"Life was low, and, although several testimonies were borne, if any mighty works' were done I was insensible thereof. I remember it is said, that in some cities this could not be the case because of unbelief. We left Dublin on fourth day, and got to Stramore sixth day eve of the heart to His light-by which, alone,gagement. They arrived in Dublin in time to you can discover the need you have of Him, as attend a Monthly Meeting there, on third day the Saviour and Redeemer of your souls. What the 24th of 2nd month, after which my dear a mercy it is, that, in this glorious gospel day, mother gives the following account of this exernone need say, 'who shall ascend into heaven to cising journey. bring Christ down from above, or who shall descend into the deep to bring up Christ again from the dead; for the word is nigh thee,' the eternal word of life and power, inwardly manifested as a reprover for sin and a teacher in the way of righteousness. He knows what instruction our several states require, and dispenses itning. accordingly; affording sufficient strength to obey "Seventh day, the Quarterly Meeting held at Him, and follow His sure direction. Now, how Moyallen for this province commenced, by that superior is this to all that man can do! How for ministers and elders being held. The meetineffectual are those remedies which human wis-ings on first day were largely attended, as were dom proposes, for the relief of the truly awakened mind! How inadequate to the radical cure of that disease, which a departure from the divine law has occasioned: thereby sin entered into the world and death by sin. As we submit to the operation of that power which effects the one spiritual baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire, the floor of the heart is thoroughly cleansed, our lives and conversation become such as bring glory to Him who created man for this very purpose. May the convincing voice of truth speak intelligibly to, and engrave these most important subjects upon your hearts: for surely the Lord is at work by His judgments, as well as mercies; and it is high time for the people to learn His righteous law, that so His glorious promises may be accomplished, and the earth be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.' "May the peaceable spirit of Christ Jesus and His pure government increase and spread, and the day hasten when, all being gathered to His holy standard, 'nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.' Oh! let none of us obstruct this gracious design, by hardening our hearts against Him; but let us submit to His holy government, that we may experience an end put to sin, and righteousness established in the place there of. Thus we shall, individually, know that Christ Jesus is indeed come, not only as a Saviour universally, but as a Saviour and Redeemer in our hearts, and that he is executing His powerful office there, in order that He may proclaim everlasting victory over death, hell and the grave. "I am, in the love and sympathy of the gospel, your friend, MARY DUDLEY." She was not long at home, before the call of duty again summoned her to prepare for giving fresh evidence of love and allegiance to her divine Master; and although very delicate in health, from the effects of a cold taken when last travelling, she set out about the middle of the second month, 1795, on a religious visit to Ulster and Connaught; S. L. being united in the en those for discipline on second, and the concluding meeting on third day; but through_all, sadness was the covering of my spirit, and I do not remember any season when more exercising labor fell to my lot; but being mercifully relieved, though not refreshed, I was thankful in renewedly experiencing the arm of holy help fully equal to support. Even close doctrine is, with the people, preferable to silence; the communion with their own hearts is closer work, therefore preaching, preaching is still desired; but this is vain, and will ever be so, if Christ be not raised. "First day morning the 8th of 3d mo. we went to Lurgan Meeting, which proved a closely exercising season, and left such feelings as made the prospect of another meeting appointed for four o'clock in the afternoon, discouraging; the poor body seeming to have had enough. However we set forward to Portadown, a place where no Friends reside, and found a great number of people waiting about the door of a large room at an inn, which had been previously seated, and was soon much crowded, many also standing without yet there was a remarkable quietness, and more liberty in proclaiming the gospel than is usually felt in this day among the members of our own Society. I was so weak and indisposed as to be unable to move forward, as designed, next morning; but being better for a little rest, we set out third day, and on fourth day attended the Meeting at Grange, wherein deep anguish of spirit was my portion; for although my heart and lips were engaged in prayer,-though I believed it the Master's will that the children of the heavenly family should be visited, yet such were my feelings, and so little way for relief appeared, that I scarcely ever remember being so awfully and painfully instructed. I was led to meditate on the great image composed of various metals, the efficacy of the little stone cut out of the mountain without hands, &c. Some of these visions were opened, some sealed; but after all, my mind was so clothed with sadness, that after meeting I hardly knew which way to turn. "However, as I had been previously exercised senting ministers were present, and a very senabout Dungannon, and the wea her promised fa-sible Presbyterian or Seceder came to our inn, vorably, several Friends rode on, and procured and invited us to his house; he dined with us, the Presbyterian Meeting house, (where dear Job and we had some free conversation, wherein I Scott held a meeting a few months before his trust no injury was done to the precious cause death,) and at six o'clock we assembled, and many we are endeavoring to promote: he told us that hundreds with us. In general the people were he took no money for preaching. Several others solid and attentive while the doctrines of the called to see us, manifesting cordial regard, and gospel were, in received ability, a little opened, inviting us to their houses; indeed I have scarceand I trust some instruction was sealed. There ly seen the like in these nations; it reminded me seemed to me the piercing sense of a predestina- of the disposition evinced in some foreign parts rian spirit, that which limits the pure principle, where the ground was measurably prepared for therefore the life; and so proportionate dark- the seed, and but few rightly qualified to sow it. ness covered the earth, to penetrate which re-Oh! that for such the great husbandman may quired proportionate help, and it may be thank- arise in His own power and do the work. fully acknowled this was mercifully afforded. "Several Friends kindly accompanied us on fifth day afternoon from Berna, whence we travelled over some very hilly road and through snow, seventy miles to Sligo, which we reached on seventh day evening. First day abode there at a good quiet inn, and as a practice I have felt best satisfied with when not near a Meetinghouse, our little band had a season of retirement, which through favor proved refreshing. Finding a removal hence clouded, and the attraction to a meeting with the inhabitants increase, our men Friends went to make enquiry respecting a place from different causes none could be procured that evening, nine o'clock next morning was therefore concluded on, and the Presbyterian minister readily gave the use of his Meetinghouse. A large number of solid people attended, who seemed disposed to receive the doctrines of truth; indeed I trust some bowed under its precious influence. "The labor in this meeting was of a truly arduous kind, having to encounter that spirit which would limit divine grace, and destroy the free-agency of man. The Lord was, however, mercifully near, bringing to remembrance much that is written in opposition to this dangerous doctrine, and confirming to the universal agency of the spirit of truth: though in unfolding some of the blessed effects of this pure principle, a belief attended that there were those present who marvelled, even like Nicodemus, while taking upon them to be teachers, without knowing the regenerating virtue of divine grace. This principle offereth salvation to all, and really bringeth it to every mind which is obedient to the heavenly vision; as Paul was, who by his own declaration did not confer with flesh and blood, clearly implying that he could have done so. "Near the close of the meeting, the gospel seemed to flow freely to some seeking souls, in the inviting language of our blessed Saviour, any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink;' and in receiving the books which were afterwards distributed, many evinced their desire to know more of what this overflowing fountain is, and where to be found. Several clergymen and dis [To be continued.] CHRISTIANITY A PRACTICAL PRINCIPLE. The finest theory never yet carried any man to heaven. A religion of notions which occupies the mind, without filling the heart, may obstruct but cannot advance the salvation of man. If these notions are false, they are most pernicious; if true and not operative, they aggravate guilt; if unimportant, though not unjust, they occupy the place which belongs to nobler objects, and sink the mind below its proper level; substitute the things which only ought not to be left undone, in the place of those which ought to be done; and causing the grand essentials. not to be done at all. Such a religion is not that which the Saviour came to teach mankind. AUGUSTUS HERMANN FRANCKE. The narrative which Francke gives of his labors, is truly edifying, displaying in himself, a most surprising confidence in God; and a series of providential assistances which would scarcely be credited, were they not so abundantly confirmed by the testimony of witnesses. These witnesses were contemporary with Francke, and some of them his acquaintances and pupils. Their testimony is carefully compiled by his biographer from various accounts of his life, in funeral discourses and other works of the best character still extant.* "About the month of April, 1696, our funds were almost exhausted, and I knew not whither to look for the necessary supplies for the next week. This caused me the greater distress, as I was not at that time accustomed to such trials. But it pleased the Lord to send me assistance, and at the very time when it was needed. He inclined the heart of some person, who was, and is yet unknown to me, to put into my hands, by means of another individual, the sum of one thousand dollars, for the support of the Orphan House. The Lord be praised for his goodness, and re *An account of Francke will be found in the "Encyclopedia Americana," article Francke. ward the giver a thousand fold, with spiritual blessings! At another time, when our stores were exhausted, the steward came to me, and represented, that it would be necessary soon to procure a considerable amount of provisions. We laid our case before the Lord. Soon an opportunity offered of obtaining the necessary funds for our purpose, from a friend who needed but to know of our wants to offer his aid. But we were unwilling to be burdensome to him, as he had been already liberal in his donations, and we wished to leave ourselves in the hands of God, knowing that He was able, and he had shown himself willing to assist us. We therefore commended ourselves anew to him in prayer, and we had scarcely finished, when there was a knock at my door, and a well-known friend entered bringing me a letter and fifty dollars in gold, from a person in another place. This, together with twenty dollars, which were received soon after, completely supplied our wants, and we were taught that God will often hear prayer, almost before it is offered." "In the month of October, 1698, I sent a ducat to a poor and afflicted woman, in another place. I received, soon after, a letter from her, saying, that it had come to hand at a time when she greatly needed it; and praying God to return to my poor children a heap of ducats for it. Soon after, I received from a friend twenty-five ducats, from another two, and from two others forty-five. About this time, too, Prince Paul of Wurtemberg died, and left a large purse marked, for the Orphan House at Halle,' which I found to contain five hundred ducats in gold. When I saw all this money on the table before me, I could not but think of the prayer of the poor woman, and how literally it had been fulfilled. In February, 1699, I was again in very straitened circumstances, and must enumerate that among my times of trial. I was almost entirely without funds, although much was needed for the supply of the daily wants of the children, and other poor. In this state of difficulty, I comforted myself with the promise of the Lord Jesus, seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you,' and strove to bring myself to an unwavering confidence in God. When I had given out the last of our money, I prayed to the Lord to look upon my necessities. As I left my room to go into the College, to deliver my usual lecture, I found a student waiting for me below, who put into my hands the sum of seventy dollars, which had been sent me from a distance. Although our expenses were now so great, that this money did not last but two or three days, and I was unable to predict how I should be able to meet them for the future, yet by the good providence of the Lord our difficulties were constantly relieved." Francke states, that in the midst of all these trials and embarrassmeuts, so precisely was the supply suited to their wants, that in no instance had the children been forced to go without their meals; and no one, except his immediate assistants, was acquainted with their difficulties. This is not a little surprising, when we remember that hundreds depended upon him; and not less so, the fact that his own tranquillity and peace of mind were constantly retained. "Soon afterwards," he continues, (( we were in the greatest want, and the steward came to me, asking for money to meet the expenses of the week. I knew not what to reply to him; for I was without funds, and had no expectation of any supply. But I trusted in the Lord, and determined to go to my closet, and spread my wants before him. As I was engaged, however, in dictating to an amanuensis, I sat down until this piece of work should be finished. When it was ended, I arose to go to my closet, and while on my way, a letter was put into my hands from a merchant, informing me that he had received a check for a thousand dollars, to be paid me for the Orphan House. How forcibly did I feel the meaning of that promise, (in Isaiah,) Before they call I will answer, and while they are yet speaking, I will hear! I had now no reason to ask for assistance, but went and praised the Lord for his goodness. I was thus led more and more to place my trust upon God, and give up all dependence upon man.' "At another time, in the same year, when I was in similar circumstances, I walked abroad and meditated upon the glory of nature, the heavens and the earth, and my faith was thereby much strengthened. I said within myself, How happy is that man, who, though he is poor, and can lean on nothing here below, can trust in the living God, who made these heavens and this earth, and thus be satisfied and joyful, even though in adversity!' Although I well knew that for this very day I had need of a considerable sum of money, yet my heart was even joyful, for I was strong in faith in God. When I came into the house, the superintendent of the building was there, and desired some money for the payment of the laborers. 'Has any money been received?' said he. I answered, 'No; but I have faith in God.' Scarcely had I uttered these words, when some one was announced at the door; and on going to him, I found he had brought me thirty dollars from some person, whom he would not name. I returned to the study, and asked the superintendent how much money he needed. He replied, 'Thirty dollars.' 'Here they are,' said I. We were both strengthened in our faith, by this happy supply, since we saw therein the hand of God, in giving us what was necessary at the very time when it was needed.” "At another time of great need with us, I made particular use, in my prayer to God, of the fourth petition in the Lord's prayer-' Give us this day our daily bread '-and dwelt upon the words this day, for we needed immediate aid. | stances given us in the Scriptures. So much While I was yet praying, a friend to the Orphan was I confirmed in my faith by this service, House came to my door and brought me 400 that I did not once ask the Lord to relieve my As I accompanied my dollars. In the year 1700, I was sick for some present difficulties. weeks, and when I recovered, and was able to friend to the door at his departure, I found the go out for the first time, I prayed the Lord to steward standing on one side, and on the other bless my goings out and my comings in.' This another person who put into my hands a purse prayer he was pleased literally to answer; for as containing 150 dollars." I left the house, a most comforting and encouraging letter was put into my hands, and at my return another, containing a hundred dollars, for the support of our children, with the exhortation to continue the good work. This letter was from a pious merchant a hundred miles distant. The Lord remember his kindness. On one occasion a pious and benevolent female was visiting our Orphan House, and discovered that we were much in want of many things, but though in the habit of doing much for us, she could not now render any assistance. She, however, spoke of our situation to another person, who replied to her that she was just about to give 50 dollars to the Orphan House. Our friend saw the hand of God so clearly therein, and was so grateful for the supply of our wants, that she was moved even to weeping." The instances of this kind which occurred were very numerous during the whole progress of the work. Some of the more remarkable, which his biographer has selected, must suffice. "It has often happened, that when I have been relating to strangers who were visiting me, some of the providences which have attended this undertaking, that they have been witnesses to similar instances while present with me, much to the confirmation of their faith. It happened once, when a friend from a distance was sitting with me, that a boy came in, bringing with him 20 dollars for the Orphan House, and a written promise, that the same amount should be yearly sent to us, as long as the life and health of the giver was preserved. He would not mention the name of the donor, and wished only a receipt. At another time I was recounting to a Christian friend some of our remarkable deliverances from want, by which he was so much affected, that he even wept. While I was speaking, as if to confirm my statements, I received a letter containing a check for 500 dollars. "It happened once, that I was in need of a large sum of money, but had it not, and did not know where to obtain even 10 dollars. The steward came to me with his accounts, but having no money for him, I asked him to come again after dinner, and in the meantime gave myself to prayer. When he came in the after noon all that I could do was to ask him to come again in the evening. In the afternoon I was visited by a friend, with whom I united in prayer to God. I was moved to praise him for the wonders of his providence to men in all ages, and especially for the remarkable in "Some time afterwards the superintendent of the building came for money to pay his laborers. A friend who was present, promised me 10 dollars, and another 4; but could not give them to me at the time. So I said to him, "God will not leave us without assistance," and let him depart. When he came to the Orphan House he found the laborers assembled, and waiting for Just then, a well known friend their money. of ours met him; to him he made known his This friend immediately lent him 14 wants. dollars, and he began his payments. Before this sum was exhausted, I received from another place upwards of 30 dollars, which I immediately sent to him, and he finished his payments The next week we were in equal difas usual. I told the superficulty, and in the same way. intendent that we should certainly have occasion to rejoice again in the manifestation of God's willingness to favor our efforts, and repeated to him as he left me, that text, 'Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.' Early the next morning I received 50 dollars, which was an abundant On a certain occasion, supply for that day. when the steward was about to sell a number of articles which were not indispensable to him, I received 100 dollars, and relieved the difficulty which had caused him to think of this step; and not many hours after, he was informed in addition, that a large quantity of provisions was on the way to Halle for the Orphan House. the most arduous in the His situation was establishment, but he was so much encouraged and animated by this unexpected assistance, that he said he would never suffer himself to be anxious in such circumstances thereafter, but He afterwould trust confidently in God. wards said, that from that time forward, instead of being cast down or distressed by difficulties that arose, he was ever thinking, "Now we shall have reason again to admire the manner in which God will come to our aid." [To be continued.] up luxuries in order to supply others' want of For Friends' Intelligencer. These are indeed troublous times, and I call upon you, my sisters, and you mothers, and the daughters also, to help. Will you any longer waste the energies of your minds and weaken and destroy your bodies in idleness, merely because custom says that woman shall not do this or that? "In the sweat of thy face shall thou eat bread," and sweet is that bread, and healthful are its influences, for labor is the only legitimate means of obtaining bread. Some may ask, what shall we do? I answer, all have received talents from Him who is not an hard master, gathering where He hath not strewn, or reaping where He hath not sown," and He has a right to expect fruits, and will come sooner or later to receive that which is already His own. It was also said, that "the fields were white unto harvest, but that the faithful laborers were few." And again and again has He sent His servants to invite all to the "marriage snpper," but many excuses still are made. Whatever position then, my sister, thou mayest be placed in, whether it be mother or daughter, wife or friend, there will be many duties to perform, physical, mental and spiritual. All are dignified as coming from the hand of the common Father of all, and if you love Him, you will be willing to labor for the good of this great human family, even to "do whatsoever He commands you.' And though custom and its worshippers may exclaim against you, and you may only occupy that lowly humble place, where the world's honors await you not, yet you will escape its wearisome languor, its temptations to trifle away your talents in the pursuit of folly, which makes the approach of age to be dreaded, rather than looked upon as a calm and and peaceful evening, where the setting sun is joyfully anticipated as a signal, not of night, but of a more glorious day. 10th mo. 1857. THOMAS STORY. R. Passing several paragraphs on page 67, we read as follows: And having dined in a large upper room, several military officers viz: Lieutenant Levingston, Lieutenant Alexander Frazer, Ensign Cunningham, &c., who kept garrison there, desiring a little of our company, came to see us. At their entrance into the room, they saluted us in God intended His creatures to enjoy to the their manner, uncovering and bowing, saying, fullest extent His rich and varied gifts. For our "your servants, gentlemen." And the presence enjoyment, are not the earth, the air, and the of the Lord being over us, Thomas Rudd answered, waters filled with life and beauty? For whatnot our servants, but servants of God, and felpurpose is mind given us, but to increase our low servants one of another for the Lord's sake." enjoyment, to exalt and elevate our spirits, that we may be prepared for the marriage supper, even to sit down with Christ in His Father's kingdom. Can these blessings be appreciated without labor? "Enter thou into the vineyard and labor, and whatsoever is right thou shalt receive." With some, these commands are supposed to be exclusively for the male sex, but Christ declared that in Him male and female are one. It has been thought sufficient for woman that she should merely become a member of some religious sect, that in silence only she should worship. But that power which said, "Let there be light, and there was light," is no respecter of the persons or conditions of any. History and biography have proved to the world, the spiritual capacities of woman are by no means inferior to her brothers; and as tradition and prejudice, those earthy vapors and mists of the mind, are driven away by the light of Truth, woman will rise higher in the scale of being. She will fulfil that scripture which says, "be diligent in business, fervent in spirit serving the Lord." Then they made an apology, saying it was their way of expressing their respect; which we perceiving to be without mocking, little more was said on either side, but all drawn in an instant, into profound silence by the invisible power of God; and, in short space, the room was full of people, and all sober, like a meeting of Friends: and Thomas Rudd spoke to them concerning true silence, and the worship of God in spirit, in the silence of all flesh, and the imaginations and desires thereof; with some other things of that import. After Thomas Rudd had done, John Bowstead preached to them; and then Thomas Rudd prayed, and, after him, John Bowstead prayed, and so the meeting ended, all departing in a grave and serious frame of mind. And the officers took leave of us in a friendly manner, and the company departed without any objection to what was said. The next morning being the second day of the week, as we were about to depart towards Chanery, on the other side of Murray Firth, the said officers came again to discourse with us, and take their leave, and, as matters of Truth and religion |