am satisfied, that the more these are concerned to have their lamps trimmed, and their lights burning, the less they will be moved by what may be going on in the earth. For it is a co sequence of the truth, where it has the full government, to make its followers unchangeable. It is itself so, and all they who come to live in it, are grounded and settled on an unchangeable foundation. And though they see all things change around them, they have a holy habitation unmoved; and pro tected by him that has all power in heaven and in earth. Now, those who enter this holy and heavenly habitation, they are redeemed from the spirit and love of this world; and they know, that as the kingdom of their Lord is not of this world, so neither is theirs; and though they are subject to every ordinance of man, for conscience sake, yet they are not in the spirit or measures of the kingdoms of this world. They may see the govenrments of men turn and overturn, but on their part they nei ther build up nor pull down; neither their upnor joys nor their sorrows depend upon the measures of this world; but only and alone upon the dispensations of their Divine Master. I wish not to tire my reader by speaking of the state of a dedicated follower of Christ; but I much desire that my fellow professors of the same faith, as we believe we are called to lift up an ensign to the nations, even the ensign of peace, may be so guarded as to keep separate from every measure which may in any degree disqualify for this important service.And I have no doubt but, whatever persecutions and trials may come upon us, through the mistaken policy of men, for our faithfulness to the testimony of the Gospel spirit, we shall in the end, if we keep our places, have to rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. THE END. INTRODUCTION. THE CHRISTIAN'S BELIEF. Page The society of Friends believe that Jesus Christ, The Messiah spoken of by the prophets, is the SON OF GOD. That he is the only mediator between God and man. In the necessity of obedi ence to his doctrines according to the Scriptures. That the Scriptures were written under the direction of his spirit, and can only be understood by those who live in obedience to the same- That man is a free agent, and that the means of salvation are DIVINE REVELATION THE GROUND AND PRINCIPLE FROM WHICH THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD IS TO BE OBTAINED. THOSE WHO COME TO FIND THIS PRIN- CIPLE, WHICH IS OFFERED TO ALL, MAY AFTER. CONCERNING THE SCRIPTURES. Scriptures not the WORD OF GOD. The word of God, as A divine gift. No human talents can qualify for the ministry, without this gift. Bestowed upon females as well as males. The apostle instructs females how to appear in the exercise of their gifts. Speaks with approbation of some of them. Ministers not to be paid for their labours, or preach by contract.. Indispensable duty publicly to assemble to worship the Living God. Qualification to worship to be waited for. No well-foun ded objection can be raised against silent meetings. Scripture instances of waiting upon God. Friends not alone in their belief OF PRAYER AND SPIRITUAL SINGING TO THE LORD. 45 Prayer should not be neglected. Scarcely an act less unders stood, and none more abused than prayer. Christ the only prop er instructor. He instructed the disciples. The first sentence of the compendium he taught, requires a preparation. The phari sees and their prayers condemned. True prayer is an entrance into, and concurrence with, the Divine Mind. Singing of hymns and spiritual songs not of necessity ocal. Singing that is ac ceptable to the Almighty, must proceed from that which is pure in the heart, even from the Divine Life. The use of instruments of music, or artificial singing in the worship of God, not warran- It is a living principle, which no human means can beget in us. By it the elders obtained a good report. Until we have OF SANCTIFICATION AND JUSTIFICATION. Entire justification must be because of entire sanctification. Page Friends believe perfection is enjoined. It is considered under REWARDS AND PUNISHMENTS. The Saviour of men has taught this doctrine. This doctrine One day in seven set apart for divine worship. The Jews were Friends do not believe it is enjoined upon Christians by the ON THE COMMUNION; OR CEREMONY OF THE LORD'S The communion of Christ not an outward partaking of bread Swearing unreasonable in itself and contrary to the command the 6T 72 78 84 88 104 107 · 110 ban pillar in the gospel is the spirit of non-resistance. The he primitive believers in Christ adopted a form of govern 121' 232 |