possess any thing but what may be held consistently with the wisdom which is from above, they consider what they possess as the gift of God, and are inwardly exercised, that in all parts of their conduct they may act agreeably to the nature of the peaceable government of Christ.

A little supports such a life; and in a state truly resigned to the Lord, the eye is single to see what outward employ he leads into as a means of our subsistence, and a lively care is maintained to hold to that, without launching further.

There is a harmony in the several parts of this divine work in the hearts of people: he who leads them to cease from those gainful employments, carried on in that wisdom which is from beneath, delivers also from the desire after worldly greatness, and reconciles the mind to a life so plain, that a little suffices.

Here the real comforts of life are not lessened. Moderate exercise, in the way of true wisdom, is pleasant both to mind and body.

Food and raiment sufficient, though in the greatest simplicity, is accepted with contentment and gratitude.

The mutual love subsisting between the faithful followers of Christ, is more pure than that friendship which is not seasoned with humility, how specious soever the appearance.

Where people depart from pure wisdom in one case, it is often an introduction to depart from it in many more; and thus a spirit which seeks for outward greatness, and leads into worldly wisdom to attain it and support it, gets possession of the mind.

In beholding the customary departure from the true medium of labour, and that unnecessary toil which many go through, in supporting outward greatness, and pro

curing delicacies; in beholding how the true calmness of life is changed into hurry, and how many, by eagerly pursuing outward treasure, are in great danger of withering as to the inward state of the mind; in meditating on the works of this spirit, and on the desolations it makes amongst the professors of Christianity, I may thankfully acknowledge, that I often feel pure love beget longings in my heart, for the exaltation of the peaceable kingdom of Christ, and an engagement to labour according to the gift bestowed on me, for promoting an humble, plain, temperate way of living: a life where no unnecessary cares or expenses may encumber our minds, or lessen our ability to do good; where no desires after riches, or greatness may lead into hard dealing; where no connexions with worldly-minded men, may abate our love to God, or weaken a true zeal for righteousness: a life wherein we may diligently labour for resignedness to do and suffer whatever our heavenly Father may allot for us, in reconciling the world to himself.

When the prophet Isaiah had uttered his vision, and declared that a time was coming wherein "swords should be beaten into ploughshares, and spears into pruninghooks, and that nation should not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more;" he immediately directs the minds of people to the Divine teacher in this remarkable language: "O house of Jacob, come ye and let us walk in the light of the Lord."

To wait for the direction of this light, in all temporal as well as spiritual concerns, appears necessary; for if in any case we enter lightly into temporal affairs, without feeling this Spirit of Truth to open our way therein, and through the love of this world proceed on, and seek for gain by that business or traffic, which is not of the

Father, but of the world," we fail in our testimony to the purity and peace of his government, and get into that which is for chastisement.

This matter hath lain heavy on my mind, it being evident, that a life less humble, less simple and plain, than that which Christ leads his sheep into, necessarily requires a support, for which pure wisdom does not provide; hence there is no probability of our being "a peculiar people, so zealous of good works, as to have no fellowship with works of darkness," while we have wants to supply which have their foundation in custom, and do not come within the meaning of those expressions, "your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things."

Those things which he beholds to be necessary for his people, he fails not to give them in his own way and time; but as his ways are above our ways, and his thoughts above our thoughts, so imaginary wants are different from those things which he knoweth that we have need of."

As my meditations have been on these things, compassion hath filled my heart toward my fellow-creatures, involved in customs, which have grown up in the wisdom of this world, which is foolishness with God." O that the youth may be so thoroughly experienced in an humble walking before the Lord, that they may be his children, and know him to be their refuge, their safe unfailing refuge, through the various dangers attending this uncertain state of being.

If those whose minds are redeemed from the love of wealth, and who are contented with a plain, simple way of living, find that to conduct the affairs of a family, without giving countenance to unrighteous proceedings,

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CONSIDERATIONS ON THE RIGHT USE, &c.

or having fellowship with works of darkness, the most diligent care is necessary;

If customs, distinguishable from universal righteousness, and opposite to the true self-denying life, are now prevalent, and so mixed with trade, and with almost every employ, that it is only through humble waiting on the inward guidance of Truth, that we may reasonably hope to walk safely, and support an uniform testimony to the peaceable government of Christ; if this be the case, how lamentably do they expose themselves to temptations, who give way to the love of riches, conform to expensive living, and reach forth for gain, to support customs which our holy Shepherd leads not into.

CONSIDERATIONS

ON THE TRUE HARMONY OF MANKIND; AND HOW IT IS TO BE

MAINTAINED.

FIRST PRINTED IN THE YEAR 1770.

"And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people, as a dew from the Lord, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men." Micah v, 7.

INTRODUCTION.

As mankind, though descended from one parent, are divided into many families, and as trading to sea is greatly increased within a few ages past; amidst this extended commerce, how necessary it is that the professed followers of Christ keep sacred his holy Name, and be employed about trade and traffic no farther than justice and equity evidently accompany them; that we may give no just cause of offence to any, however distant, or unable to plead their own cause; and may continually keep in view, the spreading of the true and saving knowledge of God and of his Son Jesus Christ, amongst our fellow-creatures, which through his infinite love, some feel to be more precious than any other treasure.

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