trade; and to speak as favourably as may be, with regard to continuing those in bondage who are amongst us, we cannot say there is no partiality in it for whatever tenderness may be manifested by individuals in their life time toward them, yet for people to be transmitted from a man to his posterity, in the helpless condition of slaves, appears inconsistent with the nature of the Gospel spirit. From such proceedings it often follows, that persons in the decline of life, are deprived of monies equitably due to them, and committed to the care, and subjected to the absolute power, of young inexperienced men, who know but little about the weakness of old age, nor understand the language of declining life.

viour, "But all their works they do for to be seen of men."

That Divine light which enlightens all men, I believe does often shine in the minds of children very early, and humbly to wait for wis dom, that our conduct toward them may tend to forward their acquaintance with it, and to strengthen them in obedience thereto, appears to me to be a duty on all of us.

By cherishing the spirit of pride, and the love of praise in them, I believe they may sometimes improve faster in learning, than otherwise they would, but to take measures to forward children in learning, which naturally tend to divert their minds from true humility, appears to me to savour of the wisdom of this world.

Where parents give their estates to their children, and then depend on them for a If tutors are not acquainted with sanctificamaintenance, they sometimes meet with great tion of spirit, nor experienced in an humble inconveniences; but if the power of posses- waiting for the leadings of Truth, but follow sion thus obtained, often reverses the obliga- the maxims of the wisdom of this world, chiltions of gratitude and filial duty, and makes dren who are under their tuition, appear to me manifest that youth are often ignorant of the to be in danger of imbibing thoughts and aplanguage of old age, how hard is the case of prehensions reverse to that meekness and lowancient negroes who, deprived of the wages liness of heart, which is necessary for all the equitably due to them, are left to young peo-true followers of Christ. ple, who have been used to look upon them as their inferiors.

For men to behold the fruits of their labour withheld from them, and possessed by others, and in old age to find themselves destitute of those comfortable accommodations, and that tender regard, which their time of life requires; When they feel pains, and stiffness in their joints and limbs, weakness of appetite, and that a little labour is wearisome, and still behold themselves in the neglected uncomfortable condition of a slave, and oftentimes to a young unsympathizing man;

For men to be thus treated from one generation to another who, besides their own distresses, think on the slavery entailed on their posterity, and are grieved, what disagreeable thoughts must they have of the professed followers of Jesus! and how must their groans ascend to that Almighty Being, who "will be a refuge for the oppressed."

ON SCHOOLS.

"Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them

not, for of such is the kingdom of God." Mark x. 14. To encourage children to do things with a view to get the praise of men, to me appears an obstruction to their being inwardly acquainted with the Spirit of Truth. For it is the work of the holy Spirit to direct the mind to God, that in all our proceedings we may have a single eye to him; to give alms in secret, to fast in secret, and labour to keep clear of that disposition reproved by our Sa

Children at an age fit for schools, are in a time of life which requires the patient attention of pious people, and if we commit them to the tuition of those whose minds we believe are not rightly prepared to "train them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord," we are in danger of not acting the part of faithful parents toward them; for our heavenly Father doth not require us to do evil, that good may come of it; and it is needful that we deeply examine ourselves, lest we get entangled in the wisdom of this world, and through wrong apprehensions, take such methods in education, as may prove a great injury to the minds of our children.

It is a lovely sight to behold innocent children; and when they are sent to schools where their tender minds are in imminent danger of being led astray by tutors, who do not live a self-denying life, or by the conversation of children who do not live in innocence, it is a case much to be lamented.

While a pious tutor has the charge of no more children than he can take due care of, and keeps his authority in the Truth, the good Ispirit in which he leads and governs, works on the minds of such who are not hardened, and his labours not only tend to bring them forward in outward learning, but to open their understanding with respect to the true Christian life. But where a person has charge of too many, and his thoughts and time are so much employed in the outward affairs of his school, that he does not so weightily attend to the spirit and conduct of each individual, as

to be enabled to administer rightly to all in due season; through such omissions he not only suffers, as to the state of his own mind, but the minds of the children are in danger of suffering also.

To watch the spirit of children, to nurture them in Gospel love, and labour to help them against that which would mar the beauty of their minds, is a debt we owe them; and a faithful performance of our duty, not only tends to their lasting benefit, and our own peace, but also to render their company agreeable to us.

love in us. Thus in pure obedience, we are not only instructed in our duty to God, but also in the affairs which necessarily relate to this life, and the Spirit of Truth which guides into all truth, leavens the mind with a pious concern, that "whatsoever we do in word or deed, may be done in His name."

Hence such buildings, furniture, food and raiment, as best answer our necessities, and are the least likely to feed that selfish spirit. which is our enemy, are the most acceptable to us.

In this state the mind is tender, and inwardly watchful, that the love of gain draw us not into any business which may weaken our love to our heavenly Father, or bring unnecessary trouble to any of his creatures.

Instruction thus administered, reaches the pure witness in the minds of children who are not hardened, and begets love in them toward those who thus lead them on; but where too great a number are committed to a tutor, and he, through much cumber, omits a careful attention to the minds of the children, there is a danger of disorders gradually increasing amongst them, until the effects thereof appear in their conduct, too strong to be easily re-dium of labour is very much departed from. medied.

A care hath lived on my mind, that more time might be employed by parents at home, and by tutors at school, in weightily attending to the spirit and inclinations of children, and that we may so lead, instruct and govern them, in this tender part of life, that nothing may be omitted which is in our power, to help them on their way to become the children of our Father, who is in heaven.

Meditating on the situation of schools in our provinces, my mind has at times been affected with sorrow, and under these exercises it has appeared to me, that if those who have large estates were faithful stewards, and laid no rent, or interest, or other demand, higher than is consistent with universal love; and those in lower circumstances would, under a moderate employ, shun unnecessary expense, even to the smallest article, and all unite in humbly seeking to the Lord, he would graciously instruct us, and strengthen us, to relieve the youth from various snares in which many of them are entangled.

Thus the way gradually opens to cease from that spirit which craves riches and things fetched far, which so mixes with the customs of this world, and so intrudes upon the true harmony of life, that the right me

As the minds of people are settled in a steady concern, not to hold or possess anything 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.

On the right use of the Lord's outward gifts. As our understandings are opened by the pure light, we experience that through an in- The mutual love subsisting between the ward approaching to God, the mind is strength- faithful followers of Christ, is more pure ened in obedience; and that by gratifying those than that friendship which is not seasoned desires which are not of his begetting, these with humility, how specious soever the apapproaches to him are obstructed, and the de-pearance. ceivable spirit gains strength.

Where people depart from pure wisdom in These truths being as it were engraven one case, it is often an introduction to depart upon our hearts, and our everlasting interest from it in many more; and thus a spirit which in Christ evidently concerned therein, we be- seeks for outward greatness, and leads into come fervently engaged, that nothing may be worldly wisdom to attain it and support it, gets nourished which tends to feed pride or self-possession of the mind.

In beholding the customary departure from simple and plain, than that which Christ leads the true medium of labour, and that unneces- his sheep into, necessarily requires a supsary toil which many go through, in support-port, for which pure wisdom does not provide; ing outward greatness, and procuring delica- hence there is no probability of our being “a cies; in beholding how the true calmness of peculiar people, so zealous of good works, as life is changed into hurry, and how many, by to have no fellowship with works of darkness," eagerly pursuing outward treasure, are in great while we have wants to supply which have danger of withering as to the inward state of their foundation in custom, and do not come the mind; in meditating on the works of this within the meaning of those expressions, spirit, and on the desolations it makes amongst "your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have the professors of Christianity, I may thank- need of all these things." fully acknowledge, that I often feel pure love Those things which he beholds to be neces beget longings in my heart, for the exaltation sary for his people, he fails not to give them of the peaceable kingdom of Christ, and an in his own way and time; but as his ways are engagement to labour according to the gift above our ways, and his thoughts above our bestowed on me, for promoting an humble, thoughts, so imaginary wants are different plain, temperate way of living: a life where" from those things which he knoweth that no unnecessary cares or expenses may en- we have need of." cumber 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.

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.

When the prophet Isaiah had uttered his vision, and declared that a time was coming wherein "swords should be beaten into plough. If those whose minds are redeemed from shares, and spears into pruning-hooks, and the love of wealth, and who are contented that nation should not lift up sword against with a plain, simple way of living, find that nation, neither shall they learn war any more;" to conduct the affairs of a family, without giv 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

ing countenance to unrighteous proceedings, or having fellowship with works of darkness, the most diligent care is necessary;

If customs, distinguishable from universal righteousness, and opposite to the true selfdenying 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 govern ment of Christ; if this be the case, how lamentably do they expose themselves to tempt ations, 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.

fic no farther than justice and equity evidently accompany them; that we may give no just As mankind, though descended from one cause of offence to any, however distant, or parent, are divided into many families, and as unable to plead their own cause; and may trading to sea is greatly increased within a continually keep in view, the spreading of the few ages past; amidst this extended com- true and saving knowledge of God and of his merce, how necessary is it that the professed son Jesus Christ, amongst our fellow-creatures, followers of Christ keep sacred his Holy which through his infinite love, some feel to be name, and be employed about trade and traf-1 more precious than any other treasure.

CONSIDERATIONS ON TRUE HARMONY.

CHAPTER I.

On serving the Lord in our outward employ

ments.

UNDER the humbling dispensations of the Father of mercies, I have felt an inward labour for the good of my fellow-creatures, and a concern that the holy Spirit, which alone can restore mankind to a state of true harmony, may with singleness of heart be waited for and followed.

I trust there are many under that visitation, which, if faithfully attended to, will make them quick of understanding in the fear of the Lord, and qualify them with firmness to be true patterns of the Christian life, who, in living and walking, may hold forth an invitation to others, to come out of the entanglements of the spirit of this world.

united to him who has all power in heaven and in earth; and though a woman may forget her sucking child, yet will he not forget his faithful ones.

The condition of many who dwell in cities has often affected me with a brotherly sympathy, attended with a desire that resignation may be laboured for; and where the holy Leader directeth to a country life or some change of employ, he may be faithfully followed; for under the refining hand of the Lord, I have seen that the inhabitants of some cities are greatly increased through some branches of business which his holy Spirit doth not lead into, and that being entangled in these things, tends to bring a cloud over the minds of people convinced of the leadings of this holy Leader, and obstructs the coming of the kingdom of Christ on earth as it is in heaven.

That which I feel first to express is, a care for those who are in circumstances which ap- If we indulge a desire to imitate our neighpear difficult, with respect to supporting their bours in those things which harmonize not families in a way answerable to pure wisdom, with the true Christian walking, these entanthat they may not be discouraged, but remem-glements may hold fast to us, and some who ber that in humbly obeying the leading of in an awakening time, feel tender scruples Christ, he owneth us as his friends; "Ye are with respect to their manner of life, may look my friends if ye do whatsoever I command on the example of others more noted in the you;" and to be a friend to Christ, is to be church, who yet may not be refined from

every degree of dross; and by looking on these examples, and desiring to support their families in a way pleasant to the natural mind, there may be danger of the worldly wisdom gaining strength in them, and of their departing from that pure feeling of Truth, which if faithfully attended to, would teach contentment in the Divine will, even in a very low estate.

One formerly speaking on the profitableness of true humility, saith, "He that troubles not himself with anxious thoughts for more than is necessary, lives little less than the life of angels; whilst by a mind content with little, he imitates their want of nothing." Cave's Primitive Christianity, page 31.

the eye, or cut off the hand, is attended with sharp pain; and how precious is the instruction which our Redeemer thus opens to us, that we may not faint under the most painful trials, but put our trust in him, even in him who sent an angel to feed Elijah in the wilderness; who fed a multitude with a few barley loaves, and is now as attentive to the wants of his people as ever.

The prophet Isaiah represents the unrighteous doings of the Israelites toward the poor, as the fruits of an effeminate life; "As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them; what mean ye that ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor, saith the Lord God." Then "It is not enough, says Tertullian, that a he mentions the haughtiness of the daughters Christian be chaste and modest, but he must of Sion, and enumerates many ornaments as appear to be so: a virtue of which he should instances of their vanity, to uphold which, have so great a store, that it should flow from the poor were so hardly dealt with, that he his mind upon his habit, and break from the sets forth their poverty, their leanness and inretirements of his conscience, into the super- ability to help themselves, in the similitude of ficies of his life." Same book, page 43. a man maimed by violence or "beaten to "The garments we wear, says Clemens, pieces," and forced to endure the painful opeought to be mean and frugal-that is true sim-ration of having his face gradually worn away plicity of habit, which takes away what is in the manner of grinding. vain and superfluous; that the best and most solid garment, which is the farthest from curiosity." Page 49.

I may here add, that at times, when I have felt true love open my heart towards my fellow-creatures, and been engaged in Though the change from day to night, is weighty conversation in the cause of rightby a motion so gradual as scarcely to be per-eousness, the instructions I have received unceived, yet when night is come we behold it der these exercises, in regard to the true use very different from the day; and thus as peo- of the outward gifts of God, have made deep ple become wise in their own eyes, and pru- and lasting impressions on my mind. dent in their own sight, customs rise up from the spirit of this world, and spread by little and little, until a departure from the simplicity that there is in Christ, becomes as distinguishable as light from darkness, to such who are crucified to the world.

I have beheld how the desire to provide wealth, and to uphold a delicate life hath grievously entangled many, and been like snares to their offspring; and though some have been affected with a sense of their difficulties, and appeared desirous at times to be helped out of them; yet for want of abiding under the humbling power of Truth, they have continued in these entanglements; for in remaining conformable to this world, and giving way to a delicate life, this expensive way of living, in parents and in children, hath called for a large supply, and in answering this call "the faces of the poor" have been ground away and made thin through hard dealing.

Our holy Shepherd, to encourage his flock in firmness and perseverance, reminds them of his love for them; "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you; continue ye in my love;" and in another place he graciously points out the danger of departing therefrom, by going into unsuitable employments. This he represents in the similitude of offence from that useful active member, the hand; and to fix the instruction the deeper, he names the right hand; "If thy right hand offend There is balm, there is a physician; and thee cut it off and cast it from thee:"-If thou | O what longings do I feel that we may emfeelest offence in thy employment, humbly brace the means appointed for our healing; follow him who leads into all Truth, and is a know that removed which now ministers cause strong and faithful friend to those who are re- for the cries of many people to ascend to heasigned to him. ven against their oppressors, and that we may see the true harmony restored.

Again, he points out those things which appearing pleasant to the natural mind, are not best for us, in the similitude of offence from the eye; "If thy right eye offend thee pluck it out, and cast it from thee." To pluck out

Behold "how good and how pleasant it is, for brethren to dwell together in unity." The nature of this unity is thus opened by the apostle, "If we walk in the light, as He [God]