ers.

meeting; and dignified with the name of " the Monthly Meeting of Westbury and Jericho." But no such meeting is known" in the order of our society." This is the meeting that is "now in a situation to extend the necessary care." The monthly meeting to which Elias Hicks belonged, aided by Westbury quarterly meeting, could not, when united, according to their own shewing, effect what this little fraction of the two monthly meetings, is now quite "in a situation" to achieve alone. It is marvellous what a small number can accomplish, when placed "in a situation" to exercise all their powThis is "the meeting" which in its wisdom, saw fit to send an order, recalling Elias Hicks from his late western journey, though his own monthly and quarterly meetings, whose certificate of approbation he carried with him, were perfectly satisfied with his continuing his visit, according to his original prospect. This is the meeting too, which has seen meet to issue a testimony of disownment against Elias Hicks, though by their own previous act of separation, the members of it had deprived themselves of all jurisdiction in the case. Their whole proceedings in relation to Elias Hicks, are so perfectly absurd, and I had almost said, foolish, that future generations will look back upon them with wonder and astonishment. *

26. "Which having been in like manner rejected by him, it becomes our incumbent duty, for the clearing of truth, and our religious society form the imputation of his unsound opinions, and the reproach thereby brought upon it, to testify and declare, that they are not, nor ever have been, the doctrines of the society of Friends."

* The most singular act of this little company was their attempt to reIt forcibly recall him from his western journey. it is a real curiosity. minds us of the comparison used in the New Testament-"It is like children sitting in the market place, and calling to their fellows, and saying, we have piped unto you, and you have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented."

They have been contending with a shadow-a phantom of their own creation-which exists no where but in the imaginations of those whose zeal has greatly exceeded their knowledge-and they declare against that phantom in the person of Elias Hicks. The doctrine really inculcated by him, we have seen, are those preached by the Apostles and primitive friends. And while these men have been busied in forming a caricature of something that bears no resemblance to him, they have been no better employed, than those who "beat the air."

27. (See Testimony, page 10.)

As well might they pretend to disown Elias Hicks from the society of Jesuits, as to separate him from their communion, to which he never claimed allegiance. But to disown him, from the society of Friends, happened not to be within the jurisdiction of "the monthly meeting of Westbury and Jericho," so called. The society of Friends will claim him as one of its brightest ornaments, as long as it continues to shed its light upon the world.

And now having finished the examination of this testimony, which was intended as an excommunication against Elias Hicks, and as a brief expose of the principal accusations, which have been circulated against him, I shall bring this review to a close with a few general observations. Though I have canvassed this extraordinary document with perfect freedom, and exposed the fallacy of the charges it contains, yet I hope without the appearance of harshness or severity. And if in any instance I have treated the arguments and positions assumed by our opposers unfairly, it was unintentionally. As it regards myself personally as a man, I have no cause of controversy with them individually, or as a body. To some of those who are called orthodox friends, I am bound by the strongest ties of friendship and gratitude. Among the number is a brother, whose solid worth, and sound integrity I fully appreciate.

But it must be remembered that my opinions and my principles are my own. And I conscientiously believe they are founded in truth. And no earthly considerations ought to deter me from defending them, when a suitable occasion calls for the performance of this duty. And such I have deemed the present to be. The performance is exclusively my own and no man, is accountable for any thing it contains, but myself. I have chosen to prefix my name to it, because in these fruitful times of controversy, I am decided in my opinion, that no man ought either to be afraid or ashamed to assume the responsibility of his own performances. If my humble labors in this cause, should be instrumental, in any degree, in rescuing the religious character of this venerable sage, and christian disciple, from unmerited obloquy, I shall be amply rewarded. And if further, any of those who have inadvertently been led into opposition to the testimonies of truth delivered by him, should be induced to pause, and reflect upon the consequences of arraying themselves against a living gospel ministry; I shall not have labored in vain.

In conclusion, I would repeat the words of the Prophet and Psalmist, that ye "Touch not the Lord's anointed, and do his prophets no harm," (I. Cron. 1622. Ps. 105-15,) "For in the time of trouble he shall hide them in his pavilion; in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide them," (Ps. 27-5) and neither divination nor enchantment shall prevail against them.

FINIS.

PROPOSALS

BY

EVAN LEWIS, NEW-YORK,

FOR PUBLISHING BY SUBSCRIPTION,

THE

66 WORKS OF ISAAC PENNINGTON."

At no former period, since the rise of the Society of FRIENDS, has the spirit of inquiry among its members, generally, been so fully awakened. A desire is manifested, to examine, and to understand for themselves, the principles and doctrines, held, and promulgated by the founders of the society. And, as a standard work of intrinsic merit, setting forth and illustrating these doctrines and principles, the writings of ISAAC PENNINGTON, are inferior to none extant. They have never been published in this country, and there is not a copy for sale in any book store in New-York. For clearness of vision, soundness of judgment, and depth of religious experience, he was probably not excelled by any of those "sons of the morning," who were instrumental, in the Lord's hand, in gathering a distinct and peculiar people, to the One True and Spiritual Teacher.

CONDITIONS.

The work will be comprised in four Octavo volumes, of above 500 pages each; and will be printed on good paper, and type, and furnished to subscribers, neatly bound and lettered, at $9 the sett, or $8 bound in boards; payable on delivery. The price of the London edition of the same quality of paper, type and binding, is $15.

It will be put to press as soon as the subscriptions will warrant the publication.

Those who procure ten subscribers, and become responsible for them, will be entitled to the tenth copy; and so in proportion for a greater or less number.

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