readers of the following pages, particularly of the Lectures; though she is not ignorant of the difficulty of meeting the literary taste of such, on subjects not calculated to attract their inclination. Yet if of a studious disposition she persuades herself they might not deem it loss of time to survey these subjects, through the medium by which they are here presented. But what can be said effectually to extend their influence over those whose spiritual ears remain stopped to the voice of the true charmer, and whose spiritual eyes continue so blinded by the god of this world, as not to behold Him of whom it is said, "sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely?" Surely nothing is available unless He who miraculously opened the ears and eyes of the naturally blind and deaf, should be pleased to extend a measure of his efficacious power, in opening the eyes and ears of the spiritually blind and deaf, to behold and to receive the wonderous things of his law. Then will even such as these perceive, that their former apprehensions of Him, whom they are now favoured to know as "the chiefest of ten thousand," had

been no less erroneous than the apprehensions of the infatuated Jews, who, when they saw Him in his humiliating appearance on earth, did not desire Him; considering "his visage was marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men;" a description which was indeed verified respecting Him by those who scourged and crucified the Lord of glory.

But as Christ rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven, where He sitteth "on the right hand of the Majesty on high," and from whence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead; and as "He ever liveth to make intercession for us; " so will He also arise in the hearts of those who are willing to open the door unto Him; and will cause them to know that He is indeed "the resurrection and the life;" in whom those who believe, though they were even dead in trespasses and sins, should be made alive; and those who live and believe in Him through this experience of the power of his resurrection, shall never die the second spiritual death.

It is therefore to such as are in any degree

this saving knowledge, that the writer would thankfully hold forth, if so enabled, a hand of help; if only by persuading them that there are treasures yet to be unfolded to their view-truths of the deepest interest and most consolatory influence, which, though hitherto unknown to them, will assuredly repay the most earnest pursuit and highest cost, which the possession of them may require: yea such are the boundless love and mercy which offer them to our acceptance, that their purchase, to which we are graciously invited, is declared to be-" without money and without price!"

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

It is fully admitted by the Writer of the following pages, that sources of information and channels of appropriate instruction, already open to the youth of our Society, are numerous and valuable-that opportunities and encouragements to avail themselves of such aids are abundantly afforded; especially that to which their religious profession peculiarly directs them-of embracing the high privilege of individual application to Him who is the Fountain of wisdom and strength, as the immediate Teacher of his people; together with the devout perusal of the Holy Scriptures, which so eminently testify of Him.

In the enumeration of these general advantages, may be especially included, that important means of the religious instruction so earnestly enjoined on members of this Society-the bringing up of children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, by pious example and precept-and their early introduction

C

to a constant attendance on the duty of public worship; when in conjunction with believing brethren, they may be exercised in waiting upon the Lord, and at seasons in hearing the testimonies of Truth, both doctrinal and practical, declared in a measure of its own Divine authority. Yet it is apprehended that a loss may have been sustained, by some classes among the youth, for want of the more frequent impression of doctrinal truth, as exhibited by concentrated views of Scripture testimony; whether as held in common by other Christian professors, or in some instances distinguished from them.

It has been observed by a late pious individual, that the religion of Friends is "a religion of feeling." -Surely it is not less truly a religion of faith; and that supported by sound principle, both doctrinal and practical. Is it not alone from the union of these essential characteristics, as equally the products of that grace and truth which came by Jesus Christ, that religion can derive consistence and stability? Without this union our religious profession might resemble a tree, which if not destitute of its vital property, would be defective in its roots or deficient in its branches, not capable of bringing forth fruit to perfection. It may indeed be justly observed, that such sound principles, with all their specific results, both