imself had directly taught him:

"The reason why men are perplexed and in darkness about their being
and the questions which their being often asks, is not that these are
insoluble, but that the disposition and spirit in which a solution is
attempted is so contrary to that in which they may be solved, that
they appear as hidden mysteries.

"When we come together to converse, it should be to learn from each
other what good we can and ought to do, and so mingle the brightness
of one with the dimness of the other. Our meetings should be such
that we should go away feeling that God had been with us and
multiplied our blessings. The question should be, 'Brother, can you
teach me the way of the Lord in a more perfect manner than that in
which I tread it, so that my soul may be increased and God abide in
me more and more?' Oh! he is my brother, my master, who leads me to
do more and more good and to love and live more of God. He that does
not increase my heart in love or my mind in true godly wisdom, is
unprofitable and negatively injurious to me.

"Wilfulness locks up while willingness" (docility) "unlocks the
portal to the divine mysteries of God. I would not attempt to solve a
mystery by intellect, but by being."

"October 17.--It is some time since I have written in this book. All
my spare time has been occupied in writing letters to my friends,
meditating, feeling, arranging matters with my brothers regarding our
relations with each other, and attending to the business. I have had
little time to read and to visit my friends. Since I have written my
feelings have become more definite, my thoughts clearer and more
distinct, and my whole mind more systematic. . . .

"The settlement which has been made with my brothers gives me the
opportunity of doing what my spirit has long demanded of me. This
afternoon I have been working on their bedroom, making it larger and
more pleasant for their minds. This is the first movement I have made
toward ameliorating their condition. I hope that God will give me
strength to continue."

"October 18.--I feel this afternoon a deep want in my soul
unsatisfied by my circumstances here, the same as I experienced last
winter when I was led from this place. It is at the very depth of my
being. Ah, it is deeply stirred! Oh, could I utter the aching void I
feel within! Could I know what would fill it! Alas! nothing that can
be said, no, nothing, can touch the aching spot. In silence I must
re