ability, of ourselves, to perform the least action well, yet we are apt not to dwell in this frame; and I have sometimes thought that we should rather rejoice than be angry, at any thing that may bring us into this state of humiliation, and make us, in our own eyes, of no reputation. This state frequently raises strong cries in our hearts to God, that he would be pleased to forgive us our past trespasses, and more powerfully support us in future, that we may not be vanquished by the enemy. And here, we are kept in a firm dependance upon God; and in praying fervently for the assistance of his grace, we shall find a renewal of strength; and, instead of sinking into despair, pursue our warfare with fresh vigour and alacrity of mind.

[Extract from a letter.]—I could wish, my dear friend, that we may put in practice the advice thou gavest, in a former epistle, to be ready to excuse the failings of each other. If we expect perfection, we shall most likely meet with disappointment; and a disposition to put the most favourable construction on the actions of others, is frequently a means of promoting our own happiness. Yet, let not the difficulty of attaining perfection deter us from the pursuit; the more we endeavour

after it, the nearer we shall certainly approach towards it, and our labours will be crowned with some degree of success. It is not often that we keep too strict a hand over ourselves; and if we judge our own actions with severity, while we deal with a lenient hand towards others, it will probably only bring us to the impartial scale of justice.

I have sometimes heard the doctrine of perfection spoken of as dangerous; as tending to puff up the mind, and make us think we are arrived at that state. But I could never see it in this light; and I think a state of humility and reverent fear so essential a part of perfection, that a high mind is a sufficient evidence of our being far from it.

"What hast thou that thou didst not receive?"* must be a striking answer to every proud boaster, and effectually silence him. When we consider, that of ourselves we can do nothing, that even if we have done well one day, some temptation may be too strong for us the next, and that we have no safety but in an humble dependance upon God, one would think it would check every presumptuous thought, and lead us to fear and trembling. I believe, the more true religion operates on the mind, the more it will lead

* 1 Cor. iv. 7.

us into this state of awful fear; and, seeing the multitude of temptations that surround us, our minds will be engaged in watchfulness and prayer, that we may be preserved through the various conflicts of time, and find a resting-place in an eternal habitation.

29th, 10th Mo.-The many difficulties of expression that a minister, whom I sometimes hear with satisfaction, seemed to meet with this morning, have led me to reflect on the difficulty of the true minister in dividing the word aright, and not suffering it to be mixed with his own conceptions and imaginations. Surely, nothing can do, but a firm and steady adherence to the light of life, and a close attention, strictly and simply to follow its dictates. This must create rather a backwardness in speaking; and, when it appears to be a duty, will necessarily occasion it to be performed in much humility and fear. Yet I have sometimes thought, that good motives may induce a minister to speak, without feeling himself sufficiently baptized into living power. When he beholds a multitude of sheep as without a shepherd, and seeking for something to direct their wandering steps, a heart warmed with the love of mankind may sometimes wish to point out the path

which would lead from the barren mountains, and conduct them to the fold of Christ. Here, I believe, self sometimes may get uppermost, and that work may be set about in his own will, which can only be truly profitable, when performed under the direction of our supreme Head. But I would endeavour to guard against too freely judging; there may be those who are ministers on the right foundation, who may be permitted to feel themselves at a loss when the word of command has been given, with a design to keep them in humility, and preserve them from a confidence in self. Besides, the difference of disposition which we find in ourselves should lead us to caution, lest our want of unity with what is said, should proceed wholly from the deficiency in our own state, and our incapacity for judging aright.

Speaking to others is certainly an awful and important work; the desire of applause from men must be entirely laid aside, and ministers must seek only to approve themselves before God. The natural propensity to follow their own judgments, and contrive the most proper times and seasons when to speak or be silent, must be conquered; and they must endeavour to preserve a clean vessel, that it may be ready for the Master's

use; it can only be truly serviceable in his hand, and when he is pleased to pour into it of the water of life, with the commission to distribute to others. I have frequently thought that the business of true ministers was like that of the rest of the people; not to attend to things outward, but endeavour to draw the mind into a patient, humble waiting upon God, that he may show us our own states, and our own insufficiency, and enable us to perform acceptable worship to Him, in the secret of our souls. In this frame of mind, without meditating on the state of others, or querying whether they can say any thing tending to their benefit, if they find present duty calls to reprove or advise, there is better certainty of its being influenced by the divine spring, and that it will flow pure and uncorrupted, to the benefit of the hearers. But where a contrary disposition takes place, and that contemplating the depravity of many, is more their business than deeply entering into their own state, there is danger of suggestions arising from past experience, or that something will occur, which may be concluded to be designed for the benefit of those who seem farther from the divine life. This, it is to be feared, will not bring their hearers