Letters on religious subjects ...

Preface

IT is thought that the friendly and familiar letters which are here collected, would not only be instructive and pleasant to those of the same religious society with the writers of them, but might tend to shew the disposition and views of this Society, better than a treatise written purposely in the defence of the principles professed by it.

The reader will perceive an unfeigned love and affection to have prevailed in the minds of the wiiters, one towards another; and that their principal view was to promote the I: interests of their friends, It will be seen alstf^ that in thus expressing their sentiments on religious subjects, without any expectation of having them made public, they agree in all the essential principles of the religion of their gr Lord and Master Jesus Christ, in whom alone their hope of salvation was placed. It is true, they more insist upon the practice of piety and

IV a virtuous conduct, than upon speculative views of the Truth, or ceremonial institutions ; which may be helpful to those who use them conscientiously, but are not to be esteemed essential to our happiness.

Though it is not usual with those of the Society of which the writers of the following letters were members, to express the names of God and Christ so frequently in their writings and conversations, as some other religiously disposed persons, it proceeds not from any doubt, or disbelief in their minds, concerning the great truths of the Christian religion. They fully believe what is said in the Holy Scriptures of the miraculous conception of Jesus Christ, our Lord ; his sufferings, and death on the cross, his resurrection and ascension ; as also his mediation, and intercession with the Father for lost man ; and, that there is no salvation but in and through him. They desire to think upon these awful truths with great reverence, but are cautious of making them a topic of common conversation, lest their w r eight and importance should be lessened ; at the same time they approve of religious conversation, with a due regard to the subject, and sense of their own weakness, and of the the need they have of wisdom to

V direct their speech, lest they should touch sacred things, as with unhallowed hands.

It may be remarked that though they do not use those ceremonies which some professors of the Christian religion seem to think necessary to retain, esteeming them not essential, and as being liable to abuse by too great a stress being placed upon them, to the neglect of the more vital part of religion; yet they desire to be united to the living body of Christ, which consists of members distinguished by various names and professions, and dispersed through different parts of the earth. These they desire to embrace, as brethren in Christ ; partakers of the same excellent privileges, of which all the children of the one universal Parent, and the one Saviour partake.

It was found difficult to place the letters in the order of time in which they were written, but it may be observed, they are all of the last century, and some of them of very late date. Many extracts from letters of our late much esteemed friends John Rutty and Richard Shackletoa, of Ireland, are introduced, which contain such sentiments on religious subjects, as, it is thought, will be vqtj acceptable to the reader.

A 2

LETTERS.

Letter I. T

HERE is not one among thy sorrowful acquaintance who hath felt the force of sympathy with thee, on the present afflicting occasion, with greater tenderness than myself; although I have not hitherto expressed it. — I ow r n, I seldom chuse to meet the painful gust of sorrow with calm advice ; I would rather mingle the tear of sympathy , and aid the solemn tribute due to those who are no more ; religion allows it ; for his friend Jesus wept. But it is now high time for the violence of sorrow to subside, and the mind to endeavour after a calm acquiescence in the disposition of unerring wisdom, which hath numbered the hairs of our head ; and not one of them falls to the ground unnoticed of him. I know some mournful considerations urged for a place with thee : a beloved brother dead, on a distant shore, uncertain whether every act of tender assistance was yielded him; butremember, dear friend, the provision of the highest reached him there, and that the everlasting arm supports and succours the islands afar off! I have not a doubt of his being admitted where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest.

Endeavour, therefore, to suppress the sigh and the tear which border upon murmuring : good is the Lord in all his works : he deals with his family in a wisdom we cannot comprehend : my heart is too full for language to discharge, and my feeble hand hardly sustains this labour : but I wanted to mingle w T ith thee the tear of condolence, on account of the dear deceased ; and to endeavour to lead to a calm resignation, and to a pursuit of riches, unchangeable in their nature, and everlasting in their duration.

Letter II

roth Mo. 9th, 1771.

DESIRES for thy welfare have frequently suggesed sentiments, which a variety of engagements, or indisposition, have prevented my intimating to thee ; this consideration hath also prevailed, What can I say to himwhich he knows not, either with respect to his present or future well-being ? the opportunities of information, outwardly, and the impressions of essential truths, inwardly, have foreclosed every plea of ignorance, of duty, or of what makes for peace. But remember, that happiness cbnsisteth not in knowledge ; the words of our great Lord are, M If ye know these " things, happy are ye if ye do them." My soul seeks earnestly, that the blessing of faithfulness may accompany the privilege of knowledge ; otherwise the greater will be the condemnation.

Thy lot is changed from the warm bosom of society to a land of drought, where the distilling of heavenly doctrine outwardly as the dew, is little known, and with many little desired. Nevertheless, those who seek wisdom, so as to be made wise unto salvation, may find in themselves the Sowings of that river which makes glad the whole city of God. Feel after this in thy own heart, to preserve thee, among the few names in that Sardis who walk in white, and have not defiled their garments ; that so thy peace may be promoted, and others helped. Think of this awful query, " What is a man profited, if he could gain the whole world, and lose his own soul :"

The climate is often unhealthy ; let it put thee upon thy guard, in every respect, and raise fervent care, that whenever the Master of the house cometh, he may not find thee sleeping, or worse employed.

I am, with sincere desires for thy present and eternal happiness, thy assured friend.

Letter III

2d Mo. 1 8th, 1 7 I RECEIVED thy awakening epistle, of the 50th of 12th month last ; the more acceptable as it comes from one who seems to have undergone dispensations of Providence nearly like those which have lately fallen to my share. I can truly say, I concur with thee in wishing, that our being raised up from the brink of the grave in this the evening of our day, may occasion our being more devoted to God, and less to the world, and ourselves. I have been long of the mind that all our outward concerns should be consecrated to God, and transacted with a constant view to his will, in the several stations assigned us : and, that a multiplicity of business is a great enemy to the spiritual life, and prudentially to be avoid* ed in these oar declining days ; which, in an especial manner, should be devoted to a preparation for another life, by a vigilant introspection into our own hearts ; and submission of will to the Divine will, in all things !

The inward anatomy, that of the soul, and its passions, with the mental medicine, blessed be God, begins to gain a degree of ascendency, never known before : and I humbly hope, for us both, shall end in triumphing over the natural, and corporeal, to which my endeavours have hitherto been too much devoted. * I congratulate us, and these nations, that the experimental religion, amidst an almost unexampled depravity of manners, among priests, and people, is beginning to dawn ; I will say, in favour of the doctrine of immediate revelation, I never was so thoroughly convinced of it as in my late illness : never had so clear a sensation of a being, distinct from my own mind, immediately and instantaneously enlightening and enamouring my soul with the love of eternal truth and justice, as then ! nor ever had I so complete victory over the peculiar inordinate affections of my mind as then : a time I cherish the remembrance of, with great delight, as having shewed me the possibility of a complete victory over sin. I see now the necessity of deep mortification, as a proper discipline, penance, and even condition of our being admitted into the ocean of undisturbed happiness and glory-

Let me now observe, from the regard I have to thy bodily health, (who art also but lately immerged from the most imminent danger) that on the principle of self-preservation, and with very good effect, I practice great economy and care of the shattered bodily and mental fabrie ; avoiding inclemencies of weather, eating and drinking moderately, and sometimes fasting ; reading, and writing less ; and taking the air, on a favourable day, before dinner.

So wishing us to study peace and tranquillity of body and mind, I conclude thine affectionately.

Letter IV

I NOW begin, with some degree of zeal and affection, and according to thy good resolution and exhortation, to adhere chiefly to subjects of a spiritual nature, and such as

IS

may have a direct tendency to prepare for a better and happier state ; which it behooves us to have frequently in prospect, and to cultivate the medicina mentis more, and that of the body less : an anxious pursuit of business in the medical way is very unsuitable to our situation, on the borders of eternity, I have been greatly favoured of late with an opportunity of retiring to the country a night or two in a week, and thus have shaken off such a share of business as w^as burdensome, which some of the younger men get. I assure thee, I find no danger of over doing it in spirituals by such conduct ; for still natural and medical affairs are too apt to encroach : divers infirmities of mind still hang about me, and humble me, but are not indulged : on the other hand, a victory hath been obtained, in some considerable degree, to the glory of the good^ ness of that omnipresent, omnipotent, and gracious being, which is ever present with us !

In the way of reading, I choose rather to digest and apply, than read much : among the books that have lately fallen in my way, I much value some of those written by William Law ; but I fear this excellent man has a little blocked up his way by adhering so much to Jacob Behmen ; a-ad as to his account of the transactions of angels before the fall, I could wish he had never meddled with it. Thomas a Kempis is another writer of good estimation, especially for his treatise of the following of Jesus Christ.

Thus I have exhibited a small sample of a spiritual correspondence ; and shall be glad to receive something of this kind from thee : but I desire thou mayest not conceive an opinion of me beyond my desert; I speak rather of my inclination than attainment. I am thy loving cousin and 'brother*

Letter V

I take notice of thy recommendation of Isaac Pennington's writings, to which I am a stranger, but hope I shall not long be so. I lately received by a friend from America, the life of David Brainard, a missionary to the Indians ; published at Boston in New England, 1749, being a spiritual diary, or narrative of observations on the state of his own soul. A sample of spiritual history, as much preferable to natural (in thy and my view) as soul is to body : the narrative is solid, weighty, and candid \ he appears to have been divinely qualified for the work ; and that he saved not only his own soul, but the souls of many others, awakening the dormant sparks of the divinity in them to a flame ! the same tendering power being witnessed as we hear of among ourselves ; and its efficacy demonstrated in a change of heart, affection, life, and conversation in the hearers. Great were the conflicts he underwent whilst struggling with his various weaknesses and sins ; yet a ray of divinity shines through these clouds ; and he grows brighter, clearer, and freer from these impediments as he advances towards eternity ; and manifesteth, at his approaching, solemn, slowly advancing dissolution, (such as thine and mine) clear and just conceptions of that temper which renders acceptable to God, and prepares for a happy translation !

I am desiring to hear from thee, at thy leisure, in this new language of Canaan, which we are beginning to learn in our old days.

Letter VI

THE similarity of the dispensations of Providence towards us seems happily to have laid a foundation for a spiritual correspondence, which I hope will be continued between us, as long as integrity of heart remains. I profess to thee renewedly, that afflicting hand did more for me by way of weaning from this world, and quickening my attention for another, than all outward arguments could have done : and I desire, that we may ever be preserved obsequious to the divine leadings in this respect ! weaknesses and temptations still surround, but I humbly hope do not overwhelm.

I find no cause to retract what I have advanced, in my history of the rise and progress of friends in Ireland, against the Pope, as the grand antichrist and great corrupter of Christianity ; and in tracing the steps and gradations of the apostacy, unto the midnight of darkness ; giving some sketches of the emerging of the light of the reformation : which I am inclined to believe shall rise higher and higher, notwithstanding all discouragements. In this view I look upon the book of the Apocalpyse, to be one of the most important of all the New Testament ; for unless the dreadful apostacy and corruptions which have happened had been so foretold, and also a restitution foretold by the same authortity, our faith might have been shaken, which by this revelation is greatly strengthened and supported : at the same time it is our proper province to believe in the Supreme Providence, and humbly adore its impenetrable wisdom ! Thou wilt not suspect me of being visionary on occasions wherein I have censured other short-sighted honest men ; but it looks to me as if our dear country was well nigh arrived to its Ne plus ultra as to dissoluteness of manners ; and without the gift of prophecy, perhaps it may be said, there never was a period of time more teeming in great events : but I proceed no further on this subject ; let us join with the church in her progress in coming up out of the wilderness ; and in every instance of the restoration of primitive simplicity and purity !

Letter VII

I ACKNOWLEDGE kindly thy account of the several editions of the bible among those called catholics ; which book, where it is read, must undoubtedly represent Christianity in a very different light to the people

b 2 than that in which the priests have represented it. The downfal of the Jesuits in two kingdoms, I would hope bodes good : we have had of late, in this city, many converts openly renouncing popery ; notwithstanding this, I heartly concur with thee, that the greatest corruption of manners may be accompanied with the most orthodox opinions : on the other hand, though I have spoken thus of the Jesuits, I have latelv met with a book wrote by one of this order, who seems to me to give evidences of a truly- Christian spirit; and under most heterodox opinions (which are the worship of saints, and transubstantiation) to maintain great purity of heart, and a lively zeal for the promotion of holiness : and moreover, under the present dreary times of great desolation within the narrow limits of our society, it gives me much comfort that God is here and there, awakening the same spirit of true Christian simplicity which animated our ancestors in the beginning ! and I am abundantly satisfied that many shall come from the east and west, and sit down with Abraham and Isaac.

In the mean time take the following short sketch of Zion in distress, and if thou canst send me any word of consolation. Here is a large congregation, formerly accustomed to plentiful, and very frequent showers of the doctrine of the kingdom, in purity ; now by the death of those who were as the vehicles of it, left in a manner destitute of supplies of that kind : insomuch, that we who are left, are forced either to have recourse to the invisible fountain, at first hand, or to sit dry and parched : the latter, I fear, is the state of manjr ! some of these are going oiF, and other will go : however, at present, many of us hold together. In the midst of this, sometimes there starts up an ignis fatuus, boasting of superior light, but kindled, if I mistake not from below ; reproaching those who remain steady with this language, " You are dumb, but I must not be so." Thus provoking some tender ones, who dare not move without the proper qualification ; and, who having much work to do at home, are necessarily kept in that exercise, and hindered from going abroad. I give thee a sad picture, but too true : had not some of us a supply of a little faith, and a little love, we had perished in this wilderness ! the consideration of the afflicted state of the church in ages past, and some glimmerings of the hope of the gospel, also bring a little support.

LETTER VIIL

1st Mo. 8th, If If.

THY account of thy brother's death, and of my brother's state of health, are both instructive, and I acknowledge them as such.

As to the languishing state of Zion, I have of late suffered more sensibly than ever in my life before ; at times ready to be deserted by brethren I had an esteem for ; however, blessed be the Lord, I am not left quite disconsolate. Upon perusing the holy records, I find the church has generally been in trouble ; and often in more calamitous circurtistances than any thou or I may have observed, and yet was never wholly forsaken : the prophets will furnish thee with numerous instances, which have yielded me considerable satisfaction. That we may be preserved from a participation in the general defection and corruption, is the great spiritual object. But again, I consider we are perhaps more alarmed at these things than we ought to be, in expecting too much from exteriors, by a conformity to our refined way ; which really can effect no more than circumcision to the Jew T outward*

Thy mentioning a certain writer, suggests an observation of the too much prevailing neglect of reading the holy scriptures, even among some of our ministers ; I am far from denying, on the contrary, I commend the imploring divine help ; but at the same time we ought to be diligent in the perusal of these sacred records ; comparing the frequent references and connexions of the Old and New Testament, I need not tell thee that our chapters are, not unfrequently, badly divided, which if not attended to might prevent our having a right understanding of what is before us.

Let reason be exercised ; not to pride and ostentation of science, but as God's precious gift : and let no man of superior talents and opportunities, cover his spiritual idleness, under a specious claim to divine inspiration.

Letter IX

THY observation of the preference of a suffering state to that of being at ease in Zion, ministers some comfort to one who knows himself to be one of the least of many brethren.

Shal! I mention to thee, in a summary way, the use I have made of my late reading of the scriptures, after many and long omissions of this exercise, whilst busy on natural subjects, with an honest view to the promotion of useful knowledge, morality, and temporals, which were set up above, evangelical righteousness ; faith, and a view to another and better world, being in a great measure absorbed. At length did a gracious Providence lead, and as it were allure me to reading these sacred writings ; and now I have a far greater veneration for them than I had before, not only as setting forth the majesty of Christ Jesus, but I have found them to be a seasonable support to my faith, in reference to thewoful apostacy overspreading the Christian churches, clearly foretold ; and the coming out of it pointed at ! May thou and I be ranked among them that are coming out, although in some sort with the witnesses that prophesied in sackcloth !

The prophet Jeremiah w r as a man of sorrows, raised up in the midst of an apostatizing, idolatrous people ; faithful and constant under the severest trials, he manifested God's prescience in the accomplishment of events jnore remote, and in those concerning the gospel clay, and new covenant. May* a degree of his faithfulness attend thee, and me, under the present sad state of the society : although we be no prophets, faithful witnesses we may be.

This prophet has furnished me with a conviction of the harmony, and connexion there is between the Old and New Testament wri* ters, besides other instructive lessons.

Having thus given thee some hints of mf experience in spiritual concerns as the most important, I now descend to temporals,

Letter X

THUS retired, I sit down to discharge my "arrear to thee : and first shall say, I join thee in discouraging an universal charge upon some of our modern reformers, as if, by mistaken notions of Christ's righteousness, they encouraged a persisting in immoral lives ; for from a personal knowledge of some of

them, I have the charity to think that their faith is a living operative one, and such as hath produced an entire change in their manners. Give me leave further to say, in their behalf, that a mere dry morality 9 little better than that of the heathens, has been the general language of the pulpits : the revival of the doctrine of faith in a Christ, both external and internal, seems to me to be doing notable service to the drooping cause of Christianity. Bad men, under the Christian name, may profess belief in Christ, and his doctrine ; but I profess to thee, I do not think they really believe in them ; but that unbelief is, in a great measure, the true source of their wickedness. Give a man a due share of faith and love, and I will warrant for his obedience. Legal men, among us, have cried, Do this, and avoid that, in order that thou mayest be accepted ; but, if I mistake not, God is teaching some better, and enabling them to lay the axe to the root of the tree. Come to meetings, says the pharisee ; bit love God, says the evangelical man, and I will warrant for the consequence ; but he also saith, put away thy idols first.

As to our spiritual state here, as a people signally called out of the world, it is truly poor and languishing : we have indeed been favoured lately with an instance of divine mercy, in a visit from the brethren, in consequence of a recommendation of the yearly meeting ; and as far as I have been a witness to the conducting of this visit, it has been with an honest zeal, love, and Christian prudence ; and I humbly hope, that the word spoken will not return void.

But to conclude and take a review of our analagous spiritual circumstances. As we have both heard God's alarming voice, in restoring us from the jaws of death, and taking or being about to take our elder brother a little before us, (and we are riding post on the same road, ) let us prepare to meet the bridegroom ; and trim our lamps, in higher degrees of love and zeal for his cause on earth : being loosened from every worldly attachment how specious soever ; that we may be ready to enter the chamber*

Letter XI

AS to our religious state in this place, as a society, great is the desolation ! and the awful seat of an elder is fallen to my lot. But amidst all our backslidings, a gracious providence has been extended in divers truly acceptable visits of ministers, and especially by the national visit; which has had a tendency to improve and establish our discipline ;

c whilst it has shaken certain lifeless form^ which did more hurt than good,

I would gladly hope Providence is watching

over us for good, in putting it into the hearts

of some to form a plan for erecting public

schools for educating our youth in a manner

entirely select, and separate from those of other

societies (though here we are but poor, in

comparison with you) ; and if thou knowest

of any public spirited friend, who has money to

spare, and would send over ten, twenty, fifty,

or an hundred pounds for this purpose, I

w r ould be answerable for the application to the

valuable end of preserving, and saving some

individuals, who without this means would be

lost: for we see the children. of those who

embrace this way, are running with a rapid

career into the world again ; some of whom,

by this holy policy, with the co-operation of

the divine blessing, might be preserved.

In conclusion, I would remark, that the exercise of a wholesome Christian discipline lies heavy on the shoulders of a few ; although absolutely necessary to preserve the society from open contempt.

LETTER XIL

I HOPE thou wilt excuse my delay of acknowledging the receipt of thine, when thou shalt have heard how it has been with me.

It is now above a year and a half ago that I was seized with a paralytic stroke on my right side, and in my tongue, although not to the highest degree, nor my senses impaired; but by the indulgence of Providence I have so far slowly recovered my limbs as to be able to walk a mile without resting; the use of my tongue is also in a great measure restored. Now, reckoning my seventy-fifth year, I commence a downright old man. I am, however, very thankful, and possess m} r mind with great tranquility in this happy exemption from the anxiety and cares attending practice; and for the opportunity it gives me to revise, correct, and improve former labours.

I would gladly, at a proper opportunity, be informed of your spiritual state: as to us, in this city, a day of trial now attends us, being as to ministerial help, in a manner, wholly stripped : it is true, some attempts have been made by intruders, but these have been silenc - ed ; although for my part, I would be far from stopping the mouth of the least babe.

Amidst all discouragements in a human way, faith comes in to our aid, even trust in God, who hath often brought forth events beyond all human comprehension. Some convincements, are an instance to this purpose, and the children of unpromising parents raised up to eminent service.

Letter XIII

IN Dublin I received a letter from thee. I rejoice in this, that the Lord of heaven and earth is visiting by his truth, and working by his power, to beget into his heavenly family; and bless his people with that which conveys all the happiness mankind ever did, or ever can taste ! too many are insensible of it ; others too careless to be religious as they ought ; but it is our interest to pursue our own peace, and transmit to others examples. It is an excellent thing to be true subjects of Christ's kingdom, baptized into his nature, and therein to abide. Great has been his mercy in visiting our souls with his blessed truth, and it highly behooves us to watch with all diligence. It is our duty to look to him daily; this comprehends all ; here is our strength, and safety ; other stays or temporary help will fail, and leave us destitute, and inwardly lean : oh ! therefore remember often the dew of thy youth, the tenderness of thy heart when first met with; cherish in thy soul the fresh instance of regard, and be it thy care inwardly to look, and live to the Lord, so shall thy hands be made strong, and thy head be kept above the water.