Theatre. A school of vice and profligacy. The, 126. | War Notice of the testimony of Mennonites against Notice of the concern and efforts of Friends ing performances of the, in Philadelphia, and The objections of the Church to, 294. Testimony of an actor to the immorality of the, Remark on the pleasure the, will give on the The proposed publication in France of an essay Notice of a suicide consequent upon the attend- Thoughts. If we would be saved, we must conquer Through heights and through depths. Essay entitled, Timber. On the destruction of, by fungi, 86. Tithes. Notice of the refusal of many persons in Notice of the sufferings of Oliver Sansom for Toad-stools and their allies. Observations on, 154. Tobacco. A seller of, rebuked, 36. The use of, an offence against refinement, 60. A few more words in reference to, 99. Tongue. On the tasting power of different parts of A benumbing of the, caused by the Gymnema Tract Association. Notice of recent publications of repository. Report of David Heston on the pub- Trap. A natural, to animals in California, 46. Trust funds. On the danger of tampering with. 182. On the dangers from imperfect ventilation in Turkish Christians. Notice of the existence of a body Unitarian Association. Notice of resolutions of, 62. Conference. Notice of the denial of Christian United States. Statistics of the rainfall in, and com- Statistics of the number of members of different University of Pennsylvania. Notice of the discontinu- Uses of earthly trouble and grief. Essay entitled. Vail family. On the genealogy of the, 109. to Berks County, Pa. A, 74. to Egg Harbor City, N. J. Notice of a, 122. Visitations of Divine grace extended to those young in Volcano of Krakatoa. Notice of the eruption of, in Von Beckum Maria. Notice of the martyrdom in in Burmah, actively promoted by American | Whittier John G. Extract from a letter of, 102. The prevention of, by victory over individual On the horrors of, and the awful responsibility 151. Declaration of Lord Brougham on the crime of, On the present gigantic preparations for, in Eu- Protest against increasing preparations for, by So called Christian nations the most active pro- Remarks on the fortification mania in the U. S. On applying the Golden Rule to nations, 269. Notice of circular of American Peace Society, On the noble example of a country, resolving Christian converts in the South Seas convinced If religious bodies would do their duty in regard The independence of Hawaii retained without, The clergy of the Church of England provide The fruitless results of the Crimean, and its Comments on an Anti-christian speech of a On the waste of money attending the expendi- Warnings. Remarks on, given to men in Divine good- Warrington Hannah. Brief notice of the ministry of, Watchfulness unto prayer. On the duty of, 259. Water. of others over us for evil may be blessed to our On the preservative effects of sea, 21. A stream of water from a steam pump, proposed Notice of wild animals found on the farm of, 78. Notice of the opening of the, in the new build- Remarks on the destruction of the old building, Remarks in reference to financial statements of, Notice of the condition of, at a recent visit by Western Friend, The. Demand of, to The Christian Voyages. Extract entitled. The two, 157. Waiting upon God. On the duty of, 28. favor of arbitration, 7. Notice of the germination of, in ice, 215. On the different natures of worldly and heav- Wistar Thomas. Brief notice of, 1. Mary. Brief notice of, 1. Jesse. Remarks on the death of, 401. Wives. Hints to husbands on the treatment of their, 54. Woodruff Judge of New Jersey. Remarks on a feature Wool. On obtaining a valuable fat from, 6. Word of God. Essay entitled. The, 107. The objections of the Church Yearly Notice of a legal decision, upon shouting in On the preciousness of silent, 116. On the necessity for a fervent silent exercise of One of the stratagems of Satan in regard to, Incident connected with drowsiness in meetings Account of a meeting for, of Friends, held 60 Meeting. Baltimore, 1886. Notice of pro- Canada, 1886. Notice of proceedings of, 23. Information and comments respecting a law- Remarks on the cause of the 211. separation in, Comments on the above, 272. 1886. Remarks on the Conference of Comments on the encouragement of a paid Kansas (smaller body), 1886. Notice of pro- Kansas (larger body), 1886. Notice of proceed- London, 1770. Extract from an epistle of, on London, 1885. Remarks on the feeling in, Remarks on the formal character of the Notice of a late minute of the Meeting for 1887. Notice of proceedings of, 375. New England (larger body), 1886. Notice of Notice of a proposition for a conference by 1887. Notice of proceedings of, 391. North Carolina, 1886. Notice of proceedings Ohio (Binn's body), 1886. Notice of the action Yearly Meeting. Ohio. Notice of the baptizing with | Yearly Meeting. Philadelphia, 1887. Notice of the water of members of the, 70. 135. Ohio, 1886. Notice of proceedings of, 87. Epistle of, to Friends who are contending for the original principles of the Society, 156. Philadelphia. Comments on the course of, 151. 159, 170. 211. 215. 318. 1745. Advices of the, of women Friends, 291. proceedings of, 303. 311. 1887. Notice of rules adopted by, respecting certificates of removal, 320. Western (smaller body), 1886. Notice of proceedings of, 87. Western (larger body), 1886. Notice of action of, respecting the Sugar Grove lawsuit, 31. Notice of proceedings of, 87. Yearly Meeting correspondence. Remarks on, 211. 229. 275. Yearly Meeting Conferences held in 1849, 1851 and 1853. Notice of, 318. Youth. On the importance of self-control in 255. On the necessity of husbanding the physical resources in, 356. A PUBLISHED WEEKLY. A Religious and Literary Journal. Price, if paid in advance, $2.00 per annum. Subscriptions, payments and business communications, received by JOHN S. STOKES, AT No. 116 NORTH FOURTH STREET, UP STAIRS, PHILADELPHIA. ARTICLES DESIGNED FOR INSERTION TO BE ADDRESSED TO JOSEPH WALTON, Entered as second-class matter at Philadelphia P. O. Selections from the Diary of Abigail W. Hall. (Continued from page 410, vol. lix.) Eighth Mo. 6th, 1835. Our Quarterly Meeting. Had the company of our aged friend John Letchworth; also Thomas and Mary Wistar. It was very strengthening to have the company of such dear friends. It will not be long ere the fathers and mothers will be removed: may the preparing hand be laid upon others for the work. Think I never felt our testimonies dearer than this day. May the beauty of this world be stained in our view yet more and more. E. Robson spoke very sweetly to the young people, respecting what are termed "little things." She desired we might be willing to take off and put on whatever was required of us, so that which was as a partition wall between us and our God might be removed. Until there is faithfulness in little things, there never can be an advancement in greater. J. Letchworth spoke to a state present, which was ready to exclaim, "O my leanness! my leanness!" Freshly to his remembrance had been brought the faith of the poor lame man who was waiting to be healed of his infirmity. When Jesus inquired of him, if he would be made whole, his answer was I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool:" but what was the reply; "Rise, take up thy bed and walk." He believed this language would be addressed to some present who were waiting for, and looking unto their dear Master. I have remembered the remarks of a dear mother in Israel, long since removed to her everlasting home, viz: She "had often been led to view an assembly such as our Quarterly Meeting, collected under the solemn profession of being spiritual worshippers; sitting in outward silence before the Lord, and apparently waiting only upon Him. Oh, the awfulness wherewith I have often beheld these meetings, while my eye has affected my heart; and the language forcibly arisen, let us be as we appear; let us gather to the Source of unfailing help; fully believing that if all were properly engaged in feeling their wants, and the only way of having them supplied, the united breathings would ascend as pure incense, and the lifting up of the heart be as an accept able sacrifice." Ninth Mo. 17th. Never more awakened to feel the necessity of true spiritual worship: may we "be as we appear!" We may deceive one another, but not that Being who sees us just as we are. Tenth Mo. 1st. E. C. ministered to a state SEVENTH-DAY, EIGHTH MONTH, 7, 1886. from which all good seemingly was excluded; 4th. First-day. Feel myself very much like Eleventh Mo. 1st. One more week has been allotted me; during which sacrifices have been made. None knowest but Thou, O Heavenly Parent, how very costly the ointment has been! Can indeed say, I have washed thy feet with tears this day. Sweet peace has been dispensed. 29th. Our Monthly Meeting held at Gwynedd. I can but fear that this precious privilege of assembling for Divine worship is not prized and profited by us as it ought to be. I was made sensible of my own shortcomings; and can often wonder, with dear S. Grubb, "when better times will come to me." Had the company of our friends Joseph and Rebecca Battey, who are now members of this Monthly Meeting, though residing at Friendsville, one hundred and sixty miles off. R. has a precious little gift in the ministry. She is, I believe, endeavoring to occupy with the talent committed to her. I can enter into feeling with the little ones; according to their faithfulness will their reward be. Her communications were short and instructive respecting fulfilling the first and second commandments. She also revived the account of Naaman, the Syrian; hoping we might be willing to receive the dear Master in the way of his coming, not looking for something greater. She feared the language of some present was, "Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel?" E. C. had a short communication respecting the benefit resulting from trial and affliction. If rightly abode under, they tended to draw us nearer to God. When all things pass on smoothly, we are too apt to forget that here we have no continuing city. No. 1. them no greater joy. It would' sweeten for them many bitter cups, and it would also sweeten many for the children. E. C. was greatly exercised for a state present, who had in days past been much favored, but that no longer experienced the tender visitations of Divine love, as in the morning of their day; and were querying why it was thus with them. He desired such a one to remember, that He was a covenant-keeping God, and his part of the covenant would never be broken. He believed a renewed visitation was gone forth; they were spared a little longer; but if no fruit appeared the sentence would go forth, "Cut it down." It was a solemn communication. 15th. A season of quietness. I am afresh encouraged to enter into covenants, and strength craved to keep them. None know of my secret struggles. The language seemed to be, "unbosom to no mortal." 17th. Our friend Hinchman Haines, from Evesham, had an appointed meeting. His visit has been acceptable. He arose with, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.' Querying, "Where are the secret places of the Most High ?" "Was it not in the secret of the soul?" He believed there were those present who knew where it was to be found; and in times of trial these did witness an abiding under the shadow of the Almighty. To these his language was very sweet. Though seasons of darkness may be permitted, His covenant was with them; their prayer would be had in remembrance. The youth were not forgotten; especially those who had been led to look a little into the beauty of holiness, and whose minds were covered at times with a precious feeling, which they could not tell whence it came or whither it went. He had been comforted with believing there were those present who were endeavoring to own their dear Master in their lives and conversation, dress and address. Said the peace these would feel for every act of obedience, would more than compensate for all passed through. To parents he was excellent; first to the rightly concerned, then to those who were comparable to "The daughter of my people," who had "become cruel like the ostrich of the wilderness." 5th. Our Quarterly Meeting. We had the company of our friends David Cope and John Letchworth. D. C. was lengthy in communication, quoting the Scripture, "Strait is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, Twelfth Mo. 2nd. Monthly Meeting. Enand few there be that find it. Because wide is deavored to be found in my place; but was the gate and broad the way which leadeth to de- afresh given to feel what poor things we are of struction, and many there be that go in thereat." ourselves. E. C. ministered to the poor in spirit Enlarging instructively. Among other things-those that were hungering and thirsting after said, "we might lead good moral lives, and con- righteousness, and believed the promise to these duct our outward affairs with integrity, and yet would be realized: "They shall be filled." R. be pursuing the broad way." He showed the Scotton was concerned to set before us the cirdanger of making to ourselves idols; some make cumstance of Judas betraying his Lord and Masthem of silver and gold, and some even of their ter. He had even been a follower of Him; but persons. His concern for the young people was yielding to the enemy he could even do this. He great; persuading them to seek the Lord now in said the subject had felt very awful to him since the morning of their days; to deny themselves, we had been sitting together; that we had the and take up the daily cross, and to part with same unwearied enemy to contend with, who was all required; then would they be children of our ever busy: feared there were those present whom Heavenly Father. What a comfort and conso- the love of the world would, if they were not lation would it be to godly parents, to see their careful, cause to do the same. We all, more or children walking in the Truth! such could give less, had our weaknesses to contend with, and as we knew what they were, we ought to set a double watch on that part, and intercede for strength to overcome. He dwelt upon the danger of pursuing lawful things in an unlawful manner; of the weakness that had overtaken us as a society; and hoped we would all seriously inquire how far we were contributing thereto. 5th. The forepart of our meeting this morning, was to me a heavy season; but towards the close, my hard heart seemed broken, and made to overflow under a sense of tender mercy yet extended. O may I be assisted rightly to hunger and thirst for that true bread, which cometh down out of Heaven. 12th. On taking my seat in meeting this morning, there seemed a sweet covering over the mind; but for want of dwelling close with it, I was left to feel, "how frail I am." 19th. Afresh given to feel the privilege of silent waiting. (To be continued.) For "The Friend." Notes of a Southern Trip. (Concluded from page 411, vol lix.) Eastern Quarterly Meeting in North Carolina is composed of two Monthly Meetings-Rich Square, which is located to the west of the Chowan River, mainly in Northampton County, and Piney Woods, to the east of that river, the most of whose members live in Perquimons County. The two settlements are about 50 miles apart. In Rich Square Monthly Meeting, some of the more influential members early saw the inconsistency with our principles of the revival meetings and other proceedings of the "fast friends" who came among them; and through their faithfulness in opposing them, these departures from our ancient ways never obtained much foothold in that Monthly Meeting. God, we must hold fast to that belief so as to be a vessel where they can be kept well-moistened, The ministry of the early members of the So- Those who followed such teaching came to a practical acquaintance with the work of Divine Grace in themselves; and having their thoughts mainly turned to the heavenly anointing, had no further absolute need of the instructions of man. Thus they became rooted and grounded in Christ, and arrived at a settlement and stability in the Truth, which nothing else could give. After finishing our visit in Rich Square settlement, we were indebted to the kindness of a friend for conveying us about 50 miles to the Piney Woods neighborhood. The Chowan River In Piney Woods Monthly Meeting more liberty is crossed by a ferry at Winton. Here it is a was allowed to the operations and teachings of wide stream, and like most of those which run the modern school of so-called evangelists; and through low flat countries has a deep channel. for some time there seemed little obstruction to On its east bank it is bordered by a densely woodthe introduction of all those novelties which have ed swamp of about three miles in width. The greatly changed the character of our meetings in road through this (called here a Pocoson), is some parts of the country. Owing to the death mostly under water. It was a peculiar and very and removal of some of the most prominent ad- interesting experience thus to travel through the vocates of the new departure; and probably also water, on a narrow road-bed, bordered on each to the fact that the eyes of others had become side with trees, vines and shrubs, many of which opened to see that the measures that had been were strange to the eyes of a northern botanist. pursued were not in harmony with the doctrines Yet most of these, I afterwards met with in the of Friends; there has been a decided change in flat swampy lands which form so large a proporthat meeting on this subject. The testimony wetion of the country east of the Chowan River, received as to the effect which the "revival" and lying south of Norfolk. meetings had had among them, corresponded closely with that we had previously received when in Indiana. One of the leading elders of the meeting informed us, that they had been followed by coldness and indifference as to religion, the interest of the young people in their meetings had been much destroyed, most of the new converts had left them, and their week-day meetings were now not more than one-half of the size they were before those sensational movements were intro duced. The conversations we had with other Friends, elicited nothing contrary to these statements; but I believe tended to confirm their substantial accuracy. Indeed, the memoranda I preserved of some of the teachings delivered by those we met with in the course of our journey, quite prepares me to believe that such would be the result of a superficial ministry. Thus, on one occasion we were told, that it was the work of the enemy to cause us to doubt that we were the children of God; and that if we had once had a belief that we were admitted into a filial relationship with While a care was felt not to allow the mind to pe become absorbed with outward objects, which In the Pitcher plant of the South, or Trumpets, as they are sometimes called, the leaves grow erect, from one to three feet in height. They are hollow, as in the leaves of our side-saddle flower, but nearly round, and with but a slight winged margin. Over the open mouth at the top, a round hood projects. This species is said to have the same carnivorous tastes as its northern relative, but it was so early in the season when we saw it, that the leaves had not attained their full development, and were probably not yet ready to enter upon the business of entrapping and devouring their insect visitors. Yet they were most peculiar and interesting objects, and awakened an unexpected degree of enthusiasm in one of the company, who had before seemed rather insensible to many things which had strongly arrested my atttention. In the flat lands east of the Chowan, we met with rice-fields. This upland rice is probably a different variety from that grown in the swamps further south. The rice when we saw it (in the latter part of the Fifth Month) was about six inches high. The plant resembles oats, and the little clumps of green were arranged in rows, so as to allow of cultivating between them. In the more sandy parts of the land, sweet potatoes seemed to form an important part of the farm produce. They are used, not only for the table, but also to fatten hogs, who are turned into the field in the fall, and allowed to dig for themselves. This they are well able to do. Their snouts are long and pointed, and the apprenticeship they have served in rooting through the woods from their earliest days, must have rendered them expert in seeking for hidden food. In bringing to a close this series of "Notes,"I can scarcely omit to mention a species of Andromeda (A. speciosa) which grew in the woods near Belvidere, whose beauty impressed me strongly. It somewhat resembles our common New Jersey Stagger-Bush, (Andromeda mariana), but has a larger mass of flowers growing at the extremity of last year's branches. As I looked on the beautiful clusters of white bells, de pure pending from the slender twigs, I thought it was well worthy of a place among our ornamental shrubbery. J. W. For "The Friend." A Dangerous Dislocation. In the 36th number of "The Friend" is an account, which brought to my recollection the following occurrence: A physician residing in Starksboro, Vt., left his home in the morning for a day's journey on horseback. After travelling a few miles he fell in company with a stranger, also on horseback, and going in the same direction. Finding that Perhaps the most striking of these was the they would be travelling a number of miles on Southern Pitcher plant (Sarracenia flava). In- the same road, they concluded to keep each deed we found both species-this, and the com- other's company. While pleasantly conversing mon Side-saddle flower (Sarracenia purpurea) of and leisurely pacing along, his companion's horse, our New Jersey Cranberry bogs. The S. pur- without any apparent cause, stumbled and fell, purea has a cluster of leaves at the base which throwing his rider forward, who struck on his curve upward. These are hollow, with broad head and lay motionless. The physician found wings, and their mouths arched over with a round, the man was stunned and apparently lifeless, with heart-shaped hood. They are generally found his head turned to one side, and that it could not half-filled with a liquid which the leaf secretes, and be straightened. His neck was dislocated. Placwhich contains the bodies of numerous drowned ing his knees against the man's shoulders, he drew insects, in different stages of digestion, on which his head forward in the same direction in which the plant is supposed to feed, as well as on the it lay, until he felt the spinal column slip back material absorbed by its roots. If taken up with into its place; then carefully turned his head their roots and the adhering peat, and placed in around to its proper position. The injured man [ soon became conscious, and being raised up they For "The Friend." "Judge Not" Wrongfully. In speaking of the evils of the day, and of the adulterated religion which seems so insidiously mixed in with the pure, that the natural man cannot detect the difference, I have often met with the caution, "Judge not lest I should be judged." Christ says, "Judge not, that ye be not judged;" that is, "judge not in a way that will bring condemnation or judgment upon you." We find that He and the apostles and prophets, as well as all the holy men of old, were very bold in judging down the sins and evils of the world. But they were wonderfully persecuted for it. world are, in their generation, wiser than the chil- But in all ages of the world, there have been a true church and false one. Paul says, there "are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ;" and that "there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially they of the circumcision: whose mouths must be stopped." And if the living members of the true Church have no Divine authority over such, to judge down and to condemn them, of what use is our holy profession? Where is vital Christianity? where is the Church of God? and where is the beauty of holiness? Has not the gold in many places become dim, and the fine gold so changed that it has lost much of its weight and brightness? But amidst all the trying scenes which have been permitted to come upon us to try us, "verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily He is a God that judgeth in the earth." So ye who are ready to judge unrighteous judgments, cease to judge In our days, so many of those professing to those who are mourning over the desolations of be Friends have assimilated themselves with the Zion, that ye be not judged in that great and world, which loves its own, that a large portion notable day, when "God shall judge the world of us can walk hand in hand with it in brother-in righteousness by that man whom He hath orly harmony, and thus avoid the cross and hope dained." For the time will come "when the sinfor the crown, although causing the way of ners in Zion shall be afraid, and when fearfulness truth to be evil spoken of; while such as oppose shall surprise the hypocrites." If we have not the the innovations on our principles and ways, are Spirit of Christ, we are none of his, and are not lightly esteemed or judged down, as opposers of qualified to conduct the affairs of his Church, for the work of God. But Paul says to the natural "the natural man receiveth not the things of the man, "Thou art inexcusable, O man, whoever Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him. thou art, that judgest; for wherein thou judgest But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yea another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that the deep things of God." judgest doest the same things." So such as are condemning the older and more experienced ones for judging righteous judgments, would do well to take heed to the caution of our Saviour, where he says, "Judge not that ye be not judged." For thou that judgest the righteous, who sees things in the true light, and who would willingly warn thee to flee from the wrath to come, mayest not escape the judgment of Him who sees not as man sees. The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness." So I believe there is great danger of our being satisfied with holding the truths of God in unrighteousness-holding them in the head, but not in the heart-holding them in the letter, but not in the spirit. And there is a danger also, of judging others who are more in the light, for doing good deeds, while we ourselves are doing evil in darkness. But Christ says to his disciples, "Blessed are your eyes for they see; and your ears for they hear." While influential men, who are holding the truth in the head, and in an unrighteous heart, are going about to establish their own righteousness, it is no wonder that such should strive to silence all opposition, and say to us, "Judge not lest ye be judged, and found to be opposers of the work of religion." But how are we to know whether it is the work of God, or of the evil one, if the righteous are not permitted to judge by the spirit and power of the gospel; and by the living Word which is quick and powerful; and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Yet we see that every attempt that is made to judge down the popular but sin-satisfying religion is repulsed with great determination, and with a cry of, "Judge not lest we be judged." "For the children of this But if the Spirit of Christ is departed from in a church, and the spirit of man bears rule, then it ceases to be a Church of Christ, and He is no longer head over it; so the spirit of anarchy enters, and the beauty of holiness is lost; and the infallible judgment is gone. Then it is no longer prepared to give righteous judgments; neither is the living remnant, who have lost their control, but have still been kept in bondage under it, any longer bound by its decisions, while it remains in such an unhealthy condition. For the unrighteous are not to pass an availing judgment over the righteous, as their true light is gone, and the fellowship broken. An infallible judgment can only proceed from an infallible spirit; and such as have not that, had better judge not, lest they fall under condemnation. But such as have the pure and infallible spirit and power of God, which the apostles were in, have a right while they remain in that spirit, to judge down wrong things which are defiling the churches, and leading the unwary and the unstable into the broad way of the world. They have a right to judge even of the conscience, whether it be a seared one, or a tender one. They have a right to judge of religion, whether it be pure and undefiled, and of God; or whether it is defiled by a mixture of the deceit and hypocrisy of man. They have a right to judge of worship; whether it is in spirit and in truth, or whether it is merely to keep up a fair show in the world. They have a right to judge of spirits, and to try them by the Spirit, to see whether they are of God; as many false prophets have gone out into the world. They have a right to judge of faith, whether it is a living faith that overcomes the world, or whether it is dead faith without living works, which is easily overcome by the world. The same Spirit which led the apostles and holy men of old, would enable us, if we would in faith look to it, but more especially, the anointed elders, to judge of the ministry, and see whether it emanated from God, or from man; whether from the head, or from the heart; whether from the letter, or from the spirit. But without a portion of the unction from the Holy One, the elders are but "shining expletives," filling the place in name, but not in life and power. Hence a large portion of the ministry in many places, is giving more reproach than edification. So it needs the true and righteous judgment upon it, to show us whether it is in the demonstration of the spirit and power, or from the enticing words of man's wisdom. And as like begets its like, so if the ministry is light and unsound, the hearers will be apt to be light and unsound also. Hence they are easily blown about by every wind of doctrine. I dwell more on the subject of the ministry, because I believe that innovations in that line are destroying the Divine life more than any other one thing: and that, in the spurious ministry, where the true life is gone, a strong effort is made to substitute a human life and power, to supply the lack of the Divine. Hence the increasing demand and cry for an educated ministry, and a cultivated intellect; so as to keep up the form of godliness without the power. It may amuse the head, but not change the heart; nor save the soul: neither does it satisfy those who are hungering and thirsting after righteousness. But it does satisfy the unrenewed heart, because it has the enticing words of man's wisdom in it. And the world loves its own, so the world loves to hear it. And so far as a minister conforms to the world, and assimilates with it, so far he receives the applause of the world, and walks in the broad way with it. But if a more sedate and rightly concerned one should dare to raise a voice of warning against these things, he is often met with the repulsive answer of "Judge not, lest ye be judged.' But the time is hastening upon us, "when God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." And Christ says, "In that day, many will say to me, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And I will profess unto them, I never knew you."* So we see the great danger of being deceived. And of that great day, which we cannot evade, it may well be said, that the sinner in Zion shall be afraid and fearfulness surprise the hypocrite. Dublin, Ind., Sixth Mo. 25th, 1886. D. H. That most excellent doctrine which Jesus taught cannot be cramped into the language of a book. It is the Holy Comforter who will take of the things of Christ and show them unto us, not by the letter alone, but by the inward light communicated to the soul. Thus we have a living, permanent, continuous preaching of the Gospel by a divine Teacher. Written words, had even Christ himself penned them, would have wanted the capacity to contain the full meaning of the glorious Gospel of the blessed God. That which is truest and deepest in the apprehension of the soul that grows in grace and in the knowlege of divine things is beyond the reach of words. As the divinely enlightened heart lingers over the sacred page it discovers that something beyond the letter embraces the spirit of the words and applies it to the spiritual perception. The factual is flooded * Matthew VII. 21, 22, 23. |