A Letter, Etc.

Beloved Friends,—Feeling at this Time a renewed Concern that the pure Principle of Light and Life, and the righteous Fruits thereof may spread and prevail amongst Mankind, there is an Engagement on my Heart to labour with my Brethren in religious Profession, that none of us may be a Stumbling-block in the Way of others; but may so walk that our Conduct may reach the pure Witness in the Hearts of such who are not in Profession with us.

Beloved Friends, I feel a renewed concern that the pure principle of light and life, and its righteous fruits, may spread and prevail among humanity. For this reason, I feel called to work with my fellow believers. I hope that none of us will be a stumbling block to others. Instead, may we live so that our conduct reaches the pure witness in the hearts of those who do not share our faith.

And, dear Friends, while we publickly own that the Holy Spirit is our Leader, the Profession is in itself weighty, and the Weightiness thereof increaseth in Proportion as we are noted among the Professors of Truth, and active in dealing with such who walk disorderly.

And, dear Friends, when we publicly declare that the Holy Spirit is our Leader, this declaration carries great weight. It carries even more weight when we are prominent among those who profess the Truth and actively deal with those who behave disorderly.

Many under our Profession, for Want of due Attention, and a perfect Resignation, to this Divine Teacher, have in some Things manifested a Deviation from the Purity of our religious Principles, and these Deviations having crept in amongst us by little and little, and increasing from less to greater, have been so far unnoticed, that some living in them, have been active in putting Discipline in Practice with relation to others, whose Conduct hath appeared more dishonourable in the World.

Many who share our faith have failed to give proper attention and surrender fully to this Divine Teacher. As a result, they have departed in some ways from the purity of our religious principles. These departures have crept in little by little, growing from minor to greater ones. They have gone so unnoticed that some who follow these practices have actively enforced discipline against others whose conduct has seemed more dishonorable to the world.

Now as my Mind hath been exercised before the Lord, I have seen, that the Discipline of the Church of Christ standeth in that which is pure; that it is the Wisdom from above which gives Authority to Discipline, and that the Weightiness thereof standeth not in any outward Circumstances, but in the Authority of Christ who is the Author of it; and where any walk after the Flesh, and not according to the Purity of Truth, and at the same Time are active in putting Discipline in Practice, a Veil is gradually drawn over the Purity of Discipline, and over that Holiness of Life, which Christ leads those into, in whom, the Love of God is verily perfected, 1 John ii. 5.

As I have reflected before the Lord, I have seen that the discipline of the Church of Christ rests on purity. Wisdom from above gives discipline its authority. Its importance lies not in outward circumstances, but in the authority of Christ, who established it. Some live according to the flesh rather than the purity of truth, yet actively enforce discipline. Where they do so, a veil is gradually drawn over the purity of discipline. It also covers the holiness of life to which Christ leads those in whom the love of God is truly perfected, 1 John ii. 5.

When we labour in true Love with Offenders, and they remain obstinate, it sometimes is necessary to proceed as far as our Lord directed; Let him be to thee as an heathen Man, or a Publican, Mat. xviii. 17.

When we work in true love with offenders who remain stubborn, we sometimes need to go as far as our Lord directed: Treat him as a heathen or a tax collector, Matthew 18:17.

Now when such are disowned, and they who act therein feel Christ made unto them Wisdom, and are preserved in his meek, restoring Spirit, there is no just Cause of Offence ministered to any; but when such who are active in dealing with Offenders, indulge themselves in Things which are contrary to the Purity of Truth, and yet judge others whose Conduct appears more dishonourable than theirs, here the pure Authority of Discipline ceaseth as to such Offenders, and a Temptation is laid in their Way to wrangle and contend;—Judge not, said our Lord, that ye be not Judged. Now this forbidding alludes to Man's Judgment, and points out the Necessity of our humbly attending to that sanctifying Power, under which the Faithful experience the Lord to be a Spirit of Judgment to them, Isa. xxviii. 6. And as we feel his Holy Spirit to mortify the Deeds of the Body in us, and can say, It is no more I that live, but Christ that liveth in me, here right Judgment is known.

Now, when such people are disowned, those who take part may feel that Christ has become their wisdom. If they also remain in his gentle, restoring spirit, they give no one just cause for offense. But those who deal with offenders may indulge in things contrary to the purity of truth. If they then judge others whose conduct appears more dishonorable than their own, their discipline loses its true authority over those offenders. They also tempt the offenders to argue and contend. Our Lord said, Do not judge, so that you will not be judged. This prohibition refers to human judgment. It shows that we must humbly attend to the power that makes us holy. Under that power, the faithful experience the Lord as a spirit of judgment to them, Isa. xxviii. 6. His Holy Spirit puts to death the deeds of the body in us. When we feel this and can say, It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me, we know right judgment.

And while Divine Love prevails in our Hearts, and Self in us is brought under Judgment, a Preparation is felt to labour in a right Manner with Offenders; but if we abide not in this Love, our outward Performance in dealing with others, degenerates into Formality; for this is the Love of God, that we keep his Commandments, John i. 3.

When divine love fills our hearts and we judge our own selfishness, we feel prepared to deal rightly with offenders. But if we do not remain in this love, our outward efforts to deal with others become mere formality. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments, John i. 3.

How weighty are those Instructions of our Redeemer concerning religious Duties, when he points out, that they who pray, should be so obedient to the Teachings of the Holy Spirit, that humbly confiding in his Help, they may say, Thy Name, O Father I be hallowed. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done on Earth, as it is in Heaven.—In this awful State of Mind is felt that Worship which stands in doing the Will of God on Earth, as it is done in Heaven, and keeping the Holy Name sacred: To take a Holy Profession upon us is awful, nor can we keep his Holy Name sacred, but by humbly abiding under the Cross of Christ. The Apostle laid a heavy Complaint against some who prophaned this Holy Name by their Manner of Living, Through you, he says, the Name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles, Rom. ii. 24.

How profound are our Redeemer’s instructions about religious duties. He says that those who pray should obey the teachings of the Holy Spirit. Then, humbly trusting in his help, they may say, May your name, O Father, be kept holy. May your kingdom come. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. In this deeply reverent state of mind, we experience true worship. It consists of doing God’s will on earth as it is done in heaven and keeping his holy name sacred. To profess a holy faith is a solemn responsibility. We can keep his holy name sacred only by humbly living under the cross of Christ. The Apostle made a serious complaint against some who profaned this holy name by the way they lived. Through you, he says, the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles, Rom. ii. 24.

Some of our Ancestors, through many Tribulations, were gathered into the State of true Worshippers, and had Fellowship in that which is pure; and as one was inwardly moved to kneel down in their Assemblies, and publickly call on the Name of the Lord, those in the Harmony of united Exercise then present, joined in the Prayer: I mention this, in order that we of the present Age, may look unto the Rock from whence we were hewn, and remember that to unite in Worship, is an Union in Prayer, and that Prayer acceptable to the Father, is only in a Mind truly sanctified, where the sacred Name is kept Holy, and the Heart resigned to do his Will on Earth, as it is done in Heaven; If ye abide in me, saith Christ, and my Words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will in my Name, and it shall be done unto you.—Now we know not what to pray for as we ought, but as the Holy Spirit doth open and direct our Minds, and as we faithfully yield to its Influences, our Prayers are in the Will of our Heavenly Father, who fails not to grant that which his own Spirit, through his Children, asketh;—thus Preservation from Sin is known, and the Fruits of Righteousness are brought forth by such who inwardly unite in Prayer.

Some of our ancestors became true worshippers through many hardships, and they shared fellowship in what is pure. When someone felt inwardly moved to kneel at their meetings and publicly call on the name of the Lord, those present joined in the prayer with one heart. I mention this so that we in the present age may look to the rock from which we were cut. We should remember that to unite in worship is to unite in prayer. Only a truly sanctified mind can offer prayer acceptable to the Father. In such a mind, his sacred name is kept holy, and the heart is willing to do his will on earth as it is done in heaven. If you abide in me, Christ says, and my words abide in you, you may ask whatever you will in my name, and it shall be done for you. We do not know what to pray for as we ought unless the Holy Spirit opens and directs our minds. As we faithfully yield to its influence, our prayers are in accord with our heavenly Father’s will. He never fails to grant what his own Spirit asks through his children. In this way, those who inwardly unite in prayer know protection from sin and bring forth the fruits of righteousness.

How weighty are our solemn Meetings when the Name of Christ is kept Holy!

How profound our solemn meetings are when the name of Christ is kept holy!

"How precious is that State in which the Children of the Lord are so redeemed from the Love of this World, that they are accepted and blessed in all that they do!" R. Barclay's Apology, Page 404.

“How precious is the state in which the Lord’s children are freed from love of this world, so that they are accepted and blessed in all they do!” R. Barclay’s Apology, Page 404.

How necessary is it that we who profess these Principles, and are outwardly active in supporting them, should faithfully abide in Divine Strength, that as he who has called us, is Holy, so we may be Holy in all manner of Conversation, 1 Pet. i. 15.

How necessary it is for us who profess these principles and actively support them to remain faithful in divine strength. Then, just as he who called us is holy, we may be holy in all our conduct, 1 Pet. i. 15.

If one professing to be influenced by the Spirit of Christ, propose to unite in a Labour to promote Righteousness in the Earth, and in Time past he hath manifestly deviated from the Paths of Equity, then to act consistent with this Principle, his first Work is to make Restitution so far as he may be enabled; for if he attempts to contribute toward a Work intended to promote Righteousness, while it appears that he neglecteth, or refuseth to act righteously himself, his Conduct has a Tendency to entangle the Minds of those who are weak in the Faith, who behold these Things, and to draw a Veil over the Purity of Righteousness, by carrying an Appearance as though that was Righteousness which is not.

Suppose someone claims to be guided by the Spirit of Christ and proposes to join a labor to promote righteousness on earth. If he has clearly acted unjustly in the past, he must first make restitution as far as he can. Only then is he acting in keeping with this principle. If he tries to help promote righteousness while apparently neglecting or refusing to act rightly himself, his conduct can confuse those who are weak in faith and witness it. It can also obscure the purity of righteousness by making what is not righteous appear to be righteous.

Again, if I propose to assist in supporting those Doctrines wherein that Purity of Life is held forth, in which Customs proceeding from the Spirit of this World have no Place, and at the same Time strengthen others in those Customs by my Example; the first Step then in an orderly Proceeding, is to cease from those Customs myself, and afterwards to labour, as I may be enabled, to promote the like Disposition and Conduct in others.

Again, suppose I intend to help support the teachings that uphold a pure life, free from customs arising from the spirit of this world. Yet by my example, I also encourage others in those customs. The first step in proceeding properly is to stop following those customs myself. Then I should work, as I am able, to encourage the same attitude and conduct in others.

To be convinced of the pure Principle of Truth, and diligently exercised in walking answerable thereto, is necessary before I can consistently recommend this Principle to others.—I often feel a Labour in Spirit, that we who are active Members in religious Society, may experience in ourselves the Truth of those Expressions of the Holy One; I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, Lev. x. 3.——In this Case, my Mind hath been often exercised when alone, Year after Year, for many Years, and in the Renewings of Divine Love, a tender Care hath been incited in me, that we who profess the inward Principle of Light to be our Teacher, may be a Family united in that Purity of Worship, which comprehends a Holy Life, and ministers Instruction to others.

Before I can consistently recommend the pure Principle of Truth to others, I must be convinced of it. I must also work diligently to live by it. I often feel a spiritual concern that we who are active members of a religious society may experience for ourselves the truth of the Holy One's words: I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, Lev. x. 3. Year after year, for many years, I have often reflected on this concern when alone. As divine love has been renewed in me, it has stirred a tender concern. I hope that we who profess the inward Principle of Light as our Teacher may be a family united in pure worship. Such worship includes a holy life and offers instruction to others.

My Mind is often drawn towards Children in the Truth, who having a small Share of the Things of this Life, and coming to have Families, may be inwardly exercised before the Lord to support them in a Way agreeable to the Purity of Truth, in which they may feel his Blessing upon them in their Labours; the Thoughts of such being entangled with Customs, contrary to pure Wisdom, conveyed to them through our Hands, doth often very tenderly, and movingly affect my Heart, and when I look towards, and think on the succeeding Generation, fervent Desires are raised in me, that we by yielding to that Holy Spirit which leads into all Truth, may not do the Work of the Lord deceitfully, may not live contrary to the Purity of the Divine Principle we profess; but that as faithful Labourers in our Age, we may be instrumental in removing Stumbling-blocks out of the Way of those who may succeed us.

My thoughts often turn to children in the Truth who have little in the way of worldly goods. As they start families, they may feel an inward concern before the Lord about how to support them. They may seek to do this in a way that agrees with the purity of Truth, so that they may feel his blessing on their work. The thought that we may pass on customs contrary to pure wisdom, entangling their minds, often touches my heart deeply. And when I think about the generations to come, I feel a fervent desire that we yield to the Holy Spirit, who leads us into all truth. Then we may not do the Lord's work deceitfully or live contrary to the purity of the divine principle we profess. Instead, as faithful workers in our time, we may help remove stumbling blocks from the path of those who come after us.

So great was the Love of Christ, that he gave himself for the Church, that he might sanctify and cleanse it, that it should be Holy, and without Blemish, not having Spot or Wrinkle, or any such Thing, Eph. v. 25. and where any take the Name of Christ upon them, professing to be Members of his Church, and led by his Holy Spirit, and yet manifestly deviate from the Purity of Truth, they herein act against the gracious Design of his giving himself for them, and minister Cause for the Continuance of his Afflictions, viz. in his Body the Church.

Christ’s love was so great that he gave himself for the Church. He did this so that he might make it holy and cleanse it, so that it would be holy and without blemish, without spot or wrinkle or anything of the kind, Eph. v. 25. Some people take the name of Christ and profess to be members of his Church, led by his Holy Spirit. Yet when they clearly stray from the purity of truth, they act against the gracious purpose for which he gave himself for them. They also give cause for his sufferings to continue, namely, in his body, the Church.

Christ suffered Afflictions in a Body of Flesh prepared by the Father, but the Afflictions of his mystical Body are yet unfinished; for they who are baptized into Christ are baptized into his Death; and as we humbly abide under his sanctifying Power, and are brought forth into Newness of Life, we feel Christ to live in us, who being the same Yesterday, To-day, and forever, and always at Unity with himself, his Spirit in the Hearts of his People leads to an inward Exercise for the Salvation of Mankind; and when under a Travail of Spirit, we behold a visited People entangled by the Spirit of the World with its Wickedness and Customs, and thereby rendered incapable of being faithful Examples to others, Sorrow and Heaviness under a Sense of these Things, is often experienced, and thus in some Measure is filled up that which remains of the Afflictions of Christ.

Christ suffered afflictions in a body of flesh prepared by the Father. But the afflictions of his mystical body are not yet complete. Those who are baptized into Christ are baptized into his death. As we humbly remain under his power to make us holy and are brought into newness of life, we feel Christ living in us. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and always in unity with himself. His Spirit leads his people to a deep inward concern for the salvation of humanity. Sometimes, in spiritual anguish, we see a people whom God has visited caught up in the wickedness and customs of the world. These things make them unable to be faithful examples to others. When we are aware of this, we often feel sorrow and heaviness. In this way, what remains of Christ’s afflictions is completed to some degree.

Our blessed Saviour speaking concerning Gifts offered in Divine Service, says, If thou bring thy Gift to the Altar, and there remembrest that thy Brother hath ought against thee, leave there thy Gift before the Altar, and go thy Way, first be reconciled to thy Brother, and then come and offer thy Gift, Mat. v. 23, 24. Now there is no true Unity, but in that wherein the Father and the Son are united, nor can there be a perfect Reconciliation but in ceasing from that which ministers Cause for the Continuation of the Afflictions of Christ; and if any professing to bring their Gift to the Altar, do remember the customary Contradiction which some of their Fruits bear to the pure spiritual Worship, here it appears necessary to lay to Heart this Command, Leave thy Gift by the Altar.

Our blessed Saviour speaks about gifts offered in divine service: If you bring your gift to the altar and remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there. First go and be reconciled to your brother. Then come and offer your gift, Matt. 5:23, 24. Now there is no true unity except in what unites the Father and the Son. Nor can there be perfect reconciliation unless we stop doing what causes Christ’s afflictions to continue. Some claim to bring their gift to the altar. But if they remember how some of their fruits habitually contradict pure spiritual worship, they must take this command to heart: Leave your gift by the altar.

Christ graciously calls his People Brethren; Whosoever shall do the Will of God, the same is my Brother, Mark iii. 35. Now if we walk contrary to the Truth as it is in Jesus, while we continue to profess it, we offend against Christ, and if under this Offence we bring our Gift to the Altar, our Redeemer doth not direct us to take back our Gift, he doth not discourage our proceeding in a good Work; but graciously points out the necessary Means by which the Gift may be rendered acceptable, Leave, saith he, thy Gift by the Altar, first go and be reconciled to thy Brother, cease from that which grieves the Holy Spirit, cease from that which is against the Truth, as it is in Jesus, and then come and offer thy Gift.

Christ graciously calls his people brothers: Whoever does the will of God is my brother, Mark 3:35. Now, if we act contrary to the truth as it is in Jesus while professing it, we offend Christ. If we bring our gift to the altar while offending him, our Redeemer does not tell us to take it back. He does not discourage us from continuing a good work. Instead, he graciously shows us how to make the gift acceptable. Leave, he says, your gift by the altar, and first go and be reconciled to your brother. Stop doing what grieves the Holy Spirit. Stop doing what is against the truth as it is in Jesus. Then come and offer your gift.

I feel, while I am writing, a Tenderness to those who through Divine Favour are preserved in a lively Sense of the State of the Churches, and at Times may be under Discouragements with regard to proceeding in that pure Way which Christ by his Holy Spirit leads into: The Depth of Disorder and Weakness, which so much prevails, being opened, Doubtings are apt to arise as to the Possibility of proceeding as an Assembly of the Lord's People in the pure Council of Truth; and here I feel a Concern to express in Uprightness, that which hath been opened in my Mind, under the Power of the Cross of Christ, relating to a visible gathered Church, the Members whereof are guided by the Holy Spirit.

As I write, I feel tenderness toward those who, through divine favor, remain keenly aware of the state of the churches. At times, they may feel discouraged about continuing in the pure way Christ leads them through his Holy Spirit. When they see how deeply disorder and weakness prevail, they may begin to doubt whether the Lord's people can gather and follow the pure guidance of truth. Here I feel moved to speak honestly about what has been revealed to me under the power of the cross of Christ. It concerns a visible gathered church whose members are guided by the Holy Spirit.

The Church is called the Body of Christ, Col. i. 24.

The Church is called the Body of Christ, Colossians 1:24.

Christ is called the Head of the Church, Eph. i. 22.

Christ is called the Head of the Church, Ephesians 1:22.

The Church is called the Pillar, and Ground of Truth, 1 Tim. iii. 15.

The Church is called the pillar and foundation of truth (1 Timothy 3:15).

Thus the Church hath a Name that is sacred, and the Necessity of keeping this Name Holy, appears evident; for where a Number of People unite in a Profession of being led by the Spirit of Christ, and publish their Principles to the World, the Acts and Proceedings of that People may in some Measure be considered as such which Christ is the Author of.

The Church has a sacred name, and it is clearly necessary to keep that name holy. For when people join together and profess to be led by the Spirit of Christ, and publish their principles to the world, their actions may to some extent be seen as actions that Christ inspires.

Now while we stand in this Station, if the pure Light of Life is not followed and regarded in our Proceedings, we are in the Way of prophaning the Holy Name, and of going back toward that Wilderness of Sufferings and Persecution, out of which, through the tender Mercies of God, a Church hath been gathered; Christ liveth in sanctified Vessels, Gal. ii. 20. and where they behold his Holy Name prophaned, and the pure Gospel Light eclipsed, through the Unfaithfulness of any who by their Station appear to be Standard-bearers under the Prince of Peace, the living Members in the Body of Christ in beholding these Things, do in some degree experience the Fellowship of his Sufferings; and as the Wisdom of the World more and more takes Place in conducting the Affairs of this visible gathered Church, and the pure Leadings of the Holy Spirit less waited for and followed, so the true Suffering Seed is more and more oppressed.

While we hold this position, we must follow and respect the pure Light of Life in our actions. If we do not, we risk profaning the holy name and returning toward that wilderness of suffering and persecution. Through God’s tender mercy, a Church has been gathered out of that wilderness. Christ lives in sanctified vessels, Gal. ii. 20. Some people, by their position, appear to be standard-bearers under the Prince of Peace. When they are unfaithful, they profane his holy name and obscure the pure Gospel light. When the living members of Christ’s body see these things, they share in his sufferings to some degree. And as worldly wisdom increasingly governs the affairs of this visible gathered Church, people wait less for and follow less often the pure leadings of the Holy Spirit. In the same measure, the true suffering seed is increasingly oppressed.

My Mind is often affected with a Sense of the Condition of sincere-hearted People in some Kingdoms, where Liberty of Conscience is not allowed, many of whom being burthened in their Minds with prevailing Superstition joined with Oppressions, are often under Sorrow; and where such have attended to that pure Light which hath in some degree opened their Understandings, and for their Faithfulness thereto, have been brought to Examination and Trial, how heavy are the Persecutions which in divers Parts of the World are exercised upon them! How mighty, as to the outward, is that Power by which they are borne down, and oppressed!

I am often deeply moved by the condition of sincere people in some kingdoms where freedom of conscience is not allowed. Many of them are troubled by the widespread superstition and oppression around them, and they often grieve. Some have followed the pure Light that has opened their understanding to some degree. For their faithfulness to it, they have been questioned and put on trial. How severe is the persecution they suffer in many parts of the world! How mighty is the outward power that crushes and oppresses them!

How deeply affecting is the Condition of many upright-hearted People who are taken into the Papal Inquisition! What lamentable Cruelties, in deep Vaults, in a private Way, are exercised on many of them! And how lingering is that Death by a small slow Fire, which they have frequently indured, who have been faithful to the End!

How deeply moving is the plight of many sincere people taken into the Papal Inquisition! What terrible cruelties are inflicted on many of them in secret, in deep vaults! And how drawn out is the death by a small, slow fire that those faithful to the end have often endured!

How many tender spirited Protestants have been sentenced to spend the Remainder of their Lives in a Galley chained to Oars, under hard-hearted Masters, while their young Children are placed out for Education, and taught Principles so contrary to the Conscience of the Parents, that by dissenting from them, they have hazarded their Liberty, Lives, and all that was dear to them of the Things of this World!

How many gentle-hearted Protestants have been sentenced to spend the rest of their lives chained to oars in a galley under cruel masters! Meanwhile, their young children are placed in others' care for education. There they are taught principles so contrary to their parents' consciences that the parents have risked their freedom, their lives, and everything dear to them in this world by refusing to accept those principles!

There have been in Time past severe Persecutions under the English Government, and many sincere-hearted People have suffered Death for the Testimony of a good Conscience, whose Faithfulness in their Day hath ministred Encouragement to others, and been a Blessing to many who have succeeded them; thus from Age to Age, the Darkness being more and more removed, a Channel at length, through the tender Mercies of God, hath been opened for the Exercise of the pure Gift of the Gospel Ministry, without Interruption from outward Power, a Work, the like of which is rare, and unknown in many Parts of the World.

In the past, there were severe persecutions under the English government. Many sincere people died for bearing witness to a good conscience. Their faithfulness in their own time encouraged others and was a blessing to many who came after them. Thus, from age to age, the darkness gradually lifted. At last, through God’s tender mercies, a way opened for people to exercise the pure gift of Gospel ministry without interference from earthly powers. Such a work is rare and unknown in many parts of the world.

As these Things are often fresh in my Mind, and this great Work of God going on in the Earth has been open before me, that Liberty of Conscience with which we are favoured, hath appeared not as a light Matter.

These things are often fresh in my mind, and I have seen God's great work unfolding on earth. In light of this, the freedom of conscience we enjoy has seemed to me no small matter.

A Trust is committed to us, a great and weighty Trust, to which our diligent Attention is necessary, wherever the active Members of this visible gathered Church use themselves to that which is contrary to the Purity of our Principles, it appears to be a Breach of this Trust, and one Step back toward the Wilderness, one Step towards undoing what God in infinite Love hath done through his faithful Servants, in a Work of several Ages, and like laying the Foundation for future Sufferings.

A great and weighty trust has been placed in our care, and it requires our diligent attention. Whenever active members of this visible gathered Church practice what is contrary to the purity of our principles, it appears to break that trust. It is one step back toward the wilderness. It is one step toward undoing what God, in his infinite love, has done through his faithful servants over several ages. It is also like laying the foundation for future suffering.

I feel a living Invitation in my Mind to such who are active in our religious Society, that we may lay to Heart this Matter, and consider the Station in which we stand; a Place of outward Liberty under the free Exercise of our Conscience toward God, not obtained but through great and manifold Afflictions of those who lived before us. There is Gratitude due from us to our Heavenly Father, and Justice to our Posterity; can our Hearts endure, or our Hands be strong, if we desert a Cause so precious, if we turn aside from a Work, under which so many have patiently laboured?

I feel a living call to those who are active in our religious Society. Let us take this matter to heart and consider where we stand. We enjoy freedom to follow our conscience toward God openly. That freedom was won only through the great and many sufferings of those who came before us. We owe gratitude to our heavenly Father and justice to those who will come after us. Can our hearts endure or our hands remain strong if we abandon such a precious cause? Can they if we turn away from a work that so many have patiently labored to carry out?

May the deep Sufferings of our Saviour be so dear to us, that we may never trample under Foot the adorable Son of God, nor count the Blood of the Covenant unholy!

May our Savior’s deep suffering be so dear to us that we never trample the beloved Son of God underfoot or regard the blood of the covenant as unholy!

May the Faithfulness of the Martyrs when the Prospect of Death by Fire was before them, be remembred. And may the patient constant Sufferings of the upright-hearted Servants of God in latter Ages be revived in our Minds. And may we so follow on to know the Lord, that neither the Faithful in this Age, nor those in Ages to come, may ever be brought under Suffering, through our sliding back from the Work of Reformation in the World.

May we remember the faithfulness of the martyrs when they faced death by fire. And may we recall the patient, steadfast suffering of God’s upright servants in later ages. And may we continue to seek to know the Lord. May we do so, so that neither the faithful today nor those in future ages suffer because we have fallen away from the work of reforming the world.

While the active Members in the visible gathered Church stand upright, and the Affairs thereof are carried on under the Leadings of the Holy Spirit, although Disorders may arise among us, and cause many Exercises to those who feel the Care of the Churches upon them; yet while these continue under the Weight of the Work, and labour in the Meekness of Wisdom for the Help of others, the Name of Christ in the visible gathered Church may be kept sacred; but while they who are active in the Affairs of this Church, continue in a manifest Opposition to the Purity of our Principles, this, as the Prophet Isaiah x. 18. expresseth it, is like as when a Standard-bearer fainteth; and thus the Way opens to great and prevailing Degeneracy, and to Sufferings for such who through the Power of Divine Love, are separated to the Gospel of Christ, and cannot unite with any Thing which stands in Opposition to the Purity of it.

As long as the active members of the visible gathered Church remain upright, its affairs are guided by the Holy Spirit. Disorders may still arise among us and cause much distress to those who feel responsible for the churches. Yet the name of Christ may be kept sacred in the visible gathered Church. This is possible as long as those responsible continue to bear the weight of the work and labor with gentle wisdom to help others. But those active in the affairs of this Church may openly oppose the purity of our principles. This, as the prophet Isaiah says in x. 18, is like when a standard-bearer faints. This opens the way to widespread and deep corruption. It also brings suffering to those whom the power of divine love has set apart for the gospel of Christ. They cannot join in anything that opposes its purity.

The Necessity of an inward Stillness, hath under these Exercises appeared clear to my Mind; in true Silence Strength is renewed, the Mind herein is weaned from all Things, but as they may be enjoyed in the Divine Will, and a Lowliness in outward Living opposite to Worldly Honour, becomes truly acceptable to us;—in the Desire after outward Gain, the Mind is prevented from a perfect Attention to the Voice of Christ, but being weaned from all Things, but as they may be enjoyed in the Divine Will, the pure Light shines into the Soul, and where the Fruits of that Spirit which is of the World, are brought forth by many who profess to be led by the Spirit of Truth, and Cloudiness is felt to be gathering over the visible gathered Church, the Sincere in Heart who abide in true Stillness, and are exercised therein before the Lord for his Name's Sake, have a Knowledge of Christ in the Fellowship of his Sufferings, and inward Thankfulness is felt at Times, that through Divine Love, our own Wisdom is cast out, and that forward active Part in us subjected, which would rise and do something in the visible gathered Church, without, the pure Leadings of the Spirit of Christ.

During these struggles, the need for inward stillness has become clear to me. In true silence, our strength is renewed. The mind is weaned from all things, except as they may be enjoyed in the divine will. A humble way of life, opposed to worldly honor, becomes truly acceptable to us. The desire for outward gain keeps the mind from giving full attention to the voice of Christ. But when the mind is weaned from all things, except as they may be enjoyed in the divine will, the pure light shines into the soul. Many who profess to be led by the Spirit of Truth produce the fruits of the spirit of the world. Where this happens, and a cloud is felt to be gathering over the visible gathered church, the sincere in heart who remain in true stillness and struggle before the Lord for his name's sake come to know Christ through sharing in his sufferings. At times, we feel inward gratitude that divine love casts out our own wisdom. It also brings under control the eager, active part of us that would rise up and act in the visible gathered church without the pure guidance of the Spirit of Christ.

While aught remains in us different from a perfect Resignation of our Wills, it is like a Seal to a Book wherein is written, that good, and acceptable, and perfect Will of God concerning us, Rom. xii. 2. but when our Minds entirely yield to Christ, that Silence is known, which followeth the opening of the last of the Seals, Rev. viii. 1. In this Silence we learn abiding in the Divine Will, and there feel, that we have no Cause to promote but that only in which the Light of Life directs us in our Proceedings, and that the alone Way to be useful in the Church of Christ, is to abide faithfully under the Leadings of his Holy Spirit in all Cases, and being preserved thereby in Purity of Heart, and Holiness of Conversation, a Testimony to the Purity of his Government may be held forth through us, to others.

As long as anything in us falls short of complete surrender of our wills, it is like a seal on a book. In that book is written, the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God concerning us, Rom. xii. 2. But when our minds yield entirely to Christ, we come to know that silence which follows the opening of the last seal, Rev. viii. 1. In this silence we learn to remain in the divine will. There we feel that we have no cause to advance except as the Light of Life directs our actions. We also feel that the only way to be useful in the Church of Christ is to follow his Holy Spirit faithfully in all things. The Spirit preserves us in purity of heart and holiness of conduct. In this way, we may bear witness to others to the purity of Christ’s rule.

As my Mind hath been thus exercised, I have seen that to be active and busy in the visible gathered Church, without the Leadings of the Holy Spirit, is not only unprofitable, but tends to increase Dimness; and where Way is not opened to proceed in the Light of Truth, a Stop is felt by those who humbly attend to the Divine Leader, a Stop which in relation to good Order in the visible gathered Church, is of the greatest Consequence to be observed; thus Robert Barclay in his Treatise on Discipline holds forth, Page 65, 68, 84. "That the Judgment or Conclusion of the Church or Congregation, is no further effectual as to the true End and Design thereof, but as such Judgment or Conclusion proceeds from the Spirit of God operating on their Minds who are sanctified in Christ Jesus."

As I have reflected on these matters, I have seen that being active and busy in the gathered church without the guidance of the Holy Spirit is not only unprofitable. It also tends to deepen spiritual dimness. When the way is not open to proceed in the light of truth, those who humbly follow the divine leader feel a need to stop. Paying attention to this stopping is of the greatest importance for good order in the gathered church. Thus Robert Barclay writes in his treatise on discipline, pages 65, 68, and 84: "The judgment or conclusion of the church or congregation is effective in achieving its true purpose only when it comes from the Spirit of God working on the minds of those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus."

Now in this Stop I have learned the Necessity of waiting on the Lord in Humility, that the Works of all may be brought to the Light, and those to Judgment which are wrought in the Wisdom of this World; and have also seen, that in a Mind thoroughly subjected to the Power of the Cross, there is a Savour of Life to be felt, which evidently tends to gather Souls to God, while the greatest Works in the visible gathered Church brought forth in Man's Wisdom, remain to be unprofitable.

During this pause, I have learned the need to wait humbly on the Lord. In this way, the works of all may be brought to light, and those done in worldly wisdom may be judged. I have also seen that a mind fully subject to the power of the Cross has a life-giving spirit. This spirit can be felt and clearly tends to draw souls to God. But even the greatest works in the visible gathered church are unprofitable when they come from human wisdom.

Where People are divinely gathered into a Holy Fellowship, and faithfully abide under the Influence of that Spirit which leads into all Truth, they are the Light of the World, Mat. v. 14. Now holding this Profession, to me hath appeared weighty, even beyond what I can fully express, and what our blessed Lord seemed to have in View, when he proposed the Necessity of counting the Cost, before we begin to build.

When God gathers people into a holy fellowship, they are the Light of the World, Mat. v. 14. This is true when they faithfully remain under the influence of the Spirit that leads into all truth. To me, professing this faith has seemed a responsibility greater than I can fully express. Our blessed Lord seemed to have this responsibility in mind when he said we must count the cost before we begin to build.

I trust there are many who at Times, under Divine Visitation, feel an inward Enquiry after God; and when such in the Simplicity of their Hearts mark the Lives of a People, who profess to walk by the Leadings of his Spirit, of what great Concernment is it that our Lights shine clear, that nothing of our Conduct carry a Contradiction to the Truth as it is in Jesus, or be a Means of prophaning his Holy Name, and be a Stumbling-block in the Way of those sincere Enquirers!

I believe that many people, when touched by God, sometimes feel an inward desire to seek him. In the simplicity of their hearts, they observe the lives of those who profess to follow his Spirit. When they do, how important it is that our lights shine clearly! Nothing in our conduct should contradict the truth as it is in Jesus. Nor should our conduct profane his holy name or become a stumbling block to these sincere seekers.

When such Seekers, who wearied with empty Forms, look toward uniting with us as a People, and behold active Members among us depart in their customary Way of Living, from that Purity of Life, which under humbling Exercises hath been opened before them, as the Way of the Lord's People, how mournful and discouraging is the Prospect! And how strongly doth such Unfaithfulness operate against the Spreading of the peaceable, harmonious Principle, and Testimony of Truth amongst Mankind!

Some seekers, weary of empty rituals, look to join us as a people. But they see active members among us living in ways that depart from purity of life. Through humbling trials, these seekers have come to see such purity as the way of the Lord's people. How sorrowful and discouraging this sight is! And how strongly such unfaithfulness works against the spread of the peaceful, harmonious principle and testimony of truth among humanity!

In entering into that Life, which is hid with Christ in God, we behold his peaceable Government, where the whole Family are governed by the same Spirit, and the doing to others as we would they should do unto us, groweth up as good Fruit from a good Tree; the Peace, Quietness, and harmonious Walking in this Government is beheld with humble Reverence to him who is the Author of it; and in partaking of the Spirit of Christ, we partake of that which labours, and suffers for the Increase of this peaceable Government among the Inhabitants of the World; and I have felt a Labour of long Continuance, that we, who profess this peaceable Principle, may be faithful Standard-bearers under the Prince of Peace, and that nothing of a defiling Nature, tending to Discord and Wars, may remain among us.

When we enter the life hidden with Christ in God, we see his peaceful rule. Under it, the whole family is guided by the same Spirit. There, doing to others as we would have them do to us grows like good fruit from a good tree. We see the peace, quiet, and harmony of life under this rule with humble reverence for its author. When we share in the Spirit of Christ, we share in what labors and suffers to extend this peaceful rule among the people of the world. I have long felt a concern that we who profess this peaceful principle may be faithful standard-bearers under the Prince of Peace. I hope that nothing corrupting, tending toward discord and war, may remain among us.

May each of us query with ourselves, have the Treasures I possess been gathered in that Wisdom which is from above, so far as hath appeared to me?

May each of us ask ourselves: Have I gathered the treasures I possess in accordance with the wisdom from above, as far as I understand it?

Have none of my Fellow Creatures an equitable Right to any Part which is called mine?

Do none of my fellow creatures have a fair right to any part of what is called mine?

Have the Gifts, and Possessions received by me from others, been conveyed in a Way free from all Unrighteousness, so far as I have seen?

As far as I know, were all the gifts and possessions I received from others given without any wrongdoing?

The Principle of Peace in which our Trust is only in the Lord, and our Minds weaned from a Dependance on the Strength of Armies, hath appeared to me very precious, and I often feel strong Desires, that we who profess this Principle, may so walk, as to give just Cause for none of our Fellow Creatures to be offended at us; that our Lives may evidently manifest, that we are redeemed from that Spirit in which Wars are. Our blessed Saviour in pointing out the Danger of so leaning on Man, as to neglect the Leadings of his Holy Spirit, said, Call no Man your Father upon the Earth; for one is your Father which is in Heaven, Mat. xxiii. 9. Where the Wisdom from above is faithfully followed, and therein we are entrusted with Substance, it is a Treasure committed to our Care in the Nature of an Inheritance, as an Inheritance from him, who formed, and supports the World. Now in this Condition the true Enjoyment of the good Things of this Life is understood, and that Blessing felt, in which is real Safety; this is what I apprehend our blessed Lord had in View, when he pronounced, Blessed are the Meek, for they shall inherit the Earth.

The principle of peace has seemed very precious to me. In this principle, we trust only in the Lord, and our minds are weaned from dependence on the strength of armies. I often feel a strong desire that we who profess this principle live so that none of our fellow creatures has just cause to be offended by us. May our lives clearly show that we have been redeemed from the spirit in which wars arise. Our blessed Saviour warned of the danger of relying so much on people that we neglect the guidance of his Holy Spirit. He said, Call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven, Matt. 23:9. When we faithfully follow the wisdom from above and are entrusted with wealth, it is a treasure placed in our care. It is like an inheritance from him who formed and sustains the world. In this condition, we understand how truly to enjoy the good things of this life. We also feel the blessing in which there is real safety. I believe this is what our blessed Lord had in mind when he said, Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Selfish Worldly-minded Men may hold Lands in the selfish Spirit, and depending on the Strength of the outward Power, be perplexed with secret Uneasiness, lest the Injured should sometime overpower them, and that Measure meted to them, which they measure to others. Thus selfish Men may possess the Earth; but it is the Meek who inherit it, and enjoy it as an Inheritance from the Heavenly Father, free from all the Defilements, and Perplexities of Unrighteousness.

Selfish, worldly men may hold land in a selfish spirit and rely on the strength of outward power. Yet they may be troubled by a hidden fear that those they have wronged will someday overpower them. They may fear that those they have wronged will treat them as they have treated others. In this way, selfish men may possess the earth. But it is the meek who inherit it. They enjoy it as an inheritance from the Heavenly Father, free from all the defilement and troubles of wrongdoing.

Where Proceedings have been in that Wisdom which is from beneath, and inequitable Gain gathered by a Man, and left as a Gift to his Children, who being entangled by the same Worldly Spirit, have not attained to that Clearness of Light in which the Channels of Righteousness are opened, and Justice done to those who remain silent under Injuries: Here I have seen under humbling Exercise of Mind, that the Sins of the Fathers are embraced by the Children, and become their Sins, and thus of the Days of Tribulation, the Iniquities in the Fathers are visited upon these Children, who take hold of the Unrighteousness of their Fathers, and live in that Spirit in which those Iniquities were committed; to which agreeth the Prophecy of Moses, concerning a rebellious People; They that are left of you shall pine away in their Iniquities, in your Enemy's Land, and in the Iniquities of their Fathers shall they pine away, Lev. xxvi. 39. and our blessed Lord in beholding the Hardness of Heart in that Generation, and feeling in himself, that they lived in the same Spirit in which the Prophets had been persecuted unto Death, signified, That the Blood of all the Prophets which was shed from the Foundation of the World, should be required of that Generation, from the Blood of Abel, unto the Blood of Zacharias, who perished between the Altar and the Temple, Luke xi. 51.

Sometimes a man has acted according to the wisdom that comes from below and gained wealth unjustly. He then leaves that wealth as a gift to his children. The children may be caught up in the same worldly spirit. They have not reached the clear light that opens the channels of righteousness and brings justice to those who remain silent under injury. In such cases, I have seen, through a humbling struggle of mind, that the children embrace their fathers’ sins. Those sins become their own. Thus, in the days of tribulation, the fathers’ iniquities are visited upon these children. For the children take up their fathers’ wrongdoing and live in the same spirit in which those iniquities were committed. This agrees with the prophecy of Moses concerning a rebellious people: Those of you who are left will waste away in their iniquities in your enemies’ land. They will also waste away in the iniquities of their fathers, Lev. xxvi. 39. Our blessed Lord saw the hardness of heart in that generation. He felt within himself that they lived in the same spirit in which the prophets had been persecuted to death. He said that the blood of all the prophets shed since the foundation of the world would be required of that generation. This included the blood of Abel through the blood of Zacharias, who died between the altar and the temple, Luke xi. 51.

Tender Compassion fills my Heart towards my Fellow Creatures estranged from the harmonious Government of the Prince of Peace, and a Labour attends me, that they may be gathered to this peaceable Habitation.

My heart fills with tender compassion for my fellow creatures who have strayed from the harmonious rule of the Prince of Peace. I feel called to work so that they may be gathered into this peaceful home.

In being inwardly prepared to suffer Adversity for Christ's Sake, and weaned from a Dependance on the Arm of Flesh, we feel, that there is a Rest for the People of God, and that it stands in a perfect Resignation of ourselves to his Holy Will; in this Condition, all our Wants and Desires are bounded by pure Wisdom, and our Minds wholly attentive to the Counsel of Christ inwardly communicated, which hath appeared to me as a Habitation of Safety for the Lord's People, in Times of outward Commotion and Trouble, and Desires from the Fountain of pure Love, are opened in me, to invite my Brethren and Fellow Creatures to feel for, and seek after that which gathers the Mind into it.

When we are inwardly prepared to suffer adversity for Christ's sake, we no longer depend on human strength. Then we feel that there is rest for God's people. This rest comes from surrendering ourselves completely to his holy will. In this condition, pure wisdom sets the bounds of all our needs and desires. Our minds are wholly attentive to Christ's counsel, which he communicates inwardly. This condition has appeared to me as a place of safety for the Lord's people in times of outward turmoil and trouble. From the fountain of pure love, I feel a desire to invite my brothers and fellow creatures to feel for and seek what gathers the mind into this place of safety.

John Woolman.

John Woolman.