To Thomas E-8. J. B. the kingdom and power are to be found within. I we be Christians, indeed; and when our little And so is Christ's own language fulfilling: moment of probation is over, then the eternal "I came not to send peace, (that is, a false weight of unmingled joy and glory shall folpeace,) but rather division:" he is separating, low! and will make a clean separation between the precious and the vile; and is purging away all old leavens of refined error as well as open evil! And we who look for all things being made and kept new, pure, and of God, and who desire all old things to be done away that are not wrought in God, should not shrink or be afraid. We that desire to be searched and tried, also to prove all things, and to be wholly given up to the Lord and his guidance, should not give way to unreasonable or unwarrantable fears, lest we be doing the enemy's work; but simply to eye our Captain:-and if He show us the enemy at work, attempting to insinuate poison into the church, and put us upon resisting and withstanding him and those deluded by him,-this is not the work of the enemy which thus engages us:-for Satan never yet did cast out Satan. The giving place to such fears would lead us to esteem the guidance and instructions of our holy Head by his Spirit uncertain and questionable: whereas the way of the Truth is a plain way, so that the wayfaring man, though a fool, is not to err therein; that is, as he looks to the Lord, alone, aud does not lean to his own understanding. To J. B. : 8th of Second month, 1835.-May the blessing of heaven above and of the earth beneath attend you and yours,-the blessing which makes most truly rich, and adds thereto no sting of sorrow! This has been my secret petition in some of my best moments, when thinking of you; and, surely, I shall be excused for telling you so. There is that, which crowns all other blessings, as you well know -there is that, (let the thoughtless, the unfeeling heart say what it may,) without which our very blessings are of no benefit to us, and every gift of Divine providence and grace is liable to be perverted and abused, instead of being faithfully held in trust, and duly appreciated and applied to the enduring good of ourselves and of all with whom we have to do. This is nothing less than a sense of the presence, coun sel and aid of Him, who giveth us all things richly to enjoy, and will graciously condescend to show us how we may use these things as not abusing them, how we may no longer liye to ourselves; but whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, may do all to His glory. May this, my dear , be the first object in our eye, the very business of our lives, in all we undertake, in all we have to pass through. Then shall we not fail of that inheritance which our dear Lord and Saviour purchased for us by his coming and by his death; then shall CROYDON, Sixth month, 1835. No sooner was my eye opened to see the excellency there is in the Truth, now just about twenty years ago, than I began to appreciate the blessed experience recorded by those worthies, (our carly Friends,) who, in the same line of testimony, were counted worthy, as it were, afresh to cast up the way and revive the ancient simplicity of the gospel. Since that time, poor and feeble as I feel myself, and unworthy to bear the precious name by which we are called,-in the midst of blushing at my own dwarfishness and abundant occasion of humiliation and of exercise,-I may say that this feeling and love to the pure cause of Truth as professed by our poor Society has never slackened. How animating it is and comforting to believe, -as I have done at this time, in the reading of thy letter, and observing your exercises and efforts (in America) on account of this mest precious cause,-that the Lord hath not forsaken those who desire to cleave to him with full surrender of themselves; that He is still near to help in the needful time, to limit the power of the enemy, and lift up a standard against him, and to overrule all for the good of those that fear him. O! how little do we know of the designs of His wisdom and goodness to his church :-His people are permitted to be bowed down, afflicted, oppressed;-He chastens them, and punishes them ;-and then (as the history of the church sets forth,) He raises them up by his own arm of power, beyond all expectation;-He even works by poor, little, feeble instruments, and in unlikely ways, till he has effected, through suffering, the enlargement, strengthening, and glorifying of the house of his glory. Isaiah Ix. Ixi., &c. It is remarkable that there is a numerous body of scattered and hidden seekers who have tried all other ways, and retired from them more or less; and who are sincerely looking to the spirituality of religion, and to us as holding up this view. By these the most primitive productions are increasingly sought and prized. With regard to cutting down some of our Journals, &c., I have always looked upon this as a delicate or difficult matter to do unobjectionably. We are too apt, unconsciously to ourselves, to choose that which in our present state and turn of mind we are impressed with, or that which the present tendencies and exigencies of the times seem to us to call for; and possibly (for often it has been so) to the unequal upholding of divine truth, or a partial LETTERS FROM SARAH G. RICH. (Continued from page 54.) exhibition of the character and line of testimony, which a Friend in his lifetime maintaiued. This, doubtless, can be much guarded against by a judicious hand, and under best direction; but still I have been afraid of paraphrasing upon, or extracting the experience of others; we may so readily give an aspect or coloring different from the original document. There has been, in my opinion, ever since the creeping in of degeneracy, a correspondent endeavor to refine upon, to remodel, and soften down the rugged plain truths delivered by these ancients; and I think I see this in many of the publications that have of late years issued from the press. The more pure days of the church yield to me much the most interesting and impressive experience. O! how is the simplicity overborne, even in dedicated minds, now a days; how refined, how self-indulgent, and full of reasonings are we! At what a low ebb in many places is our ministry; even strangers noticing the change, and the approach to their pulpit eloquence: Scripture words, indeed, Yes, this it is, this spirit, which assumes the there are, yet often attended with but little of judgment seat, which is causing us to become a that authority, weight, eavor and life, which reproach and a bye-word to the people; until tends to baptize and bow down the spirits of some of us can know only confusion and shame all, and to humble the creature under the iu reflecting on things as they exist. mighty hand of Him, who worketh all in all deed, for myself, if I did not remember, that Surely, among many causes, our being so mixed this life is short, and eternity long, I should, in up with all sorts of people, sometimes for pur-view of the many discouragements from within poses very good in themselves, has contributed to this state of things:-" strangers" to the life of Christ inwardly revealed have "devoured our strength."-Hosea vii. 9.- -I must conclude with saying, may the Lord by his power interpose, and show us whence we have fallen, and preserve us from falling still more generally and utterly! PHILADELPHIA, 10th mo. 24th, 1852. My dear Friend:-Why is it that I should feel so impressive an obligation to write thee, when already I have written one or more letters since any line has greeted my sight from thy pen? Must I infer from thy silence that thou no longer classes me among congenial spirits? Well, my friend, if this were the case, would the incomes of love so often fill my breast, creating a desire not only to write thee, but also to receive letters from thee? Would this be so, if the bond of friendship and love did not exist as in former days? Certainly not. And I believe if love to God the supreme and love to men were the ruling principle of every breast, no place would be found for a spirit of enmity and evil surmisings, arraying brother against brother; that spirit of coldness, and jealousy, which would bring every thing to its own contracted views. And in and without, be utterly overwhelmed; but with this view, the feeling is, of what avail will it be, whether our path here be strewn with roses, or beset with thorns; it will soon be passed; and the end crowns all-and oh, if it can only be of that glorious, triumphant character, which Paul realized, when he said, "There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Farewell! I shall be pleased to hear from Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at thee whenever thou hast occasion or liberty to that day, and not for me only, but for all those address me; and sometimes, at least, think of also who love His appearing." Of little mome as one that longs to endure to the end, toment will it be, whether this be obtained hold fast faith and patience, till the Lord say, It is enough. I remain a poor and weak brother, J. B. There is one thing with which we ought Dever to be content. That thing is a little religion, a little faith, a little hope, and a little grace. Let us never sit down satisfied with a little of these things. On the contrary, let us seek them more and more. When Alexander the Great visited the Greek philosopher, Diogenes, he asked him if there was anything that he could give him. He got this short answer: "I want nothing but that you should stand from between me and the sun." Let the spirit of that answer run through our religion. One thing there is which should never satisfy and content us, and that is, "anything that stands between our souls and Christ."-J. C. Ryle. through many trials; yea, or nay. If we can which will lead into a religion which is not of thee." Did not my heart most truly respond sect or form, but one which is pure and unde--yes, most truly-Amen, sayeth my spirit. filed; which leads to visit the widows and We also had a deeply interesting visit from fatherless, and to keep ourselves unspotted from P. C., who is engaged in visiting families the world. among us; and if her spirit is not one qualified 31st-A week has elapsed since writing the to enter into sympathy with tribulated ones, above. Yes, a week of as deep trials and prov- then must I doubt all such things. Her lanings as have often fallen to the lot of thy suf- guage was all love, all sympathy with the af fering friend to endure. And oh, that in all such flicted. The commencement was, Many are seasons I may prove the efficacy of that faith the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord above mentioned, which will-which does-beget delivereth out of them all." Yes, she added, a holy hope, and confidence, that there is that, He does deliver-He will deliver. Thus she beyond this vale, which is worth all the suffering proceeded, and a more soul-refreshing cup of of this life to obtain. Therefore, may I count cold water seldom has been handed to the desoall as gain if thereby I may win Christ, and late and thirsty traveller. She said much, be brought into that entire nothingness of self, though often pausing, as if willing to close, which will enable me to feel that, "It is not and then something more encouraging and I that live, but Christ that liveth in me;" and strengthening she would quietly hand forth. in confidence have a well grounded hope, that all And finally told us, that on entering the room will be well, when the time shall come for the feeling was,-there was nothing for her to this mortal to put on immortality, and "death do, the Master having been here before her; be swallowed up in victory." Therefore, all I but remarked, her spirit was so enlisted for us, desire is strength to be able to bear all things, and so knit to ours, that the arisings of her as becometh those whose hopes are in that heart she dare not withhold. It was a most power which is able to save to the uttermost impressive season, and not a day, nor scarcely all those who put their confidence in Him, an hour passes, but that again and again her who having been our Alpha, will, if abode in, expressions revive in my mind; sweetly and be our Omega, if in sincerity we feel that the encouragingly, and yet humblingly to one, life we now live is through faith in Christ, who feels, indeed, the least and bindermost of faith in the Son of God, who gave himself for the flock, if indeed of that desirable number; us-who gives Himself of his spirit within us, but I trust I may hope, though desolate, I am not that we might receive the adoption of sonsforsaken. She spoke of her many trials and afwhereby we cry, "Abba Father." Thus, fictions, but through all, she said, The Lord through weakness, we are made strong;" yes, never forsook her-no-sbe added, not for one truly, for our trust is no longer in our own moment; but that He did sustain; and continmight, or in the arm of flesh, but all hope and ued,-Every heart knows its own bitterness, but confidence is upon Him, who is a 66 present if we can only say we thank thee for all, most helper in every needful time," and who never for the severe, all would be well, and the end said to the wrestling seed, "Seek ye my face would compensate for all. Her burden seemed in vain." I had a sweet little visit a few days to be love, and love only, saying she felt no since from S. D. She was an entire stranger, wish to call anything sectarian; for in Christ brought by a mutual friend; she said her hear- all were one; no sect-no coldness nor dissening was such that she could not converse much sion; and to this alone, Christ within, did she with the sick, but she was permitted sometimes commend us, as the alone true source of help. to feel with them, which was soon proven, for, I remember thy request, dear M., that I would after a few minutes' pause, she spoke as one not omit informing how I am, but indeed, unknowing what it was to be taught in the less I could say differently, I fear my friends. school of affliction. Her language was both en- will grow weary. But, in truth, I can give couraging and instructing. After which, she nothing ecouraging, for my sufferings inknelt by my bedside, and poured forth the crease, and, with the Psalmist, may say, "I am breathing of her soul in a deep and fervent sup- greatly afflicted." "Look thou upon my pain," plication; which showed forth the aboundings" the sorrows of my heart are enlarged. Turn of that sympathy and love with which her heart thou unto me;" and in heartfelt sincerity may is filled-embracing all-knowing no bounds- add, and in thy good time release me; but until no limits. It was a season of deep humiliation, then, grant me patience to endure all things, not to be forgotten by thy poor unworthy" hoping all things-enduring all"-unmurfriend; that thus the anointed ones should so often be led to my bedside; and did I not truly feel the aptness of her language, when she said, "Thou knowest, Oh! Father, who of this little company feel that they have none in Heaven but Thee, nor in all the earth beside muringly, however trying my lot may sometimes feel. He who is our holy Pattern, endured far more." But for my weak nature, my sufferings are great, and so prolonged, that it requires great watchfulness to dwell in the patience which becometh those who wait for the dawning of a brighter day-when this mortal (To be continued.) A VOICE FROM THE MOUNTAINS. [In the words of Cowper: be encountered-the poor four-footeds, housed to be sure, but not in stables of brick and mor tar, defying wind and storm, but crevices through which the wind and snow is pouring, shivering with cold, suffering from thirst, the spring and the water trough buried many feet deep, so that no trace of its whereabout is to be seen; lanes, pathways, and roads all full, and if cleared to-day, it is only to find them refilled on the morrow. No passing on the highway, no communication between neighbors, no mails for long periods. Such is life among these mountains. * * At our last Quarterly Meeting, held at Albany, I was the only one that attended from this Monthly Meeting. The usual route being quite impassable, I took a roundabout way by stage and railroad, travelling 160 miles in get It seems the part of wisdom, and no sin Against the law of love to measure lots With less distinguished than ourselves; that thus We may with patience bear our mod'rate ills And sympathize with others, suff'ring more. The extract below, from private letters written by a friend living in a remote section of the State of New York, presents a lively pic-ting to and from the meeting, and using up five ture, strikingly in contrast with the advantages enjoyed in winter by the dwellers in a city like ours. But the ice and snow that have surrounded the outward habitation of our dear friend have not chilled the warm current of feeling that flows toward his friends, and his words of kindly cheer were so animating that we felt like sharing them with our readers.EDS] 3d. mo. 14th. 1867. "The calendar says it is now spring, but the earth still presents an unbroken sheet of white, as far as the eye can reach. There has been, however, quite a let up in the weather for several weeks past, but the huge banks piled in early winter, seem slow in leaving, and sadly obstruct the ways-in many places rendering travelling both difficult and dangerous. days. Some of my friends thought that, under the circumstances, I might be excused; but, being a representative, and having charge of the minutes, I made a little extra effort. The meeting was quite well attended, the railways centering there, affording facilities for Friends. of neighboring meetings to attend, a number of whom were very acceptably with us, and we had as we thought a good meeting. I have but once this winter missed the attendance of our own meeting, and that from ill health. It was kept up through all the terrific weather twice a week, mostly by men, who passed on foot over the frozen snow. It has been a low time with us, though, as always, entire harmony has prevailed, and a few seasons of favor. Through the kindness of Friends we have had a more than usual amount of good reading matter this winter." For six weeks the wind blew, with brief ex- After enumerating a number of interesting ceptions, a perfect gale; bursting over the hill-volumes, he adds: tops and down the mountain sides, as if each "It is surely cause for encouragement that succeeding gale was endeavoring to excel the preceding one-the mercury all the time, with a few short intervals, nestling among the Zero's, till at length it suddenly dropped to 25° below nothing, where it rested, and finally slowly turned upward, and we are greatly in hopes it may not very soon seek that figure again. In your staid city of brotherly love, you have small conception of the freaks we have to encounter here, during the long winters of this almost arctic region. On rising one morning at the usual note of the clock, the room was yet dark; and on examining, we found that the wind, with busy hands, had been all night piling snow against the casements, until it had reached to the topmost pane, acting the part of a closed shutter; and our door ways were obstructed by many feet of snow. Now the struggle commenced. The first plunge, we were waist deep in the snow, no shovel short of the cattle barn; between us and it, huge pyramids of snow were to the nature and character of Deity, the relation tongue;" but come faithfully up to the help of the Lord against the mighty influence of tra dition-the influence of fear, of hesitancy, of doubt,-making straight steps toward Zion, the city of God, wherein dwelleth righteousness." still suffering great injustice from an overbear. ing spirit, manifested by many of the white race with whom they are brought in contact. We hear of the cruelty and revenge practised by the Indians on the frontiers, and are some FRIENDS' INTELLIGENCER. times greatly shocked at the murderous assaults PHILADELPHIA, FOURTH MONTH 6, 1867. THE ADVERTISING SHEET.-Subscribers who have their papers bound have objected to the last page being appropriated to advertise ments, which are only of passing interest. Four additional pages are now devoted to that purpose. This will afford ample space for the accommodation of our business Friends, and their advertisements are solicited. made upon the innocent emigrant or settler with whom they meet in their marauding expeditions. Much to be deplored as these things are, is there not some palliative for their crimes in the remembrance of the injuries which the red man has for many years borne from those upon whom it is natural for him to look as aggressors ? For a pittance which will not bear the name of an equivalent, he has been driven from his home, the haunts of his childhood, and the NOTICE.-Subscribers are requested to pro-wrested from him by a mercenary spirit with graves of his fathers-all these have been cure Post-office money orders in making remittances, or to send them in some other safe way, as some of the money lately sent has been taken from the letters. THE FREEDMEN AND THE INDIANS.-It It seems strange to see in the public papers accounts of large and enthusiastic meetings having been held in the South by the "colored citizens," in which addresses were delivered by colored men, and resolutions passed, bearing upon the condition of the country. At a "Reconstruction meeting" held in Charleston, S. C., on the 22d inst., a number of resolutions were offered, designed to promote law and order, the 15th of which reads thus: "Relying upon Divine Providence for wisdom in our counsels, efficiency in our action, harmony among our selves-with malice toward none and charity to all, we pledge our earnest and best efforts for the return of peace and prosperity to all our people, and for an early representation of our beloved State in the Congress of the United States." May these prove the words of a living inspiration, by which, purpose will be combined with action; and may the hearts of this manumitted people be turned into the right channel to secure their individual good, as well as their country's welfare. In the gratification felt that the millions from whom the boon of liberty was so long withheld are gradually being placed in a position to enjoy it, we are not unmindful of another portion of the inhabitants of the land, who are seeds sown by wrong-doing, though they may apparently but little compensation; but the apparently lie dormant for a time, will appear in some form; and the avenging spirit of the Indian, as he lifts his tomahawk and meditates the destruction of the "pale face" and his race, is undoubtedly the legitimate fruit of the oppression and deceit practised toward him by the unprincipled "civilized whites." Before the Indians were influer ced by the habits of the corrupt traders who furnished them with "fire-water," in order that they might the more readily impose upon their ignorance and credulity, there are instances recorded of their native hospitality and magnanimity, which are worthy of imitation even by a more enlightened people. The reverence in which the Indians hold the memory of Wm. Penn will illustrate our position, and will prove that "every seed will bring forth fruit after its kind." They have been taught to respect the Friends or Quakers, as descendants or children of one who extended the hand of friendship with a salutation of brothers to their forefathers, and whether these Friends are met upon the prairie or in the forest they are recog nized as Friends, and have nothing to fear. Not long since we heard from a friend in Iowa that for several seasons past a depredatory band of Indians had visited a certain neighborhood in that district of country, and had become a great terror because of one or two murders that had been committed. But upon their coming again the past year, they were visited by Friends |