How thankful should we be for hearts and hands at liberty to serve, in the lowest offices, in the cause of religion and humanity!

"It is almost mysterious to me to have my mind so much at rest as I have of late, without knowing whether Africa will be my allotment in the ensuing autumn or not. The rest seems to be in resignation to what may be unfolded. I would pray for the continuance of this resignation until my way be more evidently opened.

"In taking long walks I often feel that the effects of the Sierra-Leone fever still remain, in the relaxation of my knees. Yesterday I was reminded of a former state of general weakness many years ago, from which I was under a necessity of relinquishing much active exertion, and keeping more to retired occupation. Yet these were perhaps what were then more immediately required of me. May not the lack of greater ability for active engagements, even in visiting the poor, be a kind provision to call the attention to pursuits in which the immortal nature is more immediately concerned, yet not forgetting nor omitting necessary duties, in looking to their physical wants, and doing the little part that I may in helping them. The habitations of the poorer classes should not be wholly unfrequented by any Christian who has ability to visit them; and if we can visit others, we may visit them. Might not all Christians, if they took a part in the distribution of tracts and children's books, greatly lighten each other's labours, and, by Divine help, be instrumental of effectual good, even without encroaching on time which should be otherwise occupied ?

"6th mo. 18th, 1830. During the latter part of

the time of yearly meeting, I thought I saw clearly how Friends could, in perfect consonance with the principles of truth they profe,ss engage in instruction in heathen lands; and since that time, in the letter of J. Hughes, to the Bible Society committee, I see signs of a nearer approach in others to our own principles of spiritual worship; so that if life be given, it does appear likely that, even in our short day, we may be permitted to see Christians of various classes uniting more closely in the awful engagement of Divine worship, and in the sacred work of public religious instruction.

"I have, with J. Hughes, hoped for the realization of his views, in both seeing the acknowledgment of spiritual worship in others as well as our own Society, and in seeing also Christians of various names unite in one harmonious band for this solemn purpose. I have also read, in the Religious Tract Society's Magazine, the account of a monthly distribution of tracts to all families who will receive them. This is admirable. How could I desire to see this done for every family in some given district, rich and poor. The giving would be much more simple and easy than even lending, if funds can be found, and none would have to complain of dirty tracts. This, and some other home duties, seem fully before me, particularly that of children's meetings, on the principle of various classes uniting but probably all must be left until the paramount duty to Africa is accomplished; how sweet would be the thought of returning to these precious duties! I would not seek my own will, but the will of my Father which is in heaven. My own natural will would, I think, lead to reasoning, and concluding that it were best to remain

here until some further duties were accomplished, and then I might go, feeling it of still less moment whether life were resigned in Africa or here; that, however, would be reasoning on a wrong foundation; our Father needs us not; His own designs can be accomplished in His own way, and any individual agent He may be pleased to employ may soon be removed, yet He can raise up another. Our business is to seek to move and act in His will.

"This morning I heard with joy that J. Raban is to return soon from Sierra-Leone, and to go back again after the rainy season. This is the mark which I sought to receive of its being the will of Providence for me to go out at this time, and I will try to be resigned to whatever may befall me there, as to proceeding to Liberia or not. I have affectingly felt the prospect of separation from beloved friends and interestingly pleasant engagements, in works of Christian benevolence here.

"A public meeting has been called this week for the poor of Spitalfields. It was my lot to take a part in the religious engagement, and although help was sweetly extended at the time, I had a lesson to remember in not rising soon enough; and I thought afterwards that it would be right to take care that in the prospect to Sierra-Leone I do not, through needless doubts and delays, impoverish my own mind, and lose the strength which, if simple obedience be yielded, might be mercifully imparted.

"Ah! why in the cause of Africa should a mournful thought be permitted as to any deprivations on the way! I trust that now it appears clear to my mind that it is right to go, and that all

painful feelings will be surmounted by those of rest in the Divine will. And may peace and thankfulness be the clothing of my mind, in the prospect of being, in the least degree, employed for the Redeemer's cause.

"Never will my heart relinquish the sacred truth we hold, that the way of salvation is open to all, and that none need perish; still the heart in which the love of the Redeemer dwells does not feel at rest without seeking to extend light and knowledge, and to call on others in various ways, to come, and taste, and see that the Lord is good, and that blessed are they whose trust is in Him.

“In our meeting this day, and on first day evening, we were permitted to feel a deep silence, which is truly a high privilege. Oh! how gratefully ought we to prize the opportunity of thus assembling, and thus entering into a silence that may be felt— a silence in which the presence of the Most High is known, and in which His truth rises into dominion. On looking back to the years in which this privilege has been known, although I have much unwatchfulness to acknowledge, I do feel cause of thankfulness that light has so far prevailed as it has done in these assemblies. I long for the extension of this privilege of silent worship to every class who acknowledge Christ as their spiritual leader, and who seek the life-the power of religion, rather than professions and forms. There is a movement, and there will be a yet greater movement toward the acknowledgment of this spirituality of worship.

"I wish that publications containing examples of piety were spread among all classes of society. The rich and the middle classes need this as much

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as the poor. All are immortal, and all are poor, if they have not the food that nourishes the soul; and all are unhappy, if communion with the Source of life and love be not open. Oh! that Friends may deepen in spiritual feeling, and not rest in mere negative divestment of some errors under which others suffer. What we need is the humbling, quickening power of life in our meetings, and on our spirits when out of meetings. This is what would lead to a precious and gathering influence in the circles in which we move, whether they be rich or poor.

"I wish for myself and my friends to consider and to feel what is the right direction for me. I know the winds and waves are fearful, and the climate fearful, but it is far more fearful not to obey the voice of the Lord, when that voice is clearly made known. I have believed that it would be right to pursue the work of translation in whatever way it could best be done. Should the direction be evidently first towards the coast, He who knoweth all things sees that if I can trust my heart I would not shrink from proceeding alone in the ensuing autumn. I have no right to choose the path of least outward danger, as such; but ought rather to wait on the Lord, that He may enlighten and strengthen my heart.

"Oh! that I may in mercy be permitted to see my right path, and to follow the leadings of Heavenly love, whatever they may be. Teach me, oh Thou Parent of all the families of men! teach me to dwell deep under Thy fear, and so rest under the shadow of Thy wings as to feel Thy lovingkindness, O Lord! and know indubitably, if it please Thee, and witness the concurring testimony