Imatges de pàgina
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and of judgment; of sin, because they believe not in me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.”—“ Howbeit when he the Spirit of Truth is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall speak not of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will shew you things to come." John xvi. 7-14.

But, alas! unhappily for mankind, "Satan's kingdom " is not yet" destroyed:"-" the last remains" of the prince of this world were not interred at the condemnation of "the Taunton Witch!" though a certain writer of "The National Register," had the audacity to assert it!* There has been no interregnum; neither is the glorious Kingdom of Christ yet established. It is evident that this critic, and many other reformers of the present day, who make scoff of this "satanic majesty,” are not only under his influences, but are his ready servants, and slaves; being partakers of "the glory of the kingdoms of this world!"

p. 581. 8th mo. 1811.

POSTSCRIPT.

I AM aware of the objections and queries respecting this work and myself: who hath required this at your hands? cries one: another, I am unlearned, not able to write common grammar; while another attempts to invalidate the design, by over-charging me with “ inconsistency of practice and principle," &c. I shall begin with the last, and in a few words, that I may the better answer the first. Let him whose principles and practices are more consistent with himself—or, in the words of the great Arbiter and Judge of all things

“Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” As to the first and other objections, it is well observed by a worthy primitive Friend, William Penn, (on Eloquence,) that "there is a truth and beauty in rhetoric; but it oftener serves ill turns than good ones. Elegancy is a good mein and address given to matter, be it by proper or figurative speech: where the words are apt, and allusions very natural, certainly it has a moving grace; but it is too artificial for simplicity,

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and oftentimes for truth."

That it "deludes the

weak; who in such cases, may mistake the handmaid for the mistress, if not error for truth;" there is not a doubt on my mind: I speak by experience. "It is certain," continues this primitive judge of men and things, "truth is least indebted to it, because she has least need of it, and least uses it. But it is à reproveable delicacy in them that despise truth in plain clothes."*

Let us hear the words of ancient wisdom, in this matter; "that as it is hurtful to drink much wine or water alone, and as wine mingled with water is pleasant to the taste; even so writing finely framed delighteth the heart of them that read it." If I have done well as fitting the subject, so as to excite the attention of the great and the learned "to turn inward," and to know themselves and their God; it is what I greatly desired: but if I have failed in my attempt, and am despised, I shall be satisfied in the consciousness of having endeavoured well. If our heavenly Lord and Master was despised, and his words rejected, I am content not to be esteemed greater than

* "Fruits of Solitude, in Reflections and Maxims," &c. p. 30.

he. But with an eye to the above wise man's directions, "whatever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might." And remembering a curse being pronounced against those that do the work of the Lord deceitfully" (or in the margin, negligently). But a crown of life and glory is promised unto them that are faithful unto death.

A FEW LINES

To those who may best know how to read them.

Ah, me! how few do know the humane heart,
The pleasing task of soft'ning others' woe;
Strangers to joys that pity can impart,

And tears sweet sympathy can teach to flow.
If e'er I've mourn'd my humble, lowly state,
If e'er I've bow'd at fortune's shrine;
If e'er a wish escap'd me to be great,

The fervent pray'r, Humanity, was mine.
I pity th' man who hears the moving tale

Unmov'd; to whom the heart-felt glows unknown; On whom the widow's plaints could ne'er prevail, Nor make the injur'd wretch's cause his own. How little knows he the extatic joy,

The thrilling bliss of cheering woe, despair! How little knows the pleasing, warm employ, That calls the grateful tribute of a tear! The splendid dome, the vaulted roof to rear,

The glare of pride and pomp, be, Grandeur, thine;

To wipe from mis'ry's eye the wailing tear,

And soothe th' oppressed orphan's woe, be mine. Be mine the blush of modest worth to spare, To change to smiles affliction's rising sigh;

The kindred warmth of charity to share,

Till joy shall sparkle from the tear-fill'd eye. Can the loud laugh, the mirth-inspiring bowl, The dance, or choral song, or jocund glee, Affect the glowing, sympathizing soul,

Or warm the breast, Humanity, like thee?

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