but seem very well satisfied with outside regularity; and, I fear some of them are so unacquainted with real gospel worship, as to suppose they perform it, when they sit in outward silence together, though they know not the inward travail of soul, through which Zion bringeth forth her children. Oh! this is as far short of true worship, as are the ceremonies and creaturely performances of those who are always ready, and who wait not at all on the Lord, in silence, in their meetings. For indeed, mere outward silence is no more the right, inward waiting upon God, which never fails of obtaining the renewal of Divine strength in the Lord, than noise and tumult are. Stupid stillness, and creaturely activity, being equally remote from that meeting together in the eternal name, life, and power of the Lord, which, whoever meet in, will surely know and feel him present in the midst of them.

My desires, whilst among this people, were frequent and fervent, to the Lord my God, that he would preserve my brethren, the world over, an inward, living, feeling people; quick of discerning in his own holy fear and reverence;-and that they may never be more in show and appearance, than in reality and substance; and also that he might bring these seeming Quakers, the poor Nicholites, from their undue dependance on outside things, into the feeling knowledge of himself, the Fountain of living waters. For, until they know him to be so in themselves, it amounts to very little, barely to read that he is so, or to believe he has been so to others.

And now I may add, that I did believe the most truly religious among them, were beginning to see

beyond the dwelling place, wherein too many of them were sticking fast in formality and superstition. Let none of them be offended. I write in love to their souls, and believe I have seen their states in the real light of the Lamb; and do beseech Almighty God to give them to see themselves, before it be too late, and to flee to the only strong tower, and safe hiding-place;-the living, life-giving name and power of the Lord, revealed in their own hearts, and established in full dominion over all in them. For no religion or worship, without this knowledge and lively experience, more or less attained, can remain unshaken, when God, as he surely will do, arises and shakes not the earth only, but also heaven: For, in this shaking, he certainly will remove all that can be shaken, that that alone, which cannot be removed or shaken, may remain."

Reflections.

The preceding sketches of the rise, progress, and termination of the Nicholite religious Society, furnish subjects for instructive reflection to the observing mind. The vital, fundamental principle of Light and Truth, appears to be conspicuously developed, in the change wrought in the heart and conduct of Joseph Nichols. His obedience to its discoveries, prepared him for being an instrument of much good to others. In the early part of his ministry, the remarks of John Woolman show, that his labours were blessed, and were made the means of reformation in the neighbourhood. The simplicity of life and manners, and the dedication of heart, produced among a raw, undiciplined, and comparatively ignorant class of people, furnish evidence of

the fruits of self-denial, and obedience to the vital precepts of the gospel. Nor can we but admire the wisdom and prudence displayed in their formation of a family order and discipline, for the mutual advantage of their numerous adherents, the preservation of the youth, and the maintenance of order and decorum, in the Society.

As respects plainness, moderation, honesty, and integrity, they were doubtless an exemplary people. They believed Truth led into these, as the fruits of Christianity. Whatever may be apprehended of the dangers of formality, and the liability of imbibing a narrow-minded, sectarian zeal, in relation to plainness of speech, behaviour, furniture, and apparel,—— it is certain the human mind stands in need of discipline and regulation. The principles of simplicity, recognized in the habits and manners of the Nicholites, must have operated as a continual curb on the propensities of human nature. Hence they were reminded of the necessity of that inward, attention to the cross, which is essential to the disciples of Christ.

If these views are correct, and if it is true, that "good or bad habits, formed in youth, generally go with us through life," the singularities and discipline of the Nicholites, the principles of plainness and self-denial, adopted by John Woolman, Joshua Evans, and very many dedicated sincere minds, among different religious denominations,— may be of far greater importance, than is commonly attached to them at the present day, by such as claim liberality of sentiment, in regard to the requisitions of genuine religion, as applied to external things, of this nature.

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And yet, even with all their discipline and order established, a difficulty occurred, in relation to the government of their plain, illiterate and simple members. This probably had some of its origin in the circumstance, that the same individuals, who, in their monthly meetings (of which there appears to have been but one body) were the legislators, or framers of the rules of their discipline,-were also the executive department, to deal with offenderswithout a controlling power, by connexion with others, who might stand on more impartial ground, and thus maintain greater influence over delinquent or refractory members. For it is understood that in their disownments, there was no appeal; because no other body to appeal to.

Again-a narrow-minded attachment to outward forms of plainness, as Job Scott remarks, might have assumed the place of the vital principle of practical love, and genuine self-denial. Hence, a superficial, but too gigid exercise of discipline, in externals, might have taken the place of Christian patience and forbearance--and the living feeling of unity have been lessened. If such was the case, we may more easily account for their looking towards a junction with the Society of Friends-as a means of supplying the defects that were felt to operate in their system. Or, the most judicious, and best informed, liberal minds among them might have discovered, that in all essential points of doctrine and discipline, they were one with Friends;-and that two distinct societies, professing the same fundamental principles, would necessarily and profitably merge into one.

How far the Society of Friends was really benefitted by the accession of such a large number of

practical consistent members, we can hardly judge with satisfaction, for want of more materials to inform us of the effects of the union. The contemplation of the subject, inclines to a belief, that the addition of so many worthy, sincere and exemplary characters, must have had a salutary influence on Friends. But how far the Nicholites were the gainers, in practical, vital religion, by the change in their condition, after uniting with Friends, may admit of some of the doubts of their sober neighbours, at least, on one subject, that of plainness and simplicity. For, however liberal views (as they are called) may obtain, in relation to these subjects, it is obvious that the standard of Truth, as respects self-denial, humility, and non-conformity with the world and its customs and fashions, -is mournfully low among the Society of Friends.

TESTIMONY CONCERNING JACOB PAXSON.

Died, on the 13th of the 7th month, 1832, Jacob Paxson, of Abington, Montgomery county, Pa. at the advanced age of eighty-six years, eight months, and seven days.

Believing that the life and conduct of this exemplary man may afford useful instruction to survivors, the hand of filial affection is induced to sketch some traits of his character, and to record some incidents, near the close of his pilgrimage, adapted to illustrate the efficacy of practical goodness, in preparing the mind for that most desirable of blessings, a serene and peaceful close.