I have sometimes wondered, that trading in rum, and other strong liquors, did not prove too heavy for the professors of the holy Truth; considering the destruction it makes on some, and oppression on others. This thing I desire may be considered; now in this day of trial, and great commotions, -a day of sifting indeed.

'Tis likely, most concerned in that trade account drunkenness an odious evil; and it may be well for them to consider, whether importing and selling such great quantities of that which ought to be taken only as physic, in the right use of it,-is not encouragement to intoxication. Oh! the great consumption of strong spirits, in that little time of harvest! the greatest part of which is used, I fear, to the hurt of both soul and body, and is a dishonour to God, the fountain of all our mercies. Harvest time ought to be a season of gratitude and humble thankfulness to the Almighty, that he may continue his blessings and favours to us.

I desire, friends, that we may not forget the labour and exercises of our worthy elders, who had a testimony to bear against those things that were dishonourable to God, and thought nothing too near to part with, to win Christ. They gave up life and all, rather than displease the Lord, or be any hinderance to the spreading of Truth in the earth; so that the children of men might believe in it, and be delivered from evil. Were it the general concern of the professors of Truth now, I believe the Lord would yet favour us, and withhold his judgments, which, it seems to me, we have been threatened with, and which I believe we may expect, unless there is a reformation in the land.

It is in fear before the Lord, I have to mention these things; and to press them home to the consideration of the people. Let us not forget the shaking of the rod over us. For it has seemed to me to be very close threatening, to withhold the produce of the land from us. And if the Lord should thus visit us in his great displeasure, what will become of those who have spent their time in forgetfulness of him? It has often occurred to my mind, that if the Lord should send scarcity of bread among us, the aforementioned excesses may be one great cause thereof, as that noble creature, man, is thereby made lower than the beasts of the field.

And let those that are concerned in distilling of grain and fruit, to make a trade of, consider how they can be clear of that evil of drunkenness, when it is well known, that if there was no more liquor used than what is really necessary, it could not be made a trade of, in that manner. I believe distillation is putting those things to another use than was intended by the Giver thereof; and it has fixed in my mind that it is very displeasing to Him, and has been one cause of the blast on the fruit. Oh! the need there is for all ranks of people to use the good things which the Lord bestows on us, with moderation; and to humble ourselves before him, as the Ninevites did! For, I believe, that nothing but true repentance will stay the judgments that seem to hang over us. Oh! remember, the day of account hastens, and to those that will not turn to the Lord in the day of his mercy, but are pursuing the gain, the pleasures or delights of this world, it will be a dreadful day.

There is need for the elders to breathe to God, that the camp may be searched, and the hidden things brought to light, even those things that hinder the prosperity of Truth. Thus, being thoroughly washed and cleansed, pure charity, one towards another may abound. Hereby we shall become good way-marks unto others; and when things appear that are reproachful to Truth, a concern will arise to lay a hand on them, in order for a reformation. I believe there are faithful elders, who go mourning on their way, because of the evils which prevail in the churches; and I also believe there are many young ones, who lie hid, as it were, from man, that are, nevertheless, further on their journey heaven-ward, than some who make a greater appearance. And those hidden ones the Lord beholds, though they may have to mourn in secret, and say, How shall I get along, when some, who ought to be way-marks to others, are falling on one hand, and some on the other! My desire is, that no tender, breathing babe may be discouraged, for the Lord is on their side, who walk in fear before him, of what age or station soever.

And now, I feel somewhat eased of that which has lain as a burden on my mind, and at times, been as a fire in my bosom that wanted vent. But when I beheld that something after this manner would be required of me, and looked at my own weakness, the cross seemed so heavy to bear, that I reasoned thus: Oh! that the Lord would choose one better qualified, that the people may hear! forgetting that he sometimes works by mean instruments, thereby setting forth his great power, to the pulling down of that which is an abomination to

him. In this way I reasoned, and shrunk from under the cross, until the Divine presence departed from me, and by his judgments, he made me willing to give up to his requirings.

Thus, having been drawn forth into things beyond my expectation, I conclude; with desires that all who profess Christianity, may search their own hearts, and see how they follow Christ, and submit to his will in all things. And if any receive benefit by these lines, let the praise be given to God, to whom it belongs, who is the Author of all good, and is worthy of all honour and praise, with his dear son, the Lamb, now and forever.

ELIZABETH LEVIS.

Kennet, Chester county, 5th mo. 9th, 1761.

ELIZABETH LEVIS'S ACCOUNT Of her esteemed friend, Susanna Blundel. I cannot be easy without making some mention concerning our dear friend, Susanna Blundel, and the concern that was on her mind, of which I was a witness, in some conversation with her of late, concerning the trading in spirituous liquors, and the customs of using it, which promote great evils among the people. There is one thing hath rested on my mind, ever since I heard of her death, and has come very close at times, to write down, that others may have it to consider of. There was a time when I had drawings on my mind to go and visit this, our dear friend, in her family; and it lay on my mind to ask her what she thought of those things above mentioned. Her answer was, "They

This

have been a burden to me many years.' question had come in my mind to ask her before; but now reviving with such a concern that I could not well omit it, she seemed very nearly affected with it, and said, "What can we, women, do? The

men uphold it."

fected me.

Which saying of hers much af

And

When I heard of her death, it took hold of my mind with sorrow, at parting with so near a friend, and one concerned for the honour of God. while my mind was thus affected, concerning our dear friend, there seemed this voice sounded in my inward ear: There is no cause of sorrow; for she has done her day's work, and has gone to rest. ELIZABETH LEVIS.

MARY PRYOR.

In 1798, Mary Pryor, a Friend in the ministry, from England, embarked on a religious visit to America. On the passage, the ship sprung á dangerous leak, the water flowed in so sapidly, that all the efforts of the seamen were insufficient to prevent its increasing; and they became, at length, so much exhausted, by continued labour, that they were about to abandon the pump, and give up all for lost. Mary Pryor had encouraged them to do the best they could; and at this critical juncture, she felt her mind so strongly impressed with a belief, that, by holding out a little longer, some way would open for their deliverance, that she earnestly persuaded them to continue their exertions. They complied with her solicitation, and in a short time.