A Monthly Journal,

No. II.

GLASGOW, 2D MONTH, IST, 1856.

VOL. XIV.

QUAKERISM NOT EVANESCENT, BUT ENDURING. guidance of the Spirit of truth, to train up their chil

For the BRITISH FRIEND.
(Continued from page 3.)

dren for eternity; teaching them in the Spirit, to serve and worship the living God, that His presence may be known in and amongst them, and His power may break forth, melting and gathering all into true silence before Him. The dew of heavenly blessing and consolation, which, at such seasons, often refreshingly rests on families assembled for the daily worship of the Lord, in spirit and in truth, what words can fully set forth? How does the restraining and solemnizing influence, which is thus to be witnessed, tend to sober and temper the natural ardour of youth, and to introduce them into that state in which they will "stand in awe, and sin not;" will commune with their own hearts, both in the day and in the night season, and be still! Cannot some now living bear

THE full surrender of the heart to the teachings and guidance of the Spirit of the Lord, is incumbent not only on parents, but on the youth also; that they may know in their own experience, how blessed are they who listen to the voice of "Wisdom," watching daily at her gates, and waiting at the posts of her doors. Yea, that happy are they who, in early years, are engaged in the Divine fear to watch over their thoughts, words, and conduct; who are swift to hear the secret monitions and reproofs of the heavenly Instructor; quick to bow under condemnation for indulgence in desires and actions that have their root in the corrupt nature; and who seek, above all things, to walk with acceptance before Him, whose loving-witness, that these have been times of going up to the kindness is better than life.

The worldly-minded may not heed these operations of the grace of God in the minds of the beloved children; and, ignorant of what is passing within, may direct their efforts exclusively to nurture and strengthen the expanding intellect or the physical powers, unmindful of the immortal part, which requires food adapted to its imperishable nature, and to the end for which it was created; nay, they may, in various ways, forbid the little ones to go to their compassionate Redeemer. But He who formed man by the word of His power, has provided for him in a spiritual capacity, even from earliest childhood; and by His Holy Spirit visits and quickens all, irrespective of age and worldly station, notwithstanding all the outward impediments which others may cast in the way. Seeing, then, that nothing but disobedience and resistance, in the visited mind, to the life and light of Christ Jesus inwardly revealed, can exclude its quickening virtue and powerful rays from the soul-that, if the doors and avenues of the heart are closed against the heavenly Visitant, the fault must be that of the individual-how important it is that each one should be diligent in obeying the admonition, "Quench not the Spirit!"

Yet, notwithstanding the universality of the grace that bringeth salvation, it must ever remain the bounden duty of parents making this high and holy profession, to endeavour, under the pure leadings and

mountain of the Lord, as when a holy solemnity is kept? Happy is that domestic circle--happy is that people that is in such a case! A case inseparable from true Quakerism, and an unspeakable privilege to the young who are thus favourably situated-a concern and a training, too, on the part of parents, for the right fulfilment of which an account must be rendered, when the solemn inquiry is made, "Where are the lambs committed to your charge?" Should these pages meet the eye of some tribulated, exercised parent, or head of a family, by whom such a concern has been felt, but who is discouraged on account of standing alone, with none to sympathize in the feeling and share the weight, may such be stimulated to take courage, and hope in Him who is the unfailing helper of the poor and needy. He who has originated the desire thus to serve him-He who has begotten the secret breathing on this behalf-will not fail to answer it, and to give strength for the performance of this and every other manifested duty, making a way for its accomplishment where there appeared to be no way. He will enable one to chase a thousand, and two to put ten thousand difficulties to flight. Only prove Him with the sacrifice in holy fear and trembling, and in His own time He will open the windows of heaven, and pour out abundantly of His blessing thereon.

It is indeed to be desired for the young, that they should not be ashamed to yield to the attractions of

heavenly love drawing them into holy silence; and, at other times, acting as a bridle on the tongue, when conversation may be passing unrestrainedly around. More to be desired for them than all the acquisitions of wealth or of science, is the ability, from living experience, to value at its true worth, as weighed in the balance of the sanctuary, the adorning of "the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." There would then be fewer instances of weariness under meetings held in silence as to outward ministry; for there would be a true waiting upon God, with the expectation fixed wholly upon Him. They would know Him who ministers with power divine to the spiritual necessities and conditions of all who truly seek Him. What though there were no mediate ministration, still counsel, encouragement, or reproof, as needed, would not be withheld, but would be extended immediately for their help the breathings of the soul would arise in prayer, not unheard, though unexpressed; and praise would wait, or, as in the marginal rendering, be silent before God in Sion!

These truths have recurred for inculcation. This appreciation and living sense of the value of silent waiting and communion with the Lord, in private retirement, in family gatherings, and in public worship, is essential in every step of the spiritual course, from the first to the last. It is in this prostration of spirit before the dear Redeemer and Teacher of his people, and in this only, that the qualification, the command, and the strength for service in the church are received.

But who can estimate the loss accruing to the church, if the youth are not prepared to come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty, in simple obedience to that which may be required at their hands, and in maintaining the testimonies of the pure and unchangeable Truth? As, one after another, many of our little band of devoted labourers, burdenbearers, and upholders of the standard of true Quakerism, are transplanted and added (it is reverently believed) to the assembly in heaven, the tender solicitude of those who desire the welfare of our beloved Society is afresh directed towards the younger classes amongst us, with the earnest inquiry, "What hindereth so many of our sons from being as plants grown up in their youth, and our daughters as corner-stones polished after the similitude of a palace?" Alas! there are besetments by which the great adversary too successfully prevails, to the hinderance of many of these. He watches for our unwatchfulness; and when spiritual sloth or slumber creeps over us, he goes forth to sow his tares in our field. If the Lord be not sought with the whole heart, there will be a wandering from the way of His commandments.

There is a liberty which is incompatible with the liberty of the children of God; and when the mind is not restrained by the righteous government and rule of the Spirit of the Redeemer, the thoughts and desires will roam in quest of enjoyment, from the eager pursuit of that which in itself is lawful, or from sources in which poison lies concealed; and this may be done without violation of that which the world esteems moral and good. How many have insensibly lost the tendering dew of heavenly visitation in an absorbing pursuit of intellectual acquirements, leaving little or no opportunity for mental introversion and subjection to the teachings of the grace of God; and thus are not prepared to be as plars in His temple, which shall go no more out theLce for ever! And how many have been turned aside from the narrow way by an indulgence in unguarded and unprofitable reading!

There is another snare which, of late years, has entangled some amongst our youth, the cultivation and practice of "music," as an amusement in their hours of relaxation, and in the social circle! It is a humiliating reflection that any under our name should employ time, with all its uncertainty of duration and untold value, in this manner. has power over the natural feelings, but of what chaIt is true that music racter, a brief comparison of some of its effects will enable us to decide. Its martial strains aro admitted to be an attractive and stimulating auxiliary in increasing the ranks of the army; they have inspired military men with physical courage and excitement, for the performance of sanguinary deeds, when man meets his fellow-man in battle; its triumphant notes have swelled many a breast with pride and exultation; a lighter strain has excited the animal spirits to join in the dissipating dance; and if, by its softer tones, more tranquil feelings and a semblance of devotion have been kindled, the agency and its effects are alike to be eschewed. "Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?" The devotion and the quietude which are produced by music, are both ideal; neither the one nor the other proceeds from a heart that is filled with the Spirit, in and by which alone can the tribute of praise unto the Most High, and the "quiet resting-place" be known. mental intoxication, against the introduction of which This is a fascination, a into their families parents will do well to take heed.

says,

close of his apostolic labours, saw a twofold danger The discerning spirit of George Fox, towards the which attended some who professed Truth at that time; and the concern which rested upon him on this account, was expressed in words of caution and rebuke. He forth, he let me see that young people grew up toge"When the Lord first called me ther in vanity and the fashions of the world, and old people went downwards into the earth, raking it together; and to both these I was to be a stranger. And now, Friends, I see too many young people that profess the truth grow up into the fashions of the world, and too many parents indulge them; and amongst the elder some are going downwards and raking after the earth. Therefore, take heed that you are not making your graves while you are alive outwardly, and loading yourselves with thick clay. For if you have not power over the earthly spirit, and that which leadeth into a vain mind, and the fashions of the world, and into the earth, though you have often had the rain fall upon your fields, you will but bring forth thistles, briers, and thorns, which are for the fire. Such will become brittle, peevish, fretful spirits, that will not abide the heavenly doctrine, the admonitions, exhortations, and reproofs of the Holy Ghost, or heavenly Spirit of God, which would bring you to be conformable to the death of Christ, and to his image, that ye might have fellowship with Him in his resurrection. Therefore, it is good for all to bow to the name of Jesus, their Saviour, that all may confess Him to the glory of God the Father." If this reproof to some of their number was necessary in 1690, when the Society had but recently emerged from a fiery baptism of trial and persecution, for their practical testimony to the immediate guidance of the Holy Spirit, leading them out of the corruptions that had crept into the professing church, as well as out of the friendships, the honours, treasures, and pleasures of this world-which persecution was endured with a noble constancy, patience, and meekness, which showed that in suffering for the name of Christ, the Spirit of God and of glory rested upon them-shall a revival of the warning be inappropriate now, when the sun of outward prosperity has shone upon many, it may be, to the weakening and decay of the inward and spiritual life?

Plausible reasonings have not been wanting to make these things appear reconcilable with the profession of Truth; but such fruits spring not from the good seed sown in the heart by the Great Husbandman; and whenever they appear, it may be safely affirmed that "an enemy hath done this." They are, indeed, inimical to the cross of Christ; they are opposed to the spirituality of His kingdom; they are no part of genuine Quakerism. Looking at the root of the matter, and to the secret ramifications of disobedience to the monitions of grace (all proceeding from an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God), what need is there that the dwelling-place of each one should be in deep humility, at the feet of the blessed Master; that in His light, strength, and preserving power, the wiles of the enemy may be seen and resisted.

A sincere seeking unto Him who searcheth the heart and trieth the reins-who sheweth unto man what is his thought-cannot fail to be profitable to all; then shall we see clearly whether we have come up in the way of the Divine requirings, to the help of the Lord against the mighty, faithfully upholding the standard which He has given us to bear. If there has been deficiency in the fulfilment of manifested duty, hindering the further revelations of the will of God concerning us as individuals, and our respective allotments in the body, far more safe is it to be willing to see things in their true aspect, than to be in the state of those of whom it was said formerly, "Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned. Strangers have devoured his strength, and he knoweth it not; yea, grey hairs are here and there upon him, yet he knoweth not."

Whilst engaged to keep their hearts with all diligence, deeply sensible of their own weakness, and that unless they are preserved, in dependence upon the Beloved of souls, they must inevitably fall-closely exercised and tried on their own behalf, the faithful and humble disciples of the Lord are often introduced into deep mourning, on account of the desolations which are but too manifest in the church. Yet they have not only to lament; they know that with Him is all power, that He can raise up judges as at the first, and counsellors as at the beginning; and living aspirations are begotten in the secret of their minds, that He would be pleased to turn again our captivity, as the streams in the south. Their work is to seek, in the ability which He gives, to gather souls home to Him, in whom is the true and living unity; desiring that all may walk by the same rule, and mind the same thing, even that of pressing towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, the great object for all to set before them; then, if there be anything in which they are otherwise minded, He will reveal even this unto them. This is not a work confined to ministers only; for they who are concerned daily to trust under the shadow of the Almighty wing, will have a gathering influence on those around them, and their words will be seasoned with grace.

Son, yet learned obedience by the things which He suffered; and that for our sakes He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin. As their spiritual eye is opened to perceive that the end of these baptisms of the Holy Ghost and of fire is to hide pride from man, to wean them from self and from all dependence upon the creatures, to bring them into and keep them in that childlike state unto which the mysteries of the kingdom are revealed, their cry is, "Let not thine eye pity, nor thy hand spare, until thou hast made me what thou wouldst have me to be!" As many as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ;" therefore, under His teachings and power, they are made willing to suffer the loss of all which would prevent their spirits being clothed with his salvation. As they continue obedient to the operation of His Spirit, they "mark how everything in the kingdom, every spiritual thing, refers to Christ and centres in him. His nature, his virtue, his presence, his power makes up all. Indeed, he is all in all to a believer, only variously manifested and opened in the heart by the Spirit. He is the volume of the whole book, every leaf and line whereof speaks of him, and writes out him in some or other of his sweet and beautiful lineaments."

The endurance of baptism into Christ is as essential for the dear youth as for those in more mature age. There are those among the younger classes, whose natural amiability and engaging qualities may render them the objects of love in the home and social circle; but amiability, attractive as it is, will not stand in the place of regeneration. These have heard of Him with the outward ear, they are acquainted with the marvellous display of His love, in laying down His life for man; let them not shrink from the work of His power in the heart, which will shake and remove the old heavens and the old earth (all that appeared good in the unrenewed nature), and will make all new in and through Himself. There are tenderly visited minds in the morning of their day, who have been drawn as with the cords of a man, and with bands of love; who have tasted of the sweetness of His grace, and would fain make their rest there, rather than follow their Lord in the path of inward suffering, desertion, and the cross. When it has been given them to rejoice in His visitation, and their souls' enemies have been stilled in his presence, they have been ready, with David, to conclude that they should never be moved "Lord, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong;" but the season of spiritual joy is succeeded by trial, the bitterness of which is heightened by reflection on the previous contrast, and the experience is, "Thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled." It is only in the withdrawings of His presence that our love can be tried, and the measure of it known. It is at these seasons that we are convinced of the weakness and misery of our nature, and how incapable we are, of ourselves, to think or do any good." It is thus that our love to God is purified; this tribulation, as it is rightly borne, It remains to be a truth, that "the foundation of works patience; and patience, experience; and expeGod standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord know-rience, hope; the hope which makes not ashamed, eth them that are His." And it is comforting to be"because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts, lieve that there are still amongst us many to whom by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." the cause and the testimonies of Truth are dear-many who have been prepared, and are preparing to be His on his own terms. In their hidden exercises and probations, for the furtherance of the work of redemption within them, they may be oft-times plunged as into the deeps, all His waves and His billows seeming to pass over them; but, as the grain of faith is renewed by its Great Giver, they are enabled to abide in patience all the appointed time of their trial; remembering that even their dear Lord and Master, though He was a

Where would be our faith, could we always walk by sight; or where its trial, which is more precious than that of gold that perisheth? It is only through death unto self, and its righteousness-which in the sight of the Most High is sin-that any can enter into spiritual life; and were not the Divine gifts and graces withdrawn from our reach, we should be but too apt to appropriate them as ornaments for self. To those dear young Friends who may be thus tried, and who may be ready to draw back in fear at the very com

mencement of the proving, does this language arise: "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your hearts to endure the turnings and overturnings of His holy hand. These baptisms are necessary for you, that your hope, your strength, and all your fresh springs may be in Him alone. Fear not to follow whithersoever He leads; for He was made in all things like unto His brethren, sin excepted, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining unto God; and 'in that He himself hath suffered, being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted.' Be not dismayed even though, when the beams of the Sun of Righteousness are withdrawn, the hidden corruptions of the natural heart, conjoined with the fierce attacks of the adversary, should come forth in the night season. Even then the eye of the compassionate Redeemer and Shepherd of the sheep beholds you through the gloom; He will instruct you to hear His voice, to know it, and to follow Him into the fold where He guards His sheep, aud they fall not a prey to the ravening of the wolf. Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness."" But how many preciously visited ones have gone astray, for want of dwelling in patience in this cloudy season, and have sought, in other professions of religion, to find comfort to their spirits in a constant self-activity and regular attendance upon preaching! Others, again, have tried to obtain ease in the engagements of benevolence, expending their energy of mind in conducting the details and routine of philanthropic associations; when, had they been passive, like clay, under the forming hand of the Lord, they would have been qualified for usefulness in the church; would have been made vessels unto honour, "sanctified and meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work." "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God," was the declaration of the Redeemer. How many are there who desire to see and enter into this kingdom, who yet are not willing to endure the spiritual baptisms that are the forerunners and attendants of regeneration!

(To be continued.)

SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LIFE AND CONVINCE-
MENT OF THOMAS STORY.
(Continued from page 286, Vol. XIII.)
AFTER a while the jailer took us into an apartment
made of deal, called the Quaker's high-room, made by
Friends in time of greater persecution, for their own
convenience; there we staid till the evening, where
several Friends came to us. And Thomas Rudd,
being concerned in prayer at supper, the people in the
prison rushed towards the place, and were attentive,
some of them afterwards expressing their satisfaction
to hear us crave a blessing (as they phrase it) at our
meat, by which I suppose they had been misinformed,
that we were such as would not call on the name of
the Lord, nor crave his blessing on such occasions.

That night John Bowstead and I went to our lodgings, and in the morning returned; and, under standing that the baillie aforesaid was keeping a court near the prison, being emboldened by the presence of the Lord, we went into the court to him, with a Friend or two of the town with us, and there staid till his business was over; and, as he came to the foot of the stairs, we began to expostulate the matter with him; and John Bowstead told him it would be a great reflection upon the Freshyterians in Scotland, who so lately themselves had been hardly used, as they said, by the Episcopalians, so soon to begin to persecute us, for no other cause but discharging our duty to God in such manner as we were persuaded in our consciences the Lord required at our hands.

The baillie replied that he had not imprisoned our friend maliciously, but out of kindness, to protect him from the rabble; which, said he, when they are moved, are not easily suppressed, but will commit outrages of dangerous consequence, notwithstanding any power we have over them, when fully enraged; and, said he, I am willing to set your friend at liberty, provided he will depart the city without any more disturbance; and accordingly went into a private office, whence he had committed Thomas Rudd, and sent for him from the prison; and after some fruitless endeavours to extort a promise from him to depart the city, and come no more in the streets as before, he gave orders for his releasement. Then we went again to the prison-house, to pay the victualler of the same for some bread and drink which we had used in the prison, and there we met with one John Kerr, an Episcopal priest, who had been lately incumbent at Roxburgh, and outed at the revolution. He had been the night before with Thomas Rudd alone, who, having been in prayer, this John Kerr had been so much affected thereby, that he promised, of his own accord, that if he was released from his imprisonment, he would come to our meeting the next time it should be held; yet he neglected it, though he was released according to his own wish. Thus the Lord is gracious in giving men their desires in times of distress; yet they are apt to forget their duty, His mercies, and their own promises, when they come where they think themselves less obnoxious to judgment or the cruelty of their adversaries.

As we were in the prison-house together in silence, we were much broken in the good presence of the Lord; and John Bowstead being concerned in prayer, several of the prisoners and their visitants came up in a rude manner to hear and gaze; but the virtue of truth affecting them, they uncovered, kneeled down, and reverenced that Divine power and presence that was with us, though I think themselves did not know the cause of their subjection.

After this a discourse happened between the said John Kerr and a Friend, who was a citizen, concerning freedom from sin in this life, which John Kerr asserted could not be, and brought this passage out of the Epistle to the Romans, which he thought proved it, viz., "For the good that I would, I do not; but the evil that I would not, that I do" (Rom. vii. 19); and divers parts of the same chapter throughout. I being at the other end of the table, and hearing them, and observing where the priest erred, a concern came upon me to take up the argument, and to endeavour to inform him better; and I said "that the apostle, in that epistle, in the first place proved that both Jews and Gentiles were under sin, the former as well as the latter, notwithstanding the law and ordinances of God delivered to them, which they had not kept; and that both had redemption through faith in the Lord Christ, by whom they were made free from sin, even in this life (Rom. viii. 2), which the law could not effect, as appears by these words: Knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once; but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God, through Jesus Christ our Lord,' &c. (Rom. vi. 9-11), The apostle here, taking the comparison from the certainty of the death and resurrection of Christ, infers likewise as great certainty of their being in this through him raised unto newness of life, which he coroborates in the 18th verse of the same chapter, saying, Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness' (Rom. vi. 18); and in the 22d verse, w ufirms it further:

Then I questioned the priest further about his call to the ministry, and by what authority he took upon him that office? To which he answered, "There is an external call, and an internal call." The external I passed over, and asked him what his internal call was, and by what? He replied, "that it was by the We went down the High Street, near to the Canon-light of God's grace, which was in him." I returned, gate; and upon an out stair, within the gate, Thomas Rudd stood up and preached to the people, and after him John Bowstead; upon which the multitude became so still, as if we had been in a meeting of Friends; and many persons of the greater rank, of both sexes, leaned out at the windows, and heard the sound of the truth. In the meantime I had been a while separated from the rest by a coach, and disputing in Canongate with a young man who had asked me some questions, which I answered, and we parted in friendship.