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CONSIDERATIONS ON PURE WISDOM AND
HUMAN POLICY.

"The wisdom that cometh from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated; full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."-JAMES iii. 27.

To have our trust settled in the Lord, and not to seek after nor desire outward treasures, any further than his holy Sprit leads us therein, is a happy state, as saith the prophet, "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is."

Pure wisdom leads people into lowliness of mind, in which they learn resignation to the Divine will, and contentment in suffering for his cause, when they cannot keep a clear conscience without suffering.

In this pure wisdom the mind is attentive to the root and original spring of motions and desires; and as we know "the Lord to be our refuge," and find no safety but in humbly walking before him, we feel a holy engagement, that every desire which leads therefrom may be brought to judgment.

While we proceed in this precious way, and find ardent longings for a full deliverance from everything which defiles, all prospects of gain that are not consistent with the wisdom from above, are considered as snares, and an inward concern is felt, that we may live under the cross, and faithfully attend to that holy Spirit, which is sufficient to preserve out of

them.

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No. 29.

ness, wisdom and power, are united in him, how comfortable is the consideration.

Our wants may be great, but his power is greater. We may be oppressed and despised, but he is able to turn our patient sufferings into profit to ourselves, and to the advancement of his work on earth. His people who feel the power of his cross, to crucify all that is selfish in them, who are engaged in outward concerns, from a convincement that it is their duty, and resign themselves and their treasures to him; these feel that it is dangerous to give way to that in us, which craves riches and greatness in this world.

As the heart truly contrite, earnestly desirés "to know Christ and the fellowship of his sufferings, so far as the Lord for gracious ends may lead into them; as such feel that it is their interest to put their trust in God, and to seek no gain but that which he by his holy Spirit leads into; so on the contrary, they who do not reverently wait for this Divine Teacher, and are not humbly concerned, according to their measure, "to fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ," in patiently suffering for the promotion of righteousness in the earth; but have an eye toward the power of men and the outward i advantage of wealth, these are often attentive to those employments which appear to be profitable, even though the gains arise from such trade and business as proceed from the workings of that spirit, which is estranged from the self-denying life of an humble contrite Christian.

While I write on this subject, I feel my mind. tenderly affected toward those honestly disposed people, who have been brought up in employ-ments attended with these difficulties.

your

To such I may say, in the feeling of our hea venly Father's love, and number myself with O that our eyes may be single to the Lord! may we reverently wait on him for strength to lay aside all unnecessary expense of every kind, and learn contentment in a plain, simple life.

May we in lowliness submit to the leadings of his spirit, and enter upon any outward employ which he graciously points out to us, and then whatever difficulties arise in consequence

of our faithfulness, I trust they will work for our

While we believe that he is every where good. present with his people, and that perfect good

Small treasure to a resigned mind is sufficient.

How happy it is to be content with a little, to live in humility, and feel that in us, which breathes out this language, Abba! Father.

If that called the wisdom of this world, had no resemblance of true wisdom, the name of wisdom, I suppose, had not been given to it.

them;" nor do I believe that infinite goodness and power would have allotted labor to us, had he not seen that labor was proper for us in this life.

The original design and true medium of labor, is a subject that to me appears worthy of our serious consideration.

Idle men are often a burthen to themselves, neglect the duty they owe to their families, and become burdensome to others also.

As outward labor directed by the wisdom from above, tends to our health and adds to our happiness in this life; so on the contrary, entering upon it in a selfish spirit, and pursuing it too long, or too hard, have a contrary effect.

As wasting outward substance to gratify vain desires, on one hand; so slothfulness and neglect on the other, do often involve men and their families in trouble, and reduce them to want and distress. To shun both these vices is good in itself, and hath a resemblance of wisdom; but while people thus provident, have it principally in view to get riches and power, and the friendship of this world, and do not humbly wait for the Spirit of Truth to lead them in purity; these, through an anxious care to obtain the end desired, reach forth for gain in worldly wisdom, and in regard to their inward state, fall into divers temptations and snares. And though such may think of applying wealth to good purpose, and to use their power to prevent oppression, yet wealth and power are often applied From too much labor in the heat, frequently otherwise; nor can we depart from the lead-proceeds immoderate sweats, which often I be ings of our holy Shepherd, without going into lieve open the way for disorders and impair our

confusion.

Great wealth is frequently attended with power, which nothing but divine love can qualify the mind to use rightly; and as to the humility and uprightness of our children after us, how great is the uncertainty! If, in acquiring wealth, we take hold on the wisdom which is from beneath, and depart from the leadings of Truth, and example our children herein, we have great cause to apprehend that wealth may be a snare to them, and prove an injury to others, over whom their wealth may give them power.

To be redeemed from that wisdom which is from beneath, and to walk in the light of the Lord, is a precious situation; thus his people are brought to put their trust in him; and in this humble confidence in his wisdom, goodness and power, the righteous find a refuge in adversities, superior to the greatest outward help, and a comfort more certain than any worldly advantages can afford.

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I have observed that too much labor not only makes the understanding dull, but so intrudes upon the harmony of the body, that after ceasing from our toil, we have another to pass through before we can be so composed as to enjoy the sweetness of rest.

constitutions.

When we go beyond the true medium, and feel weariness approaching, but think business may suffer if we cease, at such a time spirituous liquors are frequently taken, with a view to support nature under these fatigues.

be so

I have found that too much labor in the summer heats the blood, that taking strong drink to support the body under such labor, increaseth that heat, and though a person may far temperate as not to manifest the least disorder, yet the mind, in such a circumstance, doth not retain that calmness and serenity, in which we should endeavor to live.

Thus toiling in the heat and drinking strong liquor, make men more resolute and less considerate, and tend very much to disqualify for following him who is meek and low of heart.

As laying out more business than is consistent with pure wisdom is an evil, so this evil frequently leads into more. Too much business leads to hurry. In the hurry and toil strong drink is often used, and hereby many proceed to noise and wantonness, and some, though more considerate, do often suffer loss, as to a true composedness of mind.

I feel sincere desires in my heart that no rent or interest may be laid so high as to be a snare to tenants; and that no desire of gain may draw any too far in business. That no cares to support customs, which have not their foundation in pure wisdom, may have place in our minds, but that we may build on the sure foundation, and feel our holy Shepherd to lead us, who alone is able to preserve us, and bring forth every thing which defiles.

(To be continued.;

Notice of ISABEL ASHWORTH, of Bertinshaw, (England), who died 11 mo. 19, 1852, aged 81 years.

Being naturally of a very diffident and retiring mind, the hidden worth of this dear friend was best known to those who came within the sphere of her daily influence. Her piety was unobtrusive, sincere, and practical. Through a long life, it was her concern to maintain a humble and prayerful walk with God, and she might be truly said to be an upright and single-hearted Christian, strongly attached, from conviction, to the religious principles and testimonies of the Society of Friends. As the female head of a large family, her conduct was exemplary, being to her husband and children, a faithful and judicious counsellor, as well as a kind and affectionate wife and mother. The poor and the destitute were especially the objects of her care and solicitude. Her acts of benevolence were accompanied by sound practical advice to those who claimed her notice, and she was not unfrequently cheered by seeing the good effect of her counsel. Her forgetfulness of self, and her consideration for the feelings as well as the wants of others, were distinguishing features in her character; whilst the quiet firmness, and the calm and even spirit with which she passed through the duties and trials of her long life, gave evidence that her naturally clear and sound judgment was under the control and guidance of that "wisdom which is from above." During the gradual and gentle decline of her bodily powers, she was graciously sustained in patient and quiet confidence in her God and Saviour, and enabled, to the last, instructively to shew forth the power of that grace, which was not bestowed on her in vain.

my poor heart was very full; but I could always find relief in prayer; and the Lord has heard and answered me, to my wonder and admiration. How often have I used Hagar's words, 'Thou, God, seest me!' and my cry, like hers, has been heard, and deliverance sent. O, that men would praise the Lord! I have nothing to trust to but my God."

Being very feeble in getting up one morning, she said in reference to the time occupied in rising and dressing, "Before I leave my room I like a time of silence, my little meeting alone;" and often was she heard, on these occasions, pouring out her soul in prayer.

After an attack of difficulty of breathing, she told her daughter how earnestly she had craved in the night, that "if there was anything for her to do it might be shown to her; and that all her sins might be washed away in the blood of the Lamb-forgiven for Jesus sake;" but remarked, that "all was peace and quiet;" adding, "The Lord hath led me all the days of my life. I could not have cared for the lambs He has committed to me, if He had not been with me. Goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life; and if this is His time to call me, I hope He will be with me in passing through the valley of the shadow of death."

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Again, dwelling on the efficacy of prayer, she said, "How good it is to trace the Lord's hand in everything! This increases our gratitude. Always carry your burdens to the Lord. can sustain you as he has done me. When things seemed impossible, hedged in on every side by difficulties, again and again way was made, to my humbling admiration." Speaking of her physical inability to help herself, she remarked that it was the same in regard to "best things,'

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66 we can do nothing of ourselves; it must be given by Him who giveth all things,-yea, liberally to all who ask Him. But we must ask, and feel our nced, before we can ask aright. In His strength we can do all things ;" and in reference to her own weakness, she added, "My strength is in the Lord."

When in the Sixth month, 1852, in her 81st year, symptoms of increased weakness became more decided, she was preserved in quietness and peace. "I trust," she said, "when the end comes, I may be found with my lamp burning; my confidence is in God my Saviour." At another time, she remarked, "I am not anxious After giving directions about relieving some about anything; the world feels as nothing to poor families, she said, in grateful allusion to her me, no, nothing. I may recover for a short ability thus to care for others, "How many mertime, but it cannot be for long, the poor frame is cies have been mine! But I could do nothing nearly worn out;"-and on describing some of acceptably without seeking the Lord's direction. her feelings, she added, "We are indeed cu-I can call nothing my own, not even the small riously and wonderfully made, and may well say, 'What is man that thou art mindful of him?' The smallest insect proves the power of God; and we look from nature up to nature's God."

dust on the balance. No work is acceptable in the Divine sight when done with a view to exalt the creature. Self must be kept down; we must not seek the world's applause, and desire thereby to be great. If we do good, it must be in humility, and having reference to the promotion of the Lord's work upon earth-not to our own righteousness.'

Her heart was deeply impressed with the duty and privilege of prayer; and, on one occasion, she observed in reference to it, "O, what should we do without prayer, the prayer of faith? We Expressing her gratitude to those around her, shall have what we ask, if we ask aright, in the on the 27th of Seventh month, she added, Lord's own time. I have been often closely "How wonderfully I am cared for by Him who tried, when there seemed no way for me, and' forgetteth not the sparrow, and considereth the

ravens who have neither storehouse nor barn; yet He feedeth them." Speaking of suffering, she remarked, "How great were the sufferings of Christ for me! that I and all might be saved." After passing a restless night, in which she had nevertheless been comforted, she said, "I now feel that I can leave the event in the Lord's hands, for, this night, I have been enabled fully and entirely to say, 'not my will, but thine, Ŏ Lord! be done.'

Yet she was again permitted to pass through some mental conflict, and on the 6th of Ninth month, she remarked, "I had supposed that nothing stood in my way-that my sins were forgiven me, for Jesus' sake. But now I have been continued up to this time, a poor, feeble, and increasingly dependent creature. I sometimes fear that I am not prepared, that all is not accomplished, that something yet remains to be done, that the poor vessel is not clean, that it must go again and again to the washing pool to become pure in the Divine sight." She wept much, and said, "I pray that while I have a little strength, all may be brought to the light." After this season of heart-searching, she was enabled, with a little renewed faith, to look to Jesus, and was comforted. She said, we are poor creatures,—nothing to trust in but a Saviour, -no help but in Him."

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On her daughter retiring, one evening, and remarking that she was sorry to leave her alone, she quickly said, "I am not alone, the Father is with me; His arm is underneath. Although I am awake the greater part of the night, and sit for hours, yet I do not feel it either long or lonely. I am a poor creature, nearly worn out; but the Lord comforteth me, and those who put their trust in Him."

up

the Lord."
"It is a great pleasure to
me, to see my children and grandchildren, they
are very dear to me. I feel their visits to me
are in love." She pressed the need of cherish-
ing love and interest in one another, and re-
marked, that cultivating the affections increased
our love to God; and was calculated to make the
short time allotted to us on earth, happier, ac-
cording to the design of a kind Providence. In
the evening, she said, "Another day is closing,
and we know not that the morrow may be ours:"
and afterwards, "I desire to have patience-the
Lord's time will be the right time."

Eleventh month 4th. After retiring to bed, she said, "Oh let us unite in praising and bless. ing Him who is King of kings, and Lord of lords, for his goodness and mercy. A Saviour has been given me, in whose blood my transgressions, which were many, have been washed away, for his mercy's sake,'

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She afterwards dwelt upon her short-comings, and utter unworthiness, and on how little she had done to promote the Lord's cause on earth; adding, "the consideration has, at times, distressed me; but encouraged to trust in her Saviour, her spirit again appeared joyful.

Eleventh month 6th. The dear invalid said, "I am very comfortable, I have a comfortable hope that the Lord will be with me to the end."

Another morning, on the window blind being drawn up, she said, "Daylight comes again, and another day to praise the Lord in." Indeed. not a day passed in which she did not acknowledge His goodness and mercy to her.

Eleventh month 17th was the first day she was confined to her bed. She was very quiet and patient, and said, notwithstanding her weariness,

name of Jesus was on her lips; and a short time before the close, she said, " 'Amen,” and thus peacefully departed.-Annual Monitor.

Though her bodily powers were evidently giv-it is all of mercy.' ing way, her soul was kept alive to God, and was On the 18th, she took little notice, but was often poured forth in prayer and thanksgiving to heard to say, "Thy will be done." On her husHim. She said, "The Lord hath been with me band going to her in the evening, she said, from childhood to youth, and from youth to old" Farewell, all is well." During the night, the age. I have no anxiety, no cares; all seems removed from me that could in any way trouble me. I wish you all to know how good the Lord is. If it was not for his goodness at a time like this, when the world and all that is in it no longer delights the eye, we should be poor creatures. O serve the Lord all the days of your lives. The more we love God, the greater will be our happiness, and the greater our gratitude. How can I be sufficiently thankful for all the Lord's mercies, showered down upon a poor unworthy creature! My heart is so filled with thanksgiving, that I could continually praise the Lord."

Tenth month 12th. Much of the night was spent in prayer. In the morning she very earnestly desired again to be searched, that if there was the least jot or tittle of sin unrepented of, it might be made manifest. "I desire to be so broken, contrited, humbled in the very dust before

On youth it should be carefully inculcated, that to enter the road of life without caution or reserve, in expectation of general fidelity and justice, is to launch on the wide ocean without the instruments of steerage, and to hope that every wind will be propitious, and that every coast will afford a harbor.-JOHNSON.

Truth will not obtrude itself on the careless superficial reader or observer, but discloses it hidden charms to the diligent, the devout, and the inquisitive.

It is generally found that those persons fil high and difficult situations most respectably who arrive at them through painful study, man obstacles, and much opposition.-Hunter.

CHRISTIAN MEEKNESS.

In the first sermon of our Lord, it appears he was resolved to dispel at once all ambitious views in temporal matters, and to show that humility is the best preparation of the mind for virtue. "Blessed are the poor in spirit," he said, "for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." He reproves all presumption in judging the merits of others, while we ourselves are far from blameless. "Judge not and ye shall not be judged; for with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged; and with what measure ye mete, it shall be meted to you again. Condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned; forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"t Alas! how forcibly these words apply to us! While we exclaim with horror against the sanguinary rites before the Indian Juggernaut ; while we shudder at the self-immolation of the Hindoo widow, and other blood-stained sacrifices, we forget that we destroy a far greater amount of human life, that we do so in the midst of crime, without even the plea which these deluded wretches have, of religion; and that we thus sin in the face of the holy system of morals which it is our peculiar happiness to possess. Let us take the beam from

our own eye.

ye

Jesus himself has left us a model of humility, which the Christian, who is animated by a laudable ambition, should immediately adopt. "Come unto me all that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls."+ He chose his companions and disciples from those of humble lot, who did not aspire to earthly grandeur. He frequented not the dwellings of the powerful and wealthy: "Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." He made no triumphal entry, surrounded by captives and spoil, into Jerusalem, but merely fulfilled the prophecy-"Behold thy King cometh unto thee, meek and sitting upon an ass."||

He "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."¶

Whosoever, therefore, shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”* And again, when he was displeased because his disciples prevented children from coming to him: "Suffer little children such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein." Children have no guile, nor deceit, nor malice; neither have they strength nor power, therefore our ideas of greatness should not depend on these qualities; but yet they are not unprotected, though thus, to all appearance, weak, for they possess meekness and innocence and confiding love, dispositions which ever meet with the faVor of their Father, whose will it is, that not one of these little ones should perish." He guards them from the moment of their birth, from the period when they lift up their little hands in prayer, and breathe forth in simple language the words of purity and gratitude. A sleeping infant is an emblem of that serene and happy peace which should reign within a Christian's breast. Our Saviour well knew that no celebrated hero was to be referred to as a type of true greatness; for the master of millions may be the slave of his own passions; but exhorting men to humble themselves as children, he taught

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that the Christian hero is he who exercises his moral and intellectual power according to the spirit and the precept of the Gospel, in all humility and innocence.

The apostles, following in the steps of their Lord, remind their fellow Christians," in malice be ye children, but in understanding be ye men;"‡ and "laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby." It is not until this infantine dependence is laid aside for the pride of strength, that the Almighty withdraws his protecting arm, and leaves man to his broken reed as a support.

Our Lord ever exhorted his followers to be

meek, and not to expect temporal authority. Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant; even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." And how striking an example he set, by washing the feet of his disciples, saying, "I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done unto you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his Lord; him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if neither he that is sent, greater than he that sent ན།

Our Lord taught his standard of Christian greatness when, in the midst of a dispute among his disciples for the chief place in heaven, he called unto him a little child, and said, "Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. ye do them."

• Matt. v. 3, 5. † Luke vi. 37; and Matt. vii. 1, 2. + Matt. xi. 28, 29.

Matt. xxi. 5.

§ 2 Cor. viii. 9.

Phil. ii. 7, 8.

*Matt. xviii. 3-5.

Mark x. 14. Matt. xix. 14, #1 Cor. xiv. 20. § 1 Peter ii. 1, 2. || Matt. xx. 26. John xiii. 5.

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