they may know the way of salvation, and the nature of true Christianity, and how that Christ hath died for them, Avho " tasted death for every man ; " (and so the gospel of salvation must be preached to every creature under heaven) ; and how that Christ hath enlightened them, who enlightens all that come into the world. And God hath poured out liis Spirit upon all flesh ; and so the Indians must receive God's S])irit. * * * ^^^ g^ |^^ them know, ihat they have a day of salvation, grace, and favor of God offered unto them ; if they will receive it, it will be their blessing. — George Fox, 1687. 44 DAILY READINGS. [Second Month 18. " For to me to live i Christ, and to die isgain."— Philippians i. 21 WILLIAM LEDRA, an inhabitant of the Island of Barbadoes, being convinced of the principles of truth as held by the religious Society of Friends, and believing himself divinely called to travel in New England, came to Xewbiry in the year 1658, where he was taken up, with liis companion William Brend, carried to Salem in Massachusetts. The magistrates of this place asked if they were Quakers ; and being told they were so called in scorn, tliey charged them with denying that Christ who died at Jerusalem, and also the Holy Scriptures. Sentence of death was passed upon him and the time fixed for its execution. On the morning when this servant of the Lord Jesus sealed his testimony with his blood, the governor came to the prison with a military guard ; W. L.'s irons were knocked off, and taking a solemn leave of his fellow-prisoners, he cheerfully went forth to meet death, saying, " All that will be Christ's disciples must take up the cross." Then taking his stand where the guard directed him, he addressed the people thus : " For bearing my testimony to the Lord against the deceivers and deceived, am I brought here to suffer." When the executioner was putting the halter about his neck, he calmly said, " I commend my righteous cause unto thee, O God ;" and as he was turned off, he cried out, " Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." — Memories of William Ledra^ by W. and T. Evans, 1660.* Second Month 14.] I>AILY EEADINGS. 45 " Then David said to Oman, Grant me the place of this threshing-floor, that I may build an altar therein unto the Lord : thou shalt grant it me for the full price : that the plague may be stayed from the people. And Oman said unto David, Take it to thee, and let my lord the king do that which is good in hie eyes : lo, I give thee the oxen also for burnt offerings, and the threshing instra- ments for wood, and the wheat for the meat offering; I give it all. And king David said to Oman, Nay ; but I will verily buy it for the full price : for I will not take that which is thine for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings without cost."— 1 Chron. xxi. 22, 2.3,24. AND now, clear Friends, that all your offerings may be free, and of your own, that liave cost you something : so that you may not offer of that which is another man's ; or that which you are entrusted withal, and not your own ; or fatherless and widows' estates ; but all such things you may settle and establish in their places. For you may remember, many years ago, in the time of great persecution, there were divers Friends who were traders and shop-keepers, and others which had the con- cerns of widows and fatherless, and other people's estates in their hands, that, when a great suffering, persecution, and spoiling of goods, came upon Friends, there was a !*pecial care taken, that all that Friends did suffer, and what they did offer up to the Lord in their sufferings, it might be really their own ; and not any other's estates or goods which they had in their hands, and were not really their own. * * * And therefore, after several letters came out of the country to the meeting at London, Friends that had goods from the shop-keepers here at London upon credit, which they had not paid for, wrote back again to the creditors that they had the goods of; and intreating of them to take their goods again. — London Epistle, 1683. 46 DAILY READINGS. [Second Month 15. "Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered nnto my neces- »ities, and to them that were with me."— Acts xx. S4. THE court was adjourned for six weeks; and finding myself more closely confined than before, and not knowing when or how it would end, I began to be very thoughtful what method to take, not to be chargeable to my friends. As I was full of thought on my pillow about the matter, it came into my mind to try if I could learn to make shoes ; and applying myself to a Scotch church man in the neighborhood, one Charles Williams, a good- natured man, I made a proposal to buy a pair of shoes of him, cut out for me to make up, and to give him the same price as if made, desiring him to let me have ma- terials and tools to go on with the work, and requesting that he would be so kind as to show me how to begin and proceed in it. I acquainted him with my reasonn for so doing. He replied, " It is very honest and honor- able in you : but," added he, " if one of our ministers were in the like state, they would think it too mean for them to take up such a practice, though it be for bread ; and your friends, perhaps, will not like it." However he readily fell in with me, if that I could get my bread with my own hands, it was most agreeable with Paul's prac- tice ; and accordingly next morning he brought me leath- er cut out, with materials and tools to work with, and with his direction I closed one of the upper leathers be fore he left me, and he put it on the last for me, and by night I finished that shoe. — Samuel Bownas. Second Month 16.] DAILY KEADINGS. 47 " A devout man, one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alma to the people, and prayed to God alway."— Acts x. 8. /^ EORGE FOX himself was a man of no ordinary \jr character. Though possessed of but little of the " learning of the schools," yet, as a Christian, his spiritual understanding was sound, clear, and compre- hensive. Christ was its center, and the truth, as it Howed from him, its area and circumference. With a mind as humble and child-like in its willingness to be taught, as it was fearless and unflinching in its obedience to what it had already learned, he had comprehended the practical bearing of the great Christian doctrine — the simple fact — of the direct influence and perceptible guidance of the Holy Spirit ; he saw and appreciated not only its entire accordance with the Holy Scriptures, but its importance also as an essential part of* gospel truth. The Old and New Testaments were the canon of his religious belief. In doctrine, he fully recognized the conclusiveness of their divine authority ; in practice, he felt it to be his bounden duty, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, at all hazards, faithfully to carry out in life and conversation all that was required by their teaching ; and he was ever willing that both his principles and his conduct should be brought to the test of their de- cision. Mere human systems were nothing to him in point of authority; ecclesiastical establishments, with their popes and cardinals, "Right Rev. Lord Bishops," etc., and the lower grades of the priesthood were, in his view, unscriptural institutions. — Benjamin Seebohm. 48 DAILY RFADTNGS, [Second IMonth 1*2 " Be still and know that I am God.'''— Pf aim xlvi. 10. AND now, oh Friends ; let a time silence and sAveet stillness come on all your spirits ; so shall your inward ear be opened to his heavenly counsel, and you will be ready, in true bowedness of spirit to say, what the Lord has commanded and required, that will we do, through his divine strength ; and you will be preserved in all the various exercises of the day, and out of the hurries of the people in this season of fuliilling what was said in many of your ears, many years ago, disap- pointment upon disappointment, sorrow upon sorrow, ex- ercise upon exercise, and distress upon distress ; and as you are inwardly staid upon the Lord, in his eternal light, you will feel help from Him in all your straits. Gather to the munition of rocks, where your bread shall be sure, and waters never fail. Be faithful in the Lord's work, and keep meetings as the Lord requires, and that dili- gently, week days as well as first days, and the Lord will appear in the brightness of his power, and the glory of his presence you shall enjoy more and more. And, dear Friends, you that God hath blessed with out- ward substance, first the opening love of Christ Jesus, who oifered himself up for us, to open your hearts, and give you wisdom to take effectual care of the poor and needy, according to your ability. So to God almighty I commit you ; and having done his will, I rest in my Father's love, your tender friend and brother, in the labor and travail of the Gospel. — Charles Marshall, London, 1697. SBCOND MoNTK 18.] r>AlLr READINGS. 49 "Out of the mouths of babes and suckling? hast thon ordained strength, be- cause of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.'*— Psalm viii. 2. AT a very early age I believe my mind was, at times, Visited with the heart-tendering power of the l^ord ; long before I knew what it was that contrited my spirit before him. This led me to feel a very great love for such as I esteemed good Friends, and enabled me to plead their cause when I heard some speak slightly of them, on account of what were considered singularities. My education did not subject me to such frequent expo- sures as fall to the lot of many, and perhaps of most ; yet there were seasons when circumstances of this sort did occur. One in particular I remember. When about ten years of age^ I rebuked a person who was ridiculing one whom I believed to be a valuable woman; and the person's answer to me was, " I make no doubt but you will be a preacher when you grow up." I silently re- ceived what she said, and felt a secret reward, which ena- bled me to rejoice that I was permitted to bear my little portion of suffering for espousing the good cause. Yet sorrowful to remember, several years after, I fear I should have felt less ability to have done it, than at that early period ; but, with reverent thankfulness I can ac- knowledge the wonderful goodness of a merciful God, who never permitted me to go along unrebuked, when I had wandered widely from his holy guidance. — Mary Alexander^ 1798. Every day has its duty. 50 DAILY KEADIXGS. [Second Month 1ft. '' But exhort one another daily, while it is called to-day ; lest any of you be hardened throua^h the deceitfuhies? of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end."'— Heb. iii. 13, 14. WHILST tracing the Christian course of tlie ma , whose experience has been recorded in th ' pages of this volume, how deeply instructive and how encouraging are the evidences that a soul-animating faith in the efficacy and all-atoning virtue of the blood of Je- sus, (which, when applied to the heart by the sanctifying power of the Spirit, cleanseth us from all sin,) has been found sufficient to anchor the immortal spirit on the Rock of Ages, and to prepare it to enter, with hopes full of immortality, on the awfully mysterious realities of an invisible and never-ending state of existence. Keader, if it has happily been thy chief concern to ob- tain the like precious faith, " may the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Je- sus, establish, strengthen, settle " thee. But if, on read- ing these lines, " the faithful witness," the Spirit of Him whose " eyes " are " as a flame of fire," penetrating the most secret recesses of the heart, should testify that the fleeting pursuit-' of time have too much engrossed thy at- tention, and veiled from thy view the infinite impor tance of seeking " first the kingdom of God, and his right eousness," mayst thou become solemnly impressed with the danger of delaying, even for a moment, to come unto Christ, to seek, in deep humiliation and patience of soul, to be reconciled to the Father. — Susanna Corder, Secoito Month 20.] DAH.Y READINGS. 51 "With the merciftil thou wilt show thyself merciful, and with the upright man thou wilt show thyself upright."— 2 Sam. xxii. 26. I MAY acknowledge, that, notwithstanding my revolt and turning aside from the; paths of purity and peace, the Lord has been graciously near me all my life Jong, and has watched over me as a tender father, for good, smitten me by his Spirit when I have been rebel- ling against his holy law written in my heart, making merry over the divine witness tliere ; and has reached to me and tendered me in the midst of mirth and jollity. He often followed me to my chamber, and upon my pil- low has drawn tears of sorrow and contrition from me, wlien none have been privy to it but his all-seeing eye : so that my days of joy and laughter have often pro- duced nights of sorrow and weeping. Still I continued sinning and repenting, and turning the grace of God into wantonness for a number of years, being at times favored to see, in part, the beauty there is in holiness, but fearful of incurring the scorn of the world's deluded votaries, should I turn my back upon it. Activity of spirits, loose discourse and noisy mirth, were my sad refuge to drown serious reflections; yet the worm that never dieth, a wounded conscience, oftea embittered my sweetest draughts of pleasure. In tiis state I was inclined some- times, in a serious hour, to read a pious author, which, I think, by the assistance of the gracious Helper, was made serviceable to me, being roused to more serious thought than ever before. — Wm, Savery^ 1118, 52 DAILY READINGS. [Secoxd Month a. " Hide not thy face far from me ; put not thy servant away in anger : thou hast been my help ; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine ene- mies.— Psalm xxvii. 9, 10, 11. ABOUT this time, 1657, it was the great talk of the country that I was become a Quaker. My pa- rents were much concerned about me. I was informed that the priest of Welch-pool, W, Longford, went to them and told them that I was gone distracted, and that they should send for some learned men to come tome and restore me to my senses. I had not been yet with my father nor mother, but waited for freeness and clear- ness in myself, and then I went to see them, and in my way I visited an old friend of mine, a professor, and had a little opportunity to speak to him of the things of God, and his goodne&s to me, and a young man, called David Davies, was then convinced of the truth : this was on a seventh-day, in the afternoon : and when I was clear there, I went to Welch-pool to my parents. It was a trouble to them to see that I did not, as formerly, go down upon my knees to ask their blessing, and bow to them and take off my hat. My father soon turned his back upon me. I had heard of his displeasure, and that he had said he would leave me nothing ; saying to my relations, that they thought to have had comfort of me, but now they expected none, but that I would go up and down the countjy, cvying, Repent ! Repent I — Richard NcgJect not a known duty. Second Montu 22,] DAILY KEADmGS, 53 " Although the fig-tree shall not blossom, neither shall firuit be in the vines ; the labor of the oJive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat ; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls : Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation."— Hab. iii. 17, 18. THE next day, being asked how he was, he said nearly as follows : " I have slept sweetly, and seem much refreshed ; and though I feel myself very weak in body, I am full of Divine consolation, having never before had such prosj)ects of heavenly things. It seems even as though my soul was united in chorus with glorified saints and angels, both sleeping and waking. I now believe I shall recover, and that this sickness did not happen to me altogether on my own account. My only way to recover is to be industrious and diligent in what I believe is re- quired of me ; I have many messages to deliver, both in public and privately to Friends, who I see have missed their way, and have in a great measure deprived them- selves of the beauty wherewith an humble abiding in the truth would have dignified them ; and to some of my elder brethren, for whom I feel an uncommon near- ness of affection, their lives never appeared to be more near to me, and I dare not conceal counsel from them, whether they will bear or forbear. * * An uncommon earnestness attends my mind, for the recovery of the re- bellious, hypocritical, and backsliding professors of all ranks amongst us. If I get to our quarterly meeting, which I believe I shall, and can have time allowed me when there, I have tidings, important tidings, as from a dying man, to many." — John Churchman. 54 DAILY HEADINGS. [Second Month 23, " Blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called the children of God," —Matt. V. 9. THIS peace-making is excellent work, and a blessed calling; what a pity it is, that there are not workmen in the world who would set themselves heartily to it, which if they did in a right spirit, God would cer- tainly prosper the work in their hands, and plentifully reward them with his own peace, which passeth the un- derstanding of the natural man. If our ingenious men, our men and women of skill and good natural parts, would take a little pains, nay, when the case requires it, a great deal, the Almighty would richly reward them. This work is not too mean even for princes and nobles ; no, not even the greatest monarchs on earth, unless it be too mean for them to be called the children of God. * * * Wherefore, we should seek peace with all men, and ensue it, or sue for it, by our continual seeking of it, being a precious jewel, when found ; and though this office may seem a little unthankful at first, yet in the end it brings forth the peaceable fruits of right- eousness, as many so laboring have witnessed. And Christ, to encourage the work, says, " They shall be called the children of God ; " which are the words of the King of kings ; and if the princes of this world would promote this work among themselves, it would save a vast expense of treasure and of blood; and as these peace-makers are to be called the children of God, they who are truly concerned therein are not only so called, but are so in deed and in truth. — Thomas ChalJdy, Second Month 24,] DAILY EEADINGS. 55 " What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it ? Wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes ? " — Isa. v. 4. rr^ HOSE who have set the Lord always before them, I dare not do otherwise than acknowledge him in all their ways. They prefer Jerusalem to their chief joy. But how sorrowfully does the language of conduct pro- claim in many, that they love the world, and are striving to get as much of the things of it together as they can, that they may have a name in the earth ! These are stumbling-blocks in the way of honest inquirers. The prosperity of Zion is not their delight, therefore the Lord is angry. He is angry with the professors of the pure unchangeable truth, because they have not honored him, but have waxed fat with his blessings, and kicked at his requisitions. These he will judge. Is he not calling, has he not called us all the day long ? Will he behold iniquity in Jacob, or perverseness in Israel with approba- tion ? Surely, no. He spared not those whom, with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, he brought out of J^gypt, when through grievous revolt they forsook his covenant, and cast his law behind their backs. Will he then own those who in life and practice disown him in this day ? It cainiot be consistent with his purity and justice. My spirit is covered with mourning in consider- ing what must be the consequence of the many visita- tions that have passed away unheeded. — 3Iargaret Allen. An upright pillir will bear a great weight. 56 DAILY READINGS. [Second Month 25. " Search me, O God, and know my heart : try me, and know my thoughts : and see if there 1)e any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." — Pealm cxxxix. 23, 24. AMONGST her memoranda are inserted the follow- ing queries and observations, which she was careful often to answer according to the testimony of the faithful witness in her own conscience. Have I studied the Scriptures diligently ? Have I said anything to the disadvantage of another ? Have I indulged vain thoughts ? Have I profitably employed my time ? Have I checked all improper thoughts and feelings ? Have I in all cases kept strictly to truth ? Have I omitted any obvious duty ? Have I done good to any one ? Have I gained any useful knowledge ? Have I endeavored to live in the fear of the Lord ? If I have been enabled to pass a day in a manner which my conscience approves, oh ! may I not feel on this account any self-complacency ; but rather deep hu- miliation under a sense of my entire unworthiness of the assistance thus mercifully alForded me: and when, through unwatchfulness, I have erred, let not this too much dis- courage me, but stimulate me to renewed diligence, and render me more sensible of my entire dependence upon a merciful Creator. — A7in J3ackhouse, aged 18. Far from the wheat the chaff remove, The gold from dross set free. Till naught remains, save that pure lovo "Which lifts the soul to thee. — Amelie Opie. Seoontj Month 2t;.] 1>AILY READINGS. 57 " Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyftil in my house of prayer : their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar ; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people." — Isa. Ivi 7. I WISH it were possible to make some little record of that precious, heavenly meeting I sat this morning : the divine presence, and mercy, and goodness, so encom- passed my soul, that it seemed ready to wing its way from earth ; or as a little bark, with a skillful pilot on board, about to launch into the ocean with a safe harbor in view. * * * * Language can but feebly ex- press the sensations of my spirit : it was abilitated to join in the triumphant song : " Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive riches, and power, and glory, and hon- or, and blessing." It could willingly unite in adoring him whom angels and archangels worship : " Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty ! Just and true are all thy ways, thou King of saints ! " Tears of contrition and grateful joy fell abundantly ; and, at length, I returned to that state of poverty and emptiness, which is so much my allotment ; but which, I humbly trust, is a safe state. Her last illness, of little more than a week's continu- ance, was attended with much bodily suffering ; and she often spoke with difficulty ; but was enabled to express, in short sentences, the peace, the love, the heavenly joy, she was graciously permitted to feel, as the solemn crisis approached. At one time she said, " The Saviour died for all." — Esther Atkins. A good life is sound philosophy. 58 DAILY HEADINGS. [Skcond Month 27. " Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favor my righteous cause : yea, let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant."— Psalm sxxv, 27 IX reviewing the last year of my life, a period which has been important, and in some respects deeply interesting to me, I have thought that the language comes liome to my experience : " my soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit doth rejoice in God my Saviour." At least there have been seasons, when I have seen what abundant cause we have for the abasement of self, to magnify the Lord ; though I have often had to pass as through the deeps, though I have often greatly feared through the w^eakness of faith, though I know that I have inexpressible cause for repentance and humiliation before my God, yet I may acknowledge that there have been times when my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Sa- viour. The glory, the beauty, the excellency of his salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord, have been in- creasingly open before me : I have seen more clearly that Christ is God our Saviour, and I believe that to know experimentally the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent, is life eternal, and that this knowl- edge is a joy unspeakable and full of glory. Ut- terly unworthy as I am, I have been pei-mitted to liold communion with my Saviour, and through Him to draw near unto my God. I have known what it is, not only to sit at his feet, but to " hear his word," and that word has spoken life and peace to my souL — Priscilla Gur- ney^ 1814. Second Month 28.1 DAILY READINGS. 69 "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to yon. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and pnrify your hearts, ye double minded."— James iv. 8. " Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you np."— James iv. 10. IT remains to be a solemn truth, that nothing can draw to God but what proceeds from him ; and whatever may be the eloquence or oratory of man, if it be not the gift of God, under his holy anointing, which always has a tendency to humble the creature and exalt the Creator, it will in the end only scatter and deceive. It has long appeared to me that true vital religion is a very simple thing, although, from our fallen state, requiring continual warfare with evil to keep it alive. It surely consists in communion, and at times a degree of union, with our Omnipotent Creator, through the mediation of our Holy Redeemer. And seeing these feelings cannot be produced by eloquent discourses or beautiful illustrations of Scrip- ture, but by deep humiliation and frequent baptisms of Spirit, whereby the heart is purified and fitted to receive a greater degree of divine influence ; seeing it is produced by daily prayer, by giving up our own will, and seeking above all things to do the will of our Heavenly Father, surely there is cause to hope that those who are convinced of this, and who have tasted of spiritual communion through this appointed means, will never be satisfied with anything, however enticing, which, if not under th(^ influence of the Holy Spirit, may well be compared to " sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal." — Martha Yeardley, 1830. 60 DAILY KEADINGS. [Third Month 1. " Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor etandeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord ; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. ■■' —Psalm i. L 2. WHEN I view my steps in life, and reflect how greatly deficient I have been, I am humbled, and have cause to admire the great compassion and long- suffering kindness of a gracious God, and with abase- ment acknowledge it will be of his mercy if I am saved. If I have been helped at times to be found faithful, it has been, and is, through the efficacy of grace, and therefore no room to boast. My failure in duty and watchful- ness has been great. Through the religious care of pi- ous parents when young, and an early sense of the Di- vine fear, I was and have been preserved from the gross evils of the world to this day, which is a great mercy and favor. But I have often passed under many hidden con- flicts for disobedience and failure in duty, and have at times been ready to despair ; yet I have had to acknowl- edge the Lord is righteous, whatever might be my por- tion ; and after days of sorrow, and nights of deep exer- cise, he has been pleased to renew light and favor ; un- der a sense of which, 1 desire to be found more atten- tive, diligent, and faithful, the residue of my days, es- teeming the light of the Lord's countenance, and the ev- idence of his peace, beyond all terrestrial enjoyments. — John Pemberton, aged 67, 1*794. Thou alone thy balm applying, Canst this aching pang relieve. Balm that thou hast bought with dying. Give and teach me to receive. —J. J. Guexet. TuiED Month 2.] DAILY READINGS. 61 " And a man that is clean shall gather ap the aphea of the heifer, and lay them up without the camp in a clean place, and it shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for a water of Beparation ; it is a purification for ein." — Numbers xix, 9, THE leading of the young generation in the pure way, in which the wisdom of this world hath no place ; where parents and tutors, humbly waiting for the heavenly Counselor, may example them in the truth, as it is in Jesus, hath for several days been the exercise of my mind. O how safe, how quiet is that state, where the soul stands in pure obedience to the voice of Christ, and a watchful care is maintained, not to follow the voice of the stranger ! Here Christ is felt to be our shepherd ; and under his leading, people are brought to stability : and where he doth not lead forward, we are bound in the bonds of pure love, to stand still and wait for Him. In the love of money, and in the wisdom of this world? business is proposed, then the urgency of affairs push forward, and the mind cannot, in this state, discern the good and perfect will of God concerning us. Tlie love of God is manifested in graciously calling us to come out of that which stands in confusion; but if we bow not in the name of Jesus ; if we give not tip those prospects of gain, which, in the wisdom of this world, are open before us, but say in our heart, " I must need go on ; and in going on, I hope to keep as near the purity of tnith as the busi- ness before me will admit of; " the mind remains en- tangled, and the shining of the light of life into the soul is obstructed. — John Woolrnan, 1772. 62 DAILY READINGS. [TniKD Month 3. "For ye are bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."—! Cor. vi. 20. THE time seems to have come in Avliich we must necessarily consider ourselves as not our own, nor as having a right to do as would be most agreeable to our natural will, as in the time of more ignorance, at which the Lord has been pleased to wink. But now we must remember we have been bought with a price, that henceforth we should not live unto ourselves, but unto Him who died for us, and gave himself a ransom for all, which we cannot experience but through the death of self and selfish motions of the mind, which, if given way to, will produce sorrow and cause dimness. I am sensi- ble that we have our trials, and our faith is frequently assaulted by the adversaries of truth, and enemies of pure righteousness, and these are frequently of our own house. I believe it is safe to motions of our own minds, lest when under trials we should fall into poor Israel's condi- tion and murmur against the Lord, by which we should render ourselves unworthy of an inheritance in the good land. We must remember some who " came out with a strong hand, and an outstretched arm," and had been baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea, ( which I take to be a baptism of tears, under some very painful conflicts of mind,) who were wonderfully carried through, BO as to sing his praise on the banks of deliverance ; and yet, by letting in discouragements, and a disposition of mind contrary to the pure will of the Lord, they fell in the wilderness. — David Sancl% 1779. Third Month 4.] DA.ILY READINGS. 63 " In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Wo d was God."— John i. 1. WE own and believe in God, the only wise, omnipo- tent, and everlasting God, the Creator of all tilings in heaven and earth, and the preserver of all that he hath made ; who is God over all, blessed for ever, to whom be all honor, glory, dominion, praise, and thanks- ixiving, both now and for evermore ! And we own and believe in Jesus Christ his beloved and only begotten Son, in whom he is well pleased ; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary ; in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgive- ness of sins ; who is the express image of the invisible God, the first-born of every creature, by whom were all things created that are in heaven and in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, dominions, prin- cipalities or powers ; all things were created by him. And we own and believe that he was made a sacrifice for sin, who knew no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth, that he was crucified for us in the flesh, without the gates of Jerusalem ; and that he was buried, and rose again of the third day by the power of his Father, for our jus- tification ; and that he ascended up into heaven, and now sittoth at the right hand of God. We believe that he alone is our Redeemer and Saviour, the Captain of our salvation. Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last. — George Fox to the Governor of Bar- hadoes^ 1671. Goodness only is trne greatness. 64 DAILY READIXGS. [Thhid Month 5. " And he that taketh not his cro?8 and foUoweth after me is not worthy of me."— Matt. x. 38. THE way, like the cross, is spiritual ; that is, an in- ward submission of the soul to the will of God, as it is manifested by the light of Christ in the con- sciences of men ; though it be contrary to their own in- clinations. For example : when evil presents, that which shows the evil does also tell them they should not yield to it ; and if they close with its counsel, it gives them power to escape it. But they that look and gaze upon the temptation, at last fall in with it, and are overcome by it ; the consequence of which is guilt and judgment. Therefore, as the cross of Christ is that spirit and power in men, though not of men, but of God, which crosseth and reproveth their fleshly lust and affections ; so the way of taking up the cross is an entire resignation of Jioul to the discoveries and requirings of it ; not to con- sult their worldly pleasure, or carnal ease or interest (for such are captivated in a moment), but continually to watch against the very appearance of evil, and by the obedience of faith, that is, of true love and confidence in God, cheerfully to ofier up to the death of the cross, that evil part, that Judas in themselves, which, not en- during the heat of the siege, and being impatient in the hour of temptation, would by its near relation to the tempter, more easily betray their souls into his hands. Hence, they that cannot endure the cross, can never have the crown. To reign, it is necessary first to suflTer. — Wm. JPenn, Third Month 6.] DAILY READINGS. 65 " And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ."— Acts v. 42. HAVING, since T wrote last, in company with a few other friends, been engaged in visiting the fami- lies of Friends in our monthly meeting, I thouglit I was just free to tell thee that we got through better than i Vjelieve any of us had anticipated; for we had viewed this service at a distance in rather a formidable light. I am in no boasting disposition, but I would add, that as we went along, an affectionate desire for the welfare of our friends accompanied us from house to house, which seem- ed to be rather productive of an uniting than a scattering influence, which leads me to hope that it was a degree of our Heavenly Father's love, shed abroad in our hearts, towards our brethren. * * * Whilst writing on this subject, and viewing those in- firmities and imperfections which perhaps not only myself, but many of my dear fellow-professors have to deplore, I am ready to utter the petition, " Lord, enter not into judg- ment with thy servants ; for in thy sight shall no flesh be justified." Yet lam not dismayed by this awful consider- ation, my past experience (and as it is one neither calcu- lated to excite nor nourish vanity, I perhaps may be al- lowed to mention it,) of the Divine long-suifering is such ; and so firm is my belief, that if we will^ we may yet be gathered, that notwithstanding all opposition from within and without, both which I know to be powerful, my spirit is mercifully permitted to repose in " penitential peace and cheerful hope." — Jonathan Hutchinson, 1809. 66 DAILY READINGS. [Third Month 7 "Blessed are they that mourn ; for they shall be comforted."— Matt. v. 4. r^FlHE mourning here spoken of is of a godly sort, JL which may sometimes appear outwardly. First, the soul may mourn for its own sins and iniquities ; sec- ond, for want of a Saviour; and third, for the iniquities of others, " All have sinned, and come short of the glory, of God ; " and since we have all sinned, we have all need to mourn before the Lord, and bow ourselves before the Most High ; and when he sees that we are humbled be- fore him, he will comfort us. Christ will send the Com- forter, the Spirit of truth, in his name, who will come unto us ; and when he is come, we may plainly know that it is he, by what he doth, according to Christ's own rule, which is infallible and certain. He says, " When he is come, he will reprove, or convince the world of sin, of right- eousness, and of judgment ; of sin, because they believe not on me ; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more ; and of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged." Thus, according to Christ, that which shows us our sins, which convinces us of them, is the Spirit of truth, the Comforter; and after we have mourned for the sins of which he convinces us, then he comforts us with inward comfort and consola- tion. This Comforter also convinceth us of our formal righteousness, when it is only formal, without the power of Christ ; and then the soul mourns after the life and power of godliness, which indeed is gr.'at gain, with true contentment ; and hath the promise of the tilings of this life, and of that also which is to come. — Thomas GhaXkly. Third Month 8.1 DAILY READINGS. 67 " That wc henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried abont with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning crafti- ness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. But speaiiing the truth in love, may grow np into him in all things, which i? the head, even Christ : from whom the whole body fitly joined together, and compacted by that which every joint Bupplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, ma- keth increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."— Eph. iv. 14, 15, 16, IT seems more than probable my time will not be pro- tracted very long in this probationary state ; and throngh redeeming love and mercy I am enabled to anti- cipate the close without dismay; fully believing that through the efficacy of the merits and mediation of a cru- cified Lord, death will have no sting, nor the grave any victory. I mention this in the deepest humility, to satis- f)'^ thee on a point in which I know thou wilt feel a deep and lively interest, shouldst thou survive me in the jour- ney through time, I remain unmoved in all points of Christian doctrine as held by our early Friends, and by faithful brethren since their time, ***** jyiay the feeling of infirmity quicken my diligence in the great work of the day, so that when the solemn period arrives in which I must bid a final farewell to all visible things, I may, through divine mercy, be enabled to adopt the language, "Although the earthly house of this tabernacle be dissolved, I have a building of God, a nouse not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." There, with the collected just of all generations, I shall be for ever with the Lord, employed in the unceasing song of thanksgiving and praise to him who is the au- thor and finisher of our faith, and who wrought all our works in us. — George Withy, 68 DAILY READINGS. [Thikd Month 9. "And it shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer ; and while they are speaking, I will hear."— Isa. Ixv. ai. UNTO thee, oh ! my God ! is my heart turned — unto thee, who art adorable in mercy — mighty in pow- er — wonderful in working — beseeching thee to cleanse me thoroughly — to purify my heart — to redeem from all those things which do not stand with acceptance in thy divine sight. And may it please thee to make dark- ness light before me — to lengthen my cords and strength- en my stakes — that I may be more bound unto thee, and to thy truth, in the covenant of life and of love. And, I pray thee, (tliough I feelingly acknowledge my u:nwor- thiness,) remember my long poverty, and my want of the descendings of thy heavenly dew. And oh ! mayst thou be pleased to condescend to take up thy abode with me, that I may be favored to dwell in thee, and walk in thee ; all my thoughts, words, and actions, brought into conformity to thy pure will. Thus, gracious, all-power- ful Father ! mayst thou help me, thy poor, weak, depend- ent creature ; and enable me to serve thee in upright- ness, the remainder of my stay here ; living to thy glo- ry, and fitted to glorify thy great and excellent name, ip the world to come — even for ever and ever, — Rachel And when faith shall end in vision, fjuf And when prayer is lost in praise, Then shall love in full fruition Justify Thy secret ways. —Jane Crewpsow. TniKD Month 10.] DAILY READINGS. 69 " So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wis- dom."— Psalm xc. 12. I FEEL very desirous that I may keep my place, that I may be just what the Almighty would have me to be, that his will may be done in me, by me, and through me. These lines have been so sweetly revived when in a feeble state, and feeling a peaceful calm and quiet, I thought I could with propriety adopt them as the pres- ent state of my mind : — " IIoAv are thy servants blest, O Lordl IIow sure is their defense ! Eternal Wisdom is their guide ; Their help. Omnipotence." How comfortable, when we can rightly number and appreciate our blessings ! knowing our place of defense to be the munitions of rocks, bread to be given us, and our water to be sure ; receiving all from the divine hand, and experiencing that wisdom which is from above, and is profitable to direct in all our movements. May this be more and more my happy experience, through the re- mainder of my life, that when the evening comes, the work may be so completed, that I may receive the an- swer of " Well done, good and faithful servant, enter tliou into the joy of thy Lord." O blessed change, glo- rious triumph ! to be admitted into the mansion of eter- nal rest, there to sing praises unto the most high God, and tlie Lamb, who is worthy for ever and ever. — Eliza- heth Collins^ aged 66, 1821. In silence seek the path of peace. YO DAILY READINGS. [TuiiiD Month II " Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's salce; for when I am weak, then am I strong."— 2 Cor. xii. 10. IN the evening my mind was unusually comforta- ble and easy ; indeed, I felt something of an humble rejoicing, not very frequent with me ; but I desire to be willing patiently to endure all the baptisms which are seen needful for me, not only on my own account, but also on account of the body at large ; yet, she adds, " I dare say but little about the latter ; I have so many things to strive with, so many wrong propensities that might get the better, if I were not thus proved and tried — self appears in so many different shapes, it would intrude itself upon almost every engagement without great care ; this left hand of self would know, and take some credit for, what the right hand doeth, even after it has been done in sincerity of heart, as unto God, and not unto men. Oh, it is a precious thing to be lowly and simple-hearted ! to let self be of no reputation, to be will- ing to be any thing or nothing, resigned fully either to do, or to suffer! I believe that divine help is never more conspicuous than in our weakness, that, under feelings of weakness, what we have to deliver, is more pure and free from the mixture. — Elizaheth Hohson. And whilst the sense of conscious sin, My tremblin3 " And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus : and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven ."—Acts ix. 3. THROUGH adorable mercy, the visitation of the Lord was now again extended toward me, by the im- mediate openings of the Divine light on my soul. One evening, as I was walking in the fields, alone, my mind being under no kind of religious concern, nor in the least excited b}- anything I had heard or thought of, I was suddenly arrested by what seemed to be an awful voice proclaiming the words, " Eternity ! Eternity ! Eternity ! " It reached my very soul, — my whole man shook, — it brought me, like Saul, to the ground. The great de- pravity and sinfulness of my heart were set open before me, and the gulf of everlasting destruction to which I was verging. I was made bitterly to cry out, " If there is no God — doubtless there is a hell." I found myself as in the midst of it. For a long time it seemed as if the thundering proclamation was yet heard. After that I remained almost whole days and nights, exercised in prayer that the Lord would have mercy u})on me, ex- pecting that he would give me some evidence that he heard my supplication. But for this I Avas looking to some outward manifestation, my expectation being et*-' tirely of that nature. ' ."^ I now took up again the works of William Penn, and opened upon " No Cross, No Crown." * * I had never met with anything of the kind; neither had I felt the Divine witness in me operating so powerfully before. — Stephen Grellet^ aged 22. Third Month 14.] DAILY HEADINGS. "And thou Shalt teach them diligently uuto thy children, and shall talk of them when thou eittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, aud when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."— Deut. vi. 7. AND, dear Friends, it having frequently been recom- mended that Friends should be diligent in pro- viding scliools for tlie education of their youtli ; not only in useful and necessary learning, but also to bring them up in the fear of God, and in a sense of his holy life upon their spirits, and in frequent reading the Holy Scriptures, and other good books : so we have accounts from divers parts of this kingdom, that Friends are in practice thereof, and have had good success on their endeavors therein ; yet we have also accounts, that there is in some places want of schools. And (as hath been advised in the epistle of this meeting. Anno 1709), "Where Friends want ability, their monthly and quarterly meetings are desired to assist them, that the children of the poor may have due help of education, instruction, and neces- sary learning ; and that the children both of rich and poor may be early provided with industrious employ- ments, that they may not grow up in idleness, loose- ness and vice ; but that, being thus seasoned with the truth, sanctified of God, and taught our holy, self-deny- ing way, they may appear a reputation to our holy profession, and the comfort of their honest parents." And, dear Friends, with respect to the poor among lie, it ought to be considered, that the poor (both par- ents and children) are of our familj^, and ought not to be turned off to any others. — London Epistle^ 1718. DAILY READIXGS. [Third SIonth 15 " Holding fa^Jt the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers."— Titus i. 9. AN humble reliance on the teachmgs of the Spirit, and a diligent use of the sacred Scriptures, were the means of leading our forefathers into all those distin- guishing views and practices which are described in their writings. If this be true, and we have abundant reason for believing it to be so, what ought to be our course ? Shall we turn our backs on our high Christian views of the spirituality of true worship ? Shall we return to cere- monial and figurative rites? Shall we make way in our meetings for a ministry which one man may prepare, and another appoint ? Shall w^e cease from our testimony against all pecuniary corruption in the church ? Shall we forget the sweetness and solemnity of true silence ? Shall we surrender our Saviour's standard of the yea and. nay, and no longer refuse an oath when expediency is sup- posed, to d emand it ? Shall we, after all our peaceable pro- fessions, recur to the warfare of the world. ? Shall we for- sake our simplicity in dress and language, and break down a hedge which so usefully protects many of our beloved young people from the vanities of the world ? In short, shall we renounce that itnhending adherence to the rule of right in wliich our forefathers were distinguished? If such, through tlie Aviles of Satan, should be our com'se, how awful and affecting must be the consequence. The gracious purpose for w'hich we were raised up to be a peo- ple will be frustrated through our want of faithfulness. — Josejyh John Garney. Third Month 16.] DAILY READINGS. ^5 " Love not the world, neither the things in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him,"— 1 John ii. 15. TO all you, ray dear Friends, who have tasted of the immediate working power of the Lord, and do find an alteration in your minds, and do see from whence virtue doth eome, and strength, that doth renew the in- ward man, and doth refresh you ; draws you in love to forsake tlie world, and that which hath form and beauty in it to the eye of the world; and hath turned your minds within, which see your houses foul, and corrup- tions strong, and the rcay narrow and straight which leads to life eternal ; to all I say, wait upon God in that which is pure. Though you see little, and know little, and have little, and see your emptyness, and see your nakedness, and barrenness, and unfruitfulness, and see the hardness of your heart and your own unworthiness ; it is the light that discovers all this, and the love of God to you, and it is that which is immediate, but the dark understanding cannot comprehend it. So, wait upon God in that which is pure, in your measure, and stand still in it every one, to make you to see your Saviour, to make you free from that which the Light doth discover to you to be evil. For the voice of the Bridegroom is heard in our land ; and Christ is come amongst the pris- oners, to visit them in the prison-houses ; they have all hopes of releasement and free pardon, and to come out freely, for the debt is paid ; wait for the manifestation of it, and he that comes out of the prison shall reign. — George Fox. 76 DAILY READINGS. [Third SIonth 17. " Thus saith the Lord of hoets ; In those days it shall come to pasa, that ten men shall take hold out of all Iinguagos of the nations, even shuU take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go wiih you ; for we have heard that God is with you."— Zechariah viii. 23. THE fields in many parts I have visited are white unto harvest, so that sometunes I have wished that I might have the life of Methusalah, or that the sun might never go down, that I might do my share of that great work which is to be done in these nations. There is a most precious seed in these parts, and in places where 1 have not actually visited it. O, did our Society stand faithful, what a blessing they might become ! Many are ready to gather to the standard of truth, from among all the various denominations and ranks. I have been with rich and poor, princes and prhicesses, Protestant ministers and Popish priests, all speaking but one lan- guage, not upholding forms and ceremonies, but Christ and his spirit. I have visited various of those Romish priests in Bavaria, of whom we had heard, and have found them to be spiritually-minded men. I am nearly united to some of them. A few have married, and have answered those who have come to visit them on that account, out of the Scriptures, and the practice of the Primitive Church ; and they continue Romish priests still, much beloved % the people, among whom they exercise a good influence. * * * Some of their priests told me, that they believed it to be their duty to remain in their places for the sake of the people about them, and to help others to come into the same spmtuality. — Stephen Grellet^ aged 40. Third Month 18.] DAILY READINGS. 77 "For wliateoever is Lorn of God overcometh the world : nnd this is the vic- tory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that bclieveth that Jesus is the Son of God ? "—1 John v. 4, 5. THERE are few passages in Scripture that have been more animating or comforting to me than the promises in the Revelations to those who overcome. I have dwelt on them with a peculiar interest, and I be- lieve with a renewed desire for us who remain, that we may with more faith, more humility, and more entire and simple obedience, enlist under the banner of the Captain of our salvation, that we may follow Him whithersoever He leadeth us, that we may trust in Him with our whole hearts, until we know the victory to be obtained through Him over sin and the world, and over (Jeath. * * * It is indeed the prayer of my heart, my dearest Joseph, that thou mightest be encouraged and en- abled yet to go on, yet to press forward in every religi- ous, domestic, and public duty, in quietness and humility, "not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lordy When the curtain drops, and the scene closes here, how is then every sacrifice in the cause of religion, how is every act of faith and obedience to be prized ; how inestimable do they become as evidences of that grace by which alone we are saved ! Whilst thus separated from the world, and withdrawn from service, and feeling of my own poverty and littleness in every way, the desire is still lively for the faithful servants of the Lord, that they may be steadfast and immovable, always abound- ing in the work of the Lord. — Priscilla Gxirney^ 1810. 78 DAILY READINGS. [Third Month 19. "Because thou hast kept the word of. my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth."— Rev. iii. 10. DOMESTIC life presents many opportunities for the exercise of virtue, as well as the more exalted stations of honor and ambition. For, though its sphere is more humble, and its transactions are less splendid, yet the duties peculiarly incumbent on it constitute the basis of all public character. Perfection in private life is by far the more arduous attainment of the two ; since it involves a higher degree of virtue, to acquire the cool and silent admiration of constant and close observers, than to catch the undistinguishing applause of the vul- gar. Men, accustomed to the business of the world, may think it a mean occupation to be engaged in the duties of a family. * * * How many daily occasions there are for the exercise of patience, forbearance, benevolence, good humor, cheerfulness, candor, sincerity, compassion, self-denial ! How many instances occur of satirical hints, of ill-natured witticisms, of fretfulness, impatience, strife, and envyings ; besides those of disrespect, discontent, sloth, and very many other seeds of evil, the magnitude of which is perhaps small, but for the guilt of which we shall most assuredly be judged. When we consider that private life also has its trials, temptations, and troubles, it ought surely to make us vigilant, when around our own fire-side, lest we should quiet our apprehensions, and cease from our daily watchfulness. — John Barclay^ 1814. T'ltRD Month 20.] DAILY READINGS. 7^ " I challbe satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness."— Psalm xvii, 16. I WAS sweetly comforted by what seemed too cleai- and distinct for a dream. I thought I saw a num- ber of persons, whose countenance betokened perfect happiness — they smiled upon me, and said they were praying for me. At first I thought they were Christians on earth, but I was afterwards made sensible that they were some of the blest inhabitants of Zion ; and oh, I do rejoice in believing, that, when permitted to join their happy band, I may thus be engaged on behalf of the many loved ones I must leave behind me in the wilderness. O, may you have your every want supplied, as mine have been, when you may need the care I have so abundantly experienced. Oh, how delightful rest will be after this; but I do not think I desire even rest so much as to be where I shall be free from all wandering tliougl^ts — -for ever free from the tempter. * * * At this time she repeatedly said, Oh, keep close to the Saviour ! Christ is all to me now — Oh, make him your friend ! Her remarkable self-possession was at this solemn hour strikingly evinced. Having closed her eyes as she believed for ever on all earthly things, when all about her thought she had ceased to breathe, a sudden reaction caused her to exclaim : Oh ! I'm coming back again. Don't, oh, don't grieve ; think how short a separation ours will be ; I am going only a little before — I shall see His face and never, never sin. — Memoir of Mary Ann Gilpin, London, 1838. [TmuD Month 21. 80 -PAILY RKADTNOR. " Bat let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corrnptiblo, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which \» in the sight of God of great price."— 1 Peter iii. 4. THE day-star of Truth has arisen in thy heart ; fol- low thou its light even unto salvation. Live an liarmonious life to the curious make and frame of thy creation ; and let the beauty of thy person teach thee to beautify thy mind wdth holiness — the ornament of the beloved of God. Remember that the King of Zion's daughter is all glorious within, and if thy soul excel, thy body will also set off the luster of thy mind. Let not the spirit of this world — ^its cares and its many vanities, its fashions and discourse — prevail over the civility of thy nature. Remember that sin brought the first coat, anr^ ^hou wilt have little reason to ba proud of dress, or cue a^'orning of thy body. Seek rather the enduring or- nament of a meek and quiet spirit — the beauty and the purity of the altar of God's temple, rather than the dec- oration of its outward walls. For, as the Spartan mon- arch said, of old, to his daughter, when he restrained her from wearing the rich dresses of Sicily: "Thou wilt seem more lovely to me without them ; " — so shalt thou seem, in thy loveliness and humility, more lovely in the sight of heaven, and in the eyes of the pure of earth. Oh ! preserve in their freshness thy present feelings ; wait in humble resignation and in patience, even if it be all thy days, for the manifestations of him who " as a father careth for all his children." — Wm. Penn. Third Month 22.] DAILY RExit)rSrGS. 81 '• Arise, go unto Nineveh, that gr at city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee."— Jonah iii. 2. I AM far from confining this influence to the ministers of our little Society, but assuredly believe that those wlio are brought under the immediate teachings of the Spirit, under every profession, will be more convinced that they cannot preach to profit the people, in their own will and at their own command ; and that as true and spiritual religion prevails, they must in this respect come to us, and not we go to them. Yet still it is certainly a day of much excitement and of danger, especially to the young and unawakened ; and there never was a time when the members of our Society were more loudly called upon to watch imto prayer, both on their own account and on account of others, humbly to implore, not only that the Holy Spirit may not be taken from us, but that a greater effusion of it may be poui*ed upon us as a body, that so we may all be made and kept alive in Him in whom is life, and the life is the light of men. I believe this would be much more our experience, if the things of this- world were kept in subjection by fervent daily prayer and the obedience of faith, which remain to be the means pointed out by our gracious Redeemer, of communion with the Father through Him. What can be more pui-e than the profession we make, to be guided by the Holy Spirit ? And if we really are so, we shall be concerned to maintain this daily exercise of heart before the Lord, and yet become what I reverently believe is his gracious will respecting us. — Martha Ycardley^ 1830. 82 DAILY READINGS. [Third Month 23 " For by thee I have run through a iroop ; and by ray God 1 have leaped over a wall."— Psalm xviil. 29. /^^ KEAT and manifold have been the mercies of our VJT God unto his people, in this his day ; and his lov- ing-kindnesses are beyond expressing. When we were young and little, his fatherly care was over us; he pre- served and nourished us, and caused us to grow up be- fore him. How did he carry his lambs in his bosom, when the beasts of prey roared on every side, seeking to devour ! Who can rehearse the many deliverances He hath wrought for his people, in their passage from spiritual Egypt ! How hath he girded their loins with strength, and covered their heads in the day of battle ! How hath He subdued their enemies before them, and put to flight the armies of aliens ! Oh ! his goodness is unutterable, and his faithfulness hath never failed them that trust in him. When have we been in prison for His sake, and He hath not visited and comforted us there ? In all our exercises He hath been with us, and He hath stood by us in our sorest tri- als ; yea, he hath caused his angel to encamp round about us, so that no weapon formed against us hath prospered. These things and much more I could write, ye, my dear friends, have been witness of ; ye, especially my elder brefhren, who were called early in the morning of this day, and have stood faithful in your testimony until now. Blessed be His Holy name ; and exalted and magnified be Plis glorious power forever. — Thomas Ellwood^ 1694. Thuid Month 24.] DAILY BEADINGS. 83 ' Weep with them that weep."— Rom. xil. 15. I DOUBT not thou* hast had many affectionate, sym- pathizing, consoling salutations from thy numerous friends, in thy present solitary state ; and, should these be withheld, yet thou knowest where and in whom are hid mU the fresh springs of true consolation, as well as all tlie treasures of wisdom and knowledge ; yet I had a mind to throw in my mite of comfort, liaving myself been tried in like manner, with the privation of a bosom-friend and partner in the causes and comforts of this life, and a faith- ful, religious helpmate. Infinite wisdom has seen meet to take away from thee the desire of thine eyes, with a stroke ; but the reflection of thy having been favored with so excel- lent a companion — the recollection of the many pleasant, profitable seasons which you had together, and a sense of the spiritual benefit which has accrued from your near connec- tion must be attended with a savor and consolatory feel- ing which sweetens the bitter cup. Thy tender care of this eminent, honorable servant, thy attention to her wants of every kind, and thy constant promoting and assisting her in the great work and service in which she was en- gaged on earth, must also be a solid satisfaction to thy mind. So that I wish thee to be cheered, to look up, to be encouraged to attend to the civil and religious duties of the remaining part of thy day. — Richard Shackleton, 1791, * Husband of Sa^ah Qrabb. 84" DAILY READINGS. [Third Mokth 25. " They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ. * ♦ • and in a moment go dowTi to the grave," — Job xxi. 12, 15. SHALL we cultivate the talent * and give wings to the fascination ? or shall we gently divert the taste and feelings of our pupils into some less excep- tional channel ? When I call to mind the con-uption of the human heart, the follies and vices of the world, the enticements of the concert and the opera, and the easy access afforded, by supeiior skill in music, to the center of fash- ionable life, I am constrained to confess that the latter appears to me much the safer alternative, I am acquainted with many families of young people in which the study of music is entirely avoided ; and T have sometimes been thrown in the way of other families in which that study has been sedulously enforced and practiced. I have ob- served that mental cultivation, practical usefulness, and sober domestic duties, are, in general, more prevalent in the former than in the latter classes of families ; and I can fully subscribe to a sentiment which was once expressed to me by the late excellent Hannah More, that it is no venial error on the part of serious professors of religion, to allow and encourage their daughters to spend those livelong hours, which might have been devoted to truly beneficial pursuits^ in the ceaseless, tiresome touch of the harpsichord or piano-forte. — J. J. Gwmey, * Music. The truefc-t end of life is to know the Bfe that never end». TnmD Month 2G.] DAILY READINGS. 86 " And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament ; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars, for ever and ever."— Daniel xii. 8. THIS holy man, George Fox, was raised up by God, in an extraordinary manner, for an extraordinary work, even to awaken the sleeping world, by proclaiming the mighty day of the Lord to the nations, and publishing again the everlasting Gospel to the inhabitants of the earth, after the long and dismal night of apostasy and darkness. For this work the Lord began to prepare him by many and various trials and exercises from his very childhood : and being fitted and furnished for it, he called him into it very young, and made him instrumental, by the effectual working of the Holy Ghost through his ministry, to call many others into the same work, and to turn many thou- sands from darkness to the light of Christ, and from the power of Satan unto God, I knew him not until the year 1660 ; from that time to the time of his death I knew him well, conversed with him often, observed him much, loved him dearly, and honored him truly ; and upon good experience can say, he was indeed an heavenly-minded man, zealous for the name of the Lord, and preferred the honor of God before all things. He was valiant for the Truth, bold in asserting it, pa- lientin suffering for it, unwearied in laboring in it, steady in his testimony to it, immovable as a rock. Deep he was in divine knowledge, clear in opening heavenly mysteries, ])lain and powerful in preaching, fervent in prayer. — Thomas Ellwood, 1680. 86 DAILY KEA DINGS. [Third Month 2T. "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of ri^hteousneg.s, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day. "—2 Timothy iv. 8. /^ EORGE FOX was richly endowed with heavenly vIT" wisdom, quick in discerning, sound in judgment, able and ready in giving, discreet in keeping counsel, a lover of righteousness, an encourager of virtue, temper- ance, meekness, purity, chastity, modesty, humility, char- ity, and self-denial in all, both by word and example. Graceful he was in countenance, manly in personage, grave in gesture, courteous in conversation, weighty in communication, instructive in discourse, free from affecta- tion in speech or carriage. A severe reprover of hard and obstinate sinners, a mild and gentle admonisher of such as were tender and sensible of their failings. * * He lived to see the desire of his soul, the spreading of that blessed principle of divine light, through many of the European nations, and not a few of the American islands and provinces, and the gathering of many thou- sands into an establishment therein of which the Lord vouchsafed him the honor to be the first effectual pub- lisher, in this latter age of the world. And having fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept tlie faith, his righteous soul, freed from the earthly tabernacle, was translated into those heavenly mansions, whefe Christ our Lord went to prepare a place for his own ; there to pos- sess the glorious crown which is laid up for, and shall be given by the Lord, the righteous Judge, to all that love his appearance. — Thomas Ellwood^ 1690. Third Month 28.] DAILY HEADINGS. 87 "Rejoice, and he exceeding glad ; for great is yonr reward in heaven ; for 8o persecuted they the prophets which were before you. "—Matt. v. 12. PERSECUTION is a word of so harsh a sound, and so generally distasteful to English ears, that scarcely any of those ^vho are most forward and active in that work are willing to have their actions called by that name. By persecution I mean a forcuig or compelling of any, by pains or penalties, bodily or pecuniary, to relinquish or forsake that exercise of religion, or way of worship, which they believe to be the right way of worship, and the true and acceptable exercise of religion, whicli God hath required of them; and to receive, embrace, conform to, and perform some other exercise of religion and way of worship, which they who are so compelled are either firmly persuaded is not right, or at least have no belief that it is right. This, in short, is that which I call per- secution ; and this is that which I dissuade from, what- ever other name the actors of it may please themselves in calling it by. * * * Have we not always been a quiet, peaceable, harmless people ? When, being reviled, did we revile ? or when, being persecuted, did we not patiently suffer it ? Do you think to root us out, and destroy God's heritage? It i^ impossible. The root of Jesse bears us; and upon th > immovable rock are we immovably built. — Thomas Ell- wood^ 1683. Industry leads to wealth ; Pioty to heaven. 88 DAILY HEADINGS. [Thikd Month 29. " I will al:=o leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they ' shall trast in the name of the Lord."— Zeph. iii. 12. HAVE not many of us been already stiipt of all their outward substance ? — not a bed being left them to lie on — not a stool to sit on — not a dish to eat from ! Is there a prison in the nation, or a dungeon in a prison, which has not been a witness of our groaning ? Have we not been tried by banishment, and proved by death itself ? Death in New England, by the hand of the hangman ! death in Old England by the rougli hand of rude and boisterous officers and soldiers, who have given divers of our friends those blows which in a few days have brought them to their graves ! T might add to these, burning in the forehead, cut- ting oif ears, unmerciful beatings, whippings, and cruel scourgings. But did any or all of these deter us from the worship of God ? Nay ! hath not our cheerfully undergoing all these hardships sufficiently evinced to the world that our religion and consciences are dearer to us than our estates, our liberties, our limbs, or our lives ? Why, then, will you repeat severities upon us, which have so often been tried before in vain ? Can you take pleasure in putting others to pain, and delight your- selves in afflicting others ? * * * Think not the worse of us for our faithfulness to our God ! He that is true to God will be true to man also ; but he that is folse and treacherous to God, how is it likely he should be true to man? — Thomcts EUwood, 1683. i'hikd Month 80.] DAILY liKADINGS. 89 " In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct Ihy paths.'"— Proverbs iii. 6. I ENTERED into an agreement with a man in the borough to instruct me in shoe-making ; for whicli I was to give him more than half* of my small savings. Yet I trusted if I kept close to my good Guide in my future stepj^ings, he would so direct me that time would evince to my friends that I had not been deceived in the step I had taken. The billows at times would rise very high one after another; yet to my humbling admiration, I bad to acknowledge to the praise of that great Power, which I believe had led me into this tribulated path, that they all passed over me. My little surplus of money wasted fast, and my earnings were very small, not allow- ing me, for the first year, more than bread, cheese and water, and sometimes bread only, to keep clear of debt, which I carefully avoided. Setting constantly on my seat at work w^as hard for me ; so I might say, I worked hard and fared hard. In a while it appeared better I should free myself from my instructor, and begin as a master for myself, having offers of plenty of employ- ment. After I had settled in my new situation a few^ months, my health began to decline. My debility so increased that the doctors advised my leaving London altogether ; the thoughts of doing which, and having new^ connections to seek, was a fresh trial of my faith. I turned my attention to Tottenham, where there w'as a large body of Friends. — Thomas /^A«7^i^oe, Tottenham, England, 1781. 00 DAILY EEADINGS. [Thikd Month 31. " There is that ecattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty."— Prov. xi. 24. MARY HAGGER was again and again permitted to feel the influence of the Divine Spiiit con- straining Jier to testify to others of the Lord's goodness ; yet, many were lier discouragements, and frequent work was made for fresh repentance, in the withholding more than was meet ; retracing her steps required more faith than a simple acting at first had done. She thus expresses herself in after life, in revert- ing to this time of trial : " I have abundant cause to ad- mire and reverence the Great Name, that his preserving arm has been round about me, and his tender mercies are lengthening out still. When I have been mourning over my infirmities, I have fully believed, that had I been more resigned, the grand enemy could not have caused so long a wilderness travel ; but He knows I am one of a sad heart, and very apt to take discouragement. Were it not for the sweet feelings of peace mercifully granted, when ability is aiforded to give up requirings of duty, as I apprehend, my little faith, like poor Peter's, would fail, and I should sink under the weight of my frequent unwatchfulness and want of more finn resolution." In reviving these circumstances to her intimate friends, Mary Hagger would speak of them with tears of grati- tude to him who had delivered her out of all her afflic- tions. — Memoranda of Mary Hagger^ by W, and T, Evans, 1843. Fourth Month 1.] DAILY READINGS. 91 " Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over hi:i household, to give them meat in due season ? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find ho doing."— Matt. xxiv. 45, 46. I BELIEVE if young persons were more fully open, and implicitly given up to acts of dedication appa- rently small, and were willing to go, to stay, to do, or to forbear in minor matters, as seems best, that they would thrive more vigorously in religious stature and strength. One thing after another came gradually be- fore the view of my mind ; all that I had to do, or be- lieve was required at my hands, came not upon me at once ; for there was no hard task-master to obey, but one who knew my weakness, and my inability to give up even to the least matter of duty, without His special aid. As I was concerned to keep my eyes open, to see whatever He miglit shew me was to be given up to, — and to my desire from day to day unto him, and the ac- complishment of His will respecting me, — first one thing, then another, at seasons open before me with sufficient clearness: sometimes these apprehended duties were very little matters; at other times they were of fearfully great importance ; and often were they of a nature and complexion, which the worldly-wise part in myself and v.\ others could not bear or understand. Yet after hav- ing gone through and been favored to stand faithful in the performance of these things, I have often seen the propriety of them ; and I have felt it a precious thing to be " led about and instructed " so suitably, so seasona- bly, so safely. — John Barclay^ 1818. 92 1)AILY IlKADINGS. [FocMu Month 2. " For that which is hi^jhly esteemed among men, is an abomination in the sight of GocL"— Luke xvi. 15. SIR WIVL PENN is remembered chiefly as the father of the Quaker legislator, and holds from that connection a larger place in the view of posterity than from any other cause. While the name of th^ father is merged in the count- less mass of military characters who are seldom men- tioned or thought of, the name of the son stands con- spicuous among the greatest benefactors of our race. The history of the province which bears his name proves conclusively the superiority of the gospel plan above the policy of the world. He had had the honor of proving that the tomahawk and scalping knife of the savage may be stripped of their terrors by the lenient spirit of the gospel. Wliich would the most eager aspirants after fame prefer, if they could command it with a wish : to be Admiral Penn, with the scanty rays of military renown that now surround his memory, or to be William Penn, the Quaker founder of Pennsylvania • * * * whose name is transftiitted with reverence from genera- tion to generation amongst the untutored inhabitants of the wilderness ; whose character is most admired where it is best understood; and who, when the day arrives, " in which nation shall no longer lift up sword against na- tion," will be remembered as one who gave the influence of eminent abilities and a conspicuous station, to pro- mote the advancement of the Messiah's peaceful reign. — Enoch Leicis, Philadelphia, 1852. ForuTH Month 3.] T)AILY REAT>INGS. 93 *' And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madnc-s and folly : I perceived that this also is vexation of the spirit."— Eccl. i, 17. I THEN had my conversation much among people of no religion, being ashamed to be counted religious, or do anything that was called religious. In this restless state I let in every sort of notion that rose in that day, and for a time applied myself to examine them, and get out of them whatever good could be found; but still sor- row and trouble was the end of all. I was at length ready to conclude that though the Lord and His truth were certain, yet they are not now made known to any upon earth ; and I determined no more to inquire or look after God. So for some time I took no notice of any religion, but minded recreation, as it is called ; and went after it into many excesses and vanities — as foolish mirth, carding, dancing, and singing. I frequented music assemblies, and made vain visits whei'e there were jovial feastings. But in the midst of al>this my heart was often sad and pained beyond expression. I was not hurried into those follies by being captivated by them, but fi'om not hav- ing found in religion what T had sought and longed after. T would often say within myself, what are they all to me ? T could easily leave all this ; for it hath not my heart, it is not my delight, it hath not power over me. I had rather serve the Lord, if I could indeed feel and know that which would be acceptable to Him. O Lord suifer me no more to fall in with any false way, but show me the Truth. — Mary Springett^ 1650. 94 DAILY READINGS [Fourth Month 4. "And seekest thoa great things for thyself? seek them nanifht."— Jer. xiv. 5. BEFORE he was eighteen years of age, William Penn had been sent to the Continent by his father, Admiral Penn, for the purpose not only of ordinary travel, but especially to have spread before him the allurements of a gay courtly life, in their most fascinating forms. By this means the father hoped to supplant and drive away the serious impressions his mind had received when an Oxford student, from the Quaker preaching of Thomas Loe. William Penn was expelled from the University for refusing to wear the college cap and gown ; for discuss- ing among his fellow students the wickedness and absurdity of religious persecution ; and, more especially, for asserting the scriptural truth of Quaker doctrines. No gentle measiires awaited his return home after his ex- pulsioil. But it was in vain that the stern, authoritative admiral insisted on the abandonment of every new religi- ous idea the son had taken up. Personal flagellation and solitary confinement followed, till the father became aware that the religious convictions even of a youth of sixteen or seventeen were not so to be overcome. At length, when severity failed, conthien- tal travel was resolved on, and no arrangements were spared that could render it attractive. William Penn went abroad under the highest auspices, and with the companionship his father entirely approved o£ — Penns and Peningtons, Fourth Month 5.] DAILY KEA.DINGS. 95 " Take as the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes." — Solomon's Songs ii. 15. IN little more than two years, Wm, Penn returned without any visible remains of the Quaker predi- lections of his Oxford life. He had acquired the air and bearing of a noble young cavalier, and, withal, manifested such powers of thought and conversation, ability in speaking of what he had observed abroad, that his father and mother were delighted. It was evident he had just seen enough of courtly life to be transiently dazzled by its exterior graces, without having been tainted by its vices. A considerable portion of those two years had been spent in perfecting his theo- logical studies in France, under the guidance of Moses Amyrault, a learned professor of divinity of the Re- formed French Church. And now that he had returned home, the admiral, con- scious that his active mind must have real occupation, proposed that he should be entered as a student of law at Lincoln's Inn. Thus, too, he hoped to perfect the edu- cation of the son whom he expected to succeed him in the peerage, which was already awaiting his acceptance under the title of Lord Weymouth. His father marked the serious thoughtfulness of his manner, and his manifest desire to withdraw from fash- ionable life. In remembrance of the past, he became alarmed, and forthwith resolved to send his son on a visit to his friend, the Duke of Ormond, then Lord Deputy in Ireland. — Pemis and Peningtons. 96 DAILY READINGS. [FornTH MoxTH d. " To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and wili give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name."— Rev. ii. 17. BUT an important crisis was now at hand, which changed the whole current of his * life. Another and very different course of discipline was ere long as- signed him by the Lord of all, preparing his heart and his hands to war in the cause of God and His righteousness. Whilst Admiral Penn in England was pluming himself on the triumphs of his worldly prudence, his son, on oc- casion of one of his frequent visits to Cork, heard by ac- cident that Thomas Loe, his old Oxford acquaintance, was in the city, and " intended to preach that night." He thought of his boyish enthusiasm when at college, and wondered how the preacher's eloquence would stand the censures of his riper judgment. Curiosity prompted him to stay and listen. The fervid orator took for his text, the passage, " There is a faith that overcomes the world, and there is a faith that is overcome by the world." Pos- sessed of strong religious feeling, but at the same time docile and affectionate, he had hitherto oscillated between two duties ; duty to God, and duty to his father. * * * On the other, there were only the low whisperings in his own heart. But that still voice would not be si- lenced. Often as he had escaped from thought into business or gay life, the moment of repose brought back the old memories. From that night he was a Quaker in heart. — Penns and Peningtons. Fourth Month T] DAILY READINGS. 07 " Thi son fe>all not bear the iniquity of the father, neithtir shall the father bear the iniquitj of the son ; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him."— Ezekiel xviii. 20. WM. PENN'S father, actuated by natural love, aim- ing at liis son's temporal honor; he guided by a limine impulse, having chiefly in view the truth of God ;i:Hi his own eternal welfare. His father grieved to see tlie well-accomplished son of his hopes, now ripe for worldly promotion, voluntarily turning his back on it ; he no less afflicted to think that a compliance with his earthly father's pleasure was inconsistent with obedience to His Heavenly Fatlier. The earthly parent pressing conformity to the fashions and customs of the times, earnestly entreating and be- seeching him to yield to this desire ; the son, of a loving and tender disposition, in an extreme agony of spirit to behold his father's trouble, modestly crsiving leave to refrain from what would hurt his conscience; and, when not granted, solemnly declaring that he could not yield ; Ids father thereon threatening to disherit him ; he humbly resigning all things of that sort to his father's will, who, perceiving that neither entreaty nor threats prevailed, turned his back on him in anger; and the son lifted uj) his heart to God for strength to sustain him in that time of bitter trial. When all the admiral's endeavors proved ineflbctual to shake William's resolutions, the disconcerted father, unable any longer to endure him in his sight, fairly turned him out of doors. — TAfe of Win. Penn, 1665. 98 DAILY liEADIlSGS. [FouKTu Month S. " Jesus answered, My kinjrdom is not of this world : if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight."— John xviii. 36. rriHE declarations of Jesus Christ evidently show that, _J_ though he came to set up a kingdom on earth, yet it was to be of a nature and in a manner totally different f.-om those of the kingdoms of this world. His precepts and example prove tliat love to God and love to man were the first laws of his dominion, that it was not to be upheld by violence or deceit, but that his subjects were to be . those who listened and were obedient to the truth. The prophet Daniel foretold it in these remarkable terms : — " Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands ; and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold : in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed ; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, for it shall break in jjieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever." Christ declared, " The kingdom of God cometh not w^ith observation ; neither shall they say, lo here, or lo there ; for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." His Holy Spirit, which bears ride there, is not of an out- ward or tangible nature, but influences and governs tlie minds, consciences, and souls of men. " And when Jesus perceived that they would come, and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed into a mountain alone." ^John Allen, England, 1853. FouKtH Month 9 ] DAILY READINGS. 99 " Go aucl loose the sackcloth from thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot. And he did so, walkinjj naked and barefoot." — Isa. xx. 2 THEREFORE was I commanded of the Lord to pass through your streets covered with sackcloth and ashes, calling you to repentance, that ye might yet be more awakened, and alarmed to take notice of the Lord's voice calling unto you ; and not to despise these things which belong to your peace, whilst your day last- eth, lest hereafter they be hid from your eyes. And the command of the Lord concerning this thing came unto me that very morning as I awakened, and the burden thereof was very great ; yea, seemed almost insupportable unto me ( for such a thing until that very moment had never entered me before, not in the most remote considei*a tion.) And some whom I called, to declare to them this thing, can bear witness how great was the agony of my spirit; how I besought the Lord with teai-s that this cup might pass away from me ; yea, how the pillars ot my tabernacle were shaken, and how exceedingly my bones trembled, until I freely gave up to the Lord's will. And this was the end and tendency of my testimony, to call you to repentance, by this signal and singular step ; which I, as to my own will and inclination, was unwill- ing to be found in, as the worst and wickedest of you can be averse from receiving or laying it to heart. Let all and every one of you, in whom there is yet alive the least regard to God, or his fear, consider and weigh this matter in the presence of God, and by the spirit of Jesus Christ in your hearts. — Robert Barclay. 100 DAILY EEADIXG3. [ForBxn Moxth 10. " I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting."—! Tim. ii. 8. O FATHER of all creatures, Author and Creator of all good, condescend, I beseech thee, m thy never- failing mercy, to instruct us, who are the workmanship of thy hands, how we shall come before thy throne with an acceptable sacrifice. Whilst in this world of doubt and perplexity, wander- ing in the mazes of error, and bewildered in the paths of ancertainty, do Thou, O God, enlighten our understand- ings, and make us perfect in that knowledge which maketh wise unto salvation. Suffer not our minds to be cast down with finding our incapacity of clearly discov- ering those things which thou hast placed beyond our reach; but grant, O Father of Mercies, that we may rest satisfied with those capacities w^hich thou hast given us ; and be content to walk in humility and fear before thee, waiting for the glorious ap}>earance of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, when that veil which now obscures our sight shall be drawn aside, and we shall see things clearly, as face to face. Suffer not our minds to be puffed up with the vanity of fruitless inquiries into things beyond our depth, but rather let us endeavor to acquire meekness and humility of heart, the most truly valuable accomplishments; that through the assistance of thy holy Spirit we may shine as lights in the world, and live to the praise and glory of thy name, desiring that our spirits may be bowed before thee in reverence, and in thanksgiv- ing for thy mercies. — Margaret Woods, 1772, aged 24. FotniTH Month 11] DAILY BEADmGS. 101 " The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason oi strength they be fourscore ycai-s, yet is their strength labor aud sorrow ; for it is soon cut off, aud wo fly away."— Psalm xc. 10. I OFTEN struggle for resignation, and a more com- plete acquiescence to the Divine will. 1 can say, with the Apostle Paul, "I keep under my body, niid bring it into subjection ; " but I do not feel capable of exerting the same influence over my mind. I believe this can only be effected by the operation of that Power who can " subdue all things unto himself," He watches over all the workmanship of his hands, and his providence is continually hovering over us for good. His power is the same over the perturbations of the soul as over the bois- terous elements, and he can diffuse a calm over the mind as easily as over the tempestuous ocean. The prayer of faith will ascend to Ilim : he will pluck our feet out of the miry clay, and set them upon a rock whose founda- tions are fixed, and will stand firm against tlie i-ain, the floods, and the wind. I think we shall do well not to perplex ourselves with contemplating the various evils of life, or the mystery of iniquity. Secret things belong unto God, and he only can reveal them according to his good pleasure. Our concern is with those that are re- vealed ; and we may trust that we shall be sufiiciently enlightened to pursue the right way. Submission to tin- Divine Avill in all things is our duty, and will prove the .source of our greatest happiness ; for when our will re- >^olts against the Divine will, nothing but misery can ensue. — Margaret Woods, 1819, aged 70. 102 DAILY READINGS. [Fourth Mokth t2. " There is a spirit in man, and the inspimtiou of the Almighty giveth them understanding."— Job xxxii. 8. nV ~]^0W I say. this inspiration ought to be rightly un- _i_i dei-stood and believed in ; from ray own ex^x^ri- ence, I imderetand it to be an inbreathing of the divine word into our minds, giving a true understanding of di- vine things, that we may make choice of, and walk in the paths of wisdom, which is the just man's path : I say, the inbreathing of this -word, which is truth, life, and the light of men ; that spirit which " searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God," which by Jesus Christ is made manifest imto all men ; I say, this inspiration ought to be waited for in all our religious assemblies especially, and believed in, as being the foundation and spring of all right ministry, devotion, and woi*ship of the true God ; yea, I always find this from my own experience to be most edifying, thus to wait for this divine inspiration ; and when I find my understanding, and influenced by this blessed gift to minister to others, I give up thereto, speaking to the assembly according to the present abili- ty I receive thereby ; and I know this to be true begin- ning of a right gospel ministry, which I shall speak to more at large in its proper place. — Samuel JSoionas. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.— James i. 17. Though we had all tongues, all knowledge, and even gifts of propliecy, and were preachers to others, aye, and had zeal enough to give our bodies to be burned; yet, if we wanted charity, it would not avail us for salvation.— Wm. Penw. FotTRTH MOKTH 13.] DAILY READINGS. 103 " He said unto them, Qo ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive."— Matt. xx. 7 IOFTEN^ look round me, and often consider if I have anything to do ; I am willing to spend or to be spent, but afraid and unwilling to engage where T ani not employed. Those who staid latest, but could gi\e as a reason, " because no one has liired us," were em- ployed, wlien the Lord of the vineyard bade them go, and receive their penny when the even was come. If in some instances I have not been altogether idle ; if at present I appear so to others, and do indeed stand still, I can truly say, I am not hired ; and I hope as truly, that I desire to be as ready, under the same qualifications, as he who said, " Here am I, send me." * * -fi I do not envy others ; I am glad of it. I heartily bid them Godspeed, and rejoice in the success of their labors. I wish to be like them, and am willing, nay, rather desir- ous, to be employed with them ; further I dare not go ; and finding myself still so poor, so barren and so deso- late, I ask myself is there not a cause ? My unworthiness presents itself; but, if I was not afraid that my heart retained some secret impediment, unknown to myself, 1 should adopt the language of Peter, and say ; " Lord, thou knowest all things : thou knowest that I love thee," and the consciousness that I do love him above all things, T do desire to do so, is my only support under that withdi-aw - ing of light and sense of Divine requirings which I so frequently examine. — Richard Meynolds, 1788. 104 DAILY READINGS. [Foubtu Month 14. "And the multitude of them believed, were of oue heart and soul."— Acts* iv. 32. BEING joined to the said people, in derision called Quakers, and by the grace of God resolved to continue and persevere in their communion, and to vvai: upon God in his light, wherewith he had enlightened in y understanding in a good measure, I had great satisfac- tion therein, being sensible that our society and converse with one another, as we had received the love of the truth, was helpful and encouraging to us, and tended to edification and comfort. I greatly loved and delighted in the free conversation and fellowship of sober, faithful Friends. When I was a school-boy at the free school at Blen- coe, in Cumberland, I loved retirement with some other so- ber, studious scholars, though but mean and poor in the world, rather than the company of the loose, extrava- gant boys, though of the gentry, or richer sort, who were given to much play and gaining. In that company of which I was most fond, we were tlie most profitable one to another in our learning, and communicating the effects of our studies to each other; and much more in a spiritu- al and higher sense, when we were in some degree come to know the blessed truth, in the light of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Christian society, and our communications therein of our inward experiences, did all redound to our mutual help and edification in the love of the truth as it is in Christ. — George Whitehead, 1654. Only trust tliyf=cir, and another shall not betray thcc.— Wm. Pknn. PouRTU Month 15.] DAILY READINGS. 105 '• Bless d are tliey who Buffer persecutiou for righteousness sake ; for theiru Iri the kingdom of heaven."— Matt. v. 10. PERSECUTIO]N^ may be considered in relation to calumny and reproach, and in imprisonments, con- finements, or the like, or taking away life or goods on a religious account, for conscientious scruples, etc. What sad work hath there been on this account in the world, not among Turks and Jews only, but among professors of Christianity, which is indeed a great reproach to that holy name. Persecution for righteousness sake is not fit for Turks or Jews, much less for the professors of our meek Lord ; his dispensation and gospel being absolutely the reverse of it, which is a sliameful sin to all men, in all nations. However the persecuted have this comfort in the midst of all their sufferings, they are blessed of Christ theii* Lord ; who himself suffered for them, and they are promised by him the kingdom of heaven. By which doctrine it may be safely concluded, that the mem- bers of his true church never persecuted any, though they have been often persecuted ; but the eyes of many are now open to see the evil of it, and a spirit of mod- eration begins to grow and spring in divers parts of the earth. It is to be desired that the moderation of Christians might more and more increase, and appear to all men ; because God is at hand, who will justify the innocent, whom he knows better than any man, because he sees their hearts, and he will condemn none but the wicked. — Thomas Chalkly. 106 -DATLY RKADTX{iR. [FovRTii Month Vi. " The secret things belong nnto the Lord our God; but those thing? which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of thislaw."— Deut. xxix. 20. IT sometimes seems marvelous, in my view, that our natural life is lengthened for weeks, months, and it may be years, after being brought as it were to the brink of the grave, looking for the salvation of the soul, through the redeeming love and power of the Saviour, who was crucified for sinners. No other name do we own, or profess to believe, can save ns. This I consider as the unchangeable foundation of genuine Quakerism ; and it is to be accompanied by a consistency of conduct, not to be controverted, agreeably to the Scriptural doc- trine and precept left upon record of the High Teacher, and to the example and testimony of holy men of old. As far as my si3iritual understanding has been enlightened, this is what I apprehend to be Truth. Secret things belong to the Lord. My belief is, that sufficient is revealed for our instruction; and that, while persevering in faithful obedi- ence, we shall find that lowly, peaceful, spiritual poverty is a soul-satisfying reward. I believe it is safe and best in the present times, to leave judgment unto the righteous Judge, as to this or that ; and to take the impressive counsel, " What is that to thee ? follow thou Me !" I hope not to weary thee, dear friend. 1 think only to add, that Christian union, love, and fellowship, was never more pre- cious, nor more binding to my fellow-professors in the Society to which I have been conscientiously united for upwards of fifty years. — Mary Capper^ aged 82. FouKTH Month 17.] DAILY READINGS. 107 "Let them alone : they be blincl leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch."— Matt. xv. 14. EXCEPTING Massachusetts and Connecticut, North America offered an asylum for the persecuted of every class, and for the people of every clime ; we can- not therefore wonder that its unsectarian soil became tlie resort not only of English, but Irish and Scotch, and also emigrants from almost every nation in Europe. In studying the history of the Society of Friends, the observant reader cannot, we think, fail to notice, that it was only in countries where darkness and popery had been much dispelled, that its spiritual and enlight- ened views found steady acceptance. Although our early Friends were engaged in Gospel labors in several of the Roman Catholic countries of Europe, we do not find that they were successful in the establish- ment of a single meeting. The Reformation, therefore, was instrumental in pre- paring the way for the introduction of Quakerism into Christendom. But enfranchised as most of the settlers of the Avesterii world were, from the shackles of popery, and to a large extent from prelacy also, and consisting as they did of considerable numbers of pious individuals, who had been driven from their respective countries for the cause of religion, the colonies of America presented a sphere peculiarly ada])ted for the reception of those high and enlightened vicAVS of Christianity which tjie Society of Friends were called to uphold and to advocate among their fellow-men. — James Bowden^ London, 1850. 108 DAILY READINGS. [Fourth Month 18. " Commit thy way unto the' Lord ; trust also in him ; and he sh-^ll bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness a? the light, and thy judg- ment as the noonday.'"— Psalm xxxvii. 5, 6. " And the Lord shall help them and deliver : He shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in Him."— Psalm xxxvii. 40. MOST fully do I unite with thee in the blessedness of obedience to the DiWne will. In the Christian life we see there is such a variety of means for the attainment of the same great end, that it has always appeared to me, that we are not sufficient of ourselves to choose those means which are best for us, and that the more we commit our way unto the Lord, the more we are likely to prosper in that spiritual life which is light and peace ; and I think the Scriptures authorize us to believe that the Light or Holy Spirit which is given to every man to profit withal, is all-mifficicht to lead us in the way in which we should go ; that it reproves us for every evil thought and word, and that it instructs us in our duties ; and does it not also open our minds to understand the important doctrines of Cliiistianity ? Surely obedience, which is so enforced by Friends, does not lessen, but increases our faith in the redeeming power of Christ. At those times when we the most endeavor to , do right, have we not sufficient proofs of our great in- firmity, and of the corruptions of himian nature, to teach us that of ourselves we are blind, and poor, and miserable, and naked, until clothed with the righteous- ness of Christ? — Priscilla Gurney^ 1812. FouHTu Month 19.] DAILY RKADIXGS. 109 ' Not elothfiil In business ; fervent in spirit ; serving the Lord."— Rora. xii. 11. BUSINESS, in its proper sphere, is useful and benefi- cial, as well as absolutely necessary ; but the abuse of it, or an excess in it, is pernicious in many points of view. I cannot approve, in very many respects, of the intense degree of application and attention which seems often to be required of those that are in business. There is one danger to which the man of business is particularly exposed, and the more alarming, because it is concealed, — T mean the danger of gaining a worldly spirit, and of losing that tenderness of conscience, that love of religion, which is the ground of all virtuous con- duct. The person who is engaged in worldly affairs, whether the sphere of his engagement be large or small, should be most anxiously attentive to his eternal inter- ests, that they also may be kept in a nourishing, profita- ble condition : if this be not the case, the saying of W. Penn is true in regard to such a one — " He that loses by •retting, had better lose than gain." He should also be very jealous of his scanty leisure, that he may not omit to employ some of it in his daily duties to his Maker, and to the constant cultivation of that holy frame of mind, which it is the slow though sure tendency of the spirit of the world silently to counteract. For, I own, I t leinble at the very idea of any man's mainly pursuing liis perishable interests, when perhaps in one short mo- ment he is gone. — John Barclay^ 1815. 110 DAILY READINGS. [Fourth Month 20 '•There is one body, and one Spirit, even as> ye are called in one hope of your calling. " — ^Eph. iv. 4. LOOKING toward your assemblies, my feelings of in- terest are awakened in a lively manner, not only for those individuals who are peculiarly dear to myself, but for the church at large. It is my earnest desire that you may be richly favored wath the overshado wings of him w^ho can fill your hearts and minds w^ith the abund- ant streams of his consolation ; that divine blessings may indeed be showered down upon you, to your mutual com- fort, and " to the edifying of the body in love." My heart is with all that labor in the work of the Lord, and I salute them in the language of the apostle, " Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Fa- ther, and from the Lord Jesus Christ." It is cheering to see friends under diifercnr, circumstances, each oc- cupying the gifts intrusted to them, though Aery va- rious one from the other. Whilst this is the case, wheth- er possessing the one, or the five talents, individuals, as well as the church, will prosper, and our adorable Head will be glorified by his own works. And I desire that all of us, who, exhort others, may so submit to the effect- ual operation of the fire and the hammer, as to hold out the invitation, by our owm example, to follow us as we fol- low Christ. — Jonathan Backhouse. Thon knowest, O Lord, before I speak, How poor I am, how halt, how weak, And what I need, and what I seek. — Janb Crbwdson. Fourth Month 21.] DAILY EEADIXGS. Ill " Verily I say unto you, Except ye b« converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter tlie kingdom of heaven."' -Matthew xviii. 3. THERE is a striking analogy between little children by nature, and those who are born from above. In tlie infant state of religion the child of God cries for something, it does not well know what ; it do.'s not desire to know, but it wants to be fed ; its growth and its strength are acquired by its feeding, not by its increase of understanding, which yet, as it is necessary and useful, arrives in its season, and is added by degrees. And as we cannot add one cubit to our stature as natural men, so neither by taking much thought can we add to our religious growth : this is the work of God, as saitli the Scriptures. In this day there is so much revolting from the genuine spirit of Christianity, and the few ih.it are sound in the faith and alive in the root are so rejoiced at the prospect of any of the visited youth coming forward in stability and service, that there is some times a danger lest such youth should be carried off their feet, and pulled forward into action beyond their proper streni]:th, and the right requirings of duty. Only let us be inward and diligent in our spirits, keeping to our own particular exercise, and attending to the account current which is between the great Lord of the household and our own souls respectively, making short reckonings, and giving up no false rest till Infinite Mercy forgives the debt ; so shall we, though poor, witness content, and though not abounding, yet have a little sufficiency. — Richard ^Shack- leton, 1783. 112 DAILY liEVmNGS. [ForETH Month 22. "While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear."— 1 Peter ill. 2. THE practice and use of the plain language is conso- nant with the rules of grammar and the language of holy men of old ; the Scriptures bear testimony ; yet I was desirous to prove all things, to biing them to the standard of truth in my heart, and, if they stood the measure of that, to cleave to them. I began to use this language sometimes, and at other times not, when in my infancy ; my near kinsfolk, I heard, said I was beside my- self, therefore it was a cross to use it in their presence; but denying the cross brought sorrow and weakness along with it, and a fear, that if I went do^\^l the steps of Ja- cob's ladder, I should find it more difficult to recover the ground I had lost, than even to ascend to another step. * * * The change in my dress was a great cross, as I was al- ways given to fashionable dresses, and at this time had sundry suits of apparel of this sort. I felt a solemn cov- ering to come over my spirit early one morning, which drew me into deep silence and attention, when I felt it required of me to confonn to the simple appearance of Christ's followers : His garment was all of a piece, so ought mine to be, of a piece with my speech, my life, and my conversation. This felt to be a severe stroke ; no shelter was now left me, but I must appear as a fool to the world ; my speech and then my garments would betray me, that I had been with Christ, and professed myself to be one of His disciples. — John Conron^ Ireland, 1772. Fourth Month 23.] DAILY READINGS. 113 " The meek will he guide in judgment : and the meek will he teach his way." — Ppalm XXV. 9. FOR several years Daniel Wheeler had an impression that it would be required of him to go abroad. This prospect frequently cost him much exercise of mind ; and one day, whilst pacing up and down his parlor, feeling unusually burdened under it, he was led earnestly to cry unto the Lord, desiring that he would be pleased to show him to what part of the world he must go. One of his children was in the room putting together a dissected map, and as his father approached him, his eye rested on Petersburg with such an intimation that thither his divine Master would send him. " That," said he, in relating the circumstance many years afterwards to an intimate friend, " I never afterwards doubted." He however kept the mat- ter entirely to himself, believing that when the right time should come, way would be made for him. Early in the year 1817, inquiry having been made, by order of the late Emperor Alexander of Russia, for a person to undertake the management of an agricultural establishment in his dominions. Daniel Wheeler believed it his duty to offer . himself for his service. The Emperor, as the reader may recollect, visited this country in the year 1814, and was ^ much struck with the perfection of the English system of farming. His attention had been drawn in several ways to the Society of Friends ; and a casual visit made to the farm of a Friend gave the Emperor a favorable impression of their character as agriculturists. — Memoirs of D. Wheeler hy W. and T, Evans. 114 DAILY EEA.DINGS. [Fourth Month 24. " Who is blind bnt my servant ? or deaf as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he ihat is perfect, and blind as the Lord's servant ?"— Isaiah xlii. 19. IT is now two years since the subject of visiting Kussia and rendering myself useful in promoting the happi- ness of its numerous inhabitants, was presented to the view of my mind, by that inward principle of light and grace, a manifestation of which is given to every man to profit withal, in which I believe; and Petersburg was the place pointed out to me as the scene of my operations. It was, I must acknowledge, a prospect at which I was ready to shudder : for, although we may at times feel a willingness, and even profess it, to go with our Lord and Master into prison and unto death, yet such is the frailty and weakness of human nature, that when the trying hour Cometh, like Simon Peter, we are ready to deny Him. But He who is touched with a feeling and compas sionate sense of our manifold infirmities, I trust saw that it was not wilful disobedience, but human weakness ; and He who only knoweth the thoughts and intents of the heart, yea, for whom " the darkness hideth not, but the night shiiietli as the day, the darkness and light being both alike to Him," in adorable condescension and ^lercy doth at seasons qualify his poor, dependent, humble followers acceptably to breathe the aspiration, "Lord, thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love Thee." He, by His wonder-working power, reduced my mind to a willingness to go whensoever and wheresoever He is pleased to lead, and to do whatsoever he is pleased to call for.— Daniel WTieeler, 1817. PoTTBTH Month 25.] DAILY READINGS. 115 " Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this moun tain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship thi Father. "—John iv. 21, I RECEIVED a message that I was to be introduced to Prince Galitzin, I was conducted to the splendid mansion of the Prince ; we were ushered into his apart- ment of ample size. The Prince came forward and met us HI a very courteous manner, and on being introduced he took me by the hand, and we retired to the back part of the room ; he asked me many questions with great affa- bility in Russian; my companion interpreting betwixt us. Amongst others, he inquired what family I had ; which being answered, he wished to know whether I would bring them all witli me, if I came to reside in Russia ; I said, *'Yes ; I should not leave a hoof behind ; " at which he seized my hand and expressed his satisfaction. He then enquired, how I should do, as there was no place of woi^ship for me, no meeting, no society ; how was that ? I told him the worship of Almighty God was not confined to either time or place, that is neither in this mountain, nor at Jerusalem; but in every place incense should be of- fered to His name, and a pure offering, j^fter pausing a little, he desii*ed the sentence might be thoroughly ex- plained to him. He then seemed quite to understand it, bowing his head in a reverent manner, and appeared to ponder over it, * * * The Prince held my hand till we got to the door, when I bade him farewell and departed, comparatively as light as a feather. — Dcmld Wheeler, 1817, 116 DAILY READINGS. [Fourth Month 26. "Begotten us a^ain unto a lively hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away."— 1 Peter i, 3, 4. I RECEIVED a message that the Emperor* would see me that afternoon. The Prince received me with his usual openness. A messenger came and conducted me to the palace, and after going through a range of rooms, I was shovvn into the apartment of the Emperor, who re- ceived me with more parade than I expected, but I thought afterwards this was only on account of the page, for, as soon as the door shut, he took me by the hand, say- ing, " Sit down, Sir." I was not quite ready to sit down ; for the salutation arose in my heart, "of grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied, from God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ," upon the noble Emperor, etc. The Empe- ror stood quite still until I had finished ; when we both sat down. He had many questions to ask, expressed his surprise and satisfaction at the manner in which I had been led into Russia. He mentioned my memorial, and, I think touched upon every particular head distinctly, and said he agreed to the whole. I then gave him a pa- per I had in my pocket-book, which brought the peculiar principles of our Society into view ; this he read, and questioned me about all of them ; which gave me time to clear myself fully. * * I remember my last words were the expression of a desire that attended my mind, that when time shall rob thee of thy earthly crown, an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, a crown immor- tal may be thy happy portion. — Daniel Wheeler, 1817. * Alexander, of Russia. FoTJBTH Month 27.] DAILY KEADIKGS. 117 " Trust in the Lord, and' do good ; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thon Shalt be fed."— Pdalm xxxvii. 3. HAVING now dwelt among these dear people (the Russians) nearly three years, I think I can say with truth that my love for them has not diminished, but, on the contrary, greatly increased, particularly for those who are of least account among men. * * * I had a conference with the Emperor a short time since, and was never so much satisfied with any previous interview. * * A knowledge of his particular situation renders him, in my estimation, an object of commiseration and sym- pathy. Few, I am persuaded, are really aware of the difficulties by which he is encompassed, or of what he has to contend with ; and when I consider the education he has had ajid training up altogether, I am more than ever surprised, that he should have any relish for serious things. He had been absent about ten months at Con- gress ; on my telling him he had been a long time away from his large family, he said : " I have a great deal to do. It is a very difficult thing to act for a nation, but I hope I have acted under God ; and the measures I have taken I hope are approved by him. I am encouraged to be- lieve so, because not a drop of blood has been spilled." I told him I had often thought of him, and that a peti- tion had been raised in my heart on his account. " Yes," he said, " and I have often thought of you : there has not been one day but I have thought of you and of Messrs. Allen and Grellet, and always felt myself united to you three in spirit. — Daniel Wheeler, Russia, 1821. lis DAILY READINGS. [FotTRTH JIONTH 2S. " All tliy works shall praise thee, O Lord ; and thy saints shall hless thee. They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power." — Psalm cxlv. 10, 11. IT has often been my lot, and it seems as if the mea- sure was not yet filled up, to witness and to share many painful scenes. I sometimes tliink tliat a greater portion of suiFering is necessary for me than for others, to liold in check and humble a disposition which is nat- urally so prone to rebel. It is, at any rate, no more than I deserve, after the days Avithout number that have been passed in folly and forgetfulness of that gi*acious Being, w^ho hath in unutterable condescension and mercy fol- lowed me from my youth up, even to the present day ; and who, I humbly trust, will never forsake His poor un- worthy creature ; but by renewed trials and baptisms, will keep alive the vital spark, until He is graciously pleased to say, " it is enough." If I know myself, I think I do not desire a life of ease ; but I would gladly devote the few remaining days which may be my portion here, to declaring " the mighty acts of the Lord," to my poor, benighted fellow-creatures, though unequal and unwor- thy to show forth half His praise. * * * The earth has been opening around us, and swallowing up the people to a feai-ful extent from cholera — old ai^d young, strong and weak, rich and poor, have fallen at the short notice of from two to three hours. Although we have had to stand as with our lives in our hands, yet we have been favored beyond precedent. — Daniel Wheeler, Kussia, 1831. Fourth Month i DAILY KEADINGS. 119 ** I lay down my life that I may take it again. No man taketh it from me. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. "—John x. 17. OH! it is an awful thing to appear before the Judge of tlie whole earth, but I do not feel afraid. I have a merciful Saviour; pray for me that patience hold out to the end ; our blesse 1 Saviour died the death ; mine is a natural death, but his was for the whole world. He gave up his life freely, and suffered on the cross. He gave his life a willing sacrifice, and we must give up our whole hearts ; no cross, no crown, is a sure testimony ; if we will not bear the cross, we cannot have the crown. Oh ! my dear children, may you never rest but in the wrestling of the. soul, until he has fully redeemed you, un- til he has finished the work he has begun in you. Oh ! from ray dying bed, I beg of you, that it may be the ear- nest breathing of your souls, that you may be redeemed from the perishing things of time, and that your affec- tions may be fixed upon eternity : upon things that will endure for ever. What would it avail me now to have the world, or as much as might be equal to our most ex- travagant desires to possess ? * * * Oh ! eternity ! Oh ! the length of eternity ! Oh ! that it may be impressed on every heart, the length of eternity ! There is no end! " The salvation of the righteous is of the Lord ; he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them : he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in liim." — Psalm xxxvii. — Mary Hugger, 1839. 120 DAILY READINGS. [Fourth Month 30. " Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth : yea, saith the spirit, that they may rest from their labors ; and their works do follow them." —Rev. xiv. 13. rr^HERE is nothing comparable to the sweetness of 1 the truth ! all the pleasures and possessions of this world are but as a bubble — the blessed truth as it is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Those who live under the power and guidance of truth will be distinguished from others by a light about them, which will be even as the lialo represented round about the head of Jesus. There are those in all the walks of life, who look to God for his help and counsel. Anything we can do is but as filthy rag-*. Bear it in miud, my friends. Nothing but the grace of God can cover us in such an hour as this. I have long sought God's counsel and help. Keep humble. Don't do anything to please the pride of the eye. Keep to duty. Don't think it will expose you : it will not. It will bring peace. The blessing of God rest uj^on you all. Give glory to God in the highest. Oh ! that I could proclaim to all the world the sweetness I feel, and the power of the ever-blessed truth, which is more to me noio than ten thousand worlds. My case is a very doubtful one, but life is uncertain at all times. The great object of life is to prepare for death. Do not give me anything to benumb my faculties. 1 want my mind clear. I want to lift up my heart to him, who alone can help. — George Ilowland^ New Bedford, Mass., 1852. Fifth Month 1.] DAILY READINGS. 121 " He canseth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man : that he may bring forth food out of the earth."— Psalm civ. 14. rr^^IIE return" of spring does indeed afford much food I for the contemplative mind, both of youth and age, though the thoughts of those very differently cir- cumstanced classes may take an almost opposite direc- tion. The former, exhilarated by the language of animal spirit and the universal smile of nature, look forward with sanguine, often too sanguine, expectations to the future ; whils^t those on whom these prospects have not only been opened but closed, and who have nearly seen the end of earthly perfection, are apt to look behind them. Thus to me, and such as me, it is not an unpleasing though somewhat pensive employment, to number the lovely springs that have ])assed over our heads, and to turn over the chequered page of our own history, and that of the times in which we have lived, as I can readily do, for more than half a century. In tracing these records, although I find some blots, some blunders, and here and there a very zigzag and awkward line, yet I really have no desire to try the ground over again, even were I to begin with the advantages which the first experiment might be supposed to afford. For I find former experience, though of some value, is insuffi- cient for preservation ; it cannot supercede watchfulness, nor does it preclude warfare. — Jonathan Hutchinson^ 1818. xrKi"<'i2B'^J" 122 DAILY READINGS. [Fifth Month e. " But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you : but a? the eame anointing teacheth you of all thinci*, and is truth, and is no lie."—! John ii. 27. A^D tliou who art willing to follow this, and to be guided by this, shalt need no man to teach thee, but it will be a teacher unto thee, teaching and directing thee in righteousness, purity, and holiness ; and if thou art diligent, keeping tliy mind within, with an ear open to the pure voice, thou shalt find it present with thee wheresoever thou art, in the fields, in thy bed, in markets, in company, or wheresoever thou art. When thy out- ward priest or teacher is absent or far ofi*, it will be present with thee, and will check thee and condemn thee for that which no outward eye can see, and will cleanse thy heart from lust, and deceit, and uncleanness, and will purify thy heart, and make it a fit temple for purity to dwell in ; and then thy sacrifices will be pure, which come from a pure heart, and the Lord will accept them. But, if thou wouldst attain to this, thou must be willing to deny thy lust, thy vanity, thy delights, and whatever has been thy life, for Christ has declared " whosoever will save his life, shall lose it ; and whosoever will lose his life for my sake, shall find it." So, there is no obtaining life but through death ; no obtaining the crown^ but through the cross.-^ James Parnell. Great God. if round my sinking head, The waves of sorrow roll : The word?i which thou the Saviour «aid, Shall cheer my struggling soul. —Amelia Owe. Fifth Month 3.] DAILY KKADINOS. 123 ''And be not conformed to this world : but be ye tra us formed by the renew- ing of your mind, that yoii may prove what is that ^ood, and acceptable, and perfect will of God."— Rom. xii. 2. AT the presant favored interval of retirement and leisure, I am concerned to repeat an inquiry, more than once instituted before this time, wlietlier 1 am not now called on to declare and profess before men, the religious persuasion and j^rinciples which I most surely hold : and to adopt that course of daily practice in con- duct and conversation, of the reasonableness and right- ness of which T have not any doubt. It does appear to my view highly and imperatively necessary, that an in- ternal change should precede an extenial one. I believe that conversion is that of the heart ; that profession must follow, not go before possession ; and that an out- ward show and appearance of peculiar seriousness is hy- pocrisy and increased condemnation, if not accompanied by the inward work of sanctification in the soul. Never- theless, it is certain to my mind that one invariable evi- dence of true religion, having entered and taken up its abode in us, will always be, that we shall no longer con- form ourselves to this world in its vanity and folly ; and that, in our dress, address and general conduct in every particular, we shall not be governed by worldly maxims or opinions, but by the law written in our hearts. Hoav far then is this the case with me ? How far can I assur- edly say, that this change of heart is my experience ? O ! I feel indeed that I come short of what ought to be my practice. — John liarday, 1816. ^^^ I^^^ILY READINGS. [Fifth Month 4. " Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, trusting in the mountain of Samaria." — ^Amo8 vi. 1. I HAD a natural warmth in my disposition, which I was very desirous to overcome, as it unsettled my mind from that state of quiet in which I found rest ; but all the care I used was not sufficient at times to sub- due it, and it was cause of great uneasiness to me when it did get up : yet I was enabled through Divine favor to keep up a fair outside appearance with men, was Qot guilty of immorality, and was reckoned sober and religious, and upon these grounds I held a j^i'etty good opinion of my own attainment. Here I was ready to set- tle down, and to think I had reached the desired haven of rest ; but this state, I believe, is one of the subtleties of our grand adversary, and is a false rest, and not that prepared for the people of God ; out of this the enemy will not disturb us, he will allow us to remain there all our lives, as I fear too many do — resting m their own labors, their works will not follow them. But my merci- ful Redeemer, who knew the integrity of my heart, and saw that bread did not satisfy my hungry soul, because I hungered and thirsted after righteousness, winch these things did not produce.* * * * My mind being so limited by the prejudices of education in favor of that profession of religion I was taught to believe in, I did not look for, neither did I expect to feel in myself, the second appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ without sin unto salvation. — Jbh?i Co7iro?ij Dublin, Ireland, 1759. FiPTH MoxTH 5.] I>'^If'Y READINGS. i25 " His rifrliteousuess unto children's children, to ench as keep his covenantB and reraoraber his commandments to do them."— Psalm ciii. 18. MAY we of the retiring generation be happily con- tinued objects of Divine regard and compassion, and be endued from season to season with fresh supplies of heavenly wisdom, that so we may walk in and before our families with propriety, and leave such vestiges in all parts of our conduct, as our successors may safely follow ; and may our beloved offspring and their connections, having been favored to see a glimpse of the beauty which is in the truth, dwell low in humble, watchful fear, that this eye may ever be kept open in them, that the vision may be more and more cleared and extended, and the God of this world never be permitted to close or obscure with the dust of the earth, or dazzle and dim with worldly splendor ! I am anxious for the coming forward of the youth of our day ; something or other retards their growth ; with many it is not any evil disposition, any criminal pursuit, but I fear there is a want of a steady, solid, dili- gent waiting for the renewal of those baptisms which purge the soul and prepare it for further illuminations and discoveries of duty. There is a seeking and desiring after good, and a looking towards the servants and messen- gers, and expecting them ; but if, under a sense of our wants and weakness, our attention was more immediately turned to the Master himself, and our dependence more abstractedly fixed on Him, I believe there would be more of a growing in the root. — Richard ShacMeton, 1781. 126 DAIIA' liEADI^GS. [Fifth Month 6. " I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." — 2 Tim. 1. 12. AND all you whose hearts are tender to the Lord, whosci trials and exercises are not a few, be not daunted nor discouraged, although the enemy may seek to frighten you Avith many temptations, and would seek to lead you out of the fellowship with or sweet re- membrance of your dying day, which exercise my soul has sometimes passed under. But blessed be the Lord for ever, the enemy is found a liar ; for the Lord has been pleased to make this sick-bed to me better than a King's palace ; and I have great fellowship with my I^dst day ; and do rejoice in the Lord, who doth so sweetly visit me with the glorious light of his countenance. It is with me, as it is with one who has traveled many weary jour- neys, and at last has come to the sight of his desired end ; which when he sees, greatly rejoices, in the sense of a further satisfaction which he shall after enjoy ; even so it is with me, who have passed no opportunity, where I saw the way of life clear and open before me, but have been veady night and day to do the will and answer the requir- ings of the Lord ; and so running as in a race, knowing my time, that is but short. And blessed be "the Lord, I have great peace and salvation in this my weak and low condition. And so, my dear and well-beloved Friends, dwell in love one with another, walking in the unspotted life; so shall you grow up as pleasant plants in the garden of the Lord. — ElcJiard Samble, died 1680, aged 35 years. FiPTH Month 7.] DAIJ.Y READINGS. 127 *' He that wavereth i» like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed." —James i. 6. I AM at present like a ship put to sea without a pilot. I feel ray heart and mind so overburdened. I want some one to lean upon. My mind is in so dark a state that I see everything through a black medium. I can comprehend nothing. I doubt upon everything. Without passions of any kind, how different I should be ! I would not give them up, but I should like to have them under subjection ; but it appears to me (as I feel) impossible to govern them; my mind is not strong enough; as I at times think they do no hurt to others. But am I sure they will hurt no one ? I believe, by not governing myself in little things, I may by degrees become a despicable character, and a curse to society; therefore, my doing wrong is of consequence to others, as well as to myself. I feel by experience, much entering into the world hurts me ; worldly company, I think, materially injures ; it excites a false stimulus, such as a love of pomp, pride, vanity, jealousy, and ambition ; it leads to think about dress, and such trifles, and when out of it, we fly to novels and scandal, or something of that kind, for entertainment. I liave of late been given up a good deal to worldly passions ; by what I have felt I can easily imagine how soon I should be quite led away. — Elisabeth Gurney, :jged 16 years. Words are for others, not for ourselves, nor for God, who hears not as bodiea do, but as spirits should.— Wm. Penn. 128 DAILY KEADINGS. [Fifth Month 8. *' Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright ; hut they have sought out many inventions. "—Ecclesiastes vii. 29. A LIFE of indulgence is not the way to arrive at Christian perfection. There are many things that appear trifles, which greatly tend to enervate the soul, and hinder its progress in the path to virtue and glory. The habit of indulging in things which our judgments cannot thoroughly approve, grows stronger and stronger by every act of self-gratification, and we are led on by degrees to an excess of luxury which must greatly weaken our hands in the spiritual warfare. I was led to these reflections by the consideration how lying late in bed of a morning creeps on by degrees. It appears a very trifling thing, and we can hardly believe that half an hour's indulgence that way amounts to a crime ; in itself it may not, and a general rule it would be impossible to fix ; but I believe each individual is apt to determine one in his own mind, and the crime lies in extending our indulgence beyond that standard which our judgments have fixed. In every other action of life, the same reasoning takes place. If we do not endeavor to do that which is right in every particular circumstance, though trifling, we shall be in great danger of letting the same negligence take place, in matters more essential. In the hour of cool meditation, how frequently do we hear the soft whisper of conscience not only condemning the evil, and leading us to repentance, but pointing out to us the way by which we may arrive at happiness and glory. — Margaret Woods, 1771. Fifth MoKTH 90 DAILY READINGS. 129 " O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for hie wouderfiil work? to the children of men."— Psalm cvii. 8. HAS He not dealt exceeding bountifully to some of you of the things of this life ? For what cause think you has he entrusted you with such abun- dance ? Is it to gratify the lust of the eye, and xhv pride of life ? Is it to make you haughty, and assume u superiority over such as, in this respect, may be below ourselves, but who perhaps may some of* them be higher in the Divine favor. Nay, surely : but in order that you may improve this gift to his honor, the good of others, and your eternal advantage ; and may be humbled in a sense of the dis- proportion of your deserts to his mercy. Has he not favored some of you with superior natural abilities ? And for what end, but that you might be in a superior degree serviceable in his hand ? Has he not afforded to all a day of merciful visitation, wherein he has by various means endeavored to bring you into that fold of immortal rest, wherein he causes his " Flocks to lie down beside the clear streams of salvation ? " O, saith my soul ! that you may consider his mercies, and make a suitable return for them ; that the Most High may delight in the present generation. O ! you of the rising generation, open the door of your hearts to that Divine visitant, who has long stood thereat, and knocked for entrance. Let him prepare you, and he will assur- edly spread his table, and admit you to be the happy communicants thereat. — Catherine Phillips^ 1778. 130 DAILY HEADINGS. [Fifth Month 10. " The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the wo Id lano;uisheth and fadeth away, the hanghty people of the earth do languish."— Isaiah xxiv. 4. I FELT in the spring of pure love, that I might remain some time longer in the body, to fill up according to my measure, that which remains of the afflictions of Christ, a "id to labor for the good of the church ; after which I re- quested my nurse to apply warmth to my feet, and I re- vived. The next night, feeling a weighty exercise of spirit, and having a solid friend sitting up with me, I re- quested him to write what I said, which he did as follows : " Fourth day of thefii*st month, 1770, about five in the morning. — I have seen in the light of the Lord, that the day is approaching, when the man that is most wise in hu- man policy shall be the greatest fool ; and the arm that is mighty to support injustice shall be broken to pieces ; the enemies of righteousness shall make a terrible rattle, and shall mightily torment one another ; for he that is omnip- otent is rising up to judgment, and will plead the cause of the oppressed : and He commanded me to open the vision." N'ear a week after this, feeling my mind livingly opened, I sent for a neighbor, who, at my request, wrote as follows : " The place of prayer is a precious habitation ; for I now saw that the prayers of the saints were precious in- conse : and a trumpet was given me, that I might sound forth this language ; that the children might hear it, and be invited together to this precious habitation, where the prayers of the saints, as precious incense, arise before the throne of God and the Lamb." — John Woolman, Fifth Month 11.] DAILY READINGS. 131 *' But as it is written. Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things whi h God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit : for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God."— 1 Corinthians ii. 9, 10. DURING the whole of that sickness I continued en- tirely sensible, and whilst death seemed to be ap- })roaching, and I had turned myself on one side, the more easily, as I thought, to breathe my last, my spirit feeling al- ready as encii-cled by the angelic host in the Heavenly Presence, a secret but powerful language was proclaimed on this wise: " Tliou shall not die, hut live — thy work is not yet done,'''* Then the corners of the earth, over seas and lands, were opened to me, where I should have to labor in the service of the Gospel of Christ. O what amazement I Avas filled with ! What a solemn and awful prospect was set before me I Sorrow took hold of me at the words ; for it seemed as if I had had already a foot- hold in the Heavenly places. I wept sore ; but, as it was the Divine will, I bowed in reverence before Him, inter- ceding that, after I had, by His assistance, been enabled to do the work He had for me to do, and the end of my days in this probationary state had fully come, I might be permitted to be placed in the same state in which I then was, pass through the valley and shadow of death strengthened by His Divine presence, and enter finally into those glorious mansions, at the threshold of which my spirit had then come. I saw and felt that which cannot be written. Suffice it to say, that from that very time the disorder subsided, — Stephen Grellet^ aged 24. 132 DAILY READINGS. [Fifth Month 12. '* All the paths of the Lord arc mercy and truth, unto such as keep his cove- nant and his testimonies. The troubles of my heart are enlarged : O bring thou me out of my distresses."— Psalm xxv. 10, 17, FROM the time that I went to live with my brother William in London, I regularly attended Friends' Meetings ; not that I was acquainted with their peculiar religions views ; indeed, there seemed to be -d prohibition of anght but simple evidence and obedience. The experi- ence of others did not seem to reach my case ; all was to be given np, that all things might be new. \ and such were the sacrifices required, from time to time, as none can know or understand, save those who have been led in ^ similar way. About this time, in consequence of my decided resolu- tion to attend the meetings of Friends, ray dear father, (no doubt in faithfulness to his own religious views, and from the desire to rescue a poor child from apprehended eiTor) requested me not to return to the paternal roof, unless I could be satisfied to conform to the religious education which he had conscientiously given me. This, with a tender, heart-piercing remonstrance from my dear, dear mother, was far more deeply felt than I can describe ; and marvelous in my view, even to this day, was the settled, fiiTn belief that I must follow on, to know the soul's salvation for myself; truly in a way that I knew not ! — Mary Capper^ aged 32. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment. Fifth Month 13.] DAILY READINGS. 133 " So likewise, whosoever he he of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple."— Luke xiv. a3. MUST I for ever give up the dear, pleasing hope of being received into the house and affections of my once kind, indulgent parents? Oh! my sister, will you, can you despise me ? I have no firm consolation but in the belief that I am guided by a superior Power. I have exerted every faculty of my mind ; I have resolute- ly mortified my body, endeavoring to bring it into sub- jection, free from the influence of passion and deceiving sense; and I have a secret intimation that the kingdom of heaven is within us ; that in the silence of the creature, is the power of God made known. O ! my Rebecca ; if you would examine the uniform desire of my life, the earnestness of my supplications, and my present wish of behig humble, pure, wholly de- pendent upon God my Maker, without any confidence in man; if you would thus consider me, without prejudice, I think you would not, could not reject me ! Of my own willings, or self-abilities, I deserve little ; but, in my heart and understanding, I submit to a perfect Teacher ; and in his light, is my life and my hope. Think not, my Re- becca, that I have contracted ideas which circumscribe salvation to any particular sect. God forbid ! my heart is contrariwise enlarged in universal charity. Let each be satisfied in his own mind, and the censures or api)lau- ses of multitudes can only be a secondary consideration of no weight. — Mary Capper^ aged 32. 134 DATl.Y KEAI>INGS. [FiFi'H Month 14. '■ O that thon hads^t hearkened to ray commandments 1 Then had thj^ peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea."'— Isa. xlviii. 18. OTIIOU who hast in abundant mercy condescended to be the guide of my early age, when under the rare of tender parents, I have abundant cause to com- memorate thy loving-kindness and fatherly care over me. If I had been faithful in all things to thy commands, how would my peace have flowed as a river. Although I have painfully to reflect on many omissions and com- missions, I have many times experienced that there is mercy with thee, that thou mayest be feared. And now I pray thee to be the support of my old age. Oh ! that it would please thee so to humble my heart that I might have no will of my own, but feel perfect resignation to thy holy will in all things. Thou hast promised a blessing to the poor in spirit : forget not one who is as a worm and no man before thee. Grant me patience to bear the distressing pain in my head, and cause it to prove as the refiner's fire and as the ful- ler's soap. Perusing the writings of our worthy predecessors often proves instructive. My heart was afll'Cted this day in reading the life of John Crook, where I found this striking passage, copied from the margin of an old Bible, printed about the year 1599: "When the mind thinks nothing, when the soul covets nothing, and the body acteth nothing that is contrary to the will of God, this is perfect sanctification." — Mary Hagger, England, 1827. Fn-TH Month 15.] DAILY READINGS. 135 " Many are the afflictions of the righteous : but the Lord delivereth oat of them all. "—Psalm xxxiv. 19. EEMEMBERING the Lord our gracious God, in his ways and merciful dealings with me from my youth ; how he found me among his lost and strayed slieep on the barren mountains of fruitless professions, and how In- «lrew me to an inward experience of his power and sanc- tifying work in my heart, and to know his teachings and spiritual ministry ; thereby to enable me by degrees ex- perimentally to minister to others, and oblige me to live accordingly ; as also to suffer patiently, with resignation of liberty and life, for Christ's sake, when called thereunto, and being supported by his power, and cheerfully carried through many great trials and deep suife rings for his name's sake, and having had many eminent deliverances aud preservations, even from my young years ; I say, considering these things, I have been the more concerned for my friends and brethren, who for conscience sake deeply suffered by imprisonment and spoil of goods ; and in the tender bowels of Christ Jesus have truly sym- pathized Avith the faithful in their sufferings and afflictions and in his love been many times stirred up to plead their innocent cause before authority, as well as to solicit with great industry on their behalf; wherein the hand of the Lord has been often with .me. — George Whitehead. When I come with troubled heart, Jesu!* bids me not depart Till he ptills it. —Jane Crewdson. 136 DAILY KEADIXGS. [Fifth Month IS. •' For other foundation can i.o man \ay than that is laid, which is Jcsii8 Chriet."— 1 Cor iii. 11. SHALL I once more greet you with the kiiiguage of affectionate encouragement ? Though the sun m the visible firmament be in eclipse, it is not lost. The creative Power that gave it for an external light remains the same ; even the universal Father of mankind, good, very good to all who seek aright to know and to obey Him, as his truly dependent children. lie who set the visi- ble sun in the sky, has not left his rational creation, formed for immortality, without a witness in the heart, as the Scriptures amply testify. What indeed should we do, if left to doubtful disputation ! If the true light in the soul become darkness, how great is that darkness ! AVatch and pray that the day-spring from on high may again arise upon us as a religious Society, somewhat scattered and shaken. Possessing our souls in patience, may we have compassion one for another ! The Foundation stand- eth sure, though there may be builders thereon of wood, hay, and stubble. Well, my dear friends, after this impremeditated in- troduction, I recur to what first arose in my thoughts, in viewing you as contending again and again for the faith, or unchanged Truth with fidelity and unwearied diligence ! O ! it is a blessed tiling to be docile, humble learners at the foot of the cross. The Spirit of Truth will guide into all truth. — 3Ian/ Ccq:)2)e)\ 1836. Fifth Month 17.] DAILY HEADINGS. 137 " Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our inflrinities ; for we know not wliat we sboukl pray for as we onglit : but tlie Spirit itself maketh intercession for ns with groanin^s which cannot be uttered."— Rom. viii. 26. WHEN I was about eleven years of age, a maid servant who tended on me and the rest of the children, would read Smith's and Preston's sermons First- day, between the sermons. I heard her diligently read, and liking not to use the Lord's Prayer only, I got a prayer- book and read prayers, morning and night, according to the days and occasions. About this time my mind was serious about religion, and one day after we came from public worship, this fore- mentioned maid servant read one of Preston's sermons on the text, " Pray continually." Much was said of the ex- cellency of prayer — that it distinguished a saint from the world ; for that in many things the world and hypocrites could imitate a saint, but in prayer they could not. This wrought much in my mind, and it seemed plain to me that I knew not right prayer ; for what I used as a prayer, an ungodly man might do by reading it out of a book, and that could not be the prayer which distin- guished a saint from a wicked one. As soon as she had done reading and all gone out of the chamber, I shut the door, and in great distress flung myself on the bed and oppressedly cried out aloud, " Lord, what is prayer ? " At this time I had never heard any, nor of any that prayed otherwise than by reading or by composing and writing a prayer, which they called a form of prayer. — Mary Proude^ England, 1635. 138 DAILY READINGS. [Fifth Month 18 *' As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may {jrow thei*eby. If so be, ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious."—! Peter ii. 2, 3. IT came into ray mind to write a prayer of my own composing, to use in the mornings. So I w^rote a ])rayer, though I then could scarcely join ray letters, I had so little a time learned to write. It was something of tliis nature: that as the Lord commanded the Israelites to offer up a morning sacrifice, so I offered up the sacri- fice of prayer, and desired to be preserved during that day. The use of this for a time gave me some ease, and I soon left off using my books, and as the feelings arose in me, I wrote prayers according to my several occasions. The time when this circurastance took place, was when the spirit of Puritanism began to be manifested in the Churches. The reading of the common prayers of the Church of England Prayer-book, both in public and private worship, was one of the practices to which these Puritans — as they were in ridicule called — objected. The next prayer I wrote was for an assurance of pardon for ray sins. I had heard one preach, how God had par- doned David his sins of His free grace ; and as I carae from our place of w^orship, I felt how desirable a thing to be assured of the pardon of one's sins ; so I wrote a pretty large prayer concerning it. I felt a fear of being puffed up with praise, as several persons had praised me for the greatness of my memory ; so I wrote a prayer of thanks for the gift of memory and expressed my desires to use it to the Lord. — 3fary Proude, 1635. Fifth Month 19.] DAILY READINGS. 139 •' Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. Quench not the Spirit." — 1 Thess. V. 1(5, 17, 19. THESE three prayers I used with some ease of mind for a time, but not long ; for I began again to ([uestion whether I prayed right or not. I knew not then that any did pray extern jiore, but it sprang up in my mind that to use words according to the sense I was in of my wants, was true prayer, which I attempted to do, but could not ; sometimes kneeling down a long time, but had not a word to say. This wrought great trouble in me, and I had none to reveal myself to, or advise with, but bore a great burden about it on my mind ; till one day as I was sitting at work in the parlor, a gentleman who was against the supersti- tions of the times came in, and looking sorrowful, said, " it was a sad day." This was soon after Prynne, Bost- wick, and Burton were sentenced to have their ears cut, and to be imprisoned. It sunk deep into my spirit, and strong cries were within me for them, and for the inno- cent people in the nation. It wrought so strongly in me, that I could not sit at my work, but left it and went into a private room, and shutting the door, kneeled down and poured out my soul to the Lord in a very vehement man ner, and was wonderfully melted and eased. I then felt peace and acceptance with the Lord, and was sure that this was prayer in spirit and in truth, which I never was acquainted with .before, either in myself or any one else. — Mary Proude, 1637. 14:0 DAILY HEADINGS. [Fifth Moxth 20. " Sayiug, surely blessing I will bless ihee, and multiplying I will multiply thee."— Ileb. vi. 14. I MINDED not those marriages that were propounded to me by A^ain persons, but having desired of the Lord that I might have one that feared Him, I liad a be- lief, though then I knew none of my own outAvard rank tliat such was an one, tliat the Lord would provide one for mc. In this belief I continued, not regarding the reproaches of them that said to me. No gentleman, none but mean persons, were of this way, and that I would mai-ry some mean one or other. They were disappointed in that, for the Lord touched the heart of him who was afterwards my husband, and my heart cleaved to him for the Lord's sake. This was William Springett. As his uncle. Sir Thomas Springett, was his guardian, it is j)robable the nephew had his uncle's house as a second home, and thus been entirely removed from the scene of Mary's trials when they were most bitterly felt. It doubtless was through the influence of his uncle, who was a steady roy- alist, that William Springett was knighted by the King at a very early age. He asked Mary to give him the right to protect and shield her, to which she consented, for to her great joy she found what she scarcely ventured to hope or expect, tliat his religious feelings, notwithstanding the adverse society to which his London life had been exposed, cor- responded very nearly with her own. They were mar ried a few months aftei*. — From Penns and Penlngtons. Fifth Mo.vth.21.] DAILY EEAbiJNUS. l4l ** Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright : for the end of that man is peace."— Psalm xxxvii. 37. OH ! that all would abide under the power of the cross. — I have had a very sweet view of the com- ing of Christ in the heart, as it were the appearance of a new-born babe, tender, delicate. We must keep Christ in view constantly. Watch carefully not to wound or grieve Him. Nothing we can do for ourselves will avail anything, all must be through Illin alone. Be wise, be wise, seek the tnith, it will adorn you with that which no man can give ; oh, it is glorious ! I would not change my situation (now on my death- bed) for a thousand worlds, no, not to be King or Em- peror ; the glitter and pomp of this world, oh ! it is less than nothing. If I die now, I die in peace with all men, even mine enemies (if I have any). Oh my soul, bless the Lord, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. My children, I desire you may be often at the feet of Jesus, that you may be an example to your children, having them go to meetings, and going with them. Keep up your week-day meetings : leave your business to attend them. I have never missed a meeting when I was in health, for fifty years ; only two week-day meet- ings I remember missing in my life, on account of busi- ness. When you go to meeting, have your mind staid on God, and if you thus wait on Him, you will find a sweetness in it, that nothing else can give, — George Howland, aged VO, 1852. 142 DAILY KEADTXGS. [Fifth Month 22 "Hove them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me."'— Prov. viii. 17, MY heart from childhood was pointed towards tht Lord, whom I feared and longed after from m\ tender years. I felt I could not be satisfied with, noi i.i Iced seek after the things of this perishing world, but I desired a true sense of, and unity witli, that which abideth for ever. There was sometliing still within me which leavened and balanced my spirit continually, but I knew it not distinctly so as to turn to it, and give up to it entirely and understandingly. In this temper of mind I earnestly sought after the Lord, applying myself to hear sermons and to read the best books I could meet with, but especially the Scrip- tures, which were very sweet and savory to me. Yea, I earnestly desired and pressed after knowledge of the Scriptures, but was much afraid of receiving men's inter- pretations upon them myself; but waited much, and prayed much, that from the Spirit of the Lord I might receive the true understanding of them, and that He should endue me with that knowledge which I might feel sanctifying and saving. And indeed I did sensibly receive of His love, of His mercy, and of His grace, and at seasons when I was most filled with the sense of my own unworthiness, and had least expectation of manifestations of them. — Isaac Pen- ington, 1658. I dwell among my own people. Fifth Month 23] DAILY KKADLNG.^. 143 *'Como, and let u.« join ourse'ves to the Lord in tho perpetual covenant thai shall not be forgotten."— Jer. 1. 5. THE unsatisfied feeling with regard to spiritual com- munion witli God, wliich for so many years was endured both by Isaac Penington and his wife, does not appear to have arisea out of, or to have been accom- panied by, a sense of unforgiving sin. Circumstances indicate that in both cases the Lord was leaving them to pass through necessary experiences, untd that degree of insight w^as ac(piired wliich prepared them to fill tlieir allotted positions in the churcli. Isaac Penington became an eminent preacher of the Gospel among the Friends, and also an indefatigabh? writer. He was ever ready to put forth his literary powers and gentle persuasive influence in defense of that spiritual religion and gospel truth which lias brought so much comfort to his own soul. Mary Penington seems to have been in an especial manner fitted to be a true helpmate to him ; her practical business capacity supplying what was less active in him. Unitedly they went forward with abiding trust in their Heavenly Father's love and care, their spiritual life being made strong in the Lord. To the enquiry, years after he had joined the Friends, if he were yet truly satisfied with the spiritual privileges he enjoyed, Isaac Penington replied, " Yes indeed ; " I am satisfied at the very heart. Truly my heart is now united to Him whom I longed after, in an everlasting covenant of pure life and peace. — Pe7ins and Peningtons^ \Q6^, 144 DAILY READINGS. [Fifth Month 34. " That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and pa tlence inherit the promise?."— Hebrews ri. 12. I HAVE been reading and have just finished the journal of the life and religious labors of Mary ^Vlexander. I have not read very many of the journals of deceased friends, but from those which I have read, there has been impressed upon rae many an instnictive lesson. It is in such accounts that we gain that treasure of experience, which, without books or writings, would be only attainable by the aged. We see from these naiTa- tives, at one comprehensive view, the importance, the value, the object, and the end of human life. The trav- elers whose pilgrimages are described, seem to traverse their course again under our inspection : we follow them through their turnings and windings — through their difficulties, discouragements, and dangers — through the heights of rejoicing, and depths of desolation, to which in youth, in age, in poverty, in riches, under all conditions and circumstances, they have been subject. From these accounts, we learn the many liabilities which sun*ound us, and we may (unless through wilful blindness,) une- quivocally discover whei'e the true rest and peace is to be found, and in what consists the only security, strength, and sure standing. O I how loudly do the lives nnd deaths of these worthies preach to us; they being dead do indeed yet speak, exhorting and entreating that we who still survive may lay hold and keep hold of those things in which alone they could derive any comfort in the end. — John Barclay ^ 1817. Fifth Month 25.] DAILY READrNGS. 145 " Search me, O God, and know ray heart : try me, and know my thoughts, and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." — Paalm cxxxix. 23, 34. YARIOUS States, we must expect to experience, aiul not a few of suffering, I believe, if ever we come to know a steady progression in the right way. There is so much to be reduced in us, before we can advance happily in the " path which no fowl knowetli," and so much to oppose our entrance into it, both from our own wayward nature, and the aspect of things without, that we are at times ready to fear the anchor will not be kept ; but this will not do, we must endeavor to lay fast hold of the hope that is set before us, and commit ourselves to the care of the good shepherd. Oh ! can anything be lost that is in his keeping ? but the great thing is, to be willing that he should keep us, — that he should lead us wherever and into whatsoever he pleases, even to the death of everything that self delights to feed upon, Hap- py are they who are subject, completely subject, to the forming hand ! May this be more and more our experience, and then in the abasement of the creature, divine grace will have the victory. Surely we ought to welcome every suffering, that may be made instrumental to be so blessed !i result — Oh, then, may we yield ourselves, fully, passive- ly, unreservedly to the discipline of the divine hand ; accounting it an unspeakable favor to be chastened by one who knoweth our frame, and remembereth that we are dust. — Maria Middleton. London, 1825. 146 DAILY READINGS. [Fifth Month 2& " God is a Spirit : and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and In truth." —John iv. 24. THE true God is a Spirit, and is infinite, eternal, and everlasting, the Creator of all things, the life and heing of all things, the power by which all things stand. All creatures have a being in him; and by him and with- out him no creature is, or doth move upon the faceof iIk* earth. This is He whom we worship, and fear, and obey, and he brings to pass by his counsel whatsoever he will, and nothing can prevent the purpose of his mind, but his counsel stands for ever. He is the righteous judge of all things, and before him must all mankind come to judgment, and the living and the dead by him must be judged: he is a rewarder of every one according to their deeds, whether they be good or whether thoy, be evil. His greatness, power, majesty and dominion are over all and beyond all, ruling above all in the power of his own will, and who may say, what doest thou ? His eye seeth all, and his presence filleth all, and no creature can be hid from his sight ; he is near at hand and afar off; he searchest man's heart and trieth the reins, and shows unto man his own thoughts ; he justifi- eth the righteous and condemneth the wicked. He is light itself, and in him is no darkness at all. This is the true God whom we worship. — Edward Bmrough^ London, 1657. Our prayers must be powerful, and our worship grateful.— TTm. Penn. Fifth Month 27.] DAILY READINGS. 147 " But let your communication be Yea, yea, Nay, nay, for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil."— Matt. v. 37. AND now, dear friends and bi-ethren, in all your words, in your business and employments, have a care of breaking your word and promises to any people ; but that you may consider before-hand, whether you may be able to perform and fulfill both your words and promises, that your yea be yea, and nay, nay, in all things ; which Christ hath set up instead of an oath, yea, above an oath and swearing, in His new covenant and testament. So let none make any promise, or speak yea, yea, or nay, nay, rashly, which they cannot perform : for such kind of inconsiderate and rash speaking is not in the everlasting covenant of life, light, and grace ; take heed, lest ye be numbered among the covenant-breakers spoken of, Rom. i. 31, and such truce-breakers as the Apostle speaks of, 2 Tim, iii, " which have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof, from such turn away," said the apostle. And therefore they that deny the power of godliness will not be faithful to God nor man ; and such cannot exercise a good conscience to God, in obedi- ence to Him, nor to man, to perform that which is just, righteous, and honest. And David said : " Who shall abide in thy tabernacle : and who shall dwell in thy holy will ? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart." — George Fox^ 1682. 14B DAILY READINGS. [Fifth Month J "For in him we live, and move, and have our being." — Acts xvii. 28. AND now having your food from Christ, and God your Father : yea, your bread, your milk, your water, your wine, your honey, your fine linen, your cloth- ing, your breath, your life, your souls, and the image of God, which He made you in, which man and woman have lost by transgression, but are to be renewed into again by Christ, your Kedeemer, Sanctifier, Reconciler, and Mediator, who makes your peace between you and God ; from whom you have your light, grace and truth, who gives you his Gospel, faith and spirit ; in whose name you have salvation, and not by any other name under the whole heaven ; and who is your heavenly, spiritual Rock and Foundation ; cannot you train up all your children in the fear of God, and tell them from whence you have all these good things, that they may come to receive of all these good things which you receive from the good God, and Christ, the treasure of wisdom and knowledge ; that you may say, the children of your children are the crown of your old men in the truth, and the glory of their fathers in God ; and that you may say, your wives are as fruitful vines by the sides of your house, and your chil- dren like olive plants round about your table ; thus shall they be blessed that fear the Lord ; that you may say, your sons are plants of God, growing up in their youth ; and that your daughters may be as corner-stones, pol- ished after the similitude of a palace. — George Fox^ 1679. Fn-TH Month 29.] DAILY READINGS. 149 "And he paid unto them, eet your heart unto all the words which I te-tify imong you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do." —Deuteronomy xxxii. 46- AND Friends, some among you train up your children in such a rude, heady way, that when they grow ip, they do not matter you, nor care for you ; so they are not a blessing and a comfort to you ; but in many things they are worse than many of the world's more loose, stubborn, and disobedient : so that when they come to be set apprentices, many times they run quite out into the world. Truth brings more into humility and meekness, and gentleness and tenderness. And therefore, by the power, and life, and wisdom of God, these things you must take notice of that all such may be brought into, and kept in, subjection by the power of God, that God may be honored and glorified, through breaking of the stubborn will in them, and subjecting them to Truth ; and let them all know their places, and not to give way tq tliat which may get over you ; so that you will not know how to rule them at last, and ihey will bring a grief, and sorrow, and trouble upon you, as too many examples may be seen. * * * And in the power and life and Avisdom of God you will bring up and govern your sons and daughters and servants, and cause them to keep in their places ; for an outward father and mother, over their families, are to keep all things that are outward, civil and subject in their places with reason and true wisdom. — George Fox^ 16V0. 150 DAILY KE APINGS. [FirTH Month oO " In him was life: and the life was the light of men. And the light ehineth in darkness ; and the darkness comprehended it not." — John i. 4, 5. DEAR Friends, mind the Liglit of God in your con sciences, which will show you all deceit. God is not the author of confusion, but of peace. All jar- rings, all schism, all rents, are out of the Spirit, for God hath tempered the body together, that there should be no schism in the body, but all worship Him with one consent. * * * And beware of discouraging any in the work of God. The laborers are few that are faithful for God. Take heed of hurting the gift which God hath given to profit withal, whereby ye have received life through death, and a measure of peace by destruction of evil. Pray that peace may be multiplied, and the ministration of life, to the raising of the dead, that the seed of the woi/ian may hruise the serpenfs head, discover all deceit, and rend all veils and coverings, that the pure may come to life, which deceit hath trampled upon. And all take heed to your spirits ; that which is hasty, discerns not the good Seed, Take. heed of being corrupted by flatteries; they that know their God, shall be strong. And therefore all mind your gift, mind your measure; mind your calling and vourwork. Some speak to the conscience; some plough :iiid break the clods; some weed out, and some sow; some wait, that fowls devour not the seed. But wait all for the gathering of the simple hearted ones ; for tJiey that turn many to righteousness^ shall shine for ever. — George Fox, 1651. Fu-TH MosTTU 31.] DAILY READINGS. 151 "And be not conformed to this w^rld, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind."— Itom. xii. 2. KEEP out of the vain fashions of the world; let not your eyes, and minds, and spirit run after every fashion in apparel ; for that Avill lead you from tlic solid life unto unity with that spirit that leads to follow the fashions of the nations. But mind that which is sober and modest, and keep your plain fashions, that therein you may judge the world, whose minds and ey» s are in what they shall put on, and wljat they shall eat. But keep all in modesty, and plainness, and fervency, and sincerity, and bo circumspect ; for they that follow those things that the world's spirit invents daily, cannot be solid. Therefore all keep down that spirit of the world that runs into so many fashions, to please the lust o ' the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life. And let your minds be above the costly and vain fash- ions of attire, but mind the hidden man o'' the heart, which is a meek and a quiet spirit, which is of great price with the Lord. And keep to justice and truth in all dealings and tradings, at a word, and to the foi-ni of -sound words, in the power of the Lord and in equity, in yea and nay in all your dealings, that yonr lives and conversations may be in heaven, and above the earth; that they may preach to all that you have t<. deal with; so you maybe as a city set on a hill, that cannot be hid, and as lights of the world, answering tlu* equal principle in all ; that God in all may be glorified. — Georr/e Fo2\ 1067. 152 DAILY READINGS. [SiXTH Month 1. " But of him are ye in Christ Je«us, who of God is made unto U8 wisdom, an-J righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption."— 1 Cor. i. 30, WHEREFORE, O Christendom ! believe, receive, and apply Him rightly ; this is of absolute ne- cessity, that thy soul may live for ever with Him. He told the Jews, " If you believe not that I am he, ye shall tlie in your sins ; and whither I go ye cannot come." And because they believed him not, they did not re- ceive him nor any benefit by Him : but they that believ- ed him, received Him: "and as many as received Him," his own beloved disciple tells us, " to them gave he pow- er to become the sons of God, which are born not of blood, nor of the will of flesh, nor of the wdll of man, but of God." That is, who are not children of God after the fashions, prescriptions, and traditions of men, that call themselves his church and people, (which is not af- ter the will of flesh and blood, and the invention of car- nal man, unacquainted with the regeneration and power of the Holy Ghost,) but of God ; that is according to his will, and the working and sanctification of his spirit, and word of life in theni. And such were ever w^ell versed in the right application of Christ, for he was made to them indeed propitiation, reconciliation, salvation, right- eousness, redemption, and justification. — William Penn. Oh 1 let thy grace new strength supply, Oh ! breathe the thought that comfort gives. And point to faith's uplifted eye, The Lamb that died, the God who lives. —Amelia Opie. Sixth Month 2.] DAILY KP:ADmGS. 153 " The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words : and that which was written was upright, even words of truth."— Eccl. xii. 10. OUR perceptions of truth are clear, in proportion to our freedom from the basis of error and pre- judice. To pursue fashion in its endless changes, may be com- pared to chasing a bird on the wing. It was odd enough of the thieves who robbed the traveler, to tax him with dishonesty for concealing a part of his money. Prejudice is like a flaw in a mirror: it occasions ob- jects to be presented to the mind in distorted forms. There is hardly any person so bad, as not to do homage to virtue by imitating it in some way or other. As affluence creates independence, it naturally inclines its possessor to imperiousness, and impatience of contra- diction. Violent blowing at a small fire, is as likely to extin- guish as to increase it. The course of rashness is either circuitously or di- rectly towards ruin. In traveling, we often meet with rivulets, brooks, or rivers, but not so often with springs of pure water. The judgment clarified by charity, may be compared to the bee, which finds honey where wasps and hornets gather little but poison. — George Dillwyn. loi DAILY READINGS. [Sixth Month 3. " Mine hiTitageis with me as a speckled bird; tlie birds around about, are against her."— Jer. xli, 9. SOME unbelieving person may query, Low did I know that the subtle adversary had put on the appear- niice of an angel of light, and had deceived me ? I answer s.ich in the words of our blessed Loi\i. He says; " My sheep know my voice, and follow me, and the voice of a stranger they will not follow ! " moreover we are desired to follow after the things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one another. Now I never found anything but peace as the consequence of un- swerving obedience in these particulars. I united in religious fellowship with those with whom I have since continued to walk, subject to many scoffings and mockings from some of my kindred, as well as many others, and was mercifully enabled to not turn my cheek from the smiter, and to bear them for his sake, who suf- fered more and worse from sinful and perverse men. I rejoice and give thanks to my merciful Redeemer, that He has in mercy called me from the receipt of custom, and has given me a portion in His service, and fellow- ship with his people ; and I write these things, hopmg they may be blessed to some wayfaring traveler, in the same road, that they may become as way-marks to them, and show thereby that it is not an unbeaten path, but others have traveled it before them, and found safety. — John Conron^ Dublin, Ireland, 1773. It is no sin to be tempted, but to be overcome. Sixth Month 4.] DAILY KI:AT)Ix\GS. 155 '• For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sliarpor than any two- odged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit."— Heb. iv. 12. I TRUST thy head is lifted up above the waters of distress and despondency, which sometimes ovtr- whehns like a flood. Why it hath pleased all-wiso I'rovidence that thy outward and inward frame should he of such delicate texture, and that thou should so often be afflicted and pained beyond many others, is among the secret things which it belongs not to us to investigate; but, no doubt. He whose thou art by creation and adoption knows that such a conduct towards thee is necessary for thee altogether, for thy preserva- ion, establishment, purification, refinement, humiliation, and preparation for an increase and further fruitfulness of spirit. As was said to the mother of our Lord, the begotten of the Father, yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. So it is requisite for those, whose souls are impregnated and made prolific by the Divine Spirit, repeatedly to witness that Sword, that Word, that fiery law to do its office, that so the vessel may be made clean, and kept clean, fit to contain and to transmit in un- adulterated purity the precious odors and sweet incense which it may be honored to convey ; and the more simple, and single, and weak, and foolish, and the less of the crea- turely will and wisdom any have about them, the greater will be the excellence of his power. — Richard Shackleton^ Ballitore, Ireland, 1789. 156 DAILY READINGS. [Sixth Month 5. " And the doors shall h ; shut in the streets, when the soand of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of music shall be brought low."— Eccl. xii. 5. MY" mind is in an uncomfortable state this morning ; for I am astonished to find I have felt a scruple at music, at least I could not otherwise account for my feelings ; but my mind is rather uneasy after I have been spending time in it. These cannot be sensations of my own making, or a contrivance of my own forming, for I have such happiness when I overcome my worldly self; and when I give way to it, am uneasy ; not but what I think feelings are sometimes dangerous to give way to ; but how odd, yet how true, that much of human reason must be given up. I don't know what to think of it, but I must act somehow, and in some -way ; yet do nothing rashly or hastily, but try to humiliate myself to true religion, and endeavor to look to God, who alone can teach me and lead me right ; have faith, hope, and if little things are to follow to protect greater ones, I must, yes, I must do it, I feel certainly happier in being a Quaker, but my reason contradicts it. N^ow my fears are these : lately I have had Quakerism placed before me in a very interesting and delightful light ; and is it unlikely that inclination may put on the appearance of duty ? — Elisa- beth Gurney^ 1800. For as men in battle are continually in the way of shot, so we in this world are ever within the reach of temptation ; and herein do we serse God, if we avoid what we are forbid, as well as do what he commands,— TFm. Penn. Sixtn Month 6.] DAILY READINGS. 157 " Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment."— John vil. 24. IN the condition I have mentioned, of weary seeking and not finding, I married my dear Imsband Isaac Penington. My love was drawn to him because I found he saw the deceit of all mere notions about religion ; he lay as one that refused to be comforted until he came to His temple, who is truth and no lie. All things that had only the appearance of religion, were very manifest to him, so that he was sick and weary of show, and in this my heart united with him, and a desire was in me to be service- able to him. I gave up much to be a companion to him. I resolved never to go back into those formal things I had left, having found death and darkness in them ; but would rather be without a religion, until the Lord mani- festly taught me one. Many times when alone, did I rea- son thus : — Why should I not know the way of Divine life ? For if the Lord would give me all in this world, it would not satisfy me. Nay, I could cry out, I care not for a portion in this life; give it to those who care for it : I am miserable with it. It is acceptance with God, ol which I once had a sense, that I desire, and that alone can satisfy me. Whilst I was in this state, I heard of a new people called Quakers, but I resolved not to inquire after them, noi iheir principles. I heard nothing of their ways except that they used thee and thou to every one ; and I saw a book wiitten about plain language by George Fox. — Mary Penington^ 1650. 15vS DAILY RKADIXGS. [Sixth Month T " Take my yo e upon you, and learn of me : for I am meek and lowly in heart . and ye 8hall find rest unto your aoule."— Matthew xi. 29. DURING the mental struggles above alluded to, Mary Peuington does not appear to have sought or maintained any intimate acquaintance with the Friends, <►!• to have made a practice of attending their meetings ; but it is most probable she had been reading some of tlieir writings, after she had given up all her worldly reasoning against the pointing of her own enlightened conscience. She adds, '^ I then received strength to attend the meet- ings of this despised people, which Iliad intended never to meddle with. I found they were truly of the Lord, and my heart owned and honored them. I then longed to be one of them, and minded not the cost nor pain; but judged it would be well worth my utmost cost and pains to witness in myself such a change as I saw in them — such power over the evil of human nature. In taking up the cross, I received strength against many things that I once thought it not possible to deny myself. But oh I the joy that filled my soul at the first meeting held in our habitation at Chalfont. To this day I have a fresh re- membi-ance of it, and of the sense the Lord gave me of llis presence and ability to worship Him in that spirit which was undoubtedly His own. Oh! long had I desired to worship Him in the full assurance of acceptation, and to lift up my hands and heart without doubting, which I experienced that day — Marif Peningten, 1658. Sixth Month 8.] DAILY READINGS. 159 " Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth."— Matt. v. 5. AGAIN, pious souls cannot but mourn for the sins and abominations of the times, vvhicli are a great exercise to them, and affect them with sorrow and mourn- ing ; but they are comforted with blessed promises, which the Holy Ghost, at times, immediately applies to their souls, as recorded in the holy Scripture ; and let it be re- membered, that all our good times are in the hands of the Lord. It is recorded in the holy Scripture, that God would have his people comfortably spoken to ; and that he would " give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness ; " that they might be called trees of right- eousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. Be not high-minded, saith one of his servants ; and another saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. Again, " The meek will he teach his way, and the meek will he guide in judgment ; " as the holy Scripture witnesseth. Well said our holy Saviour, that the meek should be blessed ; grace is given to them, and God is their teacher and their guide in judgment ; a most blessed gift, teacher, and guide. It is a great blessing indeed, to receive grace from Almighty God, to be taught his ways, and to have the holy One to be our guide in judgment. He who has all power in heaven and in earth committed says that the meek " shall in- herit the earth." — Thomas Chalkly, 160 DAILY READINGS. [Sixth Month 9. " Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God."— Psalm xcii. 13. ON reading over my old journals, it has led me to admire how some of my early prayers and de- sires have been answered ; how gradual has been the arising and opening of Divine Power in my heart. How much has occurred to strengthen my weak faith, and doubting, fearful heart ; how^ much has been done for me, and how little have I done for myself; and how mucli have I rebelled, except in the day of power ; how often unwatchful ; yet in mercy, how has help been adminis- tered, even a willing heart, which I consider an unspeak- able gift ; but I think I should have flourished better, and grown stronger by this time, had I more fully and more faithfully followed the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. My heart's desire and prayer for myself, above everything else, is, that this may be more entirely done by me. Oh Lord ! be pleased still to carry on Thy own work in me, until Thou hast made me what Thou would est have me to be ; even entirely Thy servant, in thought, word, and deed ! Thou only knowest my weakness and fear of suffering ; when in Thine infinite wisdom Thou mayst see meet to afflict, be pleased to mix mercy with judgment, and uphold me by Thine own power ; I thank t]iee for all Thy benefits towards me; I desire to prove rny gratitude by my love and good works. O Lord! enable me so to do ! — Elisabeth Gurney Fry, aged 33. Sixth Month 10.] DAILY HEADINGS. 161 " Therefore let us not sleep as do others, but let us watch and be sober." — 1 Thess. V. 0. OH, in love watch oner one another for good, and for the better, and not for the worse ! And dwell in that which is pure of God in you, lest your thoughts get forth; and then evil thoughts get up, and surmising one against another, which arise out of the veiled mind. But as ye dwell in that which is of God, it guides you up out of the elementary life, and out of the mortal into the immortal, where is peace and joy eternal to all that can witness the new birth. Babes in Christ, born again of the immortal Seed, in it wait ; my life is with you in perfect unity ; bow down to nothing but the Lord God. Satan would have had Christ to have bowed, but He would not ; the same Seed now, the same birth is born in you now, w^hich is the same to-day, yesterday, and for ever. The Tempter will come to you; and if ye look forth, and hearken to his words, and let them in, then ye bow down under him, and worship him. But I say unto you in the presence of the Lord, mind the pure Seed of God in you, and the mighty power of God will cherish you up to the Lord God above all temptations, not to bow down to anything; but feeding upon the immortal food ye will feel yourselves supported and carried over him, bv your Father and your God, who is over all, blessed for ever! They who love the Lord Jesus Christ, do not mind the world's judgment, nor are troubled at it. — George Fox^ 1C50. 162 DAILY READINGS. [Sixth Month 11 " Tliat ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increase in the knowledge of God.'' Col. i. 10. NOW, mothers of families, that have the ordering ol children and servants, may do a good deal of good or harm in their families, to the making or spoiUng of cliildren and servants ; and many things women may do and speak amongst women, which are not men's bnsj^i- ness. So men and women become helpmeets in the image of God. And the elder women in the truth were not only called elders, but mothers. Now, a mother in the church of Christ, and a mother in Israel, is one that nourishes, and feeds, and washes, and rules, and is a teacher in the Church, and in the Israel of God, and an admonisher, an instructor, an exhorter. So the elder women and mothers are to be teachers of good things, and to be teachers of the younger, and trainers up of them in virtue, in holiness, in godliness and righteousness, in wisdom, and in fear of the Lord, in the Church of Christ. * * * Surely such a woman is permitted to speak, and to work the work of God, and to make a member in a church ; and then as an elder, to oversee that they walk according to the order of the Gospel. And women are to keep the comely order of Hhe Gos- pel, as well as men, and to see that all have received Christ Jesus, do walk in Christ Jesus ; and to see that all that have received the Gospel, do walk in the Gospel, the power of God which they are heirs of. — George JFox^ 1672. Sixth Month 12.] DAILY READINGS. 163 " Her waye are ways of pleaeantness, and all her paths are peace."— ProY. iii THE duty of many of us lies very much in scenes of active life, and various occupations may take up a considerable part of our time ; but in this hurry and bustle, without setting apart proper seasons of retirement, the mind is very apt to get bewildered, and too often settles in a false rest. * * * ^pj^jg j j^^ times experi- ence to be my own case, and though I would by no means make the path of virtue appear dismal or gloomy, yet I confess I could never yet find it to be strewed with roses, but have been rather inclined to embrace the say- ing of our Saviour to his disciples : " In the world ye shall have tribulation, but in me peace." Great part of our happiness, while in this present state of being, arises from a well-grounded hope of a glorious immortality ; and though we are to receive with thank- fulness the various undeserved blessings that are bestowed upon us in terrestrial things, yet the uncertainty of their duration makes it improper that we should set our affec- tions on them ; but using the things of this world as not abusing them, we should endeavor to maintain an equal mind in prosperity or adversity, and with humble re" signation of heart, say, " Thy will, O God, not mine, be done;" trusting that all things will work together for our good, being anxiously solicitous about nothing, but that we may be established in righteousness, and gain admittance into that Kingdom which will never end, — Margaret Woods, 1774, 164 DAILY KEADINGS. [Sixth Month 13, " And the valley of Achor, a place for the herds to lie down in, for my people that have sought me." — Isa. Ixv. 10. I THINK I have seen the danger of young men or women dwelling anywhere else than in the valley of humility. Human learning, human attainments and ex- cellencies — I m3an all those things that are obtained by the memory, judgment, reasoning powers, and mental abilities, separate from any immediate influence and assistance derived from the source of all true wisdom — these natural acquisitions and talents are well in their places, and are serviceable to us when kept in subjection to the i>ure teachings of Him "who teaches" by His Spirit "as never man taught." * * * * j have been in company with some young persons of our so- ciety who have been not a little injured by giving way to pride and foolish talkativeness in respect to many mat- ters in which, though they seemed well informed, yet, not keeping in the littleness and lowliness, they have acquit- ted themselves but ill, through letting in a forward prat ing spirit. ISTow, the best light in which we can view true talents and virtues, and in which they are set off to the best advantage, is the somber shade of humility. For the more the frame-work is colored, or gilt, or carved, or ornamented, the more there is to take off the attention of the eye from the picture itself. So that it seems to me best for each of us to dwell in the littleness, in the lowli- ness ; always bearing in mind where we are. — John Bar- day^ 1817. SIXTH Month 14.] DAILY READINGS. 165 " Be thou faithftil unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."— Rev. ii. 10. CHRIST'S Cross is Christ's way to Christ's Crown. This is the subject of the following discourse, first written during my confinement in the Tower of Lon- don, in the year 1668, now re-printed with great enlarge- ments of matter and testimonies, that thou, reader, may- est be won to Christ ; and if won already, brought near- er to him. * * * Ihavetastedof Christ's judgments, and of his mercies, and of the world's frowns and re- proaches : I rejoice in my experience, and dedicate it to thy service in Cln-ist. It is a debt I have long owed, and has been long expected : I have now paid it, and deliv- ered my soul. To my country, and to the world of Christians I leave it : may God, if he please, make it ef- fectual to them all, and turn their hearts from that envy, hatred, and bitterness, they have one against another, about Avorldly things ; (sacrificing humanity and charity to ambition and covetousness, for which they fill the earth with trouble and oppression) that receiving the spirit of Christ into their hearts (the fruits of which are love, peace, joy, temperance, and patience, brotherly kindness and charity) they may in body, soul, and spirit, make a triple league against the world, the flesh, and the devil, the only common enemies of mankind ; and having conquered them through a life of self-denial, by the power of the Cross of Jesus Christ, they may at last attain to the eternal rest and kingdom of God. — William Penn. 166 DAILY READINGS. [Sixth Month 15 " Reach hither thy finger and behold my hands ; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side ; and be not faithless, but believing."— John xx. ST. SIXCE I last wrote in this book, I have been more than usually tried with doubts and fears, and rea- soning on several Christian doctrines. At times, however, I have been favored to feel them dissipated, and to know a quiet, peaceful i*esignation, and a willingness to wait for the opening of the seal of him who hath the key of David. I have, indeed, abundant cause to be thankful for the many favors bestowed upon me, who am in every respect so unworthy. I have a belief that as I am con- cerned to look unto the Lord for direction and counsel, all these doubts and reasonings will terminate in a firmer establishment in the Christian belief and practice. In looking back over the past year, I seem as though I could not determine whether I had grown in grace or not. I hope I have not gone backward in the heaven- ly race ; but when I consider, that after so many years of religious profession, I yet feel the want of establish- ment in truth, a want of clearness of knowledge, and of freedom from doubt, combined with so short a knowledge of my own sinfulness, and consequent love for my blessed liedeemer, so little devotedness to the cause of religion, so much holding back and feeling of shame, in advocat- ing His cause, I have every reason to fear that I am yet a novice, and require milk to nourish, and not strong meat. I find, however, that I have victory over some temptations that used to ensnare me, and that as I seek, help is afforded mQ.— Thomas Smith, 1828. SIXTH Month 16.] DAILY READINGS. 167 "I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live ; yet not 1, but Christ livoih in me : and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the laith of the Sou ■>f God, who loved me and gave himself for me. "—Gal. ii. '20. "O' ness, in meekness and in humility, where the rts are being made on an extended scale to curry ths blessings of education into the lowest huts of poverty, does it not become more peculiarly the duty of those who occupy a somewhat higlier station in society, to direct their energies to the cultivation of the mind — to the expansion of those intellectual faculties, with which the great Author of our being has dignified his creature, man, and which were undoubtedly bestowed upon him for great and noble purposes, that he might employ them, under the regulating influence of religious principles, to the praise of liis Creator, and to the improv^ement of his species. Some persons object, and perhaps with too much reason, that t''e acquisition of knowledge has frequently an injurious tendency upon the minds of young persons. This may sometimes be the case, though it is not unlikely that persons who are vain of their intellectual attainments would have been vain of something less honorable, had their understandings been sufiered to remain unimproved. The advantages of study invigorates the tone of the mind, and next to the restraints of religion, furnishes the best preservative of virtue, by providing a sober, rational en- tertainment for those hours of leisure, which might other- wise be passed in dissipation, or lost in the inanity of idle- ness. — 3faria Middleton, 1820. Sixth Month 18.] DAILY READINGS. 169 " And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again."— 2 Cor. V. 15. I SOMETIMES resolve with myself to abandon all my designs, and endeavor to live to none but my Crea- tor ; and presently, my condition in this life appears to ray view, and that part which regards only the present too often prevails, and here I waste and decline ; I see it, I feel it, yet I almost despair of ever being able to resolve an amendment. Thou knowest these bitter scenes, but hast courage enough to give up, and become nothing for his sake. I every day see the happy consequences of such conduct, but video meliora prohoque cleteriora sequar. Here is my condition, without disguise ; 'tis easy to say more, but thou knowest by this the rest ; but what can be said to a person who is conscious how much it would be his interest, his eternal interest, how much it would re- joice the heart of the tenderest of fathers to see a pro- gress made in the internal life, how much it would also rejoice his relations, his friends, and all the good of his acquaintance, yet is cowardly enough to give up to the tempter. I often reproach myself, I can suffer in some measure and at some times from others, knowing how much I deserved it. I am not solicitous of hiding my case from those, who, knowing the weakness of human nature, can pity the failures of the person. — John Foth- ergill^ London, 1728. ne that makes this his care will find it his crown at last. 170 DAILY READINGS. Sixth Month 19. " And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto ealvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."— 2 Tim. iii. 15. IX addition to the practice of the family reading of the Ploly Scriptures, the importance of which we deep- Iv feel, be encouraged often to read them in private; «herish a humble and sincere desire to receive them in their genuine import ; and at the same time, dear friends, avoid all vain speculations upon unfulfilled prophecy. Forbear from presumptuously endeavoring to determine the mode of the future government of the world, or of the church of Christ. Seek an enlightened sense of the various delusions of our common enemy, to which we are all liable ; ask of God that your meditations upon the sacred writings may be made by the influence of the Holy Spirit ; their effects, when thus read, is to promote an increase of practi- cal piety, and the right performance of all our civil and religious duties, and to discourage vain and fruitless in- vestigations. Remember as this precious faith is sought for and prevails, the evidence of the Spirit of God in our hearts most satisfactorily confirmsourbelief in the divine authority of these inestimable writings. — London Epis- tle, 1682. Therefore, as the Holy Scriptures are the external means of conveying and • -eserving to us an account of the things most surely to be believed concerning •'le coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh, and the fulfilling the prophe- cies relating thereto, we therefore recommend to all Friends, especially elders in the Church and masters of families, that they would, both by example and advice, impress on the minds of the younger a reverend esteem of those sacred writings, and advise them to a frequent reading and meditating therein.— .ESb tracts from London Ejnstle.^ 1T09, and others. «ucTn Month 20.] DAILY READINGS. 171 " Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the spirit of God dwelleth in you ? "—1 Cor. iii. 16. AND, as tlie operation of the power of truth is given way into our hearts, it will work out everything that is of a contrary nature ; that so we may become fit tabernacles for him, the Holy One, to dwell in, which, that it may be our chiefest care to press after, is many times tlie earnest breathing of my soul, notwith- standing the many buffetings and hard exercises that fall to my lot: for the adversary, at times, strongly sug- gests the need I have of a more eager pursuit after the lawful things of this life; but I find except the manage- ment of things temporal be kept in its proper place, we shall lose ground as to religion, and our appetite after Divine consolation will fail. Oh ! that this may never be our case, but that we may still breathe to the Almighty for strength to undergo whatever may be proved within the course of our so- journing here. When I have considered how some who have been in a great degree cleansed and enlightened, yet, for want of watchfulness, darkness has come over them again ; this at times has bowed me very low, in strong desires that I might always keep in a sense of my own nothingness and insufiiciency ; and as we keep here, I am not without hope that he who was appointed to open the prison doors, will in time set us at liberty to serve him in an acceptable manner. — John Mouthy Man- chester, England, 1657. 172 DAILY KEADI2s"GS. [Sixth Month 21 " Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong."—! Cor. xvi. 13. FOR want of iuward watchfulness, we neglect or go from it, then the adversary gets grounds. We are led astray by this enemy of souls, and at last miss the crown. And therefore it was that our blessed Lord, know- ing the aptness of our natures to frailty, says to his own beloved disciples, watch and pray always, lest ye enter into temptation. This was our first parent Adam's case thougli created in innocency ; for want of watchfulness, notwithstanding the Lord had given him sufficient power to keep his command, yet by not obeying it he therefore fell ; and likeways, it was for want of due watchfulness that many other great and good men of his posterity did miss their wny, and displeased the Lord, as great Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, and others, and all for want of watch- fulness and keeping close to the Lord then- guide. And if we descend even to our own times, how many great, bright, and largely-gifted men have greatly missed their way, and others totally fallen, and all for want of keep- ing close to tliis inward guide of the Lord's holy light and spirit. — Joseph Pike, Cork, 1695. Let ns, then, not cozen ourselves with the shells and husks of things ; nor prefer form to power, nor shadows to substance : pictures of bread will not fatisfy hunger, nor those of devotion please Giod..—Pe>in' s Maxirns. The glory of a pc^^'ant is fidelity, which cannot be without diligence as well as truth.— \Vm. Penn. Sixth Month 22.] DAILY KEADINGS. , 173 "I bowed down hCvivily, as one that mourneth for his mother."— Psalm xxxx. 14. HEARING of the great loss which thyself and thy sisters have sustained by the removal of thy much loved and highly valued parent,* I cannot, with satis- faction to myself, withhold the expression of very near sympathy. The intelligence affected me with poignant grief, and I still mourn the Church's loss; but in the midst of my sorrow, the language livingly revived: "Write, blessed are the dead that die in the Lord." * * * I think I was never permitted to feel nearer fellowship with her than at the present time. I am ready to think this experience is in unmerited mercy vouchsafed as one means of keeping me from sinking below hope amidst the numerous baptisms and fears which await me. * * * I meet with many Friends who are in degree near to my best life, and a precious number of standard-bearers are preserved, but there is a great want of depth and settlement amongst Friends, even amongst many whose exterior is remarkably plain; at least such is my appre- hension. Friends are greatly increased in numbers in these eastern parts, many having joined by convincement, more than a few of whom are, I believe, simple hearted and well concerned. According to my small ability, I feel myself frequently called upon to assert the ancient and unchangeable doctrines of Christianity, as professed by our Society in common with other denominations of Christians. — Isaac Stephenson, 1823. ♦ Mary Dudley. 174 DAILY READINGS. [Sixth Month 23. " Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation : the spirit is indeed will- ing, but the flesh is weali."— Matthew xxvi. 41. OH ! the perilous situation of those who are in con- spicuous stations ! How are these set as a mark for the archers ! Against these the enemy of souls, who is the betrayer and accuser of the brethren, directs his deadliest shafts, and seeks to effect their overthrow, with a cruelty like that of the great dragon mentioned in the Apocalypse, who with his tail drew down the stars of heaven. ' There is no safe state or situation, but that of being hid in the cleft of the rock, sheltered under the overshadowing wing of ancient and everlasting goodness. May it be the daily prayer of our souls, to be kept little and low, and so to be subjected to the discij^line of the cross of Christ, that self, in its various shapes and subtle workings, may die daily ; for truly in us, that is, in our flesh, dwelleth no good thing. Deepen us all, O Lord ! cause us to grow in the root, rather than in the branches ; that we may increase in holy stability, and bring forth only such fruit aias acceptable to Thee, through the power of the Spirit of oi#Lord Jesus Christ. " Trust in the Lord, and do good ; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed." Oh ! to be fed with that spiritual food, which keeps up the life of faith in the soul. " This is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent." — Maria Fox. aged 36. Sixth Month 24.] DAILY KEADINGS. 175 " There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any pla<»ue come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."— Psalm xci. 10, 11. TIME would fail me to tell of the everlasting mercy and compassion that have been extended to us- ward, in that love vrhich hath compassed about as with a shield during our recent operations in dangerous bays and roadsteads, lying open within a very few points of the compass to the whole beat of the Pacific. I brought with me from London, as recommended by a dear friend, a patent water-proof belt or life-pre- server ; but I have been ashamed to make use of it on any occasion. How could I now begin to doubt the loving- kindness of Him whose goodness hath folloAved me all my life long, and dare to distrust that never failing arm of strength that hath been so often and eminently stretched forth for my preservation, by night and day, by sea and land, amongst strangers and foreigners, where no man cared for my soul, in cold and heat, in hunger and thirst, and weariness, amid the din of arms, the noi- some pestilence, and the destruction that wasteth at noon- day ; and how was I supported in the iron grasp of afflic- tion, when week after week tidings of family distresses assailed me, without the power to lend a hand to help ; the parent stock smitten and removed, and the branches withering. And after all this shall I now, when old and gray-headed, begin to doubt the heavenly source of help. — JDaniel Wheeler^ Sandwich Islands, 1836. 176 DAILY READIXGS. [SiXTU M'JXTH 25. "For God who coramandecl the li^ht to sliiiie out of darkness, hath ehined in our hearts to give the lijjht of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.'' — 2 Cor. iv. 6. IX the year 1652, about the middle of the fourt]i month, was that faithful messenger and servant of the most High, George Fox, came among us, who declared unto us the waj of life and peace. Of those in that family who believed his report, I was one, who came finally to be affected Avith his doctrine ; though at first I did as much admire at his non-conformity to our fashions, customs, and salutations, as strangers at this day admire at our non-conformity to them ; yet something in me loved him and owned his testimony. I began to find in my- self the truth of what he spoke ; for his doctrine tended very much to bring us to the light which Christ Jesus had enliglitened us withal. In due time the witness of the Lord was awakened in me, whereby my sins camo to be set in order before me, and it brought judgment and condemnation upon me by reason of them : but I, being as the wild heifer which is unaccustomed to the yoke, sought to get from under it as I often did, until I came to know something of the power of God, which brought that wild nature in me ^ which w\as unaccustomed to the yoke, into subjection. And so grood was the Lord unto me, that I had not long h -ar 1 the Truth, when I came to be a witness of the pawer of it in myself; whereby the strong man in me was made to bow and the keepers of the house to trem- ble.— TT/^/iam (7a^o;i, England, 1652. StxTH Month 26.] DAILY READINGS. 177 " All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteonsnees.''— 2 Tim. iii. 16. DEAR -: Thou hast at this time, and often heretofore, been made near to my best feelings; and to-day in meeting our situations appeared so similar, that I feel willing to turn thj^ attention to a passage of Scripture which very much occupied my mind therein. Queen Esther, when she was charged by Mordecai to go unto the King to make supplication for her people, after endeavoring to excuse herself, added, " I have not been called to come imto the King these thirty days." Mor- decai replied, " Think not that thou shalt escape in the King's house, more than all the Jews ; for if thou alto- gether boldest thy peace, deliverance will arise from another quarter; but thou shalt not go unpunished." When Esther had given over reasoning, she answered, " Go gather together all the Jews, and fast ye for me. I also and my maidens will fast, and so I will go in unto the King. If I perish, I perish." I am not disposed to comment upon what I have written, further than to say that I have desired to maintain a solemn fast, and patiently endure my part of that famine which is not of bread or of water, but of the word of the Lord. As this is our experience, a hope is raised in my heart that we shall again be admitted into the King's presence, and favored to touch the royal scep- ter. — Anna MerritL 1805, 178 DAILY READIXGS. [Sixth Month 27 " Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord ; his going forth ia prepared as the morning : and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth." — Hos. vi. 3. MAY we boldly say, "tlie Lord has been our helper," and by Him we have been enabled to " run through a troop, and leap over a wall ; " and that through all our trials " his hand is not shortened, nor his ear grown heavy ; " let us still confide in Him, follow our great Captain, and be of good cheer, for as he was, so shall we be, grave in conversation, sound in judgment, and constant in persevering, meeting afflictions cheerfully, specially when they come from Him who is everywhere present. We may remember what our Lord signified, " The cup which my Father hath given me to drink, should I not drink it ? " And if this was a situation fit for a son, how much more so for the servant, and espe- cially for those who have been and are but unprofitable ones ! We are apt at times to grow impatient, and tired of the school of affliction, which frequently is a greater blessing than the increase of temporal things. All the righteous nation, who keep the law, enter in with the Bridegroom to hold the repast which tongue can- not set forth, being in the full fruition of never-ending joy, when tears will disappear ; and oh ! my dear ; though absent in body, I am often led to sympathize with thee, under thy present exercises, which doubtless are numer- ous and painful, and recommend thee and our tender children to the guidance of the good Shepherd, who will lead us all safely. — David Sands^ 1779. Sixth Moxth 28.] DAILY KEADINGS. 179 *' What carcfulne state of man originally, and such it is now. And in order that man at fii-st, or ever after, might be able to conquer, or be justly punishable for de- sertion or defeat, he was, is, and must be, armed with armor invincible against all the jx^wei^s that w^ere or are suiFered to assail him» This is just our ground, our state and situation : subject to vanity, or to many and various temptations, yet, being inwardly armed with the spirit of Omnipotence, so far as we stand faithful and fight valiantly in the strength afforded us, we are sure of victory. Our strength or help is only in God ; but then it is near us, it is in us — a force superior to all possible opposition — a force that never was nor can be foiled. * * * Many there are who put light for darkness, and dark- ness for light; bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter. They call the divine light, " which lighteneth every man that Cometh into the world,"* a natural light, an ignis fatuus, or by some other ignominious epitliet, though the Scriptures declare it to be the very life of the holy Word, that was in the beginning with God, and truly was God. — Job Scott. Seventh Month 18.1 DAILY READINGS. 199 '• Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fei-vent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. '—James V. 16. HE uttered the following prayer : " O Lord, rny God I the amazing horrors of darkness were gathered around me, and covered me all over, and I saw no way to go forth ; I felt the depth and extent of the misery of my fellow-creatures se])arated fi-om the Divine harmony, and it was heavier than I could bear, and I was crushed down under it ; I lifted up ray hand, I stretched out my arm, but there was none to help me ; I looked round about, and was amazed. In the depths of misery, O Lord ! I remembered that thou art omnipotent ; that I had called thee Father; and I felt that I loved thee, and I was made quiet in my will, and I waited for deliverance from thee. Thou hadst pity upon me, when no man could help me ; I saw that meekness under suffering was showed to us in the most affecting example of thy Son, and thou taught me to follow him, and I said, ' Thy will, O Father, be done!'" — John Wbolman, 1172 A King in his crown may rejoice ; And Rank of its titles be proud ; The Singer exult in the charms of his voice ; And Pomp, in the gaze of a crowd, And the martyr of weaiin, rendered poor by his store, Be bowed to by those who his idol adore. Yet the King mutt descend from his throne, When the day of Jehovah shall come ; And titles be trustless, and pomp stand alone, And the voice of the Singer be dumb ; — And Mammon, once worshipped, be loath'd and abhorr'd. In the just and tlie terrible day of the Loud I —Bernard Barton. 200 DAILY READINGS. [Seventh Month 19. " Choosing rather to suffer afflictiou with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season."— Hebrews xi. 25. THE same divine principle of light and life which led me out of the forms and ceremonies, to worship the F:ither in spirit and in truth, also led me by its secret teachings into a straight and narrow way, as to all super- fluities in dress and address. Simplicity of dress and ad- dress is becoming an humble folio w<^r of a crucified Saviour, whose garments or vesture was so unlike the fashions of that day, that they cast lots for it as a curiosity, for it was without seam. There is a cross to many among us in these things, as the practice of them declares to the beholders whose disciples we profess to be ; and although all power iu heaven and earth is given unto Him, yet, because the world in their foolish vain hearts despise the Avisdom of God in these things, intended to crucify us to the spirit of the Avorld, and the pomps and vanities of it, they are ashamed of the cross, and would rather enjoy the pleasures of a sinful world, which are only for a season, tlian suffer affliction with the people of God in the scoffings of the world. Although I knew the Quakers held these testimonies, and that they were outward marks of union with them, nevertheless, I was ilesirous to know the ground of them in myself^ and not to take up any tiling in wliich such great salvation was concerned, but from a clear conviction that it was from the living foundation God hath laid in my heart, and not man. — John Conron^ Dublin, Ireland, IV 72. Seventh Month 20.] DAILY READINGS. 201 " For the Lord knovveth the way of the righteous : but the way of the ungodly shall perish."— Psalm i. 6. I WENT to the Yearly Meeting of Friends. It was an interesting time, and I think wholesome to me in many ways. In the first place, it afforded me a fresh stimulus, on general grounds, to seek the Lord with all my heart ; and secondly, it introduced me to a more par- ticular acquaintance with the Society. I thought, some time since, I was advancing to a greater agreement with this most excellent religious body ; but I now feel a little thrown back ; but this is at a time of general weakness. I can, in theory, agree with them in much of their doc- trine of spiritual guidance ; but I fear greatly that my practice is contrary to tlie precepts they build upon it. If it be true, that there is this living power which will direct us, under all circumstances, in the sure path which leadeth to life, O what a happiness to know it ; and what a misery to be without it ! O that the Lord would be pleased to give me this holy gift in larger measure, and to bestow upon me a heart to follow and obey him. — ■ Jesus, in secret still to thee, O ! point my holier way; Bid me from each giy chain be free, To own a Saviour's sway. Bid me beneath thy parent wing, Still, Lord, in peace remain ; That every charm the world can bring May tempt my soul iu vain. 202 DAILY KEADIXGS. [Seventh Month 21. " Who«e adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel." — 1 Peter iii. 3. Mr soul was humbled with the weiglit of gratitude for the renewings of the Holy Ghost once more vouchsafed to a backsliding sinner. Under a sense of overwhelming- mercy, aud subdued by the power of di- vine love, I again entered into covenant with the God of Israel, that if he would be my shepherd I would join with the flock of Christ, follow their foosteps, and be- come whatever he would have me to be. Hunger and thirst after righteousness became the pre- vailing sensations of my soul, and I long for the com- plete conquest of sin above all things. Lord, in Thy mer- cy and in Thy faithfulness, answer my continued prayer unto Thee, that I may show forth Thy praisefrom day to day^ and live to Thy glory here, and in Thy presence hereafter. * * * The prevailing desire of my soul is, to " stand still and see the salvation of God" in any way, and through whatever means. He may appoint, and to become quali- fied to pursue the common business of the day which may be asb^igned me with diligence and spirituality, doing everything in season, and " as unto tha Lord." Preparations for a removal from my precious maternal home, from tlie delightful shelter of doiiestic love, from the multiplied enjoyments of a London resi 'ence, and from the valued privileges of refined and Christian socie- ty, produced feelings powerfully oppressive. — Ch irlotte, Dudley, 1820. Seventh Month 22.] DAILY READINGS. 203 *' For whom the Loixl loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."— Heb. xii. 6. THE allotment of suffering and sorrow is, in itself, a proof of heavenly love, and grace to see and re- ceive affliction is indeed to be appreciated as a further blessing from the Fatherly Hand. May all cast them- selves into the arms of Infinite Mercy, remembering that the Lord dotli not afflict willingly, and " although He cause grief, yet hath He compassion." How sweet it is when we are in pain and sorrow to think of Him who bore our infirmities, by whose stripes, bruises and incon- ceivable anguish, the gift of pardon and peace is procured for us, and our lighter afflictions made blessings, as drawing us to look from the things which are seen and temporal, to the things that are not seen but are eternal. I am by no means in the heights. My own experience qualifies me more for sympathy with the poor, the blind and the ignorant, than with a state of abounding, or where light and knowledge seem to mark the path. * * * The guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, as recog- nized by Friends, does not seem understood by those deemed most pious in other denominations, and yet it would be wrong to judge these as unfaithful. Still we must acknowledge our privilege, and never did I see more reason to use it with reverent thankfulness. To cease from man, and really depend on Christ, de- mands continued subjection of will, and much inward at- tention to the working of that faith which purifies the heart. — Elizabeth Dudley^ 1834. 204 DAILY READINGS. [Seventh Month 23. " Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord; let thy loving- kindness and tliy truth continually preserve me."— Psalm xl. 11. " Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me. O Lord make haste to help me." — Pealm xl. 13. O THOU that seest in secret, that knowest all inward parts of all men, and in whose pure sight iniquity is discerned and judged, — may it please thee yet once again to regard and pity thy frail and faltering servant : who am not worthy to be accounted of thy household ; and yet cannot rest satisfied in anything short of a pure and perfect surrender and sacrifice of my all unto ■ thy service. O ! thy presence, thy purifying, preserving energy and virtue inwardly communicated to my soul — how has it helped me along in my earthly pilgrimage — how has it sustained me in the year of drought, and in the hour of temptation and of trial ! In all the depths into which I have been, and may be, cast or permitted to be plunged. Lord ! thou knowest that nothing has been able, or I trust shall be able, to induce me to deny that thou has blessed me and done me good. Though thou slay me, yet will I endeavor after resigna- tion and submission ; for without thee what am I ? O my Father ! is there yet a door of hope for me, yet a little access for me, before I go hence, and of men I am seen no more ? May I presume to plead with thee for forgiveness and pardon, who am unworthy to hope foi it ; having so often transgressed and oifended by unfaith- fulness and many backslidings. — John Barclay^ 1819. Seventh Month 34.] DAILY READINGS. 205 " For unto us a child is bom, unto us a son is p\ven : and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty Go;!, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace."— I sa. ix. 6. THE Son of God, who is called Christ, the Prince of Peace and Rigliteousness, is one with the Father ill power and dominion, and was with him before the world was. By him the Father created all things, and without him was not anything made that was made. He is the Heir of all things, and is the Prince of the king- dom of righteousness, of peace, and truth. He is the word and power by which all things consist, and is the salvation of mankind, and the very life of the world. He inherits life and immortality, and is the Redeemer, Saviour, Deliverer, and Restorer of the children of men. He is the very wisdom and power of the Creator, and the Father doeth nothing without the Son, and by him and through him the Father bringeth all things to pass. By him the Father will judge the whole earth, and all the children of Adam therein. This Christ Jesus, the Son of God, is the life and light of the world, and hath enlight- ened all mankind. Every one that cometh into the world is lighted by him with the true light of life or condemna- tion ; and what the Son doeth, the Father doeth also. — Bdwa7'dJSurrough, 'London, 1657. It seems but reasonable that those whom God has distinguished from others by his goodness, should distinguish themselves to him by their gratitude.— Wm. Penn. 206 DAILY READINGS. [Seventh Moxth 25. " Havin:? there loro these promises, dearly beloved, let ns cleanse ourselves ft-om all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." — 2 Cor. vii. 1. I HAD been employed in bringing myself to a more circnmspect life, being pretty careful in my conduct, and conversation, and just in my dealings among men, and was willing to believe I had attained to great mat- ters, and that I might now take up my rest ; for by my own strength, abilities, and contrivance, I could not only keep up a fair upright character among men, and make my life happy, and myself respected ; but also (Oh ! the de- ceitful workings of Satan ! Oh ! the mystery of iniquity !) that it would at the close of time here gain me an inher- itance in the regions of purity and peace, among all those who are sanctified. But, how can I sufficiently adore my great and good Master, for his continued regard and care over me, in that he did not suffer me to remain long in this state of delusion artd error. He disturbed my false rest, and made me at times exceedingly uneasy with it, and gave me at length to see, that, notwithstanding my regularity of behavior and all my boasted attainments, T fell far short of that purity which all the vessels in the Lord's house must come to ; and that I was yet un- der the law, which cannot make the comers thereunto pei-fect, not having passed under the flaming sword, nor felt the day of the Lord to be come, which burns like an oven. — Wm. Savery^ 1778. Death cannot kill what never dies. Seventh Month 26.] DAILY READINGS. 207 " I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts, and will be their God, and they shall be my people."— Jer. xxxi. 33. MAN is the head of human government, and is frail and fallible. Christ is the head in his sj)iritual kingdom or church, and is all-powerful and all-wise. The laws of one are external ; those of the other, enforced as they are by the Holy Scriptures and the preaching of the gospel, are written on the heart, apprehended, and applied through the Holy Spirit. The laws of one are to be established and maintained by human authority and outward means ; those of the other by divine, inward, gentle, and self-persuasive power and convictions. In the latter, the interference of human authority tends to mar the work, and to destroy the spiritual vitality. Christ particularly pointed out this distinction, and cau- tioned his followers against overlooking it, and acting on the spirit and principles of the world. " Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them; and they that are great exercise authority upon them ; but it shall not be so among you, but whosoever vrill be great among you, let him be your minister ; and who- soever will be chief among you, let him be your servant." Consequently the greatness and power of this world have no place, as such, in the kingdom or church of Christ ; on the contrary, they are often disqualifying circum- stances and appendages, to be regarded rather with jeal- ousy as snares and temptations, than as helps in the king- dom of Christ, and in the government of his church. — John Allerij England, 1853. 208 DAILY HEADINGS. [SrVENTH MOXTH 27. " I dwell in the high and holy place, with him alifo that i^^ of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."— Isa. Ivii. 15. I BELIEVE among all sorts of people " those who fear God and work righfeousness are accepted of Hhn : " but, as faithfulness agreeable to knowledge is the terms of our acceptance, it behooves iis to seek earnestly for strength to do, as well as to be desirous to know, the heav- enly Father's will ; and whoever is thus sincerely exer- cised is likely to attain to his salvation. I am sorrowfully sensible of the great declension there is amongst us as a religious society, from primitive purity and love to God ; nevertheless, the principle of light and life we profess is unchangeably the same ; and there are those yet with us who, moving under its influence, rejoice in the manifestation thereof to their souls. That others under the same profession should run counter thereto, is no more than may be expected, though much to be la- mented ; for as now many hold the profession from edu- cation, and are born with passions like other men ; until those passions come under Divine restriction, they will produce their natural fruits. May the God of all consolation, who raised from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great and true Shepherd of his own sheep, " so manifest him as such to thy soul, that hearing His voice thou mayst follow Him," and arrive to such an establishment in righteousness as to be favored with peace. — Catherine Phillips, 1778. Seventh Month 28.] DAILY READINGS. 209 " Whatsoever thy hand flndeth to do, do it with all thy mij^ht." - Eccl. ix. 10. IF we are called to any station or situation in life, I do not know that we ought to reject it, merely be- cause responsibility is attached to it; for if we can do good, we should not shrink from labor because it is un- pleasant to us ; but if duty points the path, set our hands and our hearts cheerfully to work. There is scarcely anything in life to which some de- gree of responsibility is not annexed. If we are blessed with sound limbs, we ought to use them according to their office ; if with a good understanding, we are bound to cultivate it. If we are possessed of riches, we should use them as good stewards who are to accoutit for them. If we have servants, we are responsible for our care and good treatment of them; and if children, much more so, and likewise to labor for their benefit in various respects. No relationship or situation in life can be exempt from responsibility ; and though we may not covet those situ- ations where it is increased, to endeavor to escape it wholly will be in vain, because in the nature of things impossible. To be content whatever we are, or in what- ever circumstances we are placed, filling up the mea- sure of our duties as well as we are able, is the onlv wise and safe plan — the plan which will most promote our happiness in the present life, and give us a well- grounded hope that we shall receive the welcome sentence of "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of the Lord." — Margaret Woods^ 1818. 210 DAILY KEADINGS. [Seventu Month 2a " And said unto them, go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever i3 right I will give you. And they went their way."— Matthew xx. -4. "IVT'OW you are called to dress the garden ; let not JL 1 the weeds and wild plants remain. Peevishness is a weed ; anger is a weed ; self-love and self-will are weeds ; pride is a wild plant ; covetousness is a wild plant ; lightness and vanity are wild plants ; and Inst is the root of all. And these things have had a room in your garden, and have been tall and strong ; and truth, innocency and equity have been left, and could not be found until the Sun of Righteousness arose and searched out that which was lost, and brought again tliat which was driven away. * * * Your work shall be to watch and keep out the fowls of the air, the unclean beasts, the wild bears, and the subtle foxes, and H«> that is the Husbandman will pluck up the wild plants and weeds, and make defense about the vines ; He will tell you what to do ; He, who is Father of the vineyard, will be nigh you. Now, read within, or you will stumble ; and what is not clear unto you, wait for the fulfilling : ' He that helicvefh, inaJceth not haste.'' But you who are covered with leaves only, the Sun will pearch : you must come to the fall of the leaf, and to the time of deadness and winter, before the life will appear, and the living springs be opened. You must cast off your own gar- ments, and then the Son will clothe you, but not before you are naked. You must not have, no, not so much as an apron of fig-leaves to cover your nakedness, for shame must come upon all flesh. — James PameU, Seventh Month 30.] DAILY READINGS, 211 " Of myself 1 will not glory, but in mine infirmities.'"— 2 Cor. xii. 5. I AM indeed prepared to sympathize by experience with tlie most faint and feeble of my fellow-travel- ers. Yes, I can cordially take the poorest of the men- tal poor by the hand, and say, my brother, or my sister, though thou mayst not be able to rejoice in thy tribula- tions, yet endeavor to be thankful ; and low or weak as thou art ready to apprehend thyself, yet count it a great mercy to have been preserved hitherto, through the shocks and shades and other vicissitudes of thy proba- tionary course, * * I unite with thee in the sentiment, that there is more of spiritual life in society than in solitude ; and that there is more of this society in towns than in fields and in woods, is equally true ; yet we cannot but love rural scenes ; and impressed perhaps with the feeling that " God made the country, and man made the town,'' we find the latter suffer greatly by comparison, as all artificial things must do, when placed in contrast with the workmanship of a perfect Creator. Yet, on the whole, botb the quan- tity and quality of active or positive virtue is found to rise higher in social than secluded life ; and this fact I think applies in a remarkable manner, though I can scarcely tell why, to our religious society; still I love the country ; and the life of a farmer, such as I could ima- gine, though it might seem a little Arcadian, has charms even for my age, which no other employment possesses, — Jonathan Hictchinson, 18 27, 212 DAILY KEADINQS. [Seventh Month 31. " As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God/'— P!=ahn xlii. 1. MY attachment has not been more cordial or agreea- ble to any young Friend in England, and my heart leaped with joy to find thou art willing to acknowledge a state of hunger and thirst after righteous- ness, which, if thou cherish and dwell in, thou never need to doubt, my dear friend. Mill eventually be crowned with the enjoyment of the heavenly promise, " thou shalt be filled." Thou art favored with amiable and benevolent dispositions, which I hope thou hast wisely determined shall not be eclipsed by a conformity to the god of this world; nor enslaved by its rudiments and maxims, its philosophy and vain deceit, but rather with a holy magnanimity, regardless of the world's dread laugh, thou wilt resolve to implore the Omnipotent Hand that formed thee for glory, immortality, and eternal life, to finish the glorious work He has begun, by creating thee anew in Christ Jesus unto every good word and work ; bringing thee under the dominion of His power and spirit, the fruit of which is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. Thou ask my advice, my deaf friend; it is very evident, thou art under the especial care of an infinitely better Instructor, who has ah'oady uttered his soft and heavenly voice, to teach thee that the first step towards religion is ti ue humility. — Wni. Savery to Elisabeth Gurnc}/, IV 98. Unless virtue sfuide as our choice must be in vain. Eighth Month 1] DAILY READINGS. 213 " But other? fell on good ground and brought forth, some an hundred fold, eome sixty folJ, some tuirty fold. "—Matthew xiii. 8. THE ground, of which darkness is disobedience, which made Christ say to the Jews : " If you will do the will of God, you shall know of my doctrine, if it be of God or not ;" I say, the mystery, power and virtue of Christianity is shut up in this divine seed ; and if thou, O reader ! knowest it not, but art only speculatively a Christian, open thy heart, and let it into the good ground, and thou shalt quickly find the efficacy ind excellency of it in the fruits that will spring from it. The increase will be very great, and the taste thereof sweeter much than the honey or the honey-comb. " She is a tree of life (said a wise and a great king of old time) to all them that lay hold upon her ; and happy is every one that retaineth her: for her fruit is better than gold, and her revenue than choice silver." It was by him stjded wisdom, because it made him wise ; and Avill make every one that is taught by it ; for it makes people wise to salvation by teaching them the fear of the Lord, and to depart from iniquity and every evil way. All such are said to have a good understanding. The apostle Paul also calleth it the " grace of God, that bringeth salvation, that hath appeared to all men," and grace, because it is God's free gift, not our merit of purchase. " God so loved the world. He gave his only begotten Son to save it, who was full of grace and truth, and of his fullness we receive grace for grace, in order to salvation." — B. Bar- day. 214 I>AILY JREADIXGS. [EienxH MoKTH i " That onr daughters may be as comer-stones, polished after the similitude jf a palace."— Psalm cxliv. 12. I AM free to confess that my attachment to the prin- ciples of our Society has increased of late. In try- ing to be quiet, and to put everything aside that would tend to cloud our vision (and manifold are these hinder- iinces), I think the way gradually, but surely, grows light before us, and we are led almost insensibly along. I believe, too, that as we sincerely desire to yield perfect obedience, those things which w^e had not courage enough to resolve to do for ourselves, are done for us, and we bless God for the chastening which mercy dictated. " I am tired of struggling," said a friend to me the other day. As if our life could be anything but a perpetual warfare, the good and the evil so strive together. But it mattei*s not whether our lot be one of joy or sorrow, if we only reach home at last. It may not be sinful to look with earnest yet patient desires to the haven where the weary are at rest. I tliink of thee very often, with strong interest and sympathy, knowing that thy trials are great and peculiar. When flesh and heart fail, there is but one refuge, and the conviction that He liveth who pities as a father pitieth his children ; that He sees and knows all — every bitter and weary struggle, every desire, however faint, for conformity to His will, and that in His own time He will arise and deliver from the thoughts and anxieties which so oppress us. Ah, dear , if we always felt this faith, the sting of the deepest earthly sor- row would be removed. — Elizabeth Taher^ 1841, aged 19. KiQHTH Month 3.] DAILY READINGS. 215 " Her sun is gone down while it was yet day."— Jer. y. 9, I BELIEVE it is not safe for me to be trusted with health and strength, under some plea or other I am so apt to use them for my own purposes. Lately I have lost my hold on the pearl : in my attempts to promote th<> comfort of my family, the quiet of my spirit has been disturbed. Some of this is doubtless owing to physical weakness; but with every temptation, there is a way of escape ; there is 7iever any rieed to sin. Another thing I have suffered loss from — entering into the business of the day without seeking to have my spirit quieted and directed. So many things press upon me, this is sometimes neglected ; shame to me that it should be so. Some things I must bear in mind: 1st, Always to seek this daily retirement, and earnestly search into my faults. 2d, To talk less, and carefully to weigh ray words, so that they may minister grace to the hearer. I i»t me be careful, without display or pretension, when I do speak to do some good, if it is only to manifest kind feeling toward others. 3d, And this is of great importance, to watch carefully — now I am so weak — not to over fatigue myself, because then I cannot contribute to the pleasure of others ; and a placid face and a gentle tone will make my family more happy than anything else I can do for them. Our own will gets sadly into the performance of our duties sometimes. 4th, Almost above everything else, to agonize for a loving spirit toward all. — Elizabeth Taber King^ 1856, aged 35. 216 DAILY READINGS. [Eighth Month 4. "And moiv'over, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the peop'e knowledge ; yea, he gave good heed, and ?ought out, and set in order many proverbs."— Eccl. xii. 9. HE is ail account nut who can cast uj) correctly the sum of his own errors. As the stream, so the ship ; canoes for shallows, and vessels of burden for deep waters. Fear is often mistaken for condescension, and forbear ance for pusillanimity. We are too apt to imagine that contentment may be found almost anywhere than at home. In religious disquisitions, the tongue does not always represent the mind. Thieves are as liberal as honest men ; but then it is with other people's property. Those w^ho have had the most forgiven tiiem, should be the least addicted to slander. Others sometimes appear to us more wrong than they are, because we ourselves are not right in judging them. A lottery, which is confessedly a species of gambling, is an unsafe corner-stone to erect a place for worship upon Ingratitude to a benefactor naturally indisposes him to continue his benefits. Company which does not help to improve us, will eer tainly have a contrary effect. — George Dillwyn. Ewnru Mo.ntu 5.J DAILY READINGS. 217 " He that takoth not his cross aud followeth after me, cannot be my disciple." -Matt. X. 38. THE Cross being minded, it makes a separation from all other lovers, and brings to God, and the ground of evil thoughts comes to be opened ; which cross overtui'ns the world in the heart, and must be taken ui» by all who follow Jesus Christ out of the woTld which hatli an end, into the world which is without end. All the evil things of the world must be denied; for he who loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him y but where the world is standing, the cross is not lived in. But dwelling in the cross to the world here, the love of God IS shed abroad in the heart, and the way is opened into the inheritance which fades not away — where noth- mg shall enter which is defiled. For God is not seen but ni the eternal Light from whence all pure wisdom comes. This treasure is not seen but with the spiritual eye, nor received but with the pure in heart, and by those who dwell and abide in the eternal Light. But the carnal heart may get the words from them who had received the wisdom, and who dwelt in the fear of the Lord ; but they w^ho live without the fear may get their words, and yet know not wisdom's gate, from w^hence those words proceeded, having the old bottle. Watch all, therefore, and see what ye do possess ; for all wlio give forth the Holy Scripture, Avho dwelt in the fear of God, they pos- sessed the life, which those words proceeded from, and the secret, for the Lord was with them. — George Fox, 1653. 218 DAILY READINGS. [Eighth Month «. " Thus saith the Lord, cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord."— Jer. xvii. 5. HEARING some persons mention that their pre. fcrence of silent meetings was increasing, I was led to consider the happiness of liaving bread in our own houses, and water in our own cisterns ; where we neea not the h'elp of man, but can worship in solemn silence the Father of spirits, in spirit and in truth. For my own part at present I feel far from this desirable attainment ; clouds and darkness seem to overshadow me. In this state of mind, outward help is frequently neces- sary ; and if the spring lies deep, and we have no strensfth to dig, the joint labor of others assists us in coming to that refreshment which we know not iiow to obtain. Xever- theless, I am well convinced, that a dependence on out- ward help will avail us nothing. If we are nourisned by the bread of life, it must be by sinking deei> into our own hearts, and experiencing the living powerful word to be near us, which will guide us into all truth. We arc too apt to let a careless negligence take hold of our minds Avhen assembled together for the purpose of worship ; instead of keeping them diligently fixed on the supreme Author of our being, and endeavoring to wait in the silence of all flesh, to hear that inspeaking . word which would not only show us our states and con- ditions, and inform us what we ought to do ; but, in His own good time, prepare a sacrifice acceptable to himself, and cause us to rejoice in the overshadowing of his love^ — Margaret Woods, 1774. Eighth Month 7 ] DAILY HEADINGS. 219 " Ye are my frieude, if ye do whatsoever I command you."— John xv. 14. TO thee would I hand more than a cup of cold water in the name of a dist iple, if I had it to give. We are very emphatically called I^riends / and friends we should be to one another, not spaiing friendly advicL' and reproof, and taking willing oversight of one another as keepei-s of one another, and so profitably conjoined in harmonious labor. If, then, w e should not withhold re- proof and correction in proper season, why should we withhold encouragement, and the expression of strength ening unity ? If I have anything to write to thee, ray dear, at this time, it is in this line — the line of encourage- ment to hold on thy way. Continue in the littleness of self, and thou wilt continue to witness an enlargement in the service of thy great Master. And be not weary in well-doing ; consider lohose cause it is in which thou art engaged, of infinite importance and consequence ; and how much depends on every one who is sent on any expedi tion, or who has any part to maintain, faithfully and firmly discharging their duty. Farewell. Mayst thou take deeper and deeper root in humility and in the ex- perience of the Divine life, for thy own preservation and nourishment, the more thou advanoest in religious stature and spreadest wide thy fruit-bearing branches. By faithfulness in matters comparatively small, ac- cumulated strength and encouragement accrues. Clean hearts and clean hands give boldness and confidence. — Richard ShacJdeton^ IV 89. 220 DAILY KKADLXGS. [Eighth Month S " Thoiij^h thou exalt thywilf a:* the cajole, and though then ?et thy nest among the Ptars. tlience will I bring thee down, saith the Lord."— Obacliah i. 4. IT occuiTed to me this inoriiiiig, whilst engaged in men- tal retirement and prostration of soul before Him who 8Ciirtinizes not only our actions but our thoughts, and whose piercing eye divides, as it were, between joints and marrow, and penetrates into the inmost recesses of our de- ceitful liearts, that to aifect the use of high-flown and what are called learned expressions, for the sake of displaying either our natural or acquired abilities, or to please itch- ing ears of men, is equally reprehensible Avith the use of gay clothing, or sumptuous furniture, and is only another shape of pride and ostentation^ and of this fault, oh, my soul, thou hast great need especially to beware. Sitting at breakfast, my mind was bowed in thankful- ness for the plentiful and comfortable table which Provi- dence, in the riches of His bounty, enables me to spread for my dear children, whilst thousands of jjcrhaps I'ar more worthy receivers are not so amply provided for ; which humbles me under a deep sense of the very inadequate returns I seem able to make, though I hope I feel some degree of that condition of heart whicli He condescendb not to despise. — Jonathan Hutchinson^ 1808. If wisdom be not onr guide in the journey of life, it is more than probable hat self-conceit will occupy its place.— George Diliavyx. Eighth Month 9.] DAILY KEADINGS. 221 '*That ye may tell it to the ^jencratiou following. For this God is our God forever aud ever; Uc will be our guide even unto death."— Pf aim xlviii. 13. 14. THIS meeting earnestly recommends to all Friends who are concerned for the prosperity of truth, to exercise a tender care over the younger members of society, bearing in mind the opposed situation of many of them and their critical period of life. We would en- courage Friends to cultivate an acquaintance with such, to call upon them in their places of abode, and to mani- fest, by the general tenor of their conduct towards them, a: kind interest in their welfare and preservation from harm, and a solicitude that they may be established on the right foundation, in the faith and hope of the Gospel. We believe this feeling of regard, if cherished, will induce Friends, when any are not diligent in attending our reli- gious meetings, to press upon them the adA'antage and im- portance of this primary duty. It will lead them also to encourage our young people to read the Holy Scriptures daily, with desires that the Lord may bless these invalua- ble writings to their spiritual instruction. And we entreat Friends to promote, especially the younger part of our body, an acquaintance with the wri- tings of our approved authors, in which are set forth the grounds of our religious testimonies, the persecutions suf- fered by our faithful predecessors in the support of them, and many instances of the visitations of divine love so often mercifully granted in early life. — London Epistle^ 1838. 222 ' DAILY READINGS. [Eighth Moxth 10 " For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called."— 1 Cor. i. 26. ACAUTIOX has been sounded that we may at all times live so near our Divine Master, as to watch over one another for good, always remembering that the servant smites his fellow-servarU only when the master is absent. The source from whence proceeds the Christian ministry was alluded to, with desires that great care should be observed by those who are intrusted with this divine gift. * * * The view entertained of it by our early Friends is well worthy our constant attention. One of them compares it to the clouds, which the Lord fills with rain, which when so charged fall in refreshing showers upon the earth, and having accomplished his will return again to vapor. So his ministers should be when he is pleased to fill them with heavenly good, and causes his word to distil like dew upon the mown grass; they have then accom- plished his pleasure, and like the clouds are to return again to their own nothingness, until he shall again be pleased to make use of them to fulfill his own gracious purposes. Then, beloved friends, under a consideration of how much has been done for us without us, should not every one in sincerity adopt the language, " What man- ner of persons ought [we] to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hastening unto the coming of the day of God ? " — Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders in New York^ 1867, James Congdon^ Clerk. EiQHTn Month 11.] DAILY KEADINGS. 223 " Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them ; for God hath shewed it into them."— Romans i. 19. A PERSON, not a member of our Society, married a Friend, and though she afterwards inclined to attend tlie meeting she had been accustomed to, he very much opposed her iii it, saying she might unite herself to any sect except the Quakers^ and he would join her. This tried her very much, and in this time of conflict and close proving, I had a meeting at a place called Free- hold, a mile or two from where this person lived. Ilis wife had a desire to go to it, and she prevailed upon him to accompany her. I had another meeting in the even- ing at Bordentown, to which they also came ; and while we Wire at breakfast, on the following day, he and his wife stepped in. Immediately my feelings became ar- rested, and I could eat but very little more. I drew my chair a small space from the table, and soon a very solemn pause ensued, when, turning toward them, my mind was opened in a striking manner to address them both. It seemed to have a powerful effect upon the man, especially, and though he was a stranger to me, I afterwards was told that he entirely denied that the Almighty held communion with his creatures, but after this he gave it up completely, and said that if the very secrets of his heart had not been told him, which he Jiad never in his life revealed to any one, he might have doubted still ; but here was demonstration irresistible, and he surrendered freely, and become a worthy member and respected elder in that society he had despised. — Nathan Hunt^ 1820. 224 DAILY KEADIXGS. [Eighth Month 12. " Are they not all miui^tering spirits, sent forth to minister for Ihem who phallbc heirs of salvation ? "— Hebrews!. 14. IN a time of sickness with the pleurisy, a little more than two years and a half ago, I was brought so near the gates of death, that I forgot my name. Being tlien desirous to know who I was, I saw a mass of matter of a dull gloomy color, between the south and east ; and was informed that this mass was human beings in as great mis- ery as they could be, and live, and that I was mixed with them, and that henceforth I might not consider myself as a distinct or separate being. In this state I remained Fevcral hours. I then heard a soft, melodious voice, more pure and harmonious than any I had heard with my ear before ; I believe it was the voice of an angel, who spake to the other angels : the words were — " John Woolman is dead." I soon remembered that I was cnce John Wool- man, and being assured that I was alive in the body, I greatly wondered v. hat that heavenly voice could mean. I be'ievcd beyond doubt that it was the voice o^an holy angel, but as yet it was a mystery to me. I was carried in spirit to the mines, where poor op- pressed people were digging rich treasures for those called Christians, and heard them blaspheme the name of Christ; at which I was grieved; for his name to me was precious. I was then informed that these heathens were told that those who oppressed them were follow- ers of Christ ; and they said among themselves, " If Christ directed them to use us in this sort, then Christ is a cruel tvrant." — Joh)iWooJma \ 1772. EiGHTn Month 13.] DAILY READINGS. 225 " For all these things do the nations of the world seek after ; and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things*. But rather seek ye the Kingdom of God ; and all these things shill be added unto you."— Lnke xii. 30, .31. I HAVE for years felt strong desires to be wholly redeemed from the improper pursuit of worldly en- joyments, and even from all desires of wealth, beyond what my heavenly Father knoweth I have need of, as also from all use of things, the procuring of which would require more of my time than would be consistent with my religious duty, or wliich would cause me, or any one under me, to labor beyond the true medium, or beyond the degree whicli best promotes health of body and tran- quility of mind. I have mourned to see the true standard so lamentably departed from, in these respects, among all societies of professing Christians. Multitudes are mis- erably toiling and drudging, from day to day, and from year to year, scarcely allowing themselves time to as- semble -for divine worship, nor scarcely time to rest and refresh their bodies. And many, when they do get to their religious meetings, are too often so exhausted by immoderate fatigue, that they are fitter for sleep than divine worship. — Joh Scott. The rich, even those who are piously disposed, arc generally too much en- gaged in their own concerns to be much relied on for counsell'^'^.— Ge-^rgb OlLLWYN. " For whopoever wul tave his life shall lose it ; but w hosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the Gospel's, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man if he sli il! gain the whole world and lose his own soul ? Or what ahall a man give in excii uge for his soul ?— Mark viii. :^, 36, 37. 226 DAILY READINGS. [Eighth Month 14 " Then if any mau shall say unto you, ' Lo, here is Christ, or lo, there ; ' be- lieve it not."— Matt. xxiv. 23. THE lionest and sincere-hearted amongst you, I sa- lute in gospel love ; and as I believe there is a small remnant wlio are desirous to witness tlie peace of God in 3'our hearts, and a sure hope of receiving the answer of well done, at the conclusion of your time in tliis world, mind the instructions of the Spirit of Christ Jesus in your own liearts, for it is this wliich leads into all truth ; it shows unto man of what sort the thoughts of his heart are, and it witnesseth against every bad word and action. The Spirit of Truth hath taught the children of God in all ages ; it w\as by this spirit that our worthy elders were led from the lo-heres and lo-theres, which are in the world, and established on the true foundation. The revelation or teaching of the Spirit of God in their own hearts up- held them under sore afflictions and outward suiferings from the powers of the earth ; and by this they were preserved in the unity of the spirit, in the bond of peace. Dear Friends, beware of letting out your minds after the doctrines and teachings of men, who have not the Word of life committed to them to preach in the love and power of truth. For if ye do, ye will be unstable and wavering, and a wavering man is as a wave of the sea, tossed to and fro with every contrary wind of doc- tnne. Neither look you too much to the example one of another, but wait to receive in yourselves a sense of what ye ought to do and to join with, and what ye ought to be separated from. — John Churchman, EioETTH Month 15.] DAI FA' HEADINGS. 227 "" For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness ; but into ns which arc saved it is the power of God."— Ist Corinthians i. 18. THE Gospel, in the days of the first messengers, was termed by the worldly-wise and prudent, foolish- ness. An eminent publisher of it was told too much leara- ing had made him mad ; their lives indeed were counted as madness, because the life they then lived was in Christ Jesus, whilst the lives of those who condemned them were after the flesh, fulfilling the lusts thereof. At the same time I fear there are many who make a profession with me of those ;hings, who are not able to comprehend them, for we have not anything that is good but what is given to us of God ; and if we are not concerned to ask wisdom from Him, we shall not receive it. Some among us do ask, but they ask amiss, asking that from the form which it can- not give. To these states, I shall not use any reasoning to strive to convince them of their error, having the experi- ence in myself, how hard, nay, I may say, how impossible it would have been to have convinced me of these truths before, till Divine Mercy was extended to me. * * ♦ But I write these things for the wayfaring men and women who may be traveling Zionward, and can read me in their own experience, to encourage them to hold on their way and let no discouragements they may meet with in their wilderness journey cause them to look back to Egypt ; for it is only those who hold out to the end that will be saved. — John Conron^ Dublin, Ireland, 1772, Asoxir faith, so oar aevoti©n«hould be lively. 228 DAILY KEADINGS. [Eighth Moitth 16» " I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of hia power."— Eph. iii, 7. I CONCEIVE that the Chi-istian Church at large is much indebted to George Fox and his brethren, for the bold, clear, and steadfast manner in which they main- tain the doctrines of universal and saving Light. Hap- pily, they are held by a large and very increasing propor- tion of Chiistian believei*s. The late William Wilber- force, so well known as an evangelical member of the church of England, emphatically expressed to me, on two occasions, his full conviction that an effective offer of salvation is made to every man bom into the world ; and how can such an offer be made, except by a visitation of the Holy Spirit ? Little as I am inclined to cast any blame upon others, who are evidently accepted and as- sisted by their own Master, I conceive it to be a duty, plainly laid upon the Society of Friends, to hold up a still higher and purer standard respecting the Christian ministry. It is a principle generally understood and admitted by the membei-s of that Society, that the faculty of the Christian ministry is a gift of the Spirit, which cannot be rightly exercised otherwise then under the direct and immediate influence of that Spirit. Friends are not, therefore, satisfied with any general impression, that it is their duty to preach the Gospel ; nor do they venture, under such impression, eithei* to employ their own intel- lectual exertions as a preparation for the service, or to select their own time for. performing it, — J. J, Gurney. EwHTH Month 17.] . r>AILY READINGS. 229 " Tne steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delighteth in hla way.*"— Psalm xxxvii. 2a IN hearing William Savery preach, he seemed to me to overflow with true religion, and to be humble, and yet to be a man of great abilities ; and having been gay and disbelieving only a few years ago, makes him bet- ter acquainted with the heart of one in the same situation. If I were to grow like him, a preacher, I should be able to preach to the gay and unbelieving better than to any others, for I should feel more sympathy for them, and know their hearts better. To-day I have felt all my old irreligious feelings. My ob- ject shall be to search, try to do right, and if I am mis- taken, it is not my fault ; but the state I am now in makes it difficult to act. What little religion I have felt has been owing to my giving way quietly and humbly to my feelings ; but the more I reason upon it, the more I gel into a labyrinth of uncertainty, and my mind is so much in- clined to both scepticism and enthusiasm, that if I argue and doubt, I shall be a total sceptic ; if, on the contrary, I give way to my feelings, and as it -were, wait for religion, I may be led away. But I hope that will not be the case ; at all events, religion, true and uncorrupted, is all that com- forts the greatest ; it is the first stimulus to virtue ; it is a support under every affliction. I am sure it is better to be so in an enthusiastic degree, than not to be so at all, for it is a delightful enthusiasm. — Elisabeth Gurneyy 1798. Prefer substance to shadows. 230 BAILY EEAI>INGS^ [Eighth Mokth 1&. " For rulers are not a terror to good works, tut to the evil. Wilt tlion, then, not be afraid of the power ? Do that which is good, and thou shalt hare praise of the same."— Rom. xiii. 3. " Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the law- less, and disobedient.'*—! Tim. i. 9. /^ OVERNORS, rulers, and magistrates, we own \U^ and do respect in the Lord ; such as he a terror to all evil in their government, and that fear God,, and hate covetousness, and delight in equality, in justice, and true judgment, who gave diligent heed to try the cause of the poor, and will judge justly, without respect of men, who justify the good, and give praise to the well-doer. Such government and governors we reverence, where sin and iniquity are kept under, drunkenness, swearing, murder, quarreling, and all the ways and works of the flesh are terrified, and a well-doer praised and justified. The government of men reaches to the witness of God in every man,, and that answers to the justice and righteous- ness of all such governors and government, and these witness that they are of God. The government and laws which we cannot obey nor fulfil for conscience sake, we choose rather to sufier for disobedience to them, than to transgress the righteous law of God, written in our hearts, by obeying them. — Edward Burroughs London, 1667. The words of our Saviour, " If my Kingdom were of this world, then wou'r my servants fight," must signify * * ♦ As my Kingdom is not of this world therefore my servants do not fight.— Geokge Dilxwtn. Eighth Month 19.] DAILY READINGS. 231 " Honor thy father and thy mother ; that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy Godgiveth thee."— Exod. xx. 12. AH, my mother, how unworthy of thy tender solici- tude, thy unwearied attention, thy fond affections, is the daughter thou too tenderly cherished ! Yet heaven and earth's great Ruler knows the secret prayer of my lieart is to become every day more worthy of His divine protection, and of my mother's love. * * * Do, my precious mother, take every care of thy in- valuable health, and guard thy peace of mind from un- necessary interruption. Remember, my parent, it is to thee we look for support through the most important periods of life. The happiest existence of thy children is interwoven with thy being. If they see thee still walk- ing ill the path of duty, religiously observing the secret instructions of the Spirit of Truth, unreservedly resigned to the will of Him who is perfect in wisdom, and submit- ting all things to his government, thy children may yet become (however unlikely it maybe judged) instruments of good in the hands of their God. While I remember how my past life has been employed, how anxiously do I wish to be restored to an opportunity of redeeming the time squandered in frivolous pursuits, and yet I am capable of neglecting to improve the pres- ent moment, the present strong impression that time is rapidly passing, eternity quickly approaching, and that my own claim to eternal life will soon be decided. — Char- lotte Dudley^ 1812. 232 DAILY READINGS. [Eighth Month 20. " The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Chrit't ; and he shall reign for ever and ever."— Rev. xi. 15. rr^ME glorified Head of the universal church, the Re- -J_ deeiiier and Saviour of men, who dwelt for a time on earth, and offered himself on the cross as a sacrifice for the sins of the world, condescends to visit the natur- ally dark hearts of all men by the influences of his Holy Grace, Light, or Spirit, in greater or less degrees, reprov- ing them for evil, inciting them to good, enlightening the conscience; and, as yielded to, subduing and purify- ing the will and affections, producing the w^ork of regen- eration, calling them to become his subjects, qualifying them for service in his church, and preparing them for heaven ; all this being effected, in proportion as man, whatever may be the variety of his external circumstan- ces, submits to this holy influence. * * * We are assured that " the kingdom of God is within," or of a si>iritual character; also that "it is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost," essentially holy and peaceful in its character. If we would know its estab- lishment, and be the sharers in its heavenly benefits, it must be set up in our hearts, and rule there, diffusing these benign principles over our inmost thoughts, motives, and affections, as well as over our words and actions. If we are ruled by the Spirit of Christ, we shall bring forth its fruits — humility, purity, justice, meekness, long-suffer- ing, peace, temperance, faith, hope and charity. These will mark our conduct, as that of the subjects of Christ's kingdom. — John Allen, England, 1853. Eighth Month 21.] DAILY READINGS. 233 "Bring my eons from Car, and my daughters from the ends of the earth. "— Isa, xliii. 6. BEFORE I was twelve years of age, I often solicited my mother for liberty to go with some of the neighbor's children, who were Friends, to their meetings, with which she often complied, saying that I was but a child, and not capable of determining in matters of a reli- gious nature, which, indeed, was really so ; yet I have abundant reason to believe that something of a Divine nature was then secretly at work in my tender mind, though I know not by what name to call it, which, had I given way to it, would have preseiwed me, though but a child, from many things into which I afterwards fell, to the wounding of my poor soul, and making hard work in the cleansing, purifying day, that afterwards powerfully overtook me, and from which I could by no means escape. * * Blessed be the God of my life, who thus gradually and secretly drew my mind towards this peo- ple, not only to go to meeting, but I loved the sight of an honest Friend. Yet I was at times under the influ- ence of another spirit ; for, though I loved this people, and very early saw a beautiful order and becoming de- portment in their meetings, I could not give up my day? to lead such a life of self-denial as the Divine Instructor in my own breast at times directed me to — but I lovecl vanity and folly, and to keep unprofitable company, by which I was led into many evils, and quenched tlie blessed spirit from time to time. — Rebecca Jones, Philadelphia, 1757 234: DAILY READINGS. [Eighth Month 22, " And they paid, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thoa shalt be saved, and thy house."— Acts xvi. 31. MY heart was often made uneasy for the multitude of my transgressions, so that I often promised to amend, for I greatly feared to die. But alas ! though I made covenant, I soon forgot it and returned to the same things for which I had been reproved, and thus added sin to rebellion for some time. * * * In the year 1754, and in the 16th year of my age, there came from old England, on a religious visit to the churches of Christ in America, Catherine Peyton, from Ireland. I heard divers testimonies which she bore, with which I was much pleased ; but like many others, I only heard, and sought not to learn the way to salva- tion in sincerity. But for ever blessed and praised be the great Minister of ministers and Bishop of souls, who in His abundant compassion to a poor creature in the very road that leads to the chambers of death, was gra- ciously pleased through His handmaid to set my state and condition open before me, and who enabled her, in one of our Urst-day evening meetings, to speak so per- tinently to my situation, in showing the consequences of trifling with Divine conviction, and proclaiming God's love through Christ to all returning sinners, that I cried out in the bitterness of my heart : " Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do to be saved ? '* And so effectually was my heart reached, that I was made willing to forsake everything to obtain peace, and inherit eternal salvation. — Rebecca Jones, Philadelphia, 1754. Eighth Month 2;J.] DAILY EEADINGS. 235 " And Jesus answering said, were there not ten cleansed ? but where are the nine ? There are not found tlmt returned to give glory to God, save this stran- ger."— Luke xvii, 17, 18. OH, the many days of sorrow and nights of deep dis- tress that I passed through ; how frequently did I cry out, " Lord save me or I perish r" * * * But for ever magnified be the kindness and goodness of the Lord my God, the everlasting Father, he left me not here, though I was in the situation described by the prophet. I, greatly polluted, lay wallowing in the filthi ness of the flesh, without any succor from temporal con- nections, and a stranger to the Lord's family, "not washed at all, nor salted at all, but cast out as in an open field, void of any enclosure ; none eye pitied me, to do any of these things to me." When the sure Helper pass- ed by, He beheld me in my deplorable situation, cast His mantle of Divine love over me, and with a most power- ful voice said : Live ; yea. He said unto me. Live, I was again encouraged by the renewal of Divine fa- vor to enter into solemn covenant with the gracious Be- ing against whom ,1 had so justly offended. My love to this instrument in the Lord's hand (Catherine Peyton,) was very great, and on a certain time, being reduced very low in my mind, under the consideration of my many and deep transgressions, I took uj) my pen and wrote to her, though I dared not sign my name. I watch- ed an opportunity and slipped it into her liand, just as she was going into meeting, and in two days received an answer. — Rebecca ,/o?ies, Philadelphia, 17oo. 236 DAILY READINGS. [Eighth Month 24 " Yvit the Lord will eoramaud hi? loving kindness in the day time, and in the ni^ht his son.? shall be with me, and my prayer shall be unto the God of my life."— Psalm xlii. 8- DEAR Child, Rebecca Jones : I have carefully read thy letter, and from the tenderness of spirit which I feel towards thee, conceive much hope that thou wilt do well if thou keep to the power which has visited thee ; wliich, as it has already appeared as a light to convince thee of sin, will, if thou will suffer it, destroy it in thy heart ; which, dispensation being already begun, is the reason of that anguish of spirit which thou feelest, which will lessen gradually as thou art assisted to over- come. And be not too much discouraged, neither at what thou hast committed against the Lord, nor at what thou may- est have to suffer for Him ; for though thy sins may have been as scarlet. He is able and willing to make thy heart as snow, upon thy sincere repentance and humble walk- ing in His fear, and also to give thee strength to do what- soever He commands thee. If thou art willing and obedi- ent for the future, thou shalt eat the good of the land in the Lord's time ; and, as thou hast already been instructed that " thou shalt only receive consolation as thou art fit," wait patiently, and let the administration of condemna- tion be perfect — so shall the administration of light and peace be more clear and strong: which will assuredly come upon thee if thou abidest faithful. — Catherine Pay- ton^ 1775. Eighth Month 25.] I>AILY KEADIJS;GS. '2^7 '• Hear now, O house of Israel ; Is not my way equal ? are not your ways un- equal."— Ezek. xviii, 25. IT is not in my mind to particularize everything that fell to my lot, not only from some in near connec- tion with me, but also from my former acquaintance, to whom I now seemed estranged ; and many were theii bitter invectives and hard speeches liberally thrown out against me. Yet thus far I may say of a tnith, greater was that power which visited me, and was in a degree in me, than these mine enemies that were in and of the world. To the praise of my gracious Benefactor be it spoken, the more I suffered in thus turning my back on all those things which in times past I so greatly delighted in, the more my strength increased, and my resolutions vvere con- firmed to serve the Lord the little time that remained to me in this life, which I then thought would not be long. In the spring, 1756, my aforesaid fiiend C. Peyton re- turned to Europe. Soon after her departure I found an indifference towards meetings gradually coming on, and the enemy of my soul's happinet>8 sorely buffeted me. He suggested to me that my repentance was vain, my tears were insincere, and that I was most certainly under a great delusion. And the Lord, my only Helper in this night of probation, saw meet in His wisdom to hide His face from me. But when in close combat with the prince of the power of the air, the Lord's arm brought salvation, and His right arm got the victory. — Rebecca Jo7ieSf 1*756. 238 DAILY READINGS. [Eighth Month 26, " Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness ; for they shall be filled."— Matt. v. 6.' LET it be remembered, that as our mortal bodies cannot enjoy health long, without a natural appe- tite to meat and drink, so our souls cannot live unto holi- ness without a spiritual hunger and an inward thirst after the righteousness which Christ puts upon his saints ; not by- imputation, but actually also. Such souls he will fill, as Mary witnesseth and bore her testimony to the truth thereof, viz : " He hath filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he hath sent empty away." When we are emptied of sin and self, there is room for the Almighty to pour his spirit into us. If we would fill anything, it must first be emptied ; so must we be empty, if we hun- ger and thirst after righteousness ; then shall we truly pray to our heavenly Father for divine food, and it will be our meat and drink to do his will ; and we shall delight to feed upon his word ; as Christ says, " Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." This is holy food for the soul, which nourishes and keeps it alive unto God ; with- out this it is dead, notwithstanding it may have the name of a living soul. As this hunger and thirst, or desire, must be spiritual, so must the food be also ; "It being the spirit that quickens " and gives life ; wherefore let a spiritual hunger and thirst after God and his righteous- ness be in the soul. — Thomas Chalkly, We little need, and that not lon^ Eighth Month 27.] DAILY READINGS. 239 '* God i3 love ; and lie that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him."— 1 John iv. IG. AS love is the foundation of all our happiness, so it ought to be the predominant motive of all our ac- tions. We must convince children that our requisitions to do or to leave undone, are the effects of love, and that obedience to our commands will contribute to their own comfort and enjoyment. For similar reasons, it is of the utmost importance that children be early and properly informed respecting the attributes of the Supreme Being. He must not be re- presented to them as a partial, tyrannical sovereign ; but as a kind, merciful, and affectionate parent, providing for our necessities, and acting for the benefit and. ever- lasting happiness of his children, and that His love and His care are universal, as is shown by the general tenor of the Holy Scriptures. I knew one thus trained, wlio entered upon the world at the age of sixteen, surrounded by companions who had caught the contagion of skepticism. He examined their arguments and detected their futility, and rejected them. In prosperity and adversity, in public and in pri- vate life, the sentiments of religion retained their influ- ence on his heart. When sinking by painful steps into an early grave, "with what gratitude, with What delightful gratitude, do I look back to my infancy and to the judicious con- duct of my mother, who made religion appear to me in colors so engaging and so congenial." — A. Moti 240 DAILY EEADINGS. [Eighth Month 28. "And thou Shalt speak and be no more dumb; and thou shalt be a sign unto them; and they shall know that I am the Lord "— Ezek. xxiv. 27. CONSIDER where are ye who are called Christians, among whom it is become a wonder, a stone of stnmbling, or matter of mockery, or a ground of reproach, for one, in the name of the Lord, to invite yon to repent- ance in sackcloth and ashes. Would not the heathen condemn you in this thing ? and will not Nineveh stand up in judgment against you ? How is it that ye that are called Christians can willingly give room to every idle mountebank, and can suifer your minds to be drawn out to hold these sinful divertisements, which indeed direct the mind from serious sense of God's fears ? The peo- ple can be gathered there, and neither the magistrates complain of tumult, nor yet preachers and professors cry out against it as delusion or madness. O, my friends, consider : can there be any more strongly deluded, than for people daily to acknowledge and confess they are sin- ful and sinning in words, and to startle at that which did so lively represent unto them what they own to be their own state and condition ? I shall add that which upon this occasion I declared unto you, I was for a sign from the Lord unto you. I desire ye may not be among those that wander and perish, but rather repent and be saved. And this is my testimony unto you, whether ye will hear or forbear. I have peace with my God in what I have .done, and am satisfied that his requirings I have answered in this thing, — Robert Barclay. Etqhtii AfoyTH 29.] DAILY READINGS. 241 " Bat seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness ; and all these things shall be added unto you."— Matt, vi. 33. THE fear of the Lord, which preserves from evil, was placed in my heart when I was but eight years old ; so that I was afraid to oiFend Him. In the twelfth year of my age, I was mercifully visited, and called out of the vanities of the world ; at which time I received a promise, that if I sought first the kingdom of God, all other necessary things should be added ; and I have found the promise true, for I never have wanted any of the good things of this life. * * * If all men would " seek first the kingdom of heaven, and the righteousness thereof," and carefully attend to the leadings of the Holy Spirit, with which all might be favored, I believe they would be blessed with a sufficient portion of wealth. O, that mankind were wise ! and would early seek that treasure which cometh from above ; and which neither moth nor rust can corrupt, nor thieves break through and steal ! And may we all be- ware of loving the world, and living at ease, in the en- joyment of its good and pleasant things ! Even those who have been favored with remarkable divine visita- tions, and have been put in possession of " the upper and the nether springs," have great need to be on their guard. When we enjoy health and plenty, and all things seem pleasant around us, we are prone to forget the Lord, and neglect those " things that belong to our peace." — David J^erriSy aged 72, 1119. 2-1:2 DAILY HEADINGS. [Eighth MojjthSO. " Ask counsel, we pray thee, of God, that we may know wliether our way which we go shall be prosperous." — Judges xviii. 5, WITH respect to the present depending affair, do not be too hasty or precipitate — weigh it and ever remember, that he that believes makes not haste; there are many things to be looked at — thy place, thy friend's place. Things with a fair face of prospect may be shaded with a gloom ; sweet things in enjoyment may cliange to bitter. I woukl not cast anything before thee, to embarrass or overwhelm, but simply speak my feelings. Relinquishing for the cause, in our affections, enriches of- ten, in spiritual and temporal sense, and it is often tenfold restored. It was said in the recapitulation of the many blessings dispensed to David, after showing him what he was : " and if this had not been enough, I would have done much tnore." This was done when he was taken off his watch, and suffered his affections to sport \vith ^ beauteous object, which, in the end, made liim flee before his enemy. This thou may not think similar to thy pres- ent state, yet it points to obedience. * * * Let this affair, therefore, be hewn and squared in the mount, before it is adopted ; and let there be no sound of an artificial tool in bringing it about, that the siibsti- tuthig a member from one part of the body to anothei may be the Lord's work— that you mdy be conducted in wisdom in bringing it forward or letting it drop in which your acceptance will stand, your faith be con- firmed, and your lighteousiiess be proved, as was i'aith- ful Abraham's. — Samuel Neale, Dublin, Ireland, 17V0. BraHTH Month 31.] DAILY KEADINGS. 24S " And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ieased, one of his disciples said unto him. Lord, teach us to pray."— Luke xi. 1. OTHOU inexhaustible source and fountain of all good, keep me, I pray Thee, in a state of daily watchfulness, so that I may be enabled to follow Thee in the regeneration ; for without this, dearest Lord, I am made sensible that all pretensions to discipleship will do noth- ing for me in the day of awful decision. Again hum- bled under a sense of my entire inability even to think a good thought unaided by Thee, thou fountain of all good, be pleased, in thy matchless mercy, to keep me watch- ful, that I enter not into temptation. On another occa- sion : Favored this evening with solemn quiet, in which the spirit of supplication was, I think, livingly felt, with thanksgiving for past and present favors; earnestly craving that every succeeding day of my life may be spent in watchfulness, and fear of offending my blessed Saviour and intercessor, in thought, word or deed. Shortly before her decease : May I be strengthened dili- gently to labor, pressing forward toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus our Lord, that at the end of the race I may be permit- led to enter his kingdom, where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest. * * * I have many outward blessings ; much to love and en- joy ; but my concern is so to live and watch, that when summoned to leave them I may render up my account with joy, and not with grief. — Jane BettU^ Philadelphia, 1840. 244 DAILY KEADINGS. [Ninth Mo:sth 1. " But what saith it ? The word is nigh thee, even in thy m,outh and in thy heart: that is the word of faith which we preach."— Rom. x. 8. SEEKEST thou, like Pilate, after Truth ? Look thou within. The holy principle is there, that in whose light the pure hearts of all time liave rejoiced. It is the great light of ages, of which Pythagoras speaks — " the good spirit " of Socrates ; the " divine mind " of Anaxa- goras ; the "perfect principle" of Plato; the "infallible and immortal law, and divine power of reason " of Plato, It is the " unbegotten principle and source of all light " whereof Timeus testifieth ; the interior guide of the soul and everlasting foundation of virtue, spoken of by Plu- tarch. Yea, it was the hope and guide of the virtuous Gentiles, who, doing by nature the things contained in the law, became a law unto themselves. Look to thy- self. Turn thine eye inward. Heed not the opinion of the world. Lean not upon the broken reed of thy phi- losophy, verbal orthodoxy, thy skill in tongues, thy knowl- edge of the Fathers. Remember that truth was seen by the humble fishermen of Galilee, and overlooked by the High Priest of the temple, by the Rabbi and the Phari- see. Thou canst not hope to reach it by the metaphy- sics of fathers, councils, schoolmen, and universities. It lies not in the high places of human learning ; it is in the silent sanctuaiy of thine own heart ; for He who gave thee an immortal spirit, hath filled it with a portion of that truth which is the image of His own unapproacha- ble light. The voice of that truth is within thee ; heed thou its whisper. — William Penn. Nmrn Month 2.] DAILY KEADINGS. 245 "lam the Lord ; that is my name ; and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images."— Isa. xlii, 8. WE may have natural or acquired abilities, we may have spiritual gifts and graces conferred upon us, useful in their kinds and in their places ; but if they tend to exalt the creaturely, the fleshly part — if we look more at the splendor of the gift, than at the Giver — if we endeavor to deck ourselves with the Lord's jewels, and to be conspicuous in the eyes of others, seeking the praise ol men more than of God, we shall suffer great loss : the gift may for a while be continued, for the sake of the peo- ple ; but it will decrease in beauty and lustre, and perhaps be wholly taken away, while the capricious applause of unstable men will be changed into contempt. On the contrary, not seeking honor one of another, but the honor which coraeth from God only ; when a very little matter comes before us to deliver, not looking at the smallness of the morsel, but whether the Divine blessing be upon it, let us not be ashamed to hand the little even to the mul- titude ; sent home by the power of truth to the conscience, it may be altogether sufiicient. It is remarkable how the wisest of men, who spoke three thousand proverbs, ex- presses himself concerning a single word — ' A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver ; ' and again, ' A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth ; ' and, ' A word spoken in due season, how good is it ! ' * * * The people are too outward ; they have, many of them, forsaken the Fountain of living waters. — Richard Shackle- ton, Ballitoro, Ireland, 1780. 246 DAILY READINGS. ^^^^ Month 8, " I know both how to be abased, and I know hoAv to abound : everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be fall and to be hungry, both to abound and to puffer need."— Philippians iy. 12. I HAVE known the ease of abundance of riches, and the sorrow and perplexity of comparative depriva- tion ; I have tnown to the full, I think, the enjoyment of domestic life ; even what might be called the fulness of blessing, and also some of its most soiTowful and most painful reverses. I have known the abounding of the mispeakable and soul-satisfying joy of the Lord ; and I have been brought into states when the depths had well nigh swallowed me up. I have known great exaltation amongst my fellow-mortals, also deep humiliation ; I have known the sorrow of some most tenderly beloved being taken from me by death ; and others given me, hitherto more given than taken. What is the result of all this experience ? Jt is, even that the Lord is gracious and very merciful, that His compassions fail not, but are renewed every morning ; and may I not say that His good- ness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life ? Above all I pray that whatever dispensations I may yet pass through, nothing may separate me from His love, or hinder me from His service, but that I may be increas- ingly and entirely devoted to Him in heart, mind, and spirit ; through the help of my most dear and blessed Kedeemer.— ^//sa^e^A i^/-y, 1822. This life is a passage, not a port. Ninth Month 4.] DAILY EEADINGS. 247 " And Sameon said unto the lad that held him by the hand, Suffer me that I may feel the pillars whereupon the house stamleth, that I may lean upon them. Now the hou!«e was full of men and women."— Judges xvi. 26, 27. ^ ^ ~T~y LESS the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within I J me, bless his holy name." Notwithstanding my many seasons of poverty and inward distress, tlie foregoing language is sometimes put into my heart on my return from our meetings, which are, in the bathing season, almost always crowded with strangers. Their manner of coming in and going out during the time of worship is exceedingly disturbing, and yet I cannot but admire the stillness which prevails when anything is delivered. The help which I at times experience in these trying seasons is wondeiful in my eyes. When I am concerned to stand up in Ilis dread and fear, what have I else to fear ? This fear would always cast out the fear of man, which ever brings death ; and yet so weak am I, that after all these precious helps and comforting times, I tremble when the meeting-day comes again, lest I should fail in doing the Lord's will. Such is my fear before I can rise to my feet in meetings, that T say with Samson, be with me this once more that I may bear testimony to thy name ; then, if it be thy will, let me die for thee, and I will not think it too much to suffer. O that He would be pleased to enlarge his gift in my heart, and be unto me mouth and wisdom, and give me tongue and utterance to declare his name unto the nations. — John Yeardley^ aged 37. When Carmel's Mount shall wither, and Sharon's rose shall fade, I trust I may find a resting-place in the Redeemer's Kingdom.— Daniel Whbeleb. 248 DAILY EEADINGS. [NiKTH Month 5. " And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees : therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire."— Matthew ill. 10. I WAS brought to resignation to endure the world's reproaches, or anything it might be suffered to in- flict, if the Lord would but again lift up the light of his countenance upon me. The following First-day I went to meeting, though it rained hard, and I had about three miles to walk. * * * I continued diligently to attend meetings, which were held in silence. Very few persons assembled there, and I had no communication with them at all for some time. I have frequently considered since, that it was a favor that my lot was cast in a place where I had no outward dependence to lean upon. In religious meetings, as well as out of them, my single concern was to feel after the influences of the Holy Spirit in my own heart. As my acquaintance with these increased, so did my exercises. My heart was fitly compared to the ground covered with thorns and briars, and even sturdy oaks and tall cedars. O hoAV many things had to be removed out of the way, to give room for the heavenly seed to grow ! The ax of God's power was lifted up against the root of the cor- rupt tree. As wave follows wave, so did my exercises. Yet I must testify of the Lord's unspeakable love ex- tended toward me : it was great indeed. The sense of it was so much with me, that I do not know whether tears of joy and gratitude have not flowed as plentifully as those of grief, which latter have not been few. — Stephen Grellet, aged 22. Ninth Month 6.] DAILY EEADINGS. 249 " There are diversities of gifts, but tlie same spirit. There are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. There are diversities of operations, bu^ it is the same God that worketh all in all."— 1 Cor. xii. 4, 5, 6. EVERY gift of God is from the one and self-same spirit of truth that is come by Jesus Christ ; for which reason, though we may seem to differ in our gifts one from another, yet the design and end is the same, and the same spirit as in one, so in all, assisting to that end, which is to turn people from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may be edi- fied in the true gospel, receiving a remission of their sins, and an assurance of inheritance among them that are sanctified through the only begotten Son of God. Now there must be some time to gain experience and understanding, before any one can come to a settlement and true and perfect knowledge of his own gift ; and for want of a right settlement and true knowledge of this gift, and keeping to it, and in it, is the cause of many of the mistakes that are committed in the exercise of it. The Scriptures and ministry, from the openings of the Spirit, seemed so close and plain to my understanding, that I wondered anybody remained unconvinced, suppos- ing them to see the truths of the Gospel in the same light that I did. That saying of the Apostle, wherein he asserts his knowledge of the Son of God being come, to be by " receiving an understanding from him," was clearly discovered to me, so that I plainly saw a distinc- tion between the children of light and the children of this world. — Samuel Boionas. 250 DAILY HEADINGS. [Ninth Month 7 " I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what He will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved."— Hab. ii. t. THE farther I advance in my course along this valley of mist and obscurity, the more evidently am I permitted to discover — the more frequently am I con- strained to admire the infinite condescension of the Lord. O how sincerely can I exclaim with the Psalm- ist, " What is man, that thou art mindful of him, or the son of man, that thou visitest him." Fervent indeed have been my desires, and, still more and more so, as the visitations of condescending mercy have been renew- edly extended — that my whole heart may be prepared for the reception and further manifestations of this great and gracious Guest O may there be in my inmost thoughts and imaginations, as well as over my words and outward demeanor, such a constant watchfulness, as may evidence a holy awe and fear of giving Him of- fense, or occasioning a separation between Him and my soul. O thou who seest in secret, and to whom my most se- cret petitions are thoroughly known, and known to ascend even daily and hourly, — ^be pleased, in thy exceeding great compassion and wonted mercy, to hand me a lit- tle help. Grant that I may be made willing to follow thee whithersoever thou leadest, and to become whatso- ever thou wouldest have me to he.^ John Barclay, 1816. Religion regulates the will and affections. Ninth Month 8] DAILY READINGS. 251 " For I have laid upon thee the years of their iniquity, according to the num- ber of the days, three hundred and ninety days ; po shall thou bear the iniquity 01 tne house of Israel. And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again upon thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of t he house of Judah forty days ; I have appointed thee each day for a year."— Ezek. iv. 5, 6. I HAVE seen the mystery of the prophet laying three days and three nights in the belly of the fish. * * Our Saviour's sufferings for mankind, and afterwards de- scending into the bowels of the earth, prefigured that his followers must, after his pattern, descend into spiritual baptism ; that they may rise again, freed from the dregs of nature and from the corruptions of the creaturely pas- sions, before they can be qualified to see and snitably to administer to the states of others. I have likewise seen the mystery of Ezekiel's sufferings, and bearing the sins of the house of Israel for the space of three hundred and ninety days, which being accomplished, he was com- manded to turn on the other side, and to bear the sins of Judah forty days, for the corruptions of that princely tribe, who should have been as way-marks to others. My state has been for several years past, my deep baptisms and painful sittings in our meetings, like bearing the rod of the wicked ; in which dispensation I have been some- times ready to conclude with Elijah, that the altars were thrown down and the Lord's prophets slain, and I, a mean worthless servant, left alone, and that my life was sought also. I have now seen the use of those dispensations to me, with the use of my late sickness, whereby I am re- duced to great weakness of body ; that I might be as a sign to this generation — John Churchman. 252 DAILY READINGS. [NikthMonth9. " Blessed are the merciful ; for they shall obtain mercy."— Matt. v. 7. IT is highly necessary for mortals to show mercy in all tlieir words and actions one to another ; and also to the creatures which God hath made for the use of man. It is usually said, that a merciful man is merciful to his beast, which generally is true ; and if men are merciful to their beasts, how much more ought they to be merci- ful one to another. Where mercy is to be extended, it ought not to be done sparingly, since thereby, according to Christ's blessed doctrine, we are to obtain mercy. That servant who showed no mercy to his fellow, had no mercy sliowed to him from his Lord. It is also recorded, in the name of the Lord, " He hath shown unto thee, O man ! what is good, and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God." By which it appears that we are not just in the sight of God, if we are cruel and unmerciful one tb another. And we ought not only to be merciful, but to love it, which, if we are truly humble, we sliall certainly do. Mercy will lessen, and not magnify weakness, fail- ings, or small and trivial things, one in another; and sometimes, as the case may require, larger tilings. Yet there is room for seasonable reproof and correction ; but mercy must be mixed with justice, else the correction may end in tyranny. We ought to be gentle to all men, which is a token of true gentility ; so to be truly merci- ful, is to be blessed, and to obtain mercy. — Thomas Chalklt/. Ninth Month 10] DAILY READINGS. 253 " For there will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call npon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent." — Zeph. iii. 9. I AM not sure of the precise time, but I think it was very soon after my father's decease, and after a visit from my dearest sister Fry to our family and meeting, that as I lay in bed one night, light from above seemed to beam upon me and point in a very explicit manner, the duty of submitting to decided Quakerism^ more par- ticularly to the humbling sacrifice of " plainness of speech, behavior, and apparel." The visitation was strong, but my will was stronger; I would not, I did not comply ; putting off what appeared to me almost unbearable to a more convenient season. I was then rather more than tAventy-one years old, and the morning sacrifice was not bound to the horns of the Lord's altar with the integrity, boldness, and simplicity which the case required. Many persons might say that, taking into view the danger of imagination in such . measures, I did well in resisting the call. After a space of nearly thirty years, full of a variety of experiences, I am not of this judgment ; for I believe that nothing is more profi- table than ready obedience of faith, and nothing more dangerous than the contrary. In my own case, the effect of irresolution was a painful state of spiritual weakness, and when at last I made the sacrifice it was lamely done, and under circumstances of still greater humiliation to the pride and vanity of my own heart than it would have been at first. — J. J. Gurney, 1812. 254 DAILY READINGS. [Ninth Month 11. " I will ingtract thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go. I will guide thee with mine eye/'— Psalm xxxii. 8. ALAS ! I am still a prey to evil desires. But thanks be to God, his grace has visited me at seasons ; I do feel and know my own great weakness, and have been enabled at times to pray fervently to the Lord of our salvation for his gracious assistance. * * * jj^ knoweth the frailty of our natures, and I am humbly led to hope that the spiritual light with which he has lately favored his sinful servant may be the beginning of his work on my heart, and may fortify me in time against the many temptations that surround me. O may a continual watchfulness and unshaken perseverance on my part bnng down upon me the increase of his grace, and pre- pare me for the more constant influence of his Holy Spirit. I have not yet, by any means, perfected myself ill the habit of digesting and reasoning upon what I read ; I am, however, improved in this respect, and am more than ever sensible of its importance. * * * Another consideration which has lately occupied much of my at- tention is this, whether or no I should give up the amuse- ment of field sports. ********** I have this day come to my determination, and have solemnly renounced them for ever. May the spirit of the Lord support me in this, as in all other good resolutions, tor of myself I am nothing. — J, J, Gurney, aged 18, 1817. Ninth Month 12.] DAILY READINGS. 255 " And I will bring the blind by a way that they know not, I will lead them in paths that they have not known ; I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight."— Ipaiah xlii. 16. IHAYE had a faint light spread over my mind, at least I believe it is something of that kind, owing to hav- ing been much with, and heard much excellence from ont- who appears to me a true Christian.* It has caused me to feel a little religion. My imagination has been worked upon, and I fear all I have felt will go off. I fear it now ; though at first I was frightened, that a plain Quaker should have made such an impression on me ; but how truly prejudiced in me to think, that because good came from a Quaker, I should be led away by enthusiasm and folly. But I hope now I am free from such fears. I wish the state of enthusiasm I am in may last, for to-day I have felt that thefeisa God; I have been devotional, and my mind has been led away from the follies that it is mostly wrapt up in. We had much serious conversation ; in short, what he said and what I felt was like a refreshing shower falling upon earth, that had been dried iip for ages. It has not made me unhappy : I have felt eVCr since humble. I have longed for virtue. I hope to be truly virtuous; to let sophistry fly from my mind; not to be enthusiastic and foolish; but only to be so far religious as will lead to virtue. There seems nothing so little understood as re- VigioT\,— 'Elisabeth Gmmey^ aged 18, 1*798. * Wm. Savery. 256 DAILY READINGS. [Ninth Month 13. •' But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will ecnd ir my name, he shall teach yon all things, and bring all things to your remem- brance, whatsoever I have said unto you."— John xiv. 26. IN relation to the kingdom of Christ, man is to be viewed as a spiritual agent, a fallen but immortal being, placed for a time in this world, as in a scene of probation, that through faith and righteousness while here, he may, by the aid of divine grace, be prepared for a glorious and an eternal state of existence hereafter. He must be regarded as subject to the authority and government of Christ, his paramount Lord, deriving all good from Him, who is ready, by his Holy Spirit, to en lighten, reprove, animate, and direct him, showing him his duty, and requiring his obedience, pointing out from time to time the evil to be forsaken and the good to be embraced, and who will judge him accordingly at the last day. The instructions being spiritual, whether by the imme- diate perceptible influence of the Spirit of truth, or through the medium of the Holy Scriptures, the preach- ing of the gospel, or the course of Divine Providence — the considerations and motives are spiritual also, having reference chiefly to spiritual obedience and disobedience, to heavenly rewards and punishments. At the same time, it must be thankfully acknowledged, as an additional in- centive, that " Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which IS to come." — John Allen^ England, 1853. Ninth Month 14.] DAILY READINGS. 257 " Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning ; thou hast the dew of thy youth." — Psalm ex. 3. IF we only pretend to be actuated by that grand and noble principle of Truth — if we are only satisfying ourselves with a name to Christianity, and at the same time are destitute of the life and power of religion, we are mocking God, and deceiving our own poor souls. And such as these are, I fear, in a worse state than those who openly rebel and manifest that they are children of the world, and so enemies to the cross, because they are true to their king, though he be an enemy to the king- dom of love and light. It is religion only that beautifies, and where that is wanting (I don't mean a name only) the distinction be- tween a reprobate and a Christian is also wanting. * * I am often encouraged in remembering the apostle's declaration: "If there be first in you a willing mind, a man is accepted according to that which he hath, and not according to that which he hath not." So that to be entirely willing, or in other words unreservedly dedi- cated to the Lord's serving, is the sure prelude to his blessed favor and acceptance. This I am striving for, and sometimes think I feel pretty near it, when, may-be in the instant moment of struggling, the poor unmortified crea- ture shrinks, draws its neck from the yoke and its shoulder from the burden, and then it is all to do over again with renewed exercise and increasing labor. — Rebecca JoneSy 1779. 258 DAILY ItEADINGS. [Ninth Month 15 '•And they did all eat, and were filled; and they took up of the fragmentg that remained twelve baskets full."— Matt. xiv. 20. WHEN the Son of God had wrought that mighty miracle of feeding five thousand persons with only. five loaves and two small fishes, he said to his disci- j)les, " Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost." This preface no sooner fell to my share, than this pas- sage was brought to my mind, and very aptly to the oc- casioi). For our blessed Lord having also efiectually gathered and fed his people, by his disciples, in this gene- ration, it is a duty we owe to God and ourselves, as well as to thera, that " we gather up the remainder of their testimonies of love and service, that so nothing be lost." To God we owe it, for his unspeakable benefit ; to our- selves, for our example and instruction ; and to the mem- ories of such deceased brethren, as their just but fairer and more lasting monuments than those of engraven tables of marble, or statues of brass, as their works look beyond this world, so their praise will outlive it. There is an unfading glory in the labors of good men ; and though death is permitted to draw a dark shadow over their persons, they will live in the just reputation of their good works, the lively character of their undying pious minds. It cannot wither their fame, or obliterate their names ; on the contrary, death often silences envy and augments their deserved praise. — B. Barclay. NirxTH Month 1G.] DAILY READINGS^ 259 *' Thou Shalt offer it, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto tbft Lord."— Numb, xxviii. 8. HOW much sweeter than roses or their incense, I have thought, is the piety evinced by some of our beloved young Friends, who are called upon in the morning of their day to prove their allegiance by theij' acquiescence in the will of their Creator and their Re- deemer. For early or late, living or dying, resignation appears to me tlie only altar on which an acceptable sacrifice of any kind can be offered, and submissively to place upon this altar the opening j^rospects of early life; and even life itself seems to be one of the deepest and most precious experiences of a Christian. * * * For how instructive and edifying, as we have often heard and seen, the closing moments of some dear young persons are found to be, even whei'e the appearance of piety has lain much concealed from outward observation, it has neverthelesss been elicited in an extraordinary degree on the approach of death. Then a faith not built upon systems, but on the Rock of Ages, has shone fort,h with effulgence and power; then a hope not deduced from the subtleties of the schools has to the humbling admiration of beholdei*s discovered itself, as an an- chor to the departing soul, sure and steadfast, and the whole of the case has manifested, too clearly to be mis' taken, that not more by their expressions, though these are sometimes remarkable, than by the strength of mind with which th«y were enabled to pass through the valley and shadow of death. — Jonathan Hutchinson, Eng., 1782. /^ 260 DAILY READINGS. [Ninth Moxth 17 " Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work is pure, and whether it be right. "— Prov. xx. 11. DESIRES were raised in my childish heart, when I was not more than seven years old, that I might be better than some I saw who spoke bael words and behaved naughtily. I loved to attend religious meetings, yet dreaded to go there or to school, -as there were then but few Friends in the city, and my garb distinguishing me as one, the boys in the street called me Quaker, and used other reviling language. I would gladly have changed my dress, but my parents would not indulge rae in this, and I think it was the means of preserving me from improper associations and some idle amusements. Though I wa« not clear at times of indulging in foolish and extravagant play, yet I was considered orderly both by my elder friends and school-fellows. One of the latter being taken sick, and apprehending he would not recover, told his mother, as she was watching by his bed-side, that if. he was as good a boy as I, he should not be afraid to die. This being reported to me I was much alFected, knowing he was mistaken, and that I was not as good as he thought me, but I resolved to endeavor to do better. A few days after this, as I was passing through the street,. I gave way to some noisy and improper conduct, and looking behind me I saw the mother of the aforesaid lad near, and thought she obseiwed my foolish conduct, at wliich I was so distressed that I sought a place of retirement and wept bitterly. — Henry Hull, Harriso?i's Purchase^ Westchester Co., State of JVew Ycrk, 1772. Ninth Month 18.] DAILY READINGS. 261 "Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn no< to the right hand nor to the left : remove thy foot from evil."— Prov, iv. 2(3, 27. I MENTION this occurrence* of my childish days, to show that a sense of propriety of conduct is early awakened in the minds of children ; and if parents, and those who have the care of their tuition, were care- ful to clierish this feeling, and lead their infant minds into the paths of piety and virtue, there would be more sons and daughters walking therein. * * * About my ninth year, I had a severe illness, by which I was reduced very low. After my recovery I was sent into the country. I often rambled alone among the forests and over the green fields, indulging my contempla- tive turn of mind. The remembrance of these solitary walks is often revived, especially when I behold the places where the groves and rocks and birds were wit- nesses of my plaintive soliloquies, whilst reviewing the beauties of nature ; by which my thoughts were turned to reflect upon the infinite wisdom of the great Creator, and desires increased that I might live in His fear and partake of His favor. The evil example of wicked and rude boys often drew me to join them in folly, and I sinned and felt great condemnation, frequently weeping for my misconduct. But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great fove wherewith He loved us, saith the apostle, even when we were dead in sin, hath quickened us to- gether witli Christ ; by grace ye are saved. — Henry IIull^ 1782. * See opposite page. DAILY KEADINGS. [Ninth Month i{» " If he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak ; for thy servant heareth, so Sam- uel went, and laid down in his place."— 1 Samuel iii. 9. SAMUEL'S want of experience caused him to run to Eli when the Lord called him, being a stranger to the Divine voice; and my ignorance left me in a situation somewhat similar, so that I did not consider the uneasiness I felt, and the desire I felt tahide my conduct, as proceed- ing from the reproofs of Divine Gi-ace. Eli instructed Samuel how to answer the Lord's call, and by obedience he became an eminent Seer in his day *,. and this induces me ta think it riglit for parents and tutors to use great simplicity of language when instructing children, and to teach them to live in the fear of the Lord, though their capacities may not be so matured as to comprehend the sublime doctrines of the Gospel. For want of this knowl- edge, many are mere professors of the letter, while they deny the power, the spiritual appearance of Christ to the soul ; when, as the holy "^ Word which is quick and pow- erful, and sharper than any two-edged sword," He appears unto them, as be did unto Saul, whilst he was a persecutor. It is His " quickening Spirit" that brinies man under condemnation for transgression, and as a faithful witness, teaches children, even in tlieir early days, to know good fi-om evil ; and were suitable examples set before them, in- stead of evil, joined witii pious labors by p'arents and guardians, to tra.n up children in the fear of the Loi*d> and turn their attention to this inspeaking word of Divine Grace, they would, I believe, be more like]} to choose tlie ways of piety and virtue. — Henry I^ull. Ninth Month 20.] DAILY READINGS. 263 " But to do £jood and to communicate, forgot not ; for with such sacrifices Gk)d Is well pleased."— Hob. xiii. 16. MY lieart lias often been tendered towards the ris- ing generation whilst traveling in this land, ( Treat Britain and Ireland, with desires that they may coii- sidev and justly appreciate their privileges. Many of you are in easy circumstances, and some of you are exposed to the dangers and temptations of affluence. May you now, in the bloom of your days, think of the importance of a well-spent life ! and if you are not called into public service, as some have been before you, consider how you are spending your time. Is it to ad- vance the cause of truth and righteousness, or is it merely to gratify yourselves ? When at your toilets, shrink not at the idea of death, which, when reflected upon, sometimes preserves from pride. When poring over light and trifling publications, with which the pres- ent age abounds, or when using pencil or needle merely to amuse, think whether your < time might not be more profitably spent in reading the Scriptures, with other pious writings or useful publications ; in working for the poor of your respective neighborhoods, visiting the sick, or administering to their wants. By these laudable pur- suits, the mind becomes prepared for usefulness, in the promotion of the cause of religion to the glory of Go;! and the comforting of His people. I love you, and am comforted in believing many of you love the truth. Deai children, hold on your way ; regard not the scorner, noi the supercilious brow of the wicked. — Henry IIull^ 1812. 264 DAILY READINGS. [[Ninth Month 21. "Behold the Kingdom of God is within j'oii."— Luks xvii. 21. THE great Orderer of nature and the God of all grace has visited you, in order to make you His ; as an inward care and feeling are kept to, I trust it will be so ; and that you will more and more become serviceable in your day by yielding obedience to that which influences -and disposes to follow the Lord in His leadings and require- ings. The way to hear the language of the Spirit is to be within y it is often slow of utterance unless we are willing and obedient; the quicker we are to hear and ac- tive in obeying, the readier and oftener it speaks to our instruction and furtherance in great sanctification. And as you have been made partakers of the powers of the woi'ld to come, live near its quickenings ; it leads into solitude and solitary places, and out of the spirit of the world and its inordinate love of visibles. * * * In this state we feel at times a joy and rejoicing that encourages us to persevere; in wliich we are ready to conclude that nothing shall be able to separate us from serving the Lord. And perhaps this lasts for a sea- son ; but this abates with the withdrawings of life, and the world and the things of it often gain strength in our affections — but it is beyond a doubt with me, that a re- ligious faithful discharge of our duty to God and his Church is the way to prosper inwardly and outwardly, and to enjoy a Kingdom on earth far superior in dignity and glory to any Emperor or King that fears not God. — Samuel Neale^ Ireland, lYYl. Ninth Month 22.] DAILY KEADIXGS. 265 " Unto the wicked God saith, what hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that th u shouldst take my covenant in thy mouth, seeing thou hatest instruc- tion, and casieth my words behind thee."— Psalm 1. 16, 17. THERE must be a state of sanctification (in degree) known, by the spirit of judgment and burning, before any can be proper objects to be receivers of tliis inspiring gift, that can only assist a minister, and make him instrumental of doing good to others. The tree must be good, e'er the fruit can be so ; and right and true ministers are to be known by their fruits. This be- ing granted, which I think can't be denied, then it fol- lows that none, without being qualified, can be called to the work of the ministry by a divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit ; and therefore all vile and ungodly persons, while they continue in that natural and unregenerate state, • are excluded from any part in this gift ; and although some such may pretend, that either with their learning or by their money, or both, they may have acquired or made purchase of orders for liberty to preach, and may on this foundation undertake to expose what they have to sell, but what they sell is no other than what they have bought. — Samuel J^ownas, 1702. Temptation, 'tis true will assail. And that, without and within ; And deeply his soul must bewail, For inward corruption and sin, —J. J. Gurnet. 266 DAILY READINGS. [Ninth Month 23. " Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil a^'a nst you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice and be exceed- ing glad; for great is your leward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which .were before j'ou."'— Matt. v. 11, 12. rpiHERE is a persecution, as before hinted, by calumny, _L. and reproach, or reviling, by evil speaking and falsities, which, for the most part, it is better patiently and quietly to suffer for Christ's sake, and if we are abused to appeal to him ; for many times words beget words, till at last it comes to prejudice, and breaks the unity and peace of brethren and ^imilies. So that in a general way, one had better suffer the calumnies and re- proaches of evil men, with a tender concern for God's glory, resting in the blessing of Christ, and that thou wilt most surely feel if thou canst appeal to him in this wise, "Lord, thou knowest.I suffer this wrong for thy sake." In such sufferings there is an inward joy, a spiritual re- joicing ; and the heart of the persecuted is abundantly more glad, through the blessing and goodness of Christ, than the persecutor, whose conscience accuseth him in secret. And as to personal persecution, it is no more than the prophets and our Lord suffered before us ; and with that consideration Christ comforts his suffering seed ; those who suffer with him and his seed, these have the promise of reigning with him; and liimself hath promised them a reward, no less than the kingdom of heaven. — Thomas Chalkli/. I found no narrowness respecting sects and opinions ; but believed that sincere, upright-hearted people in every so.iety who truly love God, were ac» cepted of Ilim.— John Woolman. Ninth Month 24.] DAILY READINGS. 267 " Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear than to give the eacriflce of fools." — Eccl. v. 1. IN the yearly meeting the little active service I had, I believe Friends united with, and I may almost say, I was thankful that little did devolve uix>n me ; for I thought I saw, more clearly than I had ever done be- fore, that it does truly require great weight and power, such as are not often given, except to those of much ex- perience, to move acceptably in these large meetings ; and that many that were often wise in other places might there be in especial danger of offering the sacrifice of fools, particularly in prayer — the sense of it over the meeting being caught by those not fitted to convey the expres- sion of it to so. large an assembly, and so taking the place of those who might have conveyed it more rightly. Yet the weakest should not be discouraged, because they sometimes miss the way, nor the simplest in following the obedience of faith, because it does not always tell for much among their fellow-mortals. No doubt the Mas- ter of assemblies often ruled over all, and kept things in right order, which was generally very conspicuous.* * * Who is sufficient for these things ? Lett to ourselves, they are impossible. We can only go foi-waixl under an humble trust that streui^th will be given s;i:fii;Ient for the part wo may be eallel upon to perform. If our humility is but increased thereby, the end may be answered. May we bow low enough to be shielded from danger, tjjough we cannot escape trial. — Hannah C. Backlumtie^ 1827. 268 DAILY KEADIXGS. [Ninth Month 25. " Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say aU manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake."— Matt. v. 11. IN 1(361, the Parliament passed another act, aimed di- rectly at the Society, providing that any Quaker re- fusing to take an oath, Avhen lawfully tendered, or who should maintain, in writing or otherwise, the unlawfulness of taking an oath ; or if live or more Quakers, above the age of sixteen years, should assemble for religious worship, they should forfeit five pounds for the first oftence, or suffer three months' imprisonment, doubling the penalty for the second offence ; and for the third, they were to abjure the realm, or be transported.* "^ * Severe as were the sufferings of Friends under these oppressive laws, their constancy was not shaken. They fearlessly and openly met for the solemn duty of divine worship, notliing daunt- ed by the terrors which threatened them. This Christian boldness exasperated their enemies, especially the perse- cuting priests and magistrates; and another law was procured more prompt and terrible in its operation. It declared that every person taken at a meeting consisting of more than five, besides the household, should suffer three months' imprisonment, or pay a fine of five pounds on conviction before two justices, double the penalty for the second offence : being convicted of a third before the justices at the Quarter Sessions, should be transported for seven years or pay one hundred pounds fine ; in case they returned or escaped, they should be adjudged felons^ and sentenced to death. Thomas Events. {Introdactory remarks from the life of Geo. Fox.) NmTH MoxTH 26.] "^"'Y READINGS. 269 " They shall beat their swords into plough shares, and their spears into prun- Ing-hooks : nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."— Isa. ii. 4. IT is one amongst the numerous moral phenomena of the present times, that tlie inquiry is silently yet not slowly spreading in tlie world : Is War compatible with the Christian religion ? Tliere was a period when the question was seldom asked, and when war was re- garded almost by every man both as iiieA'itable and right. That period has certainly passed away ; and not only in- di>riduals but public societies, and societies in distant na- tions are urging the question upon the attention of man- kind. It is not unworthy of remark, that whilst disquisitions are frequently issuing from the press, of which the ten- dency is to show that war is not compatible with Chris- tianity, judicious attempts are made to show that it is. Whether this results from the circumstance that no indi- vidual peculiarity is interested in the proof — or that there is a secret consciousness that proof can not be brought — or that those who may be desirous of defending the cus- tom rest in security that the impotence of its assailants will be of no avail against a custom so established and so supported — I do not know: yet the fact is remarkable, that scarcely a defender is to be found. It can not be doubted that the question is one of the utmost interest and importance to man. Whether the custom be defen- sible or not, every man should inquire into its consistency with the moral law. — Jonathan Dymond^ London, 1852. 270 DAILY READINGS. [Ninth Month 27. '' I have been young, and now I am old ; yet have I not seen the righteous for- saken, nor his seed begging bread/'— Psalm xsxvii. 25. ACCORDING to the resolution of a good man of old, who in his prayers said, From my youth Thou liast taught me,and now likewise when I am old and gray- headed, OLord! forsake me not, until I have showed thy strength to another generation, and thy power to those who are yet to come ; and as the Lord is tlAis near us, we shall be very near and dear one unto another. T have a true unity with thee in thy concern on account of Friends' children ; and a jealousy sometimes on my mind, lest the ensuing generation, receiving the profession of Truth in a traditional way, and being unacquainted with the wonders of the Lord, which he has wrought for his exercised people, in their travels through the wilder- ness, may be ready to sit as those who are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountains of a formal profession. The Lord, I beseech him, turn away this careless and lukewarm spirit from among the offspring of his people ; and engage the young generation in zeal and fervency in ids service. As to Friends here, though some are too careless, yet there is a remnant whose delight is in the Lord, and to whom he delights to do good, and to refresh with the visitations of his presence, whereby their strength is renewed season after season. And the spirit of some !»re concerned, and their mouths sometimes opened on God's account, being made witnesses of the operation of his Divine Power, by Avhich they are stirred up to speak his i>rsiise.-^ Thfu7ias GwuDi^Falmouth, England, 1692* Ninth Month 28.] DAILY KEADINGS. 271 " Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thy heart." —Psalm xxvii. 14. I WOULD therefore rather encourage thee to dili- gence in the duties of the closet, to private reading of the Scriptures, to close self-examination, meditation, and secret prayer, than to suifer thyself to be drawn forth into much conversation or writing on the spiritual con- cerns. If thou look to the Lord Jesus, and desire to be his sincere, humble follower, He has proniisL'd such " shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life," and there is no teaching like his teaching. With respect to visiting the sick and poor, thou kno west I have always encouraged thee to think of them, and to attend to their temporal wants ; and if, in the course of thy visits amongst them for this purpose, thou feel inclined to read to them, it is a very useful and profitable employ- ment for thee and them. ] >ut I need scarcely say to thee, it requires great caution and much religious experience. to speak suitably to persons who are perhaps undergoing the correcting discipline of our Heavenly Father, or whom He may be training, by many afflictions, for a bet- ter inheritance. "To speak a word in season" requires the assistance of that Spirit which only can teach us to speak aright, and therefore I would say, it is often safer, especially for young persons, to offer up a secret prayer on their behalf, than to express ourselves to them under the influence of present excitement. — Maria Fox, 1837. "272 DAILY READINGS. [NiXTH Month 29. '^ And every man that striveth for the mastery, is temperate in all thin;^."— 1 Cor. ix. 25. OH ! the deplorable effects of the degrading vice of Intemperance on the body, soul, and temporal substance of numbers who unhappily indulge in it ; whose are debased below those of the brute creation. It lays men open to every temptation, and reduces many fro'n opulent circumstances to extreme poverty. It is destructive of every delicate social enjoyment ; it often emaciates the body, deprives the soul of its highest good, the divine presence, whilst in time ; and, if continued to the end of it, finally excludes it from Christ's pure kingdom of ever- lasting bliss. Alas ! that men should indulge in it to their sliame. Solomon saith truly, " Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise ;" again, who hath woe ? who hath sorrow ? who hath con- tentions ? w^ho hath babbling ? who hath wounds with- out cause ? who hath redness of eyes ? They that tarry long at " the wine, that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his color in the cup, when it raoveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder." May such be persuaded to bow in the day of God's merciful visitations to their souls, and kiss the Son lest he be angry, and they perish from the way of life and salvation. His sacred laws of unchangeable truth are as manifest in the punishment of transgressors as in the re- ward of those who do well. — Catherine Phillips, 1157, Ninth Month 30.] DAILY READINGS. 273 ' I exhort therefore, that, ftret of all, supplicationj, prayers, intercessions, and givlngi'f thanks, be made for all men ; for kiujjs. and for all that are in author- ity/'— 1 Timothy ii. 1, 2. TO King William of England. — It hath pleased Almighty God to bring me mito this place, two hundred miles from my outward dwelling, in my old age, (being entered into my 85th year), to bear my testimony for that eternal Truth which I and many others are made partakers of — praised be the Lord ! But I am not free to return to my habitation until I have cleared myself unto this Government. I was exercised in this manner the first year King Charles II. came to the crown ; and labored among them at court a whole year to acquaint them with our principles. And now I am about to acquaint King WiUiam that we have been a people for about thirty-six years, having lived under several reigns; and we have suffered very much, as is well known to the nation of England, even to the death of several hundreds by imprisonments and other hardships. Yet we were never found in the transgression of any just or righteous law, but only suffered upon account of our consciences towards God. And God hath placed thee over this Government, who hast been very moderate and merciful to us, and we live very comfortably under thee. God has blessed thy Government and prospered thy undertakings, for which the King and we have cause to bless his Holy name. — Margaret Fox^ London, 1698. 274: DAILY HEADINGS. [Tenth Month 1. " AH the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his cove- nant and testimonies."— Pealm XXV. 10. IF we resign ourselves, through every loss and cross, to the disposal of our Holy Head, and endeavor dil- igently to " keep all His testimonies ;" if we resolve to follow the Lord's Spirit, in all things, we may reverently belie A^e He will preserve us unhurt. The humble hope may then arise, that His OAvn eternal power will again be known to abound among us ; and that many living wit- nesses to the truth will yet be raised up, within our bor- ders, to the praise of His glorious name. There is proba- bly no body of Christians by whom these precious truths have been more clearly advanced than by the So- ciety of Friends. It has always appeared to them, that the free and immediate teaching of the Spirit of Christ is the main characteristic of that new covenant which was established in the world by his propitiatory death. ♦ * ♦ « In conclusion I would express an earnest desire that Ave may be enabled more and more to commend our re- ligious Society, in secret and fervent prayer, to God. Let us pray that we may be taught of Him, to open our hearts and understandings to the whole ti-uth, as it is in Jesus ; that we may stand with immoveable steadfast- ness on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Je- sus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone ; and thaf on this foundation we may be built up a spiritual temple which shall ever bear the inscription of Holiness unto th< Lord. — J. J. Gurney, Tenth Month 2.] DAILY READINGS. 275 " The word of God is not bound."— 2 Timothy ii. 9. IN the seed of life that is over all whom the Lord doth support, and hath supported by his eternal arm and power, to stand for his glory, be valiant for His truth and His name upon the earth, who is God — All- sufficient and Almighty over all, to support you all, and to supply you with all things needful. Now, dear friends, it is not only given you to believe in the name of Christ, but also to suffer for His name's sake ; so you see and know it is a gift given you to believe, a gift to suffer for Christ's sake and his righteousness. But, however, as Christ saith, " Be ye as wise as serpents, and hai-mless as doves ;" for Christ's believers are as sheep or lambs among wolves ; he hath declared that they shall be brought before councils, and before rulers, for his name's sake, but Christ bids his disciples "take no thought how or what ye shall speak, for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you ; * and this Spirit of the Father is sufficient to trust to, for it shall answer all, if they have ears to hear, and will comfort his people, his lambs and sheep. And the disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord, for Christ the Lord and master of the sheep was despised ; so it is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his Lord. * * Amen, — George Fox, ♦ Matthew x. 19, 20. ^76 DAILY READINGS. [Tekth Moxth 3. " I will praise thee ; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made : ma rv. -Ions are thy works ; and that my soul knoweth right well."— Psalm cxxxix. 14, HEALTH is an extraordinary favor ! I think it is wonderful that the machines of our bodies should go sueli a length of time without being out of order, considering the complicated variety, and minuteness, and delicacy of the organs which compose them. May we be enabled acceptably to acknowledge, and often i-etum due homage for the manifold mercies which we receive our- selves, and also to intercede for divine protection and relief to be extended to othei-s in distress and affliction of body and mind ! I doubt not thy frequent visits to such : they are more becoming a Christian society — more befitting the disciples of Christ to be exercised in, than insipid, formal, cursory visits of show and ceremony, where light, supei'ficial talk, and an impertinent busying in other people's matters is indulged. This is not the intercourse which the Lord has chosen for his i>eople, but that they should seek to visit one another in his name, under the influence of his pure power, and therein either keep to an inward travail of spirit for the arising of it, or, in a pro^^er freedom, maintain a conversation savory and edifying. This, I apprehend, is the way to grow in service. Time is sliort and is minutely to be accounted for. The work we are called to, the spreading of the holy principles of Christianity among men, is awfully important ; where is there room, then, for idleness, su- pineness, and indifference. — Richard Shackleton^ Ireland, 1786. Tenth Month 4.] DAILY READINGS. 2T7 " Stand ye iu the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, nndye shall find rest for your souls, "— Jer. vi. 16. IF Christ be not accepted in all his gracious offices, and, as ability is aiforded, set forth in the same, the sure consequence is a gradual lapse into heresy — an ob- servation which applies with equal force to those wlio dis- regard his coming in the flesh as the Revealer of truth, and tlic Propitiation for sin, and to those who think light- ly, and dwell very curiously (if at all) on his appearing in the heart, by his Spirit. It seems impossible that any- thing can be more striking than the lessons which have been read to us, on both tliese points, of late seasons. My very soul is penetrated with the conviction of the ex- cellence, beauty, and perfection of pure primitive Chris- tianity, as held by Friends. The evangelical foundation, the spiritual superstructure, what a delightful harmony between the two ; what a unit in the glorious whole ! Wlio sliall dare to mar it either by diminution or addi- tion ? I do not mean that the whole should be brought forward in every sermon ; but the whole should be deeply dejiosited in the mind of every preacher of the gospel, and be brought from the treasure-house as the state of the liearers may require, under the immediate influen- ces of the Spirit of Truth. — J. J. Gurney^ 1820, W God this divine virtue were more implanted and diffused among rannUind. tile pretenders of Christianity especially ; and we should certainly mind piety more than controversy ; and exercise love and compassion, instead of censuring and persecuting one another, in any manner.— Wm, Penn, 1690. 278 DAILY EEADmGS. [Tenth Month 6. " Pehold, happy is the man whom God correcteth : therefore despise not thon the chastening of the Almighty."— Job v. 17. TFIIS day seven years we entered London as a resi- dence. The time has not passed over unmarked by anxiety and trouble, and has included some steps of the spiritual journey different from any which had been pre- viously trodden. But mercy hath abounded, and out of many trying circumstances, and what may be termed evil^ good has been brought. * * * I often think t'.at trouble is more favorable as it regards me than comparative ease, for I never remember to have experienced such refreshing incomes of heavenly strength as when, " because of oppression, affliction, and sorrow, " I have been brought low ; and, crying unto the Lord in my distresses, have found him mercifully willing to com- fort and sustain, though he hath not seen meet to deliver fi-om trouble at the time, or in the way nature may have craved. The great public calamity which, in the ordering of infinite wisdom, has befallen this nation and empii-e, spreads general sadness. The amiable and promising princess Charlotte, whom all ranks agree in lamenting, was last night committed to the silent tomb, and now lies as low as the poorest and most destitute individual. What a lesson for the young, gay, and prosperous ; and how must Christians pray that it may be read by those to whom the awful circumstance is most deeply interesting, and who have witnessed the solemn appendages of de- parted royalty ! — Charlotte Dudley, 1817. Tenth Month 6.] DAILY READINGS. 279 "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost : and theise three are one."— 1 John v. 7. THE Spirit is with the Father, and with the Son, is present everywhere, filleth all places, and is for ever and ever. He trieth all things, and revealeth the things of the Father and the Son unto all that believe in the Son. He makes manifest, and searcheth into the deep things of God, and witnesseth the salvation of the just, and the condemnation of the unjust. He is not absent from any place. The Father and the Son work all things through him, and bring all things in heaven and earth to pass by him. He works in the hearts of the children of men, and in every one witnesseth of the Father and of the Son, to the justness, greatness, righteousness, and j^ower of the Eternal Creator, that made all things by the Son through his Eternal Spirit, which is one with the Father and with the Son, and is the worker of their will and mind in all things. He worketh in the wicked to reprove them, and to wit- ness against them that God is angry Ayith them. He worketh in the righteous, and witnesseth the love, and mercy, and peace of the Father unto them. — Edward Burroughs London, 1657. A minister of the gospel ought to be one of Chrisfs making, if he would pass for one of Christ's ministers. And if he be one of his making, he knows and does as well as believes. — Wm. Penn. True religion is a refuge inaccessible to either the violence or fraud of mcu. —George Dillwtn. 280 DAILY READINGS. [Tbnth Month 7. •'Why art thou cast down, O my soul; and why art thou disquieted in me ? hope thou in God ; for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance." — Psalm xlii. 5. " Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm."— Matt. viii. 26. THEREFORE be not discouraged, O thou tossed as with tempest, nor dismayed in thyself ; because thou seest such mighty hosts of enemies rising up against thee, and besetting thee on every side ; for none was so beset, and tried, and tempted as the true Seed was, who was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. But be thou still in thy mind, and let the billows pass over, and wave upon wave ; and fret not thyself be- cause of them, neither be cast down, as if it never should be otherwise with thee : sorrow comes at night, but joy in the morning ; and the days of thy mourning shall be over, and the accuser will God cast out for ever. For therefore was I afflicted, and not comforted, and tempted, and tried for this end, that I might know how to speak a word in due season, unto those who are tempted and af- flicted as I once was, as it was said unto me in that day, when sorrow lay heavy upon me. Therefore be not dis- Cdnsolated, neither give heed unto the reasonings and disputings of thy own heart, nor the fears that are there- from ; but be strong in the faith, believing in the light whicli lets thee see them, and his grace thou will know to be sufficient for thee, and his strength to be made per- fect in weakness. And so thou will glory in tliy infirmi- ties and his power to rest upon thee. — John Crook, 1660. Tenth Month 8.] DAILY READINGS. 281 " Blessed a e the pure in heart ; for they shall see God.— Matt. v. 8. BY whicli we may uiidorstMiid, that we are to take care of our hearts, and to keep a strict watch over them ; and not admit unclean or unchaste thoughts, or sinful desires, to have an entrance therein. And if at unawares, they should at any time enter, we must not entertain or love them, but turn tliem out ; for we, in this, should bo like our heavenly Father, of purer eyes than to behold iniquity with any allowance or approbation : otherwise it will hinder us from seeing God, and from the sweet enjoyment of his most precious presence, and from beholding the only begotten of the Father, and the full- ness of his grace and truth, which we cannot see if our hearts are- impure. We have an instance in the scribes and pharisees, who, though they w^ere outwardly right- eous and clean, yet within were very impure, so that they could not see God, though he was in Christ reconciling the world to himself: notwithstanding their nice discern- ing eyes, yet they could not see him, for the impurity of their hearts ; which was so great that they murdered the just One, their hearts being full of deceit and hypocrisy. " Make clean the inside, and the outside will be clean also," says Christ : from whence it appears that a true Christian must be clean both Avdthin and without. The beginning of the work of purity and sanctity must be within ; and being innocent and pure in heart, we sliall then see the glory of the Father, the lovely beauty of the Son, and the power of tlie Holy Ghost. — Thomas Chalkly, 282 DAILY READINGS. [Tenth Month 9. '• God is the Lord, which hath showed us light : bind the sa rifices with cords, even unto the horns of the altar."— Psalm cxviii.27. THE time seems come when I must claim the notice of my friends, and I can truly say that it is under an awful sense of the greatness as well as the goodness of God, that I venture to acknowledge that my mind has often been led to admire and adore his power ; and whilst it has been matter of humbling consideration that He should deign to employ so mean an instrument in any part of his work or service, my spirit has been enabled and made willing to bow in entire submission to his Holy, righteous will, and to dedicate myself, — all that I am, and all that I possess, — in sim2)le obedience to his re- quirings. For many years I have seen that if I continued alive in the truth, yielding faithfully, in the integrity of my heart, to the leadings of my great Lord and Master, I should be called to more extensive labors, to promote his great cause in the earth, and to travel in distant and remote lands. And now of later time the call has appeared louder, and in endeavoring to dwell near to Him, who, I reverently believe, has thus called me into his service, there has seemed no other way but to stand resigned, giving up all, and faithfully following the Divine requirings. It has appeared that if I would not forfeit that sense of ncceptance with my Maker, which I value beyond every earthly joy, I must cross the waves and billows of the great ocean, and visit the churches on the continent of North America. — Hannah C. Backhouse, 1830. Piety is the best panoply. TiN^H Month 10.] DAILY KEADINGS. 283 " But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of us^e have their senses exercised to discern both good end evil."— He- brews V. 14. I AM veiy sensible this is the respite that often the first gracious and humbling visitation of' the Holy Being affords to his favored children, to give them a full opportunity to view their own defilements and irregular passions, and the purity, truth, and harmony of religion, with all its attractive qualities and perfections, and that the soul may be filled with an abhorrence of the one, and the pleasing prospect and delight o.f the other. Thus as babes are we attended, taken by the hand, and gently led along ; but after all, it is expected that we grow in strength, and in the more manly exercises of the soul than our infant state will admit of, and may, perhaps, be tried again and again with those very temptations which have formerly presented; and who knows but they a little harden upon our bands, as we become more capable to determine our actions in favor of the Christian religion, and a truly sober and virtuous life. Enemies without may assail, and barrenness and poverty of soul within. — William Longmire, Kendal, 1736. Now, dear Friends, all keep in the unity of God's Holy Spirit, which is in the bond of peace, And in the same Spirit of God be all of one mind, and one judgment. And in the same spirit feel the love of God shed in your hearts, which bears and endures all things ; which love nothing below is able to separate you from. And in this love of God, the body of Christ, (which he is the head of) is edified. — London Epistle^ 1728. 284 DAILY READIXaS. [Tenth Month 11. *' He that paith he abideth in him ou;j;ht himself also so to walk, even as he walked."-- John i . 6. WHEREAS you have received the truth, every one with all carefulness may walk in it ; and as I have often exhorted, so I would put you in mind again, that you meet often together, and when met, labor to be rightly exercised in mind towards God in your particular gifts, and tliat none give way to an indifferent mind or a conceited spirit, whicli blinds the eye of the pure mind, but every one keep to the power of the Holy Spirit, so in that you will be enabled to withstand that spirit that leads to sleep and unconcernedness, which some have been too much inclined unto, to the great dishonor of God, tlieir own great hurt, and to the trouble and grief of honest Friends; for where truth is not lived in, in the inward parts, that spirit takes place, and so brings forth such fruits. Also be tender to every green thing that appears, and labor that such things be weeded olit of your assembly as cumber and hurt ; for this I do see, that neither a man nor a meeting shall ever be right before God, till evil be purged out the heart. Let the notion of religion be what it will, those that walk in the truth do and will receive tlie goodness of God when met together ; it is such that take delight to come together on God's account, and cannot cry, " ]My business, my busi- ness ; " neither will they be hindered by it, for they know the great business is to increase their strength in the trutli. — W/n. ElUs^ Cork, Ireland, 1G94. Tenth Month 12.] DAILY READINGS. 285 "And they believed the Scriptures, and the word which Jesns had said."— John ii. 22. ONE of the very interesting considerations which are presented to an inquirer in perusing the vol- ume of Scripture, consists in the variations in its mo- rality. There are three distinctly defined periods in which the moral government and laws of the Deity as- sume, in some respects, a different character. In the first, without any system of external instruction, He communicated His will to some of our race, cither im- mediate or through a superhuman messenger. In the second. He promulgated through Moses a distinct and extended code of laws, addressed peculiarly to a select people. In the third, Jesus Christ and His commissioned ministers delivered precepts, of which the general char- acter was that of greater purity or perfection, and of which the obligation was universal upon mankind. That the records of all these dispensations containing declarations of the will of God, is certain ; that their moral requisitions are not always coincident, is also cer- tain ; and thence the conclusion becomes inevitable, that to us one is of primary authority ; that when all do not coincide, one is paramount to the other. That a coincidence does not always exist, may easily be shown. It is manifest, not only by comparison of precepts and of the general tenor of the respective records, but from the express declarations of Christianity itself. * * * — Jonathan Dymond, London, 1842. 286 DAILY READINGS. [Tenth Month la •' He hath hedged me about, that I cannot get out : he hath made my chain heavj'." — Lam. iii. 7. DO not think that thou art either forgotten of God or of thy friends, for thou art near to my life ; Oh ! that we may so steer through this vale of tears, that when time here shall be over, we may meet in that mansion of glory that is prepared for the righteous ; for many are their exercises and baptisms ; they are at times even like the lone sparrow on the housetop, or the quail in the stubble-field. Here they are pursued by the enemy of souls, so I have been ready to say : How can I go any further ? and have said with David : My way is enclosed with hewn stones, that I cannot get out. O let us trust in him who multiplied the widow's oil and the little meal in the barrel. This hath done me good, when I have i-ightly considered it ; for it was a time of favor when the prophet came to her, and bade her first make him a cake, and then one for herself, she thought of eating it and dying. I would not have thee discouraged, though it may be a slow time with thee ; and that little will keep alive, until the pure rain be distilled again. So in that pure love that I feel to flow to thee I bid thee farewell — Alice Routh,^ Hawes, England, 1658. Lord 1 we know that Thou art near us, Though Thou seem'st to hide Thy face; And are sure that Thou dost hear ue, Though no answer we embrace. Not one blessing shall miscarry ; Not one blessing come to late ; Though the vision long may tarry, Give us patience, Lord, to wait. " A Litae WhUe. " Tkntu Month 14.] DAILY READINGS. 287 " Ye shall not therefore oppress one another ; but thou shalt fear thy God : for I am the Lord your God."— Lev. xxv. 17. TO James Sharke, archbishop of St. Andrews, (so called) ; — My being personally unknown to thee, hath hindered me to give way to that pressure of mind, whereby I have felt myself oftentimes moved to write to thee ; but since there is an Address intended to be presented to the Council, at the first sitting, in behalf of me and my friends, I could no longer forbear upon this occasion to signify unto thee what hath been upon my mind for some time towards thee. The address itself will inform thee how we have been upwards of a year impris- oned, and the goods of many poor people miserably spoiled, of which thou art said to be the chief and prin. cipal author ; and that the attempting to persecute us, as well as the prosecution of it, doth proceed from thy influence, as being done either at thy express desire, or by some others, in hopes thereby to gratify thee. How far thou art truly guilty thereof, thine own con- science can best telL Surely such practices (if thou hast, either directly or indirectly, had a hand in them) will neither commend thee to God nor good men. I presume thou lookest upon it as thy chief honors, to be reputed a Christian bishop, deriving thy authority from Christ and his Apostles, but they never gave warrant for any such doings, being preachers and practicers of patience and suf- fering, but never of persecuting, or causing to rob any of their goods or liberties, for their conscience sake. — Moh' ert Barclay. 288 DAILY READINGS [Tenth Month 15, ' But watch thou in aM things." — ^2 Tim. iv. 5. COULD ye not watch with me one hour ? When as- sembled for the worship of God, or retired to meditate and wait upon him, does not this language of gentle reproof sometimes assail our minds ? We find how difficult it is to keep them fixed on their proj^er object, and prevent them from sti-aggling to various other things, and in this state find some comfort from the consideration of the gracious apology that our blessed Saviour mercifully made for his disciples. " The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Perhaps there is scarcely anything more difficult than to maintain this watch. We could comply with forms of worship ; we could read or pray, or adopt anything that called for activity of body or mind, better than keep a silent watch. Our faculties are disposed to slumber, and though our Sa- viour may be withdrawn from us, but as at the distance of a stone's cast, drowsiness overpowers us. But though we are sensible of, and regret the weakness of our na- ture, yet it should not tempt us to give up the struggle. We sometimes toil long and catch nothing, and we may sometimes wait long without being favored to feel the presence of the Master ; but we may rest assured it will not be in vain. He knows how frail we are ; he remem- bers that we are but dust ; His eyes are continually over us ; he marks all our endeavors, and whilst we strive to do our best, will mercifully assist and strengthen us not only to watch against every intruder, but also to nm the race that is set before us. — Margaret Woods^ 1818. Tenth Month 16.] DAILY READINGS. 289 "And when he hideth himself, who then can behold him."— Job xxxiv. 29. THE listlessness, amounting almost to lukewarmness, is felt, I believe, at times by every professor of faith in Christ, however sincerely desirous to be his disciple ; but may we not hope we shall in the Lord's time expe- rience deliverance from it, and does not the sorrow it occasions excite our prayers at the same time that it proves we are not left in a state of torpid insensibility? How often have we desired to suffer pain rather than to become insensible ? " While there is life there is hope ;" and how- ever sincerely or justly we may disclaim the least shadow of merit, are we not conscious that ours is not the hope of the hypocrite, and may we not confide in His promise who has said, " I will never leave thee nor forsake thee ?" I was glad to find it was thy practice to begin the day with religious retirement, and reading a portion of the Holy Scriptures. The regular and frequent recurrence of any practice is too liable to reduce it to form ; but thoughtless at some times, at others we experience a re- vival, and to consider the promises and exhortations which we read in the Scriptures, the New Testament especially, as addressed to us immediately and individ- ually, will increase their interest by authorizing us to appreciate the abundant fund of consolation and encour- agement contained in the gospels and epistles. — Richard Reynolds 1810. Qoodness, uoc greatness, does the mind improre. 290 DAILY READINGS. [Tenth Month 17. "And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee in the wilderness to humble thee, and prove thee."— Deuteronomy viii. 2. FOR in this wilderness-state we have no food, no water, viz., no right refreshment, but what our Leader provides and administers to us. In this state we can neither pray nor do any religious act without the direction of our Leader; so that we find the case is much altered with us to what it was in time past, for then we could pray, sing, preach and perform other religious duties in our own time, feeding and satisfying ourselves there- with ; but now we are brought into the wilderness, where there is neither plowing nor sowing. We cannot now help ourselves by our own contrivance, and working in our own wills, but there we must live a life of faith, wholly depending on Him that will (if we faint not) bring us through to the heavenly Canaan. Thus we shall come in the Lord's lime to experience the substance of those types and figures, under the legal dispensation, to be substantially fulfilled in our own minds by the operation of the spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ, the substance and foundation of all true religion and ministry, that is really profitable to the hearers. — Samuel JBownas. Let us choose, therefore, to commune where there is the warmest sense of religion ; where devotion exceeds formality, and practice most corresponds with profession ; and where is as much charity as zeal.— Wm. Penn. Tenth Month 18.] DAILY READINGS. 291 "■ But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself. The Lord will hear wheu I call unto him."— Psalm iv. 3. MY own will and desires wei-e now very much bro- ken, and my heart was, with much earnestness, turned to the Lord, to whom I alone looked for help in the dangei-s before me, I had a prospect of the English along the coast, for upwards of nine hundred miles, where 1 traveled ; and their favorable situation and difficulties, attending the natives as well as the negroes in many places, were open before me. A weighty and heavenly care came over my mind, and love filled my heart toward all mankind^ in which I felt a strong engagement that we might be obedient to the Lord, while, in tender mercy, he is yet calling to us ; and that we might so attend to pure universal righteousness, as to give no just cause of offense to the Gentiles, who do not profess Christianity whether they be the blacks from Africa, or the native in- habitants of this continent. Here I was led into a close and laborious inquiry, whether I, as an individual, kept clear from all things which tended to stir up, or were connected with wars, either in this land or Africa ; my heart was deeply concerned, that in future I might in all things keep steadily to the pure truth, and live and walk in the plainness and simplicity of a follower of Christ. Ill this lonely journey, I. did gi-eatly bewail the spi-eading of a wi'ong spirit. — John Woolman. Good offices are the cement of eocietj. 292 DAILY READINGS. [Tenth Month 19, " Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night shewctli knowledge." —Psahn xix. 2. OWHAT shall I say, or what words shall I make use of, to declare fully the Lord's goodness and compassion to this poor frame of mine ! Day "by Day, yes, all the day long, is his hand renewcdly and refresh- ingly turned upon me, for my present and everlasting welfare. Even Avhen the power of the wicked one came over my poor soul, when all desires and endeavors after good — after " those things that make for peace," were to appearance utterly extinguished, even in that dismal hour, which was still more darkened by the insensibility which benumbed me, the gloriously great and gracious Giver of ail good was pleased to pity me, and to revive the latent spark within me, making it grow gradually brighter. Surely, lie is working a good work within me; his hand, his holy hand is upon me; and if not through my own default, he will by no means draw back or desist, until he has made me all that he would have me to be. "What a multitude of obstructions as well as snares and difficulties encompass me : how shall I put one foot forward in the right way, except the Lord him- seK condescend continually to " direct my steps." O ! then, what a constant need there is of acknowledging Him in all my ways ; that so this promise of safe and sure direction may happily be fulfilled in my experience ; — " The Lord, he it is that doth go before thee ; he will be with thee ; he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee." — John Barclay, 1816. Tenth Month 20.] DAILY EEADINrGS, 293 " And eaid unto liiin, run. ppeak to this young man, saying, Jemsalcm shall be inhabited as \o\\ iis without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein. For I, paith the Lord, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her."— Zechariah ii. 4, 5. AS a fellow Christian traveler towards the celestial city, I earnestly intrcat thee, in the love of the gospel, never to consider thyself on a level, or at liberty to act in full scope, with the man of business, who thinks himself created to pursue the things of time, without being responsible to his Creator for endeavoring to reach a sit- uation in life which would enable him to prepare for eter- nity. Thou wilt not be long at a loss what to do, if thou dost not overlook the secret motive in thy own breast. « « 4< % :!: j^^^ j£ ^hou attcudcst to that direct- ing Hand which has hitherto preserved thee as a monu- ment of thy Heavenly Father's mercy, thy victory is already sure, though thou mayst not know it. It is not for the best, consequently not permitted, that we should al- ways see our way. Were this the case there would be no exercise of faith. The servant of the prophet was blind as to the power which preserved them, when he saw a host of the enemy encamped against them : he cried out, " Alas, my master, how shall we do ! " But his master answered, " Fear not ; for they that be with us are more than they that be with them ; " and the pro^Dhet prayed that the young man might be made to see. And when his eyes were opened, what did he see ? Why, he saw the moun- tain full of horses and chariots of fire round about them. — Jb/ui Yeardley^ aged 34. 294 DAILY KEADINGS. [Tenth Month 21. " Yc are the salt of the earth : but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted ? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."— Matt. v. 13. HERE Christ showeth tliat his followers must season the earth, by living a savory life, and by walk- ing according to his doctrine, which is wonderfully set forth in this excellent serraon. If we live up to those holy rules, we shall be serviceable in our generation, and our lives will teach the people as well as our words, and better too, by how much example is better than precept. And indeed Christians ought to be careful in both ; in life to live holy, and in words to be sparing, observing to " let their words be few and savory, and seasoned with grace, that they may minister grace to the hearers." Thus should we season the world, and salt it with the salt of the covenant ; but if we lose this savor of grace, and take a liberty which Christ and his truth do not allow of, speaking things at random, which are not con- venient or edifying, but altogether unsavory ; then, ac- cording to our Master who is in heaven, Ave are good for nothing but to be cast out, ^. e., out of the church, to be trampled upon by men, as in truth we deserve ; not that our bodies are to be killed or destroyed ; for the door of the church is always open to receive true penitents. But for this end and good purpose we are cliastened of the Lord, that the soul may be saved in the day of the Lord. And those w4io know godly sorrow for their sins, and turn from the evil of their ways by amendment of life, those Christ forgives. — lliomas Chalkly. Tknth Month 22.] DAIT.Y READINGS. 295 " The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd."— Eccl. xii. 11. THEN, deeply did I lament that any of my precious time had been spent in perusing publications of an unprofitable tendency, such as plays and romances ; and I was made sensible that nothing I had ever been in the practice of, had so much alienated my mind from the love and fear of God, or led me so far from the simplicity of the pure truth, as books of this kind. How often did I wish I could warn the whole world of their pernicious effects, and especially the young people in our own socie- ty. Penning this remark brings to my remembrance how, in an instant, T was entirely weaned from ever desir- ing again to look into a book of this description. It was by a few words expressed by a beloved friend, when I was about reading to her one night after we got up stairs, and were retiring to bed. She queried with me, and I believe under divine influence, " Dear Mary, is such a subject likely to profit us upon our pillows?" The question so forcibly struck my mind, that I very willingly laid down the volume, and to the best of my re- membrance, I never more read a page in that, or any- thing of the like kind. I have often thought those few words were indeed " like apples of gold in pictures of silver," Prov. xxv. 11. — 3Iary Alexander, 1788. Still drive the baneful visitants away, Still bid rebellious sin withhold the sway, Till my whole heart to its Redeemer given, Thoughts of the world ?hall yield to hopes in heaven, —A. Opib. 296 DAILY READINGS. [Tenth Month 23. " For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid,which is Jesus Chri!>t."— 1 Cor. ill. 11. THAT there are some expressions to be found in the writings of our early Friends, the ambiguity of which has furnished an opportunity to prejudiced persons greatly to misrepresent their meaning, will not be denied l)y any one who is conversant with their works. It is equally true, that there have seldom been wanting either envious opposers or pretended admirers, who have been prompt to take every advantage which ina(5curacy or inadvertance of expression has thus furnished. And too often the ignorance of our own members on these sub- jects has not only disqualified them for vindicating the Cliristian faith of their forefathers, but rendered them the dupes of such designing and artful men. Hence it has happened, that, through the prejudice and ill-will of some, and from the want of better information in others, the genuine doctrines of true Quakerism have been perverted, and the Society most unjustly misrepresented as re- jecting the fundamental doctrines of the gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Of tliis illiberal and ungenerous treatment, both the ancient and modern Friends have much cause to com- l)hun. It has been again and again practised towards them, from the infancy of the Society to the present l»enod. — Thomas Evans, 1828. Believe nothing against another, but upon good authority. Tknth Month 24.] DAILY KEADINGS. 297 " And tliat tliey use this world, as not abusing it : for the fashion of this world paseeth away." — 1 Cor. vii. 31. ALAS for the trials and temptations of this busy, changing, proud, perishing world ! and alas for those obliged to pass through its furnace ! — called to use, yet commanded not to abuse it ; to be " not slothful in busi- ness," " yet fervent in spirit ; " to be a citizen in its high places, yet maintain the failings of a pilgrim and a stran- ger; to mingle in the pageant, without being conformed to its fashions, or governed by its motives, or anxious for its honors. Alas for such a one, were there no Divine Spirit to strengthen him with might in his inner man ; no compassionate Father to relieve his doubts, and fears, and sinkings of heart. * * * If I knew a friend so circumstanced, so peculiarly ex- posed to the snares and strife of the world's influence ; and if I felt for that friend the truest regard, joined to the most anxious interests ; and if I knew, too, that circumstances shielded me from much to which he was exposed, how sacred a duty would it seem, to bring before him glimpses of those truths which counteracting causes so tended to shut out, to venture to press home the absolute, the paramount importance of seeking first the Kingdom of God, his righteousness, his rewards, his pleasures, and his service. Oh ! how sacred a duty would it appear, to think of that individual in the retired hours of medita- tion, to garrison him with desires for his heavenly in- terests, prayers for his spiritual welfare. — Maria I. Jewshury. 298 DAILY EEADINGS. [Tenth Moitth 25, " Train up a child in the way he should go : and when he is old, he will not depart from it." — Prov. xcii. 6. CHILDREN should be deeply impressed with the belief, that the first and great object of their edu- cation is to follow Christ, and, indeed, to be true Chris- tians ; and those things on which we, the Society of Friends, differ from the world in general, should not, I tliink, be impressed on them, by only saying, as is often done, ''^because Friends do it;'''' but singly and simply as things that the Christian life appears to us to require, and that therefore they must be done. They should also early be taught that all have not seen exactly the same ; but that there are many, equally belonging to the Church of Christ, who may in other re- spects be as much stricter than ourscilves, as we are than they in tJiese matters. But this does not at all lessen the necessity of our employing a simple mode of expressing ourselves, who are permitted to see the consistency and propriety of it. There is no set of people I feel so much about, as servants ; I do not think they have generally justice done them ; they are too much considered as an- other race of beings, and we are apt to forget that the holy injunction holds good with them, "Do as thou wouldest be done unto ; " and I believe that, in striving to d ) so, we shall not take them out of their station in life; l.tit endeavor to render them contented and happy in it. — Elisabeth Gurney Fry^ aged 29. Let nothing be lost, said our Saviour ; but that is lost which is misused. Tenth Month 26.] DAILY HEADINGS. 299 " He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shall thou tniBt : his truth shall be thy shield and buckler."— Psalm xci. 4. I AM not aware that the general state of things in our religious society has any especial effect on my mind. I have always been of the opinion that we have nothing to do Avith the public but by commission, and, when that commission is over, we may leave others, and should leave others, to their own Judge and Master. Still, I sometimes think that before commission there is a preparation for it, and if all were smoother with us than it now assuredly is, there might be a more general and in- dividual feeling of rejoicing ; but I think we must be care- ful not to give the character of prophetic sorrow to every casual feeling of mental depression that we cannot well account for. * * * If faithfulness be but the girdle of her loins, truth will be seen to be her buckler; but if pride — spiritual pride — creeps in for ourselves or our profession, no strength is given to wear that buckler, which can alone be worn in humility. It is a day when deej) heart-scarchings ought to be ours, without giving way to unprofitable discourage- ments, either for ourselves, our friends, or tlie church. * * * All we have to do, or can do, at this time or at any time, is to seek to mind our own business, which I believe is in great mercy yet made known to the simple- minded, and in doing which they are often permitted to know sweet unity of spirit with those wlio are in the one faith, dwell in the one Lord, and submit to be baptised by the one baptism. — Hannah C. BacJchouse.^ 1838. 300 DAILY READINGS. [Tenth Month 27. *' And thine ears fihall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand and when ye turn to the left."— It^a. xxx. 21. nVT"OW, my dearly beloved ones, abide and walk under 1 ^ this all-effective government of a righteous Saviour. Let every desire that would lead to transgression be checked ; every rebel thought subdued ; undue conformity to the world and its vanity surrendered ; and be ye aU that the Lord would have you to be. Imitate the ex- ample of Moses, and make all things according to the pattern showed to you in the mount, even to the least pin in the tabernacle. This the true secret of Christian j^er- fection ; a standard hard to reach, but always to be fol- lowed. * * * J think it is under no sectarian feelings that I find myself penning that word Quakerism. I mean simply sincere, living Quakerism, I have refei-ence chiefly to the well-known views always entertained by our Soci- ety, respecting the supreme, immediate, and perceptible government of Jesus Christ over the Church, by the influ- ence of the Holy Spirit. * * * The distinct whis- per of some private counsellor is ^perceptible to the ear ; but not more so than the still small voice of the Spirit of Christ. — J. J. Gurney, Oh I for a finely tnn^d ear, The ShepherdV voice to hear and know, Both wlien it speaks distinct and clear, And when it whispers soft and low. —Jane Crewdsow. Tenth Month 28.] DAILY READINGS. 301 " Now therefore 3'e are no more s'rangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God."— Eph. ii. 19. /^ REAT is the privilege to be subjects of a well-or- vIT" dercd eaithly kingdom, to partake of its benefits, and to enjoy its peace ; but incomparably greater is the privilege to any, in whatever outward position, humbly to believe that they are, through divine grace, subjects of Christ's spiritual kingdom, desiring above all other things to act in obedience to his laws, and to share his protection and favor. The world, even professors of re- ligion, may frown upon such and despise them ; it may deny them the title of Christians, and render their endeav- ors to yield allegiance to Christ a cause of persecution and temporal distress ; but if he speak pardon and peace to their souls, if they are permitted to feel the sustain- ing power of the love of God, bearing witness with their spirits that they are his subjects, they will be able to re- joice in the conviction, that, all unworthy as they are, Christ is truly their Peace-maker and King, and that of his kingdom and peace there shall be no end. Even if his heart is not right in the sight of God, man may possibly be an irreproachable subject of human govern- ment ; but if he is a faithful subject of Christ, he will not fail to be a good citizen, an exemplary member of the secu- lar community. Civil government regards him in his social external relations. If civil government attempt to consider, to influence, and to regulate the latter, it takes upon itself a charge for which it was not intended, and to which it is unequal. — John Allen, England, 1853. 302 DAILY K]':adi>;gs. [Tenth Month 2t» "My sou, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my underr^tanding; That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge."— Prov. V. 1, i. T~) ETlltEMEXT of mind is such an excellent situation, JLi; that lean but recommend it to the youth. May t hey often retii'e alone, and rather choose it to be so, than in such company as may have a tendency to hurt. Young people who are inexperienced are often drawn into things highly improper, if not offensive, in the sight of heaven, for want of keeping on their guard in this very spot ; whereas if they did but love silence, and to hearken to the monitions of Divine grace in their own hearts, they would grow up in good liking, yea, in favor with God and man. * * * I have felt a secret hope that there is a reviving, and that the Most High will yet show himself strong in behalf of the sorroM'ful few who have indeed hung their harps as upon the willows. There is a precious visitation of divine love extended to the youth, and many of tliem are under the humbling, forming hand, who, if they abide patiently under the holy fan and fire, will be made in the Lord's time useful and honorable in their generation, for the rebuilding of the walls of Zion, that are in many ])laces so sadly broken down, and repairing the breaches that are so conspicuous. Oh ! what an unspeakable privilege thei; enjoy whose foundation is on that Rock against which " the gates of hell cannot prevail." — Rebecca Jones^ 1785, Tenth Moxth 30.] DAILY READINGS. 303 " So are the paths of all that forget God ; and the hypocrite's hope shall per- ish."— .Job viii. 13. COME ! try your faith — all you professors of godli- ness, of God, and of Christ, who say God is your Father, and Christ your Redeemer, and that you believe ill God, and are saved through faith in Christ. Come ! search the ground and bottom of your faith, upon what it is built; for the faith and hope of the hypocrite perish, which stand in words, and on an unsteadfast foundation. You say you are saved by the blood of Christ, and l)y His. stripes you are healed, and so would make Him the ground of your faith. But from wiiat are you saved V and of what ai^e you healed? Search within, and see. Christ came to save and redeem sinners from their sins and to heal them of its wound, to bruise the serpent's head, to bind the strong man and cast him out of his house; and to open the prison-doors, to set at liberty the imprisoned, and to lead captivity captive; to cast anti- christ out of the temple of God, who sits there as God, and says he is God. And Christ came to rend that veil of darkness, to open the eyes of the blind, and to unstop the deaf ears, and to make blind those that can see, and to make deaf those that can hear ; to give strength to the weak, and to make weak those that are strong ; to feed the hungry, and to famish that which is fed ; to make a separation betwixt the precious and the vile, betwixt tlie wheat and the tares, the sh^^ep and the goats ; and to purchase to man that which man has lost. — James Far^ nelL 304: DAILY EEADIXGS. [Texth Month 31 " Therefore remove sorrow from thy flesh, for childhood aud youth arc vanity." — Eccl. xi. 10. BUT tliough thus inheriting the privileges of rural retirement, and the simplicity of pastoral life educated, too, in the principles of an excellent Christian profession, yet that interesting and dangerous portion of my life, between leaving school and manhood, was strongly characterized by the sins and follies to which youth and inexperience are so peculiarly liable ; whilst its succeeding stages, even the most happy and favored of them, have, in my own view at least, been remarkable for their weakness, unworthiness, and vicissitude, so much so, that throughout the whole of my probationary course there have been certain critical and eventful pe- riods, wherein my sufferings of body and mind have been such as to leave me but just in possession of life and sense. Yet on this solemn retrospect, I find notliing to complain of but fallen self, acted upon by a delusive world, and an unwearied sj^iritual adversary. I would not therefore " charge God foolishly," seeing that in all, and through all. His kindness and forbearance towards me have been extended in a manner equally unmerited and incomprehensible to my own understanding; and like many other parts of His government, both in nature and grace, they appeared to admit of no other, possible solution than is to be found in the scriptural declaration • the ways of the Lord, are higher than our ways, and His thoughts than our thoughts. — Jonathan Hutchinson, 1809. Eleventh Month L] DAIT.Y READINGS. 305 " Doth not wisdom cry ? and understanding put forth her voice ? tfnto you ; O men, I call ; and my voice is to the pons of men.*'— Prov. viii, 1, 4. AS many words of our own prevent our hearing distinctly the outward voice of others, so do the cogitations of the mind prevent our distinguishing tliose spiritual motions, and hearing that still small voice by which our individual religious duties are discovered to us : therefore the necessity of silence in both cases. As it is perfectly consistent with every divine attribute, that there should be, so I verily believe there is, one immediate spiritual intercourse between the soul of man and its Crea- tor, by which communication his soul is introduced into unity Avith its Divine source, and into sympathy with its fellow-creatures — is informed, chastised, or comforted, suf fers or reigns, according as its state and the state of others may require. It seems as if there was at times an exercise on behalf of others produced in the mind, which, like the wind that blow^eth when and where it listeth, cometh on and goeth oil we scarcely know how, and yet the sound of it is heard with sufficient clearness to warrant our moving under its influence in religious endeavors to promote the glory of our Creator, and the spiritual good of mankind. — Jona- than Hutchinson, 1808. " Wisdom hath buildcd her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars ; she hath killed her beasts ; she hath mingled her wine ; f he hath also furnished her table. She hath sent forth her maidens : she crieth upon the highest places of the city, Whoso is simple, let him turn ia hither; as for him that wanteth un- derstanding, she eaith to him, Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.'"— Prov. ix. 1-5. 306 DAILY READINGS. [ELEyE>fTH Month 2 " The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous man availeth much."— James* V. 16. OTHOU Lord God Almighty ! in the conclusiou of our solemn assemblies we reverently crave ability to return unto Thee our humble thanksgiving for Thine ci!)undant mercy, and above all for the blessed and glori- ous liope of everlasting life, through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Chi-ist. And in deep self-abasement we beseech Thee to forgive all our iniquities, and to blot them out for ever in the atoning blood of the Lamb ; and that our names may be found written in the Lamb's book of life, even when the book shall be opened, and when all the children of men shall be judged according to their works. And now, glorious Lord, we beseech Thee to pour forth of Thine OAvn holy and eternal Spirit upon this assembly, that all may be brought very near to Thee, our Father and our God, and very near one unto another, in the unity of thy Spirit, and in the love of the everlasting gospel ; and grant, we humbly pray Thee, that Thine own pure eternal truth, in its simplicity and its power, may rise into full dominion, and that in the humiliation of every heart we may confess that unto Thee, O God our Father, the Crea tor of heaven and earth, and unto Thy well beloved Son, and unto the Holy Spirit, the Teacher and Sanctifier of thy children, one true, living, incomprehensible God ovei all, belong and must be ascribed, all honor, power, domin- ion and praise. O, the glorious oneness of Thee, thou eternal Jehovah ! blessed and glorified be Thine ever ex- cellent name. — J. J. Gurney, 1838. Eleventh Month 3.] DAILY READINGS, 307 " And he cried unto the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet : there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,"— Exod. xv. 25. IT pleased Him to lead me as into the wilderness, and to give me a sight of my former disobedience and folly. O ! the bitterness and distress that covered me when I was alone or in meeting's. I experienced but few pleasant draughts of his love, my meat was gall and wormwood, and my drink of the bitter waters of Ma- rah.* * * Oh ! these were times of baptism never to be forgotten in mutability.* * * In this state I was through adorable mercy released, and was comforted with a sight and feeling of inexpressible happiness and joy. O, the sweetness I then felt, in being favored with such an evi- dence of the goodness and mercy of God; it far surpass- ed everything I had ever experienced, and was such that I hope to bear it in remembrance as long as I have my being here. Blessed for ever be the name of the Lord, though he sees meet for our refinement to try us even to an hair's breadth, yet in our utmost extremity, his all- powerful arm is made bare for our deliverance, if we dwell alone and keep our spiritual ear attentive to Him, who is the unchangeable High Priest of his people : and with whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowl- edge, who knows the states of all his children, and when and where he leads them, graciously affords ability to fol- low, to the praise of his ever adorable name. — Wrn. Sa^ eery, 1781, SOS DAILY EEADINGS. [Eleventh Month 4. " I will Ptrenorthen thee ; yea, I will help thee ; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.'" — Tsa. xli. 10. I KNOW it is humiliating to be the object of scorn and censure, but the disciple is not to be above his Master, nor the sei-\^ant above his Lord. I believe it is right that this thing should befall thee, that thou might become more vile and base in thy own sight ! With all thy low times and thy complaining language, and the pecu- liarities of thy trials and provings, thou art a favored man, and if it be not thy own fault, I believe thou wilt be more and more so. Watch and be sober. Do not be carried away out of thy awn sphere, by the vortex of another. Do not allow thyself liberty according to the liberty of another. Keep to thy own exercise, wear thy own concern till the right time for casting it off. If thon bast a little burden of a word to drop in the simplicity, look not at the bulk of it, but at its weight; drop it where thou think it best so to do, and there bind any reflections of thy own about it. If thou hast done w^ell, thou wilt be accepted and feel the acceptance ; if other- wise, the rod and reproof in thy own bosom will give wisdom against another time, and thou wilt be as a child left to himself, which bringeth his mother (the church) to shame. * * * There has been too much of a crying out, help, help, among the laborei*s, one to another, instead of waiting in a sense of their own helplessness for the lielpofthe Lord Almighty. — Richard Shackleton, 1781. Patience is a virtue everywhere. Elbventh Month 5.] DAILY READINGS. 309 " For we have not an high-priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities."— Hebrews iv. 15, HOW infinite is the condescension of that precious Saviour who helpeth our infirmities, and is touched with a feeling of them ; aiding the mind with a degree of holy confidence, and' after all its apparent exclusions, from the participation of divine good, once more to look towards His holy habitation. And as it is through suffer- ings that our natures are refined and sanctified, they must not be of our own choosing, because the suffering might then, in a great measure, cease, and that necessary heat which attends the furnace of affliction, and which purifies the mineral, get quenched, for so depraved are our ideas of things that I have thought, and in some mea- sure felt, that even in our baptisms of spirit we would wish to have a choice, so active is self that it cannot be satisfied without a sphere to move in. * * * He who placeth the members of His church, and appoints them their lots, does not leave their support to flow through corrupt sources, but maketh their steps, and, perhaps quite hiddenly, confirms the feeble knees, and leadeth them in a way they know not. My mind is frequently too much depressed, and sometimes tossed with tempests, to admit a consolatory sentiment, much less to offer my friend the language of encouragement ; nevertheless I cannot help expressing my firm belief, that all thy troubles will work together for good; and the deeper they are, the greater will be the preparation for a glorious reward in the house of the one Father. — Sarah Grubb. 1780. 310 DAILY READINGS. [Eleybnth Month 6. '* Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice, from henceforth even for ever. Tne zeal of the Lord of host* will perform this."— Isa. ix. 7. WHEN the Christian dispensation was about to be introduced into the world, its near approach was proclaimed by John the Baptist, the immediate fore- runner of Christ, in these words, "The kingdom of heav- en," or, "The kingdom of God, is at hand." * * * This great event had long been expected by the Jews. Their prophets had predicted it from one generation to another ; its glory and privileges, and pre-eminence had been often pointed out; but the mode of accomplishment was not clearly defined nor understood. When Christ spoke to his disciples of his approaching sufferings and death, even one of themselves replied, under the expecta- tion of an outward kingdom : " Be it far from thee, Lord ; this shall not be unto thee." And after his cruci- fixion, being ignorant of the nature of his intentions, they anxiously inquired of him, " Lord, wilt thou at this time restore the kingdom of Israel?" As the King of the Jews, he was arraigned before Pilate ; and when this governor demanded of him the truth of the charge, he answered : " My kingdom is not of this world ; if my king- dom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now is my kingdom not from hence ;" and he added : " Thou sayest truly I am a king ; to this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I miglit bear wit- ness to the truth." — John Allen England, 1853. Elkventh Month 7.] DAILY KEADINGS. 311 " O wretched man that I am ! who shall deliver me from the body of this death 1 thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord."— Romans vii. 24, 25, THE first vocal prayer I remember having uttered, was extorted from me by distress, when in a kneel- ing attitude I was preparing to cut some hay for catth'. The purport of it may serve to show the darkness aiiil doubt of the heart from which it burst, like water from the rock when smitten by Moses ; it was brief, being com- prehended ill these few emphatic words : " If there be a God in heaven, I pray Thee help me." In a review of a remarkable visitation which he had experienced, he thus wrote, some years after its occurrence : " The visitation of Divine love and mercy, which thou wast favored with in thy lonely journey, appears to have been a very pre- cious one indeed, and has reminded me much of that which, as perhaps I have before told thee, about fourteen years ago, as I was riding alone, on a highway, completed, as I am willing to hope, a conversion which had previously been most unstable and wavering, or rather, shall I say, which had rescued me from the jaw of the lion and paw of the bear, and placed my poor soul in a capacity to en deavor to know and to do the will of God. Since that eventful crisis in my spiritual history, I think I have never absolutely turned my back on the way wliich appeared to be cast up for me, nor wilfully departed from my God, — Jonathan Hutchinson. An honest man is such without a law. 312 DAILY READINGS. [Eleventh Month 8. " At that time Je^us answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father ; for it seemed good in thy sight."— Matthew xi. 25, 23. BABES have been KU messengers, and children have been His ministers, who in innocency have re- ceived the revelation of His Holy Spirit, by which the deep things of His law and of His glorious gospel of life and salvation have been revealed. And among these babes, who thus came to receive a knowledge of the mys- teries of the kingdom of God, by the working of His di- vine power, was tliis noble child, James Parnell, who was a vessel of honor indeed, and mighty in the powder and spirit of Emmanuel, breaking down and laying .desolate many mighty and strong holds and towers of defense, in which the old deceiver had fortified himself and his children. The diligence with which James Parnell labored, and the eagerness of' the people to hear the Truth, are strik- ingly exemplified in the account of his services, the day after he arrived at Colchester. He went there on a seventh-day, and on the first-day preached the Truth to many thousand people — first in his own lodging, then in the steeple-house after the sermon, and then at a great meeting appointed on purpose, and after the meeting ilisputed with the town-lecturer, and another priest, in all which " the wisdom, power and patience of Christ appeared very gloriously," to the convincing of many who were witnesses of that day's work. — Stephen Crisjj^s 7^estimony to James Parnell. Elbventh Month 9.] DAILY HEADINGS. 313 "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to pulling down of strongholds."— 2 Cor. x. 4. BUT how, I pray, did the primitive Christians main- tain their ground, yea, grow upon their adversa- ries (poor, naked men, and not of the greatest quality or capacity,) and finally vanquish cruelty itself, but by faith and patience ? Thus they converted executioners, over- came emperors and armies, and, by a successive course of meek and suffering integrity, turned the edge of the sword, quenched the flames of fire with their own blood, not the blood of their enemies, and, finally, this holy constancy translated them from the theater of slaughter to the palaces and diadems of princes. This brings to my remembrance a passage one author has in this book, to this effect : That " there is nothing a greater tarnish and withering to the Protestant cause, than the professors of it betaking themselves, and that early, to earthly powers and weapons to preserve and promote it," which are not the weapons of the apostolical warfare, and inconsistent with the nature, powers and glories of Christ's Kingdom ; for the preservation of the Protestant religion stands in a spirit of true reforma- tion, as well in life as doctrine, as plainly decayed, if not lost ; and if to be feared for that reason, that God will blow upon all other ways of supporting it, espe- cially such as we thought a fault in our enemies in worldly arts and force. — B. Barclay. Associate with the wise. 314 DAILY EEADLN'GS. [Eleventh Month 10. " Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will je also go away ? Then Simon Pe- ter answered him : Lord, to whom shall we go?" — John vi. 67, 68. I OBSERVE, with concern, that the conflicts of have terminated in a conclusion to leave the Socie- ty. Whatever they may think, I do not believe they will do better, tliough perhaps, to the natural part, an easier way. This conclusion is not, I think, either the result of prejudice or education, but (with such abilities as I possess) of a careful investigation of the subject, with a strong natural propensity towards greater liberty than consistency without profession allows; for the sake of a way less narrow, and perhaps partly aware and ashamed of my own deviations, than which nothing exposes us more to contempt, I have in early life wished I had not been born in the Society. In the folly and inexperience of my mind, I have said, I could not see the necessity of carrying a badge of Qua- kerism about me. And yet after all this, I have been in- duced from conviction to submit to part with things which I once highly valued, *and to take up others which I equally despised. And though I am willing to grant that our inconsistencies may have been stumbling-blocks, yet I cannot believe our principles, with all the restraints that they impose, can ever become so in any other view than that wherein Christ crucified was to the Jews a stumbling block, and to the Greeks foolishness. — Jona- than Hutchinson^ England, 1819. Excess is always hurtM. Eleventh Month 11 ] DAILY READINGS. 315 " And have no certain dwelling place."— 1 Cor. iv. 11. I COUNT it an intinite mercy that the Omnipotent God suffered not the thread of my life to be cut during the many years that I lived in disobedience to His holy will ; and though often, by the operation of His grace, inwardly touched and convicted of my eri*ors, and the veil so far rent from off my understanding as to let me see that I stooped on the brink of ruin, yet did I as often suffer the enemy of my soul again to darken my understanding and benumb my spiritual feeling. He saw meet to divest me of all things here below that were near and dear to me, and left me no inheritance on earth but His own Providence ; and like Himself, when in the prepared body, and His immediate followers. He made me to have no certain place of abode, yet did He raise up friends for me where I least expected them ; and when I was deprived of the care and help of my natural father and mother. He became a Father to me, and made others willing to act for me as though I had been their own offspring; and no sooner did one friend seem to fail me, but there were others raised up in a fresh quarter, where He would have my lot to be cast. But my stub- born heart Avould often rebel against Him, and reason with Him thus : " Why am I come into this situation ? Why receive I Thy blessings, as at second hand, and must thank my fellow-mortals for all the temporal good I re- ceive?" — 3Iary Feisley^ Dublin, Ireland, 1737. SI* DAILY READINGS. [Eleventh Month 12 •' The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." — Deuteronomj' xxxiii. 27. THUS did I at times count myself the most miserable of all creatures, bereaved of all inward and out- ward comforts. The sorrow and anxiety of my soul was unspeakable, yea inconceivable by all that had not felt the like. But the Lord tried me if I would walk by faith and not by sight, following me through bushes and brambles^ and in an untrodden path, to see if I could embrace religion with all its rigors and discipline, without its soul- supporting consolations, to see if I could love and follow Him for the favors I had received without hopes of future reward : or if I could live on the commemoration of His beauty and excellency when He had drawn as it were a curtain between my soul and Him, so that no ray of light pierced through my benighted soul. * * * During the time of this my probation, there was made me an offer of a place in a worthy family in Jhe neighbor- hood where I lived : this led me to seek counsel of the Lord. I was received with all kindness and respect, and wanted nothing this world could afford ; but I wanted the consolation of my Beloved and the light of His counte- nance ; all other enjoyments were embittered to me, and wanted the relish they otherwise would have had. And this I found to be a trial to me, to see if I could rest in the creature without the Creator ; which I could not do, blessed be the name of my God.— J/«r«/ Pelsley, Ireland, 1827. Eleventh Month 13.] DAILY KEAirixiwO. *' O death, where is thy eting ? O grave, where is thy victory ?"— 1 Cor. xv. 55. I AM in a very poor state of health, and with little probability of ray being restored. My disorder is attended with very acute pain ; but blessed for ever be the name of my God, patience equivalent thereto has been administered. How it may be with me as to life or death, I cannot say ; but this is my greatest consolation, and such a one as is beyond the power of my tongue to ex- press, viz, that I have not spent my health and strength in the gratification of my passions or sensual appetites, but in some degi'ee in the pui*suit of that which now stands by me, and will go with me l>eyond the grave — a good conscience towards God, whose love I feel to flow in my soul in such a manner as to admit of no doubt that He is my friend. Believe me, brother, when I tell thee, at a time when dissimulation must vanish — at a season when we are best capable of knowing ourselves and judging of all things in the clearest manner — when the mists of the world are removed from before our eyes, and eternity presented to our view — at such a time as this I may tell thee, I am not afraid to die ; nor is the sound of mortality and eternity frightful in my ears. I^o, I cannot look on death as a king of terrors, but as a welcome messenger, who comes with a happy release from all my trials, temptations and afflictions, to summon me to an eternity of unmixed felicity — to that which I have most deUghted in for years. — Mary Peisley, Ireland, 1747. 318 DAILY READINGS. [Elevexth Moxth 14. " The King's daughter is all glorious within : her clothing is of wrought gold." —Psalm xlv. 13. BE attentive, therefore, dear Friend, to the motion of Light; suffer thyself to be girded by the holy girdle, and thy back will be strengthened for work, thy standing will be pronounced sure by thy stability, and tliy head will be covered in the day of battle. I am not insensible how men are attacked by the grand enemy. If he fails when he have them in one position, he attempts to draw them from it to another, with a view to a better success. If the banner be over us, in the limitation as- signed the Guardian Angel of Preservation, let us keep under it, and we shall be secure ; the enemy will not be able to prevail against us, when we have the glorious defence of the Lord's appointment. There are seasons when the affectionate part is up in man, and purposes things agreeable to nature in oui-- selves, that we are ready to comply with. This sometimes makes the way intricate to ourselves, for when we bring it to the standard to be tried, it is deficient in weight and purity, and will not pass the trial before the Judge. I have missed in this respect, therefore I drop the caution to my friends, to beware of giving expectation before it is tried in the balance of the sanctuary. Kings' children should always preserve their dignity, by taking heed l)ow they mix among the people, and their associations and alliance ought to be with the royal lineage. In this the King of kings is honored* and our own dignity pre- served. — Samvel Neale^ Publin, Ireland, 17T0. Eleventh Month 15.] DAILY READINGS. 319 " To every thing thew is a season, and time to every purpose under the hea- ven."— Prov. ill. 1. I CANNOT but wish to spend a few weeks witli thee, either here or at York, but as I am sensible it is not good for us to have our inclinations gratified at all times, I am desirous to be easy, and resigned to every- thing that may cross my natural propensities, that so, when affliction and probation may present themselves, which certainly will attend our pilgrimage through this uncertain stage of life, I may be the more strengthened to undergo these trying seasons with patience and fortitude. But I may conclude with the words, which thou hast re- peated before : " to will, is present with me ; but to do, I know not ; " for though this fortitude and resignation are things much to be desired, yet to be entirely given up to the will and disposal of a kind Providence is no easy attainment. Thou mentioned diiference of our sit- uations ; and it would be ungrateful, if I did not consider and look upon my privileges as favors from indulgent Heaven, if I make a proper use of them. But it is the state of the mind that limits our happiness ; and alas ! it is the want of a sufficient care in the cultivation of my mind that is a means of obstructing that peace which it would be sweet to enjoy. — Sarah Gruhh^ aged 16, 1772. I am sometimes able, with the eye of faith, to see and to grasp the assurance that one of those mansions our Saviour went to prepare is opened for me ; but while in the body faith is often weak.— Moses Bedeb. 320 DAILY READINGS. [Eleventh Month 16 " Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make rulei over his household."— Luke xii. 42. MAY I without offense refer to the infirmities at- tendant on old age, and our experience of them — how distressing with every alleviation that money can juirchase or friends administer? To the same, or to a greater degree of suffering are so many of our fellow creatures, older and more infirm than ourselves, subjected — wretchedly lodged, scantily as well as meanly fed, with- out a friend to pity or assist them ; in want of clothes, food and fire, without the means to keep their apparel clean, if they had it ; with little to supply all then* wants. Though so unequal the dispensations of the present life, these are equally with us the objects of redeeming love, equally interested in the benefits of the suffering, the death and the mediation of Jesus Christ, our common Saviour. Should we not consider who made us to differ from them, and what have we that we did not receive ? Is not that we have received and do not want, the pro- perty of those who do want and have it not ? Is it not com- mitted to us as stewards for the poor who often are inca- pable of managing for themselves ? For these and other talents entrusted to us for imj^rovement we must very soon give an account. Our time of life justifies our con- sidering what we now offer as an evening sacrifice, which will not be the less acceptable because intended for those who cannot thank us, and to continue to their successors when we and all ours shall be extinct. — Richard JRey- ??o?(7s, Bristol, England, 1813. Eleventh Month 17.] DAILY READINGS. 321 " No man knoweth of his sepulcher into this day."— Dent, xxxiv. fi SHE is a sprightly, sensible woman; but wonld suit my taste much better, if more of the diffident, the humble, the simple entered into her composition. And even true genius and literary accomplishments receive a softness and luster from these qualities highly ornament- al. I hope I am not apt to force the subject of religion into conversation, (like poor Saul, who would have the proph- et conjured up for him ;) but let advanced age, experi- ence, and parental affection say, religion, my dear child, is the safety, the happiness, the glory of human nature. By its sanctifying ^■irtue natural and improved abilities . are kept in due subjection, regulated and directed to use- ful purposes ; by this we have counsel and wisdom in intricate concerns ; by this we have counsel, and resource, and consolation in distress ; and by this we have (the greatest of all favors) the evidence, the assurance, earn- est of a happy immortality. Aspire after the knowledge of it, my dear daughter ! with all thy acquirements, en- deavor to acquire this. Remember Moses was exceeding fair, who had the education of a court to polish his man- ners, who was wise in all the learning of the Egyptians, and whose 2>oetlcal talents are left on record in his song ; yet had he given preference to these qualities in his heart, he would never have been the leader of the Lord's people through the Red Sea and the wilderness. So though no man knows where the visible part of him was buried, yet his memory lives and preaches loudly to us to this day. — Richard Shackleton^ 17 8 7. 322 DAILY READINGS. [Eleventh Month 1& " But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection : lest that by any means, when I preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.'*—! Cor. ix. 27. Ml" birthday. To have spent thirty-thive years in this world feels an awful consideration. The knowledge of having fallen very short of duty humbles ine under a sense of that goodness which has been merci- fully near during many stages of the wilderness journey preserving in infancy, guarding in childhood, upholding through the slippery path of youth, and offering in ma- turity the sustaining consolations of love, which has in a measure operated as a power capable o£ subduing all things to itself. * * * We drank tea at a Friend's house, where was a young person who lived in London, and was once an acknowl- edged minister; but through un watchfulness of some kind, the cruel Adversary has laid waste what was no doubt rightly begun and happily advancing. In a relgious - sitting after tea, she was powerfully reached, and, under the ministry of reconciliation and earnest entreaty to believe in the sufficiency of that power which would yet "open before her the two-leaved gates, and cut in sunder the bars of iron." How often do I fear that through some snare or other, after having preached into others, I myself may become a castaway. May Omnipotence defend, and rather cut the thread of my life than suffer me to bring dishonor upon a cause which at the present moment I prefer to riches, length of days, or any worldly consideration. — Charlotte Dudley, London, 1812. Eleventh Month 19.] DAILY HEADINGS. 323 " There is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee."— Isa. Ixiv. 7. " For who is this that engageth his heart to approach unto me, saith the Lord ?"— Jer. xxx. ^. AMONG some confused thoughts I have had on these Scriptures, this was one : that, for the bet- ter stirring up and engaging the heart to approach unto God, it might be useful for a believer to be very punctual in observing all the passages of Divine Providence that concern him, and those related to him, for Avhom he is making daily supplications and putting up petitions ; and that these, for the better remembering of them, be written down and often perused. So the Lord appointed Moses, Exod. xvii. 14, for a memorial of Amalek's de- struction, to write it in a hooh^ that it might he rehearsed to Joshua,, It is observable here that it was Joshua who was general when Amalek was defeated, and yet it must be written in a hook to he rehearsed to Joshua. Why ? Because God would have him hereby engaged upon every remembrance of this victory, and lest it should be for- gotten it must be written. My thoughts have stayed a little upon this subject. I resolved to set down shortly what I could remember of the Lord's dispensations towards me, both of mercies and corrections, having weakly sought of Him that this means may be blessed and prove effectual for the enga- ging of my harren and hacksUding heart to Him, never to depart from Him any more ! — Alexander Jaffray, 1650, 324: DAILY READINGS. [Eleventh Moxth 20. " Let the words of my month, and the meditations of my heart, be accepts ble in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer."— Psahn xix. 14. SHALL I tell thee that I have a little rocabulaiy of words and phrases, which I believe, as to the sense in which they are commonly used, want a more careful revision and correction then they generally obtain ? Fate or foHwie, with its various combinations, accident oi charice, infinite^ and some others, seem to be often so misapplied and perverted as, in the true spirit of heathen- ism and infidelity, to give an imaginary importance to shadows, and this too by the senseless and affecting exclu sions of a Providence, not only from His general super- intendence, but from those particular cases wherein He might rationally be recognized and ought devoutly to be acknowledged. There is also a practice in the higher circles of social intercourse, with which I have a decided controversy. I mean that hyperbolical form of speech which probably originated among the rich and learned, and from them descended into the ranks of humbler life, so that now, in- stead of being " pleased with a feather, tickled with a straw," Ave hear of people being transported to ecstasy from no higher causes ; and should a shower prevent a morning's walk, a slight pain or unwelcome tidings abridge any earthly enjoyment, they cannot stop at dis- appointment or uneasiness, low and insipid expressions —their nobler spirits must take a bolder leap. — Jonathan Hutchinson, 1825. EU5VBNTH Month 21.] DAILY READINGS. 325 "Ib lii;e uuto a maa that is an householder, which bringeth forth oat of his treasure things new and old."— Matt. xiii. 52. SOME persons who take up this volume may think that tlie frequently repeated relations of experien ces, nearly similar, are tedious to be read, but it may bo doubted whether such critics will be found among the hungry souls, or the abased ones. These will recollect that, in like manner as the wants of the body recur from the same existing cause, and are relieved by similar means, the general wants of the soul also arising from the operation of causes Avhich are long permanent, will con- tinue to require a supply of the same remedies. These also will be likely to perceive that, even in the sameness of the feelings of the writer, there is a life which not only prevents satiety, but which diffuses animation of her soliloquies, in which may be discovered the humble per- severance of a quickened mind. * * * It is to be hoped that, among the various descriptions of readers into whose hands these sheets may fall, the newly awakened may derive encouragement to yield up their wills to the requirings of the Lord, by observing how much is exemplified by that description of the ways of wisdom : "Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace." And tlie deliverances from tempta- tion, the consolations in affliction, and the support in tri- als here recorded, may animate the more experienced trav- eler to hold on his way, trusting to the Lord alone, to nothing short of the arm of Omnipotence. — S. Waring''8 Preface to the Life of Mary Waring, London, 1810. DAILY KEADTNGS. [Eleventh Month 22. " Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset OB, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us."— Heb. xii. 1. AS the traveler in a desert rejoices to find the way- marks of former pilgrims, and is strengthened and encouraged when he can trace the footsteps of those who have gone before him, so may the pilgrims of Canaan, the travelei*s to a " better country," delight to trace the pathway by which their brethren and sistei*s have been led, through this land of shadows, to their heavenly eter- nal rest. It is with this view that the following imperfect account of a beloved sister is presented to the reader. * * May some of her brethren and sisters in religious pro- fession have their faith a little confirmed in the truth of those principles which she with them professed, and which were dear to her to the last ; and may Christians of every name recognize, in this cross-bearing and cross- wearing follower of the Lamb, another added to the cloud of witnesses, to the tinith and faithfulness of our God — the love and mercy of our Saviour. May it tend to the encouragement of those whose faces are set Zionward, and yet whose hands are ready to hang, down, that instruc- tion may be reaped by these from the instruction of her whose short life was marked with trials and deep prov- ings, but enabled from season to season to rejoice in them, and all rejoicingly to look forward to the land of perfect rest and peace, where temptation cannot approach, and the billows of affliction roll no more. — From Memoir of Mary Ann 6^ i^^^m, London, 1832. Elevbkth Month 23.] DAILY READINGS. 327 " He that is faithful in Giat which is least, is faithful also in much.'"— Luke xvi. 10. MARY ANN GILPIN, when at home, very early exercised a watchful care over her brothers and sisters, and in simplicity endeavored to bring them to walk in wisdom's paths. She had a way peculiarly her own td convey to the diiFerent members of lier family the counsel or admonition she thought it right to give them. Often has she checked the rising evil tempers of her younger brothers when striving together, by the gentle repetition of some lines such as these : — Remember " He that condescends the most, Remains the victor still." And when those about her own age had, in her view, yielded to temptation, or given way to angry feeling, or suffered the ever watchful adversary to gain the mas- tery, a little note laid on the dressing-table would con- vey a sister's faithful warning : My dear brothers and sisters : Let me entreat you always to begin and end the day with prayer ; in the morning seek direction to act rightly during the day. I have found from experience that I can, of myself, do no good thing, or even think a good thought — and do you not find it to be your case also ? Most affectionately do I entreat you all to give up your whole heart MXito the Lord; and whilst endeavoring under His direction to perform the duties of this life, never to forget to prepare for another, even in what are termed little things ; but remember the whole heart must be surren- dered. — Memoir of Mary Ann Gilpi7i, London, 1831. 328 DAILY HEADINGS. [Eleventh Month 24 " But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise ; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty."—! Cor i. 27. LET no reader be so fastidious as to conteiun the simple style of George Fox. Though unlettered, he possessed a sound judgment and a quick apprehension. But liad he been, and were many more of the advocates for the inward light of Christ, and for a self-denying life, deficient in acuteness of un- derstanding, this would not detract from their virtue, nor from the purity and excellence of religion. If the offices of religion are often filled by persons not distin- guished by superior mental acquisitions, one cause of it may be the too frequent refusal of talents and learning to bend in subjection to the humbling power of the Cross. It seems difficult to quit this subject, without expressing an ardent wish, that, amidst the career of prosperity, and the captivating charms of indulgence, some reade/ may be found, who may be willing here to pause ; to consider with Barclay, " that the height of all liappiness is placed in the true knowledge of God," and to inquire seriously of the divine witness in the heart : " am I really concerned to obtain and to preserve this knowledge, or is it the whole, or the chief business of my life to pursue things of a temporal nature. — A Ft-iend, " The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge ; but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not tho law of thy mother. For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck."— Prov. i. 7-9, Eleventh Month 25.1 DAILY READINGS. 329 "Wherefore he saith.when he ascended up oa high, he led captivity captive, and j?ave gifts unto men." — Eph. iv. 8. BUT noAV a temptation of another kind began to in- terrupt me ; for, having had a reputation in that country, of an understanding at least equal to my educa- tion and years, wlien my aquaintances and others heard of my appearance in a public ministry, they expected something more from me than from some others, of whom they had not conceived the like opinion ; and I knowing the way of truth with me was not in the wis- dom and multiplicity of words, but in his own virtue and simplicity, and in a few sentences only, was not will- ing of myself to yield up my own imaginary honor on that account, and be exposed as a fool, in their way of judging. This affected me so that I became backward to appear when such were present, and sometimes neg- lected the proper time of the movings of the Lord in this calling; by which I retarded my growth therein, and was in danger of greater loss. But the Lord is just and merciful; and though He charged it as a failure, yet, by degrees, He helped me forward, though it was a long time before I got over it ; for it laid sometimes as a block in my way for many years after, remaining the unmoved cause of many a heavy load; which none knew, or could ease me of, but the Lord alone ; and if He had not ex- tended mercy I had yet been undone for ever, * * * O Lord, take pity on a perishing soul, borne down un- der a multitude of vile affections, trodden under foot by the insolence of the wicked one. — Thomas Story ^ 1090. 330 Daily readings. [eleventh month 26 " Many shall ran to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased."— Dan. xil. 4. I MUST confess to the glory of God in my own self- abasement, and his bearing sway over my will and affection by his own power, wisdom and providence, I was at- that time prevented from going to London to visit my brethren and friends there, according to my own desire and affection ; the Lord having then more work and service as well as suffering for me to go through in the country, and particularly in the county of Suffolk, before I might obtain my desire of going to London. Having had blessed and effectual service by the special assist- tance of the Lord's power in Norfolk and in High Suffolk, I must now be a sufferer in Low Suffolk, and bear my testimony for him, in a hard confinement and inhuman treatment in prison. In those days, among the exercises which befel several of us, whom the Lord so easily called and sent forth to preach the gospel of repentance unto life and salvation, we were led and moved one while to run to and fro, that knowledge might increase among peo- ple, in the ways and dealings of the Lord ; another while to be taken and imprisoned, strictly confined, and severely used, and many times inhumanh'^ and barbarously treated ; as the subsequent accounts may in part show ; also what manner of spirit ruled and actuated some men under high professions of religion and Christianity ; and how un- christian they were in practice. But the power of the Lord our God supported and sustained us. — George Whitehead, 1655. ai-EVENTu Month 27.] BATLY KEADINGS. SSuL " These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."— Eev. vii. 14. /^^ REAT indeed has been tlie travail of my soul in yjT secret for six months past. I could copy manj things from my little diary which would convince mj friends that I have not been idle, and I have thought sometimes, if it was my Master's good pleasure to re- move me from ray troubles here, the account of my time spent from day to day would witness for me ; for indeed I have been a mournful Jeremiah in and near Lon- don, and but little can I do but wait for those days to be over, and to hear this language : It is enough I have not drawn back from any labor which was clearly pointed out in my own land, neither do I find this charge against me here, though of late it has been a time of as deep searching of heart as ever my soul experienced. Yet after all, with deep humility I acknowledge I have not been faultless. What a hard thing it is, when plunged into the deeps, to be content in the will of God ; what a hard thing for the unsubjected will, wit, and reason of man to become a fool — one of no reputation. Truly I have thought my soul never Avas made so sensible of what the patriarch, prophets, and mournful sufferers in their day and genera- tion passed through, and of the agonizing pangs of Him unto whom the heathen was given for an inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for a possession, who also gave His cheeks to the smiter and His face to them that plucked off the hair, who hid not His face from shame and spitting. — 27iomas JScatter(/oodjLondoii, 1Y98. 332 DAILY READINGS. [Eleventh Month 28. " Let us therefore follow after the thinge which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another."— Eom. xiv. 19. THE journals of pious i^ersous are some of the safest writings that can be put into the hands of young people, though they may contain little more than a reci- tal of the ways in which those worthies were led, and the difticultios which, by a simple attention and obedience to their lieavenly guide, they surmounted — that is, practice upon principle, without embellishment. They are, how- ever, not likely to be very interesting to any but such as have their feet, in some degree, turned into the same way. If to those who seek more for amusement than in- struction, they are insipid, it is because we remain in- sensible of their turpitude ; it must be because they are become as our natural element, and we are so stujDified and bewildered by them as not to regard them. One would think that they whose religious principles admit of a continuance in sin through this life, are not very likely, either sincerely to desire rescue from it, or to withstand tlie assaults of temptation in such earnest- ness as not -to be ov^ercome, but to consider their relapses into sin, (especially the sin which most easily besets them) as unavoidable, and to *>hun the depth of repentance whi li is necessary to its removaL — George Dylwm. The less form in religion, the better, since God is a spirit ; for the more mental our worship, the more adequate to the nature of God; the more sileni, the more suitable to the language of a spirit. — Wm. Pbnn. Eleventh Month 20.] BAILY KEADINGS. 333 " But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jeena Christ."— Cor. xv. 57. WHY shouldst thou be ready to lay down thy arms and retreat from the field ? It is a noble cause we have embarked in, and there is no doubt of victory if we humbly and industriously follow our holy Captain, seeing that it is decreed that He and His followers shall have the victory. It is a time of sufferings and I look for little else. Can we expect to reign where the Master does not reign 9 * * * May thou and I persevere in faithfulness through all our buffitings, tossings and afflictions, so that we may be favored with a safe landing at last on that peaceful shore where all sorrow will cease, and temptations will have an end, and where our wearied spirits will be for ever at rest. These aspirations I am in a degree brought to realize after a lapse of more than half a century. May the dear youths who have been enamored with the brightness of Divine power arising in their hearts " keep humbly their solemn feasts and faithfully perform all their vows." May the " north," through the softening in- fluence of holy animating love and life, be prevailed upon during the day of offered mercy to " give up," and the " south," in a state of faithful obedience to the Divine Avill, '' keep nothing back," is my humble prayer. Then will your light go forth with encouraging brightness, and the clothing of Divine salvation on all the different classes in the family be conspicuously clear, " as a lamp that l)urneth." — Rebecca Jones^ 1788. 334 DAILY READINGS. [Elevknth Month 30, " In the morning it flourislietli, and groweth up ; in the evening it is cut down, and withcreth." — Psalm xc. 6. I SELDOM contemplate the life and writings of the apostle Paul but with a mixture of wonder, sympa- thy and delight, and even in my present views of them am ready to exclaim, O ! Christianity ! how do thy realities exceed the very fictions of romance ! Thou art indeed the potent alchymist, who changest human rock-work into man ; nor dost thou stop here, but after having thus converted him, by a further transmutation, j^eculiarly thy own, thou refinest him as silver is refined, and triest him as gold is tried, until, as the operations of thy furnace are submitted to, he at length cometh forth more pure than fine gold, yea than the golden wedge of Ophir. I stopped over first-day at Downham to my satisfaction, though the family in which I passed most of my time was in a state of mourning. Poor J. D. appeared to me quite in the latter stage of life. To behold a fine young man, in defiance of human efibrts, encircled by whom he is tenderly beloved, thus gradually declining, was truly affecting ; and I never was more struck with the force of those Scriptural figures which compare frail humanity tc withering grass, fading flowers, or a vapor that appear eth for a little while and then vanisheth away, etc. O, Time ! if thou wert all, if our hopes and our prospects ended with thee, then might we sink into utter dismay. But thanks be to God, tliis is not our unhappy case.— Jhndthan HiiZchin^on^ 1824. Twelfth Month 1.] DAILY EEADINGS. 335 " Now the c\!y was large and great ; tut the people were few therein, and the houses wox-w uOt builded."— Neh. vii. 4. "TXTIIO can calculate, who can appreciate the value to Y V postciity of such a man as William Penn. Had ambition fired a Caesar to come and conquer an- other world — Lad madness touched a Napoleon to reacli forth over our shores the truncheon of absolute command, how different, how widely different, would have been the issue! But the Quaker came — the gentle, unadorned, imaspiring Quaker, who, turning from the gaudy trap- pings of a monarchy, from a land where those of his faith found no resting place, sought, in the wilds of Western America, a refuge, and a home. He came, and the un- tutored Indian saw not the insignia of the warrior, heard not the words of the conqueror, but they beheld clad in the simplest, a form of majestic part, a brow whereupon seemed stantped the law of kindness. And he stood there in their very midst — the spot was nature's own, — the only auditors the untutored children of the forest, — and yet here was formed a treaty such as Christendom never saw, such, as Prince and Potentate might come and look upon — a treaty ratified without an oath ! Pointless were the arrows of the red man, hushed was the voice of the Indian, as they listened to his words of truth and soberness. Years have rolled over us since that memor- able day, lost is the trace of the savage, and felled the lofty elm under which they stood ; but the government then and there formed, resting on the two great columns of re- ligion and virtue, still exists. — M iVI 336 DAILY READINGS. [Twelfth Mokth 2. "Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name: bring an offering and come before Him: worship the Lord in beauty of holiness/'— 1 Chron. xvi. 29. WERE the inquiry addressed to me, what is the first and most essential qualification for a right and spiritual worship of the Almighty, for such a wor- ship as w^ould at once edify the creature and glorify the Creator, I should feel but little hesitation in replying, A deep humiliation and subjection of soul before the Di- vine Majesty. True worship may often be properly ex- pressed by the services of the life ; but it is, in itself, the homage which the soul offers to its Maker ; it is the rev- erential communion of man with his God. Now this hom- age can never be acceptably offered ; this communion can never take place in a right or perfect manner, until the mind of the worshipper is made in some degree sensible of the real relative situation of the two parties concerned — of himself and his God. The worshipper is the crea- ture ; the object of his worship is the Creator. The for- mer is finite, ignorant, w^eak, and helpless ; the latter is omniscient, eternal and omnipotent. The former, with- out grace, is fallen, sinful, and corrupt ; the latter is of " purer eyes than to behold iniquity. The former is ca- pable of receiving either wrath or misery ; the latter is able either to punish or to forgive. * * * In order, therefore, to make acceptable approaches in s[urit to the Almighty, it is abundantly evident that man ought to be humble. — J. J. Gumey, Twelfth Month 3.] DAILY READINGS. 337 " The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger ; but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing."— P?alni xxxiv. 10. MY children are all subjects of joy and gratitude to me ; I pray that thou and thy husband maybe graciously preserved objects of Divine mercy and Favor— that ye may ever dwell in the lowly valley, where the dew lies long, and there gather the fresh manna in your own vessels, little or much, according to your meas- ures; if it be but little, if it be of the right kind, it will suffice ; no lack will be experienced. They that wait on the Lord will want no good thing. One grain of gold is better than a great deal of baser metal. I am sensible, my child, that the God of thy ancestors has visited thee ; be thou, therefore, humbled in soul be- fore him, and dedicated and devoted, in all thy faculties, to his service. Say not to the heavenly visitation, " Hith- erto shalt thou come, and no further ; and here shall thy waves be staid ;" but consign and resign thyself to the disposal of Him who knows best what is best for us, and will best answer His gracious purposes respecting us. Our great loss is, in that we are apt to be cutting and carving for ourselves ; and so, taking out of the Creel- tor's hand, (who made the world out of nothing,) we be- come as vessels marred upon the potter's wheel. The symmetry of the parts of the inward man, all its texture, and fabric, and features, would be right, and good, and proper, and the beauty of holiness conspicuous, if we left ourselves to be fashioned entirely according to the Di- vine ^\\\.—Tiichard ShacJdeton, 1784. 33S DAILY READIXGS. [Twelfth Month 4. " If the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched."— Matt. xxiv. 43. IN the noise and glare of a worldly life, how many false motives, how many erroneous opinions, may steal in and out of the heart unnoticed, and shape them- selves into action, and express themselves in words con- trary to the spirit of upright, self-denying religion, with an influence so silent and unobtrusive, that the individu- al is not aware of the deadening process going on within him. Business, just and lawful, necessary business, comes first, with its imperative claims upon the mass of his time, and the main strength of his mind ; recrea- tion follows, and with the same plea of necessity, tithes the remaining portion ; physical nature, wearied, want- ing, overtasked nature, brings up the rear, and demands all that remains, with an urgency not to be parried or set aside. Such is the tread-mill round ; to such the inces- sant surrender of time, thought, and strength, to busi- ness, pleasure, and physical retirement ! — and there re- mains nothing for God ; nothing even for self, in the best sense, till sickness comes, or till death suddenly stalks in, breaks, like a giant, the bands that have fettered the soul to earth, brings the struggling captive into the presence of its Maker, teaches in a moment, and with an energy not to be gainsayed, that one forgotten necessary was, to learn to die; that if many things were expedient, one was emphatically "needful;'' if many good, one was chief good, without which all else exerted an ensnaring and destroying influence. — Maria I. Jewsbury. Twelfth Month 5.] DAILY READINGS. 339 " I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one."— 1 John ii. 14. THERE is one class amongst us to which the com- piler would particularly recommend the perusal of this memoir, — the Yotjistg Men.* . Surely they may see in the early dedication, and the steady perseverance of this faithful youth, a stimulus to increased exertion in the cause of truth and righteousness, if hajjpily they have already given in their names to serve in the Lamb's war- fare. But, are there not those who may here read a re- proof for their lukewarmness in relation to the holy testi- monies for which James Parnell, through divine grace, was made willing to suffer, even unto death ? Oh ! may these hear the reproof, and be led to examine, with earnest desires for divine guidance, the foundation on which those testimonies are built. It is believed that such an exam- ination, if pursued in a right spirit, would lead them to the undoubting conclusion that our early Friends did not " follow cunningly devised fables," nor suffer for the r^ere opinions and notions of men, but that they were tavght by the Spirit principles in accordance with immutable truth — principles which appear only the more bright, the more fully they are brought to the searching light of the Sun of righteousness. — Preface to Memoir of James Parnell^ first martyr among Friends^ at the age of 18, * Henry Callaway. 340 DAILY READINGS. [Ttntelfth Month 6. " Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ."— Romans i. 6. MY heart from my childhood was pointed toward the Lord, whom I feared and longed after from my tender years ; wherein I felt that I could not be sat- isfied with, nor indeed seek after, the things of this per- ishing world, which naturally pass away ; but I desired true sense and unity with that which abideth for ever. There was somewhat, indeed, still within me, even the seed of eternity, which leavened and balanced my spirit almost continually ; but I knew it not distinctly, so as to turn to it, and give up to it, entirely and understandingly. In this temper of mind, I earnestly sought after the Lord, applying myself to hear sermons, and read the best books I conld meet with, but especially the Scriptures, which were very sweet and savory to rae ; yea, I very earnestly desired and pressed after the knowledge of the Scriptures, but was much afi'aid of receiving men's inter- pretations af them, or of fastening any interpretations of them myself; but waited much and prayed much, that from the Spirit of the Lord I might receive the true under- standing of them, and that he would chiefly indue me with that knowledge which I feel sanctifying and saving. — 4e * 4« « 4c Q.Q(j himself gave forth the sound, and great hath been the company of them that published it ;. and our ears and hearts were opened by the Lord to hear ilie sound and know the Shepherd's voice, — Isaac Pen- rwEM-TH Month 7.] DAILY READINGS. 341 " In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."— John 1. 1. THE Word of God was in the beginning, before any creatures were made, and by it all things stand and remain unto this day. The Word endures for ever, and by it all things in heaven and in earth are brought to pass which God doth. It is fix)m everlasting, without beginning and without end. It is powerful, dividing and discerning all things, even the secret thoughts of every man's heart. It is as a two- edged sword, and as a fire, and like a hammer, to cut up^ to burn, and to beat down. The Word of the Lord recon- ciles man agiiin to Him, and His Word is in the mouth and in tlie heart. The servants of the Lord handled, tast- ed, saw and felt the Word of Life, and from it spoke forth the Scriptures, as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, through the Eternal Spirit. They are a declaration of the Word of Life, which was in the beginning and en- dures for ever, and declare what the saints received, be- lieved, and enjoyed. None can understand without the same Spirit that gave them forth, and to such who have the same Spirit, the Scripture is profitable. * * * But many have the Scriptures that have not the Word, neither know it ; but they that have the Word cannot but own the Scriptures, and this is the truth as it is in Jesus, testified to all the world by us, who deny them that hereof give any other testimony. — Edward Bur- rough^ London, 16G7. 342 DAILY READINGS. [TwiiLrrn MaNTH fc " If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this moaiitain, remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove ; and nothing shall be impos- sible unto you."— Matt. xvii. 20. I HAVE felt a satisfaction in it that is as a token for good, which has never yet deceived me, and is cause for much thankfulness, and also watchfulness, that we rest not in such things. Oh 1 what pains and trouble I might have spared myself, had I acted up to my first clear impression on the subject. Child in religious experience and in knowledge of life 1 if ever thou readest this, let me counsel thee, without being enthusiastic, not to throw away clear impressions, even with regard to the afifairs of this world — affaii*s in which the worldly-wise, and per- haps even some of the good, may say faith h*as nothing to do. But I believe it often has to do with little things ; for as the foolishness of God is wiser than the wisdom of men, so He who can see present and future at one glance may well see on what apparently trifling or indifferent things hangs much that is of great importance to his weak creature man. " In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." On First and Second day, my mind enjoyed a liberty, and something of the light of the glorious gospel which I often pant after. In each a religious engagement seemed peculiarly blessed to myself. The powers of the world to come — what an infant I am in the knowledge of them ! However, I believe it is now honestly all my desire, all my request, that I may have the direction of pure wisdom in everything. — Hannah C. Backhouse, 1825. Twelfth Month 9.] DAILY READINGS. 343 " We must through much tribulation enter the kingdom of God.'"— Acts xiv. 22. TEN years had elapsed from the tirae when Elizabetlj Dudley's sister Charlotte, then in her twenty-hrst year, had awaked to the consciousness of her moral respon- sibilities. During this interval she had, so to speak, lived on the border of the good land of j^romise ; and, wanting faith to enter the heart of the country, she had in conse- quence partaken but sparingly of its good fruits of peace and plenty. The happy effects of divine convictions, though for a time apparent, were again counteracted by sublunary objects, and whilst she esteemed religion as the one thing needful, she tried to attain its possession in an easier way than by taking up the cross to her natural inclination. This attempt was the source of much mental conflict for above ten years ; and when apparently in the midst of cheerfulness and enjoyment, and even spending her time in works of charity, her soul was distressed and sorrowful, moaning over its state of bondage and the absence of peace which, to use her own words, " she had willfully relinquished for the sinful trifles of time." The struggle between her own Avill and her sense of the divine command, seems to have reached its lieight in the autumn of this year, 1817. During her last illness she adverted to this j^eriod of trial, and said she went at that time from one place of worship to another, seeking to find an easier path than that which she felt to be the path of duty. — Charles Taylor, 1818. 344: DAILY READINGS. [Twelfth Month 10. " But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret ; and thy Father which seeth in «ecret shall reward thee openly."— Matthew vi. 6. TKE blessing of health again shines upon our dwell- ing, and this morning all tlie individuals of our family assembled with those who profess to follow Jesus, and worship him in spirit and in truth. Profession, empty sounds ! the shadow without the substance I Born and educated amongst those who profess the name of Christ, the child of believing parents, and as such surrounded by most valuable privileges, I have yet lived without God in the world for twenty years. Miserably infatuated by the transitory enjoyments of time and sense, and too ten- derly attached to the objects of my affection, my heart has hitherto excluded the Heavenly Visitor, to whose service it should be humbly dedicated, and by whom alone it should be engaged. Alone in my chamber, secure from human observation, I may, perhaps, without imj^lication of a hypocrite, pros- trate myself before the Throne of Grace, and as an humble penitent, renouncing all hope but in a mercy free, unmer- ited, and infinite, acknoAvledging the sinfulness of my past life, and, trusting solely in my Redeemer's righteousness, implore the divine blessing upon the fervent and sincere- desires of a heart but newly awakened to a sense of sin- ful misery. Author and guardian of my life, hear, in mercy hear, the language of supplication breathed from lips too long a stranger to prayer. — Charlotte Dudley^ Clonmel, Ireland, 1807. Twelfth Month 11.] DAILY EEADINGS. 345 " Though I ppeak with the tongues of man and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinlding cymbal.' —1 Cor. xiii, 1. THIS day I complete my thirty-eighth year. A large proportion of my life is now passed over; and if the blessing pronounced by my dear mother, as she affec- tionately embraced me this morning, be but bestowed, it will be a favor indeed. Faith, love, and obedience cer- tainly ought to grow in a soil where so much cultivation has beefi bestowed ; but I never remember a period when I felt so little capable of ascertaining my spiritual condi- tion or understanding, whether I am advancing in the divine life, or losing ground. I wonder how it is I should be so frequently engaged to minister to and pray for others, even at times enforcing the necessity of that self examination which, on my part, seems unavailing. * * It is interesting to see real, heartfelt religion flourish amidst the shades of difference wliich outwardly distin- guish professing Cliristians; and I believe more frequent intercourse among the sjnritually-mmdiQdi of all denomi- nations would increase our toleration for each other, by bringing under the influence of that charity Avhich " seek- eth not her own," but "rejoiceth in tlie truth," Avlierever found. Yet it requires caution on the part of those who may not be fully established in our principles, in mingling with such as may lead to a greater dependence upon the "outward and visible signs" than is seen to be needful where the" inward and spiritual grace" is allowed to operate. — Elizabeth Dudley^, 1817. "^^ ^^^I^^' HEADINGS. [Twelfth Month 12. " Mercy and tnith are met together ; righteousness and peace have kissed each other."— Psalm Ixxxv. 10. THE mercy of God is indeed inexpressibly great to us poor creatures, and humility, gratitude and I'ear ought to be our clothing, under the signal display of His kindness in sparing us this summer from the yellow fever, about which my fellow citizens were greatly intim- idated in the time of its usual approach. May my soul for ever bear in mind the Lord's goodness to me, a poor unworthy creature, in raising me again from the bed of languishing under that sore disease, in the year 1793. Just eleven years ago, was I seized therewith. Many of the contemporaries of my youth being by death and otherwise removed, I seem stript and lonely, and feel in no inclination to begin a new circle, so that with regret I shall pass with any more of the few who remain, with whom I have been united in the bonds of Christian fellowship, drinking together at the one inex- haustible fountain of love and life. « That I am spared, another year is indeed marvelous in my eyes. O Lord, my God ! be graciously pleased to look down with an eye of compassion upon me, now in my declining years, even as Thou, in Thy adorable good- ness and mercy, didst in the days of my youth, when but sixteen years of age. Thy gracious visitations of par- doning love, grace and salvation plucked my soul as a brand from the burning, cast a mantle of forgiveness and mercy over me, and with a powerful voice said unto me, LIVE. — Mebecca Jones, 1805. Tu-ELFTH Month 13.] DAILY READINGS. 347 "And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up po much as his eyes uuto heaven, hut smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sin- ner."— Luke xviii. 13. OlSr a view of the weakness and corruption of human nature, abstractedly considered, my poor mind has at seasons been brought to the border of despair, so that I have even been almost discouraged from lifting up either my eyes or my hands towards heaven by a fear of hypocrisy, and under a solemn consideration that the very thought of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord. Yet when by the humbling process I have become so far reduced as to prostrate myself at the foot- stool of Divine mercy, as a helpless sinner, my plea, thougli ofttimes a silent one, has not been rejected by the sinner's Friend. " He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer." He has had compassion on me, and, blessed be His holy name, has raised the beggar from the dunghill, and permitted me to live again in His sight. And let not such an ex- perience as this appear strange to the reader, seeing no man can keep alive (unto God) his own soul. As the bullock unaccustomed to the yoke is generally impatient at its being laid upon him, so man under the early visitations of affliction, on the first restraints of the cross, is uneasy at their weight, and reluctant to bear them. — Jonathan Hutchinson^ 1828. Be not fond, therclore, of praise ; but seek virtue that leads to it. 348 , DAILY READINGS. [Twelfth Month 14 •* For behold I create new heavens, and a new earth ; and the former shall aot be remembered, nor come into mind."— Isa. Ixv. 17. FOR nothing can regenerate, but that which made ; nor renew, but that wliicli created ; and as the heavens are nobler tlian the earth, so is the soul than the body ; renovation and redemption, than our former life. This, reader, thou slialt come to know to be true as any demonstration that can be made to thy outward senses, if thou wilt but turn in thy mind to this Teacher, and wilt become the humble scholar of this divine Mas- ter, and learn of Him in true silence and with diligence. Ponder what I say. Would st thou know God, and be fitted for his heavenly mansions, seek him in his image and thou wilt know the original by it. Be thou but as clay in the hands of the potter, pliable, and he will form and fash- ion thee aright. He will make thee a vessel of honor for his own house and use; and by the self-denial, love, purity, patience, righteousness, etc., that He will work in thee, or work thee into, thou shalt be able to pronounce truly and knowingly God is, and He is, a rewarder of them that fear Him. Surely there is a God in all the earth. Then will tliou be able to say with holy David and Mary : O, my soul, bless the Lord, and all that is within me praise His licly name. My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit rejoiceth in God my Saviour. — liohert Barclay. Bringing nothing for the payment, When I came for change of raiment, He did clothe me. . _: —Jane Crewdson. ISvEij-TH Month 15.] DAILY KEADINGS. 349 " Let me die the death of the righteous, and Ic t my last end be lilce his.'*— Nnmbers xxiii. 10. IT was a beautiful bright day of sunshine, when his fa- vorite green Gedney looked greener than usual, that my late dear Avife and myself attended the funeral of Jonathan Hutchinson. A great many friends were convened from different places, and the villagers of the place and neighborhood flocked in large numbers, and in their most decent dresses, to pay their last token of re- spect to " the best man of Gedney." " So the best man in Gedney is gone," said one poor laborer to another. " AVhat ! " said the other, " is Mr. Hutchinson dead ? " His remams were deposited in a little family burying-ground, not veiy far from his own house, where his respectable though not wealthy predecessors had been laid in their turns duiing several generations. * * * Indeed, it was truly remarkable with what skill this ardent and almost poetic lover of nature had contrived to adorn, by judicious planting, the small estate of rich pasture land which he inherited from his ancestors, who had possessed and occupied the same little farm as he did, for the period, as I understand, of above 200 years, never rising above or falling below the rank of reputable yeo men, and, since the rise of Friends, members of that re- ligious society. The good man was gone. The meek, kind, humble, gen- erous neighbor was no more, and many were they of every description who seemed ready to rally round his grave in the remembrance of his virtues. — J. J. Giirney, 1835. 350 DAILY READINGS. [Twelfth Month 16. " They that obey lying vanities forsake their own mercy."— Jonah ii. 8. AFTER endeavoring to do the best we can in pro- viding for, educating, and placing them out, we must leave our children to the Lord and their own con- duct, as after all our labors, and with the Divine blessing upon these labors, they may if they will, as some unhap- pily do, forsake their own mercies, and pursue a wrong course. Yet this consideration does not supercede the discharge of parental duty; but it should, I think, tend to lessen unprofitable solicitude and vain anticipations of things, that may or may not ever happen, and whether they do or not, are quite beyond our control. So that after doing, more than thinking, what we can for our be- loved offspring, as every pious parent is concerned to do, commending them to the care of IsraePs unslumber- ing Shepherd, there to their own determination we must finally leave them. * * * Strong and lively impressions are often made by a very few words, so that if we know how to extract it, we shall sometimes find the essence of long letters, long dis courses, and large volumes, is comprised in a very small portion of it. Having been helped hitherto, let us be thank ful for mercies past, and humbly hope for more ; rejoic- ing, if we can, in our present lot, and in everything giv- ing thanks. This may be, and I believe often is, a difficult attainment ; yet it is not impossible, through the aid of Him who is touched with a feeling of our infirmities. — Jonathan Hutchinson^ 1825, Twelfth Month 17.] DAILY READINGS. 351 " Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men,"— Prov. iv. 14. MAY it afford a ray of encouragement to some poor weary traveler like myself, should these fragments be cast before the public, to show forth the Lord's wonderful dealings, his merciful interference to- wards me, in times of sore trial and conflict, both inward- ly and outwardly. My parents were members of the national church, and zealously engaged to bring up their children in the due observance of its religious rites and ceremonies, and eve- ry moral duty. About the 12th year of my age ray father was induced to take the Three Tuns public house at Islington, and move there with his family. This change exposed, me to great temptations. Being naturally of a volatile disposition, and early given to folly and vanity, now I was exposed to all sorts of company, both by day and late in the evening, carrying out beer to the customers, and gathering in the pots. First-days were generally the most busy days I had, being scarcely ever able to get to any place of worship. This, by long continued neglect, became a matter of the greatest indifference to me ; and my exposed situation in my father's family, open to al- most every vice, had nearly effected my ruin. My father being unacquainted with this business, and of an easy dis- position, by lending his property and other means, wast- ed what substance he had, and was obliged to quit this line of life. — Thomas Shillitoe, 1766. 352 DAILY KEADINGS. [Twelfth Mokth 18 " Can two walk together except they be agreed ?"— Amos iii. 3. MY new companion took me to the most fashionable tea-gardens and other places of public resort. This led me to give greater latitude than ever to my natural inclination. Still I continued to attend Friends' meetings on First-day morning, but spent the remainder of the day in pleasure. The retrospect did not produce those comfortable feelings which I wished. * * * Feeling a decided preference to the meetings of Friends, I continued my attendance ; also in the attendance of afternoon meetings. The more faithfully I gave up to these impressions of duty, the more my desires increased af ter an acquaintance with the Almighty and the knowledge of His ways. Earnest were my prayers, that in this day of His powerful visitation, in mercy renewed to my soul. He would not leave me, nor suffer me to become a prey to my soul's adversary — that His hand would not spare, nor his eye pity, until an entire willingness was brought about in me to cast myself down at His holy foot-stool. As resignation was thus wrought in me, to yield to the purifying operation of the Holy Ghost and fire, that the fan of God's word and power should effect the necessary separation .between the precious and the vile, corresponding fruits were brought forth in me, and mani- fested in my outward conduct. My old companion con- sidered me no longer a fit one for him, and our intimacy ceased. — Thomas Shillitoe^ 1767. Twelfth Month 19.] PAILY KEADINGS. 353 "Knowing that tribulation wbrketh patience, and patience experience, and experience tiope."— Rom. v. 3, 4. FRESH trials awaited me. The knowledge of my attendance at Friends' meetings reached the ears of my parents, who manifested great displeasure. My father took an opportunity to dissuade me to leave the meetings of Friends, laying out the Society in as un- favorable and ridiculous a point of view as he well knew how. Finding his argument made no impression on my mind, he requested I would go with him on the next first- day to the chapel of Gray's Inn and hear their chaplain. It being his particular request, I consented and attended ; but my conflict was so great when there, that I was ready to conclude my countenance indicated the state of my mind, and that all eyes were upon me. From this time I never more attended. But my difficulties did not end here, as respected my parents, whom I felt an increase of care not wilfully to disoblige. Wave after wave arose in my soul. * * * * * If I gave up to these convictions of duty, my conduct to his customers would not be approved by him. Thus the spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak, for instead of seeking that Almighty Power for help, who I was fully persuaded laid 'the necessity upon me, and fii-raly mantaining my ground by faithfulness, I sunk tinder d'scouragement, and to avoid the cross I should have to take up if I remained where I was, left my situation for one in a Friend's family. — TJiomas MU- litoe. 354r DAILY KEADIXGS. [Twklftii Month 20 " Let us not therefore judge one another any more : but judge this rathet, that no man put a stumbling-block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way," — Romans xiv. 13. THE great error of mankind in advancing themselves into the seat of judgment over another, and most commonly in things wherein they have no evidence or power, contrary to the doctrines of Christ, and his prac- tice and example ; whereby in consequence and the na- ture of things, they detrude him from liis'office, and usurp liis throne, who said, "Judge not, that ye be not judged ; for with what judgment ye judge ye shall be judged ; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." Even w^here there may be some seeming appear- ance of evil upon others, we are cautioned against judg- ing without knowledge or moral certainty. " Judge not to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." We ought therefore to be very tender and cautious in this point, lest whilst we rashly censure others without ade- quate evidence, we bring upon ourselves the heavy stroke of the righteous judgment of God for our false censure of the innocent, whom the Lord hath made aiid preserved of his own good will and pleasure. For as all have been sinners, though not in the same manner, as such they have no right or authority to judge one another. God only, who knows all men and our various motives to every thought, word, and deed, can judge rightly among us, and of those things between the Lord and the soul, and award ways unto all adequate to every state. — Thomas Story, died 1742. TUTKhTTU Month 21.] DAILY READINGS. 355 " And they forsook all and followed Him."— Luke v. 2. MY mind was exercised with a belief that if I con- tinue faithful to Divine requirings, a gift in the ministry would be committed to my charge. Earnest were my secret cries, in meetings and out of meetings, for Divine preservation in the awful work ; to be kept from running before I was sent, and of over-staying the right time when the command was clearly heard, " Go forth." About the twenty-fourth year of my age my mouth was first opened in a few words, at a meeting then held every fifth-day evening, in the Park meeting house. O ! the peace I was favored to feel, and which continued for some time ; but I found by experience, to my great sorrow, that satan can transform himseK into an angel of light. About the year 1790 an apprehension took hold of my mind that it was required of me to be willing to leave my family and outward concerns, to engage in the work of the Lord, which, if I gave up to, would take me a considerable time from home. This was a fresh trial of my faith in the all-sufficiency of that Power, who, when He calls forth, cannot only qualify for the work, but amply care for those left behind. I was one day tempted to the conclusion that, let the consequences be what they might, I must give up all prospect of ever moving in this engagement ; but He who knew the sincerity of my heart did not leave me in this season of extremity. — Thomas ShiUitoe, 1790. 356 DAILY KEADIXGS. [Twelfth Month 28 " That they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communi cate."— 1 Tim. vi. 18. THE possession of large property not only involves the most serious resj^onsibility, but is also con- stantly and necessarily accompanied with strong and pe- culiar temptations, to which those in humble life are com- paratively strangers. The injunction of our blessed Lord to the young man who had great possessions, seems the only sufficient remedy for that disposition of mind which would make the things of this world the chief ob- ject of desire and pursuit : " Sell all, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come and follow me." I cannot, however, entertain any other persuasion, than that the root of the evil is, not so much the possession of property, in in- stances where the divine blessing has rested on the affiiirs of individuals, as in the undue and inordinate fnirsvit of it, and of the things of this world ; which may and does exist in every class of society, of whatever rank, from the cottage to the tlirone ; so that I consider it is the devotion of the heart to the acquirement of wealth, and to the pleasures of this life, which is so much to be lamented. How should my heart glow with gratitude to Him, for His abundant mercy towards me, of which I am con- strained to confess myself wholly unworthy ; and, oh, may the prayer be availing, that when the tribulations o'' tliis present time are over, my soul may inherit the treasures of a blissful eternity, through the merits and adorable mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. — Jonathan Backhouse^ England, 1842. TwHLTTH Month 23.] DAILY READINGS. 357 *' Thy people shall be a williug; people in the day of thy power."— Psalm, ex. 3. MY soul is often bowed in humble contrition, when I feel the deplorable state of those who are say- ing, in the expressive language of conduct, " we will not have this man to rule over us;" remembering that the Lord has pleaded in mercy, not only immediately by the revelation of his own pure Spirit, but has caused the alarming trumpet to be sounded in Zion by his instru- ments, and his judgments for transgressions declared on his holy mountain. * * * ^^q there not those in the present day w^ho can say with the mournful prophet : "For these things I w^eep ; mine eye runneth down with water " ? Though w^e are all made abundantly sensible that true religion is a heartfelt, individual work, and that however solicitous w^e may feel for the spiritual wel- fare one of another, it is not possible for any man to re- deem his brother, or give to God a ransom for his soul ; yet how does the universal love of our Heavenly Father so abound in the hearts of his disciples that they are made willing to spend and be spent in calling to repentance and amendment of life. And if, through the efficacy of the Lord's miglity power, such are made instruments in His holy hand to turn one soul unto righteousness and holiness of life, it will amj^ly compensate for the deep ex- ercises and fiery baptisms which I believe accompany all those who are rightly qualified to advocate a cause dig- nified with immortality and crowned with eternal life. — Thomas Scattergood^ 1799. 358 DAILY KEADmGS. [Tweltth Month 24. " Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord." — Eph. v. 19. THE song ended, I desired to be heard a few words, wliich Avas granted ; and I spoke to this effect : That I had once been amongst a people who used to sing psalms, and it was a custom among many still. But I desired them to consider the foundation of their singing, whether it was any part of the worship of God, or that He required it of them as such ; and also whether they all sung their own conditions : for things might be true in the psalmist, which were not so in them. As. for instance, a high-minded, proud man singing that he behaves him- self as a weaned child in silence and in rest, is not true ; nor can any sing aright in that state ; thougli I did not accuse them of pride, but this for instance that the apostle Paul says, " I will pray with the spirit, and with the under- standing also, " and sing also in like manner ; and speaks of making melody in the heart to the Lord in hymns and spiritual songs ; but nothing of singing other men's psalms without tlie spirit. And that I had observed in those countries, among those Avho think themselves reformed, a great deal of images, pictures, and outward sliow, and also high and lofty instruments of music which had not been duly considered in their reformation. This last some of them seemed not to relish so well as the former part, but none made any answer ; and in general, we had the full countenance and approbation of some of their teachei*s, and we parted with them in friendship. — lliomas Story ^ 1744. Twelfth Month 25.] DAILY READINGS 359 "The Lord will go before you, and the God oflerael will be your rereward."- Isa. Hi. 12. ART thou in health ? art thou strong in Him who goeth before thee, and who hath promised that His glory shall be the reward of the number that deal prudently, and go not by flight ? How safe do the steps of such appear, wlio have this Glory for a light for their feet, and the divinely illuminated lamp to attend their feet ! It is no wonder that a way should often open, where the human understanding (which is dark and com" prehends not the things of the spirit) can see no way, and that every necessary refreshment should be inter- spersed therein. I sometimes think it is a favor, that an eye is opened into this path, and that though the ad- vancement in it is small, if there be any, yet, thus seeing and pressing forward, we may obtain. I hope thou art treading this sure ground, and that thy memorials, which are brought from the bottom of the purifying Avaters of Jordan, are not hid, or if they be, that it is only for their refinement. But perhaps they are like the sling stones which David had ready in his bag, till the ap- pointed tiine of meeting the defier of Israel was come, and are to be alike powerful in prevailing against the enemies of the poor, and the afflicted people, wliich may be spared in the day of general calamity. But, be this as it may, obedience is still to be attended, the pro- phet's advice remembered, of not seeking to ourselves great things, but to be content with every dispensation, whether of want or of plenty. — Sarah Gruhh^ 1779. 360 DAILY KEADINGS. [Twelptd Month 26. *' But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illaminatcd, ye endured a great fi^ht of afflictions.'"— Hebrews x. 32. NOTWITHSTANDING more than two centuries have elapsed since the rise of the Society of Friends, during wliich period many treatises explanatory of its views have been published, yet at the present day there exists a contrariety of opinions respecting the faith of the primitive Quakers. This has not arisen from any deficiency of full and explicit declarations of their belief, for these are numerous, comprehensive, and perspicuous. But these declarations lie scattered among a great mass of controversial works, written more than a century ago ; possessing little of the attractive novelty of modern lit- erature, and withal so voluminous, that few persons have either the inclination or the leisure to examine their in- structive pages. These circumstances, added to their great scarcity, have occasioned their being little read, even by the members of our own Society ; and hence many are not aware of the j)lain and positive avowal of their Chris- tian belief, which our worthy predecessors repeatedly made. For many among us have grown up in ignorance of those precious doctrines, in support of which their fore- fathers endured the heat of cruel persecution, suffered pa- tiently the loss of property, imprisonment in loathsome and unhealthy dungeons ; and even sealed their testimony with the sacrifice of life, rather than renounce the holy profes- sion which they had espoused. — Thomas Evans. It is a coal from God's altar must kindle our fire, Twelfth Month 27.] DAILY READINGS. 361 " Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord."— Psalm cxxvii. 8. I AM now sitting with my dear little cares, watching them in their evening's repose. They (as thou justly observest) attach us strongly to life ; and without a guard over ourselves, we are in danger of centering too much of our happiness in them. They may, indeed, in various ways, be deemed uncertain blessings ; their lives are very precarious, and their future conduct proving as one could wish not less doubtful. I already often look forward with anxiety, and the most ardent wishes for their welfare, in a state of permanent felicity. They are now pretty play- things, and pleasing calls of attention, and should be re- ceived with grateful hearts as additions to our present comfort ; but we should consider that they may be only lent for a time. We are so incapable of judging with regard to our own happiness, or that of others, that it should lead us to a patient acquiescence in the Divine will ; a resignation which would not only enable us to say, " Thy will be done," but to feel that submission of mind which would preserve us in calm composure. Things which appear to our present unhappiness and disadvantage have fre- quently at a future period j^roved a benefit, and we have been led to acknowledge that the Lord only knows what is best for us. Suffer us to beseech, O Lord, more and more to enlighten us with divine knowledge, and having made us sensible of thy will, enable us to obey it. — Mar- garet Woods J near London, 1*777. 362 DAILY KEADINGS. LTWELFTH MOM'll 28. " Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bondof peace."— Eph. iv. 3. IT is cheering to see Friends under differing circum- stances, each occuj)ying with the gifts intrusted to them, though very various one from the other. Whilst tliis is the case, whether possessing the one or the five talents, individuals, as well as the church, will prosper, and our adorable Head will be glorified by His works. And I desire all of us who exhort others may so submit to the effectual operation of the fire and the hammer, as to hold out the invitation, by our own example, to fol- low us as we follow Christ. We, who are so far advanced in our course to the grave, can not be surprised at finding very increased debility to attend these mortal frames in their approach to the house appointed for all living. Knowing how little we can do, either for ourselves or our dear children, it leads us to cling with comfort to the invitation of Him who said, " Let thy widow and thy fatherless children trust in me ; " and who has promised to be " a father to the fatherless, and a judge for the widow ; " surely, then we leave them under better care than our own, who can and will provide." I must consider my present condition a precarious one, and life suspended as on a thread, and when infinite wis- dom sees meet that it should be cut, may my poor soul, through adorable mercy, drop into the arms of its blessed Redeemer ! then, will all the desire of my heart for my* self be granted me. — Jonathan Backhouse^ 1842. Twelfth Month 29.] DAILY READINGS. 363 " And who is he that will harm 3'on if ye be followers of that which is good." —1 Peter iii. 13. MANKIND are incident to many troubles and temptations in life, but tliei'O is a great ditier- euce between the trouble of mind wliich ariseth from losses and disappointments in the things of the world, and that whieli proceeds from a sense of misconduct, in a course inconsistent with duty to God and his known laws. This great truth is confirmed in the words of Solo- mon : "The spirit of a man may bear his infirmity; but a woijnded spirit, who can bear ? " Magnanimous persons may sustain for a long time ' the shocks of bodily ail- ments, as likewise of losses and disappointments in life ; but when, by our rebellion and disobedience to that holy law of life and grace which God in mercy hath placed in us for our guide and conductor, with respect to himself and towards one another, we wound not only our own con- sciences, but crucify to ourselves the Son of God afresh, and wound His Holy Spirit in us. Our anxiety must needs be incomparably greater in this case than the former. Yet such is the unspeakable goodness of God to mankind, and the efficacy of the virtue of that grace that flows from Him, that He not only shows us our transgressions and the evil of them; not only the wounds and the sores thereby produced; but as we are truly humble in that view, and willing to amend for time to come. He, most kind and beneficent, sends forth His healing and restor- ing virtue, as emollient ointment, taking away the an- guish, and healing all our wounds. — Thomas Story, 1717. 364 DAILY READIXGS. [Twelfth Month 30. "Worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of water."— Eev. xiv. 7. WE look upon divine worship to be the most solemn act the mind of man is capable of being en- gaged in, and, in consideration of the high and incon- ceivable majesty of Almighty God, think it our duty to approach Him with the greatest reverence. Every think- ing person, who is in any degree sensible of the love and fear of God, must esteem it an awful thing to present himself to the especial notice of the Infinite Omnipresent Eternal Being. Under a sense of this, the wise man ad- viseth : " Keep thy foot when thou gocst to the house of God, and be more ready to hear than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they consider not that they do evil. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God ; for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth, therefore let thy words be few." He well knew, as he expresses it, that both " The preparation of the heart and the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. " This accords with what our Saviour saith : " Without me, ye can do nothing. We, therefore, cannot perform divine worship acceptably but by his assistance. This must be received in spirit ; for saith the apostle : " The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought. Tliis being as certainly our case as it was that of the apostles and primitive be- lievers, it is incimibent upon us to wait for that Spirit which is requisite to help our infirmities, in order to pray as we ought. — Thomas Story. TwBLTTH Month 31.] DAILY READINGS. 366 "And he said unto them, verily I say unto yon, that there be some of fhem that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power,"— Mark ix. 1. THE day dawning, the night retires, and the sub- stance comes, the shadow vanishes. My dear, though unknown friend, when the beloved of thy soul appears, if the world and the things and friendship and glory of it, be not thy beloved, thou will not then mind His picture, if it were His picture, nor mind His shadow, though He had even said. Look upon this till I come. It is true, thou wilt not then contemn His picture when He is with thee ; no more do I ; but have a due esteem for all He commandeth, in their times, dispensations, and ends. Nor do I lightly esteem those who use that in imitation with a good intent and sincere mind, but pity them that they are come no nearer the kingdom ; which though at hand seventeen hundred years ago, is not yet come unto those who are set down contented under the shade of night, and dreaming of things of which they have no knowledge or enjoyment. Go into the sunshine, and turn thy face towards the sun, and the shadow will be behhid thee ; but turn thy back on the sun, and the •ihadow will be before thee ; and the more thou follow- est it, the more it will fly thee ; and the more thou goest after it, the further from the sun. The kingdom of hea- ven is within, and stands not in eating and drinking, nor comes with outward observation, but in righteousness and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. — Thomas Story, 1690. APPENDIX. APPEE^DIX. THE RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS. By Wm. J. Allinsoi^^, Editor of Friends'' Seview. Printed by permission from the third volume of McClintock & Strong's "Cyclopaedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature." The organization of the Friends as a distinct society or church, was not the result of any deliberate design to form a sect, but must be regarded as a providential ordering, and as a necessity growing from the degeneracy, corruptions, and worldliness which permeated tlie churches in the early part of the 17th century. They did not profess to establish a new religion, or claim to have discovered any new truth. Their object was the revival of primi- tive Christianity, which had been maintained through the centuries of the Christian era by successive testimony-bearers, many of whom had sealed the truth with their blood, and been counted unto the Lord for a generation. Especially they were led to call the attention of the people to the Holy Spirit as the living and infallible Guide, as a precious and glorious reality, essential to the Christian life, and sufficient to lead into true holiness. They never held the doctrine of the Spirit as a mere theory, or ig- nored the great truth that this unspeakable gift proceeded from the adorable Giver, and was consequent upon the death and vicarious sacrifice of Him who for our sakes laid down his life upon Calvary. They always regarded the close connection of cause and effect as described in our Lord's words : " I tell you the truth ; it is expedient for you that I go away ; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you ; but if I depart I will send him unto you." (John xvi. 7.) This truth George Fox began to teach and preach, not as an invention of his own, but as a price- less jewel thrown aside and hidden under the rubbish of dogmas and forms. The Divine Spirit asserted Himself almost simul- 370 APPENDIX. taneously in the hearts of many contemporaries, who were ready to respond to the preaching of Fox : " It is the very truth." Had the clergy and other professors of that day opened their heart? to the spirituality of tlie Christian religion, and yielded themselvof 10 the Spirit's guidance, the Church would have been reforiiied and Fox would have been satisfied. The religious awakening of this period was well described hy the pen of Milton : " Thou hast sent out the Spirit of prayer upon thy servant? over all the land to this effect, and stirred up their vows as the sound of many waters about thy throne. Every one cm say that now certainly thou hast visited this land, and hast not forgotten the uttermost corners of the earth, in a time when men thought that thou wast gone up from us to the furthest ends of the heavens, and hadst left to do marvellously among the sons of these last ages." Christ the object of f\iith, the Spirit the transforming power, was the doctrine of the first Friends, as it has ever been that of their true successors. The divinity of our Lord was not called in -question by the teachers of that day, whilst the guidance of His Spirit, the light of Christ in the conscience, was denied or ignor- -ed ; and hence the prominence given to the latter truth, and the comparative silence respecting the other, in the controversial writings of the early Fiiends. •George Fox, the founder of the Society of Friends, was born in 1624; and in 1647, after much deep experience of the blessedness of the Comforter, " even the Spirit of Truth which proceedeth from the Father," he went forth through England, on foot and at his own charges, freely preaching to the people the unsearchable riches which Christ had purchased for them, and was ready to give liberally to all who would ask for it, coming unto God by Him. To the spiritual standard thus raised, many flocked — min- isters of vanous churches, sin-sick members of their flocks who had wandered unsatisfied upon " barren mountains and desolate hills," magistrates, rich men and poor, and " honorable women not a few." Eight years from the date last given, ministers of the new society preached the Gospel in various parts of Europe, in Asia, and Africa, and bore, with heroic endurance, persecutions, imprisonment, and the tortures of the Inquisition in Rome, Malta, Austria, Hungar}', etc. An authentic history of their sufierings APPENDIX. 371 was collected by Joseph Besse, and published, London, 1753, in two large folios. The systematic interference by the state in mat- ters of religion and conscience, which was the policy of England through all the political overtumings, caused shameless oppres- sions and wrongs to be perpetrated upon this peaceable and God- fearing people, three thousand four hundred of them at one time being incarcerated in filthy and unwholesome prisons, where many of th»im died martyrs to the truth. No one seemed to think of purchasing exemption from persecution by yielding, even in appearance, a point of principle. " No— nursed in storm and peril long, The weakest of their band was strong ; " and, whilst men and women were perishing in jails, even the little boys and girls would meet together at the places appointed, and in the beauty and sweetness of early piety worship the God of their fathers in spirit and in truth. But not even childhood was sacred from religious intolerance and official interference. These babes in Christ (as truly they might be called) were disturbed at their worship, savagely threatened^ and sometimes cruelly beaten. The early history of Friends is closely connected with that of George Fox, and necessarily included in the various biographies of that remarkable man. He commenced his career as a seeker after the truth, and meeting, in Europe and America, with many wliose yearnings were similar, they were called Seekers. The epithet of Quakers was given in derision, because thCy often trem- bled under an awful sense of the infinite purity and majesty of God ; and this name, rather submitted to than accepted by them, has become general as a designation. " To this man will I look," said the Holy Spirit by Isaiah, *' even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word^ To tremble, then, at the presence of the God of the whole earth, and especially when speaking in his name, is not to be regarded as any reproach ; but their name, as a body, is " The Religious Society of Friends.'''' The spread of the Society in North America was rapid, espe- cially after the founding of Pennsylvania in 1680, by William Penn, whose career as a wise legislator is prominent in history, and who, as a Christian philanthropist, a statesman, a writer, and a minister of the Gospel of Christ, established a reputation which even the vindictive attacks of Macaulay could not undermine. As early as 1672 George Fox found an established settlement of Friends in 372 APPENDIX. Perquimans County, N". C, which proved the germ of an independ- ent diocese, or Yearly Meeting, whose members from that time have been exemplary upholders, at the cost of persecution and much loss of substance, of the principles of civil and religious liberty, steadily testilyiug against slavery and war, and maintain- ing the freeness of the Gospel. During the War of the Rebellion their heroic firmness in refusing to bear arms was proof against cruel tyranny, so that some of these simple testimony-bearers, who " loved not their lives unto death," by meek yet brave endur- ance of tortures and privations have made their names historic. The membership of that Yearly Meeting, although many times thinned by emigraiion to free States, is again greatly enlarged by re- ligious convincement, and is now about three thousand souls. The persecution of Friends in New England was so sanguinary that " Old Newberry, had her fields a tongue, And Salem's streets, could telT their story Of fainting women dragged along, Gashed by the whip accursed, and gory ; " and four Friends actually suffered martyrdom — a Quaker woman of remarkable refinement and piety, and three men of equal worth, being hanged on Boston Common. The number of victims was likely to be increased, when proceedings were checked by a royal mandamus. The membership of the Society becoming very widely extended, a formal organization by a system of Church government became necessary, and George Fox evinced much sagacity, mentid sound- ness, and spiritual guidance, in successful efforts to establish rules for the giivernment of the Church and meetings for discipline, in a harmonious chain of subordination, the highest and final au- thority being a Yearly Meeting. The Yearly Meetings are, in a sense, diocesan, having each a defined territorial jurisdiction, and independent of each other in their government and law-making powers, whilst by a sort of common law there are principles of discipline sacred to all, and membership in any meeting involves a connection with the Society wherever existing, and may be transferred by certificate when the person claiming such creden- tial is not liable to Church censure. The trans iction of the business of these meetings is regarded as the Lord's work ; and as He declared " where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them," they re- APPENDIX. 373 gard His immediate presence with His Church as the foundation of its authority. Hence, in these meetings, and in those especially for worship, it is held to be necessary for all minds to be turned to Him who is present by His Spirit, and whose anointing teach- eth all things, and alone can enable His people to serve Him ac- cording to the counsel of His will. In the ministry of the Word, no Friend who is true to the princi- ples of the Society will speak without feeling a direct call and movement of the Holy Spirit for the service. Under this influ- ence, the Gospel ministry is regarded as very precious, and a blessing to be guarded and cherished. Elders are appointed, who are believed to be prudent persons, gifted with a discerning spirit, and it is their duty to counsel, foster, and aid the ministers, and either to encourage or restrain the vocal offerings of those who attempt to speak in this capacity, according as they are or are not believed to be called of God to the work. No system of theologic training is known or could be permitted among tlie Friends. They are favorable to education, and provide for its free extension to the children of poor members; but they regard it as the exclusive province of the Holy Spirit to select His own ministers, and to instruct them what they shall say. It is, however, considered the duty of all, and especially of those who stand as ambassadors for Christ, to be diligent and prayerful in the perusal of the Holy Scriptures, through which the man of God, led as he will assuredly be by the Spirit which gavje them forth, will be *' thoroughly furnished unto all good works." So great is the stress which Friends place upon the perusal of the Scriptures, and upon the bringiug up of their children and others under their care in this practice, that it is made a matter of semi- annual iuves'igation in all their meetings, and so long ago as 1754 London Yearly Meeting enacted a rule of discipline that the fam- ilies (ir poor Friends should be provided with Bibles — a gratuitous Scripuire distribution whieh was in advance of any Bible Society. The privilege and duty of prayer, both secretly and vocally, under a reverent and filial sense of the character of the engage- ment, are regarded as of the very highest importance. It is be- lieved that "men ought always to pray," but a jealousy is felt lest any should in a light and flipp int way rush into ihis exercise. He who knoweth what we have need of before we ask Him, will, if reverently waited upon, extend His kingly sceptre and put into 374 APPENDIX. the heart the prayer of faith; and before any one shall pray vocally in their meetings, as mouthpiece for the people, it is requisite that a direct movement of the Holy Spirit should prompt the offering, lest the words of rebuke be applicable : " Ye ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss." The following clause in the Loudon Discipline expresses the creed of the Society respecting this part of the service of Almighty God : "As prayer and thanksgiving are an important part of worship, may they be offered in spirit and in truth, with a right under- standing seasoned with grac ■. When engaged herein, let min- isters avoid many words and repetitions, and be cautious of too often repeating the high and holy name of God or His attri- butes ; neither let prayer be in a formal or customary way, nor without a reverent sense of divine influence." The meetings of the Society are characterized by practical recognition of the presidency and headship of Christ in the Church, and a conviction that every movement of the body should be dictated by its Head. The Society of Friends is not at issue with other orthodox churches on the general points of Christian doctrine. Avoiding the use of the word Trinity, they reverently believe in the Holy Three: the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten of the Father, by whom are all things, who is the mediator Ijetween God and man, and in the Holy Spirit who proceedeth from the Father and the Son — One Go!.«, blessed forever. The}- accept in its fulness ihe testimony of holy Scripture with regard to the nature and offices of Christ, as the promised Messiah, Ihe Word made flesh, the atonement for sin, the Saviour and Redeemer of the world. They have no reliance upon any other name, no hope of salvation that is not based upon his meritorious death on Ihe cross. The charge that they deny Christ to be God, William Penn denounced as "most untrue and uncharitable," saying, " We truly and expressly own him to be so, according to the Scripture." As fully do they admit his humaniiy, and that He was truly man, "sin only excepted." They so fully believe in the Holy Spirit of Christ, that without the inward revelation thereof they feel that they can do nothing to God's glory, or to further the salvation of their own souls. With r)ut the influence thereof they know not how to approach the Father through the Son, nor what to pray for as they ought. Their whole code of APPENDIX. 375 belief calls for the entire surrender of the natural will to the guidance of the pure, unerring Spirit, " through whose renewed assistance," says one of their writers, '* they are enabled to bring forth fruits unto holiness, and to stand perfect in their present rank." As it was the design of Christ, in going to tlie Father, to send as a comforter His Spirit to His disciples, so it is with His Spirit that He baptized and doth baptize them, it being impossible, in the estimation of th.e Friends, that an outward ablution should wash from the Spirit of man the stains of sin. Hence they attach importance only to " the baptism which now saveth," and which John the Baptist predicted should be administered by Christ. And it is by His Spirit, also, that His followers are enabled to partake of the true supper of the Lord : " Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open unto me, I will come in and sup with him, and he with me." Thus they hold that the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh was the grand epoch and central fact of time, and that types, and shadows, and all ceremonial observances, which had their place before as shadows of good things to come, now that they have been fulfilled in Him, are only shadows of those shadows. The type properly precedes the reality, and truly this was worthy of being foreshadowed ; " but," says Paul (1 Cor. xiii. 10), " when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away." Their view respecting the resurrection may be briefl}^ stated in the language of one of the Society's documents : " The Society of Friends believes that there will be a resurrec- tion both of thf righteous and the wicked ; the one to eternal life and blessedness, and the otlier to everlasting misery and torment, agreeably to Matt. xxv. 31-46; John v. 25-30; 1 Cor. xv. 12-58. That God will judge the world by that man whom he hath or- dained, even Christ Jesus the Lord, who will render unto every man according to his works; to them who by p'ltieut continu- ing in well-doing duiing this life seek for glory and honor, inmior- tality and eternal life; but unto the contentious and disobedient, who obey not the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that sinnetli, for God is no respecter of persons." (Thomas Evans.) They have ever regarded war as inconsistent with Christianity. For this they refer to the teachings of Christ and His apostles, to 376 APPENDIX. = the example of the early Christians, and to the witness for trath in their own consciences, tested and confirmed by the sacred writ- ings. They find that all the emotions which are exercised in wars and fightings are traced to evil lusts, and are inconsistent with that love which is the substance of the first, the second, and the new commandment, which " worketh no ill to his neighbor," and on which " hang all the law and the prophets." They consider oaths to be inadmissible, as being positively for- bidden by our Lord in language not to be mistaken, and this tes- timony was made the occasion of inflicting severe penalties upon the first Friends. When their persecutors failed to convict them upon false charges, it was customar}'- to administer the test- oaths to them, on refusing to take whicli they were thrown into prison. They decline to employ the complimentary and false languai^e of the world, and to apply to the months and days the names given in honor of Pagan gods, preferring the numerical no- menclature adcipted in the Scripture In dress they aim at plain- ness and simplicity, avoiding the tyrannj' of an ever-changing fashion. As a natural result, a degree of uniformity of dress pre- vails among them, bearing much resemblance to the styl^ in vogue at the rise of the Society, This approach to uniformity, which at first was unintentional, came to be cherished as a hedge of defence against worldly and ensnaring associations, and a means by which they recognized each other. The principle at stake is not in the fashion of a garb, but in simplicity and the avoidance of changes of fashion. Were the customary patterns all abandoned to-da}', and the principle of simplicity still consist- entl}^ adhered to, the kaleidoscope of fashion would make frequent changes in the people around them, and Friends would soon be left as peculiar in their appearance as at present. Whilst Friends, as good citizens, have cheerfull}^ paid all legal assessments for the support of public schools and of the poor, and have contributed abundantly to the various charities and general claims of benevolence, they have always been characterized by their scrupulous care in relieving their own poor, so that none of their members come upon the public for maintenance or for gra. tuitous education. A dangerous tendency to " hold the truth in parts" led a portion of the Society, in the early part of the present century, into the error of insisting too singly upon the precious doctrine of Christ APPENDIX. 377 within, the hope of glory, and of denying, cr at least holding light- ly, a belief in His true divinity whilst incarnate, and in the aton- ing, cleansing, saving efficacy of His blood which was shed for us Thus Socinianism gained a footing in the Society, to tlie grief of those who held the ancient faitli, and in 1827 an extensive an(? much-to be-regretted secession occurred, in which doctrinal anC personal considerations were mingled ; and, in the excitement ot the division, it is believed that many fixiled to comprehend llit true issues, and that not a few who were essentially one in faith were dissevered for life as regards church fellowship. Tluis two entirel)^ distinct societies now exist, each claiming exclusive right to the same name, and causing confusion among other professors as to their identity. In this sec ession portions of six out of ten Yearly Meetings then existing joined with the body popularly de- signated by the name of their leader (ihougli they have never ac- knowledged the title.) In Great Britain and Ireland, and in two of the American Yearly Meetings then existing, no schism occurred. There are twelve independent Yearly Meetings of the Religious Society of Friends. The oldest of these is that of London, the records gf which are preserved from the year 1672. This body is regarded by the others with respectful affection as the mother of Yearly Meetings, and its General Epistle of Christian Counsel, which is issued annually, is gladly received, republished, and circulated by nearly all the co-ordinate bodies. The number of members in England is 13,815, whilst there is an attendance of its meetings by non-members of 3,G59. There are settlements of Friends in France, German3% Norway, and in several ptirts of Australasia, which all make annual reports to London Yearly Meeting, and acknowledge subordination to it. Friends in Eng- land are a highly influential body in proportion to their number. There is a Yearly Meeting in Ireland, one in Canada, and nine in the United States, viz., the Yearly Meetings of New England, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, North Carolina, Ohio, Indi- ana, Western Indiana, and Iowa. The increase of menib isliii) in North Carolina, Tennessee, and the Western States has been rapid of late years, and settlements of Friends are starting up in Kansas, Missouri, etc. The membership of the Society may be rated at 80,000. * * The actual number, it is supposed, exceeds these figures. 378 APPENDIX. In all these Yearly Meetings, First-day Scriptural Scliools are conducted with zeal and efficiency, exerting a wide evangelical influence. In a number of the Yearly Meetings these are under the direct care of the Society, and made the subjects of annual slaiistical reports. Thus, in Indiana Yearly fleeting, there are 115 such schools, with 710 teachers, and 6,953 pupils, of whom 2.307 are over twenty-one years of age. In the Yearly Meeting of Westei-n Indiana there are 63 First-day Schools, witli 6,170 puiiils, and 411 teachers. North Carolina Yearly Meeting has taken the lead in ihe establishment of a Normal First-day School, the benefit of which has been very decided. There are in England and Ireland several educational institu- ilons of merit under the care of the Society. In this country Friends have three colleges, viz., Haverford College, Pennsylvania; Eariliam College, Richmond, Ind. ; and Whiitier College, Salem, Iowa. There are also large boarding schools under the care of different Yearly ^Meetings, the nmst noted of which are those of West Town, Pa., Providence, R. I., Union Springs, N. Y., and New Garden, N. C. A BRIEF VIEW OF THE DOCTRINES OF CHRISTIANITY, AS PLAINLY UECLAKED IN THE HOLY SCUll'TUKES, EMBliACEU AND PROMUL- GATED BY OUR FOREFATHERS, AND STILL HELD BY THE SOCIETY OP FRIENDS. We believe in one only wise, omnipotent, and ever- lasting God, the Creator and upliolder of all things, visible and invisible ; and in one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, the Mediator between God and man. Although we have rejected the terms of separate and distinct persons in the Godhead, we have ever be- lieved, and as constantly maintained, the trutli of that great and mysterious docti-ine of the " tliree that bear record in heaven : the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost ; and [that] these three are one " — one God, inii- nite, eternal, and incomprehensible, and blessed for ever- more. COXCERNIXG OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. We believe in Christ Jesus, the beloved and only begotten Son of God, who was conceived of tlie Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary, and that in Him we 380 APPENDIX. hav^e redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins. We also believe that He was made a sacrifice for sin, who knew no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth ; that He was crucified for mankind, in the flesh ; that He was buried, and rose again the third day for our justifi- cation, and that He ascended up into Heaven, and now sitteth at the right hand of God, our Mediator, Advocate, and Intercessor. We believe in the divinity and manhood of the Lord Jesus, and that His sacrifice of Himself upon the cross was a propitiation and atonement for the sins of the whole world; and that the remission of sins which any partake of, is only in, and by virtue of, that most satisfactory sacrifice. OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. We believe also in the Holy Spirit, or Comforter, the promise of the Father, whom Christ declared He would send in His name, to lead and guide His followers into all truth, to teach them all things, and to bring all things to their remembrance. We believe that a manifestation of this Spirit is given to every man to profit withal ; that He convicts for sin, and, as obeyed, gives power to the soul to evercome and forsake it. He opens to the mind the mysteries of salvation, enables it to understand the truths recorded in the Holy Scriptures, and gives it the living, practical, APPENDIX. • 381 and heartfelt experience of those things which pertain to its everlasting welfare. We believe that the saving knowledge of God and Christ cannot be obtained in any other way than by the revelation of His Spirit ; — for the apostle says, " What man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him ? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God, that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God." As, therefore, the things which properly appertain to man, cannot be discerned by any lower principle than the spirit of man ; so those things which properly relate to God and Christ, cannot be known by any power inferior to that of the Holy Spirit. OF THE FALL OF MAN. We believe that miin was created in the image of God, capable of understanding the divine law, and of holding communion with his Maker. Through transgression he fell from this blessed state, and lost the heavenly image. His posterity come into the world in the image of the earthly man ; and, until renewed by the quickening and regenerating power of the heavenly man, Christ Jesus, manifested in the soul, they are fallen, degenerated, and dead to the divine life in which Adam originally stood, and are subject to the power, nature, and seed of the serpent. 382 » AprEXDix. But while we liold these views of the lost condition of man in the fall, we do not believe that sin is imputed to any until they transgress the divine law, after sufficient capacity has been given to understand it. Hence, chil- dren cannot be sinners from their birth, as some allege ; yet as they inherit the seed of sin, so through Jesus Christ they are heirs of grace, and partake of the benelits of the sacrifice made for the sins of the world, being- saved by the atonement of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. OF THE RESTORATION OP :NrxVX AND OF JUSTIFICATION. We belie\e that the great design of our Almighty Creator, in sending his beloved Son into the w'orld, was for the redemption of man from the fall ; that he might be restored into unity and fellowship with Him. For this end he hath communicated to every man a measure of that light and grace which came by Jesus Christ, which, as it is received, works tlie salvation of all, even of those who are ignorant of Adam's fall, and of the death and sufferings of Christ. To those who receive this light, and walk therein, it becomes in them a holy, pure, and spiritual life, bringing forth holiness, righteousness, and pnrity, and all those blessed fruits which are acceptable to God, and by which we are sanctified in the sight of God, according to the apostle's words : " But ye are washed, but ye are sanc- tified, but ye are justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, APPENDIX. 383 and by the Spirit of our God." The same apostle says : " Not by works of righteousness whicli we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost ; which He shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that, being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." If justification be consideremc and help them bear the burden and the toiling of the day." " For a more convenient season," thus I answered, " will I wait" And the voice reproving murmured, " hasten, ere it be too late." Yet I heeded not the utterance, listening to lo ! here — lo 1 there — I lost sight of all the reapers in whose work I would not share ; 401 Followed after strange devices— bowed my heart to gods of stone^ Till like Ephraim joined to idols, God well-nigh left me alone ; But the angel of His patience followed on my erring track, Setting here and there a landmark, wherewithal to guide me back. Onward yet I went, and onward, till there met me on the way, A poor prodigal returning^ who, like me, had gcme astray, And his faith was strong and earnest, that a father's house would be Safest shelter from temptation, for such sinful ones as he ; *' Read the lesson," said the angel, " take the warning and re pent," But the wily Tempter queried, " ere thy substance be unspent? Hast thou need to toil and labor? art thou fitted for the work? Many a hidden stone to bruise thee, in the harvest field doth lurk; There are others called beside thee — and perchance the voice may be, But thy own delusive fancy, which thou hearest calling thee — There is time enough before thee, all thy footsteps to retrace." Then I yielded to the Tempter — and the angel veiled her face. Pleasure beckoned in the distance, and her syren song was sweet, " Through a thornless path of flowers, gently I will guide thy feet; Youth is as a rapid river, gliding noiselessly away, Earth is but a pleasant garden ; cull its roses whilst thou may; Press the juice from purple clusters, fill life's chalice with the wine, Taste the fairest fruits which tempt thee, all its richest fruits are thine." 402 All ! the path was smooth and easy— but a snare was set therein, And the feet were oft entangled in the fearful mesh of sin, And the canker worm was hidden in the rose-leaf folded up, Ani the sparkling wine of pleasure was a fatal Circean cup ; All its fruits were Dead Sea apples, tempting onlj^ to the sight, Fair, yet filled with dust and ashes — beautiful, but touched witii blight. " Oh ! my Father," cried I inly, " Thou hast striven — I have willed, Now the mission of the angel of Thy patience is fulfilled ; I have tasted earthly pleasures, yet my soul is craving food. Let the summons Thou hast given to Thy harvest be renewed ; I am ready now to labor — wilt Thou call me once again ? I will join Thy willing reapers as they garner up the grain." But the still small voice within me, earnest in its truth and deep. Answered my awakened conscience, " As thou sowest thou shalt reap ; God is just, and retribution follows each neglected call; Thou hadst thy appointed duty taught thee by the Lord of all. Thou wert chosen — but another filled the place assigned to thee, Henceforth in my field of labor thou mayst but a gleaner be. " But a work is still before thee —see thou linger not again, Separate the chaff thou gleanest, beat it from among the grain. Follow after these my reapers, let thine eyes be on the field. Gather up the precious handfuls their abundant wheat-sheaves yield ; Go not hence to glean, but tarry from morning until night, Be thou faithful, thou mayst yet find favor in thy Master's sight." H. Lloyd. 403 "TELLE EST LA VIE." Dost thou see yon air bark by the billows upborne, Her canvass all filled with the fresh breeze of morn ? How she shines i call attention to the precious fields of religious literature from which its contents have been gleaned. In giving special pre-eminence to the best thoughts of members of our religious society, it shows what a valuable legacy our predecessors have bequeathed to us. I have long wished to see the writings of these worthies better known and appreciated. A wide range of miscellaneous reading in every department of literature has not diminished my interest in, and love for, the works of early Friends — Penn, Barclay, Sewell, Story, — the wonderful journal and epis- tles of George Fox, and that sweetest and purest of all books outside of the Moly Scriptures, the Life of John Woolman. Hoping that thy book may have a wide cir- culation, and that the object of its compilation may be realized in the promotion of truth and righteousness, I am very truly thy friend, John G. Whittier. Amesbttrt, Mass., 6th Month 20, 1869. ETURN I ID' tP Klp' ■ ALL BOOKS MAY BE RECALLED AFTER 7 DAYS DUE AS STAMPED BELOW SENT ON ILL JAN 1 2 1998 U. C. RPRKELE f r\DkA Kii^ r»r\ lo UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY RFRKELFY CA 94720 Ht:r YB 45284 /llC6 ''%■ \ H