depreciation of such and such persons repeated to them?" and if it answers, "No!" then it is obvious that the remark should not be made; this, therefore, may be laid down as a rule for our guide, whenever we are tempted to indulge in the sin of detraction.

But if we can with truth assert that what we were going to say, though it be in blame, we are willing to say in the presence of the individuals blamed, still it would be better to say it to those individuals themselves, and not at all in their absence, because it would be kind to make it to them, but positively unkind to point it out to others. Serious reflection would also lead to this consideration, the time is at best but short that we can spend with each other in this transitory state of existence; would it not be right, therefore, to endeavour to engage in profitable discourse? If gay conversation be desired by the company present, it is possible to be innocent and gay, as well as merry and wise," for it is not necessary that our nirth should be derived from ridiculing the defects of our acquaintance. How checked would this propensity to satirical mirth be, even in the most thoughtless, if they were to fancy to themselves the objects of their ridicule listening or looking in at the windows! and how many a satirical speech would thus be suppressed, how many a scandalous tale would be prevented, and how incalculably great would be the benefits derived to our daily and social intercourse. "Think before you speak,' is another rule which, if acted upon. would

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prevent much evil-speaking; for it is often said and perhaps justly, that many persons satirize, and even calumniate their fellow-creatures, from mere thoughtlessness, and without any intention to do harm. If this be true, great indeed would be the advantage of thinking before we speak.

Do UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD THAT OTHERS SHOULD DO UNTO YOU," is a maxim which I recommend to the attention of us all. When Lewis the fourteenth asked the Maréchal Turènne what he required to enable him to carry on a successful war, he replied, "Money;"What next?" "Money,' "" And what next?" "Money;" meaning that money was all that was necessary for the purpose: and in like manner, I believe, that were this sacred maxim acted upon, it would be sufficient to prevent any indulgence in detraction or defamation.

But it may seem impossible to some, to bring restraining motives quickly enough to bear on arising temptations: self-examination, serious reflection, and remembered texts are, say they, "things too ponderous to be easily moved, and used on every sudden occasion," but the power of thought is swift as lightning. It is not of so much importance to us, whether, "ideas are presented to the mind synchronously, or whether the one succeeds to the other without any perceptible interval of time;" but certain it is, that ideas pass through the mind with surprising velocity, so much so, that as the primitive colours, when painted on

a card, will, if the card be rapidly turned round, lose every distinct hue, and become to the eye one white whole, so ideas, however numerous and however important, are capable of rapidly forming themselves into one thought or reflection, and of possessing, however suddenly required, an impelling or restraining power. Therefore let no one be discouraged from attempting to bring the best and weightiest motives into action in seasons of temptation, from a belief of not being able to summon them quick enough. Like the slaves of the lamp, in the Arabian tale, summon them, however slightly, and they will instantly appear, ready to do your work, if you are but willing that work should be done. And who is there amongst us that knows not, at times, the efficacy of deep and sudden prayer? There are other recollections and other motives, which, to the serious amongst you, must already be often present, and I trust efficacious. And these are the convictions that evil speaking in all its branches is contrary to the revealed will, both in the Old and New Testament. shalt not go up and down as a Tale-bearer," saith the Lord by the mouth of his servant Moses; and the Psalmist says, "Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle, who shall dwell in thy holy hill?" He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour." But no doubt you are all of you too well acquainted with scripture, to make many quotations on this subject necessary here;

"Thou

I shall therefore content myself with the indulgence of repeating the all-sufficient injunctions of "Him who spoke as never man spoke." "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged, condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned. Watch and pray lest ye enter into temptation, and what I say unto you (says the blessed Lord) I say unto all, watch."

In recapitulation I must now observe, that as the wisdom of our ancestors has guarded us against the besetting sin of Detraction, Friends have less excuse than most others, if they fall into it.

That I call on my younger brethren and sisters, more particularly, to remember the obligation to watchfulness, which this query imposes, as they also are a party to the an

swer.

That my observation tells me, all young persons, whatever be their situation or religious creed, are more or less given to satire.

That being conscious of the natural tendency of youth to detraction, I have contemplated with admiration, amongst the other benefits peculiar to our society, the query relative to tale-bearing and detraction.

That detraction is the more ensnaring, because it is so common one forgets it is a sin. That we ought to be very thankful, therefore, for the query in question.

That those only who have been born and bred in different circumstances to Friends, can

sufficiently appreciate the advantages and privileges of our religious society.

That Friends, born in the society, can not feel the peculiar advantages, of which they have felt, and will continue to feel, the good consequences, to the end of life.

That when they are parents, I believe they will desire for their children the same restraints which they are now feeling, remembering that though they pained, they preserved.

That whatever be the power of the second query, we, like others, have, in order to be able to act up to it, much to do, and much to leave undone.

That SELF-EXAMINATION, by leading us to think before we speak, woul dlead to the query: "How should I like what I am now disposed to say, to be repeated to the person of whom I speak?" and if the responding heart says no," ," then it is clear the detracting remark should not be made.

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That if willing to make the remark in the presence of the individuals blamed, it would be better not to say it at all in their absence.

That satirical mirth would always be checked, could we fancy the objects of it listening or looking in at the window.

That it may seem impossible to bring restraining motives quickly enough to bear on the arising temptation, but that thought is as swift as lightning, and will come in a moment, and who is there amongst us that has not known at times the efficacy of deep though sudden prayer?