and which, when made by God, has but degraded itself, is unable to “create itself anew in Christ Jesus unto good works.”  No, fear and trembling are the only part, and that but negative, which the spirit of man can have in working out its own salvation; but when led by the good spirit into this true fear, when given to wait, and held waiting at the feet of Jesus, it is made able, gradually, to receive the essential gospel of salvation; and so long only is it in the way of salvation as it is sensible of its constant dependence on the one Saviour of men.

May Friends, above all, while distinctly maintaining the doctrine of the influence of the Spirit on the heart, be deeply and personally sensible that there is but one Saviour, even Jesus Christ, who came into the world to save sinners, of whom, as we are led to true repentance, I believe each one will be ready to think “I am chief.”  The distinguishing practices of Friends, as to dress, language, etc. are in no manner valuable, but when they spring from the root of essential Christianity.  This is certainly the great thing.  “Cleanse first the inside of the cup and platter.”

I have been grieved to fear that some would resolve the vast meaning of “a religious life and conversation consistent with our Christian profession” into little more than “plainness of speech, behavior, and apparel:”  then I do think it becomes a mere idol.  The tithe of “mint, anise, and cummin” is preferred to the weightier matters of the law.  But I am going from the point of my own condition in the warmth of my feelings, which have been deeply troubled at these things of late.

11th Mo. 18th.  I believe it is one and the same fallen nature which, at one time, is holding me captive to the world; at another, filling me with impatience and anxiety about my spiritual progress; at another, with self-confidence, and at another, with despondency.  Oh, the enemy knows my many weak sides; but I do hope and trust the Lord will take care of me.  “Past, present, future, calmly leave to Him who will do all things well.”  If the root be but kept living and growing, then I need not be anxious about the branches; but, above all, the root must be the husbandman’s exclusive care.

11th Mo. 30th.  I believe I sincerely desire that no spurious self-satisfaction may be mistaken for the peace of God, that no activity in works of self-righteousness may be mistaken for doing the day’s work in the day.  Oh, who can tell the snares that surround me?  Yet I have been comforted this morning, in thinking of the declaration, “His mercies are over-all his works;” which I believe may be very especially applied to the work of His Spirit in the soul of man.  Over this He does watch, and to this He does dispense, day by day, His merciful protection from surrounding dangers; “I the Lord do keep it, I will water it every moment; lest any hurt