in life, were so far from lowering him in the estimation of those he was appointed to govern, that perhaps there never was a governor, who stood higher in the opinion of those governed by him, than William Penn. Sutcliff's Travels.

JOHN WOOLMAN AND THE ROBIN.

"A thing remarkable in my childhood was, that once going to a neighbour's house, I saw on the way a robin sitting on her nest, and as I came near she went off, but having young ones, flew about, and with many cries expressed her concern for them; I stood and threw stones at her, till one striking her, she fell down dead. At first I was pleased with the exploit, but after a few minutes was seized with horror, as having in a sportive way, killed an innocent creature, while she was careful for her young. I beheld her lying dead, and thought those young ones for which she was so careful, must now perish for want of their dam to nourish them; and after some painful considerations on the subject, I climbed up the tree, took all the young birds and killed them; supposing that better than to leave them to pine away and die miserably; and believed in this case that scripture proverb was fulfilled, The tender mercies of 'the wicked are cruel.' I then went on my errand, but, for some hours, could think of little else but the cruelties I had committed, and was much troubled. Thus He whose tender mercies are over all his works, hath placed a principle in the human mind, which incites to exercise goodness towards every living creature ; and this being singly attended to, people become tender

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hearted and sympathizing; but being frequently and totally rejected, the mind becomes shut up in a contrary disposition."

This little circumstance, recorded in the life of John Woolman, may be also recorded in the experience of many a youthful reader, who, in a like schoolboy freak of thoughtlessness, may have acted similarly many a time. To these the language of tender expostulation may be less reaching than the simple tenor of this instructive passage, which it is thought cannot fail to touch the feeling heart and awake susceptibility in the consciences of most. It may be noticed as a thing remarkable, that this little fellow, who had thus early evinced the strength and growth of the corrupt tree, by suffering the axe of divine judgment and reproof to be laid at its root, soon became, through the prevalence of the tendering power of Truth, an eminent example and advocate of Christian benevolence towards the whole human race, as well as of gentleness in the treatment of the brute creation. Often in the pure love of God would he plead with those that oppressed either man or beast, and by the persuasive eloquence of conduct testified that his spirit was united with the Father of spirits and Preserver of all flesh.

THOMAS CHALKLEY, speaking of his childhood, says, "I loved music, dancing and playing at cards, and was followed with the judgments of God for it in the secret of my soul.

"I remember that unknown to my parents I had pought a pack of cards, with intent to make use of them when I went to see my relations in the country, where

there was liberty in the family so to do, at a place called Woodford, where I got leave sometimes to go; and at the time called Christmas, I went to see them, and on my way went to a meeting at Wanstead; at which meeting a minister of Christ declared against the evil of gaming, and particularly of cards; and that the time which people pretended to keep holy for Christ's sake, many of them spend mostly in wickedness, sports and games; even some pretending to be religious: and, generally speaking, more sin and evil is committed in this time, than in the like space of time in all the year besides; so that the devil is served instead of honouring Christ. From this meeting I went to the house of my relations, where the parson of the next parish lodged that night, who used to play at cards with them sometimes; and the time drawing near that we were to go to our games, my uncle called to the doctor (as he called him,) and to me and my cousin, to come and take a game at cards; at which motion I had strong convictions upon me not to do it, as being evil; and I secretly cried to the Lord to keep me faithful to Him; and lifting up my eyes, I saw a bible lie in the window, at the sight of which I was glad. I took it, and sat down and read to myself, greatly rejoicing that I was preserved out of the snare. Then my uncle called again, and said, 'Come, doctor, for I see my 'cousin is better disposed.' Then he looked upon me, and said he was better disposed also. So their sport for that time was spoiled, and mine in that practice for ever; for I never (as I remember) played with them more, but as soon as I came home, offered my new and untouched pack of cards to the fire; and of this I am

certain, the use of them is of evil consequence, and draws away the mind from heaven and heavenly things; for which reason all Christians ought to shun them as engines of satan: and music and dancing having generally the same tendency, ought therefore to be refrained from."

James Wilson was at a meeting in London with THOMAS WILSON, where was a great concourse of people, and amongst them two persons of high rank in the world, who sat very attentively while a Friend was speaking, and seemed to like what was delivered; but when Thomas stood up, being old, bald and of a mean appearance, they despised him, and one said to the other, "Come, my lord, let us go, for what can this old fool say ?" "No," said the other, "let us stay, for this is Jeremiah the prophet, let us hear him :" so as Thomas went on, the life arose, and the power got into the dominion, which tendered one of them in a very remarkable manner; the tears flowed in great plenty from his eyes, which he strove in vain to hide. After 'Thomas had sat down, he stood up, and desired he might be forgiven of Thomas and the Almighty, for despising the greatest of His instruments under heaven, or in his creation.

Samuel Neale's Journal.

ENCOURAGEMENT EARLY TO SEEK THE LORD.

The early experience of those, that have shone as fixed stars in the glorious firmament of God's invisible power, have stood their ground in the strength and steadfastness of that holy faith, which He is pleased to

communicate--the beginnings and breakings forth of his love, grace, mercy, and truth in and to their souls, will always prove preciously acceptable to the kindred spirit, of those that have been in any measure made partakers of the like heavenly hope.

A few particulars relative to the convincement of THOMAS THOMPSON of Skipsea in Yorkshire, have appeared worthy a place in these sheets.

The reader may notice, that in such biographical insertions as the following, incident and fact are preferred to mental exercise, conflicts, or spiritual experiences, agreeable to the design and title of this work. Much deep instruction, however, may be gathered from most of them, and reflections may often arise on the recurrence of these passages to the mind, and prove as watchwords to the wise and upright in heart, especially among the youth. Even to those who do not, in matters of faith, profess with us, such a brief memorial as that of Thomas Thompson, if examined with seriousness and candour, may not be devoid of interest—these may at least be made acquainted in some degree with the efficacy of that secret influence, which is not of us, though in us, by which all that come amongst us should be regulated both in heart and conduct, and without which indeed we consider religion to be an empty name, though ever so near in resemblance to the Truth as it is in Jesus."

Respecting this worthy man of God, his character, services, and sufferings for conscience sake, much might be added; let it suffice to say, that he lived to his 73d year, and as he lived so he died, in the full and entire