art placed in! Mayst thou be so attentive to the voice of Him that speakest from heaven, that nothing may hinder thy sacred duty to thy God. 12th mo. 29th. We had the company of - and who were engaged in visiting part of the families of this Monthly Meeting. They seemed low and deeply exercised. How acceptable, in the Lord's time, are the returns of a renewal of strength; and when in mercy this is vouchsafed, what a consolation doth it afford that, as a father pitieth his children, so doth the Lord pity those who love and serve Him. My mind was depressed, I longed to sit, as Mary did, at the feet of a blessed Redeemer. [Extract of a Letter.] Ashford, 2nd mo. 15th, 1831. MY DEAR FRIEND, I have been looking at the date of thy affectionate letter; I remember it raised a feeling in my heart then that did me good, and the same is revived again. But how soon do these tender impressions like a shadow pass away! Every state seems to require steady watchfulness, and how difficult to keep to. This morning at meeting, I thought we were favoured to feel real refreshment, a little heavenly dew which replenished my feeble mind. I returned better than I went, and it afforded some hope of being fed again in the afternoon. But O, how different! how has my mind been wandering before I was aware, forgetting the solemn occasion for which we were met. But the good remembrancer is ever watching over us for good; the arm of His tender mercy is stretched out still, to bring such wanderers back through painful returning steps, and to direct safely to His fold of everlasting rest, all those who are devoted faithfully to follow Him, and whose hearts are entirely given up and willing to be counted by all men as fools for His sake. It is this renunciation of every selfish will, a becoming like passive clay, I long to experience; then I do believe hard things will be made easy, and resignation given to follow the Lamb whithersoever he is pleased to lead, though it may be through many tribulations and deep provings. I often feel as though my end was near. I never felt greater need of watchfulness, and fear lest I fall a prey to a cruel enemy, and be at last taken captive at his will-never more need of the prayers of my friends, than now in my feeble old age, not able to help myself to one good thought. I hope, dear friend, when thou art favoured sensibly to draw near the source of all good, thou wilt not forget thy exercised friend; and be encouraged to do what thy hands find to do with all thy might; remember that whilst health and strength are afforded is the most acceptable time for service. Thy affectionate friend, M. H. 3rd mo. 4th, 1831. Through unwatchfulness and inattention to that which alone leads safely, I was as one left to myself-one that had no anchor, nothing to stay myself upon, tossed as with a tempest, and not comforted: but striving to wait quietly, I felt an impulse to fall on my knees, and mentally pray to Him who seeth in secret, and heareth prayer, that I might know the strong man cast out, and all his goods spoiled. My dear children too were brought near my heart with strong breathings, that He who maketh the clouds his chariot, and walketh upon the wings of the wind, might be pleased to protect and guide them safely to his holy mountain, and make them joyful in his house of prayer. 6th. We had the Yearly Meetings' Committee at Ashford preparative meeting; though they were not large in testimony, yet they had a word in season. May it prove as prove as a dew from the Lord, as the showers upon the grass, that tarry not for man, nor wait for the sons of men. 5th mo. Every dispensation of Divine Providence calls loudly on us to pray always, and in every thing to give thanks; but how hard is this to attain. 6th mo. 19th. I attended the funeral of our valued cousin, M. I., at Colne; her illness was long and very suffering; she was enabled to bear it with patience and resignation. She dropped some weighty expressions, to the comfort and consolation of her afflicted husband. She said her spirit was sweetly at rest in Jesus, the sting of death was taken away, and the grave would have no victory over her, &c. &c. It was a day to be remembered with humble gratitude; a very precious covering came over us in the meeting, and particularly at the grave side, where dear William kneeled by his most valued earthly trea sure, and reverently acknowledged the support of the everlasting Arm; he craved that the blessing of resignation might still be granted. After tea several testimonies were borne. The goodness and tender mercies of Israel's Shepherd was enforced, and that the Lord was a strong-hold in the day of trouble. I felt very unworthy to partake with my friends and many relations, of a few crumbs of heavenly bread, at such a time of solemnity. O my soul, bless thou the Lord, and forget not all his benefits; for though he is pleased often to try thee with deep poverty, he seeth the way that thou takest, and as thou trusteth in him, he will prove himself a present helper when vain is the help of man. After this I went to Coggeshall, Kelvedon, and Chelmsford, and returned to Ashford the 20th of 7th month, where I found my son and daughter and their child well. All thanks belong to the bountiful Giver of every good. Oh! that heavenly things may ever be the primary object of my pursuit. 8th mo. 9th. When I first sat down in our evening meeting, the inability and weakness of my poor feeble tabernacle seemed to weigh me down, nor did I strive enough to get to the place of true waiting, for which I felt pain of heart. It is a mercy that the rod is permitted, and we kept on the watch, especially in meetings. We read that when "the sons of God presented themselves before the Lord, Satan presented himself also ;" and this is still no doubt known to be the case, by those who are endeavouring to approach the sacred footstool with acceptance; for there is nothing that the enemy of our souls strikes at more, and endeavours to destroy, than the precious life. How needful then to maintain the watch, and resist him, stedfast in the faith, remembering the encouraging promise, "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation." Happy experience! cleave close, O my soul ! to thy Saviour, and wait daily upon him for strength to step along safely, through the wilderness of this world, to a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 18th. We had a very acceptable visit from S. G., and engaged in a visit to the county. The public meeting here was small, on account of the very short notice, but satisfactory. When thus reached by the renewed visitation of our heavenly Father's love,. we feel fervent in desire to be strengthened to follow the Captain of our salvation. But how weak are our resolutions, unless divinely assisted by that faith which. Truth inspires! 9th mo. 12th. Dover monthly meeting was small but comfortable; it was owned by Him who is the beloved of souls. Whom have we in heaven but Thee? and there is none upon earth that we desire in comparison of Thee? 19th. I went to the Quarterly Meeting at Maidstone, where we had the company of C. H., from America, and, and, with certificates-pillars in the house of our God, faithful watchmen on the walls of our Sion. 10th mo. 13th. At Folkstone meeting I was favoured |