effects which they expected from a smaller accumulation of temporal goods, they press after a larger: the acquisition of which increases the ardour of desire, instead of satisfying it. And in that

career, there never was found a resting place; but all is ocean, ever fluctuating, and always tumultuous! The soul, in the mean time, like the dove sent forth from Noah's ark, finds no repose, no peace. This produces a condition, similar to the state of the Jews, when they were visited by the Saviour, in a body prepared for the purpose. Their attention was altogether absorbed by things extraneous from themselves. Their law, their religion, their observances, were all outward; and the rewards which were promised, and the penalties which were threatenedwere all in accordance with the law, and the nature, to which they were addressed. But after fulfilling all moral and natural righteousness (which none of them could do,) he directed their attention to a "kingdom of God within them;" which according to his Apostle, consisted "not in word, but in power." It was by this power only, that "all righteousness" was fulfilled in him, and their dependance upon other, and inadequate causes, was the reason why none of them "fulfilled the law." Much less then, could they fulfill all righteousness, by the use of means, which were unequal to the achievement of the lowest orders of rectitude. Their goodness therefore, was eminently defective, and their happiness not more perfect.

The same consequences necessarily result from similar causes, in all ages; because human nature is always

essentially the same;-and principles are unchangeable. If an outward law, and religion, and usages, could only produce for the Jews, a condition so degraded and imperfect, they cannot do more for us; seeing that they relate only to the outward man-the creature of flesh and blood. But the soul (or spiritual creature) is an inhabitant of the other world, and capable of a sublime intercourse with "mount Sion, and the city of the living God—the heavenly Jerusalem; and with the innumerable company of angels,-and with God the Judge of all, and the spirits of just men made perfect—and with Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant, and with the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things than that of Abel." These are all spiritual realities, congenial with the soul, and capable to be perceived by it. And they are transiently perceived by thousands who deem them common things, because they do not attend to their operations, nor mark the tendencies, nor follow their incitements. The blessed Jesus, our holy example, "was in all points tempted like as we are;" but was preserved free from sin: And though the commencement of his earthly career, was in a stable, his progress was distinguished by a continual increase of wisdom, goodness and power; and his end was crowned with a triumphant conquest over every principle of evil. All this was accomplished by his obedience to that eternal, unchangeable spirit, which "convinces the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment." It is therefore, by attending to the import of these convictions, that we can become “like him," and experience a similar progress, terminating

in the same glorious attainment. "Unto him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne."

It is by this process only that the "heavens become opened," and we come to perceive the true import of the writings of the holy men of old, in the Scriptures; and that they do not relate to a world and a kingdom, either outward or afar off; but they are all near at hand, even at the "very door" of our hearts;—accompanying us during our daily employments, and "as we are sitting in our houses, and as we are walking by the way, and as we are lying down, and rising up. And the divine visitant (omnipresent to all the circumstances which relate to our weal or woe) opens to our understandings, the good and evil of every concern, both of mind and body: And blessed are all they who lay the government on his shoulders,” and "are not offended in him.”

My best love salutes thy dear parents, brothers, and sister-dear S. P. and all my friends in your neighbourhood. For thyself, thou knowest the tender affection which inspires the bosom of thy

EDWARD STABLER.

"The spirit people live in, is more to be observed,

than what they profess."

JOHN WOOLMAN.

JOHN BALDWIN.

The following short statement of the life of John Baldwin, was drawn up by an intimate friend and acquaintance of the deceased.

He was born in Downingstown, Chester county, in the year 1765, where he hath since resided the major part of his time. His father dying, and leaving him in his minority, the care of his mother and the family devolved upon him when twelve or thirteen years of age: which care he affectionately extended towards her, during her stay in mutability; and he conducted himself to general satisfaction.

He was a member of the society of Friends, and a minister in good esteem amongst them, for a number of years previous to his decease. Of latter times he appeared much interested for those who are not professed members of any religious society; as well as others who live somewhat remote from places of worship, and (with the approbation of his Friends) he frequently appointed meetings for religious worship, amongst them, I believe, to his own and their satisfaction. Also the people of colour became his peculiar care; amongst whom he had meetings for worship frequently appointed, as well as some private individual labour, to interest their minds with something more substantial than the dissipated habits that too many of them pursue.

He was a kind husband, a tender parent, and a good neighbour; sincere in the promotion of every good work, whereunto he believed himself called; a truly sympathising friend with those who lay on beds of

sickness and languishing, which was manifested by

his frequent visits to such. Many who still survive, are very sensible thereof. The community will experience a loss in his removal, as well as his near connexions and the society of which he was a useful member. The neighbourhood generally, will feel the want of his exemplary society and labours of love. But I believe that our loss is his everlasting gain, and that he now rests in the mansions of blessedness. That we may so live and conduct ourselves, as to meet him there, when called from works to rewards, is the present serious desire of the writer of this article.

He departed this life in said village, after a short confinement to his bed, on sixth day, the 21st of the 6th month 1816, aged nearly fifty-one years; and was interred on first day, the 23d, in Friends' burying ground in Downingstown; on which occasion, a very great concourse of people assembled, as an evidence of the high estimation in which he was held. May survivors remember, and profit by his bright example.

HISTORY-YEARLY MEETING OF FRIENDS, &c.

It appears by the records, that the first Yearly Meeting for the provinces of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, was held at Burlington, in the house of Thomas Gardiner, the 31st day of the 6th month,

1681.

At the Yearly Meeting held in 1682, it was "advised, that male and female, both young and old, who make mention of the name of the Lord, may all take