BEING A COLLECTION OF ESSAYS AND FRAGMENTS, BIOGRAPHICAL, RELIGIOUS, EPISTOLARY, NARRATIVE, DESIGNED FOR THE PROMOTION OF PIETY AND VIRTUE, TO PRESERVE IN INDIVIDUALS, AND TO RESCUE FROM OBLIVION THOSE MANUSCRIPTS LEFT BY THEM, WHICH MAY BE USEFUL TO SURVIVORS. The memory of the just is blessed.-Solomon. Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. John, vi. 12. EDITED BY JOHN & ISAAC COMLY, BYBERRY. VOL. IX. PHILADELPHIA: PRINTED FOR THE EDITORS BY J. RICHARDS, No. 129 North Third Street, 1837. FRIENDS' MISCELLANY. No. 1.] EIGHTH MONTH, 1836. [VOL. IX. PROGRESSIVE REFORMATION. Man is a limited creature. His knowledge is limited, his power is limited-the sphere of his operations is circumscribed, and his influence is bounded. Yet within his limited sphere, there is ample room for the employment of his powers, and the influence of his example and sentiments. When these are directed to the benevolent expansion of his own mind, and the improvement and happiness of his fellowcreatures around him, he has a field of useful employment wide enough for his limited state-the fruits of which labour redound to the glory of his Maker, the increase of his own enjoyments, and the promotion of the welfare and happiness, physical and mental, of the world of intelligent beings around him. The pages of history, as well as our own observations, furnish us with examples of those who, from small beginnings, have gradually advanced within the limited sphere of their operations and influence, in the exercise of benevolence, in the development of those excellent principles which go to promote the improvement of the condition of mankind, and to spread happiness and enjoyment around them. All have talents for usefulness, when duly occupied. Each one has a sphere of action for the employment of the gifts conferred. In proportion to his diligence and industry, the profit results to the occupier, and VOL. IX.-1 |