oper

It must be evident, that those only could sing this psalm, who had been in the same state; all others would be singing that which they had not known. And thus it must be in every instance, where any join in the songs of the faithful, who have not themselves been faithful. We, therefore, believe, that as the worship we are called to is of divine original, there is no mistake in its ations; but all the living, may harmonize together in the same spirit, and worship God, "according as he has dealt, to every man, the measure of faith." Rom. xii. 3. Nor do we believe the rebellious,and enemies to the truth, can join, while they remain in that state, in the true and spritual worship. But we know they may unite their voices, where an outward form of worship is embraced; and such may even suppose they are doing God service. The society of Friends are therefore satisfied with their silent and spiritual

F

meetings, and abundantly prefer them to any formal mode of worship, which is outward, and not according to the leadings and manifestations of the divine spirit. From what has been said, the reader will observe, that we are by profession bound to wait for the calls and direction of the spirit, and not to proceed to preaching, praying, or singing in our solemn meetings, unless we are thereunto led; and that in the two last cases there may be many engaged according to their different wants and growths, even at the same time, and in the same assembly; which would not be the case, if all were called to join in the same form, either of prayer or of singing. We therefore believe, that we are called upon to hold up a testimony against all those performances, in the solmen act of worship, which are entered upon, in the will, wisdom, and time of man, and to exalt by precept and example, our testimony, to the spirituality of the gospel dispen

sation; well knowing that it is a dispensation, in which the substance is to be enjoyed in the spirit and life of the dear Son of God; who is building up a spiritual church, founded upon him in all things.

OF THE DOCTRINE OF FAITH,

ON the doctrine of faith, we say with the apostle, that "without faith, it is impossible to please God." But by faith, we do not mean a confession to any particular form of opinions; because this would be possible to those who are in many repects reprobate concerning the faith in Christ. Neither are we ofthe judgment, that our "faith should stand in the wisdom of man but in the power of God." 1 Cor. ii. 5. Therefore, we believe, that the faith of a true disciple of Christ, is in a living principle, a di vine and heavenly spirit; which no hu

man means can beget in us; but which is the immediate manifestation of the eternal power and will of God. Wherefore, we conclude with the apostle Paul, "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Rom. x. 17. This word, we believe to be the same which was in the beginning, which Moses spoke of, and which Paul adverts to and says, "Is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart. That is the word of faith which we preach." Rom. x. 8. Those therefore, who believe in this inward manifestation of the word, and have the spiritual ear open to hear, have come to embrace the proper object of faith, without which it is impossible to please God. To such, faith is the evidence of things not seen, the substance of things hoped for. They are in the true and spiritual sense the children of faithful Abraham, walking by the same rule, and minding the same thing. This is that faith by which the elders obtained a good report, and concerning which so much

is said in the Holy Scriptures. Every one, therefore, whose spiritual ear is open to this manifestation of the spirit or word of faith, is no longer trusting to the natural understanding, but living subject to the divine mind, and thereby overcoming the world. Until we have come to this living principle, this light and life of the spirit, the soul remains subject to the fallen nature, and and cannot serve God acceptably, or be united to him. But we believe that this great principle of faith is offered to all men, and that those of every description who come to trust in it, and be led by it, will be raised from under the dominion of fallen nature, and united by faith to the general assembly of the church of the first born, whose names are written in heaven. Wheresoever this living faith is, there will be the works corresponding with it. But a faith that is without works is not of divine origin. "Was not Abraham, our father, justified by works, when he

F2