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Acts as Executor, Administrator, Assignee, etc., alone or in connection with an individual appointee. Executes trusts of every description known to the law. All trust assets kept separate from those of the Company. Burglar-Proof Safes to rent at $5 to $60 per annum. Wills kept in Vaults without charge. Bonds, Stocks and other valuables taken under guarantee. Paintings, Statuary, Bronzes, etc., kept in Fire-Proof Vaults. Money received on deposit at interest.

JAMES LONG, President; JOHN G. READING, Vice-President; MAHLON H. STOKES, Treasurer and Secretary; D. R. PATTERSON, Trust Officer. DIRECTORS.-Jas. Long, Alfred S. Gillett, Joseph Wright, Dr. Charles P. Turner, Wm. S. Price, John T. Monroe, W. J. Nead, Thos. R. Patton, John G. Reading, Wm. H. Lucas, D. Hayes Agnew, M. D., Jos. I. Keefe, Robert Patterson, Theodore C. Engel, Jacob Naylor, Thomas G. Hood, Edward L. Perkins, Philadelphia; Samuel Riddle, Glen Riddle, Pa.; Dr. George W. Reiley, Harrisburg, Pa.; J. Simpson Africa, Huntingdon; Henry S. Eckert, Reading; Edmund S. Doty, Mifflintown'; W. W. H. Davis, Doylestown, R. E. Monaghan, West Chester: Charles W. Cooper, Allentown.

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This Company furnishes ALL DESIRABLE FORMS of LIFE and ENDOWMENT INSURANCE at actual NET
COST. It is PURELY MUTUAL; has ASSETS of nearly TEN MILLIONS and a SURPLUS of about Two MILL-
ITS POLICIES ARE NON-FORFEITABLE AND INCONTESTABLE.
SAMUEL C. HUEY, President.
HENRY C. BROWN, Secretary.

IONS.

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INTELLIGENCER. Vol. xlii. No. 35.

UNITED WITH

The Friends' Journal.

PHILADELPHIA, TENTH MONTH 10, 1885.

LIFE MOSAIC.

MASTER, to do great work for Thee, my hand

Is far too weak! Thou givest what may suitSome little chips to cut with care minute, Or tint, or grave, or polish. Others stand Before their quarried marble fair and grand,

And make a life-work of the great design Which thou hast traced; or, many-skilled combine, To build vast temples, gloriously planned. Yet take the tiny stones which I have wrought, Just one by one, as they were given by Thee, Not knowing what came next in thy wise thought. Set each stone by Thy master-hand of grace, Form the mosaic as Thou wilt for me, And in Thy temple-pavement give it place.

THE

FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL.

For Friends' Intelligencer and Journal. THE NARRATIVE OF LOT'S WIFE.1 HE traveler who passes from Jerusalem which has stood, throughout the long ages of man's history, upon the same marked and imposing site, is struck with a kind of horror in view of the awful desolation of the region bordering on the Dead Sea-the Wilderness of Judea. There are abundant evidences of volcanic origin, and it is said that earthquakes are often felt; the scenery is stern and somber and without beauty. "Above all countries in the world" says Stanley, "it is a land of ruins. In Judea it is hardly an exaggeration to say that for miles and miles there is no appearance of present life and habitation.”

Even the birds are said to avoid this region as they make their periodic migration from one land of fertility to another. There are no forests, and scarcely even a tree in this desolation. Yet here was the fertile Vale of Siddim-where Lot had found a home for his family after his migration with his great kinsman from the Chaldean mountain region to the promised land. The ancient chronicler to whom we owe the Book of Genesis gives us a graphic picture of the utter degradation of the people of this favored vale in which the patriarch Lot had taken refuge. The angelic messengers find not even ten righteous in the city of Sodom, and the household of Lot are warned to flee from their homes and retire to a place sufficiently remote from the coming disaster and utter overthrow. The flight of Lot and his family appears to have been before the dawn of the morning—but 1Read at a Conference, Tenth month 4th, at Race St. Meeting, Philadelphia.

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his wife lingers, unwilling to retire from what has seemed to her a pleasant habitation, and perishes in the volcanic convulsion which changed the whole face of the lovely vale into a fiery plain of lava. The proud and wicked cities of the plain were no more to play any part in the drama of man's development-no more to corrupt the sons and daughters of men-and the wife of Lot, unwilling to step forward at the Divine warning, is involved in the destruction.

Here is the simple story with its essential particulars. Lot retires to the Mountains of Moab, and Abraham was given to see the ruin of the cities of the plain.

It is related that the Father of the Faithful ascended in obedience to the Divine Intimation to the high place where he had builded an altar, and looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah for which he had so fervently wrestled in prayer, "and, lo! the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace."

Surely a deep and solemn dread must have wrung the heart of Abraham, if he knew not of Lot's escape. Neither do we know if the patriarch was yet aware of the obstinate, deaf conservatism of the wife and the sons-in-law of Lot, who heeded not the warning of the Divine Word-perceptible to the more attentive ear of Lot.

In Israel this incident was held in perpetual recollection, and was recorded as a sacred Scripture, a warning to the people against that disregard of the inspeaking Word, so fatal to man's advancement and to his salvation.

The Blessed Master used it himself in one of his recorded discourses: (Luke XVII; 32) He had been asked by Pharisees when the Kingdom of God should come, and had replied to the questioners that the Kingdom of God was already within their own hearts and was not to come with observation. How pertinent, the solemn warning of of the anointed One to "Remember Lot's Wife." Dare not to reject this great mandate to forsake evil and flee to a place of safety where ye are not implicated in the iniquities that ruin soul and body—and deafen the spiritual ear to the word of God in the heart. "The Unpardonable Sin" says an inspired modern poet, "is to reject the Holy Ghost within."

This Holy Ghost according to our Quaker fathers, is that universal and saving Light that enlightens the hearts of all for a season, in order to salvation. If not resisted, it reproves the sins of all individuals, and would work out the salvation of all.

Against the doctrine of absolute reprobation they raised an emphatic protest. This gloomy and ter rible doctrine was derived first from the heated controversial writings of Augustine against Pelagius; secondly, fomented by Dominicus the founder of the order of monks styled Dominicans; and then adopted and taught by John Calvin. "But," says Barclay, even in the 17th century it began to be exploded and rejected by most men of learning and piety in all Protestant churches." Friends in that day went fully and frankly back to the stand of the great Fathers of the first four centuries of Christianity, and endeavored to promote and establish upon the earth once more, as of old, the solemn and joyful affirmation of the aged apostle John, who heard the Divine inner voice impelling his utterance-on the Isle of Patmos"Behold the tabernacle of God is with men.”

Shall we not hold with the great and learned Paul that "The Spirit witnesseth with our spirit" but not to our outward ears. The spirit of God is within us and not without us only. Barclay reminds us of the entire reasonableness of concluding "that when in sacred scripture we read that the Spirit said, moved, hindered, or called such a one, to do or forbear such or such a thing," that this was an inward voice to the ear of the soul. To recognize and reverence this teaching, restraining and leading voice as the voice of God and yield obedience to it is to know salvation, and to enter upon the life eternal, with its unspeakable joy and peace. To shut the heart against itand persevere in the rejection of this unspeakable gift to the soul-is certainly the unpardonable sin.

In regard to this, the experience of true seekers after God of antiquity, was nowise different from that of the apostolic teachers of the first christian century, or from that of the great Master himself, save in degree.

We may claim then, that all true progress in the spiritual evolution of man, and his development in the directions that lead to peace and righteousness have been due to attention to the monitions of the inspeaking Voice of God.

Thus, the ideal Friends' meeting, assembled with one accord in one place, that the aspirations of all hearts may unite in that devout seeking after the true instruction which, whether vouchsafed to the specially consecrated disciple for his own soul's refreshment or for the general refreshment of the congregation, is a form of Divine Worship which is surely profitable to man, and we doubt not acceptable to God. On such occasions "Deep calleth unto deep," and an experimental knowledge of the eternal verities lifts up the heart and illuminates the understanding, and we are enabled to recognize the Divine Fatherhood, and the scarcely less Divine Brotherhood.

It is in seasons of such searching of heart as are known in times of true spiritual worship that the Indwelling Word "bears witness to our spirits that we are the children of God," and the true disciples are instructed as to the real value of their activities, and are directed in pathways by which they may advance in the right work and service of their day.

It can not be really improved by any musical or

intellectual aid,—and indeed in these might be a great peril to our little church.

We seek to come into relations with the inspeaking Word, the spiritual Light that the apostle John could declare did illumine all the sons and daughters of men. And we may well doubt if any means which are sensuous or merely intellectual can help us in the worship of the spiritual Heavenly Father. We need to hear the voice of the Highest, and then we want the help of "the communion of the Saints," that we may be impelled to true obedience to the revealed Word.

But if any among us will look back to fossilized creeds, and artificial and unspiritual theologies of the darker times, and forsake the true Light which seeks ever to lead forward to nobler and yet loftier planes, it may be that to these, the words of Jesus as recorded by Luke (17; 32.) are as pertinent as they were to the captious Pharisees of old Jerusalem who were of fended by the holy simplicity of the truth as the Christ declared it in their hearing, eighteen hundred and eighty-five years ago. "Remember Lot's wife."

For Friends' Intelligencer and Journal. INDIANA YEARLY MEETING.

S. R.

THE Meeting opened on Second-day morning, and after a time of precious waiting, Thomas Foulke arose with the text. "One is your master, Even Christ, and all ye are brethren," and in a few feeling remarks invited all to remember the common interest for which we had assembled. He was followed by J. J. Cornell, with the invitation-" Brethren mind your calling," in which he portrayed the necessity of each doing his individual work, if he expected to be benefited by thus assembling together, being careful to remember that each had an equal right with himself and to speak in such submission to the general feeling of the body that there should be no desire to unduly carry any measure they might introduce so that the spirit of love should prevail among them, and when the time for the meeting to conclude should arrive all would feel it had been good for them that they had thus been convened. Minutes for Friends in attendance were read for Sunderland P. Gardner, of Farmington, Monthly Meeting N. Y.; for John J. Cornell, from Rochester Monthly Meeting, N. Y.; and for Charlotte W. Cox, and her son, William W. Cox,-members from Rochester Monthly Meeting, N. Y.

Epistles were read from all the Yearly Meetings in correspondence with them, and were felt to be unusually excellent,-manifesting in their expressions, that each meeting was concerned to maintain our testimonies in their several localities-particularly such as had for their object the uplifting of the human family from the effects of the evils which are existing in the world. Their reading elicited some excellent remarks from concerned minds and spread a sweet solemnity over the meeting.

A proposition was opened in this meeting to address an epistle to Western Yearly Meeting of the other branch of Friends, held at Sugar Grove, Ind.,

that meeting being now unrecognized by any other body of Friends. The concern was united with and a committee appointed to prepare an essay of an epistle, if way should open therefor.

The remainder of the session was occupied with the usual routine business.

2nd day evening, the First-day School Association held a very interesting meeting, and those engaged in that important field of service, were encouraged to more energetic efforts in carrying on this work.

On Third-day morning, soon after the opening minute was read, John J. Cornell opened a concern to visit women Friends in gospel love, which was very cordially and generally united with.

The representatives reported the names of Davis Furnas for clerk, and Joseph C. Ratliffe for assistant clerk, which were satisfactory to the meeting. The meeting then entered into the consideration of the state of the Society, as presented by the answers to the Queries. (Note: the first query was considered during the absence of the writer of this, and hence he is unable to report the exercise thereon.) Much earnest and excellent counsel was given as the varied testimonies were thus presented. J. J. Cornell called our attention to the necessity of exerting a more tender care towards those who may become delinquents than was given them while in harmony with the body, illustrating his view by presenting the thought that in our family relations when one of its members becomes sick, we are willing to soothe, to tenderly nurse, to make sacrifice of time, strength and pursuits that we may minister to their needs and aid them to recover; and so in our spiritual relations, when a member of the body gets out of order, instead of feeling cold towards them, or keeping aloof from them, or manifesting a fault finding spirit, we should be ever tender to them, and be willing to make sacrifices for their restoration and recovery that all might be united in the true bond of peace.

In the evening another conference for the purpose of inquiring into the deficiencies existing in the Society and the remedy for them, was held, and after a free interchange of expression, resulted in recommending that the First-day schools should be taken under the care of the monthly meetings; and that in the transaction of business the prevailing expression should govern the decision of questions under consideration, and those who found themselves in the minority should cheerfully acquiesce in such decisions. On Fourth-day morning a large meeting gathered which was addressed by Sunderland P. Gardner, who presented the practical workings of the gospel of Jesus Christ, calling us away from mere doctrines, and appealing to us to carry out in our lives the beautiful precepts laid down by Jesus.

In the afternoon the meeting assembled in joint session to consider the report of the committee on Indian concerns, and the minutes of the Representative Committee. The latter reported there had been but little for them to do, but there was still a deep interest manifested for these wards of the nation, and it was felt that it was still best that our care should be continued when opportunity should present to render them any aid.

The Representative Committee presented a memorial for Elizabeth Roberts, which, on being read, called forth a number of feeling tributes to her memory, and faithfulness to duty, and the meeting was deeply tendered and baptised into a solemnity which was precious to feel.

Fourth-day evening a very large meeting gathered by appointment of John J. Cornell, whose concern was especially for the young. He was led to address a number of states and individual conditions, and to present the gospel to the young mind in a simple but clear manner, and endeavored to divest it of all its harsh and protruding features, and present it to them in its true loveliness and tenderness. The meeting was felt to be a very solemn and satisfactory season and an unusual quiet prevaded the whole assembly.

Fifth-day. The meeting was first occupied with the proposition from the Conference held Third-day night which were presented by John L. Thomas, in a feeling manner, and the request for the meetings to take the First-day schools under their care being supplemented by a like request from the First-day School Association, and both propositions were fully united with. A very acceptable visit was made to the meeting by Matilda Underwood, accompanied by Ann Packer and Maria Romine. Her appeal to the husbands and fathers to carry into their homes the requirements of true religion was touching and tendering and made a deep impression on many minds.

The report of the Committee on Humanitarian or Philanthropic work was then taken up,-and while they have not found much opportunity to labor as a committee, yet they had endeavored in their individual capacity to do what they could, and they were continued to labor in this important field as way may open. The committee on epistles reported a separate essay for each of the Yearly Meetings with which a correspondence is maintained, three of which were written by the younger members of the Committee; and all were excellent and satisfactory to the meeting.

The Committee to consider of and prepare an essay of an epistle to Western Yearly Meeting of the other branch of Friends held at Sugar Grove, Ind., presented one which was approved and directed to be signed and forwarded to them. After the presentation of the report of the Committee to collect the exercises of the meeting, which was approved, and a little time spent in silent waiting, the meeting adjourned.

The meeting was marked throughout by a great condescension, and an unusual care in the expression of the different sentiments to avoid hurting or wounding feelings, and so Indiana Yearly Meeting of 1885 has passed, we trust leaving its impress for good on the minds of those assembled, and we hope a like influence upon the human family.

Richmond, Ind., Tenth month 3d.

*

Life would grow all one-sided did each keep his own, "Tis when shared and divided, Thought's increase is shown.

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