Oh for that other fear which only “is a fountain of life, preserving from the snares of death!” Oh for that love which casteth out the slavish fear, and maketh one with what it loves—­first with that God from whom it comes, and then with those in whom it dwells!  Dwell, oh, that it may, in our two hearts, their best, their first, their strongest, dearest bond, and dwell, too, in the hearts of those I leave behind, and cause that still and henceforth we may be “together though apart”!

The responsibility of having so important an office to fulfil towards any fellow-being as that of sharing in, influencing, and being influenced by all his wishes, actions, and tendencies, has felt very serious. * * * * Never before had I so strong a sense of the identity of our highest duty towards ourselves and towards each other; and that to live, and to be as and what we ought, in the best sense, is the chief requisite for influencing one another for good.

6th Mo. 24th.  Though I have this morning been helped and comforted, I must confess much unsubdued evil has manifested itself even within these few days.  The bitter waters within, the tendency to what is evil, the corrupt root, have sadly appeared.—­Oh, there is the one cause, not minding enough the good part which shall not be taken away, and so disquieted at the loss or disturbance of lower things.  “How shall we escape if we neglect (not only reject) such great salvation?” I was made mercifully sensible, last night and this morning, that such is our Father’s love, that His aim is chiefly to bestow, our duty to receive, that He calls and invites; but it is not that we may work a performance of our own, but receive His own good things.  Oh, the folly, the ingratitude, of being inattentive to such a blessing!  Oh, the rebellious pride of choosing our own self-will, and our own way, when the privilege may be ours of becoming the obedient and loving children of God—­of receiving from Him the willing and the obedient heart which we may offer up to Him again, and which He will accept!

  6th Mo. 30th.  Letter to M.B. [Alluding to
  various engagements.]

* * * These “fill the past, present, and future” of these last months at home with many and various occupations and meditations.  It is a blessing not to be more disturbed within, if it be but a safe calmness.  Oh, that is a large condition; but how unsafe is all calmness resulting from shutting our eyes from the truth of our worst side!  Yet I think when we can really be glad at the thought that our worst side is seen and known, there is some hope of remedy and of peace, and (may I not say?) alliance with the Physician who has all power and skill.  Then only can we welcome any thing, however trying, which we can believe comes from His hand, or may tend to make us any nearer the pattern we strive for, or any more likely