circumstances, finding I had gone too far, and owed what I was not able to pay. However, as my intentions were honest, and my anxiety great that I might not by any misconduct blemish the truth, which I had been instructed so highly to prize, by exerted endeavours, with industry and frugality, and through divine assistance, in sometime I got over this difficulty, and paid every farthing.

It may perhaps appear to some, that the recording of such transactions, is of little importance or edification to uninterested readers; but it hath not appeared so to me. The account of these difficulties which for want of due care and foresight, and a constant, steady and deep attention to the unerring guide, we fall into, though more humiliating, may perhaps be no less useful for caution, than those experi ences, which we can review with more heartfelt satisfaction, are for encouragement and imitation. Truth hath ever led to integrity, punctuality and upright dealing in our outward affairs, and to limit ourselves to few exigencies, and an humble condition in life, rather than invade or risk the properties of other men. We cannot all get a deal of the treasures of this world (nor is a deal necessary to our well being. "A man's life consisteth not in the abundance "of the things which he possesseth") but we may all live on a little, if our minds be kept humble,

and the sensual appetites be subjected to the cross of Christ. Now my view in relating how I was (undesignedly indeed) involved in embarrassed circumstances, is for a caution to unexperienced young persons, to be very considerate and careful in their expences, that they be neither lavished on things needless or superfluous, nor in things otherwise convenient and lawful, in a measure disproportionate to their ability to support clearly out of their own, with honour, reputation and a good conscience; (for in this circumstance things lawful in themselves are not lawful or expedient for them) that so the profession of truth may not suffer reproach by their miscarriage, as it hath done by that of too many others, to the great regret of the honest and right-minded of our religious society.*

NOTE. The correct sentiments expressed by James Gough on the subject of integrity and upright dealing in our outward affairs, are much in unison with the advice contained in the following letter from Stephen Crisp, an eminent Minister in the Society of Friends, dated 9th month, 1678.

"From S. Crisp to J. R.

FRIEND John R

I am sorry I have the present occasion of writing to thee, and would have foreborne, if a necessity had not been upon me for the Truth's sake, and for thine; for I have a deep sense of thy danger, and that thou art in

The narrative of these difficulties and anxieties, that attended my first setting out in the

the way to dishonour thy testimony; for I am informed by several who love thee well, that they believe thou art run into about three hundred pounds debt, to set thyself up as a public shop-keeper. Whether they have dealt with thee about it or no, I know not; but alas, John! what is the rise and spring of this, and what will the issue be? Sink down into that which gives a discerning, and thou wilt find a secret mistrust, mixed with an earthly lust, and a crafty carrying it on, under a shew of Truth; that thereby some other things propounded, might the better proceed, or be carried on, to the making self somebody; and this ground is cursed for ever, and so will the fruit be. O! consider, is this fitting thyself for thy testimony, and the keeping thyself from entanglements in thy warfare?

Dear John, I wish thou would yet take my counsel, and send every friend their goods home, with the money for what thou hast sold of theirs, and take thee to thy employment where God blessed thee, and in which thou grew up; and stand ready at the Lord's call, that if he please to make any public use of thee in his church, thou may be free from worldly entanglements; and if not, be content with thy daily bread, both inwardly and outwardly; and seek to adorn the Gospel thou hast preached, by a holy, simple, and righteous conversation; without which, preaching, believing, and profession, and all the highest terms men can imagine, are all in vain, and will end with an evil savour.

I have written these things, in love to thee and the precious Truth, in which my life stands, although it is often bowed down, to see so many abuse the profession of the holy Truth; serving themselves thereupon, and not caring to keep up the reputation of it; but venturing the glory of God, the reputation of his people, yea, and their

married state, seems to me also to convey this instructive intelligence to all single young persons, who have not good patrimonies, or are not yet well settled in some business, proper to maintain a family, that if they would do well in the world, they should not be hasty in this weighty affair; but consider wisely before they proceed toward it. While single they have only themselves to care for, and if they keep their hearts staid upon the Lord (which is far easier for them to do than when weighed down under a load of care and encumbrances) and come up faithfully in the way of their duty, they will be happy. And by all means let them beware of entering into this most interesting engagement, which is for life, on which the happiness or unhappiness of this life very principally depends, and by which that of the next may be very materially promoted or retarded, till they see that in due season the Lord opens their way, and conducts them in it. Then the marriage will be honourable, the married will be like minded, standing in the

own souls also, for the reaching after their earthly and corruptible ends and purposes, which they have propounded to themselves. I might enlarge, to shew the many evil consequences attending this practice, but hope by what I have written thou wilt consider the rest and sill account me thy friend in the Truth,

S. CRISP."

counsel of best wisdom, will be truly helpmeets to each other both in their temporal and spiritual concerns; joining together with united and prepared hearts in religious and family duties, and strengthening each others hands for every good word and work; minding the inspeaking word, more than the attention or opinions, the approbation or censures of the world. Such if they have but little of earthly treasure are happily married. But on any other terms, whether married or unmarried, people are not in a good way. And it is infinitely better to be married to Christ, than to be married ever so grandly in the world out of the divine counsel and covenant.

As I had a religious desire in my choice, and that I might be rightly directed therein, I had reason on the whole (notwithstanding these outward discouragements aforementioned) to hope that I was so. For my wife was the child of good parents, from whom she had received a religious education, of orderly conversation, innocent and well inclined, and we were in a good degree favoured together of the Lord, she being free to give me up to every service I thought it my duty to engage in. Upon my first visit to her, the sense of truth and the solid edifying conversation of her worthy parents deeply fixed the best impressions on my spirit, so that in my return home to Cork