believe the rebellious, and enemies to the truth, can join, while they remain in that state, in the true and spiritual worship. But we know they may unite their voices, where an outward form of worship is embraced; and such may even suppose they are doing God service. The society of Friends are therefore satisfied with their silent and spiritual meetings, and abundantly prefer them to any formal mode of worship, which is outward, and not according to the leadings and manifestations of the divine spirit.

From what has been said, the reader will observe, that we are by profession bound to wait for the calls and direction of the spirit, and not to proceed to preaching, praying, or singing in our solemn meetings, unless we are thereunto led; and that in the two last cases there may be many engaged according to their different wants and growths, even at the same time, and in the same assembly; which would not be the case, if all were called to join in the same form, either of prayer, or of singing. We therefore believe, that we are called upon to hold up a testimony against all those performances, in the solemn act of worship, which are entered upon in the will, wisdom, and time of man, and to

exalt by precept and example, our testimony, to the spirituality of the gospel dispensation: well knowing that it is a dispensation, in which the substance is to be enjoyed in the spirit and life of the dear Son of God; who is building up a spiritual church, founded upon him in all things.

OF THE DOCTRINE OF FAITH.

On the doctrine of faith, we say with the apostle, that " without faith, it is impossible to please God." But by faith, we do not mean a confession to any particular form of opinions; because this would be possible to those who are in many respects reprobate concerning the faith in Christ. Neither are we of the judgment, that our "faith should stand in the wisdom of man, but in the power of God.” 1 Cor ii. 5. Therefore, we believe, that the faith of a true disciple of Christ, is in a living principle, a divine and heavenly spirit; which no human means can beget in us; but which is the immediate manifestation of the eternal power and word of God. Wherefore, we conclude with the apostle Paul, "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

Rom. x. 17. This word, we believe to be the same which was in the beginning, which Moses spoke of, and which Paul adverts to and says, “Is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart. This is the word of faith, which we preach." Rom. x. 8.. Those, therefore, whos believe in this inward manifestation of the word, and have their spiritual ear open to hear, have come to embrace the proper object of faith, without which it is impossible to please God. To such, faith is the evidence of things not seen, the substance of things hoped for. They are in the true and spiritual sense the children of faithful Abraham, walking by the. same rule, and minding the same thing. This is that faith by which the elders obtained a good report, and concerning which so much is said in the holy Scriptures. Every one, therefore, whose spiritual ear is open to this manifestation of the spirit, or word of faith, is no longer trusting to the natural understanding, but living subject to the divine mind, and thereby overcoming the world. Until we have come to this living principle, this light and life of the spirit, the soul remains subject to the fallen nature, and cannot serve God acceptably, or be united to him. But we believe that this great

principle of faith is offered to all men, and that those of every description who come to trust in it, and be led by it, will be raised from under the dominion of fallen nature, and united by faith to the general assembly of the church of the first born, whose names are written in heaven. Wheresoever this living faith is, there will be the works corresponding with it. But a faith that is without works is not of divine origin. "Was not Abraham, our father, justified by works, when he had offered his son Isaac, upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect." James ii. 21, 22. When the soul of man is brought to lean upon this divine manifestation of the spirit, then there is no longer a submission to evil, but all the powers of temptation are laid open, and the transgressing nature in man is brought to light, and judgment is passed upon it. These are they, who walk in the spirit, and have no confidence in the flesh, and "who are kept by the power of God, through faith unto salvation; ready to be revealed in the last time." 1 Peter i. 5. From the foregoing, it will appear that Friends consider it possible, for a man to acknowledge that he believes in the moral excellency of the

doctrines of the Scriptures, and subscribe formally to many truths of the gospel; he may even fulfil the works of the law, and regard all the outward duties of religion, but fail at last to have that faith by which the promise was to be inherited, and by which the strong will of the creature, is kept in subjection to the Creator. For in whomsoever this word of faith is brought forth, and made the governing princi ple, in such the will and pride of the creature is brought down; they act not from motives of human kind, nor are they soliciting human approbation: but they seek that honour which comes from God only, and therefore they be lieve, to the saving of the soul. Such do not stumble at the cross of Christ, nor confer with flesh and blood; but however singular they may appear among men, they, like Paul, are obedient to the heavenly vision.