was originally given, and has been continued, to induce earnestly concerned Friends to take part in the management, and they have sparingly responded to the call.

The result of this has been to throw the responsibility of the management, rather more than I would wish, into the hands of those of more limited religious experience, but who are attached, nevertheless, to the real testimonies of our Society.

For years I have been surprised at the firmness with which some Friendly customs have been maintained by those who, like myself, were not themselves thoroughly convinced of their soundness, and who were less influenced by conviction than by the sentiment of honorably fulfilling the expectations held out by some in the early efforts to secure means to establish the College.

It has been a gratification to witness this, and to feel how entirely different is the tone at Swarthmore, in reference to the testimonies of Friends, from that which surrounded me and some of my children, in the schools which we were obliged to attend, in consequence of the low standard of those then conducted by Friends; now the standing of our schools is much higher.

There was another difficulty: the long neglect of the subject of liberal education by our branch of Society had so reduced the number of our well-qualified teachers, that the College was obliged in many instances to employ as instructors those who were not Friends nor professors with us, because no Friends could be obtained who were competent; this difficulty is being gradually removed.

Is it not time for active Friends who hold aloof from Swarthmore, because it is not perfect according to their ideas, to consider seriously what the ultimate result of such a course must be?

If those who are concerned not only to promote superior educational facilities, but also to support the Friendly standard, refuse to take part in the concern, it must inevitably result that those will come into control who value the facilities more than they do the maintenance of Friend's testimonies.

Do concerned Friends wish this? Their actions say Yes. Would it not be wise in them to consider whether they are not heedlessly throwing away a great opportunity?

I believe they are, and regret that it is so. Perhaps, if no reflection is given to the subject, and no change occurs, the time will come when they will regret unavailingly.

Other matters crowd upon me, but this communication is long and admonishes me to defer their consideration.

I alone am responsible for the sentiments herein expressed. I do not know that a single manager or officer of Swarthmore will approve them, but I have long felt them, and believe the time has come thus to express them. WM. CANBY BIDDLE.

Second mo. 10th, 1883.

For Friends' Intelligencer.

TWO PATHS.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks of the two ways of life, one narrow, the other broad; one leading to spiritual life, the other representing the human, the carnal; which, having its limit in the earthly, is characterized as destruction." Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

This broad path, the outward and visible life which each one lives, we look at very differently from those who in times gone by called it evil. They saw in the affections and instincts of man, the allurements of the evil one, and found them fighting against God and God against them. We could not reconcile the thought that human love and sympathy, joy and mirthfulness are wicked when kept within reasonable bounds; even quick temper, strong will and stubbornness are, in a well-balanced character, great forces for growth, and it is conceded that a child's strong will is more effective in after life if trained than if broken.

The broad way must be trodden, we must minister to our own necessities and to those who are dependent upon us, and our Father who created us with these needs and gave us the ability to provide that which will satisfy them, has no condemnation for us when we walk wisely in so natural a pathway. This is the world which Jesus said he came not to condemn, though at the same time he showed his hearers that there was something above and beyond their world, yet within it, which was possible for them to possess.

This lower life is illustrated by the fig-tree, vigorous and full of leaves but bearing no fruit; the strong growth and the leaves are in the Divine order, but unless the tree bears fruit it does not fulfil the whole law of its being; and likewise we, though we may flourish in the physical and the intellectual, yet if we bear no spiritual fruit, fail to fulfil the whole law of God. Shall we be like the man whom Jesus described as rich in worldy goods, and so satisfied therewith that he said, "Soul thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink and be merry. But he was conscious of his folly when he

saw that all he possessed was perishable and belonged only to the lower life, that his whole soul had been absorded in the pursuits of the broad way, and he was destitute of anything that could enter into the higher life. "So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

The narrow way and the strait door can be found opening out from the road where our worldly traffic is carried on; we shall find it narrow, each soul walks alone thereon; and straight from each heart to God, like the ladder from earth to heaven, with the angels ascending and descending. Those who have entered into life by this door realize the fullness of its riches; here can be found strength in weakness, a present help in every worldly difficulty, comfort in affliction, and the treasure which "neither moth nor rust can corrupt nor thieves break through and steal."

The thought has long prevailed that only in the life that follows this, shall peace come; that he who would "lay up riches toward God," must necessarily have many trials and afflictions in his worldly pilgrimage; in short, that he must, in this life, occupy the position of the beggar who sat at the rich man's gate, in order that he may after death be transported to Abraham's bosom. Let us learn to render unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar's and unto God the things that are God's; we cannot offer that which bears the superscription of this world as tribute to God, any more than we can feed the hungering soul with gold, nor can we believe that either riches or poverty has, in itself, anything to do with our heavenly treasure. The broad path is one, the narrow path is another, each necessary for us to tread if we would live that life which is full and perfect, and the beauty which the soul receives by walking in the hidden path, will be revealed in the one which is seen of men. W. H.

Second mo. 1883.

For Friends' Intelligencer.

THE WORK OF THE CHURCH.

fibre and nerve of the outer man, and through the weariness of the flesh the understanding and the spiritual life are not able to rise to the dignity and grandeur of their divine appointment, without some respite, some refuge, that shall be calm as well as ennobling to the inner life.

It was in the quiet of his cave, with his face hidden in the mantle, that Elijah heard the voice of God. So with us; when we hold communion, that is saving, it is in the quiet of all flesh and fleshly desires, in the stillness of the sanctuary! Our brethren of other folds realize this, and in their most solemn convocations there is not wanting a period of holy quiet, which is always acknowledged to be fraught with spiritual blessing.

We, as Friends, are so accustomed to silent worship that to the undevout, and not these only, but to those who have not made soul-inquiry as to the reasonableness of the manner, it is often without meaning and hence an unprofitable service.

There is not needed the addition of anything more formal amongst us, but there is an imperative demand for instruction in the first rudiments of our faith, and a leading along of the springing life in the soul, to a fuller and clearer understanding of its value, "Milk for babes," said the apostle. Milk, the blended elements of all the nourishing food that is required for the healthy growth of the child that has felt the first touch of elemental air. What a beautiful figure of the needs of the immortal part,-not doctrine, not duty, not responsibility, but love, is the milk of God that nourishes the soul of the babe, new-born in Christ-love that clings to the breast of the Divine as the infant to its mother, and draws therefrom its sustenance and strength, and that love is not felt in the noise of many words, in the rites and ceremonies that men call worship.

Let us not be turned aside by the much service that is going on around us; let us rather seek the "quiet habitation," where the holy oil of peace and rest will be granted, and in this life the "house not made with hands," become our dwelling-place.

For Friends' Intelligencer.

L. J. R.

IT IS NOT IN MAN THAT WALKETH TO DIRECT HIS STEPS.”

as well as in the present. Let us turn to the book of Genesis, 11th chapter, where we find there were those in that early period who attempted a plan of their own devising, saying one to another, "let us make brick and burn

them thoroughly; let us build us a city and a tower whose top may reach unto heaven, and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth."

We read that the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men had builded, and though He did not restrain them from that which they purposed to do, He confounded their language that they understood not one another's speech, and so scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth, and they left off to build the city.

Therefore is the name of it called Babel, which means confusion.

At a later date, many years after, we find recorded in the New Testament, that one said "I go a fishing," others said, we also go with thee." They went forth, not waiting for counsel, and entered into a ship immediately, and that night they caught nothing. When morning came, Jesus, full of compassion, said to them, "Children, have ye any meat?" They answered, no. They were then prepared to receive instruction, and He told them to cast the net "on the right side of the ship," and they should find, which they obeyed, and were blessed with an abundance of fishes, as stated in the 21st chapter of St. John.

These two instances may be sufficient to show that "The way of man is not in himself." But wisdom is profitable to direct-that wisdom which is gentle, easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits.

Oh! that we who profess the guidance of the spirit of truth, may be faithful to its monitions, and manifest that we are walking in the light of the Lord.

LOCAL INFORMATION. PHILADELPHIA QUARTERLY MEETING.

The meeting of this body at Race Street Meeting House, Philadelphia, on the 6th inst., was well attended, and was characterized by deep solemnity. It was felt to be a season of refreshing, the bread of life being broken and the cup of consolation extended.

The exercises of the meeting were opened by a fervent testimony to the immanence of the Divine Power in the inmost soul of man. This has been the teaching of this religious body from the days of its first foundation, and in the times of bigotry, superstition, and persecution, they have constantly adhered to the testimony to a God whose tabernacle is with man. It is the fool who hath said in his heart "There is no God."

But it is questioned if we are now doing our proper work faithfully in this age of prosperity and ease. An exhortation to greater care in the nurture of the religious life in the young, in the guardianship of their years of inexperience, and in their instructions in the truth went forth, and the question was solemnly asked if the principles of wisdom and piety in the hearts and minds of the youth are not of more value than all the riches and treasure of the world. If the soul is indeed to live forever, should it not be our chief endeavor to so open it to the purifying influence of the Holy Spirit, that it may become worthy of the great consummation—to enter forever into the joy of the Lord.

The excitements of the spectacular drama were designated as a popular means of dissipating the Divine influence, and the fear was expressed that many are now indulging in its fascinations, who should have been led into holier and safer paths.

ing value of an immortal, never-dying soul. "What will it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul," was the solemn question of the blessed Jesus. The annunciation went forth that God so loved the world that he gave his own Son, that all who believed in Him might not perish but have everlasting life. The Shepherds who kept their flocks by night on the Judean hills, heard the Divine Voice and were sore afraid.

But the language to them was, "Fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy that shall be to all people, For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour which is Christ the Lord." The coming of this pure life is indeed the Saviour.

Other ministers then addressed the meeting solemnly and forcibly exhorting to dedication

Under a sense of divine favor the meeting then divided and proceeded to the consideration of the usual business. The queries usually replied to at this time were answered. Deborah F. Wharton spoke on the subject of faithfulness to our religious duties, especially in regard to the attendance on public worship. She bore testimony, with deep feeling, to the satisfaction and comfort she had ever experienced in meeting with other earnest worshippers and seekers after truth. We should be in earnest in every good word and work, and should seek

for united action with those with whom we are united in heart and mind.

Others spoke impressively on the value of this reasonable service-the attendance of religious meetings.

A proposition to unite Radnor Preparative Meeting to Valley Preparative Meeting was agreed to by both men's and women's meetings.

Owing to death and removal, Radnor Preparative Meeting has grown so small, that the propriety of this step was manifest, and there was entire unanimity in incorporating the two bodies into one.

After the appointment of some committees the meeting adjourned.

FRIENDS' INTELLIGENCER. PHILADELPHIA, SECOND MO. 17, 1883.

OUR NEW VOLUME.-With this number the Fortieth volume of Friends' Intelligencer is commenced, and the advent of a new year will lay upon us its burdens, and inspire us for the work it has in store.

Having been a weekly visitor, and we hope a welcome one, in many households, it may seem appropriate to say that the work of preparing our paper has always been a privilege; and the feeling, that in this way we communicate with many congenial minds, some of whom we may never know personally, is an impulse in the direction of making it more worthy the perusal of our friends,

both known and unknown.

It has been our earnest desire to present that which will be acceptable to Friends as a religious body, which professes what we consider the highest form of religious thought, in which each one recognizing the truth that God is a spirit, seeks through his own spiritual nature to be brought into union and

and the inspiration received from this holy come works of goodness and deeds of love, communion, is the heavenly manna giving daily, strength, and courage, and endurance, fitting us for all the duties of life.

As the visit of a friend cheers and com

forts, as the word of encouragement strengthens and lifts the weary out of the ruts in life's pathway, as the experience of another shows us that our trials or entanglements are not peculiar to ourselves, so we desire to enter at the quiet reading hour as the friend or helper. To those who abound in the riches of spiritual and intellectual life, we would come as the friend whose loving presence suggests a line of thought, which followed out, carries the mind beyond its former level and sets the standard higher than before.

Believing that our simple faith is sufficient to live by, if thoroughly understood, and that spiritual worship is ever a "well of water springing up unto eternal life" to satisfy the longing soul, we have desired to keep our paper free from popular theories of salvation, which complicate what the blessed Jesus declared could be comprehended by the childlike condition. But when we find the truth in its simplicity uttered by those outside of our household of faith, we do not hesitate to lay it before our readers, well knowing that truth is not confined to any sect or any people, and that it is profitable to view it from all sides.

It has been said that sects are valuable as conservators of certain portions of the truth ; our aim as a sectarian paper is to cherish the simplicity of truth, and to keep open and clear that pathway which leads from the human to the divine.

We hope to greet, in the new volume, all our old friends and as many new ones as have need of us, earnestly and prayerfully craving that our future efforts may receive the blessing, which crowns all right endeavors.

SAMUEL WILLETS.-The death of this dear friend, in the fullness of his days, could not have been very unexpected to those who remembered his years and the activities of his long life. His mental and spiritual powers