COURAGE IN EVERY DAY LIFE. Have the courage to discharge a debt while you have the money in your pocket. Have the courage to do without that which you do not need, however much your eyes may covet it. Have the courage to speak your mind when it is necessary you should do so, and to hold your tongue when it is prudent you should do so. Have the courage to speak to a friend in a "seedy" coat, even though you are in company with a rich one, and richly attired. Have the courage to make a will, and a just one. Have the courage to tell a man why you will not lend him your money. Have the courage to "cut" the most agree. able acquaintance you have, when you are convinced that he lacks principle. "A friend should bear with a friend's infirmities," but not with his vices. er. to excuse this hydra-headed habit by asking what harm can a person do when he does nothing? The reply is ready and plain. He who is passive in allowing decay is himself a destroyWhile standing still and refusing to help he obstructs the progress of others. We are told in holy Writ: "By much slothfulness the building decayeth, and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through." And again. it is said: "I went to the field of the slothful and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding, and lo! it was all overgrown with thorns, and nettles had covered the face there of, and the stone wall thereof was broken down." The words of Cato, the elder, are in the proverb, "that one who does nothing learns to do evil." Idleness has been well described to be a moral leprosy, which soon eats its way into the heart and corrodes our happiness while it undermines our health. Idleness is costly without being a luxury. Montaigne always wound up the year's account of his expenses with the following entry: "Item-for my abominable habit of idle Have the courage to show your respect for honesty, in whatever guise it appears, and your contempt for dishonest duplicity, by whomso-ness, a thousand livres." We toil for leisure ever exhibited. Have the courage to wear your old clothes till you can pay for new ones. Have the courage to obey your Maker, at the risk of being ridiculed by man. Have the courage to prefer comfort and propriety to fashion in all things. Have the courage to acknowledge your ignorance, rather than to seek credit for knowledge under false pretences. Have the courage to provide entertainment for your friends within your means-not beyond. IDLENESS. only to discover, when we have succeeded in our object, that leisure is great evil. How quickly would the working classes be reconciled to what they may call the hardships of compulsory occupation, if they were doomed only for a short time to the greater hardship of compulsory idleness. They would quickly find that it is much better to wear out than to rust out. The idle man is at the mercy of all the vices. The working man, on the contrary, finds a safeguard in his occupation, which leaves no time for temptations nor desire to yield to them. It was well said by the oldest of the Greek poets, that the laborer is the sentinel of virtue. THE WONDERS OF SEED.-Is there upon earth a machine, is there a palace, is there even a city, which contains so much that is wonderful as is enclosed in a single little seed-one grain of corn, one little brown apple seed, one small seed of a tree, picked up, perhaps, by a sparrow for her little ones, the smallest of a poppy or blue bell, or even one of the seeds that are so small that they float about in the air invisible to our eyes? Ah! there is a world of marvel and brilliant beauties hidden in each of these tiny seeds. Sympathy, both public and private, is always-Ledger. strongly felt and expressed for those industrious operatives who, from unlooked for causes, such as the closing or the burning of a factory, are thrown out of employment and reduced, for a while at least, to enforced idleness. We feel doubly for their loss of situation-first, because they are cut off from the means of supporting themselves and families; and secondly, because having then nothing to do, they are in danger of acquiring injurious habits which are so commonly the effects of idleness, and which would sadly interfere with their ability and readiness to resume work when it is offered them. These people represent the class of compulsory idlers. About a hundred and fifty years ago, the cele-who are entitled to sympathy and aid in all brated Linnæus, who has been called "the practicable ways. But the case is far different father of botany," reckoned about 8,000 differwith voluntary idlers, who do their best to re-ent kinds of plants; and he then thought that duce life to a blank, and themselves to insignificance and contempt. Idleness is the nurse of all the vices. It moves so slowly that they all overtake it. The Germans and the Itallians say, proverbially, that "idleness is the devil's pillow." Some affect the whole number existing could not much exceed 10,000. But a hundred years after him, M. de Candolle, of Geneva, described about 40,000 kinds of plants, and he supposed it possible that the number might even amount to 100,000. Well, have these 100,000 kinds of plants the Committee into deep sympathy for these afever failed to bear the right kind of seeds?flicted children of the forest, and resulted in Have they ever deceived us? Has a seed of the appointment of a few of their number to wheat ever yielded barely, or the seed of a poppy give such attention to this subject as way may grown up into a sunflower? Has a sycamoretree ever sprung from an acorn, or a beech tree from a chestnut? A little bird may carry away The exclusion of the colored people from the small seed of a sycamore in its beak to feed public conveyances in Pennsylvania was introits nestlings, and on the way may drop it on the duced to the notice of the Committee by a minground. The tiny seed may spring up and open for. grow where it fell unnoticed, and sixty years ute from Philadelphia Quarter, but finding a after it may become a magnificent tree, under bill likely to pass which would relieve the colwhich the flocks of the valleys and their shep-ored people from their disabilities, the labor of herds may rest in the shade.-Rural New the Committee was not required. Yorker. The Representative Committee also made an ofFRIENDS' INTELLIGENCER. ficial communication to the Yearly Meeting, furnishing a list of Books now on hand for distri bution, and informing how those who have a con PHILADELPHIA, FIFTH MONTH 25, 1867. the fire-proof. PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING.-In ad-cern to distribute them may procure them from dition to the information furnished in our last number, we may state that the Yearly Meeting was considered larger than any held since its removal to Race Street Meeting-House. The Meetings for Worship were held on First and Fifth days, both in the north and south ends of the Race Street house, as well as at the other meeting-houses belonging to us in this city, and were considered satisfactory. As the Yearly Meeting progressed, the feeling of love and unity prevailed, till all were baptized in a harmonious labor for the promotion of the cause which brought us together. With much unanimity the Meeting recommended that Monthly Meetings, if it should appear right, appoint Committees to visit and encourage their members. While the meeting was in progress, two acceptable visits were received from our sisters, and several men friends expressing a concern to visit Women's Meetings, were set at liberty to do so. On Second-day evening a meeting of Friends' Publication Association was held; on Thirdday evening the annual meeting of the Educational Association; and on Fourth-day evening the Association of Friends for the Elevation of the Freedmen, all of which were well attend ed. As a large edition of the extracts is to be published, we shall close our notice of this interesting opportunity by a minute embracing some of the exercises: A proposition from Concord Quarter, relative While engaged in considering the important to a change in the discipline respecting Wo-subjects brought into view by the reading of men's Meetings, was referred to a Committee, on Second-day, who reported that way did not open to adopt it. the queries and answers, an exercise prevailed in the fulfilment of the various duties which that there might be an increase of faithfulness devolve upon us. The proceedings of the Representative Com- The regular attendance of our Religious mittee were read and united with. During the Meetings must ever be regarded as most impast year they have been engaged, through a Com-portant to our continuance as a body of Chrismittee, to guard the conscientious rights of our members in relation to the testimony against war. A more stringent militia law has been passed by the Legislature of Pennsylvania, and, notwithstanding the exertions of the Committee, it is believed the Governor has signed the bill. The present condition of the Indian tribes, with a prospect of an impending war, baptized the obligation to present ourselves on these octian professors, and unless we are faithful to casions under a reverent sense of our dependence upon God, we have no right to expect that we shall be preserved as a people, to bear aloft the testimonies of truth which were committed mother more than me is not worthy of me, and to our forefathers. "He that loveth father or he that loveth son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me," was the testimony of our blessed Lord, and we should manifest this love by meeting together to worship the Father in spirit and in truth. Having faith in the promise "that where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them," we shall not be discouraged in the attendance of our meetings, whether they be large or small. Instead of desiring vocal communication, we shall learn to depend upon the Father of Spirits for the bread which nourishes the soul, and as we dwell under this feeling, ability may be furnished to make an open acknowledgment of this for the encouragement of the weary, or we may be silent preachers of the Gospel. From the evidence furnished, we are encouraged to believe that the love and unity which we have felt increasingly to prevail, has measurably prepared the minds of many to enter into the labor of gathering all into one fold, where we may know Christ as the true Shepherd. The duties we owe to our dear children were brought into view, and earnest desires were expressed that parents might seek opportunities in the bosom of their families to wait upon the Lord, that a qualification may be furnished to feed the lambs. The blessing of a religious training under the fostering care of the Society was acknowleged by several Friends, and the simplicity of manners and conversation enjoined by the third query was pointed out as a means of preservation from the snares and temptations of life. It is believed that a deficiency exists on the part of many of the older members in properly attending to the temporal and spiritual needs of those who are about starting in life. At this important period they require the aid of their older friends whose experience qualifies them to administer counsel and encouragement. obligation to observe the injunction of our di vine lawgiver, "Swear not at all." The machinations of priesteraft are still di rected to blind the consciences of men, and are antagonistic to that liberty which our fathers guaranteed to the inhabitants of this land, and hence we are bound to bear a faithful testimony against them. The increasing prevalence of a spirit of speculation, manifesting itself in investments in gift enterprises and other species of lottery, the root of all which is in deception and falsehood, caused much concern, and Friends were affectionately advised to restrain those under their care from any participation in these dishonest practices. "They that will be rich, fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil, which, while some coveted after, they erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.' The importance of dealing with offenders in the spirit of meekness, in order for their help, was impressively presented. When a brother is overtaken with a fault, it is the duty of concerned Friends to labor with such a one, not with a view of separating him from Society when he most needs its care, but rather to wait till he is restored by that Spirit which seeks to save that which is lost. We refer our correspondent, from whom we have received some comments on keeping the Sabbath holy, to the Essay in our present number on "The Use of Sunday," by J. F. W. Ware. Although our reports give encouraging evi- The hour for holding Little Britain Monthly Meetdence that Friends are generally clear of the use ing, a branch of Nottingham Quarterly Meeting, has of intoxicating liquors as a drink, we were re-been changed from the 11th to the 10th hour during minded that intemperance is on the increase in the summer months. the community, and that there is an obligation resting upon us, not only to bear a faithful testimony ourselves, but to exert our influence to discourage this insidious and dangerous practice. In connection with the indulgence in spirituous liquors, the use of tobacco was adverted to, as liable to create a thirst for other stimulants, and the influence of example in this, as in other things, may lead the susceptible minds of youth into habits which may prove injurious to their best interests. The testimonies enumerated in the sixth query, severally claimed our consideration. We are abundantly convinced that those who have been called out of the pernicious and unscriptural practice of taking oaths should be afresh stimulated to maintain this testimony both by precept and example. Now that the number of oaths prescribed by the laws of our country is greater than ever before, there is an imperative DIED, on the 22d of Fifth month, 1866, REUBEN R., son of Levi B. and Ann M. Stiles, of Accotink, Va., aged 2 years and 5 months. on the 8th of Third month, 1867, JACOB MOORE, in the 86th year of his age; a member of Eastland Meeting. This dear friend, although deaf and dumb from his birth, was for many years a diligent his demeanor, that although his outward ear was attender of our religious meetings, and evinced by closed to what was orally communicated, his spiritual ear was open to receive, and attentive to, the impressions of that ever blessed Spirit, which re quireth not words, but which "waketh intercession end, we doubt not, was peace. for us, with groanings that cannot be uttered." His DIED, on the 29th of Fourth month, 1867, JOSEPK PILKINGTON, in the 69th year of his age; a member of Fishing Creek Monthly Meeting, Millville, Co lumbia Co., Pa. Castle, SARAH, wife of Reese Carpenter, in the 73d year of her age; a member of Chappaqua Monthly Meeting. In the removal of this dear friend we hav on the 8th of Fifth month, 1867, in North Probably no better material can be furnished for the present number than a reference to the late Annual Meeting, and the introduction of the very interesting Report of the Committee appointed to visit the schools, and to which allusion was made in No. VII. This meeting was held on Fourth day evening last in Race St. Meeting-House, and was well attended by an audience apparently deeply interested in the proceedings. Portions of the Annual Report were read, together with interesting letters from some of our teachers, as well as from some of their pupils, written in their own expressive language from the fulness of hearts overflowing with gratitude to their "kind benefactors." The latter were handed round for inspection as one of the evidences of their ability to receive instruction. Some of the compositions were from children of tender years, and elicited (as they well deserved) much admiration. A straw braid hat, which was brought from Washington by the Committee, was also handed round as one of the results of the industrial teachings of this people. Remarks were made by friends in attendance, one of whom desired an opportunity to contribute on the spot, and he doubted not others were in the same condition. Impromptu voluntary contributions were immediately made amounting to over three hundred dollars. assigned feel warranted in the prosecution of this great work, with renewed energy and vigor, in the confident assurance that the pecuniary means will be forthcoming. Let them not be disappointed. NOTE. It may be well to direct the attention of friends to an "Errata" in the Intelligencer of the 11th inst., correcting typographical errors in No. VII. of this series, where in one place "personal interviews" was made to read “personal intimacy," and in another, where "referring the querists" was made to read "referring the guests, &c. J. M. E. The Report alluded to above is as follows: REFORT. To perform the mission entrusted to us by the Association, we leit Philadelphia Sixth day night, the 12th of Fourth month last, and proceeded directly to Alexandria, thence to Leesburg, Va., by the Alexandria, Loudon and Hampshire Railroad to Belmont, about thirty miles, and from there by stage, six miles. Arriving at Leesburg about 2, P. M., on Seventh-day, we visited the school under the care of Caroline Thomas. It is in a comfortable frame building, a few squares from her lodgings. We found her engaged in teaching, therefore had a good opportunity of judging the capability of her pupils. We were well satisfied with their advancement. Some of the parents were pres ent, who expressed much gratitude for this privilege for themselves and children. The teacher is earnest and zealous in her work, both in the school room and among the colored people generally. During the winter she has held school several evenings in the week for adults, and assisted in organizing and supporting a literary association which has given opportunity for instructive reading and appropriate counsel. She believes this form of labor among these people is one of the most important aids in the work of elevation. A Friend, who came from Waterford-six miles--in his carriage, took us to his house, where we were kindly entertained. C. Thomas accompanied us. The next morning, First-day, visited a few families. Among them was the mother of Ann E. Gould, a woman about 40 years of age, whom S Steer had been preparing for a teacher. Before our arrival she was attacked with an inflammatory and dropsical disease in the throat, from which she did not recover. We re The meeting was one of deep interest through-ceived an interesting report of her character and out, and friends separated with regrets that, owing to the shortness of the evening, time could not be allowed for a fuller expression of the feeling that manifestly prevailed. Short as was the time we had been assembled, it was evident that much encouragement had been given and received; and friends to whom the more active portions of this labor have been influence in the school, and also of the closing moments of her life. She passed away with the clear evidence of peace, leaving affectionate and grateful messages to those who had given her the opportunity to possess the privileges of the school-room. She also expressed the hope that all her people would evince an apprecia. tion of them in their daily life. Perhaps it will not be out of place here to 1 ture responsibilities, vocal thanksgiving and relate that we attended Friends' Meeting in supplication arose from two fervent hearts. the house with which many interesting inci- Then all united in hymns of praise. dents are connected relative to the late war. It was an interesting and instructing occasion. We were informed that several of Moseby's men were present and participated in the closing service. Although it is more than 100 years since the meeting was established, not once have Friends been known to fail in gathering on the appointed occasions. During the war the house was used by a portion of the Rebel army, and on meeting days the soldiers not ouly prepared for the reception of Friends, but many frequently sat with them. "Some of the pickets became so much interested in the Gospel teachings of our dear friend, Miriam Gover, that they requested not to be sent on duty until the Qua-school, which is held in the upper room of a kers closed their meeting. In this house, by appointment, we met, on First day afternoon, Sarah Steer's pupils, and their parents, as her school room could not accommodate them. We were gratified with their recitations-believe the teacher to be earnestly devoted to her work, and entirely competent to perform its requirements. A new people, which will be used for religious and edubuilding is in process of erection by the colored cational purposes. The following morning we returned to Leesburg; stopped about half an-hour at the school, then took stage to Belmont, six miles, and thence, by railroad, about twenty-four miles to Vienna, where we saw Mary K. Brosius at the residence of Captain Hine. Her school was not in session, on account of the house being needed for other purposes. Material for a new building was ready awaiting the leisure of the colored people for its erection, but continued claims upon their time had interrupted the work. They hoped to complete it in a few weeks, and, in the meantime, we advised M. K. Brosius to open a school a few miles distant, where a house was ready and a teacher needed. This she consented to do. Captain Hine took us in the afternoon to visit Mary McBride's school, near Fairfax Court House, about six miles distant from Vi enna. Her school house is comfortable, and filled with industrious, appreciative scholars. We heard satisfactory recitations. She appears much interested in her work. Returned to Vienna, and in the evening, by appointment, a large company of colored people collected in a house occupied by soldiers in one of the fortifications during the war, and now used for a school for white pupils. Capt. Hine read our introduction from the Association, and explained the object of our appointment, and requested their aid by respectful attention to what they should hear, and prompt replies to required information. This was satisfactorily realized; and, after much expression from the people and ourselves in relation to their past condition and fu The next morning, Third-day, Capt. Hine took us about six miles to Catharine E. Hall's school, where we also saw Hannah Shortlidge. Interviews with both satisfactory. The school under the care of the latter, about five miles distant, is small, with no prospect of an increase. We spent most of the day in Catharine's Several of her building in the yard attached to her home. Found the pupils much interested. One man pays $9 a month to another to do his work that he may come to school. A woman washes for sixteen persons, and performs other household duties, but is seldom absent, although she walks several miles. She spoke with much gratitude of her present privileges. from visiting Martha Wright's school, but grandchildren are pupils in the school. Failing in a conveyance, we were prevented through the kindness of I. Green, with whom. Catharine E. Hall boards, were conveyed in the afternoon, six miles to Fall's Church, where we saw Eliza E. Way. Her school was not in session, on account of the house needing repairs. She reported good attendance and much interest in education. Believes the continuation of the school important. Fourth-day morning, proceeded by railroad to Herndon. Not succeeding in finding a conE. Gause's school; we found it in session, veyance, walked about three miles to Frances in a comfortable log house which the colored people have lately erected, a short distance from the place where the one stood which was burnt by some of the opposing neighbors. The school is in a very satisfactory condition, and the teacher much interested in her work. Visited some of the people in their homes, and were gratified to see evidences of thrift and industry. They rent and cultivate the land. One man, who seems to be quite influential among the people in the neighborhood, has about 200 acres. All his buildings are good, and the whole appearence of the farm indicates capability and energy. In the evening the house was filled with colored people, who were invited to meet us, and we conversed freely with them upon their varied duties and responsibilities. Many expressed gratitude for the interest and aid received from the Association. One of us read a portion of Scripture, and hymns were sung by the people. Fifth day morning, returned to Herndon, and |