be understood," yet himself testifies, that he had fed his hearers "with milk, and not with meat," because they were not able as yet to bear it. Our Lord accepted, and he still accepts, the meek and contrite spirit, the soul that is simply made willing to come unto him, to learn of him, and to obey him:-his anointing teacheth them" of all things."

tient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves: if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth?" Those who can discriminate, will surely say, he did not.

In like manner, in our day, both among the first who went under the denomination of "Quakers," as in more recent times, occaUndoubtedly, there are times, corrupt and sions have arisen again and again for religious unstable times, when the precious privileges controversy, wherein silence, however desiraand hopes of the Gospel are more than usually ble, would have been blameable. Very much called in question, when every one that has the same line of warfare, of explanation, of debought the truth, according to his measure and fence, and of rejoinder, has been repeatedly and station, according also to the circumstan- called forth. Sometimes, indeed, the necessity ces in which he may be placed, is more espe- has been urgent, as in ancient periods of the cially called upon to stand fast in the faith, to church, when many have been "the unruly, hold fast that they have received, and even, vain talkers and deceivers," "who subvert as occasion calls, "earnestly to contend for" whole houses, teaching things which they this faith which was "once," and is yet "de- ought not," that the mouths of such should be livered to the saints." The early Christians stopped; and then, in the government of the were quickly introduced to the duty of giving church, the advice to Titus seems requisite, to a reason for the hope that was in them; it was "rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound their lot to be "disputing daily," and reason- in the faith." Many have been the honouraing much, not only with open gainsayers, but ble champions raised up, qualified, and also with feigned friends, with false brethren and preserved in this description of arduous serfalse teachers, with such as were "of their vice, who had to wrestle "against principali own selves," who had either "crept in una- ties, against powers, against the rulers of the wares" to a profession of Christianity, or had darkness of this world, against spiritual wickgone out from that they once had possession edness in high places." These were doubtless of; these having "turned from the holy com- adequately accoutred by "the Captain of the mandment delivered unto them," sought privily Lord's host" with the whole armour of God; to bring in various forms of damnable heresy, "the armour of righteousness on the right speaking perverse things to draw away disci- hand and on the left," whereby they were enples after them, according to the strong delu-abled to withstand in the evil day, to quench sions under which satan had bound them. But in good degree the fiery darts of the wicked, did the primitive believers, and such of them to clear the truth, to convince many gainsay. especially who were in some sort "stewards ers, and to be themselves clear of the blood of of the mysteries of God," tamely and blindly all men, having not spared nor shrunk from yield to such deceivers? Though they followed plain dealing and faithful warning. They peace with all men, and pursued it, did they strove lawfully, they kept the faith and their at all compromise, or by any means surren- habitations in the truth, also their ranks in der, any portion of that which was committed righteousness, being evidently blessed and to them to keep unalloyed and inviolate? Does owned in their deeds, according to their meanot the apostle Paul declare to us his own line sure. With these, the main purpose and of conduct and that of his fellow-labours, with proper object of controversy was never lost the ground of it, in these forcible words? sight of, amidst all needful, intricate and close "To whom we gave place by subjection, no, argumentation. They gave not heed to those not for an hour; that the truth of the Gospel things" which minister questions rather than might continue with you." And did he not, godly edifying," they turned not aside “unto on that occasion, even hazard his own char- vain jangling," when they charged and urged acter in the eyes of others, by seeming to in- upon some, that they should "teach no other cur the imputation of rash and contumacious doctrine" whatever, than that which had been procedure, when he withstood Peter to the face, received by the church from the beginning. and that before those who with him seemed to They laboured to disabuse the beclouded judg be pillars in the church, rather than counte- ment, to disentangle the soul; to bring to that nance or crouch to palpable dissembling and which puts an end to the very ground of all want of uprightness? In such a case, did Paul difference, gives right discernment in spiritual act in a manner at all inconsistent with his things, will not amalgamate with error or evil, own counsel to Timothy, where he writes, but "leads into" and preserves in “all truth,” "The servant of the Lord must not strive; even in its purity, in its peaceableness, in its but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, pa-loneness; as well in the comely form, as in

the life of godliness. If they wounded, as they assuredly did and must, mark what they touched,—it was the corrupt, the crooked, the fallen nature, that which is for judgment, yea, for death, and must be slain, if, indeed, the creature be delivered from its bondage.

proper season, and after its own kind, and adapted for certain purposes, but always "good to the use of edifying," if not so evidently to one state, then, it may be, to another. But, on the opposite hand, "Behold, how great a matter," even "a world of iniquity," is kindled by a little unholy fire of an unruly tongue or pen, especially when engaged about religious subjects. David in his psalm complains of the "mighty man" who boasted himself in mischief, who loved evil more than good, and lying rather than truth speaking: "Thou lovest all-devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue!" "thy tongue deviseth mischiefs like a sharp razor working deceitfully;"

It is no marvel, if, in general, comparatively little success should attend such painful labour, especially towards the parties more immediately concerned; the prejudices of these are quickly enlisted, their religious credit is at stake, their system is attacked, their "craft is in danger:" yet this is no disparagement to the vocation of one rightly engaged in earnestly contending for the faith, and should be to him no source of undue discouragement. *and the issue of such doings the holy psalmist The church is materially indebted to such la- goes on to show, and the end of such "debourers; they claim the especial sympathy ceitful workers," who can transform themand succour of those that in some sense "stay selves "as the ministers of righteousness." by the stuff," or have not to sail in troubled The words of these may be "smoother than waters. It is an easy matter to judge and to butter," and "softer than oil," yet are they find fault with them: undoubtedly, their work "as drawn swords," and "war is in the and "line of things" may be somewhat un-heart:" but their tongues will the Lord ascongenial to those preciously meek and quiet spirits, who have little occasion to argue matters; but if they love so dearly the " peaceable habitations," the "quiet resting-places" of Zion, let them duly estimate the self-denial and the zeal of those who are made willing to forego their own personal ease, and who dare not shrink from standing as in the breach, and are made as a mark to be shot at by every archer." There are diversities of gifts;" and, we read, that one hath a gift after this manner, and another after that; not any are to be slighted or despised, but to be occupied in the fear of the Lord, and all the truly gifted are to be owned and honoured in their apportioned places.

"A wholesome tongue is," indeed, "a tree of life," bringing forth its precious fruit in its

suredly divide and destroy now, as ever he has done in the generations of old.

"Who is a wise man," said the apostle James," and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom." For, continues he, "If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.'

It must be acknowledged, there are too many, who are "ever learning," and seem "never able to come to the" saving "knowledge of the truth," or to an establishment therein; these are of the " 'wavering" and "double-minded," of the "double-tongued" too, who have little occasion to "think" that they shall "receive anything of the Lord;" they are "forgetful hearers," loving to listen * That William Penn should have recommended exhibitions and declarations of divine truth; to the songs of the prophets, to the beautiful his friend, Joseph Pike, to read controversy sometimes, does not surprise the editor; for he is free to they can most freely canvass or criticise, can confess, that, with reference to his own early reli- readily define doctrinals to a hair's breadth, gious progress, when of all periods perhaps he was but then they go their way, forgetting what in the most tender and desirable state of mind, the manner of persons they have seen themselves perusal occasionally of the controversial publica- to be, or what manner of persons they have tions of Friends had a most strengthening, deepening, and edifying effect upon him, of which he feels seen they ought to be "in all holy conversathe value to this day. And persuaded he is, that if tion and godliness;" they are not "doers of more of his fellow-professors would candidly, deliberately, and in a humble teachable frame consult such substantial defences and illustrations of our faith, which often have the consent of fathers, councils, martyrs, confessors, and reformers of all ages and persuasions, they might some of them become sounder advocates in the cause of truth,

and all would be in less danger of leaning to their own judgment, or being caught by the flimsy interpretations of later time put upon holy Scrip

ture.

the work," nor continue in that "law of liberty," "the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, which alone can set free from the law of sin and death."

Very congenial with the tenour of these observations, are the remarks of a dignified advocate in the Gospel-cause, Samuel Fothergill, respecting the times in which he lived:"There is a spirit that is gone forth into the camp, and is splendidly delusive; it delights

in good words, and feeds upon them; it cries out, Help! help! but principally to the servants, not to the Master: this spirit leads into notions: it snuffs up the wind, and lives in commotions itself raises: all that are led by it are superficial, and know nothing, and must lie down in sorrow."-Letters of Friends, by J. Kendall, 1802, vol. i. p. 22. Another Friend, a discriminating and wise elder, writes thus to the same point: "The religion of some seems to consist in a remembrance of former experience, a rational understanding of our principles, and the discipline of the church, a personal communication with divers of the foremost rank, and some faculty for speaking and writing on religious subjects; when, in the mean time, for want of looking and living at home, for want of watching unto prayer, and waiting for renewed ability to offer the daily sacrifice on the fresh raised altar, insensibility and incapacity gather strength, and leanness enters into our souls."-Richard Shackleton.

persons are had in admiration, and their natu ral and acquired powers are set up; some are puffed up for one, and some against another, till their language unequivocally becomes, “I am of Paul, and I of Apollos, and I of Cephas, and I of Christ."-Verily, Christ is not di vided, nor his doctrine, nor his church; but he is "the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever!" O the inseparable harmony and com pleteness of all the parts of "the doctrine of Christ!" There is no one can unequally hold, wresting out of its place, any portion of es sential truth, any attribute or office of our di vine Saviour, or can think more highly than he ought to think of any member of his body, without incurring the awful liability of doing injury to Him, the holy Head thereof, and endangering their own standing and connexion with him. "How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another?" said our blessed Lord himself. And again "This people draw. eth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips," with their nice To speak more generally,―There has been distinctions, with their orthodox systems, with a great mass of high-sounding theology afloat, their very full verbal acknowledgments and a great flood of instrumental means altogether, literal compliances," but their hearts are far and much too, that all true Christians have from me." Verily, "he that hath the Son, occasion to rejoice in and be thankful for, hath life," he who rightly "believeth that Jesus without doubt,-yet much more, that has had is the Christ, is born of God: and every one a weakening, a scattering, and wide-wasting that loveth Him that begat, loveth him also influence upon the churches of professing that is begotten of Him;" and he who rightly Christendom. Whatever be the counteracting" shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, or modifying agencies at work, especially the lively condition and pious dedication of heart But to return to the subject more immedi prevalent in some directions, the very systems ately the occasion of these Preliminary Obser of most denominations must ever tend this vations, and from which the editor has freely way, while in relation to religious services digressed, while speaking of the character of congregations meet as they do, and are pro- the succeeding journals, and of the simplicity vided for as they are. But the unscriptural and plainness of the religion of our blessed thirst for eloquent orations, and what is called Redeemer.—If he does not greatly mistake, evangelical preaching, has even reached those both these worthy authors, Joseph Pike and who have not so learned Christ," that is, Joseph Oxley, the former as an honoured as the apostle to the Ephesians, long after the elder, the latter as an acceptable minister ascension of our Lord, explains it," if so be among Friends, however differing in several that ye have heard him, and have been taught respects from each other, were alike remark. by him as the truth is in Jesus;" so that the able for being "clothed with humility," even faith even of these is and has been in immi-"the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit," nent danger of being found standing" in the wisdom of men," rather than "in the power of God." For, if these receive the word, rather as "of man and by man," than as it is in truth "the word of God," the very same which " effectually worketh in" those "that believe," then the simple intrinsic message of divine love is apt to be overlooked by them and rejected, or made of none effect; more especially when it is conveyed through the foolish things, the weak things, the base things, the things that are not, or in words delighted in serving. which man's wisdom does not dictate. Thus It was certainly a valuable acknowledg it comes to pass, that men's systems and men's ment, and one which Friends have always

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God dwelleth in him, and he in God."

which is of greater price than more glaring accomplishments: they were men of unusually diffident, unassuming, and in a certain sense unprofessing stamp; they had no life in mere words; though willing, when called upon, to witness a good confession, they were not for ward, but rather shrunk from, or at least placed no great stress upon, large recitals and specific avowals of their faith, preferring that the tenour of their lives and labours should bespeak whom they honoured, and whom they

acted on, but worthy the special acceptation of every admirer of Baxter, that in the latter period of his life, when taking a matured review of his religious experience, he should have thus expressed himself:-"I less admire gifts of utterance, and the bare profession of religion than I once did; and have much more charity for many, who by the want of gifts do make an obscurer profession. I once thought that almost all who could pray movingly and fluently, and talk well of religion, had been saints. But experience hath opened to me, what odious crimes may consist with high profession. While I have met with divers obscure persons, not noted for any extraordinary profession or forwardness in religion, but only to live a quiet blameless life, whom I have after found to have long lived, as far as I could discern, a truly godly and sanctified life."

were in danger of being "exalted above measure;" but the body of the faithful saw these outgoings, and testified against them, even in such as were highly gifted or had been near and dear to them. There were those too among the modern Friends, as there have always been in a greater or less degree, who were dry, and flat, and lukewarm formalists, even among the professed ministers of the Gospel,-some living on their own self-righte ousness, and some on the labours of their friends, who by no means worked out their soul's salvation with fear and trembling. Nevertheless, the truly living, exercised members were always deeply sensible of this: and when, at times and in some places, oppressed with so lamentable a state of things, at the lowest ebb, they were still preserved and strengthened also, to stand against this deadly This was indeed a marked feature in the influence. Going heavily on their way, sufcalling of our Society, that they were jealous fering with the suffering seed, they still upheld of profession being beyond possession. The the pure, high standard of the Gospel, howcircumstances of the times, in the course of ever obscurely, however feebly, being truly their history, have greatly fluctuated at differ-enabled to worship God in the spirit, to rejoice ent periods, calling forth as was always the in Christ Jesus, and could have no confidence case in the annals of the church of Christ, in the flesh. very varied and apparently opposite qualifica- It was probably this fear of exceeding what tions in the faithful; yet these have never been was committed to them, or of laying greater actually at variance with each other, or incon- stress on their testimony than the modest view sistent in themselves with what the truth pre- they took of their own standing warranted, scribes. On the first origin of Friends as a that, in years which are now gone by, in the distinct people, the times were peculiarly cor- days of Joseph Oxley and afterwards, led rupt and unsound, all the elements as in a fer- some to be exceedingly cautious of directly ment of unsettlement, religious truth and a naming the high and holy name of the AIholy zeal for it became mightily roused up mighty even in their public ministrations, or and put in motion, as it were, to extricate her- too freely or familiarly, as they might think, self from the chaos or sea of confusion in descanting on some of the solemn truths of which she was enveloped. When things sub- Christ's kingdom and offices. However unsided into more clearness, order, and quietness, desirable such a shrinking tendency and habit men's spirits became chastened or subdued, in preachers, it does not appear to the editor some by that which can alone rightly restrain to have been carried to any very prevailing or and regulate, others lulled into forms and self-injurious extent; and the opposite extreme is security; and very different qualifications were in his estimation far more to be dreaded in the thereupon elicited. Undoubtedly, with many, churches, and more offensive in the divine the true zeal and valour abated; but where sight, inasmuch as a little of that which is this was not the case, and individuals retained living and genuine, is better than the most in full their first love, their devotedness to God complete display of Christian doctrine and and his cause, these graces in the same indi-privileges, not adequately attended with the viduals would not be evinced in precisely the heavenly power and authority of the gift. same way as heretofore, but would appear of To be "a sweet savour of Christ" both "in a softer, milder hue. And not only so, but a them that are saved and in them that perish," different class and kind of instruments would and thus to make "manifest the savour of his be needed in the church, and would accord- knowledge in every place," is the business of ingly be raised up. Not attending to this all true Christians, whatever be their station in most natural and material distinction, the early the church, their individual condition, or the Friends have been rashly judged for over-zeal, times in which they are cast. Joseph Oxley and those who succeeded them have been set was known as such a Christian, in his day down as cool moralists and mere worldlings. and in his measure, by some that are now There were, indeed, some that walked among living. Of Joseph Pike, the editor has met the former, whose tendency was even to Ran- with the following pleasing testimony, made terism, who "went out into imaginations," or by an estimable Friend, William Pattison, at VOL. II.-No. 9.

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the date of 1774, and in the eightieth year of out the stones thereof, and abounding with the his age. He said, "he had often to remember excellent fruits of the holy Spirit of Christ. many of the worthies of the first rank in our Society, when he was but a young man, namely, William Penn and divers others of this nation; also he remembered to have seen several weighty Friends from Ireland, particularly William Edmundson, Joseph Pike, John Barcroft, George Rook, Joseph Gill, &c.; the sight of whom, he often thought, did him good; for their weighty, solid deportment struck an awe upon him that never departed from him."

The above sentence brings strongly before the mind of the editor some observations made by James Gough, in the Journal of his Life, respecting the early state and character of our religious body and of its leaders, so far back as his recollection would carry him, he being born as late as the year 1712. This individual resided many years in Ireland, and his remarks chiefly relating to Friends in that nation, appear the more appropriate to be here revived, as closely bearing upon Joseph Pike's fervent concern on behalf of the Society there, and as unfolding also the progress of that degeneracy, which was then breaking in upon our little church.

"God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate,' saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. By this call were our honourable predecessors in the beginning separated from the spirit and ways of the world, and incited to refuse touching the unclean thing, or whatever sprang from an impure source, what persecution soever their refusal might cost them; knowing that He whom they obeyed and in whom they trusted, would carry them through all opposition: this they experienced to their unspeakable joy to be fulfilled, and testified to the world, many of them, both living and dying. In those days the meetings of Friends were eminently favoured with divine power, as they lived more devoted to Christ, and consequently more abounding with his love flowing in their hearts. I remember [when a child] some whose very countenances seemed to command awe, and impress observers with serious consideration; as the salt of the earth, seasoning those amongst whom they walked, with a sense of the truth which lived and predominated in them. Those happy men and women left the Lord's vineyard, through their faithful labours with the divine blessing upon them, well fenced and clean, having gathered

"Many of our dear honourable Friends of the first generation, appear, from the time they were drawn to the pure fountain of light, life, and love, to have adhered thereto with immoveable steadfastness to their last moments: and a few I have known in my time, that have greatly risen and steadily persevered, considering the degeneracy of the age, in a faithful attachment of soul to that grace and truth which is come by Jesus Christ; and that have washed their robes and made them white in his blood, and have kept their garments unspotted; but very few that came up to this height, and so continued as with their feet fixed upon Mount Zion; very few that have got over the opposing mountains of human respect, selfish regards, sensual appetites, desires of the ease, honours, or profits of the world; all which tend to debase the soul, darken the judgment, eclipse the brightness of heavenly light; blunt the edge of godly resolutions, and contract the corrupting leaven and spirit of the world. It is lamentable to reflect, how many in our age, even of the anointed sons and servants of the Lord, have by these means gradually declined and dwindled, and at length totally fallen off, as Judas did from Christ, and Demas from his faithful apostle, made shipwreck of faith and of a good conscience, and brought lasting disgrace on themselves and that good cause, in which they had been humbly and honestly engaged. Yet truth changes not. It is the same still, and still able to preserve from falling, to build up, and give an inheritance among the sanctified.

"At my first going to Ireland [about the year 1737,] there were yet living in most parts of the nation where meetings were settled, some of the good old stock, both ministers and elders, who loved God and mankind, and were esteemed and beloved, being kind and open-hearted, as well as faithful and cir cumspect in all branches of our Christian testimony, closely uniting in tender love one with another in supporting and keeping things in good order in the church. Their pious care herein was like a fence about the flock, which kept them together in nearer unity and greater safety, so that the young people in most parts were generally trained up in innocence of manners and in plainness of habit and speech. In process of time, these worthy men and women, in whose hearts the love of God and his people had by long growth become deeply rooted, one after another honourably finished their course, leaving an excellent savour be hind them; but when they were removed, very few of the youth or others succeeded them in the right line, to fill up their vacant