a state of deep suffering. Such appeared to be the case with dear Sarah Harrison. Oh! that all those who are rightly called abroad in the work of the ministry may be strengthened and supported by the right arm of Divine power, so that they may stand valiantly for the testimony of Truth, and be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

9th mo. 22nd. I am sometimes alarmed with an apprehension, that there are many amongst us who are trusting too much in a lifeless form, and whose religion consists only in moral rectitude, or outside appearances. Oh! how weak, and vain, for any to suppose that He who created the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth, will be diverted with a

fair outward appearance. He hath declared, saying, "I the Lord search the heart, and I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings." Now, can it be possible that any person, on serious reflection, will suppose that a form, even of godliness, will do any thing without the substance? I sometimes fear that there are some among the many names to religion, that are so far deceived as to think the observance of rules and orders, as held forth by the society of which they are members, will stand in their account as sufficient for their salvation; while yet the strong man armed keepeth the house of their hearts, and their goods are at a supposed peace. But what can these rationally promise to themselves? Surely the day will come when they will find that they have been crying peace, peace; when in reality it was not so. How hard it is to persuade such superficial minds of the necessity of looking into their own hearts, and examining into the bottom of their conditions; al

though their eternal salvation is concerned in it.— Oh! the deceivableness of unrighteousness, and a state of false security, that induce people to flatter themselves that all will be well with them, if they keep out of gross enormities, although they take their pleasure in the things of time and sense; they eat, drink, clothe and adorn themselves as they like,—go, come, and do as they please, and say their money and their time are their own: and what will they do in the end thereof, when weighed in the awful balance, and are found wanting? These are aptly described by a late author who says, "The greatest part in our age and place, have stopped short of the Truth and substance, by resting in the outside of things: and therefore Paul, that great preacher of inward, spiritual religion, has taken much pains both with Jew and Gentile, to convince them of their gross ignorance in this particular. For if the latter were, in general, ignorant of the true God, the former worshipped him not in spirit and in truth. If the latter bowed down to stocks and stones, the former idolized their forms of worship, instead of worshipping God through their forms; and so all had sinned, and come short of the glory of God. The Jews esteemed themselves the chosen, the temple of the Lord, and the seed of the covenant; and they pleaded their circumcision, their priesthood, their temple-services, and their ordinances of Divine institution, as marks of their election. And a peculiar people they certainly were, but no otherwise elected to salvation, than as they continued in the grace, and walked in the light and love of God. For he was not a Jew who was one outwardly; neither was that circumcision which was outward in the flesh: but he was a Jew

who was one inwardly, and circumcision was that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter.'"

These solid remarks, it would be well for all to observe, who make profession of the pure, holy Truth; for, it is to be feared that many are valuing themselves, or resting merely on having a birth-right in society, or on the uprightness and integrity of some of their ancestors. But it is clear that nothing short of inward purity of heart will do for any of us. Oh! may we more and more press after it.

10th mo. 1st. Our Yearly Meeting closed. Some matters of great concern were considered and resulted in much brotherly harmony. The injurious practice of trading in, and using distilled spirituous liquors, was solidly before the meeting. Friends' sentiments were freely expressed, and great unanimity appeared to use endeavours to have this mighty evil done away from among us. It was directed that committees be appointed by Quarterly and monthly meetings, to treat with such who are importers and retailers of an article so injurious to our country. The eyes of the people are getting open on this subject, as well as on the slave trade, and to see that both are monstrous evils. Oh! the streams of iniquity which flow from them!

Another matter of weight and importance that came before the Meeting was, that our brethren of Maryland had appointed a large committee to attend our Yearly Meeting, with a proposal for an arrangement to be made between the two Meetings. A large committee was appointed on the subject, who very unanimously agreed that a benefit would arise to society, for Friends on the west side of Susquehanna to be united to Maryland Yearly Meeting. This pro

posal met with general approbation, as the concern appeared to be quite ripe. A committee of men and women Friends were appointed to attend Warrington and Fairfax Quarter, and also the next Yearly Meeting in Maryland. May best wisdom influence, and be a spirit of judgment to them that sit in judgment on a matter of so great magnitude.

In the course of this large Yearly Meeting, I think I have seen wherein many (and some of those not in the lowest stations neither) might come forward with greater clearness and brightness in church government. Much speaking in meetings of business, without great care and caution, has a tendency to lessen, rather than increase solid weight. I am renewedly confirmed in the experience of the apostle, that five words spoken in and with a right understanding, far exceed thousands delivered without it. Oh! this great lesson of silence! I have feared that some who propose it to others, know too little of it in practice themselves. Wait, or "tarry ye at Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." This Divine injunction clearly points out the necessity we are under of experiencing the re-animating life and power of Truth for every service, and not to presume to move from any former openings. I had occasion to fear there were some Nimrods amongst us, mighty hunters before the Lord; not patiently waiting for him to put forth and go before them. It has been my particular care and concern for some years (however I may miss it at other times) when at these great Meetings, to labour after silence, patient, solemn silence: for it is astonishing to observe how frequent some are in speaking. There is great danger of getting into a habit of it. Surely, the life

is more than meat, and better than words. The impatience of the creature needs to be carefully watched, and its subtil influence guarded against at all times, both in speaking and in hearing: for nothing short of a true sense of feeling can enable any to distinguish between the true and false spring of ministry, and of speaking to business. In some places there is much windy, chaffy stuff handed forth for gospel ministry, and with many people it passes.— But there are yet preserved amongst us (and it must be acknowledged a great mercy and favour to the church) such who can try words, as the taste tries meat. May the number of these be increased every where, is the devout wish and prayer of my soul.

11th mo. 22nd. What greater satisfaction can we meet with in our passage thro' the mists and glooms of an exercising pilgrimage, than to see and hear of the constancy and firmness of one another in the living way of salvation! However varied may be our trials, both inwardly and outwardly, if we can be favoured with strength and patience, in the midst of them all, to keep our confidence and trust fixed in the sufficiency of that Arm that ever has and ever will bring salvation to his people, all will be well. Notwithstanding we may have to pass as through the fire and the water, yet surely He who has called is able to keep us, and will do it, if we on our part do but comply with his holy commands; and continue in true subjection to that power which crucifies to the world, and the world unto us, with all its affections and lusts. Oh! that we may ever cheerfully obey the voice of the holy Shepherd, in all things, small as well as great. It is certainly the way to advance forward. Perfect wisdom tries those whom