object, or reject that true calmness of life in which the mind and judgment may be clear and active; yet let us remember calmness does not imply lethargy, supineness, or a selfish love of ease. Our Lord's will and devotion to that should be our leading and controlling principle day by day. In many circumstances our being equally ready to take up a difficult work, or one more agreeable to nature, may be the test required of our real obedience and allegiance to the cause of our Lord.

"3rd. mo. 20th. There appears to be at present a correspondent feeling among different Friends of sincere minds and religious character in favour of the use of devotional readings. It is thought that the use of means consonant with sincerity may be more generally adopted among us to real profit. Some theological works there are, indeed, that evince so little life that they do not seem to awaken that feeling we want in reading them; whilst others, both meditative and instructive, convey a savour which it is truly grateful to feel, and the benefit of which, through such mediums as these, we ought not to neglect. Oh! let it ever be our sole aim to seek in everything the advancement of religion in our own minds, and the minds of others, and only value outward means as they are subservient to this all-important end.

How much have I to be thankful for, in having been so greatly preserved from that tremulous uncertainty, apprehension, and reasoning, as to whether or not my occupation is just about the right thing, which has at times, in days past, been so depressingly felt on some occasions; not particularly in important concerns, but in daily occupation. Amongst many imperfections in mind

and conduct, one thing particularly I must lament, and that is the lack, in myself and others, of deeper and more perpetual exercise of mind in meetings. The outward eye too much intercepts the inward exercise. We look on each other as we meet in going in; and, though there is but little appearance of gazing, or unsettlement of that kind, in meeting; yet it is evident that the spiritual exercise is too much neglected. But, oh! I fear lest those who should be as elders, and ministers, and leaders of the people should be really more blamable than others, in that their important post is not more livingly watched. There is also, I fear, too much leaning toward favourite ministry in some that checks the disposition to seek for the prevalence of life when without these aids.

"I wish that we had some small social meetings for open conference on subjects of spiritual interest, for instructive reading, and for Christian retirement together; something correspondent with what was said of them that feared the Lord, spake often one to another, and the Lord hearkened and heard it; and a book of remembrance was written before him, and they shall be mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels.'

"Will such assemblies, such social meetings, of those who long to be in all things the sincere disciples of Jesus, be formed among the members of one religious class of society, or will they be between Christians in heart of various names?

"We cannot but allow that the members of our own society may often retain their principles outwardly, when in heart they are not one in the principle, only avoiding immorality, and prefering,

1

on the whole, to retain a place as members of the Society.

"Some further bond among those whose minds are fully bent on the attainment of entire redemption would, I think, be a great advantage. Some meetings for helping and strengthening one another by peculiar sympathy and united exercise and conversation on subjects of eternal interest might, I should hope, be favoured with the Redeemer's presence and help, if kept in true humility, and in the fear of the Lord.

"Labour in the work of translation is, I fully believe, to me a sacred duty, and must not be deserted. Oh Thou, whose is the greatness and the power! who canst do all things, and order all after Thine own will, if Thou seest that it is only the weakness of nature, in myself or others, that obstructs this good work, and causes to shrink from its difficulties, give more, O heavenly Father! of life and feeling in Thy cause; and give us to be willing to make whatever effort is called for, to be Thine instruments in opening even the first and most outward of the gates of knowledge to those for whom Thou hast given us to feel.

"3rd mo. 29th. What cause have I to be thankful for the love and unity of dear friends, and for the belief that way will be opened in time for all that my heart holds most dear-the Christian education of little children, and the advancement of the cause of Christian education in society at large. In this concern, I trust that disposition will be cherished, that seeks 'glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill towards

men.'

"It seems wonderful to feel my present state of health and reviving strength, when I look back to my last visit to the colony of Sierra-Leone. My way appeared clear for returning, at the time I concluded to return; yet the awful scene at sea induced close feeling, as to whether the season had been enough taken into view. Through all Divine Providence has brought me by His pleasure. Oh! that added life, and a return even as from the brink of the grave, may be devoted to His service; and that in all the care that may arise for education or other right concerns, the very first object may, from day to day, be watchfulness over my own heart, and desire after increasing preparation for the heavenly kingdom.

"It is necessary that young missionaries should have a time of trial, under oversight, before they leave England. I am much impressed with the belief, that a very sedentary and studious life is not favourable as a preparation for missionary enterprise. There should be more occupation for both body and mind, as to exertion for others. The habit is too much that of ease and quietness for the subsequent difficulties of a missionary station. If they could be practised in surgery, carpenter's work, gardening, printing, book-binding, &c., it would be valuable to them. Missionaries would, I think, have more effectual success, if they could present a little community of farmers, spinners, weavers, joiners, and the simple arts of life, and teach schools, and give religious instruction at the same time. They should show in such a community how people may provide themselves with all the necessaries of life easily, and have to spare for others. How I should delight to see such a

preparatory station in England, and a few, both English and Africans, dwelling in it. They might each learn also all things necessary to provide for themselves food, and clothing, and shelter. Might not a school for young children, even wholly apart from any missionary view, be attached to such an establishment, as the Moravian boarding-schools are to their settlements? May I not trust that Divine Providence will direct in this work, and that the sadness of heart now felt for poor Africa may one day be turned to rejoicing, when we can see such an establishment as is wanted for them here, and see the glorious work of scriptural translation, and the interesting concern of the education of little children going on at the same time? O! Thou who seest the sufferings of that oppressed people! who seest also the darkness of the mind, and the difficulties which those who have been concerned to dwell among them find in labouring for their good, be pleased to aid us by Thy guidance, and strengthen us by Thy power, that we may see, and feel, and willingly move in this Christian and righteous cause. Help us also to pursue the great object of education on a principle that shall be right in Thy sight, and teach us to look upon all mankind as the children of one almighty and most merciful Father.

"6th mo. 9th. I have feelings of sadness through a sense of the difficulty of doing good to Africa, yet my heart is still bound to the cause. Oh! that our friends would meet, and enter into consideration of these engagements. I think I could, with equal willingness, be either at a station here or in Africa, only let Friends be united in what they think best. Many discouragements are pre