CONSIDERATIONS

ON PURE WISDOM AND HUMAN POLICY; ON LABOUR; ON SCHOOLS; AND ON THE RIGHT USE OF THE LORD'S OUTWARD GIFTS.

FIRST PRINTED IN THE YEAR 1768.

"The wisdom that is from above, is first pure,

then peaceable,

gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." James iii, 17.

INTRODUCTION.

My mind hath often been affected with sorrow, on account of the prevailing of that spirit, which leads from an humble waiting on the inward teaching of Christ, to pursue ways of living, attended with unnecessary labour, and which draws forth the minds of many people to seek after outward power, and to strive for riches, which frequently introduce oppression, and bring forth wars and grievous calamities.

It is with reverence that I acknowledge the mercies of our heavenly Father, who in infinite love visited me in my youth, and wrought a belief in me, that through true obedience a state of inward purity may be known in this life, in which we may love mankind in the same love with which our Redeemer loveth us, and therein learn resignation to endure hardships for the real good of others.

"While the eye is single, the whole body is full of

light;" but for want of this, selfish desires and an imaginary superiority, darken the mind; hence injustice frequently proceeds; and where this is the case, to convince the judgment, is the most effectual remedy.

Where violent measures are pursued in opposing injustice, the passions and resentments of the injured, frequently operate in the prosecution of their designs; and after conflicts productive of very great calamities, the minds of contending parties often remain as little acquainted with the pure principle of Divine love, as they were before; but where people walk in that pure light in which all their works are wrought in God," and under oppression persevere in the meek spirit, and abide firm in the cause of Truth, without actively complying with oppressive demands, through these the Lord hath often manifested his power, in opening the understandings of others, to the promoting of righteousness in the earth.

A time I believe is coming, wherein this Divine work will so spread and prevail, that "Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, nor learn war any more." And as we, through the tender mercies of God, do feel that this precious work is begun, I am concerned to encourage my brethren and sisters in a holy care and diligence, that each of us may so live under the sanctifying power of Truth, as to be redeemed from all unnecessary cares; that our eye being single to him, no customs, however prevalent, which are contrary to the wisdom from above, may hinder us from faithfully following his holy leadings, in whatsoever he may graciously appoint for us.

CONSIDERATIONS, &c.

To have our trust settled in the Lord, and not to seek after or desire outward treasures, any further than his holy Spirit leads us therein, is a happy state, as saith the prophet, "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is."

Pure wisdom leads people into lowliness of mind, in which they learn resignation to the Divine will, and contentment in suffering for his cause, when they cannot keep a clear conscience without suffering.

In this pure wisdom the mind is attentive to the root and original spring of motions and desires; and as we know the Lord to be our refuge," and find no safety but in humbly walking before him, we feel an holy engagement, that every desire which leads therefrom may be brought to judgment.

While we proceed in this precious way, and find ardent longings for a full deliverance from every thing which defiles, all prospects of gain that are not consistent with the wisdom from above, are considered as snares, and an inward concern is felt, that we may live under the cross, and faithfully attend to that holy Spirit, which is sufficient to preserve out of them.

When I have considered that saying of Christ, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth," his omnipotence hath often occurred to my mind.

While we believe that he is every where present with his people, and that perfect goodness, wisdom and

power, are united in him, how comfortable is the consideration.

Our wants may be great, but his power is greater. We may be oppressed and despised, but he is able to turn our patient sufferings into profit to ourselves, and to the advancement of his work on earth. His people who feel the power of his cross, to crucify all that is selfish in them, who are engaged in outward concerns, from a convincement that it is their duty, and resign themselves and their treasures to him; these feel that it is dangerous to give way to that in us, which craves riches and greatness in this world.

As the heart truly contrite, earnestly desires "to know Christ and the fellowship of his sufferings," so far as the Lord for gracious ends may lead into them; as such feel that it is their interest to put their trust in God, and to seek no gain but that which he by his holy Spirit, leads into; so on the contrary, they who do not reverently wait for this Divine Teacher, and are not humbly concerned, according to their measure, "to fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ," in patiently suffering for the promotion of righteousness in the earth; but have an eye toward the power of men and the outward advantage of wealth, these are often attentive to those employments which appear profitable, even though the gains arise from such trade and business as proceed from the workings of that spirit, which is estranged from the self-denying life of an humble contrite Christian.

While I write on this subject, I feel my mind tenderly affected toward those honestly disposed people, who have been brought up in employments attended with these difficulties.

To such I may say, in the feeling of our heavenly

Y

Father's love, and number myself with you, O that our eyes may be single to the Lord! may we reverently wait on him for strength to lay aside all unnecessary expense of every kind, and learn contentment in a plain simple life.

May we in lowliness submit to the leadings of his spirit, and enter upon any outward employ which he graciously points out to us, and then whatever difficulties arise in consequence of our faithfulness, I trust they will work for our good.

Small treasure to a resigned mind is sufficient. How happy is it to be content with a little, to live in humility, and feel that in us, which breathes out this language, Abba! Father.

If that called the wisdom of this world, had no resemblance of true wisdom, the name of wisdom, I suppose, had not been given to it.

As wasting outward substance to gratify vain desires, on one hand; so slothfulness and neglect on the other, do often involve men and their families in trouble, and reduce them to want and distress. To shun both these vices is good in itself, and hath a resemblance of wisdom; but while people thus provident, have it principally in view to get riches and power, and the friendship of this world, and do not humbly wait for the Spirit of Truth to lead them in purity; these, through an anxious care to obtain the end desired, reach forth for gain in worldly wisdom, and in regard to their inward state, fall into divers temptations and snares. And though such may think of applying wealth to good purposes, and to use their power to prevent oppression, yet wealth and power are often applied otherwise; nor can we depart from the leadings of our holy Shepherd, without going into confusion.