of 7th month 23, 1867. 11th mo. 28, 1866, Received from A. M. Taylor, 66 66 $2,862,07 books and papers, from A. H. P. Ninde, 25 25 Iowa,... 715,40 Ohio.... 715,40 Indiana. 715,40 $2,862 10 CERTIFICATE OF COMMITTEE TO AUDIT THE ACCOUNT. RICHMOND, 7th mo. 23, 1867. ment officers in the South. For 18 STATEMENT OF THE TREASURER OF BOARD OF CONTROL, months past there has seemed to be but little service for it to be engaged in, and a meeting was called at Richmond, Indiana, 5th mo. 31, 1867, at which the following minute was 11th mo. 29, 1866, Paid express charges on adopted: "In view of a change of circumstances which has removed the necessity and advantages of joint ac- 7th mo. 23, '67, To J. P. Wood, treas. of Western$715,40 tion, by the Yearly Meeting Friends, in the West, in their labors for the relief of Freedmen, and consequently the little we find to do under our organization and the dormant state of funds in our hands which were designed by the donors for active use, we are united in proposing to the Committees appointing us that the Board of Control be dissolved for the present, as it could be reorganized should contingencies arise to make it necessary, and that the money now in the hands of the Board, amounting to $2,782 80, with some interest balance of a contribution of Friends now accruing, be equally divided of England, forwarded to amongst the Executive Committees Taylor, for relief of Freedmen, some for the Relief of Freedmen, appoint- years ago. ed by the Yearly Meetings of Ohio, Indiana, Western and Iowa, and these Committees are requested to inform our Secretary of their action in the case, and should they all adopt our proposition, the Board will consider itself dissolved, without further meeting, and our Treasurer is directed, on the receipt of this information to remit to the Treasurers of the several Committees their proportion of the funds, as proposed, take their receipts for the same, and file them away with the papers of the Board, and the Secretary is directed to notify the several members of the Board accordingly." WALTER T. CARPENTER, Sec'y. To Jos. DICKINSON, Treas. Board Control. This is to certify that replies have been received from each of the Committees, in which each of them state that they have acted upon our proposition and adopted it, and it will now be proper to distribute said funds in accordance with the proposition as adopted at our meeting, held 5th mo. 31, 1867. W. T. CARPENTER, Secretary of Board of Control. RICHMOND, 7th mo 23, 1867. A. M. WESTERN YEARLY MEETING. MINUTE, Of Counsel and Encouragement, addressed to its members, by the Yearly Meeting of Friends, held in Philadelphia, Fourth month, 1867. HAVING, at times during the several sittings of the Yearly Meeting been favored with the overshadowing of the blessed Head of the Church, the hearts of many have been contrited under a sense of that mercy which is both ancient and new, and a deep felt religious concern has been begotten on account of apparent deficiencies, evidencing among many of our members an undue pursuit of, and attachment to, the things that pertain to this life only. There has been felt to be cause for an humbling acknowledgment that we, as a people, fall far short of a full exemplification in life and conduct of that holy religion which is designed to bring man out of a state of nature wherein his treasures and his enjoyments are of the earth, earthy, into the glorious liberty of the sons of God, whose durable riches are laid up in heaven, and whose delight is in communion with their Creator through the aid of the Spirit of our holy Mediator in the heart, and in obeying his divine law written there. With this conviction, an earnest, affectionate travail has been raised after a more perfect redemption from the spirit of the world, and a more general devotion to that watchful, self-denying life which is inseparable from a true disciple of Christ. We cannot doubt that the Lord has preserved within the professing Church a noble band of witnesses to the spirituality of the Gospel and to the transforming power of his grace. These, whatever their profession, and whether conspicuous in good works or more obscure, are the true Israel of God, whose circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, and not in the letter, whose praise is not of men but of God. But there is abundant evidence that a large portion of those who claim the name of Christians, are satisfied with an outside performance of rites and ceremonies, and substitute obedience to the moral law and works of their own righteousness, for submission to the crucifying power of the cross of Christ, and walking in that strait and narrow way in which alone is found the flock of his companions. Thus, there are influences operating in the present day, both, within and without the pale of our Society, the tendency of which is to draw the members from the simplicity and spirituality of our Christian profession, and from a faithful and consistent support of the principles and testimonies of the Gospel as always held by us, into a nearer conformity to the religion, the worship, and ways of the world. These influences are apparent in the same disposition to shun the daily self-denial and crossbearing belonging to the Christian; in the effort to reduce religion very much to a formal and intellectual work, which the unaided powers of man may originate or promote; to smooth and widen the path to salvation, so as to make it more easy and attractive to the tastes and inclinations of the unregenera te mind; and to substitute works of a benevolent or ostensibly religious character, for lowly watchful waiting, in silent introversion, at the feet of Jesus, to be taught of Him, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and who only can savingly instruct in the things which belong to the soul's peace. Minds which have been favored with the precious, tendering visitations of the Lord's Spirit, have been turned from the vanities of the world to seek the durable riches and righteousness of heaven, and in inward, silent prostration to bear the operation of the Spirit of judgment and burning, to purify from the pollution of sin,and to create them new creatures in Christ Jesus, may,it is to be feared, have had their attention diverted from this indispensable work in themselves, to their serious injury, by being persuaded that it is necessary they should at once become active in undertakings professedly designed to promote the cause of religion; while some who may be a little further advanced, have been dwarfed and withered by being urged into performances to which the Master had not called them; for which they had not undergone the requisite preparation, and which were mainly attributable to the unsanctified activity of the natural will. vouchsafe his own wisdom and strength to perform faithfully whatever He requires, and cause His blessing to rest upon it; and without these, all our efforts to advance His cause must prove unavailing. We would encourage the humble, diffident children of our Heavenly Father, who are brought under His preparing hand, to yield themselves, in the unquestioning obedience of faith, to the gentle movings of his Spirit, whatever service it may point to, remembering that the gracious Shepherd of the sheep has declared that, when He putteth forth his own, He goeth before them, and they follow Him, for they know his voice. And though you may deeply feel your own weakness and unworthiness, and be The awakened mind is readily influenced by the desire to be doing something for Christ's cause, and unless it watches diligently unto prayer, in the Light of the Lord, the will of man prompts this desire into unbidden activity; takes pleasure in it; gradually dims the spiritual vision, and leads to the substitution of these formal services, for the patient abiding under the heart-changing and crucifying work of the Holy Spirit ready to tremble at the prospect of in the soul, which is in danger of settling down at ease in them. We should ever bear in mind the words of our dear Lord, "Without me ye can do nothing;" and also that we are told such "as kindle a fire, compass themselves about with sparks, walk in the light of their fire, and in the sparks that they have kindled, shall have this of the Lord's hand; that they shall lie down in sorrow. In the feeling of Christian love and interest for all our dear Friends, and especially for the younger class, we tenderly desire that we may all diligently watch against these plausible and delusive tendencies, and strive to dwell much inward with Christ Jesus, in reverent, silent retirement from the many alluring voices that are abroad, seeking above all to be taught of Him who is the only saving Teacher, and who will not fail to give true peace and rest to all who come to Him, take His yoke upon them, and learn of Him, who is meek and lowly of heart. Thus, the work of sanctification will be carried on; all the preparatory baptisms of the Holy Spirit and of fire will be endured; and when the period arrives in which the Lord sees meet that any should engage in more public or active sevice, His call and command will be distinctly and intelligibly heard, pointing out what, and when, and where; and He will engaging in his service; yet, as you keep humble, looking singly to Him for help and direction, you will thankfully experience the truth of His precious words: "My grace is sufficient for thee-my strength is made perfect in weakness.” In the progress of general improvement the press has become a powerful agency for spreading abroad a knowledge of the truths contained in the Holy Scriptures; but it is not less continuously active in disseminating moral poison, and also plausible views and speculations respecting the fundamental doctrines of the Christian religion, well calculated to bewilder and mislead. Among the latter, are publications both in periodicals and in other forms, inculcating, in some, boldly and unreservedly, in others more covertly and insidiously, the opinion that all that is necessary to ensure salvation is an intellectual belief--upon the authority of holy Scripture, that Christ has paid the penalty for our sins, and has covered our frailty and short-comings with the robe of his righteousness; keeping altogether out of view the necessity of repentance, the washing of regeneration, and that saving faith in the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world, is the gift of the Father to those whom He draws to his dear Son. We affectionately caution all our this precious testimony for which our members against receiving into their worthy predecessors suffered deeply, families or giving currency to either and which we believe is still intimatebooks or papers calculated to lower ly connected with the welfare of our the standard of Christian morality, Society. We would also encourage or which advocate such erroneous them to a faithful attendance of all doctrines, fully believing the latter our religious meetings, striving thereare calculated to minister to the nat- in for ability to perform that worship ural propensity to shun the cross and which is in Spirit and in Truth. to betray the soul into carnal security. that our love and obedience to Him may increase and abound; and that, under the tendering and cementing influence of this love, we may be banded together as brethren in a fervent engagement to encourage and Amid the discouragements and deficiencies which are apparent in our The preciousness of our testimony beloved Society, we are comforted in to the prerogative of the Head of the the evidences afforded, that the Lord's Church to dispense to whomsoever love and life-giving presence are He will, the gift of Gospel min- not withdrawn; but that, in his long isty, and against all ministry origina- forbearing mercy, He is waiting to ting or performed in the will and bless us and to do us good. Bowed wisdom of man, has been renewedly under a grateful sense of his unmerfelt at this time; having been revived ited goodness, we earnestly desire by accounts received that a few of our members have not been sufficiently on their guard against lowering its importance and retarding its spread. Let us ever bear in remembrance, dear Friends, that as it is only under the immediate influence of the Holy help one another in rallying to the Spirit that acceptable worship can be performed, so it is alone, when by the transforming power of his grace the Head of the Church has prepared any for his service, and bestowed a special gift therefor, that true gospel ministry can be exercised; and this not in their own time and way, but when and where He freshly qualifies and appoints. Those who are thus called and commissioned, as they wait on their holy Leader, find they have nothing of their own to glory in, for, at his command, and as He gives the matter, a necessity is laid upon them; yea, woe is unto them if they preach not the gospel. Hence they are bound freely to dispense that which they also have freely received, looking for and accepting no other reward than that given by their Master for obeying his commands. pure spiritual doctrines, and the precious testimonies of the Gospel, which our religious Society was raised up to proclaim afresh to the world, and in a steadfast endeavor faithfully to live up to them. Then, we believe, that He who gathered us to be a people, will, in tender love and mercy, turn his hand upon us, purely purge away our dross, and take away all our tin; and will restore to us judges as at the first, and counsellors as at the beginning; and cause us to be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city-even a city set upon a hill that cannot be hid; that others, seeing our good works, may glorify our Father who is in heaven. Extracted from the Minutes. JOSEPH SCATTERGOOD, Clerk of the Meeting this year. Fallible man has no right to take THE sale and distribution of TRACTS this sacred office on himself, unless from Friends Depository at Richcalled of God, and no system of study, mond, the quarter just past, amounted or learning, or prescribed form of to 467,100 pages. For the publication ordination, can confer the qualifica- and purchase of Tracts, postage and tions for performing its solemn and expressage, $586 76 have been exresponsible functions. May all our members be incited to increased watchfulness and care in reference to pended, and $322 40 received from sales and donations. The Committee are in need of funds for their work. London an annual increase of between 40,000 and 50,000 inhabitants. London is under the best control; everywhere the policeman is ready to put a stop to disorder, or befriend a stranger. As you pass along the streets one will see the price attached or exposed to view, and that is just what you must pay. "Being, it is you," you will get it no cheaper. You are no better than your neighbor, but you are as good as your neighbor. I like this way of dealing. If you want anything, go in and call for it, throw down your money, and rest assured you will get your exact measure, and pay the exact price to a farthing. Eds. American Friend: - Every day the great city seemed more immense. It is not until you have lived in London that you can have a proper idea of its vast dimensions. Some of the figures may not be uninteresting. to almost every article in the window London occupies about 121 square miles, making a distance through from 9 to 12 or 13 miles, being somewhat oblong, has over 10,000 streets, squares, &c., nearly 400,000 houses, with about 3,000,000 inhabitants. Of this vast number the majority live on very small incomes, or depend on charity for support. But while London contains multitudes of wretched beings that find temporary lodgings I was not expecting to see in Lonin old ware-houses, out-houses, mar- don so many small parks, greens, and kets, door-ways, under railway cross- openings of various kinds scattered ings, bridges, and along the river in all through the place. Certainly these boats, in corners of the street, all have no unimportant influence in sorts of out-of-the-way places, or in making London so notedly healthy. work-houses, or police stations, there But the greater parks are the real are also very many Christian people breathing places. Here the poor as who give much time and means to- well as the rich have a chance to get ward the relief of these, so much so some pure air and enjoy the beauties indeed that London is one of the most of nature. In Hyde Park a great charitable cities in the world. But many political meetings are held, and not only are there more than $150,000 riots of more or less consequence distributed every week, besides many have often taken place. A reform thousands contributed to hospitals meeting was advertised to be held and the like, but here also every here a few days after our arrival. Christian grace may be and is exer- The Government determined to precised. Many Friends are in the field vent this, and placards were put up holding meetings, Sabbath Schools, and night schools; working in ragged schools, teaching the outcasts, or perhaps gathering together a company of boot-blacks, thus sowing the good seed in all kinds of ground. Surely they "shall reapin due time," if they "faint not. 99 After hearing of the vast amounts of vice which exist in this place, I was cheered with the other side of the picture, and delighted more in seeing how much good is also being done, "For it is joy to think the best We may of human kind." Every week there are over 1800 births and over 1300 deaths. The births together with the crowds that come up from the country every year drawn into this vortex of human life, give in the most conspicuous places, warning people against attending. Those who had advertised the meeting were not disposed to give it up so easily, and so had another set of placards issued, some of which they pasted right upon the others, stating that a meeting would be held. This direct opposition seemed as though it would call forth prompt action on the part of the Government, but the meeting was held, and I understand the officer issuing the warning resigned. The British Museum was enough to keep one a long while. Passing rather hastily through the other parts we were inclined to spend more time in the Geological Department. Here with my Dana's Manual in my hand, I reviewed some of the points of interest from the Devonian down to the |