the Spirit of God keep that down, which is doating about questions and strife of words, that tend to parties and contention. In the church of God there is no such custom to be allowed. And let not more than one speak at a time; nor any in a fierce way; for that is not to be allowed in any society, either natural or spiritual; but, as the apostle saith, "be swift to hear, and slow to speak; and let it be in the grace which seasons all words." And if there be any differences, that cannot be quickly ended in the meeting, let the Sixweeks Meeting order some friends to hear the matter out of the meeting, without respect of persons, and bring in the report to the same meeting the same day, if possible, and the meeting may give judgment; that no business be delayed from time to time. And so my love to you all in the Seed of Life, Christ: Jesus, in whom ye have all peace and wisdom, from Him who is the treasure of knowledge and wisdom. Amen.

G. F.

NUMBER

CCCCXIX.

London, 4th of 4th Month, 1690.

Dear Friends,

Something was upon me to write unto you, respecting some among friends, who marry, and provide great dinners; that instead thereof, they may be put in mind, at such times, to give something to the poor that are widows and fatherless, and such like, to make them a feast, or to refresh them: and this, I look upon, would be a very good savour, to feast the poor that cannot feast you again; and would be a good practice and example, and would be a means to keep the mind to the Lord, and in remembrance of the poor; for "they that give to the poor, lend to the Lord, and the Lord will repay them." And I do really believe, whatever they give, less or more, according to their ability, cheerfully, they will not have the less at the year's end; for the Lord loves a cheerful giver. I know this practice hath been used by some twenty years ago; not only to give the poor a little victuals, which you cannot eat yourselves, but to give them a little money, that the Lord hath blessed you with; and give it to some of

the women's meetings for to distribute to the poor so you will have the blessings of the Lord, and the blessings of the poor; and so be of a free noble spirit, above all the churlish misers and niggards, and narrow spirits.

These things I do recommend to you' (though it may look a little strange) to weigh and consider the thing; it will be of a good report, and manifest a self-denial and openness of heart, and of the general love of God.

With my love to you all in the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom you have life and salvation, and rest and peace with God: and the Lord God Almighty, with his eternal arm and power, uphold and preserve you in Christ, in whom you have rest and peace, though in

* On the coast of Africa.

the world troubles; and though you be in captivity, from your wives and children, and relations and friends, yet the Lord is present with you, by his Spirit of grace, light, and truth. And so feel Him at all times, and stand in his will; do not murmur nor complain, but stand still in the faith and power of God, that you may see your salvation: for by faith the Lord delivered his people out of Egypt by his power; and by faith Enoch and Noah were preserved, and Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and by faith the prophets were delivered out of many perils; and Daniel out of the lion's mouth. And you may see how the righteous were delivered by faith, in Hebrews, xi.

And it would be very well, if you that be captives and friends could have meetings as they had at Algiers, to the comforting and refreshing of one another. And you may speak to your patroons of your meeting together to worship God, that created heaven and earth, and made all mankind, and gives you breath, life, and spirit to serve and worship Him.

And my desires are to the Lord, that you in his truth and power may answer the Truth

in all, both king and prince, and Turks and Moors, that you may be a good savour among them all, and in them all; manifesting that you are the salt of the earth, and the light of the world, and a city set on a hill, that cannot be hid; so that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

And what do you know, but that the Lord hath set you there to preach in life, and word, and good conversation? Therefore, while you are there, mind your service for God, who hath all things in his hand, and a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his providence. And Christ is the mountain that filleth the whole earth; and so you will feel Him there.

And therefore keep in the word of power, and in the word of patience, and the word of wisdom, that will give you dominion over all. Amen.

G. F.

P. S. You may petition the Emperor, or King, and your patroons, whose captives you are, that you may have one day in the week