a fool;" he must know a death unto self in every part thereof, before he can know a living unto righteousness. Many, I believe, have come so far as to receive the ministration of John's baptism, whose commission was to baptize unto repentance, but he had not power to give this gift, and he let them know clearly that they must look for another, even a baptism that had the power of cleansing. But many have rested short of this, and being satisfied with the first tendering or watery dispensation, have not been deeply concerned to experience a thorough cleansing of the floor of the heart, and to know the wheat gathered into the garner; but the chaff to be burned with the unquenchable fire of the baptism of Christ.

I have known some who were graciously called, and did greatly rejoice in the breaking forth of the day of God's eternal power in their souls,-a time wherein the world and all the glory thereof appeared as nothing in their view, so that they might win Christ, the beloved of their souls; yea, and for a time they walked humbly, so that there was a prospect of their becoming useful in the church. But latterly when I have looked upon them and beheld their conduct and conversation, a fear has seized me, that they have not been so faithful and so fully dedicated as they ought to be. How sorrowful that any of the Lord's visited children should (like some of old) go back to the world, and dwindle as withered branches! But if any that have been grafted into the true and living Vine, abide not therein,-if they submit not to the thorough cleansing and pruning, they separate themselves and are cast forth as branches that are withered. On the other hand, those that abide in Christ, the vine, know the living sap to flow in them,

and bring forth fruits to the glory of the heavenly Husbandman.

9th of 8th mo. My friend W. C. being very sick, I went to see him, and as I was sitting by him keeping off the flies, I felt a sweetness accompanying my mind, and leaning down said to him, it is pleasant to sit by thee. After awhile he said, "My time will not be long, but when I shall go, I do not see, whether to-night or not." After remarking to him that none of us know how soon we may be called hence, he said, "I expect my Redeemer will convey my soul into the chambers of everlasting glory."— As I sat still and quiet by his bed-side, I felt the humbling power of Truth, and therein the breathing cries of my soul ascended to the Lord for preservation, and that I might yet more and more be instructed in the great work of the ministry; being led to behold the glorious excellency thereof, far, yea, very far exceeding all the painting and eloquence of man's wisdom, which are at most but as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. A heavenly season it was-the horizon appeared clear, and the glory of the Lord shone round about me;-my soul was prostrated in solemn, awful stillness, and I was as it were swallowed up in raptures of joy. This may appear strange to those who are ignorant of such sublime enjoyments; but it is known to the begotten of the Father. It is a state in which all flesh keeps silence in the presence of God; and in which there is as it were a standing on mount Pisgah, beholding the blessed state of the promised land, and the inhabitants of New Jerusalem. Well might Moses tremble at the awful sight of the bush burning and not consumed. Oh! the deep mystery! hid from the world, but re

vealed unto babes. I felt no pain, no weariness, during this heavenly season; my mind was greatly refreshed, and the body also; sleep departed from me, nor did it seem as though I should ever know the want of it, could I have continued in this happy state; for I had a sight of the perpetual day, wherein neither the light of the sun nor of the moon, is wanted, for the Lord God and the Lamb is the light thereof. O my soul, dwell humble and low before the mighty God of Jacob, that so when the time comes in which thou shalt be dislodged from this shell of mortality, thou mayst take thy flight to this heavenly, blest abode and peaceful inheritance, to join the glorified host in celebrating his name who lives forever and ever.

10th. Felt easy and quiet in mind, but not without some trials. Went to see my beloved friend, John Perry, who had been poorly, and we had some edifying conversation together.

11th, and fourth of the week, was our monthly meeting, the forepart of which was a pretty solid time: but a case came before it which had heretofore occasioned different sentiments, and operating in the same way again, the weight gradually departed from the meeting, and some painful sensations were felt. I was much concerned that the authority of Truth might be supported, and desired Friends to labour for more stillness. I saw clearly that some hurt themselves and the meeting by so many proposals being made, some for one thing and some another. After a time, more calmness ensued, and we got the matter referred to a committee.

12th. Our fifth-day meeting was small, silent and as dull as I have lately known it. Next day, I felt

some striving between nature and grace; and the day following, more evenness of mind, but thought, on close examination, that too much liberty had been given to that unruly member, the tongue. Too much freedom in conversation often hurts; be more careful in future.

15th. Laboured for stillness; but next day, gave too much place to fleshly weakness for a short time, yet through mercy, was enabled to overcome. Our morning meeting was large and a good time, I believe, to many, in which I had some public service. John Perry and I went to see J. R. and had satisfaction therein.

17th. A day of renewed favour, and my heart much tendered.

18th. Sing praises to the Lord. I had this day to admire his great goodness. O my soul, dwell low before the high and holy One, from whose eye not any thing can be hid. What a mistaken notion it is in poor mortals to rest satisfied if they can conceal their faults from one another, and not appear uneasy to commit gross things in the sight of heaven! Oh! how great folly for man to think he will escape the righteous judgment of God! to which he will surely be brought for every secret fault: for his Maker will be his judge, and he will take vengeance on his adversaries; he will cause them to tremble when he arises to make his mighty power known. Who shall dwell with devouring fire and everlasting burnings? None surely, but those whose hearts are upright before the Lord. Oh! that I may be one of this number, is what I am deeply concerned for. Thou knowest, O Father, the uprightness and integrity of my heart.

It is naked and bare before thee, thou King

of saints. Oh! spare me not, if there be any thing remaining in me unsubjected to thy holy will. Wash me, I pray thee, from all iniquity, and purge me from all sin.

19th. Surely it is a great thing to have our conversation in heaven! Whilst we are here tossed about as from wave to wave, what need there is of an holy watch over every part of our conduct! The enemy of all good seems busy in drawing away the mind, and diverting it from its proper business. I never spend the day with more solid peace and satisfaction, than when I rise thoughtful and continue under a humbling sense of Truth. Here something fresh and green is felt springing up, and the mind is preserved clean and sweet. Is it not more reasonable to believe, while this is the case, that our thoughts and conversation will be upon heavenly objects, or in heaven? And although this may be and is hard for men of corrupt minds to understand, or come at, yet there are those livingly exercised minds who know it is attainable. Blessed forever be the name of the Lord, for his great condescension, in favouring his poor unworthy creature man with a living holy principle of light and of life in himself; and by carefully observing and following this light, he is directed in the way to holiness and purity, without which no man shall see the Lord.

20th. Deeply thoughtful about meeting this morning; the weather being very warm, which has a stupifying effect on some, and occasions drowsiness, which it is grievous to see in our meetings. Another thing affects me with sorrow, to see so many of the young women sit fanning themselves, as if they were in a play room. I do believe nothing but custom can