_His attending the Yearly-meeting in_ London; _and, after it,
proceeding towards_ Yorkshire, _visiting several Quarterly and other
Meetings in the Counties of_ Hertford, Warwick, Oxford, Nottingham,
York, _and_ Westmoreland; _and thence again into_ Yorkshire, _and to
the City of_ York; _with some instructive Thoughts and Observations,
and Letters on divers Subjects_--_His hearing of the Decease of_
WILLIAM HUNT; _and some Account of him_--_His Sickness at_ York;
_and End of his Pilgrimage there_
On the eighth Day of the sixth Month, 1772, we landed at _London_; and I
went straightway to the Yearly-meeting of Ministers and Elders, which
had been gathered (I suppose) about half an Hour.
In this Meeting my Mind was humbly contrite: In the Afternoon the
Meeting of Business opened; which, by Adjournments, held near a Week. In
these Meetings I often felt a living Concern for the Establishment of
Friends in the pure Life of Truth; and my Heart was enlarged in the
Meeting of Ministers, Meeting of Business, and in several Meetings of
publick Worship; and I felt my Mind united in true Love to the faithful
Labourers now gathered at this Yearly-meeting.
On the fifteenth Day of the Month, I left _London_, and went to a
Quarterly-meeting at _Hertford_.
The first Day of the seventh Month. I have been at Quarterly-meetings at
_Sherrington_, _Northampton_, _Banbury_, and _Shipston_; and had sundry
Meetings between: My Mind hath been bowed under a Sense of divine
Goodness manifested amongst us; my Heart hath been often enlarged in
true Love, both amongst Ministers and Elders, and in publick Meetings;
that through the Lord's Goodness, I believe it hath been a fresh
Visitation to many, in particular to the Youth.
The seventeenth Day of the Month. Was this Day at _Birmingham_: Have
been at Meetings at _Coventry_, _Warwick_, in _Oxfordshire_, and sundry
other Places; have felt the humbling Hand of the Lord upon me; and
through his tender Mercies find Peace in the Labours I have gone
through.
The twenty-sixth Day of the Month. I have continued travelling
northward, visiting Meetings: Was this Day at _Nottingham_; which, in
the Forenoon especially, was, through divine Love, a Heart-tendering
Season: Next Day had a Meeting in a Friend's House with Friends Children
and some Friends; this, through the strengthening Arm of the Lord, was a
Time to be thankfully remembered.
The second Day of the eighth Month, and first of the Week. Was this Day
at _Sheffield_, a large inland Town: Have been at sundry Meetings last
Week; and feel inward Thankfulness for that divine Support, which hath
been graciously extended to me.
The ninth Day of the Month, and first of the Week, was at _Rushworth_:
Have lately passed through some painful Labour; but have been comforted,
under a Sense of that divine Visitation, which I feel extended toward
many young People.
The sixteenth Day of the Month, and first of the Week, I was at
_Settle_: It hath of late been a Time of inward Poverty; under which my
Mind hath been preserved in a watchful tender State, feeling for the
Mind of the holy Leader, and I find Peace in the Labours I have passed
through.
I have felt great Distress of Mind, since I came on this Island, on
Account of the Members of our Society being mixed with the World in
various Sorts of Business and Traffick, carried on in impure Channels.
Great is the Trade to _Africa_ for Slaves! and, in loading these Ships,
abundance of People are employed in the Factories; amongst whom are many
of our Society. Friends, in early Times, refused, on a religious
Principle, to make, or trade in, Superfluities; of which we have many
large Testimonies on Record; but, for Want of Faithfulness, some gave
way; even some, whose Examples were of Note in our Society; and from
thence others took more Liberty. Members of our Society worked in
Superfluities, and bought and sold them; and thus Dimness of Sight came
over many: At length, Friends got into the Use of some Superfluities in
Dress, and in the Furniture of their Houses; and this hath spread from
less to more, till Superfluity of some Kinds is common amongst us.
In this declining State, many look at the Example one of another, and
too much neglect the pure Feeling of Truth. Of late Years, a deep
Exercise hath attended my Mind, that Friends may dig deep, may carefully
cast forth the loose Matter, and get down to the Rock, the sure
Foundation, and there hearken to that divine Voice which gives a clear
and certain Sound; and I have felt in that which doth not deceive, that
if Friends, who have known the Truth, keep in that Tenderness of Heart,
where all Views of outward Gain are given up, and their Trust is only on
the Lord, he will graciously lead some to be Patterns of deep
Self-denial in Things relating to Trade and Handicraft-labour; and that
some, who have plenty of the Treasures of this World, will example in a
plain frugal Life, and pay Wages, to such as they may hire, more
liberally than is now customary in some Places.
The twenty-third Day of the Month. Was this Day at _Preston-Patrick_,
and had a comfortable Meeting. I have, several Times, been entertained
at the Houses of Friends, who had sundry Things about them which had the
Appearance of outward Greatness; and, as I have kept inward, Way hath
opened for Conversation with such in private, in which Divine Goodness
hath favoured us together with heart-tendering Times.
I rested a few Days, in Body and Mind, with our Friend JANE CROSFIELD;
who was once in _America_: Was, on the sixth Day of the Week, at
_Kendal_ in _Westmoreland_; and at _Greyrig_ Meeting the thirtieth Day
of the Month, and first of the Week.
I have known Poverty of late, and been graciously supported to keep in
the Patience; and am thankful, under a Sense of the Goodness of the Lord
toward those that are of a contrite Spirit.
The sixth Day of the ninth Month, and first of the Week. Was this Day at
_Counterside_, a large Meeting-house, and very full; and, through the
Opening of pure Love, it was a strengthening Time to me, and (I believe)
to many more.
The thirteenth Day of the Month. Was this Day at _Richmond_, a small
Meeting; but, the Town's People coming in, the House was crowded: It was
a Time of heavy Labour; and (I believe) was a profitable Meeting.
At this Place I heard that my Kinsman WILLIAM HUNT, from
_North-Carolina_, who was on a religious Visit to Friends in _England_,
departed this Life on the ninth Day of the ninth Month, Instant, of the
Small-pox, at _Newcastle_.--He appeared in the Ministry when a Youth;
and his Labours therein were of good Savour. He travelled much in that
Work in _America_. I once heard him say, in publick Testimony, that his
Concern was (in that Visit) to be devoted to the Service of Christ so
fully, that he might not spend one Minute in pleasing himself: Which
Words, joined with his Example, were a Means of stirring up the pure
Mind in me.
On this Visit to _England_ I have felt some Instructions sealed on my
Mind, which I am concerned to leave in Writing, for the Use of such as
are called to the Station of a Minister of Christ.
Christ being the Prince of Peace, and we being no more than Ministers, I
find it necessary for us, not only to feel a Concern in our first going
forth, but to experience the renewing thereof, in the Appointment of
Meetings.
I felt a Concern, in _America_, to prepare for this Voyage; and, being,
through the Mercy of God, brought safe here, my Heart was like a Vessel
that wanted Vent; and for several Weeks, at first, when my Mouth was
opened in Meetings, it often felt like the raising of a Gate in a
Water-course, where a Weight of Water lay upon it; and in these Labours
there appeared a fresh Visitation to many, especially the Youth; but
sometimes, after this, I felt empty and poor, and yet felt a Necessity
to appoint Meetings.
In this State I was exercised to abide in the pure Life of Truth, and
in all my Labours to watch diligently against the Motions of Self in my
own Mind.
I have frequently felt a Necessity to stand up, when the Spring of the
Ministry was low; and to speak from the Necessity, in that which
subjecteth the Will of the Creature; and herein I was united with the
suffering Seed, and found inward Sweetness with these mortifying
Labours.
As I have been preserved in a watchful Attention to the divine Leader,
under these Dispensations, Enlargement at Times hath followed, and the
Power of Truth hath risen higher, in some Meetings, than I ever knew it
before through me.
Thus I have been more and more instructed, as to the Necessity of
depending, not upon a Concern which I felt in _America_, to come on a
Visit to _England_, but upon the fresh Instructions of Christ, the
Prince of Peace, from Day to Day.
Now, of late, I felt a Stop in the Appointment of Meetings, not wholly,
but in Part; and I do not feel Liberty to appoint them so quick one
after another as I have heretofore.
The Work of the Ministry being a Work of divine Love, I feel that the
Openings thereof are to be waited for, in all our Appointments.
O! how deep is divine Wisdom! Christ puts forth his Ministers, and goeth
before them: And O! how great is the Danger of departing from the pure
Feeling of that which leadeth safely!
Christ knoweth the State of the People; and, in the pure Feeling of the
Gospel-Ministry, their States are opened to his Servants.
Christ knoweth when the Fruit-bearing Branches themselves have Need of
purging.
O! that these Lessons may be remembered by me! and that all who appoint
Meetings may proceed in the pure Feeling of Duty.
I have sometimes felt a Necessity to stand up; but that Spirit which is
of the World hath so much prevailed in many, and the pure Life of Truth
been so pressed down, that I have gone forward, not as one travelling
in a Road cast up and well prepared, but as a Man walking through a Miry
place, in which are Stones here and there, safe to step on, but so
situated, that, one Step being taken, Time is necessary to see where to
step next.
Now I find that, in the pure Obedience, the Mind learns Contentment, in
appearing weak and foolish to that Wisdom which is of the World; and in
these lowly Labours, they who stand in a low Place, rightly exercised
under the Cross, will find Nourishment.
The Gift is pure; and, while the Eye is single in attending thereto, the
Understanding is preserved clear: Self is kept out. We rejoice in
filling up that which remains of the Afflictions of Christ, for his
Body's Sake, which is the Church.
The natural Man loveth Eloquence, and many love to hear eloquent
Orations; and, if there is not a careful Attention to the Gift, Men who
have once laboured in the pure Gospel-ministry, growing weary of
Suffering, and ashamed of appearing weak, may kindle a Fire, compass
themselves about with Sparks, and walk in the Light; not of Christ who
is under Suffering; but of that Fire which they, going from the Gift,
have kindled; and that in Hearers, which is gone from the meek suffering
State, into the worldly Wisdom, may be warmed with this Fire, and speak
highly of these Labours. That which is of God gathers to God; and that
which is of the World is owned by the World.
In this Journey a Labour hath attended my Mind, that the Ministers
amongst us may be preserved in the meek feeling Life of Truth, where we
may have no Desire but to follow Christ and be with him; that, when he
is under Suffering, we may suffer with him, and never desire to rise up
in Dominion, but as he, by the Virtue of his own Spirit, may raise us.
* * * * *
A few Days after writing these Considerations, our dear Friend, in the
Course of his religious Visits, came to the City of _York_, and attended
most of the Sittings of the Quarterly-meeting there; but, before it was
over, was taken ill of the Small-pox. Our Friend, THOMAS PRIESTMAN, and
others who attended him, preserved the following Minutes of his
Expressions in the Time of his Sickness and of his Decease.
First-day, the twenty-seventh of the ninth Month, 1772. His Disorder
appeared to be the Small-pox.
Second-day. He said he felt the Disorder to affect his Head, so that he
could think little, and but as a Child.
Third-day he uttered the following Prayer.--O Lord my God! the amazing
Horrors of Darkness were gathered around me and covered me all over, and
I saw no Way to go forth; I felt the Depth and Extent of the Misery of
my Fellow-creatures separated from the divine Harmony, and it was
heavier than I could bear, and I was crushed down under it; I lifted up
my Hand, I stretched out my Arm, but there was none to help me; I looked
round about and was amazed; in the Depths of Misery, O Lord! I
remembered that thou art omnipotent, that I had called thee Father, and
I felt that I loved thee, and I was made quiet in thy Will, and I waited
for Deliverance from thee; thou hadst Pity upon me when no Man could
help me: I saw that Meekness under Suffering was shewed to us in the
most affecting Example of thy Son, and thou taughtest me to follow him,
and I said, "Thy Will, O Father! be done."
Fourth-day-morning, being asked how he felt himself, he meekly answered,
I do not know that I have slept this Night, I feel the Disorder making
its Progress, but my Mind is mercifully preserved in Stillness and
Peace: Sometime after he said he was sensible the Pains of Death must be
hard to bear; but, if he escaped them now, he must sometime pass through
them, and he did not know that he could be better prepared, but had no
Will in it. He said he had settled his outward Affairs to his Mind, had
taken Leave of his Wife and Family as never to return, leaving them to
the divine Protection; adding, and though I feel them near to me at this
Time, yet I freely give them up, having a Hope that they will be
provided for. And a little after said, This Trial is made easier than I
could have thought, my Will being wholly taken away; for if I were
anxious for the Event, it would have been harder; but I am not, and my
Mind enjoys a perfect Calm.
In the Night a young Woman having given him something to drink, he said,
My Child, thou seemest very kind to me, a poor Creature, the Lord will
reward thee for it. A While after he cried out with great Earnestness of
Spirit, O my Father! my Father! and soon after he said, O my Father! my
Father! how comfortable art thou to my Soul in this trying Season! Being
asked if he could take a little Nourishment; after some Pause he
replied, my Child, I cannot tell what to say to it; I seem nearly
arrived where my Soul shall have Rest from all its Troubles. After
giving in something to be inserted in his Journal, he said, I believe
the Lord will now excuse me from Exercises of this Kind; and I see no
Work but one, which is to be the last wrought by me in this World; the
Messenger will come that will release me from all these Troubles; but it
must be in the Lord's Time, which I am waiting for. He said he had
laboured to do whatever was required, according to the Ability received,
in the Remembrance of which he had Peace; and, though the Disorder was
strong at Times, and would like a Whirlwind come over his Mind, yet it
had hitherto been kept steady, and centered in everlasting Love; adding,
and if that be mercifully continued, I ask nor desire no more. Another
Time he said, he had long had a view of visiting this Nation, and,
sometime before he came, had a Dream, in which he saw himself in the
northern Parts of it, and that the Spring of the Gospel was opened in
him much as in the Beginning of Friends, such as GEORGE FOX and WILLIAM
DEWSBERRY, and he saw the different States of the People, as clear as he
had ever seen Flowers in a Garden; but in his going along he was
suddenly stopt, though he could not see for what End; but, looking
towards Home, fell into a Flood of Tears which waked him.
At another Time he said, My Draught seemed strongest towards the North,
and I mentioned, in my own Monthly-meeting, that attending the
Quarterly-meeting at _York_, and being there, looked like Home to me.
Fifth-day-night, having repeatedly consented to take Medicine with a
View to settle his Stomach, but without Effect, the Friend, then waiting
on him, said, through Distress, What shall I do now? He answered with
great Composure, Rejoice evermore, and in every Thing give Thanks; but
added a little after, this is sometimes hard to come at.
Sixth-day-morning, he broke forth early in Supplication on this wise: O
Lord! it was thy Power that enabled me to forsake Sin in my Youth, and I
have felt thy Bruises for Disobedience; but, as I bowed under them, thou
didst heal me, continuing a Father and a Friend: I feel thy Power now,
and I beg that, in the approaching trying Moment, thou wilt keep my
Heart stedfast unto thee.----Upon his giving Directions to a Friend
concerning some little Things, she said, I will take Care, but hope thou
wilt live to order them thyself. He replied, My Hope is in Christ; and,
though I may seem a little better, a Change in the Disorder may soon
happen, and my little Strength be dissolved; and, if it so happen, I
shall be gathered to my everlasting Rest. On her saying she did not
doubt that, but could not help mourning to see so many faithful Servants
removed at so low a Time, he said, All Good cometh from the Lord, whose
Power is the same, and can work as he sees best. The same Day he had
given Directions about wrapping his Corpse, perceiving a Friend to weep,
he said, I would rather thou wouldst guard against weeping for me, my
Sister; I sorrow not, though I have had some painful Conflicts; but now
they seem over, and Matters well settled, and I look at the Face of my
dear Redeemer; for sweet is his Voice, and his Countenance is comely.
First-day, fourth of the tenth Month, being very weak, and in general
difficult to be understood, he uttered a few Words in Commemoration of
the Lord's Goodness, and added, How tenderly have I been waited on in
this Time of Affliction! in which I may say, in JOB'S Words, Tedious
Days and wearisome Nights are appointed unto me: And how many are
spending their Time and Money in Vanity and Superfluities, while
thousands and tens of thousands want the Necessaries of Life, who might
be relieved by them, and their Distresses, at such a Time as this, in
some degree softened, by the administering suitable Things!
Second-day-morning, the Apothecary, who appeared very anxious to assist
him, being present, he queried about the Probability of such a Load of
Matter being thrown off his weak Body; and, the Apothecary making some
Remarks implying he thought it might, he spoke with an audible Voice on
this wise:--My Dependance is on the Lord Jesus, who, I trust, will
forgive my Sins, which is all I hope for; and, if it be his Will to
raise up this Body again, I am content; and, if to die, I am resigned;
and, if thou canst not be easy without trying to assist Nature, I
submit. After which his Throat was so much affected, that it was very
difficult for him to speak so as to be understood; and he frequently
wrote when he wanted any Thing. About the second Hour, on Fourth-day
Morning, he asked for Pen and Ink, and, at several Times, with much
Difficulty, wrote thus: I believe my being here is in the Wisdom of
Christ; I know not as to Life or Death.
About a Quarter before six, the same Morning, he seemed to fall into an
easy Sleep, which continued about Half an Hour; when, seeming to awake,
he breathed a few Times with more Difficulty, and expired, without Sigh,
Groan, or Struggle!
END OF THE JOURNAL
THE LAST EPISTLE & OTHER WRITINGS OF JOHN WOOLMAN
THE INTRODUCTION
My Mind hath often been affected with Sorrow, on Account of the
prevailing of that Spirit, which leads from an humble waiting on the
inward Teaching of Christ, to pursue Ways of Living, attended with
unnecessary Labour, and which draws forth the Minds of many People to
seek after outward Power, and to strive for Riches, which frequently
introduce Oppression, and bring forth Wars and grievous Calamities.
It is with Reverence that I acknowledge the Mercies of our Heavenly
Father, who, in Infinite Love, did visit me in my Youth, and wrought a
Belief in me, that through true Obedience a State of inward Purity may
be known in this Life, in which we may love Mankind in the same Love
with which our Redeemer loveth us, and therein learn Resignation to
endure Hardships, for the real Good of others.
_While the Eye is single, the whole Body is full of Light_, Mat. vi. 22.
but for want of this, selfish Desires, and an imaginary Superiority,
darken the Mind; hence Injustice frequently proceeds; and where this is
the Case, to convince the Judgment, is the most effectual Remedy.
Where violent Measures are pursued in opposing Injustice, the Passions,
and Resentments, of the Injured, frequently operate in the Prosecution
of their Designs; and after Conflicts productive of very great
Calamities, the Minds of contending Parties often remain as little
acquainted with the pure Principle of Divine Love, as they were before;
but where People walk in that pure Light in which all their _Works are
wrought in God_, John iii. 21. and under Oppression persevere in the
meek Spirit, and abide firm in the Cause of Truth, without actively
complying with oppressive Demands, through those the Lord hath often
manifested his Power, in opening the Understandings of others, to the
promoting Righteousness in the Earth.
A Time, I believe, is coming, wherein this Divine Work will so spread
and prevail, that _Nation shall not lift up Sword against Nation, nor
learn War any more_, Isaiah ii. 4. And as we, through the tender Mercies
of God, do feel that this precious Work is begun, I am concerned to
encourage my Brethren and Sisters in a Holy Care and Diligence, that
each of us may so live, under the sanctifying Power of Truth, as to be
redeemed from all unnecessary Cares; that our Eye being single to him,
no Customs, however prevalent, which are contrary to the Wisdom from
above, may hinder us from faithfully following his Holy Leadings, in
whatsoever he may graciously appoint for us.
CONSIDERATIONS ON PURE WISDOM AND HUMAN POLICY
To have our Trust settled in the Lord, and not to seek after, nor desire
outward Treasures, any further than his Holy Spirit leads us therein, is
a happy State, as saith the Prophet, _Blessed is the Man that trusteth
in the Lord, and whose Hope the Lord is_.
Pure Wisdom leads People into Lowliness of Mind, in which they learn
Resignation to the Divine Will, and Contentment in suffering for his
Cause, when they cannot keep a clear Conscience without suffering.
In this pure Wisdom the Mind is attentive to the Root, and original
Spring of Motions and Desires; and as we know _the Lord to be our
Refuge_, and find no Safety but in humbly walking before him, we feel an
Holy Engagement, that every Desire which leads therefrom may be brought
to Judgment.
While we proceed in this precious Way, and find ardent Longings for a
full Deliverance from every thing which defiles, all Prospects of Gain,
that are not consistent with the Wisdom from above, are considered as
Snares, and an inward Concern is felt, that we may live under the Cross,
and faithfully attend to that Holy Spirit, which is sufficient to
preserve out of them.
When I have considered that Saying of Christ, _Mat._ vi. 19, _Lay not up
for yourselves Treasures upon Earth_, his Omnipotence hath often
occurred to my Mind.
While we believe that he is every where present with his People, and
that perfect Goodness, Wisdom and Power are united in him, how
comfortable is the Consideration.
Our Wants may be great, but his Power is greater. We may be oppressed
and despised, but he is able to turn our patient Sufferings into Profit
to ourselves, and to the Advancement of his Work on Earth. His People,
who feel the Power of his Cross, to crucify all that is selfish in them,
who are engaged in outward Concerns, from a Convincement that it is
their Duty, and resign themselves, and their Treasures, to him; these
feel that it is dangerous to give way to that in us, which craves Riches
and Greatness in this World.
As the Heart truly contrite, earnestly desires _to know Christ, and the
Fellowship of his Sufferings_, Phil. iii. 10. so far as the Lord for
gracious Ends may lead into them; as such feel that it is their Interest
to put their Trust in God, and to seek no Gain but that which he, by his
Holy Spirit, leads into; so, on the contrary, they who do not reverently
wait for this Divine Teacher, and are not humbly concerned, according to
their Measure, _to fill up that which is behind of the Afflictions of
Christ_, Col. i. 24. in patiently suffering for the promoting
Righteousness in the Earth; but have an Eye toward the Power of Men, and
the outward Advantage of Wealth, these are often attentive to those
Employments which appear profitable, even though the Gains arise from
such Trade and Business which proceeds from the Workings of that Spirit,
which is estranged from the self-denying Life of an humble contrite
_Christian_.
While I write on this Subject, I feel my Mind tenderly affected toward
those honestly disposed People, who have been brought up in Employments
attended with those Difficulties.
To such I may say, in the feeling of our Heavenly Father's Love, and
number myself with you, O that our Eyes may be single to the Lord! May
we reverently wait on him for Strength, to lay aside all unnecessary
Expence of every Kind, and learn Contentment, in a plain simple Life.
May we, in Lowliness, submit to the Leadings of his Spirit, and enter
upon any outward Employ which he graciously points out to us, and then
whatever Difficulties arise, in Consequence of our Faithfulness, I trust
they will work for our Good.
Small Treasure to a resigned Mind is sufficient. How happy is it to be
content with a little, to live in Humility, and feel that in us, which
breathes out this Language, Abba! Father.
If that, called the Wisdom of this World, had no Resemblance of true
Wisdom, the Name of Wisdom, I suppose, had not been given to it.
As wasting outward Substance, to gratify vain Desires, on one hand; so
Slothfulness and Neglect, on the other, do often involve Men and their
Families in Trouble, and reduce them to Want and Distress; to shun both
these opposite Vices, is good in itself, and hath a Resemblance of
Wisdom; but while People thus provident, have it principally in View to
get Riches, and Power, and the Friendship of this World, and do not
humbly wait for the Spirit of Truth to lead them into Purity; these,
through an anxious Care to obtain the End desired, reach forth for Gain
in worldly Wisdom, and, in regard to their inward State, fall into
divers Temptations and Snares. And though such may think of applying
Wealth to good Purposes, and to use their Power to prevent Oppression,
yet Wealth and Power is often applied otherwise; nor can we depart from
the Leadings of our Holy Shepherd, without going into Confusion.
Great Wealth is frequently attended with Power, which nothing but Divine
Love can qualify the Mind to use rightly; and as to the Humility, and
Uprightness of our Children after us, how great is the Uncertainty! If,
in acquiring Wealth, we take hold on the Wisdom which is from beneath,
and depart from the Leadings of Truth, and Example our Children herein,
we have great Cause to apprehend, that Wealth may be a Snare to them;
and prove an Injury to others, over whom their Wealth may give them
Power.
To be redeemed from that Wisdom which is from beneath, and walk in the
Light of the Lord, is a precious Situation; thus his People are brought
to put their Trust in him; and in this humble Confidence in his Wisdom,
Goodness and Power, the Righteous find a Refuge in Adversities, superior
to the greatest outward Helps, and a Comfort more certain than any
worldly Advantages can afford.
ON LABOUR
Having from my Childhood been used to Bodily Labour for a Living, I may
express my Experience therein.
Right Exercise affords an innocent Pleasure in the Time of it, and
prepares us to enjoy the Sweetness of Rest; but from the Extremes each
Way, arise Inconveniences.
Moderate Exercise opens the Pores, gives the Blood a lively Circulation,
and the better enables us to judge rightly respecting that Portion of
Labour which is the true Medium.
_The Fowls of the Air sow not, nor gather into Barns, yet our Heavenly
Father feedeth them_, Mat. vi. 26. nor do I believe that Infinite
Goodness and Power would have allotted Labour to us, had he not seen
that Labour was proper for us in this Life.
The original Design, and true Medium of Labour, is a Subject that, to
me, appears worthy of our serious Consideration.
Idle Men are often a Burden to themselves, neglect the Duty they owe to
their Families, and become burdensome to others also.
As outward Labour, directed by the Wisdom from above, tends to our
Health, and adds to our Happiness in this Life; so, on the contrary,
entering upon it in a selfish Spirit, and pursuing it too long, or too
hard, hath a contrary Effect.
I have observed, that too much Labour not only makes the Understanding
dull, but so intrudes upon the Harmony of the Body, that after ceasing
from our Toil, we have another to pass through, before we can be so
composed as to enjoy the Sweetness of Rest.
From too much Labour in the Heat, frequently proceeds immoderate Sweats,
which do often, I believe, open the Way for Disorders, and impair our
Constitutions.
When we go beyond the true Medium, and feel Weariness approaching, but
think Business may suffer if we cease, at such a Time spirituous Liquors
are frequently taken, with a View to support Nature under these
Fatigues.
I have found that too much Labour in the Summer heats the Blood, that
taking strong Drink to support the Body under such Labour, increaseth
that Heat, and though a Person may be so far temperate as not to
manifest the least Disorder, yet the Mind, in such a Circumstance, doth
not retain that Calmness and Serenity which we should endeavour to live
in.
Thus toiling in the Heat, and drinking strong Liquor, makes Men more
resolute, and less considerate, and tends very much to disqualify from
successfully following him who is meek and low of Heart.
As laying out Business, more than is consistent with pure Wisdom, is an
Evil, so this Evil frequently leads into more. Too much Business leads
to Hurry. In the Hurry and Toil too much strong Drink is often used, and
hereby many proceed to Noise and Wantonness, and some, though more
considerate, do often suffer Loss, as to a true Composedness of Mind.
I feel sincere Desires in my Heart that no Rent, nor Interest, might be
laid so high as to be a Snare to Tenants. That no Desires of Gain may
draw any too far in Business. That no Cares to support Customs, which
have not their Foundation in pure Wisdom, may have Place in our Minds,
but that we may build on the sure Foundation, and feel our Holy Shepherd
to lead us, who alone is able to preserve us, and bring forth from every
Thing which defiles.
Having several Times, in my Travels, had Opportunity to observe the
Labour and Manner of Life of great Numbers of Slaves, it appears to me
that the true Medium is lamentably neglected by many, who assign them
their Portion of Labour.
Without saying much at this Time, concerning buying and selling Men for
Term of Life, who have as just a Right to Liberty as we have; nor about
the great Miseries, and Effusion of Blood, consequent to promoting the
Slave-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 towards 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 unexperienced Men, who know
but little about the Weakness of old Age, nor understand the Language of
declining Life.
Where Parents give their Estates to their Children, and then depend on
them for a Maintainance, they sometimes meet with great Inconveniences;
but if the Power of Possession, thus obtained, doth often reverse the
Obligations of Gratitude and filial Duty, and makes manifest, that Youth
are often ignorant of the Language of old Age, how hard is the Case of
ancient Negroes, who, deprived of the Wages equitably due to them, are
left to young People, 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 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 unsympathising 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_, Psalm ix. 9.
ON SCHOOLS
_Suffer the 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 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 of 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 Saviour, _All their Works which they
do is for to be seen of Men_, Mat. xxiii. 5.
That Divine Light which enlightens all Men, I believe, does often shine
in the Minds of Children very early, and to humbly wait for Wisdom, that
our Conduct toward them may tend to forward their Acquaintance with it,
and 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.
If Tutors are not acquainted with Sanctification of Spirit, nor
experienced in an humble waiting for the Leadings of Truth, but follow
the Maxims of the Wisdom of this World, such Children who are under
their Tuition, appear to me to be in Danger of imbibing Thoughts, and
Apprehensions, reverse to that Meekness, and Lowliness of Heart, which
is necessary for all the true Followers of Christ.
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 such, 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 such 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 such Children who do not live in Innocence, it is a Case
much to be lamented.
While a pious Tutor hath the Charge of no more Children than he can take
due Care of, and keeps his Authority in the Truth, the good Spirit 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 Understandings with respect to the true
_Christian_ Life; but where a Person hath 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 Omission 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.
Instruction, thus administered, reaches the pure Witness in the Minds of
such 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 Children, there is Danger of Disorders gradually increasing
amongst them, till the Effects thereof appear in their Conduct, too
strong to be easily remedied.
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 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 hath,
at Times, been affected with Sorrow, and under these Exercises it hath
appeared to me, that if those who have large Estates, were faithful
Stewards, and laid no Rent, nor Interest, nor other Demands, higher than
is consistent with universal Love; and those in lower Circumstances
would, under a moderate Employ, shun unnecessary Expence, 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.
ON THE RIGHT USE OF THE LORD'S OUTWARD GIFTS
As our Understandings are opened by the pure Light, we experience that,
through an inward approaching to God, the Mind is strengthened in
Obedience; and that by gratifying those Desires which are not of his
begetting, those Approaches to him are obstructed, and the deceivable
Spirit gains Strength.
These Truths, being as it were engraven upon our Hearts, and our
everlasting Interest in Christ evidently concerned herein, we become
fervently engaged, that nothing may be nourished which tends to feed
Pride or Self-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_, Col. iii. 17.
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.
Thus the Way gradually opens to cease from that Spirit which craves
Riches and Things fetched far, which so mixeth with the Customs of this
World, and so intrudes upon the true Harmony of Life, that the right
Medium of Labour is very much departed from. And as the Minds of People
are settled in a steady Concern, not to hold nor possess any Thing but
what may be held consistent with the Wisdom 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 agreeable 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 doth suffice.
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 Content and Gratitude.
The mutual Love, subsisting between the faithful Followers of Christ, is
more pure than that Friendship which is not seasoned with Humility, how
specious soever the Appearance.
Where People depart from pure Wisdom in one Case, it is often an
Introduction to depart from it in many more; and thus a Spirit which
seeks for outward Greatness, and leads into worldly Wisdom to attain it,
and support it, gets Possession of the Mind.
In beholding the customary Departure from the true Medium of Labour, and
that unnecessary Toil which many go through, in supporting outward
Greatness, and procuring Delicacies.
In beholding how the true Calmness of Life is changed into Hurry, and
that many, by eagerly pursuing outward Treasure, are in great Danger of
withering as to the inward State of the Mind.
In meditating on the Works of this Spirit, and on the Desolations it
makes amongst the Professors of _Christianity_, I may thankfully
acknowledge, that I often feel pure Love beget Longings in my Heart, for
the Exaltation of the peaceable Kingdom of Christ, and an Engagement to
labour according to the Gift bestowed on me, for the promoting an
humble, plain, temperate Way of living. A Life where no unnecessary
Care, nor Expences, may incumber our Minds, nor lessen our Ability to do
Good; where no Desires after Riches, or Greatness, may lead into hard
Dealing; where no Connections with worldly-minded Men, may abate our
Love to God, nor 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.
When the Prophet _Isaiah_ had uttered his Vision, and declared that a
Time was coming wherein _Swords should be beat into Plowshares, and
Spears into pruning Hooks, and that Nation shall not lift up Sword
against Nation, nor learn War any more_; 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_,
Isaiah ii. 5.
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 Traffick, which _is not of the Father,
but of the World_, 1 John ii. 16 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 simple and plain, than that which Christ leads his
Sheep into, does necessarily require a Support, which pure Wisdom does
not provide for; hence there is no Probability of our being _a peculiar
People, so zealous of good Works, as to have no Fellowship with Works of
Darkness_, Titus ii. 14. Ephes. v. 11. while we have Wants to supply
which have their Foundation in Custom, and do not come within the
Meaning of those Expressions, _your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have
need of all these Things_, Mat. vi. 32.
These Things which he beholds necessary for his People, he fails not to
give them in his own Way and Time; but as his Ways are above our Ways,
and his Thoughts above our Thoughts, so imaginary Wants are different
_from these Things which he knoweth that we have need of_.
As my Meditations have been on these Things, Compassion hath filled my
Heart toward my Fellow Creatures, involved in Customs, grown up in _the
Wisdom of this World, which is Foolishness with God_, 1 Cor. iii. 19.
And 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!
If those whose Minds are redeemed from the Love of Wealth, and who are
content with a plain, simple Way of living, do yet find that to conduct
the Affairs of a Family, without giving 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 Self-denying 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
Government of Christ:
If this be the Case, how lamentably do they expose themselves to
Temptations, 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.
By JOHN WOOLMAN
_And the Remnant of_ Jacob _shall be in the midst of many People,
as the 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.
_LONDON_:
Re-printed by MARY HINDE.
THE INTRODUCTION
As Mankind from one Parent are divided into many Families, and as
Trading to Sea is greatly increased within a few Ages past; amidst this
extended Commerce how necessary is it that the professed Followers of
Christ keep sacred his Holy Name, and be employed about Trade and
Traffick no farther than Justice and Equity evidently accompanies? That
we may give no just Cause of Offence to any, however distant, or unable
to plead their own Cause; and may continually keep in View the Spreading
of the true and saving Knowledge of God, and his Son Jesus Christ,
amongst our Fellow Creatures, which through his infinite Love some feel
to be more precious than any other Treasure.
CONSIDERATIONS ON THE TRUE HARMONY OF MANKIND &c.
CHAPTER I
_On serving the Lord in our outward Employments_
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 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.
And that which I feel first to express is, a Care for those who are in
Circumstances, which appear difficult, with respect to supporting their
Families in a Way answerable to pure Wisdom, that they may not be
discouraged, but remember that in humbly obeying the Leadings of Christ,
he owneth us as his Friends, _Ye are my Friends if ye do whatsoever I
command you_; and to be a Friend to Christ, is to be united to him, who
hath 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 hath 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 the
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.
Now if we indulge a Desire to imitate our Neighbours in those Things
which harmonise not with the true _Christian_ Walking, these
Entanglements may hold fast to us, and some, who in an awakening Time,
feel tender Scruples, with respect to their Manner of Life, may look on
the Example of others more noted in the 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 Departure 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_ Prim.
_Christi._ Page 31.
"It is not enough," says _Tertullian_, "that a _Christian_ be chaste and
modest, but he must appear to be so: A Virtue of which he should have so
great a Store, that it should flow from his Mind upon his Habit, and
break from the Retirements of his Conscience, into the Superficies of
his Life." Same Book, Page 43.
"The Garments we wear," says _Clemens_, "ought to be mean and
frugal--that is true Simplicity of Habit, which takes away what is vain
and superfluous, that the best and most solid Garment, which is the
farthest from Curiosity." Page 49.
Though the Change from Day to Night, is by a Motion so gradual as
scarcely to be perceived, yet when Night is come we behold it very
different from the Day; and thus as People become wise in their own
Eyes, and prudent in their own Sight, Customs rise up from the Spirit of
this World, and spread by little, and little, till 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.
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 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,
names the right Hand; _If thy right Hand offend thee, cut it off and
cast it from thee_--If thou feelest Offence in thy Employment, humbly
follow him who leads into all Truth, and is a strong and faithful Friend
to those who are resigned to him.
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 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 Trial, 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 he mentions the Haughtiness of the
Daughters of _Sion_, and enumerates many Ornaments, as Instances of
their Vanity; to uphold which, the Poor were so hardly dealt with, that
he sets forth their Poverty, their Leanness and Inability to help
themselves, in the Similitude of a Man maimed by Violence, or beaten to
pieces, and forced to endure the painful Operation of having his Face
gradually worn away in the manner of grinding.
And I may here add, that at Times, when I have felt true Love open my
Heart towards my Fellow Creatures, and being engaged in weighty
Conversation in the Cause of Righteousness, the Instructions I have
received under these Exercises, in Regard to the true Use of the outward
Gifts of God, have made deep and lasting Impressions on my Mind.
I have here 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 tho' 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.
There is Balm, there is a Physician; and O what Longings do I feel! that
we may embrace the Means appointed for our Healing, know that removed
which now ministers Cause for the Cries of many People to ascend to
Heaven against their Oppressors, and that we may see the true Harmony
restored.
_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 Christ is in the Light, we shall have
Fellowship one with another, and the Blood of Christ will cleanse us
from all Sin._
The Land may be polluted with innocent Blood, which like the Blood of
_Abel_ may cry to the Almighty; but those who _walk in the Light, as
Christ is in the Light_, they know the _Lamb of God, who taketh away
Sin_.
Walking is a Phrase frequently used in Scripture, to represent our
Journey thro' Life, and appears to comprehend the various Affairs and
Transactions properly relating to our being in this World.
Christ being the Light, dwells always in the Light; and if our walking
be thus, and in every Affair and Concern we faithfully follow this
Divine Leader, he preserves from giving just Cause for any to quarrel
with us: And where this Foundation is laid, and mutually kept to, by
Families conversant with each other, the Way is open for these Comforts
in Society, which our Heavenly Father intends as a Part of our Happiness
in this World; and then we may experience the Goodness, and Pleasantness
of dwelling together in Unity; but where Ways of Living take place,
which tend to Oppression, and in the Pursuit of Wealth, People do that
to others which they know would not be acceptable to themselves, either
in exercising an absolute Power over them, or otherwise laying on them
unequitable Burdens; here a Fear lest that Measure should be meted to
them, which they have measured to others, incites a Care to support that
by Craft and cunning Devices which stands not on the firm Foundation of
Righteousness: Thus the Harmony of Society is broken, and from hence
Commotions and Wars do frequently arise in the World.
_Come out of_ Babylon _my People, that ye be not Partakers of her Sins,
and that ye receive not of her Plagues_. Rev. xv. 3, 4. This _Babel_, or
_Babylon_, was built in the Spirit of Self-exaltation: _Let us build us
a City and a Tower, whose Top may reach to Heaven, and let us make us a
Name_. Gen. xi. 4. In departing from an humble Trust in God, and
following a selfish Spirit, People have Intentions to get the upperhand
of their Fellow Creatures, privately meditate on Means to obtain their
Ends, have a Language in their Hearts which is hard to understand. In
_Babel_ the Language is confounded.
This City is represented as a Place of Business, and those employed in
it, as Merchants of the Earth: _The Merchants of the Earth are waxed
rich through the Abundance of her Delicacies_. Rev. xviii. 3.
And it is remarkable in this Call, that the Language from the Father of
Mercies is, my People, _Come out of_ Babylon _my People_. Thus his
tender Mercies are toward us in an imperfect State; and as we faithfully
attend to the Call, the Path of Righteousness is more and more opened;
Cravings, which have not their Foundation in pure Wisdom, more and more
cease; and in an inward Purity of Heart, we experience a Restoration of
that which was lost at _Babel_, represented by the inspired Prophet in
the _returning of a pure Language_. Zeph. iii. 9.
Happy for them who humbly attend to the Call, _Come out of_ Babylon _my
People_. For though in going forth we may meet with Trials, which for a
Time may be painful, yet as we bow in true Humility, and continue in it,
an Evidence is felt that God only is wise; and that in weaning us from
all that is selfish he prepares the Way to a quiet Habitation, where all
our Desires are bounded by his Wisdom. And an Exercise of Spirit attends
me, that we who are convinced of the pure Leadings of Truth, may bow in
the deepest Reverence, and so watchfully regard this Leader, that many
who are grievously entangled in a Wilderness of vain Customs, may look
upon us and be instructed. And O that such who have Plenty of this
World's Goods, may be faithful in that with which they are entrusted!
and Example others in the true _Christian_ Walking.
Our blessed Saviour, speaking on Worldly Greatness, compares himself to
one waiting and attending on a Company at Dinner; _Whether is greater,
he that sitteth at Meat or he that serveth? Is not he that sitteth at
Meat? But I am amongst you as he that serveth._ Luke xxii. 27.
Thus in a World greatly disordered, where Men aspiring to outward
Greatness were wont to oppress others to support their Designs, he who
was of the highest Descent, being the Son of God, and greater than any
amongst the greatest Families of Men, by his Example and Doctrines
foreclosed his Followers from claiming any Shew of outward Greatness,
from any supposed Superiority in themselves, or derived from their
Ancestors.
He who was greater than Earthly Princes, was not only meek and low of
Heart, but his outward Appearance was plain and lowly, and free from
every Stain of the Spirit of this World.
Such was the Example of our blessed Redeemer, of whom the beloved
Disciple said, _He that saith he abideth in him, ought also to walk even
as he walked._
_John Bradford_, who suffered Martyrdom under Queen _Mary_, wrote a
Letter to his Friends out of Prison, a short Time before he was burnt,
in which are these Expressions; "Consider your Dignity as Children of
God, and Temples of the Holy Ghost, and Members of Christ, be ashamed
therefore to think, speak, or do any Thing unseemly, for God's Children,
and the Members of Christ." _Fox's_ Acts and Mon. Page 1177.
CHAPTER II
_On the Example of CHRIST_
As my Mind hath been brought into a Brotherly Feeling with the Poor, as
to the Things of this Life, who are under Trials in regard to getting a
Living in a Way answerable to the Purity of Truth; a Labour of Heart
hath attended me, that their Way may not be made difficult through the
Love of Money in those who are tried with plentiful Estates, but that
they with Tenderness of Heart may sympathize with them.
It was the Saying of our blessed Redeemer, _Ye cannot serve God and
Mammon_. There is a deep Feeling of the Way of Purity, a Way in which
the Wisdom of the World hath no Part, but is opened by the Spirit of
Truth, and is called _the Way of Holiness_; a Way in which the Traveller
is employed in watching unto Prayer; and the outward Gain we get in this
Journey is considered as a Trust committed to us, by him who formed and
supports the World; and is the rightful Director of the Use and
Application of the Product of it.
Now except the Mind be preserved chaste, there is no Safety for us; but
in an Estrangement from true Resignation, the Spirit of the World casts
up a Way, in which Gain is many Times principally attended to, and in
which there is a selfish Application of outward Treasures.
How agreeable to the true Harmony of Society, is that Exhortation of the
Apostle? _Look not every Man on his own Things, but every Man also on
the Things of others. Let this Mind be in you which was also in Christ
Jesus._
A Person in outward Prosperity may have the Power of obtaining Riches,
but the same Mind being in him which is in Christ Jesus, he may feel a
Tenderness of Heart towards those of low Degree; and instead of setting
himself above them, may look upon it as an unmerited Favour, that his
Way through Life is more easy than the Way of many others; may improve
every Opportunity of leading forth out of those Customs which have
entangled the Family; employ his Time in looking into the Wants of the
poor Members, and hold forth such a perfect Example of Humiliation, that
the pure Witness may be reached in many Minds; and the Way opened for a
harmonious walking together.
Jesus Christ, in promoting the Happiness of others, was not deficient in
looking for the Helpless, who lay in Obscurity, nor did he save any
Thing to render himself honourable amongst Men, which might have been of
more Use to the weak Members in his Father's Family; of whose Compassion
towards us I may now speak a little. He who was perfectly happy in
himself, moved with infinite Love, _took not upon him the Nature of
Angels_, but our imperfect Natures, and therein wrestled with the
Temptations which attend us in this Life; and being the Son of him who
is greater than Earthly Princes, yet became a Companion to poor,
sincere-hearted Men; and though he gave the clearest Evidence that
Divine Power attended him, yet the most unfavourable Constructions were
framed by a self-righteous People; those Miracles represented as the
Effect of a diabolical Power, and Endeavours used to render him hateful,
as having his Mission from the Prince of Darkness; nor did their Envy
cease till they took him like a Criminal, and brought him to Trial.
Though some may affect to carry the Appearance of being unmoved at the
Apprehension of Distress, our dear Redeemer, who was perfectly sincere,
having the same human Nature which we have, and feeling, a little before
he was apprehended, the Weight of that Work upon him, for which he came
into the World, was _sorrowful even unto Death_; here the human Nature
struggled to be excused from a Cup so bitter; but his Prayers centered
in Resignation, _Not my Will but thine be done_. In this Conflict, so
great was his Agony, that _Sweat like Drops of Blood fell from him to
the Ground_.
Behold now, as foretold by the Prophet, he is in a judicial Manner
_numbered with the Transgressors_! Behold him as some poor Man of no
Reputation, standing before the High Priest and Elders, and before
_Herod_ and _Pilate_, where Witnesses appear against him, and he mindful
of the most gracious Design of his Coming, declineth to plead in his own
Defence, _but as a Sheep that is dumb before the Shearer_, so under many
Accusations, Revilings, and Buffetings, remained silent. And though he
signified to _Peter_, that he had Access to Power sufficient to
overthrow all their outward Forces; yet retaining a Resignation to
suffer for the Sins of Mankind, he exerted not that Power, but permitted
them to go on in their malicious Designs, and pronounce him to be worthy
of Death, even him who was perfect in Goodness; thus _in his Humiliation
his Judgment was taken away_, and he, like some vile Criminal, _led as a
Lamb to the Slaughter_. Under these heavy Trials (tho' poor unstable
_Pilate_ was convinced of his Innocence, yet) the People generally
looked upon him as a Deceiver, a Blasphemer, and the approaching
Punishment as a just Judgment upon him; _They esteemed him smitten of
God and afflicted._ So great had been the Surprize of his Disciples, at
his being taken by armed Men, that they _forsook him, and fled_; thus
they hid their Faces from him, he was despised, and by their Conduct it
appeared as though _they esteemed him not_.
But contrary to that Opinion, of his being smitten of God and afflicted,
it was for our Sakes that _he was put to Grief_; _he was wounded for our
Transgressions_; _he was bruised for our Iniquities_; and under the
Weight of them manifesting the deepest Compassion for the Instruments of
his Misery, laboured as their Advocate, and in the Deeps of Affliction,
with an unconquerable Patience, cried out, _Father, forgive them, they
know not what they do!_
Now this Mind being in us, which was in Christ Jesus, it removes from
our Hearts the Desire of Superiority, Worldly Honour, or Greatness; a
deep Attention is felt to the Divine Counsellor, and an ardent
Engagement to promote, as far as we may be enabled, the Happiness of
Mankind universally: This State, where every Motion from a selfish
Spirit yieldeth to pure Love, I may, with Gratitude to the Father of
Mercies acknowledge, is often opened before me as a Pearl to dig after;
attended with a living Concern, that amongst the many Nations and
Families on the Earth, those who believe in the Messiah, that _he was
manifested to destroy the Works of the Devil_, and thus to _take away
the Sins of the World_, may experience the Will of our Heavenly Father,
_may be done on Earth as it is in Heaven_. Strong are the Desires I
often feel, that this Holy Profession may remain unpolluted, and the
Believers in Christ may so abide in the pure inward Feeling of his
Spirit, that the Wisdom from above may shine forth in their Living, as a
Light by which others may be instrumentally helped on their Way, in the
true harmonious Walking.
CHAPTER III
_On_ MERCHANDIZING
Where the Treasures of pure Love are opened, and we obediently follow
him who is the Light of Life, the Mind becomes chaste; and a Care is
felt, that the Unction from the Holy One may be our Leader in every
Undertaking.
In being crucified to the World, broken off from that Friendship which
is Enmity with God, and dead to the Customs and Fashions which have not
their Foundation in the Truth; the Way is prepared to Lowliness in
outward Living, and to a Disintanglement from those Snares which attends
the Love of Money; and where the faithful Friends of Christ are so
situated that Merchandize appears to be their Duty, they feel a
Restraint from proceeding farther than he owns their Proceeding; being
convinced that _we are not our own, but are bought with a Price, that
none of us may live to ourselves, but to him who died for us_, 2 Cor. v.
15. Thus they are taught, not only to keep to a moderate Advance and
Uprightness in their Dealings; but to consider the Tendency of their
Proceeding; to do nothing which they know would operate against the
Cause of universal Righteousness; and to keep continually in View the
Spreading of the peaceable Kingdom of Christ amongst Mankind.
The Prophet _Isaiah_ spake of the gathered Church, in the Similitude of
a City, where many being employed were all preserved in Purity; _They
shall call them the Holy People, the Redeemed of the Lord, and thou
shalt be called sought out, a City not forsaken_, Isa. lxiii. 10. And
the Apostle, after mentioning the Mystery of Christ's Sufferings,
exhorts, _Be ye Holy in all Manner of Conversation_, 1 Pet. i. 15. There
is a Conversation necessary in Trade; and there is a Conversation so
foreign from the Nature of Christ's Kingdom, that it is represented in
the Similitude of one Man pushing another with a warlike Weapon; _There
is that speaketh like the Piercings of a Sword_, Prov. xii. 18. Now in
all our Concerns it is necessary that the Leading of the Spirit of
Christ be humbly waited for, and faithfully followed, as the only Means
of being preserved chaste as an Holy People, who _in all Things are
circumspect_, Exod. xxiii. 13, that nothing we do may carry the
Appearance of Approbation of the Works of Wickedness, make the
Unrighteous more at Ease in Unrighteousness, or occasion the Injuries
committed against the Oppressed to be more lightly looked over.
Where Morality is kept to, and supported by the Inhabitants of a
Country, there is a certain Reproach attends those Individuals amongst
them, who manifestly deviate therefrom. But where Iniquity is committed
openly, and the Authors of it are not brought to Justice, nor put to
Shame, their Hands grow strong. Thus the general Corruption of the
_Jews_ shortly before their State was broke up by the _Chaldeans_, is
described by their Boldness in Impiety; for as their Leaders were
connected together in Wickedness they strengthened one another, and grew
confident; _Were they ashamed when they had committed Abominations? Nay,
they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush_, Jer. vi. 15, on
which Account the Lord thus expostulates with them, _What hath my
Beloved to do in my House, seeing she hath wrought Lewdness with many,
and the Holy Flesh is passed from thee; when thou doest Evil, then thou
rejoicest_, Jer. xi. 15.
Now the faithful Friends of Christ, who hunger and thirst after
Righteousness, and inwardly breathe that his Kingdom may come on Earth
as it is in Heaven, he teacheth them to be quick of Understanding in his
Fear, and to be very attentive to the Means he may appoint for promoting
pure Righteousness in the Earth; and as Shame is due to those whose
works manifestly operate against the gracious Design of his Sufferings
for us, a Care lives on their Minds that no wrong Customs however
supported may bias their Judgments, but that they may humbly abide under
the Cross, and be preserved in a Conduct which may not contribute to
strengthen the Hands of the Wicked in their Wickedness, or to remove
Shame from those to whom it is justly due. The Coming of that Day is
precious, in which we experience the Truth of this Expression, _The Lord
our Righteousness_, Jer. xiii. 6, and feel him to be _made unto us
Wisdom and Sanctification_.
The Example of a righteous Man is often looked at with Attention. Where
righteous Men join in Business, their Company gives Encouragement to
others; and as one Grain of Incense deliberately offered to the Prince
of this World, renders an Offering to God in that State unacceptable;
and from those esteemed Leaders of the People may be injurious to the
Weak; it requires deep Humility of Heart, to follow him faithfully, who
alone gives sound Wisdom, and the Spirit of true Discerning; and O how
necessary it is, to consider the Weight of a Holy Profession!
The Conduct of some formerly gave Occasion of Complaint against them;
_Thou hast defiled thy Sanctuaries by the Multitude of thine Iniquities,
by the Iniquity of thy Traffick_, Ezek. xxviii. 18, and in several
Places it is charged against _Israel_, that they had polluted the Holy
Name.
The Prophet _Isaiah_ represents inward Sanctification in the Similitude
of being purged from that which is Fuel for Fire; and particularly
describes the outward Fruits, brought forth by those who dwell in this
inward Holiness; _They walk righteously, and speak uprightly._ By
_walking_ he represents the Journey through Life, as a righteous
Journey; and _by speaking uprightly_, seems to point at that which
_Moses_ appears to have had in View, when he thus express'd himself;
_Thou shall not follow a Multitude to do Evil, nor speak in a Cause to
decline after many to wrest Judgment_, Exod. xxiii. 2.
He goes on to shew their Firmness in Equity; representing them as
Persons superior to all the Arts of getting Money, which have not
Righteousness for their Foundation; _They despise the Gain of
Oppressions_: And further shews how careful they are that no Prospects
of Gain may induce them to become partial in Judgment respecting an
Injury; _They shake their Hands from holding Bribes._
Again, where any Interest is so connected with shedding Blood, that the
Cry of innocent Blood goes also with it; he points out their Care to
keep innocent Blood from crying against them, in the Similitude of a
Man's stopping his Ears to prevent a Sound from entering his Head; _They
stop their Ears from hearing Blood_: And where they know that Wickedness
is committed, he points out with Care, that they do not by an unguarded
Friendship with the Authors of it, appear like unconcerned Lookers on,
but as People so deeply affected with Sorrow, that they cannot endure to
stand by and behold it; this he represents in the Similitude of a Man
_shutting his Eyes from seeing Evil_.
_Who amongst us shall dwell with devouring Fire? Who amongst us shall
dwell with everlasting Burnings? He that walketh righteously and
speaketh uprightly. He that despiseth the Gain of Oppressions, that
shaketh his Hands from holding of Bribes, that stoppeth his Ears from
hearing of Blood, and shutteth his Eyes from seeing Evil_, Isa. xxxiii.
15.
He proceeds in the Spirit of Prophecy to shew how the Faithful, being
supported under Temptations, would be preserved from that Defilement
that there is in the Love of Money; that as they who in a reverent
Waiting on God, feel their Strength renewed, are said to _mount upward_;
so here their Preservation from the Snare of unrighteous Gain, is
represented in the Likeness of a Man, borne up above all crafty, artful
Means of getting the Advantage of another; _They shall dwell on high_;
and points out the Stability and Firmness of their Condition; _His Place
of Defence shall be the Munition of Rocks_; and that under all the
outward Appearances of Loss, in denying himself of gainful Profits for
Righteousness Sake, yet through the Care of him who provides for the
Sparrows, he should have a Supply answerable to his infinite Wisdom;
_Bread shall be given him, his Waters shall be sure_. And as our Saviour
mentions the Sight of God to be attainable by _the Pure in Heart_, so
here the Prophet pointed out, how in true Sanctification the
Understanding is opened, to behold the peaceable harmonious Nature of
his Kingdom; _thine Eyes shall see the King in his Beauty_: And that
looking beyond all the Afflictions which attend the Righteous, to _a
Habitation eternal in the Heavens_, they with an eye divinely open
_shall behold the Land that is very far off_.
_He shall dwell on high, his Place of Defence shall be the Munition of
Rocks, Bread shall be given him, his Waters shall be sure. Thine Eyes
shall see the King in his Beauty; they shall behold the Land that is
very far off_, Isa. xxxiii. 16.
I often remember, and to me the Subject is awful, that the great Judge
of all the Earth doeth that which is right, and that he, _before whom
the Nations are as the Drop of a Bucket_, is _no Respecter of Persons_.
Happy for them, who like the inspired Prophet, _in the Way of his
Judgments wait for him_, Isa. xxvi. 8.
When we feel him to sit as a Refiner with Fire, and know a Resignedness
wrought in us, to that which he appoints for us, his Blessing in a very
low Estate, is found to be more precious than much outward Treasure in
those Ways of Life, where the Leadings of his Spirit are not followed.
The Prophet in a Sight of a divine Work amongst many People, declared in
the Name of the Lord, _I will gather all Nations and Tongues, and they
shall come and see my Glory_, Isa. lxvi. 18. And again, _from the rising
of the Sun to the going down of the same, my Name shall be great amongst
the_ Gentiles, _and in every Place Incense shall be offered to my Name,
and a pure Offering_, Malachi i. 11.
Behold here how the Prophets had an inward Sense of the Spreading of the
Kingdom of Christ; and how he was spoken of as one who should _take the
Heathen for his Inheritance, and the utmost Parts of the Earth for his
Possession_, Psal. ii. 8. That _he was given for a Light to the_
Gentiles; _and for Salvation to the Ends of the Earth_, Isa. xlix. 6.
When we meditate on this divine Work, as a Work of Ages; a Work that the
Prophets felt long before Christ appeared visibly on Earth, and remember
the bitter Agonies he endured when he _poured out his Soul unto Death_,
that the Heathen Nations, as well as others, might come to the Knowledge
of the Truth and be saved.
When we contemplate on this marvellous Work, as that which _the Angels
desire to look into_, 1 Pet. i. 12. And behold People amongst whom this
Light hath eminently broken forth, and who have received many Favours
from the bountiful Hand of our Heavenly Father; not only indifferent
with respect to publishing the glad Tidings amongst the _Gentiles_, as
yet sitting in Darkness and entangled with many Superstitions; but
aspiring after Wealth and worldly Honours, take hold of Means to obtain
their Ends, tending to stir up Wrath and Indignation, and to beget an
Abhorrence in them to the Name of _Christianity_. When these Things are
weightily attended to, how mournful is the Subject?
It is worthy of Remembrance, that People in different Ages, deeply
baptized into the Nature of that Work for which Christ suffered, have
joyfully offered up their Liberty and Lives for the promoting of it in
the Earth.
_Policarp_, who was reputed a Disciple of the Apostle _John_, having
attained to great Age, was at length sentenced to die for his Religion;
and being brought to the Fire, prayed nearly as follows, "Thou God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom I have received the Knowledge
of thee! O God of the Angels and Powers, and of every living Creature,
and of all Sorts of just Men which live in thy Presence. I thank thee,
that thou hast graciously vouchsafed this Day and this Hour to allot me
a Portion among the Number of Martyrs, among the People of Christ, unto
the Resurrection of everlasting Life; among whom I shall be received in
thy Sight, this Day, as a fruitful and acceptable Sacrifice; wherefore
for all this, I praise thee, I bless thee, I glorify thee through the
everlasting High Priest, Jesus Christ, thy well-beloved Son; to whom,
with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all Glory, World without End. _Amen._"
Bishop _Latimer_, when Sentence of Death by Fire was pronounced against
him, on Account of his Firmness in the Cause of Religion, he said, "I
thank God most heartily, that he hath prolonged my Life to this End;
that I may in this Case glorify him by this Kind of Death." _Fox's_ Acts
and Mon. 936.
_William Dewsbury_, who had suffered much for his Religion, in his last
Sickness, encouraging his Friends to Faithfulness, made mention, like
good old _Jacob_, of the Loving kindness of God to him in the Course of
his Life, and that through the Power of Divine Love, he, for Christ's
Sake, had joyfully entered Prisons. See Introduction to his Works.
I mention these as a few Examples, out of many of the powerful
Operations of the Spirit of Christ, where People are fully devoted to
it, and of the ardent Longings in their Minds for the Spreading of his
Kingdom amongst Mankind. Now to those, in the present Age, who truly
know Christ, and feel the Nature of his peaceable Government opened in
their Understandings, how loud is that Call wherewith we are called to
Faithfulness; that in following this pure Light of Life, we, _as Workers
together with him_, may labour in that great Work for which he was
offered as a Sacrifice on the Cross; and that his peaceable Doctrines
may shine through us in their real Harmony, at a Time when the Name of
_Christianity_ is become hateful to many of the _Heathen_.
When _Gehazi_ had obtained Treasures which the Prophet under divine
Direction had refused, and was returned from the Business; the Prophet
troubled at his Conduct, queried if it was a Time thus to prepare for a
specious Living.
_Is it a Time to receive Money and Garments, Men Servants and Maid
Servants? The Leprosy therefore of_ Naaman _shall cleave to thee, and to
thy Seed for ever_, 2 Kings v. 26. And O that we may lay to Heart the
Condition of the present Time, and humbly follow his Counsel, who alone
is able to prepare the Way for a true harmonious Walking amongst
Mankind.
CHAPTER IV
_On_ DIVINE ADMONITIONS
Such are the Perfections of our Heavenly Father, that in all the
Dispensations of his Providence, it is our Duty, _in every Thing, to
give Thanks_. Though from the first Settlement of this Part of
_America_, he hath not extended his Judgments to the Degree of Famine,
yet Worms at Times have come forth beyond numbering, and laid waste
Fields of Grain and Grass, where they have appeared; another Kind, in
great Multitudes, working out of Sight, in Grass Ground, have so eat the
Roots, that the Surface, being loosened from the Soil beneath, might be
taken off in great Sheets.
These Kind of devouring Creatures appearing seldom, and coming in such
Multitudes, their Generation appears different from most other Reptiles,
and by the Prophet were call'd _God's Army sent amongst the People_,
Joel ii. 25.
There have been Tempests of Hail, which have very much destroyed the
Grain where they extended. Through long Drought in Summer, Grain in some
Places hath been less than half the usual Quantity;[1] and in the
Continuance thereof, I have beheld with Attention, from Week to Week,
how Dryness from the Top of the Earth, hath extended deeper and deeper,
while the Corn and Plants have languished; and with Reverence my Mind
hath been turned towards him, who being perfect in Goodness, in Wisdom
and Power, doeth all Things right. And after long Drought, when the Sky
hath grown dark with a Collection of Matter, and Clouds like Lakes of
Water hung over our Heads, from whence the thirsty Land hath been
soaked; I have at Times, with Awfulness, beheld the vehement Operation
of Lightning, made sometimes to accompany these Blessings, as a
Messenger from him who created all Things, to remind us of our Duty in a
right Use of those Benefits, and give striking Admonitions, that we do
not misapply those Gifts, in which an Almighty Power is exerted, in
bestowing them upon us.
[Footnote 1: When Crops fail. I often feel a tender Care that the Case
of poor Tenants may be mercifully considered.]
When I have considered that many of our Fellow Creatures suffer much in
some Places, for want of the Necessaries of Life, whilst those who rule
over them are too much given to Luxury, and divers Vanities; and behold
the apparent Deviation from pure Wisdom amongst us, in the Use of the
outward Gifts of God; those Marks of Famine have appeared like humbling
Admonitions from him, that we might be instructed by gentle
Chastisements, and might seriously consider our Ways; remembering that
the outward Supply of Life is a Gift from our Heavenly Father, and no
more venture to use, or apply his Gifts, in a Way contrary to pure
Wisdom.
Should we continue to reject those merciful Admonitions, and use his
Gifts at Home, contrary to the gracious Design of the Giver, or send
them Abroad in a Way of Trade, which the Spirit of Truth doth not lead
into; and should he whose Eyes are upon all our Ways, extend his
Chastisements so far as to reduce us to much greater Distress than hath
yet been felt by these Provinces; with what sorrow of Heart might we
meditate on that Subject, _Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in
that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, when he led thee by the Way?
Thine own Wickedness shall correct thee, and thy Backslidings shall
reprove thee; know therefore, and see that it is an evil Thing and
bitter, that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, and that my Fear is
not in thee, saith the Lord of Hosts_, Jer. ii. 17, 19.
My Mind hath often been affected with Sorrow, in beholding a wrong
Application of the Gifts of our Heavenly Father; and those Expressions
concerning the Defilement of the Earth have been opened to my
Understanding; _The Earth was corrupt before God, and the Earth was
filled with Violence_, Gen. vi. 11. Again, Isaiah xxiv. 5. _The Earth
also is defiled under the Inhabitants thereof._