progress of mankind, the education of youth, THE AGE WE LIVE IN.-The age we live the preservation of age and the respect for in is one of remarkable activity, both in civil woman all depend. If marriage is not divine, and religious concerns, not only in this country, there is nothing divine, nothing solid on earth, nothing left that a good man, woman or family but in other parts of the civilized world. need wish preserved in all the institutions of In Europe there seems to be among the edumankind. And marriage and Christianity sup-cated classes an increasing breadth of view in port each other as divine gifts to man.-Phila. Ledger. relation to the rights of man and the responsibilities of those who hold the reins of power; while among the great mass of the people, there FRIENDS' INTELLIGENCER. is a growing disposition to assert their rights, and to claim political privileges hitherto denied PHILADELPHIA, THIRD MONTH 9, 1867. In the commencement of a new volume our thoughts naturally turn to the objects which incite us to continued labor. Among these, the desire to furnish our readers with mental food that will not only be pleasant to the taste, but which will strengthen a love for Truth and its testimonies, holds a prominent place. We learn through letters from a number of friends that this object has been attained in many instances, and this affords us encouragement. By an increased subscription, the pecuniary difficulties, which threatened a discontinuance of our paper, have been removed. We had hoped the terms might have been reduced this but a recent increase in expenses renders such a course injudicious at the present time. The present rates, however, should not be an obstacle to its free circulation. year, If Friends who are qualified, and who feel an interest in the cause which we have at heart, would employ their talents upon subjects of general and vital interest to the Society, and would contribute more freely to the columus of our periodical, we should be less dependent upon matter which has before appeared in print. The selections which have been made, have not, as our readers are aware, been confined to the writings of the members of the Society of Friends; but such illustrations of Truth, as we have believed were calculated to impress the mind with the excellency of that spirit" which thinketh no evil and speaketh no guile," have been used, irrespective of sect or name. For the promotion of the blessed cause of truth and righteousness, we dedicate ourselves anew to the work, trusting that our efforts may be blessed. In France the education of the people is advancing, and with increasing intelligence among the industrial classes, a yearning for greater civil and religious liberty begins to prevail, and to make itself felt by the government. In Germany, so recently involved in a tremendous conflict of arms, there is manifested a determination to lay the foundations of government on principles far more liberal than have hitherto pravailed, and to provide against future dissensions by establishing a great national unity. In Russia the liberation of many millions of serfs, and the measures taken for their elevation, indicate on the part of their absolute lence, that entitles him to a high rank among ruler, a degree of enlightenment and benevo the benefactors of mankind. In Great Britain the spirit of reform is probably more active and potent than at any time during the last two centuries, as may be inferred from the great mass meetings and processions demanding the extension of the elective franchise. These demands will doubtless be met by concessions on the part of the gov ernment, for the English aristocracy have generally been wise enough to yield to the demands. of the people when danger became imminent, and thus by conceding a part of what justice demanded, they have been enabled to retain their ascendancy. H will be extended. There is, among most religious sects, an increasing disposition to acknowledge the supremacy of the great fundamental principle we In our own country, a stupendous revolution | righteous cause will prevail, and that the Re- Christ;" or, in Scripture language, “the grace MARRIED, on the 13th of Second month, 1867, at It is well known to the student of history, that the human mind makes most rapid progress when it is stirred to its utmost depths by events of momentous importance. The language of Moss, describing the Deluge, may be figura tively applied to our country: "The fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the win-N. dows of heaven were opened." Thought is no longer stagnant; but, rushing forward with ir resistible force, it sweeps away the barriers of prejudice, that have been raised by centuries of oppression. Accordingly we find a progress in public sentiment unparallelled in any other period of our history. The overruling Provi dence of God, the universal brotherhood of man, the just and elevated position of woman, are now claiming a degree of consideration hitherto unknown. It is with nations as with individuals, the darkest days in our experience-the seasons of our deepest affliction-may, through Divine Goodness, be made to yield the richest harvest of instruction, if we humble ourselves under his mighty hand, and place our trust in Him, whose right it is to reign. on Fifth-day, the 14th of Second month, place. on the 27th of Second month, 1867, at DIED, on the 14th of Tenth month, 1866, in Upper ATKINSON, aged 82 years; a member of Wrightstown Monthly Meeting. on the 26th of Second month, 1867, at his residence, Bensalem, Bucks Co., Pa., JOSHUA K. on the 28th of Twelfth month, 1866, at his, about 61 years. This dear Friend was a kind, de voted husband and sincere friend. His disease was Notwithstanding the profanity, intemperance was struck with paralysis. His suffering during his most insupportable, but he bore it with Christian were more be done." He retained his consciouness until the a humble and sincere Christian. He will be greatly missed in the meeting of which he has been a member thirty-eight years. Thus are called one after another those who are looked to for counsel and advice. DIED, on the 9th of Eleventh month, 1866. at Portsmouth, R. I., HANNAH GIFFORD, in the 92d year of her age; a member of Rhode Island Monthly Meeting. on the 9th of First month, 1867, CALVIN CAMMACK, in the 24th year of his age; a member of Henkle Creek Monthly Meeting. at her residence in Baltimore County, Maryland, on the 24th of Second Month, 1867, MARY M. PRICE, aged 88 years. reward. T Thus has passed from earth one who, in his intercourse with his fellow man, through a long life, evinced the quiet, unobtrusive traits of the Christian's character; and we believe it may be truly said that he died without enemies on earth, and with friends in Heaven. on the 24th of Second month, NATHAN WRIGHT, in the 72d year of his age, a member of Green St. Monthly Meeting. , on the 24th of Second month, 1867, at his residence, Hulmeville, Bucks Co., T. BURROWS TILTON, in the 55th year of his age. - on the 5th of Second month, 1867, ELIZABETH, wife of Joel Borton, in the 88th year of her age, a member of Pilesgrove Monthly Meeting of Friends, N. J. This aged beloved mother had been unable to walk alone, for near eighteen months, on account of dislocation of hip joint; and a few days before her death, she fell again, and disloca ed her shoulder, under which her strong powers of nature gave way. Letter received by Friends' Association for the Aid and Elevation of the Freedmen in return for supplies sent. FORT MONROE, 2d mo. 18th, 1867. My dear Friends.-I cannot express to you with pen and ink how thankful I feel for your In the death of this dear Friend, Gunpowder Monthly Meeting, of which she had been an Elder for about fifty-one years, has lost one of its most faithful laborers in the cause of truth and of church discipline, the neighborhood one of the most unostentatious, yet sympathising and self-sacrificing of its members, and the Society of Friends one of its most earnest and consistent examplars. While she was ever studious to avoid giving trouble herself, her hospitalities to others knew no bounds; she seemed never to weary in waiting upon the many who came under her hospitable roof. She was very diligent in her attendance of meetings, rarely allowing, even in her extreme old age, any thing to interfere with her prompt attendance. Her close was in accordance with her long and useful life. She passed away with her intellect, apparently unimpaired, and we cannot doubt is now reaping a rich at his residence in Harford County, Mary-kindness in sending the box of clothing and land, on the 15th of Second Month, 1867, ASAHEL the money. The latter came when so much HAVILAND, in the 81st year of his age; a member of needed. You know a little of the starvation Forest Preparative, and an Elder of Little Falls among our people. The snow lasted for nearly Monthly Meeting. a month, and it was a hard month indeed. Many of the men had been in the country working, and came home to spend Christmas week with their families, and were stormstaid; had no money, for many of them were not paid off,-and what could be done? Some had their feet so terribly frosted they could not wear their shoes for weeks. This country being flat, the woods were filled with water, so that those who went for their wood, to carry home on their heads, had to wade to get it. What could the women do, and especially the old? It was quite distressing to go into some of the cabins and find a family of little children sitting over a few coals, or perhaps none; and so hard to see the old men and women, after toiling hard and receiving nothing in return, now to suffer from hunger and cold. This, I trust, is in the past, not to be remembered. I feel that much was done by us with the means you provided, to alleviate the distress. I have tried to be judicious with the money, and have it go as far as I can. and many This is a great country for pine, the women get what they call light-wood for kindlings, and bring it to us to cook our meals. One woman came two miles the other morning, before we had our breakfast, with a great basket of this light-wood. It was a very cold morning, and she seemed to feel it very much. I had her come in and sit down by the cooking stove, and gave her her breakfast. Though suffering much during his last illness of two weeks' duration, he bore it with fortitude and resignation, frequently expressing his desire to be gathered to the mansions of rest, which he had an evidence were prepared for him, wherever it should be his Master's will. And there are those who can testify that to them death was never before so robbed of its terrors, or the grave of its victory, as when standing by the bedside of this dying Christian. , on the 7th of Second month, 1867, ELISHA STUART, son of John D. Stuart, aged 32 years; a member of Lower Greenwich Monthly Meeting, N. J. in this city, on the 26th ultimo, ALICE P. TODD in the 100th year of her age; a member of Philadelphia Monthly Meeting. This Friend, who had attained an age rarely allotted to any one, was born in Lancaster, Pa., on the 22d of First month, 1768. Her father, Thomas Poultney, a member of our Society, emigrated to this country from London in 1730, and came with his family to reside in this city when the deceased was nine years old. She was married in 1788 to James Todd, a merchant of Philadelphia. By the death of her husband, she was left with a family of five children, all of whom except one, she survived, and passed through many of the trials incident to widowhood. Though retaining her memory and clearness of intellect to the last, her sight and hearing were nearly gone, and in a sense of the infirmity of extreme age, and of having of She said mo. 18th, 1867. express to you I feel for your of clothing and when so much the starvation asted for nearly month indeed. In the country end Christmas ere stormstaid; were not paid Some had their ould not wear try being flat, , so that these home on their hat could the ? It was quite he cabins and ing over a fer ard to see the of hard and reo suffer from s in the past, at much s vided, to al be judicious far as I can. and many ht-wood for Your meals. er morning, great bas very cold ery much e cooking She said FRIENDS' INTELLIGENCER. Another old woman she had not a bit in the house, and her husband could get very little work. I came two miles with a basket of light-wood. went into one house and found four little children hovering over the fire. I asked then where their mother was, &c.? She had gone to buy meal. There was a nice load of wood in the house, and I asked them who paid for it. They said mother gave an iron pot and a big Still another woman, who was pitcher for it. very poor, and had three little children, obtain. ed a quart, or not that much, of milk, one evening, and after giving her children half of it, took the rest to divide among three children of another family, equally poor with herself. I would not write these cases of destitution and suffering, but to tell you your money and clothing have in a great measure relieved their wants. I never like to say, "Be ye clothed and filled," without giving the wherewithal that it can be Another case I will mention of a woman done. I brought who was living with another woman, no relation to each other, both equally poor. down the last flannel dress, and told her to try it on; but she refused, saying she had rather give it to the other woman, as she had no dress; I let her do as and taking up her old thin calico in her hand, said, "I have this one yet." she wished, and secretly resolved she should not As I am kept so very busy, I have little time to write, but I will try to write you another letter in the course of a few weeks. I am interrupted continually with raps at the door. But I am here to attend to them, and I must be patient. The number of pieces in the box were as follows: Ninety new garmentsforty-five part worn-a few shoes, copy-books, The barrel contained 60 pieces, be&c. sides a few stockings and shoes. We tender you offering, but your our many thanks to if you were to see the happiness it produced among some of my poor, you would need no thanks from me. she had eaten a small corn cake the morning for Remember me as your true friend, CHEERFUL WORK. One of the most valuable, and one of the most infectious examples which can be set before the young, is that of cheerful working. CheerfulBess gives elasticity to the spirit. Spectres fly before it; difficulties cause no despair, for they are encountered with hope, and the mind acquires that happy disposition to improve opportunities which rarely fails of success. vent spirit is always a healthy and happy spirit; working cheerfully itself and stimulating others to work. It confers a dignity on even the most ordinary occupations. The most effective work, also, is always the full hearted work—that which passes through the hands or the head of him whose heart is glad. The fer GOD'S THOUGHTS NOT OUR THOUGHTS. We keep our patience for our greater cares, Still gently bears. God's ways are not as our ways: we lay down We travel far to find Him, seeking still, BROAD CAST THY SEED. Broad cast thy seed Although some portion may be found Or when it comes, some pestilent air his faithful household servants he left $20,000, and appointed two Quaker guardians for the children; one of whom was Friend Joseph, who took the children to board with him for the convenier ce of attending school. They were good-looking, intelligent, and well-behaved; but because God had given them brown complexions the neighbors were as shy of them as if they had been young gorillas. There were two schools in the vicinity, under the management of Quakers. The parents of both sects of scholars manifested equal uneasiness at having their children learn to read and spell in the same class with children of darker skins. When Friend Joseph and his family took them to meeting, and sat side by side with them, it caused as much commotion as if those healthy, bright looking brown children had been infected with some fatal contagious disease. The Elders of the Society decided that it was proper for them to sit in a small gallery by themselves. Friend Joseph, always averse to strife, readily assented; but he signified that, as guardian of the children, he should consider it his duty to go and sit with them, and that his wife and daughter would also feel it to be their duty. Now that was precisely the most troublesome thing he could have done. Strangers, who visited the meeting occasionally, would naturally inquire why that one family sat by themselves in an out-ofthe way, inconvenient place; and, if the true reason was given, peradventure some of them might say that Quakers must have degenerated greatly since the days of George Fox and William Penn. They had an unpleasant consciousness of this; and, because it made them uncomfortable, they felt as if Friend Joseph was a disturber of the peace. Assuredly, if George Fox had reappeared among them in his suit of FRIEND JOSEPH. leather, they would have dealt with him as a (Concluded from page 828, vol. 23.) very disorderly member. The Quakers proved Not far distant from the farm lived an old themselves no better and no worse than other man of very secluded and eccentric habits. He sects. Every sect, after it has sought its way was born in Vermont, but had early removed to to toleration, and thence passed into respectaone of the Carolinas, where he lived many years bility, gradually becomes lethargic, and fails to and purchased many slaves. He was reputed apply its original principles to the moral disto be rich, but his manner of living gave no in- eases of its time. The manna of the Lord has dication of it. His dress, his house, and the to be gathered fresh continually; it will not vehicle in which he rode were as plain as those keep. Individuals who are alive in defunct of the Quaker farmers in his neighborhood. societies are sure to be impeded at every step His only servants and companions in the house of their straightforward progress. Friend were a colored man and woman, who had been Joseph, who earnestly desired to live in peace his slaves in Carolina, and who afterward mar-and friendship with all men, found himself enried and had a small family. This man died gaged in a series of struggles. Duties, not of while I was at the farm. Nothing had been pre- his own seeking, came to him, as did the guarviously known of his opinions concerning slave-dianship of the colored children; it was his ry; but the state of his conscience on that sub-nature to perform duties conscientiously, and in ject was revealed by the fact that by will he the performance of them he could not avoid emancipated a large number of slaves in Caro jostling the prejudices of his neighbors. These lina, and left each of them a legacy to enable little discords where he longed for harmony them to quit the State, as the law required. To sometimes saddened him; but they never made -Chambers' Journal. |