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does not confine acceptable worship to this nation, | after their own name among men. But, my to this particular sect or opinion, nor to this friends, my belief is, that the Lord is arising in particular island; but I believe there are prayers the earth, to put an end to these divisions and ascend to him as sweet incense before his Holy distractions in his church; to bring down all Altar, both in the wilderness of America, and those who have been exalted in their imaginain the dark abodes of Africa, and in all the tions, in supposing that they only were the peocorners of the earth, wherever there are sincere ple of GOD in their form and in their manner, and upright souls. and reject all others.

Well, my friends, this must certainly arise. from some extensively and universally diffused principle in the souls of men, that with one common consent they agree in the great fundamentals of all religion; this must be something more-even the infidel, if he considers, must allow it is something more than human policy. Well, what is it then? What is it that prepareth the heart thus acceptably to offer unto God?-What is it that teacheth all men that He ought to be worshipped? Why, it is nothing more, nor anything less than the same eternal all-creating Word, who filleth all things, and is as intimately near to and independent of us, as the very air we breathe; "for (said the Apostle) He is not far off any one of you; neither can he be; for in him we live, move, and have our being." Therefore it was that he exhorted them to" seek the Lord, if haply they might find him." Well, my friends, this is the great business of every gospel minister; to labor to bring people here-to seek for themselves; to seek the Lord, if haply they may find HIMwho is not far off any one of you; who is both with you, and in you, and without whose animating power thou couldst not exist one moment; neither could any man think a good thought or do a good action, except the Lord be with him. This is my faith. So that, my friends, it has taught me to get rid of all those narrow distinctions which many have been making, and which some are yet industriously endeavoring to build up between even the followers of the blessed Jesus; who ought always to be united-always in harmony-always ONE IN HIM. But, for my own part, having now for a number of years endeavored to seek the Lord impartially for myself, I have known him in this way; I have learned the Gospel in this way. For I have been clear in my opinion, that all the inventions and works of men, by their fallen wisdom, have only scattered the spiritual sheep in Jacob and divided them in Israel; and have split the Christian church into so great a variety of names, and so great a variety of forms. For indeed we find many of them are rooted in predjudice one against another. Therefore the inquiry of this day seems to be, not so much, is it THE TRUTH that these men hold; but is he of my name?-or what name does he hold? this seems to be the foolish inquiry of many, who can accept little or nothing except it comes from those who are established in the same opinion, and within the bounds which they have built, and called

O! how far off from that benevolence of soul which the Christian religion inspires, appears faith of this kind! And yet there are some remaining even in this enlightened day, who suppose and believe, that without the pale of their particular church there can no man be saved.

But whence cometh these opinions? why I believe the Lord originally sowed good seed in his church, but while men have slept in carnal ease and security, an enemy has entered, scattered and divided them, and sown tares among them. Now, for my own part, it appears to me to be the great work of every diligent shepherd of our Lord Jesus Christ, to labor to bring all men back to the foundation-to the one true and everlasting fold. To remove all those opinions that have kept the world at variance so long-even in those that have loved God with sincerity of heart, in their different professions among Christians. O! how shy they have been of one another, how afraid of coming into the company of one another-how they have shunned one another! Aye, my friends, can this be agreeable to the glorious and dignified gospel of Jesus Christ that we profess? No: I trust no man will believe it can. Well then, the great inquiry ought to be, is there not one universal guide-one holy, divine, and unchangeable principle, by which we may all again be gathered into unity? Is there no such thing as TRUTH in the earth? I believe there is; and that all men may find it too, who are studiously desirous so to do-who prefer the knowledge of the truth to all things else-who are making every secondary consideration give way to their obtaining it: and when they have found it, to live in obedience to it. This is the sincere heart's inquiry among all the various names; that GOD will be pleased to teach them the way of TRUTH, and establish them in it. So that they shall all speak the same language, that there may be no diversity of opinion in the ground and foundation of their belief. For this holy principle is one-it teaches plain, simple, and easy doctrine; comprised within a narrow compass; it does not confound and confuse the world with variety of mystical opinions, which are hard, or which it is impossible to comprehend. But the TRUTH upon which glory, immortality, and eternal life depend, is plain, free, and simple: " To know THEE the only true God, and JESUS CHRIST whom thou hast sent, is life eternal.”

May the Lord be near to

Well, my friends, how shall we know this? | I believe all the rest. where shall we find it?--how shall we be assured strengthen, bear up, and give faith at all times that we are really in this knowledge, and in this in the sufficiency of his almighty power, who faith? Why, I think, if men-I speak now in can preserve amidst great dangers, and under much charity, for I do not boast of my own at the closest exercises, and make him more than tainments, but what I feel and believe to be true conqueror. e! from my own experience, and which appears to me to be consistent with the doctrines both of the Old and New Testament, that I am not ashamed to declare, though it were to thousands and ten thousands; for I say from the very beginning there was an ETERNAL PRINCIPLE— there was an holy, unflattering and unchangeable GUIDE placed in the souls of men, which if they had attended to, all men would have been led safe. "It is shewn to thee, (says the prophet) O man, what thou shouldst do, and what the Lord thy God requireth at thy hands; to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God."-It is shewn to thee what is good.These are the forcible expressions-to " DO JUSTICE, to LOVE MERCY, to WALK HUMBLY WITH THY GOD."

[To be continued.]

EXTRACT FROM A LETTER OF JOHN PEMBERTON

TO JOSEPH DELAPLAINE.

Philadelphia, 11th mo. 20th, 1781. Dear Kinsman,-Thy letters of 10th last month and 8th instant are come to hand, and were very acceptable; to hear from those who live under the influence of truth, and to be persuaded they continue in the faith and patience, and under a travail and religious exercise for the promotion of truth and righteousness, is comfortable. I have often sympathized with thee and dear William Rickman, believing your concern and burthen hath been great, and your spirits often grieved in beholding how few among the many professors of the blessed truth are properly concerned for their growth and establishment in it, and so there are many halt, blind, &c. among us; whereas, was the divine visitation attended to, acceptable fruits would be brought forth, and our lights shine that others would be brought to glorify God on their behalf. Alas! how many have been carried away by suffering their minds to grasp after the riches, false pleasures, and gaiety of a deluded world, instead of aspiring after desirable riches and righteousness that fadeth not away. May we, dear kinsman, keep humble, watchful and obedient, the only path to peace and glory, however exercising and tribulated the path may be, during a short pilgrimage; faithful is He who hath called.

Thy son is here, and tells me he proposes to go to the Lines to see thee: I asked him if he meant to return as the Prodigal; it will be pleasing should this be the case.

Tell dear Robert I saw his daughters at Concord Quarterly Meeting; they were well, and

It was comfortable to the rightly concerned amongst us to find that Friends bore their testimony against the vain show of rejoicing, and are very patient under the great abuse they received. Thy sympathy is acceptable. We are preparing something to inform the ignorant, and to hold up our ancient testimony against such heathenish customs. I send thee one of the Yearly Meeting epistles; and when the other paper is published may send thee one. My dear love to Robert, to self, spouse, and enquiring friends, in which, my dear, joins thy affectionate friend and kinsman, JOHN PEMBERTON.

A LETTER FROM JOB SCOTT TO JOSEPH
DELAPLAINE IN NEW YORK.

Newport 19th of 6th mo., 1788. Dear friend, I have received two kind tokens of thy remembrance, the last now before me of the 21st of 5th mo., both truly acceptable, but know not that I have anything more in return than the expression of sincere love and regard, the information of our tolerable health when I left home, and to desire if thou hast any prospect what may be best as to our removal, thou will communicate it; thy reiterated hint giving some ground to suppose thee doubtful; and doubt and discouragement being so generally what I have from my friends from near all quarters, (where I hear them, or hear from them at all on the subject) my own prospects though I thought them pretty clear, seem shut up and obscured, it requiring great faith and clearness to stay such a mind as mine in a prospect so opposite to that of so many brethren. I dont fully know that my longer stay is not necessary at Uxbridge, but if it is I know not for what, nor do I find anything to hold me there-it has been home, and I have been bound to it-the bond is now removed, at least as to my sensible perception of it; and yet there I am held, for want of faith sufficient to prosecute a prospect opposed to the sense of so many brethren; though as to the letter I have liberty, a minute of that kind being made in the monthly meeting; but it being liberty, without a sympathizing approbation, I am held in suspense, and sometimes exercisingly so; yet on the whole, happy in resignation and patient waiting, almost ready at times to think I shall not get away— and hope if I am to stay, Uxbridge will be made to feel like home again. Do, my dear friend, remember me when it is well with thee, and do write me freely. My greatest trials result not

from thoughts of moving or staying; the Lord | distinct in utterance, her person comely, her only knows whether I shall hold out or fall short voice soft, harmonious and majestic as truth -my fears are many, and oftener than the elevates her utterance; preferring the tranquillity morning, but words are inadequate; with love and calmness of her mind, to the warmth of to thee and wife, (mine not being present to join her own affections, that the effusions of the me,) I rest thy still tribulated friend. Father's love, and the openings he graciously vouchsafes may be conveyed to the people before whom she stands with the least mixture. When

JOB SCOTT.

EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS OF MOSES BROWN TO out of meetings amongst her friends, it may be

JOSEPH DELAPLAINE.

Providence, 16th of 7th mo., 1794.

Dear friend, I received thy acceptable message of love; thou I understand hast had to taste of trials since I saw thee. That of sore pain, of loss of beloved children, and others has been my lot, in all which I have had to adore the loving kindness and mercy more than the rod. My daughter was removed from this stage of trial, I trust to a mansion of rest and peace, the 26th ult., has left an agreeable child 3 years and 7 months old, for her husband and myself and wife to nurture,* if she is favored in early life as her dear mother was, with the inshinings of the light of truth, and to give up in good measure to the cross, it will be alike happy for

her and us.

I drop these lines in token of my near affection. May every trial bring us nearer and nearer the kingdom, and under the sanctifying hand meeten us for an inheritance incorruptible. In love I conclude thy friend.

MOSES BROWN.

said of her as it has been of other worthies heretofore, that she is civil beyond all breeding, requiring as little of her friends, and as easily suited as most if not any Friend. Though a silver, if not a golden vessel and of beaten gold too, yet she chooses neither for her furniture, and if the teapot be used to her refreshment, such as takes the name from the Queen is preferred, yet she guards against her West India slaves. Indeed she appears an example and to ours also; her Great Master, whom she serves even an ornament not to her own sex only, but in the gospel of His son having preserved and favored her when I have been with her, at my house, abroad, in and out of meetings, to my satisfaction, and according to that best sense we are sometimes favored to enjoy; I think I may thus give testimony to the Lord's gracious qualifying of her as one whom He has delighted to honor as His gospel messenger. With love to thyself and wife, my wife uniting, I conclude thy friend,

MOSES BROWN.

A YOUNG HERO.

Master Walters had been much annoyed by some one of the scholars whistling in school. Whenever he called a boy to account for such a disturbance, he would plead that it was unintentional-" he forgot all about where he was." This became so frequent that the master threatened a severe punishment to the next offender. The next day, when the room was unusually quiet, a loud, sharp whistle broke the stillness. Every one asserted that it was a certain boy who had the reputation of a mischief-maker and a liar. He was called up, and, though with a somewhat stubborn look he denied it again and again, commanded to hold out his hand. this instant, a little slender fellow, not more than 7 years old, came out, and with a very pale but decided face, held out his hand, saying as he did so, with the clear and firm tone of a

At

Providence, 24th, of 4th mo., 1795. Dear friend, Joseph Delaplaine,-Thine of 13th ult. I received very acceptably. I fully unite with thy expressions respecting the partaking of the fruit of the labors of the Friends this way, "when in simplicity, in godly sincerity, not fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, then is there cause of rejoicing to the sincere in heart." I trust J. W., who has gone into our Eastern Quarter, and Martha Routh, are of that number who guard against the one, and are favored with the other; the latter is gone to Richmond, and if the roads appear so as it looks likely, they can take Vermont easier that way than from the N. W. parts of your meeting; they will go that way, if not refer it longer. Martha appears to be an humble though valiant, meek, yet powerful, instructive and truly edifying minister of the gospel, one who understands when to speak and when to keep silence both in and "Mr. Walters, do not punish him; I whisout of meetings, has very little motion of any tled. I was doing a long, hard sum, and in rubmember of her body except her tongue, which is directed with wisdom, clear in doctrine, and bing out another, rubbed it out by mistake and spoiled it all, and before I thought, whistled right out. I was very much afraid, but I could not sit there and act a lie when I knew who was to blame. You may ferule me, Sir, as you said you would." And with all the filmuess he could command, he again held out his

Anne Almy the grand-daughter alluded to, was afterwards Anne Jenkins, who became a minister, and paid a religious visit to England, and who after escap ng the dangers of the ocean, perished in the confiagration of her own dwelling, in Providence, Rhode Island.

hero:

little hand, never for a moment doubting that he was to be punished. Mr. Walters was much affected. "Charles," said he, looking at the erect form of the delicate child, who had made such a conquest over his natural timidity," I would not strike you a blow for the world. No one here doubts that you spoke the truth; you did not mean to whistle. You have been a

hero."

The boy went back to his seat with a flushed face, and quietly went on with his sums. He must have felt that every eye was upon him in admiration, for the smallest scholar could appreciate the moral courage of such an action.

Charles grew up, and became a devoted, consistent Christian. Let all our readers imitate his noble, heroic conduct.-Twilight Hours.

practice amongst the trading part of the community, which has often issued in the ruin of those concerned therein, viz: That of raising and circulating a kind of paper credit, with endorsements, to give it an appearance of value, without an intrinsic reality :-a practice which, as it ap- pears to be inconsistent with the truth we profess, we declare our disapprobation of, and entreat every member of our Society to avoid and discourage.

"We also caution all in membership with us to avoid entering into joint securities with others, under the specious plea of rendering acts of kindness; many, by so doing, having been suddenly ruined, and their innocent wives and chil

FRIENDS' INTELLIGENCER. dren reduced to deplorable circumstances.

PHILADELPHIA, SIXTH MONTH 6, 1857.

The following excellent remarks, copied from Western paper, are worthy the attention of all who are engaged in business. Those familiar with the manner of conducting trade in large cities, must have observed how many persons who have commenced life under favorable auspices and with moderate expectations, have extended their business by means of paper credit and endorsements which have resulted in pecuniary embarrassment, and been a source of painful regret to themselves and families. The habit of raising means by this system, often induces an extension of business and a style of living inconsistent with the limitations of Truth, and while it increases the anxieties of those engaged in it, lessens the amount of human happiness, and unfits the mind for the enjoyment of higher pursuits, and the acquisition of those heavenly treasures which do not perish with the using.

We would affectionately recommend all, and especially our young friends who are about entering into business, frequently to peruse the advices in our discipline on the subject of trade.

not thou," said the wise man, "one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for

debts. If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take thy bed from under thee?"

INDORSING NOTES.

In a city of the commercial importance of Keokuk, it may not be amiss to make a few suggestions, however homely they may be, upon the practice of indorsing notes. We are aware that many have made themselves independently rich by the use of accommodation paper, and will deride anything that may be said against indorsing. We are also aware that many of these same men who are able to dress "in purple and gold, and in fine linen, and fare sumptuously every day," do so while they who made their notes negotiable are living in poverty through their misguided friendship.

It has been well said that there are many

things in this world which every man has to learn for himself, and it seems to us that the folly of indorsing is one of them. Although tens of thousands have been brought from affluence to, at least, comparative poverty, yet tens of thousands with all these examples before them, continue in the practice of indorsing for others merely because in business life the accommodation is reciprocal. Many who indorse paper with impunity for years, oftentimes find themselves brought to bankruptcy in the end, and are compelled to devote that portion of their lives which turmoil of a business life, not in carrying out should be passed in quiet seclusion from the their ambitious day-dreams, but in liquidating the debts contracted by their misguided folly. Sir Walter Scott, who had yearly added acre We subjoin two paragraphs bearing upon this upon acre, to his extensive domain, awakened subject, from page 109 of the new edition of our one morning to find himself ruined to utter bankruptcy, through indorsing. Even Barnum, discipline. who never failed in the world of humbug, and "We warn our members against a pernicious who was looked upon as the personification of

They were prepared by those who knew of what they wrote, and if their lessons of experience are carried out by our members, many would be preserved from the difficulties and trials which over-trading and hazardous enterprises generally lead into.

shrewdness, was ruined by this delusive habit. The whole world is full of bankrupts, who can trace their present condition to the too liberal use of their names upon accommodation paper. Yet the balance of mankind appear to be no more cautious, with all these examples before them. No one should ever indorse an accommodation note, for the financiering which raises money in this way is radically wrong. Although it is generally regarded as the cheapest, it is really the very dearest method; for the person who indorses for you is sure, at some time or other, to want you to indorse in return; by accommodating your friends in this way, you put your fortune at the hazard of many casualties, entirely beyond your control. Hard times come on, and of course bankruptcy follows.

If so much can be said against this practice when there is a mutual consideration, an exchange of indorsements, how much can be urged against it when a man indorses from motives of private friendship, and not as a business courtesy? There are hundreds of men who will indorse for another, to whom they would not sell a bill of goods on credit, merely because they lack the moral courage to say no. In such cases, it would be wiser to give the applicant at once the amount of money you could afford to throw away-for then you know just exactly where you are; if you indorse for him he may involve you to a greater amount than you can pay, and when you pay, as most likely you will, it will be at the very time that any draw upon your finances may sadly injure and inconvenience you. Private friendship, no matter how close, has no claims upon one person to indorse for another; and any one who takes offence at a refusal to do so, is not worthy the name of friend, for you may rely that he is profoundly ignorant of that wherein true friendship consists-that relation giving no man a right to ruin another.

DIED,-On the 29th of Fourth month last, LYDIA HART, widow of the late John Hart, druggist, of this city, in the 81st year of her age.

We wish not improperly to eulogize the departed, but in recording this removal, we are reminded that "a meek and quiet spirit is, in the sight of the Lord, of great price." Of this our friend was the blessed possessor, and sustained thereby, she was enabled to bear with Christian patience and cheerfulness the varied allotments of life. Her round of active duties has long since been performed, and for several years physical disability confined her mostly to her chair.

To her it is great gain to burst the shackles of mortality and experience the fall enjoyment of the saint's

rest.

WHAT DID THE CLOCK SAY?

The clock upon the tower of a neighboring church tolled forth slowly and solemnly, the knell of the departed hour.

As the last sound died away, Willie, who was sitting on the carpet at his mother's feet, lifted his head, and looking earnestly in her face, asked—

to

"Mother! what did the clock say ?"

"To me," said his mother sadly, "it seemed say, gone-gone-gone-gone!"

"What, mother! what has gone?" "Another hour, my son."

"What is an hour, mother?"

"A white-winged messenger from our Father in heaven, sent by Him to inquire of you--of me, what we are doing? what we are saying? what we are thinking and feeling?"

"Where has it gone, mother?"

"Back to him who sent it, bearing on its wings that were so pure and white when it came, a record of all our thoughts, words and deeds, while it was with us. Were they all such as our Father could receive with a smile of approbation?"

Reader! what record are the hours, as they come and go, bearing up on high for you?

For Friends' Intelligencer.

NEW YORK YEARLY MEETING.

The meeting of Ministers and Elders was held on 7th day the 23rd of 5th mo.; its business was transacted in two sessions in the Hester street honse. The meeting was about as large as usual; several strangers were in attendance from other Yearly Meetings, both male and female Ministers and Elders, with minutes of approbation from their friends at home.— Others attended as travelling companions, &c. Harmony and unity prevailed in the meeting, and satisfactory evidence was afforded that these meetings were instituted in Divine Wisdom, that the welfare of Society is promoted by their continuance, and as individual members are faithful to the trust reposed in them, the body will thereby be edified.

The general Yearly Meeting of men and women. Friends, assembled at the Hester street House on 2nd day, the 25th, the men in the basement story. Such was the interest felt in this large and wide spread Yearly Meeting, that all the representatives from its various branches were in attendance at their first call, except one Friend. It was observed that such remarkable punctuality was unprecedented. Epistles were received and read from Philadelphia, Baltimore, Ohio, Indiana and Genessee, which were interesting documents, strongly marked with the savor of life. It was proposed by some that they should be printed for useful distribution among absent Friends, and possibly they may be. On 3rd day morning and afternoon the state of Society was brought into view by reading and answering the queries. The meeting exercised great patience during two long sessions, in hearing all that Friends had to say on the interesting topics brought before

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