that, if we only abide stedfast and immovable, He whom the waves of the
sea obeyed will in his own time speak peace to the minds of his tossed
ones, and a calm will ensue.


The perusal of Elizabeth Smith's "Fragments" occasions him to remark how
profitable it is to read the writings of others; but he wisely adds:--


I am often desirous not to rest satisfied with a bare perusal of these,
believing they are only advantageous to us so far as they stimulate to a
closer attention to that inward gift, which alone can enable us to witness
the same experience. It is often a query with me, how am I spending this
precious time, which passes so swiftly away never to return? and, in order
to answer this query aright, how desirable it is to dwell with thee, sweet
solitude! to turn inward, to examine and correct the defects of our own
disordered minds; how delightful it is to walk alone and contemplate the
beautiful scenes of nature. Yet in these retired moments, when viewing the
works of a divine hand springing up to answer the great end for which they
were created, I am often deeply perplexed with a distressing fear lest I
should not be found coming forward faithfully to answer the end of Him who
has created man for the purpose of his own glory.


The meetings for the discipline of the Society were often times of
spiritual refreshment to him.


6 _mo._ 23.--I left home to attend our Quarterly Meeting at York. The
meetings for business were generally satisfactory; on re-examining the