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the moment, as being equal to the others in beauty; nor was it thought to accord with her general taste, as the flower in question was of a crimson hue. Her mother remarking this to her, she replied, "O mother! then you do not see what I see, for it reflects beauty on all the rest. That rich crimson colour reminds me of the precious blood of Christ; its size, transparency, and fulness, remind me of the love, purity, and allsufficiency of my blessed Redeemer. Examine its petals-view the vast number of veins in each! How expressive of the channels of Divine grace! What entire perfection is impressed on every leaf!" Her mother, fearing she would exhaust herself, proposed to take the whole of the flowers and put them in water. Caroline sweetly asked permission to examine the others also, which was granted. She then commented, with great eloquence, on each one; and concluded by repeating, "Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." The flowers were then gathered up to be removed, but she desired they might be put in a flower pot, and placed where she could view them. After the removal of the flowers, it was observed that she had retained the bud of a small white cluster-rose, which she held in her fingers. After a silence which lasted for a considerable time, Caroline at length said, "Mother, look at this," holding up the rose-bud. She paused, as if she wished her mother to say some. thing. "My daughter," said her mother, "I suppose you discover some similarity between that bud and yourself." Caroline smiled. Her mother observed that the rose-bud was an emblem of youth and innocence. Caroline again smiled, and said, No, my mother, your thoughts and mine have not been the same this time, though we very generally think alike. But this little bud is emblematical of the grace that is now in my soul-(she then exclaimed)—to bloom, to expand in the garden of heaven!" In a short time afterwards, her mother discovered that Caroline was not so well as she had been, in which opinion their friends did not agree with her. In the evening, the fever increased, and her rest that night was not so good as for some nights immediately before.

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16th.-On the morning of this day, her fever was somewhat abated, but she was evidently weaker; yet perfectly tranquil and heavenly-minded. A pious friend called to see her in the forenoon of this day. She immediately began to tell her what the Lord had done for her soul-expressed great concern for the state of the church in Augusta-spoke, with great feeling, of the awful declension in religion-prayed that God would visit her native city with an outpouring of his Spirit-that he would stir up the church-members to greater zeal in the cause of Sion-and entreated that all who named the name of Christ might be less conformed to the fashion of the world, and more conformed to the simplicity of the gospel-that they might be made to frown on sinful amusements and all extravagant follies-and to exhibit, on all occasions, an example worthy of imitation, and expressive of the hope that is in them. She continued, by addressing all that were present, in substance as follows:-"I feel as if the Lord would visit Augusta with the most distinguished blessings, if Christians would only discharge their duty. Ile waits to be gracious to you. But, my dear friends, you must be more united-more like our blessed Saviour. Let me entreat you (be not offended with me because I am a child in years, compared with you), hear me, for I am deeply interested for your souls" best interests-pray frequently and fervently for a revival of religion, and God will hear you and give an answer of peace. Abound in good works, exercise holy faith in the Son of God, and he will bless you. You that are professors, are all bound by a solemn vow to serve the Lord; and you must do

it with devotedness of heart. He requires this of you, and to him you will have to render an account. Therefore, O professed followers of Jesus! be zealous in his cause."

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After the friends had retired, her mother expressed a fear that she had been too vehement-that the friends to whom she had been speaking were very pious persons, and might think the exhortation unnecessary, or might suppose that she conceived them to be lukewarm Christians. To this Caroline replied, O no, mother! I feel no fear that I went one step too far. My Saviour will not let me exceed proper bounds, when I am engaged in his service. Now, mother, will you excuse me if I tell you one thing? I wish to do it with great filial deference; and would not wish to wound your feelings in a single instance." Her mother then requested her to speak. She then said, in a most impressive manner, Mother, your faith is too weak. You must gird up the loins of your mind, and never be afraid of offending your friends by telling them the truth, if you can, by that means, advance or extend the Redeemer's kingdom. I used to admire your forbearance; but now I would rather see you come out boldly, and cast off all unprofitable fear. Her mother approved the sentiment, and thanked her for the advice; after which she said to her, "My daughter, you feel now as if you could perform every duty with case; but if you recover, you will find it no easy task. If you again mix with the | world, you will have to encounter many temptationsthe flesh is weak-Satan is a subtle enemy--and often tempts us to be ashamed of what we know to be our duty. Caroline then, with gentle earnestness, exclaimed, "O mother, do not tell me so!" Then raising her eyes and hands, she said, "O blessed Saviour! let me die any death-let me die this moment-rather than that I should live to be ashamed to advance thy cause. No, my dear mother, there is no fear of those who devote themselves entirely to the service of God. He has promised (and the Lord is not a deceiver) that he will sustain his children-that none shall be able to pluck them out of his hands. If God be for us, who shall prevail against us? No; it is want of faith in His word that makes so many weak Christians. The world has too much to do with us, when we find duty difficult and heavy. If we live near to our heavenly Father, he will be near to us; and he will make the performance of every duty pleasant; for he has said, His yoke is easy, and his burden light."

Towards evening, she had more fever, and little or no sleep that night. She evidently endured considerable pain, but no complaint escaped from her lips.

17th.- About nine o'clock of this day, a most violent chill came on, which was succeeded by a higher fever than she had ever had before. Her sufferings were great, but not a murmur was she heard to utter. In the course of the day, a number of blisters were applied. She observed that she felt a new sensation in her head, different from what she had ever felt before, and, with great composure, requested that her hair might be removed. She desired her mother to go and consult her father on the subject. This was done: on which Dr. Smelt exclaimed, with considerable agitation, "Not her hair! not that beautiful hair! Go and tell her that I cannot consent to the loss of it, unless it should be absolutely necessary. Ask the physicians to come to me." Two of them went to him; and afterwards returned to Caroline, and stated exactly to her what her father had said. She smiled, and said, "I did not know before that my dear father attached so much importance to my hair. Will you please to tell him, that I feel an unusual degree of heat about the head, and a very strange sensation in

it that I do not like. I think it may, in some measure, arise from the great profusion of my hair, and might possibly be relieved by its removal. Tell him, I am desirous to preserve my mental powers to the last, that I may speak my Maker's praises, in a sane mind, with my latest breath. Tell him, that if I recover, the same power that has clothed my head so abundantly, can and will do it again, should it be necessary. Her mother conveyed this message to her husband, who directed her to assure his daughter that neither of the physicians considered this measure necessary; and, unless she insisted on its being done, he could not consent to it, but hoped she would recover without resorting to this unpleasant remedy. When Caroline received this information, she placidly smiled, and said, "My dear father shall be indulged in this tenderness. God is all-sufficient, and in him is my confidence. Though I think it proper to use the means which He has afforded us, still they will be unavailing, unless He choose to give them efficacy. He can cause a drop of cold water to do me more good, my medical friends, than all the drugs you give me.' She had a very sick night, but was thought better towards morning. 18th.-During this day, great langour came on her whole system, and more blisters were applied. Nevertheless, her fever increased, though she felt no chill. Her mother observed to her, "My beloved child, your sufferings are very great. Caroline replied, with a sweet smile, "No greater, my mother, than I can bear. Although I feel, and feel sensibly, the chastening rod, still I am enabled, through Divine grace, not only to bear it with calmness, but to kiss the rod with holy gratitude, and bless the hand which inflicts the stripes. Before I was afflicted, I went astray. My heart was as hard as the rock in the wilderness which Moses smote, and it became necessary that it should feel the rod; and God, who doeth all things well, smote it, and hath caused it to overflow with living waters. What if this frail body should have to suffer a little while? Did not the blessed Saviour suffer much more? Yes, more than human language can express, to redeem me from endless woe. I suffer deservedly; but He gave himself a willing sacrifice for sin." Her mother then said to her, "My dear child, your meekness and pious submission to the will of God, endear you tenfold to my heart." To this Caroline replied, "It is only another instance, my mother, among many, of the goodness of God to us both. Such an example of suffering patience is held up to my view in the person of Jesus Christ, as dissolves my heart. He gave His precious life to ransom my soul; and ought I to complain of my light afflictions, which are but for a moment, and will be followed by a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory? My gracious Lord will not inflict one unnecessary pain. He will enable me to sustain, to the very last, every affliction or trial which is necessary to the health of my immortal soul." Then, pointing with her finger to the Bible, she continued," What has He said in Isaiah xli. 1-3? 'But now, thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not; for I have redeemed thee I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee! When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned. neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.' These promises fill my heart with Divine joy. I have the most perfect confidence in them, and feel not the smallest doubt of their fulfilment in my behalf. O, Heavenly Parent! thy tender mercies towards me are not to be numbered, nor can they be conceived." She continued very ill through the whole of that

day. Cataplasms were again applied to the soles of her feet.

19th. This morning she appeared rather better, until the chill returned. When she felt the first symptoms of it, she observed to her mother that she was well pleased. Her mother was much alarmed, because she apprehended that her daughter had not strength sufficient to enable her to live through it; but Caroline endeavoured to comfort her.

Within a short time afterwards, symptoms accompanying the fever pointed to the necessity of blistering her head. When her hair was removed, she expressed great satisfaction. She observed that many persons might suppose that she would feel some mortification at the loss of her hair, but that she felt none. "I wish," said she, "my dear father may feel as conposed as I do." She then desired a friend to hold it up to her view. She said, as she looked on it, “I did not think there was such a quantity. (It was more than a yard long, of a dark glossy brown colour, and very thick.) Well, it will never again fatigue my poor arms to comb, curl, and dispose of it fancifully. Had I kept it, I should never, I hope, have spent so much precious time in that way again; but it is all over now. Put it away; my parents will wish to see it." She soon afterwards fell asleep, and did not awake till near bed-time; expressing regret that she had slept so long, but was too feeble to speak much. She appeared very composed through the remaining part of the night.

20th. This morning, she appeared to revive a little. She desired her mother to read a portion of Scripture to her. After reading sundry passages, at length the following was read in her hearing, viz., Isaiah x. 22, "The consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness." No sooner were these words repeated, than she laid her finger on her mother's hand, giving her a look full of expression, and said "Mother, do you understand that?" repeating the words with great emphasis. "Will you go and read them to my father?" Her mother went, but found him asleep, with a fever on him. She did not awake him, but returned and told her his situation. Caroline then requested her not to forget to do it when he should awake. "Do not be uneasy, my dear mother; the Lord will not, I think, remove my father at this time. His sickness is not unto death." Her mother then said to her, "My beloved Caroline, you are very ill, how are your feelings to-day? Is your faith as strong in the Lord Jesus as ever? Are you as willing to depart? and are your views of Divine mercy as great, as clear as they have been?" She replied, with a countenance beaming with Divine love, "Just the same; just the same. My heavenly Father has never left me; and whether I live or die, it will be to the glory of God." She said much more, which cannot be recollected; but every sentiment which she expressed breathed the strongest confidence, and sweetest resignation to the will of God.

(To be continued.)

Correspondence.

PREDICTION, &c., OF BISHOP JAMES USHER.

To the EDITORS of THE BRITISH Friend. ESTEEMED FRIENDS,-If you would have the kindness to insert, in your forthcoming miscellany, the following, copied from a work in my possession, you would very much oblige, yours, SINCERUS.

The year before the primate's death, I sent to him, and earnestly desired him to grant me in writing his

apprehensions of justification and sanctification by Christ, because I had formerly heard him preach upon these points, wherein he seemed to make those great mysteries more intelligible to my mean capacity than any discourse I had heard from others; but by reason I had an imperfect memory of the particulars, I took the boldness to importune him, that he would please to give me a brief account in writing, whereby I might the better imprint them on my memory, of which he would willingly have excused himself, by declaring his intentions of not writing any more, adding, that if he did write anything, it should not exceed a sheet or two. But upon my continued importunity, I at last obtained his promise.

He coming to town some time after, was pleased to give me a visit, where I failed not to challenge the benefit of his promise made to me. To which he replied, that he had not writ, and yet could not charge himself with any breach of promise." For," said he, "I did begin to write; but when I came to write of sanctification, that is, of the new creature which God formeth by his Spirit in every soul which he doth truly regenerate, I found so little of it wrought in myself, that I could speak of it only as parrots, by rote, and without the knowledge and understanding of what I might have expressed; and therefore I durst not presume to proceed any further upon it."

When I seemed to stand amazed to hear such a humble confession from so great and experienced a Christian, he added, "I must tell you, we do not well understand what sanctification and the new creature are. It is no less than for a man to be brought to an entire resignation of his will to the will of God, and to live in the offering up of the soul continually in the flames of love as a whole burnt-offering to Christ; and how little," says he, "are many of those who profess Christianity experimentally acquainted with this work on their souls.'

By this discourse I conceived he had very excellently and clearly discovered to me that part of sanctification which he was unwilling to write. I then presumed to inquire of him what his present apprehensions were concerning a great persecution which should fall upon the church of God in these nations of England, Scotland, and Ireland, of which this reverend primate had spoken many years before, when we were in peace and settlement. On my reasoning with him relative to this predicted persecution, this holy man, he adds, turning to me, and fixing his eyes upon me with that serious and ireful look when he spake God's word and not his own, and when the power of God seemed to be upon him, and to constrain him to speak, which I could readily discern much to differ from the countenance wherewith he usually spoke to me, he said thus -"Fool not yourself with such hopes," alluding to his friend hoping that it might be past, "that those nations of ours have been already punished much less than our sins deserve. 1 tell you," answered the archbishop, all you have seen have been but the beginning of sorrows to what is yet to come upon the Protestant churches of Christ, who will, ere long, fall under a sharper persecution than ever yet has fallen upon them; and therefore," says he to me, "look you be not found in the outward court, but a worshipper in the temple before the altar; for Christ will measure all those who profess his name, and call themselves his people; and the outward worshippers he will leave out, to be trodden under foot of the Gentiles. The outward court,' says he, "is the formal Christian, whose religion lies in performing the outside duties of Christianity, without having an inward life and power of faith and love uniting them to Christ; and these God will leave to be trodden down and swept away by the Gentiles. But the wor

shippers within the temple and before the altar are those who do indeed worship God in spirit and in truth; whose souls are made his temples, and he is honoured and adored in the most inward thoughts of their hearts, and they sacrifice their lusts and vile affections, yea, and their own wills, unto him; and these God will hide in the hollow of his hand, and under the shadow of his wings."

He adds, "This shall be one great difference between this last, and all the other preceding persecutions; for in the former, the most eminent and spiritual ministers and Christians did generally suffer most, and were most violently fallen upon; but in this last persecution, these shall be preserved by God, as a seed to partake of that glory which shall immediately follow and come upon the church, as soon as ever this storm shall be over; for, as it shall be the sharpest, so it shall be the shortest, persecution of them all, and shall only take away the gross hypocrites and formal professors; but the true spiritual believers shall be preserved till the calamity be overpast.'

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MORE SIGNS OF PROGRESS.

DEAR FRIENDS,-As the following circumstance forms an approximation to Friends' principles, it may be interesting to the readers of The British Friend. I had it from a person who was present, and I give it in her own language:

To the EDITORS of THE BRITISH FRIEND.

"A meeting of communicants from different churches dependent minister, from Blandford, presided. He is took place at Wareham lately. Mr. Keynes, the Inabout eighty years of age, and is the oldest dissenting minister we have in the county. The body of the meeting-house was full; I suppose there were hundreds

present.

Before the bread and wine were handed sat in silence for at least ten minutes. I don't know round, he said, 'Let us sit a while in silence.' So we that I ever felt a more solemn opportunity. In that silence, many were so affected that they were melted into tears."

Does not such an occurrence proclaim, as with a loud voice, the willingness of the Saviour to bless the silent worshipper who looks unto Him?

Your friend,

"PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE."

B.

To the EDITORS of THE BRITISHI FRIEND. RESPECTED FRIENDS,-Without wishing unduly to infringe upon your pages, I may perhaps be allowed, through the medium of your Journal, to invite the attention of Friends to a subject which appears to demand increased care on the part of the Society at large. I am aware the matter to which I allude, has not unfrequently engaged the attention of Friends of much more extended experience than myself, and I regret that it has not been taken up by those more capable of rendering service to the cause.

The right training of our youth has ever obtained a large measure of care amongst us, and frequent advices have been issued by the Yearly Meeting in furtherance of this object; but it appears to me that an increased degree of circumspection, on the part of parents or guardians, is required in the placing out of apprentices, and the sending of young persons to the metropolis.

Instances are, unhappily, not of rare occurrence, in which youths, placed in London, are subjected to its many temptations, without the extension towards them, by their elder friends, of that kind oversight, which might prove so conducive to their preservation and encouragement in the path of rectitude.

I believe it is a generally received opinion, that some professions and trades cannot be so well acquired in a country locality as in London, and under this impression, many parents are induced to place their sons where they imagine the opportunities of acquiring a knowledge of business to be superior. Whilst I consider that these advantages have been greatly overrated, I would submit to the impartial judgment of Friends, the inquiry, as to whether the prospect of any temporal advancement should be allowed to out-balance, in their estimation, the evils that may be apprehended in situations so unavoidably exposed?

We know that many masters, rightly concerned for the proper training and advancement of those placed under their care, from being non-residents at their places of business, are not in a position to exercise that personal influence and oversight which they could desire; consequently, the youths thus left unguarded, are, when not employed in business, in imminent danger of yielding to the allurements which surround them, of cultivating the acquaintance of unsuitable companions, and of being induced to enter with them into many of the extravagancies of London life.

When lads are sent to London, especial care should be taken on the part of parents, guardians, or Monthly Meetings, that an introduction accompany them to some Friend in the locality in which they are placed, who would feel interested in their welfare, and be likely to extend some oversight until they are recommended to a Monthly Meeting. Some time not unfrequently elapses before a certificate is forwarded, and youths, if not placed amongst Friends or under their care, are in the interim left to follow the bent of their own inclinations, which too often prove of a dangerous character to themselves, and a source of much uneasiness to their friends.

The dangers attendant upon placing the children of Friends with those not in religious profession with us, are in all places great, but more especially so in London, where instances have occurred, of youths having resided there for months without the knowledge of Friends. This has arisen in measure from their neglect of the attendance of meetings; and not unfrequently, the first intimation of their presence in the metropolis is given by the receipt of a certificate on their behalf. Great responsibility is in this way thrown on the Friends resident in London, and it is no matter of surprise, that so many delinquents should be found amongst our young people; and when we consider the serious disadvantages under which they labour, we cannot but arrive at the conclusion, that due and proper care is not exercised by their friends, in thus subjecting them to temptation, without at the same time recommending them to the notice of Friends.

I shall rejoice if this subject should claim the attention of Friends in London and its vicinity, and I would submit for their consideration, whether the anxiety experienced on behalf of many of our juvenile members, would not be much lessened by the formation of a committee of suitable Friends in each of their meetings, for this especial purpose. I doubt not the labours of such would be amply repaid. Committees of this kind might be of great service to Friends in the country, in affording a ready means for inquiry as to the eligibility of situations offered for their children; and I feel convinced, that in many instances this interchange of sentiment would result in Friends placing their sons in country situations, rather than exposing them to the morally impure atmosphere of the metropolis. N. N.

LONDON, 10th Month, 16th, 1850.

THEY are seducers and anti-Christs who draw your minds out from the teachings within you.-G. Fox.

THE TEMPERANCE REFORMATION. To the EDITORS of THE BRITISH FRIEND. DEAR FRIENDS,-The letter in your last number from "An Abstainer," appears to me calculated to mislead Friends on the subject of Temperance, as treated by the Bristol Monthly Meeting. The writer insinuates, that the Meeting opposed the Temperance movement, whereas the objection only applied to the specific mode of carrying it out; feeling considerable fear lest the practice of forming Total Abstinence Societies within our own borders should lay a burden on the church, which neither its Great Head, nor our own governing body, ever saw it needful to impose; and might have a tendency to promote division rather than union, by the extension of that spirit of judging brethren who do not see eye to eye on this question, which is already at work; and which, if not yet carried so far as to be a test of fitness for membership, has been to the extent of estimating the suitability of individuals for offices or appointments in the church, by the fact of their being Teetotallers or otherwise.

In my apprehension, the letter of your correspondent is an additional confirmation of the soundness of the judgment of the Bristol Monthly Meeting; if he intends what he says, in reference to Friends attending in spite of the conditions of the use of the meeting-house. This implies, at all events, that conceiving the meeting to be opposed to the movement, they nevertheless set that judgment at nought, and determined to meet in opposition thereto, consequently for contention and strife, rather than to the use of edifying. You ought to Friends attending the meeting, they were encouraged to be informed, that so far from opposition being made to do so, with the understanding, that in so large a gathering as it was expected to be, it was undesirable, with a view to the harmony of the Body, to enter into any discussion, but rather quietly to receive what the Friends might have to communicate for their consideration. Notice of the meeting was also given from the table, by the Clerk of the Quarterly Meeting.

tion," which is a further indication of this judging Your correspondent speaks of the "illiberal restricspirit; whilst on this head there is no just ground of complaint, inasmuch as all that was asked, was the use of the meeting-house for certain Friends to address their fellow-members on the subject of Temperance; and if the parties had any ulterior object, they endeavoured carefully to conceal it from the meeting; nevertheless, in the sound exercise of their discretion for the good of the church, the meeting attached a restriction, which, it afterwards appeared, was really called for.

As an individual, I cordially unite in the conclusion come to; being convinced that the judging and dividing to which I have alluded, have been the effect of this especial movement; and I greatly fear lest it should end in a separation from the Body, similar to that which has so grievously afflicted our American brethren, from the injudicious advocacy of most important subjects.

In conclusion, I wish to state that I have no intention of being led into a discussion on this subject; but seeing that your correspondent has, in my opinion, given an unfair version of the matter, I think it due be correctly informed.—I am, to you and the Body at large, that you and it should with kind regards, yours truly, JAMES DIX.

BRISTOL, 10th Month, 5th, 1850.

ON THE LABOURING CLASSES BECOMING
MEMBERS OF OUR SOCIETY.

To the EDITORS of THE BRITISH FRIEND. RESPECTED FRIENDS,-If a few ideas, which the writer deems of some importance for our consideration as a Society, may not be thought objectionable, I will thank

be

you to give them a place in The British Friend; where I would invite the sentiments of others, who may better prepared to speak to the subject:-On the labouring classes becoming members of our Society. My observation has led me to the belief, that the way in which they have been received amongst us, has not always worked well. If an individual is convinced of our principles and testimonies, and Friends are satisfied he is one with us in principle, surely his place is amongst us; and such, doubtless, help to complete "the building fitly framed together." But when an object is made of taking him up out of his sphere, and frequently to place him at the tables of the social parties of those in different circumstances, &c., I have observed that it falls short of the brotherly-kindness intended; and where often repeated, introduces him into the new difficulty of preserving contentment in his own legitimate calling; and by thus unduly drawing his mind in this direction, weakens it for the only object which should attract him to us.

In giving these hints, I feel that I am on delicate ground; knowing well that one of our great principles is, to maintain that every class are equally valuable with Him whose ways are all equal; and therefore, that our love should equally spread over all; and wherever we can do a real kindness, there is our privilege and duty. But having observed the loss to some of the class alluded to, in looking out too much for secular elevation, I have thought they have sometimes proved a weight and care, instead of a strength to us; and I have not been without fearing that, connected with this over care, an honest heart seeking for the good old paths, may, from want of circumspection on our part, have been kept back from a place amongst us. Another operating discouragement to the reception of some, may have been, that the families of such individuals have been made the care of the Society. Ought it not to be made known in some way, that we are open to receive all for their religious benefit, but not for their worldly advancement? For, if it be an evil for them to be in lowly circumstances, so is it also for the labouring classes generally. Then I think we should have a wholesome accession to us, and not less so, because they are poor. They have a bright side, let them turn it to their fellow-poor in contented good management, in the situation allotted them by Providence. Yet I would be understood, as by no means wishing to interfere with the judgment of any Friend, in bringing forward an individual as he may see good. We have all our several duties to perform, both religious and secular.

And now, if not trespassing too much on your space, I would wish to advert to another little matter arising out of the foregoing. Whence come all those nice distinctions observable amongst us? more especially, perhaps, among the female part of the Body, of class, rank, &c.; the acute sense, that I am somewhat superior, and therefore must not be too familiar? Should an individual be secretly tendered and convicted by the power of Truth, in a greater or lesser degree, I would affectionately ask such a one, Canst thou, in the spirit of true love, find it in thy heart to cast a shade upon the spirit of one with whom thou mayest have just united in worshipping our Father in heaven?-I remain, yours, &c. A. B.

THANK GOD.-"A lady applied once to the late benevolent Richard Reynolds of Bristol, on behalf of an orphan. After he had given liberally, she said, 'When he is old enough, I will teach him to name and thank his benefactor.' 'Stop,' said the good man, thou art mistaken; we do not thank the clouds for the rain. Teach him to look higher, and thank Him who giveth both the clouds and the rain.""-Select Miscellanies.

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Reviews.

THE HISTORY of the SOCIETY of FRIENDS in AMERICA. By JAMES BOWDEN. Vol. I., Part First. London: C. GILPIN, 5, Bishopsgate Without. 1850. Pp. 98. THE first part of this history has just reached us. Its perusal has afforded us very considerable satisfaction, both as regards the matter of the work, and the author's manner of dealing with it. While it would be premature to offer any opinion on the merits of a history thus issued in parts, we augur favourably of the whole from the specimen now before us. The volume is embellished, and rendered additionally informing and interesting, by several maps and facsimiles of the handwriting of some of our Early Friends.

We can scarcely pass from the work without observing, that we have been especially pleased with the author's handling of the New England persecutions. Some may, probably, think him severe; but we consider him not more severe than just. We can only afford room in this number for the following extracts, on the subject of Friends in those days being led, from a sense of religious duty, to declare the Truth in Steeple-houses, &c. It has often been to us matter both of wonder and regret, to find some of our own members disposed to censure the conduct of the Early Friends in this respect. We are, therefore, well satisfied, that our friend, James Bowden, has thus prominently noticed, and set the matter in its true light :

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"During the civil wars in the time of Charles I., it was no uncommon practice for the laity, and even for soldiers, to preach in the public places of worship, and with the sanction of the civil power. Sir John Cheke, when High Sheriff of in his sheriff's robe and gold chain of office. The rigid PresOxfordshire, preached at the University at Oxford, dressed byterians of Scotland, however, never admitted the liberty; and during Cromwell's victorious campaign in that country in 1650, the Scotch ministers expressed their dissatisfaction with him for opening the pulpit doors to all intruders;' to which he returned this memorable reply, We look on ministers as helpers of, not lords over, the faith of God's people. I appeal to their consciences, whether any, denying their doctrines or dissenting from them, will not incur the censure of a sectary. And what is this but to deny Christians their liberty, and assume the infallible chair? Where do you find Though an approbation from men has order in it, and may in Scripture that preaching is exclusively your functions? be well, yet he that hath not a better than that hath none at all. I hope He that ascended up on high, may give his gifts to whom he pleases, and if those gifts be the seal of missions, are not you envious, though Eldad and Medad prophesy? You know who has bid us covet earnestly the best gifts, but chiefly that we may prophesy; which the apostle explains to be a speaking to instruction, edification, and comfort, which the instructed, edified, and comforted, can best tell the energy and effect of.

Your pre

"Now if this be evidence, take heed you envy not for your own sakes, lest you be guilty of a greater fault than Moses reproved in Joshua, when he envied for his sake. Indeed you err, through mistake of the Scriptures. Approbation is an act of convenience, in respect of order, not of necessity, to give faculty to preach the gospel. tended fear, lest error should step in, is like the man that would keep all the wine out of the country, lest men should be drunk. It will be found an unjust and unwise jealousy to deny a man the liberty he hath by nature, upon a supposition he may abuse it. When he doth abuse it, then judge.' And in answer to the governor's complaint, that men of secular employments had usurped the office of ministry, to the scandal of the reformed churches, he queries, Are you troubled that Christ is preached? Doth it scandalize the reformed churches, and Scotland in particular? Is it against the covenant? Away with the covenant if it be so. I thought the covenant and these men would have been willing that any should speak good of the name of Carist; if not, it is no covenant of God's approving, nor the kirk you mention, the spouse of Christ.'"*

*Cromwell's Letters and Speeches, by Thomas Carlyle, vol. i. p. 61.

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