goes on, he can make himself easy on all minor topics.

6

With respect to the question of the superior claims of a contemporary society, we may hope, ere this, that the controversy is fairly laid asleep: the objections have been answered in an able, luminous, and perspicuous manner: but, in my opinion, the intention of the British and Foreign Bible Society in distributing the Holy Scriptures, is so pure, the object so exactly defined, and the act so truly consonant with the doctrine and spirit of the early reformers, that no sort of apology seems requisite. Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days,' is one of the injunctions of this blessed book; and can I possibly err, if I place a Bible in a family, where none existed before? nay, I believe the seed that is thus sown, will be nourished by the dews of heaven; the bread cast upon the waters, will be found eventually to be the bread of eternal life, and after many days, shall light up the way to immortality. "W. T."

66

To T. T.

"Penketh, 10th mo. 8th. 1816. Placed as I am, in a situation, in which, but for the exercise of Christian benevoFence I must ere this have perished, I find it a duty to discard every thing which savours of pride, and to receive with thankfulness whatever the hand of kindness bestows. My situation has indeed, at times, appeared trying; yet I have been much favoured with support both inward and outward, and have been enabled to confess that it was good for me to be afflicted.

"It is a small matter to possess an historical knowledge of truth, and to wear the cloak of profession in common with others; but to make a solemn dedication of all the mind's powers; to be wholly devoted to the advancement and prosperity of truth, requires for its support, a heart filled with humility, and the united aid of faith, prayer, and the most diligent watchfulness. A few there are who walk thus, having their conversations in heaven, and with these my humble desire is to sojourn whilst on earth, in the unity of the spirit and the bond of peace.

To M. G.

"W. T."

"Penketh, 10th mo. 12th, 1816.

"I feel desirous of informing thee that in a most trying situation, both inward and outward, I have been most mercifully helped-hitherto the Lord hath helped us, blessed be His Holy name!

"I have been careless, and I have even doubted, but I hope unbelief will have no more place in my heart, for I feel the fullest evidence of the blessed truth of religion: it is no name, no sound, no theory of opinions, no new-fangled system adapted to weak minds. But it is what no words can · describe a gem of inestimable worth, the pearl of great price; it conquers the passions in health, and comforts the soul in afHiction; it enables us to leave the world without regret, and to anticipate with humble confidence the joys of futurity; in short, it is a heaven upon earth, and the power of God unto salvation.' Can I be thankful enough that I am enabled to bear this testimony? But I feel much

N

how necessary it is to watch, and on this I believe our well-being chiefly depends.

To J. H. W.

"W. T."

Minds which have simply one object in view, viz. an advancement in knowledge and virtue, soon approximate towards each other, and from the slightest interviews, the most lasting unions have been formed. Something of this I experienced in the profound respect and sincere affection which thy short stay at Penketh inspired.

"But whilst I contemplated those superior talents which the gift of Providence, and thy own industry have furnished thee with, I felt a tender solicitude, that they might be preserved pure and untainted, fit for the service of the Great Head of the Church. Excuse me for making such early mention of my anxiety on this head; it is what I often wish for myself, and particularly for those, who, to the advantages of a good education, add the possession of superior natural endowments.

"My health has suffered much since I saw thee; I have been confined from school more than ten weeks, and I fear there is as yet very little prospect of a speedy amendment. Though it has been a deep trial, yet I think it has afforded me improvement in the best of things. I have been induced to greater watchfulness, and to a more diligent examination of my own heart; and though a peaceful confidence has been often, through mercy, granted me, yet I have daily to mourn over my slowness, coldness, and negli

gence.

"W. T."

To T. T

"Penketh, 10th mo. 29th, 1816.

"I have been reading Wm. Edmundson's Journal and have found it sufficiently interesting. He was a Friend of the right ancient sort, to whom dungeons, stocks, and corporeal punishment were quite familiar. He underwent many bodily sufferings and dangers for truth's sake, and appears to have possessed uncommon boldness in whatever cause he thought to be right.

66

"----- The hardships which so many thousands of our countrymen are at this time sufferfering is a matter of serious consideration; if no effectual remedy is found during the following winter, I am afraid it will be a time of great trial and distress. With these prospects before me, my mind is much impressed with the necessity there is for people rather to confide in an ever watchful Providence, than to look so much outwardly for deliverance. Many abuses in government certainly want a reform, nor is the representation of the nation in parliament at all equal. But can we attribute our present situation to either of these defects, or to the sinecures about which so much has been said? It is to me more plainly owing to the deplorable war just concluded; a war in which a great part of the nation has eagerly joined, and can it be wondered if they should reap the fruit of their own doings? A spirit of peace and christian love prevailing in the hearts of mankind, would strike at the root of the matter and effectually restore public harmony. Without this blessed regulating principle, there may be meetings, and speeches, and pamphlets written innumerable, whilst there is

not one jot of advance made towards public reformation. The same Divine Spirit that operates on the minds of individuals must also reform nations: there is no other way for a guilty polluted nation like this to return, but by the way of repentance and humiliation. Whatever may be the result of the present disturbed state of things, it will be best, I believe, for all Friends to keep themselves clear from that spirit which leads to wranglings and contentions; that so, in the day of trouble, their hands may be clean, and they may look with confidence to an Almighty protector.

"I feel much interested for the success of the Society newly formed for the promotion of permanent and universal peace.' There are divers opinions respecting it, but I cannot help feeling sanguine; if rightly conducted, under the blessing of Providence, it can hardly fail of inculcating purer sentiments on many minds.

I have no doubt but thou wouldst feel gratified that my request was so kindly granted by the monthly meeting; I had reason to feel truly thankful, not that I am sensible of any thing of my own, worth bringing to the Society, but for the benefits which I hope to derive from so excellent a discipline, and for a prospect of a nearer and dearer communion with faithful and exercised friends.

To G. C.

“W. T.”

"Penketh, 11th mo 1st, 1816.

"I believe that the diversity of gifts, mentioned in 1st Corinthians, would be more fully displayed in many individuals, were they to en