we be long in discovering the privilege of which we shall then be in possession—­“Of such is the kingdom of heaven.”  Then, doubtless, we shall be furthest from reasoning at all.

We have been much interested with the last volume of D’Aubigne.  The imperfection of all the instruments is strikingly shown.  Luther’s obstinate transubstantiation or consubstantiation doctrines, Melancthon’s timid concessions to the Papists, and Zwingle’s carnal warfare, ending in the tragedy of Cappel, and, as it seems, in the long delay of the establishment of the Reformation in Switzerland.  D’Aubigne appears very sensible of this inconsistency:  even the loss of Ecolampadius by a peaceful death he represents as a happy encouragement to the Church after the blow it had received; but I don’t think D’Aubigne a thorough peace advocate.  He makes so much distinction between the Churchman and Statesman, that I fear he would allow of mere rulers and magistrates taking up arms on merely secular affairs, though he does not wish the Church to be defended by such.  I should like to know thy impression of the early Christians’ opinion on war.  Neander allows that a party objected to it, as in the case of Maximilian, A.D. 229; but says that very sincere Christians were soldiers in the Roman army, till Galerius required all soldiers to take part in the heathen ceremonies.

8th Mo. 26th.  Oh, how shall I set forth His tender compassion, who has blessed me this evening with, I was going to say, the abundance of peace and truth?  Oh, how near He has been, helping me to cast my all on Him, helping me to leave the things that are behind, yes, and the things that are before too, as far as self is concerned, and commit my future way and safety to Him!  When His love has been made known, how have I been grieved by fears of future folly, fears, too, that have been grievously fulfilled.  What a pretest this for harassing myself with fears that it will be so again!  But, oh, these fears are very far from that fear which the Lord will put into His children’s hearts, that they shall not depart from Him.  They have no preserving power over me; they are “of the earth, earthy,” and solely come from distrust of that grace which is ever-sufficient; from a desire to have a share myself in that victory which is Christ’s alone.  Oh, if my incessant regards were to Him alone, He would take all care on Himself.  “He is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever,” and His faith is “the victory which overcomes the world.”  Humility, true watchfulness, and self-distrust are diametrically opposed to this careful spirit:  their language ever is, “I am nothing, Christ is all.”

8th Mo. 27th.  Changed indeed; not any light to be seen in my dark heart.  Yet I look up, I trust singly, to Him from whom it came yesterday; and thither may I look till again the day break.  Can I say, in full sincerity,