these utterances, there are circumstances | which this individual gave himself out connected with their early history which as the pastor. He accordingly furnished go far to test their character, two of them with letters of introduction to one which we shall just mention. The or more of his elders. On their arriving "prophetic utterances" were, at the in America, however, no such church period of their first appearance, inti- was to be found. It was discovered mately connected with Mr. Irving's that Mr. Irving and his people had erroneous views respecting the huma- been grossly deceived by an arrant imnity of Christ, and were appealed to by postor, who had lived among them for him as affording a Divine testimony to some months, telling them lies daily. the soundness of those views, when they How very different this from the occurwere condemned as anti-Scriptural by rence mentioned Acts v. 1–11, respectthe General Assembly of the Church of ing Annanias and Sapphira, who, in Scotland. There remain hearers of Mr. their attempt to deceive the early ChrisIrving who have a personal knowledge tian Church, were instantly detected, of this matter, and well remember that and visited with condign punishment he made such appeals when preaching by the Apostle. in Regent Square Church.

In conclusion, we must remark, that we cannot look upon this modern Church system, which arrogates to itself the title of "Apostolic," otherwise than as a strong delusion, whereby many are being deceived, and led into pernicious and soul-destroying error. And whereto will it tend? Themselves do not know, for the "prophetic utterances" may lead them into inextricable labyrinths and indefinite developments. Whatever system places human utterances on a par with the authentic revelations of Deity, does, in fact, instead of raising what is human, degrade what is Divine; and when once the standard of truth is debased by such alloy as we have seen, there can be no ascertainable limit imposed against further vitiation`

Another circumstance which we would mention as connected with the history of those "utterances," is well known to such as were members of the NewmanStreet Church, at the time of its occurrence. About the year 1834, a person introduced himself to Mr. Irving as the pastor of a church in America, told him that a similar work had commenced among his people, and that being at a loss how to proceed with it, he had come to see the order observed in the church at Newman-Street. He and his wife received a most hearty welcome, and were entertained with all Christian hospitality by Mr. Irving and the members of his church. "Prophetic utterances" directed that certain persons should visit the church in America, of of it.

THE FRIENDS OR QUAKERS.

BY THOMAS EVANS,

PHILADELPHIA.

REVISED BY WILLIAM SMEAL, GLASGOW

THE religious Society of Friends, com- | him rightly to understand the truths of monly called Quakers, is a body of Chris- the Gospel. tian professors, which arose in England about the middle of the seventeenth century. The ministry of George Fox was chiefly instrumental, under the Divine blessing, in convincing those who joined him of those Christian principles and testimonies which distinguish the Society; and his pious labours contributed in no small degree to their establishment as an organized body, having a regular form of church government and discipline.

In this state of reverent dependence upon the Fountain of saving knowledge, his mind was enlightened to see into the spirituality of the Gospel dispensation, and to detect many errors which had crept into the professing Christian Church. In the year 1647, he commenced his labours as a minister of the Gospel, travelling extensively through England, generally on foot; and, from a conviction that it was contrary to Christ's positive command, he refused This devoted servant of Christ was to receive any compensation for preachborn at Drayton, in Leicestershire, in ing, defraying his expenses out of his the year 1624, and was carefully edu-own slender means. The unction from cated by his parents in the Episcopal on high, which attended his ministry, mode of worship. He appears to have carried conviction to the hearts of many led a religious life from his childhood, of his hearers; and his fervent disinand to have been deeply concerned for the salvation of his soul. Amid a high profession of religion then generally prevalent, he observed among the people much vain and trifling conversation The civil and religious commotions and conduct, as well as sordid earthly- which prevailed in England about this mindedness, both which he believed to period, doubtless prepared the way be incompatible with the Christian life. for the more rapid spread of Gospel This brought great trouble upon his truth. The fetters, in which priestcraft mind, clearly perceiving that the pro- had long held the human mind were fession in which he had been educated beginning to be loosened; the dependid not give to its adherents that vic-dence of man upon his fellow-man, in tory over sin which the Gospel enjoins, matters of religion, was shaken, and and which his soul panted after. He many sincere souls, panting after a withdrew from his former associates, nearer acquaintance with God, and a and passed much of his time in retire- | dominion over their sinful appetites and ment,-reading the Holy Scriptures, and passions, which they could not obtain endeavouring to wait upon the Lord for by the most scrupulous observance of the revelation of his Spirit, to enable the ceremonies of religion, were earnestly

terested labours were crowned with such success, that in a few years a large body of persons had embraced the Christian principles which he promulgated.

inquiring, "What must we do to be their prayers, that they might be brought saved?" The message of George Fox to this blessed experience; but looking appears to have been, mainly, to direct without, instead of having their attenthe people to Christ Jesus, the great tion turned within, they missed the obShepherd and Bishop of souls, who died ject of their search. They frequented for them, and had sent his Spirit or light the preaching of the most eminent into their hearts, to instruct and guide ministers; spent much time in reading the them in the things pertaining to life and Holy Scriptures, in fasting, meditation, salvation. and prayer, and increased the strictness of their lives and religious performances; but still they were not wholly freed from the dominion of sin.

To the light of Christ Jesus in the conscience, he endeavoured to turn the attention of all, as that by which sin was manifested and reproved, duty unfolded, and ability given to run with alacrity and joy in the way of God's commandments. The preaching of this doctrine was glad-tidings of great joy to many longing souls, who eagerly embraced it, as that for which they had been seeking; and, as they walked in this Divine light, they experienced a growth in grace and in Christian knowledge, and gradually came to be established as pillars in the house of God.

Some, after wearying themselves with the multitude and severity of their duties, without finding the expected benefit from them, separated from all the forms of worship then practised, and sat down together, waiting upon the Lord, and earnestly looking and praying for the full manifestation of the kingdom and power of the Lord Jesus.

In this humble, seeking state, the Lord was graciously pleased to meet with them; sometimes without any inMany of these, before they joined with strumental means, at others, through George Fox, had been highly esteemed the living ministry of George Fox or in the various religious societies of the other anointed servants, who were preday, for their distinguished piety and pared and sent forth to preach the Gosexperience, being punctual in the per-pel. Then they were brought to see formance of all their religious duties, that that which made them uneasy in and regular in partaking of what are the midst of their high profession and termed the "ordinances." But, not- manifold observances, and raised fervent withstanding they endeavoured to be breathings after the God of their lives, faithful to the degree of knowledge they was nothing less than the Spirit of the had received, their minds were not yet Lord Jesus Christ striving with them, in at rest. They did not witness that re-order to bring them out fully from under demption from sin, and that establish- the bondage of sin, into the glorious ment in the truth, which they read of in liberty of the children of God. the Bible as the privilege and duty of They were brought to see that they Christians; and hence they were in- had been resting too much in a mere duced to believe that there was a purer historical belief of the blessed doctrines and more spiritual way than they had of the Gospel,-the birth, life, miracles, yet found. They felt that they needed sufferings, death, resurrection, ascension, to know more of the power of Christ mediation, intercession, atonement, and Jesus in their own hearts, making them divinity of the Lord Jesus; but had new creatures, bruising Satan, and put- not sufficiently looked for, and abode ting him under their feet, and renewing under, the heart-changing and sanctifytheir souls up into the Divine image ing power of the Holy Ghost or Comwhich was lost in Adam's fall, and sanc-forter; to seal those precious truths on tifying them wholly, in body, soul, and the understanding, and give to each one spirit, through the inward operations of a living and practical interest in them; the Holy Ghost and of fire. so that they might really know Christ to be their Saviour and Redeemer, and

Great were their conflicts, and earnest

that he had, indeed, come into their hearts, and set up his righteous government there.

thrown into prison, and the children continued to hold their meetings, unawed by the threats of the officers, or the cruel whippings which some of them suffered.

This was the dawning of a new day to their souls; and, as they attended in simple obedience to the discoveries of As early as the year 1655, some this Divine light, they were gradually ministers travelled on the continent of led to see farther into the spirituality of Europe, and meetings of Friends were the Gospel dispensation. The change soon after settled in Holland and other which it made in their views was great, places ;-some travelled into Asia, some and many and deep were their searchings were carried to Africa, and several were of heart, trying the fleece both wet and imprisoned in the Inquisitions of Rome, dry," ere they yielded, lest they should Malta, and in Hungary. About the be mistaken, and put the workings of same period the first Friends arrived in their own imagination for the unfoldings America, at the port of Boston, and of the Spirit of Christ; but as they commenced their religious labours among patiently abode under its enlightening the people, many of whom embraced the operations, every doubt and difficulty was removed, and they were enabled to speak from joyful experience of that which they had seen, and tasted, and handled of the good Word of Life.

doctrines which they heard. The spirit of persecution, from which Friends had suffered so deeply in England, made its appearance in America with increased virulence and cruelty, inflicting upon the peaceable Quakers various punishments; and finally put four of them to death by the gallows.

the love of the Gospel, and a sense of religious duty, came over and travelled through the country; others removed thither and settled;-and, in 1682, a large number, under the patronage of William Penn, came into the province of Pennsylvania, and founded that flourishing colony. At that time, meetings were settled along the Atlantic provinces, from North Carolina as far as Boston in New England; and, at the present day, the largest body of Friends is to be found in the United States.

The rapid spread of the doctrines preached by George Fox was surprising; and among those who embraced them were persons of the best families in the Notwithstanding the opposition they kingdom, several priests of the Epis- had to encounter, the principles of copal denomination, and ministers of Friends continued to spread in America; other societies, besides many other many eminent ministers, actuated by learned and substantial men. A large number of ministers, both men and women, were soon raised up in the infant Society, who travelled abroad, as they believed themselves Divinely called, spreading the knowledge of the truth, and strengthening and comforting the newly convinced. In a few years meetings were settled in nearly all parts of the United Kingdom; and, notwithstanding the severe persecution to which the Society was subjected, by which thousands were locked up in jails and dungeons, and deprived of nearly all their property, besides being subjected to barbarous personal abuse, its members continued to increase, and manifested a zeal and devotedness which excited the admiration of even their persecutors. Their sufferings seemed only to animate them with fresh ardour, and to unite them more closely together in the bond of Gospel fellowship. Instances occurred where all the parents were

When we consider the great numbers who joined the Society-that, without any formal admission, all those who embraced the principles of Friends, and attended their meetings, were considered members, as well as their children, and, of course, the body in some measure implicated in the consistency of their conduct-the numerous meetings which were settled, and the wide extent of country which they embraced-it is ob

vious that the organization of the Society | Society to which he belongs. If, in would have been imperfect without some pursuance of those Christian means laid system of church government by which down in the Gospel, he is brought to acthe conduct of the members might be inspected and restrained.

knowledge and sincerely condemn his error, a brother is gained; the church is freed from reproach by his repentance and amendment of life; and thus the highest aim of all disciplinary regulations is attained. Where these effects, however, do not result from the Christian care of the church, it becomes its duty to testify against the disorderly conduct of the offender, and to declare that he has separated himself from its fellowship, and is no longer a member thereof. The views of George Fox on this subject were marked by that simplicity and Scriptural soundness which distinguished his whole character.

The enlightened and comprehensive mind of George Fox was not long in perceiving the necessity for this; and he early began to make arrangements for carrying it into practice. Under the guidance of the light of Christ Jesus, which had so clearly unfolded to him the doctrines and precepts of the Gospel in their true spiritual character, he commenced the arduous work of establishing meetings for discipline; and, in a few years, had the satisfaction to see his labour and concern crowned with success, both in England and America. Under the influence of that Christian love He considered the church as a harmowhich warmed his heart toward the nious and compact body, made up of whole human family, but which more living members, having gifts differing especially flowed toward the household according to the measure of grace reof faith, he was very tender of the poor, ceived, yet all dependent one upon anand careful to see that their necessities other, and each, even the weakest and were duly supplied. This principle has lowest, having his proper place and serever since characterized the Society, vice. As the very design of religious which cheerfully supports its own poor, society is the preservation, comfort, and besides contributing its share to the pub- edification of the members, and as all lic burdens. The first objects to which have a common interest in the promothe attention of these meetings was di- tion of these great ends, he considered rected were the care of the poor and every faithful member religiously bound destitute, who had been reduced to want to contribute, according to his capacity, by persecution, or other causes the toward their attainment. The words of manner of accomplishing marriages-the our Lord furnish a short but comprehenregistry of births and deaths-the educa- sive description of the order instituted tion and apprenticing of children-the by Him for the government of His granting of suitable certificates of unity and approbation to ministers who travelled abroad, and the preservation of an account of the sufferings sustained by Friends in support of their religious principles and testimonies.

It also became necessary to establish regulations for preserving the members in a line of conduct consistent with their profession. In this imperfect state of being, we are instructed from the highest authority, that offences must needs come; but it does not necessarily follow, either that the offender must be cut off from the church, or that the reproach of his misconduct should be visited upon the

Church:-"If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone. If he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it to the church; but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be to thee as an heathen man and a publican."

Here is no limitation of this Christian care to ministers or any other class; but any brother, who sees another offending, is to admonish him in love for his good.