Sultan and to Pope, may seem strange enough to the less earnest and self-sacrificing; and the "universal spirit," recognised as so essential by these early pioneers, may sound quaintly in modern ears; but all this points, emphatically, to their one grand purpose, the emancipation of mankind from false religions, by bringing them to the knowledge of the truth, that the truth might make them free.

It may even be doubted whether, had not that appeared in their midst which called for repression, they would have turned, as soon as they did, from the great work before them in "the field of the world," to give attention to matters of order and discipline among themselves.

Regulations imply organization. They may be inevitable, but are often safeguards from danger, rather than signs of life. Organization attracts attention to itself; and, so far as it is narrowing, is unfruitful. Strongly pronounced, it produces disciplinarians rather than evangelists. But if some mistakes, in this direction, did mark a period, within our recollection, as the results of rules, at once stringent and minute, it should be also remembered that for great mistakes there were great excuses; and that it becomes us, in the relief of the present, to make just and candid allowance for the past.

It is with the present, however, that we have to do, while we inquire,

2nd, What are the prospects of the Society as to the carrying out of the original purposes of its association ?

I venture to think, notwithstanding our small and reduced numbers, that these prospects are fair. The religious inquiry that now marks us, does not appear to me to be so distinct from religious life as some may have apprehended. In the progress of that sound education which developes mind, which teaches

to think, and which exercises thought, it becomes less and less likely that all will think alike. Under such a process, union upon the leading views of our own Church is often greatly intensified; while, at the same time, the space occupied by private judg ment on lesser points, requires to be enlarged. Subject to these conditions (and there is now, in general, a very cheerful submission to them on the part of our friends), the prospects for the Christian usefulness of the Society are not only fair but hopeful. What has prompted the self-denying labours of our young friends in First-day Schools, especially, and in other departments of Christian work, but that concern for the souls of others which may be regarded not only as a token of religious life, but as a return to those first principles and first purposes which had no limit short of universal evangelization? What has led many amongst us into religious concern to gather the neglected and the outcast to Scripture reading and instruction; and to carry to the abodes of age, of sickness, and of wretchedness, the invitations and consolations of the Gospel? What has raised a lively and growing interest on behalf of the less enlightened in distant lands? What, but a measure of the constraining love of Christ? In these indications, which are the signs of our times, may we not see preparation to fulfil the original purpose of calling souls unto Christ? This call, announced in the simplicity that is in Him, necessarily rebuked formality, and condemned the general apostacy. But the true mission of the first "Friends" (and we shall scarcely understand their character and course without taking this into account), was rather to grapple with Antichrist than to consolidate a polity of their own. Their conflict in the war with error went far beyond the unfurling and defending of the banner of truth. They contended more than or

ganized; and aggression, not construction, was their concern. There seems, now, some revival of their spirit, subject to the limitations which time and experience have imposed. And, as this spirit pervades the body-as it becomes animated by the vivifying love of Christ-its purpose and true mission will, according to its measure, be carried out. There is nothing in its principles to obstruct, but everything to promote its energy and efficiency for the spreading of the truth as it is in Jesus, both at home and abroad. Those principles, while excluding efforts to extend a religion of mere form, add no incumbrance to the conveyance of the Gospel message. Upon the whole, I see no reason why, with the quickening of life amongst us, the purpose and mission of "Friends" should not, for the future, be more faithfully fulfilled.

WILLIAM BALL.

"VOX POPULI, VOX DEI."

THANK God for the great cities! Folly there,
And Vice, and Crime, their hideous orgies hold;
And there that execrable thirst for gold

Is fed, and from repletion grows,-till where
High thoughts once dwelt becomes a wild beast's lair,
And all that bore the stamp of Heaven is sold
For paltry dust;-Yet, beauteous as of old,
Wisdom, first-born of Heaven, her palace fair
Builds, and within their gates delighted dwells,

Holy and pure. And when the tale of wrong,
Home-born or foreign, touches their true heart,
She speaks, and lo! the oppressor's manacles
Fall, and the captive sings, and tyrants start
As their great fiat sweeps the world along.

FREDERIC TAYLOR.

HOME MISSION ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN FRIENDS.

AN association of female workers of all denominations has existed for a few years, and has included some members of the Society of Friends. During the last Yearly Meeting it occurred to two of these that it might be desirable to attempt something of the same kind among ourselves, and it was concluded to invite women Friends interested in home-mission work, to meet at the Bedford Institute. A considerable number of Friends assembled on that occasion, when much valuable information was given, and interest shown in the proposed Association. The names of many Friends in different localities engaged in mission work were obtained. To these and others circulars were forwarded requesting information and suggestions upon the subject, which have called forth many replies, embodying much gratifying intelligence. A digest of them is in course of preparation for the members of the Association; but possibly a few thoughts which have been suggested in connection with it, may not inappropriately be given in The Friends' Examiner.

In glancing over the many letters and "Reports which have been received, the feeling which prevails is one of rejoicing thankfulness for the many proofs they afford, that our dear sisters, in various places, are earnestly endeavouring to occupy the talents committed to them in the service of our blessed Lord and Master. They contain many encouraging words of interest in the Association, and the expression of desire that a blessing may rest upon the endeavour to stimulate and to help each other; "to provoke unto love and to good works."

Some, who for years have been quietly pursuing the line of work that has opened before them, appear to shrink from impairing their individuality by association. Perhaps the idea of organization, rather than of associa tion, may have been received, accompanied with the dread of interference and publicity; but nothing of this kind is contemplated, it is a simple Association for mutual help and encouragement. As a diligent American worker remarks, "We most of us want practical suggestions, and to relate individual experience seems the best method of obtaining them."

We are associated together as members of the Society of Friends; and, however mingled our services may be with those of other denominations, we have each a place in this particular section of the Christian Church, and may have a special duty towards each other in this relationship, while rejoicing that the liberty wherewith Christ makes his people free, allows us to labour in fellowship and in service with those who may not be called to walk exactly in all things, as may be required of us.

We earnestly desire that all our members may be found faithfully serving their Lord and Master, in the way and in the place that He has assigned them. The principles of the religious Society to which we belong are, we believe, the true principles of the Gospel of Christ, and in their comprehensiveness give full scope for the exercise of whatever spiritual gift any may have received. For many years, almost for centuries, it has been peculiar to Friends to recognize the liberty of the Holy Spirit, in calling and qualifying for the Lord's service men and women alike; but we live in a day when many around us are beginning to admit the same liberty; when Christian laymen, as they are designated, and Christian women are constrained by the one Spirit to proclaim publicly the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; and it may be one object of our Association to