them, and they shall be my sons and daughters." 2 Cor. vi. 18. When wages in a fruitful land bear so small a proportion to the necessaries of life, that poor honest people who have families, cannot, by a moderate industry, attain to a comfortable living, and give their children sufficient learning, but must either labour to a degree of oppression, or else omit that which appears to be a duty: While this is the case with the poor, there is an inclination in the minds of most people, to prepare, at least so much treasure for their children, that they with care and moderate industry may live free from these hardships which the poor pass through. Now, this subject requireth our serious consideration to labour that our children may be put in a way to live comfortably, appears in itself to be a duty, so long as these our labours are consistent with universal righteousness; but if, in striving to shun poverty, we do not walk in that state where "Christ is our life," then we wander; "He that hath the Son, hath life." 1 John v. 12. "This life is the light of men." John i. 4. If we walk not in this light, we walk in darkness, and "he that walketh in darkness, knoweth not whither he goeth." John xii. 35. To keep to right means in labouring to attain a right end is necessary: if, in striving to shun poverty, we strive only in that state where Christ is the light of our life, our labours will stand in the true harmony of society; but if people are confident that the end aimed at is good, and in this confidence pursue it so eagerly, as not to wait for the Spirit of truth to lead them, then they come to loss. "Christ is given to be a leader and commander of the people." Isaiah liv. 4. Again, "The Lord shall guide thee continually," Isaiah lviii. 12. Again; Lord, thou wilt ordain peace for us, for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.' 66 xxvi. 12. " Isaiah "In the Lord have we righteousness and strength." Isaiah xlv. 24. In this state our minds are preserved watchful, in following the leadings of his Spirit in all our proceedings in this world, and a care is felt for a reformation in general; that our own posterity, with the rest of mankind, in succeeding ages, may not be entangled by oppressive customs, transmitted to them through our hands: but, if people in the narrowness of natural love, are afraid that their children will be oppressed by the rich, and through an eager desire to get treasures, depart from the pure leadings of truth in one case, though it may seem to be a small matter, yet the mind, even in that small matter, may be emboldened to continue in a way of proceeding, without waiting for the divine Leader. Thus people may grow expert in business, wise in the wisdom of this world, retain a fair reputation amongst men, and yet, being strangers to the voice of Christ, the safe leader of his flock, the treasures thus gotten, may be like snares to the feet of their posterity. Now, to keep faithful to the pure counsellor, and, under trying circumstances, suffer adversity for righteousness' sake, in this there is at reward. If we, being poor, are hardly dealt with by those who are rich, and under this difficulty are frugal and industrious, and in true humility open our case to them who oppress us, this may reach the pure witness in their minds; and though we should remain under difficulties as to the outward, yet if we abide in the love of Christ, all will work for our good. When we feel what it is to suffer in the true suffering state, then we experience the truth of those expressions, that, "as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation aboundeth by Christ." 2 Cor. i. 5. But if poor people who are hardly dealt with, do not attain to the true suffering state, do not labour in true love with those who deal hardly with them, but envy their outward greatness, murmur in their hearts because of their own poverty, and strive in the wisdom of this world to get riches for themselves and their children; this is like wandering in the dark. If we who are of a middle station between riches and poverty, are affected at times with the oppressions of the poor, and feel a tender regard for our posterity after us; O how necessary is it that we wait for the pure counsel of truth! Many have seen the hardships of the poor, and feel an eager desire that their children may be put in a way to escape these hardships; but how few have continued in that pure love which openeth our understandings to proceed rightly under these difficulties! How few have faithfully followed that holy Leader who prepares his people to labour for the restoration of true harmony amongst our fellow-creatures! In the pure gospel-spirit, "we walk by faith and not by sight." 2 Cor. v. 7. In the obedience of faith we die to the narrowness of self-love, and our life being hid with Christ in God, our hearts are enlarged toward mankind universally; but in departing from the true light of life, many in striving to get treasures have stumbled upon the dark mountains. Now that purity of life which proceeds from faithfulness in following the Spirit of truth, that state where our minds are devoted to serve God, and all our wants are bounded by his wisdom; this habitation has often been opened before me as a place of retirement for the children of the light, where we may stand separated from that which disordereth and confuseth the affairs of society, and where we may have a testimony of our innocence in the hearts of those who behold us. Through departing from the truth as it is in Jesus, through introducing ways of life attended with unnecessary expenses, many wants have arisen, the minds of people have been employed in studying to get wealth, and in this pursuit some departing from equity, have retained a |