,,journal ,,of ,,the ,,life ,,and ,,religious ,,labours ,,of ,,elias ,,hicks4 ,,written ,,by ,,himself4 ,,new-,,york2 ,,published ,,by ,,isaac ,t4 ,,hopper4 #ahcb4 8,entered according to the ,act of ,congress1 in the year #ahcb1 by ,valentine ,hicks1 and ,robert ,seaman1 in the ,office of the ,clerk of the ,southern ,district of ,new-,york40 ,,published ,,for ,,the ,,proprietors4 ,,new-,,york3 ,,stereotyped ,,by ,,rees ,,redfield4 ,no #baf ,william-street4 ,ludwig ,tolefree1 ,printers1 ,corner of ,greenwich ,vesey sts4 ,n4 ,y4 ,,preface4 ,among the papers which were left by ,elias ,hicks1 there were several manuscripts1 written by himself1 containing many particulars respecting his life and religious engagements4 ,his connexions have collected these ,memoirs1 and now present them to the notice of the public4 ,in performing this office1 they believe that they will be rendering an acceptable and useful service to his survivors4 ,to those who were personally acquainted with him1 it will be interesting to review this brief record of his long and useful life2 and to all1 it may be animating and instructive to contemplate the feelings and experience of an individual1 who1 it will be seen1 was1 in his retired moments1 as fervent in his aspirations for purity and humility of heart1 as he was faithful and diligent in his public labours for the promotion of truth and righteousness in the earth4 ,,contents4 ,,preface4 #c ,,chapter ,i4 ,birth1 #agdh4 ,early visitations of ,divine grace4 ,apprenticeship4 ,trials and temptations4 ,marriage1 #agga4 ,renewed visitations of ,divine love4 ,appearance in the ,ministry4 ,situation of ,friends during the war4 ,journey to ,philadelphia1 #aggi4 ,visit to ,friends on the ,main1 #agha4 ,illness1 #agha4 ,visit on ,long ,island1 #aghb4 ,visit to the meetings on the ,main1 #aghb4 #g ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,visit to ,nine ,partners1 #aghc4 ,visit on ,long ,island1 #aghd4 ,visit to ,new-,york and ,staten ,island1 #agij4 ,visit to ,vermont1 #agij4 ,visit on ,long ,island1 #agia4 ,general visit to ,friends of ,new-,york yearly meeting1 #agia4 ,visit to the meetings of ,ministers and ,elders1 #agib4 ,visit to ,friends in ,new-,england and ,vermont1 #agic4 #be ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,visit to the meetings of ,ministers and ,elders1 #agie4 ,visit to ,friends in ,pennsylvania1 ,new ,jersey1 ,delaware1 ,maryland1 and ,virginia1 #agih4 #ed ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,visit to ,connecticut1 #agii4 ,visit to ,oblong and ,nine ,partners4 #ahjj4 ,visit on ,long ,island1 #ahjj4 ,visit to ,friends in ,new ,jersey1 and ,pennsylvania1 #ahja4 #hb ,,chapter ,v4 ,visit to ,friends in ,canada1 and some of the northern parts of the yearly meeting of ,new-,york1 #ahjc4 ,visit on ,long ,island1 ,staten ,island1 and ,new-,york1 #ahjf4 ,visit to ,purchase1 ,nine ,partners1 and ,stanford1 and some adjacent parts1 #ahjf4 ,visit to ,nine ,partners1 #ahjg4 ,visit to ,purchase1 ,nine ,partners1 and ,stanford1 #ahjh4 ,visit to the subordinate meetings1 #ahjh4 ,visit to ,purchase1 #ahji4 ,visits on ,long ,island1 #ahab and #ahac4 ,visit to ,purchase in #ahac4 #ajf ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,engagements at and about home1 #ahac4 ,visit to ,friends in the middle and southern ,states1 #ahac4 #acb ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,engagements at and about home1 #ahac and #ahad4 #aei ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,visit to ,purchase1 and engagements at and about home1 #ahad4 #ahd ,,chapter ,,ix4 ,visit to families of ,friends in ,new-,york1 and engagements at and about home1 #ahae4 #bjf ,,chapter ,x4 ,engagements at and about home1 #ahae4 ,visit to the monthly meetings within the circuit of ,nine ,partners quarterly meeting1 #ahae4 #bbi ,,chapter ,,xi4 ,general visit to ,friends in ,new ,england1 #ahaf4 #bec ,,chapter ,,xii4 ,engagements at and about home1 and within ,westbury quarterly meeting1 #ahaf and #ahag4 #bgc ,,chapter ,,xiii4 ,engagements at and near home1 #ahag4 ,visit to some parts of the yearly meetings of ,philadelphia and ,baltimore1 #ahag4 #bid ,,chapter ,,xiv4 ,engagements at and near home1 and within the limits of ,westbury quarterly meeting4 ,visit to some parts of the yearly meeting of ,new-,york1 #ahah4 #cbb ,,chapter ,,xv4 ,general visit to ,friends of the yearly meeting of ,new-,york1 #ahai4 #cee ,,chapter ,,xvi4 ,journey to ,ohio in #ahai4 ,visit to the neighbouring inhabitants in #ahai4 ,visit to ,farmington and ,duanesburgh quarterly meetings in #ahbj4 ,visit to some parts of ,pennsylvania1 and to ,baltimore1 in #ahbb4 ,visit to some of the lower quarterly meetings in #ahbc4 #cgc ,,chapter ,,xvii4 ,visit to ,baltimore to attend the yearly meeting in #ahbd4 ,visit to the inhabitants of the eastern part of ,long ,island in #ahbe4 ,visit to ,scipio quarterly meeting in #ahbe4 ,visit to ,southern and ,concord quarterly meetings in ,pennsylvania in #ahbf4 ,visit to the families of ,friends in ,jericho and ,westbury monthly meetings in #ahbg4 ,visit to ,friends in some parts of ,new ,jersey1 ,pennsylvania and ,ohio in #ahbh4 #cif ,,chapter ,,xviii4 ,continuation of his visit to ,friends in some parts of ,ohio1 ,indiana1 ,maryland1 ,pennsylvania and ,new ,jersey in #ahbh4 ,decease of his wife in #ahbi4 ,visit to ,friends in the yearly meeting of ,new-,york in #ahbi4 #daa ,,appendix4 ,letter to ,hugh ,judge in #ahcj4 #dci ,his decease in #ahcj4 ,memorial of the monthly meeting of ,jericho in #ahcj4 #ddd ,,transcriber',s ,,note4 ,,journal ,,of ,,elias ,,hicks4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,birth1 #agdh4--;,early visitations of ,divine grace4--,apprenticeship4--,trials and temptations4--,marriage1 #agga4--,renewed visitations of ,divine love4--,appearance in the ,ministry4--,situation of ,friends during the war4--,journey to ,philadelphia1 #aggi4--,visit to ,friends on the ,main1 #agha4--;,illness1 #agha4--,visit on ,long ,island1 #aghb4--,visit to the ,meetings on the ,main1 #aghb4 ,having experienced many mercies and preservations1 both spiritual and temporal1 in passing through this probationary state1 ,i am induced to record some little account of them1 under a sense of humble gratitude to my gracious and merciful ,creator and ,preserver4 ,i was born on the #aith day of the third month1 #agdh1 in the township of ,hempstead1 in ,queens county1 on ,long ,island4 ,my parents1 ,john and ,martha ,hicks1 were descended from reputable families1 and sustained a good character among their friends and those who knew them4 ,my father was a grandson of ,thomas ,hicks1 of whom our worthy friend ,samuel ,bownas makes honourable mention in his journal1 and by whom he was much comforted and strengthened1 when imprisoned through the envy of ,george ,keith1 at ,jamaica1 on ,long ,island4 ,neither of my parents were members in strict fellowship with any religious society1 until some little time before my birth4 ,my father was at that period united in membership with ,friends2 but as his residence was mostly at some distance from meetings and in a neighbourhood where very few ,friends lived1 my associates1 when young1 were chiefly among those of other religious persuasions1 or1 what was still worse for me1 among those who made no profession of religion at all4 ,this exposed me to much temptation2 and though ,i early felt the operation of divine grace1 checking and reproving me for my lightness and vanity1 yet being of a lively active spirit1 and ambitious of excelling in my play and diversions1 ,i sometimes exceeded the bounds of true moderation1 for which ,i often felt close conviction and fears on my pillow in the night season4 ,when ,i was about eight years old1 my father removed his habitation and settled on a farm which his father had left him1 on the south side of the island1 near the sea shore4 ,this introduced a new scene of diversion to my active mind1 which was prone to pleasure and self-gratification4 ,the shore abounded with fish and wild fowl1 and ,i soon began to occupy myself with angling for the former1 and shooting the latter4 ,these amusements gained an ascendency in my mind1 and although they were diversions for which ,i felt condemnation at later periods1 yet ,i am led to believe that they were1 at this time1 profitable to me in my exposed condition1 as they had a tendency to keep me more at and about home1 and often prevented my joining with loose company1 which ,i had frequent opportunities of doing without my father's knowledge4 ,my mother was removed by death when ,i was about eleven years of age1 and my father was left with the care of six children1 three older1 and two younger1 than myself2 and although he endeavoured to keep his children within the limits of truth1 yet opportunities sometimes occurred to join with vain companions4 ,but the ,lord was graciously near to my poor soul in my tender years2 and he followed me with his reproofs1 and his dread made me afraid4 ,when ,i was about thirteen years of age1 ,i was placed with one of my elder brothers who was married1 and lived at some distance from my father's residence4 ,i was here without any parental restraint2 and mixing with gay associates1 ,i lost much of my youthful innocence1 and was led wide from the salutary path of true religion1 learning to sing vain songs1 and to take delight in running horses4 ,yet ,i did not give way to any thing which was commonly accounted disreputable1 having always a regard to strict honesty1 and to such a line of conduct as comported with politeness and good breeding4 ,nevertheless1 ,i became considerably hardened in vanity1 and on several occasions in riding races was exposed to great danger2 and had it not been for the providential care of my heavenly father1 my life would have fallen a sacrifice to my folly and indiscretion4 ,o my soul1 what wilt1 or canst thou render unto the ,lord for all his benefits1 for his mercies are new every morning6 ,about the seventeenth year of my age1 ,i was put an apprentice to learn the trade of a house carpenter and joiner1 and this by no means placed me in a more favourable situation than before2 for my master1 although considered an orderly man1 and one who frequently attended ,friends' meetings1 was yet in an eager pursuit after temporal riches1 and was of but little use to me in my religious improvement4 ,we had to go from place to place1 as our business called1 to attend to our work1 and ,i was thereby introduced into hurtful company1 and learned to dance and to pursue other frivolous and vain amusements4 ,during my apprenticeship ,i passed through many trials and much exposure2 and ,i have often thought1 that had it not been for the interposition of divine mercy and goodness1 ,i should have fallen a prey to the varied temptations which surrounded me2 for although ,i was overtaken in many faults1 in which my poor soul was deeply wounded1 and for which ,i afterwards felt the just indignation of an offended ,god1 yet when ,i have looked back on this scene of my life1 and recounted the many snares that ,i escaped1 all that is truly sensible within me has been bowed in humble admiration of the ,lord's mercies and deliverance2 and in reverent gratitude1 ,i was made to praise and magnify his great and adorable name1 8who is over all4 ,god blessed for ever40 ,in the midst of my vanity and exposure1 the ,lord1 as a gracious father1 was often near2 and when ,i was alone1 he inclined my mind to solid meditations4--,some of my leisure hours were occupied in reading the ,scriptures1 in which ,i took considerable delight1 and it tended to my real profit and religious improvement4 ,my youthful companions would often endeavour to persuade me and each other1 that the amusements1 in which we spent much of our precious time1 were innocent2 yet being very early convinced by the divine light that its teachings were truth1 it had1 in my calmer moments1 an ascendency in my mind over all the reasonings and persuasions of men4 ,nevertheless1 ,i had such a proneness to levity and self-gratification1 that ,i often ran counter to clear conviction1 and went on for a considerable time1 sinning and repenting2 for the ,lord in great mercy had regard to me in my tried condition1 and often opened a door of reconciliation to my poor soul4 ,but ,i was too weak to keep my covenants in the midst of so many temptations1 until by his righteous judgments1 mixed with adorable mercy1 he opened to my mind1 in a very clear manner1 the danger ,i was in of falling into eternal ruin4 ,under the weight of this impression1 my heart1 in the midst of merriment1 was often made very sad2 and while engaged in the dance my soul was deeply sensible of its evil and folly3 even my reasoning powers1 when thus enlightened by the clear evidence of divine light1 were made to loathe it as a senseless and insipid pursuit1 and utterly unworthy of a rational being4 ,but although ,i formed resolutions to refrain from this evil and others of a like nature1 yet it was difficult to resist the importunities of my companions2 and ,i found by experience1 that if ,i would altogether cease from them1 ,i must wholly withdraw from the company of those who were inclined to such pursuits4 ,on the last occasion that ,i was present at a dance1 and in which ,i was pressed to take a part1 ,i was brought under great concern of mind1 and was struck with a belief1 that if ,i now gave way after forming so many resolutions1 and should again rebel against the light1 ,i might be left in an obdurate situation1 and never have another offer of pardon4 ,i also clearly saw that this would be just1 and that my blood would be upon my own head2 and feeling the dread of the ,almighty to cover me1 and a cry raised in my soul towards him1 when ,i was called to participate in the dance1 it seemed as though all my limbs were fettered1 and ,i sat down and informed the company that ,i was now resolved to go no further4 ,i was deeply tried1 but the ,lord was graciously near2 and as my cry was secretly to him for strength1 he enabled me to covenant with him1 that if he would be pleased in mercy to empower me1 ,i would for ever cease from this vain and sinful amusement3 and he instructed me1 that if ,i would escape the danger of another trial1 ,i must keep myself separate from such companions2 and blessed for ever be his right worthy name1 in that he hath enabled me to keep this my covenant with him from that time inviolate4 ,in looking back to this season of deep probation1 my soul has been deeply humbled2 for ,i had cause to believe that if ,i had withstood at this time the merciful interposition of divine love1 and had rebelled against this clear manifestation of the ,lord's will1 he would have withdrawn his light from me1 and my portion would have been among the wicked1 cast out for ever from the favourable presence of my judge4 ,i should also for ever have been obliged to acknowledge his mercy and justice1 and acquit the ,lord my redeemer1 who had done so much for me2 for with longsuffering and much abused mercy he had waited patiently for my return1 and would have gathered me before that time1 as ,i well knew1 as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings1 but ,i would not4 ,therefore it is the earnest desire of my spirit1 that the youth1 and others whom it may concern1 may wisely ponder their ways1 and not think that the frivolous excuses which those make1 who endeavour to justify themselves in such vain and wicked diversions1 by saying that their parents judge it innocent1 or their teachers have instructed them so to believe1 or that under the law it was deemed admissible1 will stand them in any stead in the day of solemn inquisition3 for what are all these carnal reasonings worth1 when weighed in the balance of the sanctuary1 against one single conviction of the divine light in the secret of the heart4 ,the last is clear and self-evident2 the others are mere evasive excuses3 and ,i often reflect with surprise on the conduct of those parents1 who are spending their substance in hiring idle dancingmasters to teach their children this unnatural and unchristian practice1 and who plead for excuse the example of righteous ,david4 ,but how unlike is their dancing to his1 who did it only in worship and honour to his ,god1 and in conformity with the outward dispensation under which he lived4 ,we have1 however1 a better and higher example than ,david1 the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 who is the mediator of a better covenant2 this covenant is inward1 even the law written upon the heart1 which no outward example of others can ever abrogate or disannul2 nor do his doctrines or self-denying example in any wise approbate or justify this foolish and idle practice1 but1 in all parts thereof1 condemn and disapprove it3 for if none can be his disciples1 except those who deny themselves1 and take up their cross daily1 as assuredly no others can1 how can those be acceptable to him who are living in the daily gratification of their own licentious wills1 and spending their precious time and talents in such fruitless and vain sports4 ,his self-denying apostles also have left us neither example nor precept in justification of such wanton and evil amusements2 but we are exhorted by them to redeem the time1 because the days are evil1 and to use diligence to make our calling and election sure1 and to follow them as they followed ,christ3 there is not a word of learning to dance1 or of dancingmasters1 but an exhortation to abstain from all idle and vain sports1 and foolish talking and jesting1 which are contrary to ,christian gravity1 and to the self-denying example of the blessed ,jesus1 who1 when personally on earth1 was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief2 and1 therefore1 the house of mourning is recommended to all who are wise in heart1 for it is the fool's heart only that is captivated in the house of mirth4 ,my apprenticeship being now expired1 ,i gradually withdrew from the company of my former associates1 became more acquainted with ,friends1 and was more frequent in my attendance of meetings2 and although this was in some degree profitable to me1 yet ,i made but slow progress in my religious improvement1 until several years after ,i had entered into a married state4 ,the occupation of part of my time in fishing and fowling had frequently tended to preserve me from falling into hurtful associations2 but through the rising intimations and reproofs of divine grace in my heart1 ,i now began to feel that the manner in which ,i sometimes amused myself with my gun was not without sin2 for although ,i mostly preferred going alone1 and while waiting in stillness for the coming of the fowl1 my mind was at times so taken up in divine meditations1 that the opportunities were seasons of instruction and comfort to me2 yet1 on other occasions1 when accompanied by some of my acquaintances1 and when no fowls appeared which would be useful to us after being obtained1 we sometimes1 from wantonness or for mere diversion1 would destroy the small birds which could be of no service to us4 ,this cruel procedure affects my heart while penning these lines2 but my gracious ,redeemer was drawing my mind from such low amusements1 and ,i was led to consider conduct like this to be a great breach of trust1 and an infringement of the divine prerogative4 ,it therefore became a settled principle with me1 not to take the life of any creature1 except it was really useful and necessary when dead1 or very noxious and hurtful when living4 ,and1 in exercising this privilege1 we ought to be careful to do it in the most mild and tender manner in our power2 for ,i think every candid mind must be convinced1 that the liberty we have for taking the lives of other creatures1 and using their bodies to support our own1 is certainly an unmerited favour1 and ought to be received by us as the bounty of our great benefactor1 and be acknowledged with great humility and gratitude4 ,i have likewise from reflection1 founded on observation1 and from the nature and reason of things1 been led to believe1 that we frequently err by the liberty we take in destroying what we esteem noxious creatures2 and not only abuse the power given us over them by our great ,creator1 but likewise act very contrary to our own true interest4 ,for1 as all in the beginning was pronounced good that the good ,god had made1 we ought not to destroy any thing that has life1 for mere gratification4 ,it is our indispensable duty1 as reasonable accountable beings1 wisely to ponder our ways1 and consider the consequent effect of all our conduct2 for if we are to give an account of every idle word1 how much more so of every presumptuous act4 ,in the twenty-second year of my age1 apprehending it right to change my situation from a single to a married state1 and having gained an intimate acquaintance with ,jemima ,seaman1 daughter of ,jonathan and ,elizabeth ,seaman1 of ,jericho1 and my affection being drawn towards her in that relation1 ,i communicated my views to her1 and received from her a corresponding expression of affection2 and having the full unity and concurrence of our parents and friends1 we1 after some time1 accomplished our marriage at a solemn meeting of ,friends1 at ,westbury1 on the #b;d of #ast month1 #agga4 ,on this important occasion1 we felt the clear and consoling evidence of divine truth1 and it remained with us as a seal upon our spirits1 strengthening us mutually to bear1 with becoming fortitude1 the vicissitudes and trials which fell to our lot1 and of which we had a large share in passing through this probationary state4 ,my wife1 although not of a very strong constitution1 lived to be the mother of eleven children1 four sons and seven daughters4 ,our second daughter1 a very lovely promising child1 died when young with the small pox1 and the youngest was not living at its birth4 ,the rest all arrived to years of discretion1 and afforded us considerable comfort1 as they proved to be in a good degree dutiful children4 ,all our sons1 however1 were of weak constitutions1 and were not able to take care of themselves1 being so enfeebled as not to be able to walk after the ninth or tenth year of their age4 ,the two eldest died in the fifteenth year of their age1 the third in his seventeenth year1 and the youngest was nearly nineteen when he died4 ,but1 although thus helpless1 the innocency of their lives1 and the resigned cheerfulness of their dispositions to their allotments1 made the labour and toil of taking care of them agreeable and pleasant2 and ,i trust we were preserved from murmuring or repining1 believing the dispensation to be in wisdom1 and according to the will and gracious disposing of an all-wise providence1 for purposes best known to himself4 ,and when ,i have observed the great anxiety and affliction1 which many parents have with undutiful children who are favoured with health1 especially their sons1 ,i could perceive very few whose troubles and exercises1 on that account1 did not far exceed ours4 ,the weakness and bodily infirmity of our sons tended to keep them much out of the way of the troubles and temptations of the world2 and we believed that in their death they were happy1 and admitted into the realms of peace and joy3 a reflection1 the most comfortable and joyous that parents can have in regard to their tender offspring4 ,in the spring after our marriage1 my wife's relations gave me an invitation to come and live with them1 and carry on the business of their farm1 they having no other child than her4 ,i accepted this proposal1 and continued with them during their lives1 and the place afterwards became my settled residence4 ,my advantages1 in a religious point of view1 were greater than before2 as ,i had the benefit of the company of several worthy ,friends1 who were my neighbours1 and by whose example ,i was frequently incited to seriousness and piety2 yet1 having entered pretty closely into business1 ,i was thereby much diverted from my religious improvement for several years4 ,but1 about the twenty-sixth year of my age1 ,i was again brought1 by the operative influence of divine grace1 under deep concern of mind2 and was led1 through adorable mercy1 to see1 that although ,i had ceased from many sins and vanities of my youth1 yet there were many remaining that ,i was still guilty of1 which were not yet atoned for1 and for which ,i now felt the judgments of ,god to rest upon me4 ,this caused me to cry earnestly to the ,most ,high for pardon and redemption1 and he graciously condescended to hear my cry1 and to open a way before me1 wherein ,i must walk1 in order to experience reconciliation with him2 and as ,i abode in watchfulness and deep humiliation before him1 light broke forth out of obscurity1 and my darkness became as the noonday4 ,i had many deep openings in the visions of light1 greatly strengthening and establishing to my exercised mind4 ,my spirit was brought under a close and weighty labour in meetings for discipline1 and my understanding much enlarged therein2 and ,i felt a concern to speak to some of the subjects engaging the meeting's attention1 which often brought unspeakable comfort to my mind4 ,about this time1 ,i began to have openings leading to the ministry1 which brought me under close exercise and deep travail of spirit2 for although ,i had for some time spoken on subjects of business in monthly and preparative meetings1 yet the prospect of opening my mouth in public meetings was a close trial2 but ,i endeavoured to keep my mind quiet and resigned to the heavenly call1 if it should be made clear to me to be my duty4 ,nevertheless1 as ,i was1 soon after1 sitting in a meeting1 in much weightiness of spirit1 a secret1 though clear1 intimation accompanied me to speak a few words1 which were then given to me to utter1 yet fear so prevailed1 that ,i did not yield to the intimation4 ,for this omission1 ,i felt close rebuke1 and judgment seemed1 for some time1 to cover my mind2 but as ,i humbled myself under the ,lord's mighty hand1 he again lifted up the light of his countenance upon me1 and enabled me to renew covenant with him1 that if he would pass by this my offence1 ,i would1 in future1 be faithful1 if he should again require such a service of me4 ,and it was not long before ,i felt an impressive concern to utter a few words1 which ,i yielded to in great fear and dread2 but ,o the joy and sweet consolation that my soul experienced1 as a reward for this act of faithfulness2 and as ,i continued persevering in duty and watchfulness1 ,i witnessed an increase in divine knowledge1 and an enlargement in my gift4 ,i was also deeply engaged for the right administration of discipline and order in the ,church1 and that all might be kept sweet and clean1 consistent with the nature and purity of the holy profession we were making2 so that all stumbling blocks might be removed out of the way of honest inquirers1 and that truth's testimony might be exalted1 and the ,lord's name magnified1 8who is over all1 ,god blessed for ever40 ,a war1 with all its cruel and destructive effects1 having raged for several years between the ,british ,colonies in ,north ,america and the mother country1 ,friends1 as well as others1 were exposed to many severe trials and sufferings2 yet1 in the colony of ,new-,york1 ,friends1 who stood faithful to their principles1 and did not meddle in the controversy1 had1 after a short period at first1 considerable favour allowed them4 ,the yearly meeting was held steadily1 during the war1 on ,long ,island1 where the king's party had the rule2 yet ,friends from the ,main1 where the ,american army ruled1 had free passage through both armies to attend it1 and any other meetings they were desirous of attending1 except in a few instances4 ,this was a favour which the parties would not grant to their best friends1 who were of a warlike disposition2 which shows what great advantages would redound to mankind1 were they all of this pacific spirit4 ,i passed myself through the lines of both armies six times during the war1 without molestation1 both parties generally receiving me with openness and civility2 and although ,i had to pass over a tract of country1 between the two armies1 sometimes more than thirty miles in extent1 and which was much frequented by robbers1 a set1 in general1 of cruel unprincipled banditti1 issuing out from both parties1 yet1 excepting once1 ,i met with no interruption even from them4 ,but although ,friends in general experienced many favours and deliverances1 yet those scenes of war and confusion occasioned many trials and provings in various ways to the faithful4 ,one circumstance ,i am willing to mention1 as it caused me considerable exercise and concern4 ,there was a large cellar under the new meeting-house belonging to ,friends in ,new-,york1 which was generally let as a store4 ,when the king's troops entered the city1 they took possession of it for the purpose of depositing their warlike stores2 and ascertaining what ,friends had the care of letting it1 their commissary came forward and offered to pay the rent2 and those ,friends1 for want of due consideration1 accepted it4 ,this caused great uneasiness to the concerned part of the ,society1 who apprehended it not consistent with our peaceable principles to receive payment for the depositing of military stores in our houses4 ,the subject was brought before the yearly meeting in #aggi1 and engaged its careful attention2 but those ,friends1 who had been active in the reception of the money1 and some few others1 were not willing to acknowledge their proceedings to be inconsistent1 nor to return the money to those from whom it was received2 and in order to justify themselves therein1 they referred to the conduct of ,friends in ,philadelphia in similar cases4 ,matters thus appearing very difficult and embarrassing1 it was unitedly concluded to refer the final determination thereof to the yearly meeting of ,pennsylvania2 and several ,friends were appointed to attend that meeting in relation thereto1 among whom ,i was one of the number4 ,we accordingly set out on the #ith day of the #ith month1 #aggi1 and ,i was accompanied from home by my beloved friend ,john ,willis1 who was likewise on the appointment4 ,we took a solemn leave of our families1 they feeling much anxiety at parting with us1 on account of the dangers we were exposed to1 having to pass not only the lines of the two armies1 but the deserted and almost uninhabited country that lay between them1 in many places the grass being grown up in the streets1 and many houses desolate and empty4 ,believing it1 however1 my duty to proceed in the service1 my mind was so settled and trust-fixed in the divine arm of power1 that faith seemed to banish all fear1 and cheerfulness and quiet resignation were1 ,i believe1 my constant companions during the journey4 ,we got permission1 with but little difficulty1 to pass the outguards of the king's army at ,kingsbridge1 and proceeded to ,westchester4 ,we afterwards attended meetings at ,harrison's ,purchase1 and ,oblong1 having the concurrence of our monthly meeting to take some meetings in our way1 a concern leading thereto having for some time previously attended my mind4 ,we passed from thence to ,nine ,partners1 and attended their monthly meeting1 and then turned our faces towards ,philadelphia1 being joined by several others of the ,committee4 ,we attended ,new ,marlborough1 ,hardwick1 and ,kingwood meetings on our journey1 and arrived at ,philadelphia on the #gth day of the week1 and #beth of #ith month1 on which day we attended the yearly meeting of ,ministers and ,elders1 which began at the eleventh hour4 ,i also attended all the sittings of the yearly meeting until the #dth day of the next week1 and was then so indisposed with a fever1 which had been increasing on me for several days1 that ,i was not able to attend after that time4 ,i was therefore not present when the subject was discussed1 which came from our yearly meeting2 but ,i was informed by my companion1 that it was a very solemn opportunity1 and the matter was resulted in advising that the money should be returned into the office from whence it was received1 accompanied with our reasons for so doing3 and this was accordingly done by the direction of our yearly meeting the next year4 ,the yearly meeting closed on the #b;d day of the following week2 and feeling my health a little restored1 though still very weak1 ,i left the city1 and was taken by my kind friend ,john ,shoemaker to his house4 ,the next morning being rainy1 and being still unwell1 ,i rested here during the day1 but my companion proceeded to attend the monthly meeting at the ,falls4 ,the next day ,i went to ,byberry meeting1 after which ,i rode with our valuable friend ,james ,thornton to ,john ,watson's1 at ,middletown1 where ,i was again joined by my companion4 ,we attended their monthly meeting1 and found things in but poor order1 and discipline at a low ebb1 for want of faithful standard bearers4 ,we then attended meetings1 to some satisfaction1 at ,wright's ,town1 ,plumbstead1 and ,buckingham4 ,from thence we proceeded to the monthly meeting at ,hardwick1 where things appeared very low as to the right exercise of discipline2 but feeling our minds engaged1 we laboured1 in the ability received1 for their assistance and encouragement4 ,after this we passed on to the ,drowned ,lands1 and attended a meeting with the few ,friends of that place1 and some others who came in2 but things1 pertaining to religion1 seemed at a very low ebb with them1 which makes hard work for the poor traveller4 ,from thence we went pretty directly to ,nine ,partners1 and after having two meetings there1 we proceeded to ,oswego and ,apoquague1 and then to the monthly meeting at ,oblong1 in all which meetings truth was exalted1 and ,i left them with peace of mind4 ,we then turned our faces homeward1 and after going a few miles on our way1 we were overtaken by a constable1 with a warrant from a magistrate to bring my companion before him1 who1 after examination1 committed him to a board of commissioners1 as a dangerous person to travel at such a time4 ,we were led to believe1 on inquiry1 that this interruption was merely the fruit of envy1 and occasioned by two acquaintances of my companion1 who had fled from the ,island for refuge4 ,however1 after a short detention1 which gave me an opportunity of visiting a few families of my relations1 and of attending a small meeting which ,i had passed from in some heaviness before1 he was set at liberty1 and we attended the quarterly meeting at ,oblong4 ,after this we passed on1 taking meetings at ,peachpond1 ,amawalk1 and the monthly meeting at ,purchase1 and from thence proceeded home4 ,i found my family well1 which1 together with the preservations and favours experienced in our journey1 impressed my mind with thankfulness and gratitude to the great and blessed author of all our mercies4 ,i was from home in this journey about nine weeks1 and rode about eight hundred and sixty miles4 ,after the close of the aforesaid journey1 ,i felt my mind engaged to make a general visit to ,friends on the ,main belonging to our yearly meeting2 and with the concurrence of ,friends1 and in company with ,william ,valentine1 who1 under a like concern1 had agreed to be my companion1 ,i left home on the #ast of the week1 and #dth of #c;d month1 #agha1 in order to accomplish the same4 ,we sat with ,friends in our own meeting1 and then proceeded to ,flushing2 and the next day1 the commanding officer of the king's troops at this place permitting us1 we crossed the ,sound to ,frog's ,neck1 and lodged with our friend ,joseph ,caustin4 ,on the following day we attended an appointed meeting at ,westchester1 and then went forward1 taking meetings as they came in course for fifteen days successively1 the last at ,little ,nine ,partners3 and although in many places meetings appeared in a low state1 as to the life of religion1 yet1 through divine favour1 help was afforded1 insomuch that ,i generally left them with the satisfactory evidence1 that my way had been rightly directed among them4 ,after the last mentioned meeting we set forward towards ,saratoga1 and lodged that night at an inn4 ,the innkeeper's wife1 in the course of some conversation1 discovered that my companion and ,i were from ,long ,island1 where the king's party bore rule2 and she1 being a friend to their cause1 seemed to wonder much1 that we should leave them1 and come out among the ,americans1 signifying that if she was there1 she should not be willing to come away2 and when ,i informed her that ,i expected we should shortly return thither again1 her admiration was still more excited1 and she was surprised how we should dare to act so3 whereupon ,i took occasion to acquaint her how we stood in regard to the contending parties2 informing her that as we took no part in the controversy1 but were friends to them and to all mankind1 and were principled against all wars and fightings1 the contending powers had such confidence in us1 and favour towards us1 that they let us pass freely on religious accounts1 through both their armies without interruption2 a privilege1 which they would not grant to their own people4 ,this account made her marvel greatly1 having never heard of the like before4 ,she acknowledged it was very good1 and wished for herself that she could come into the same situation1 but said she could not1 unless she first had retaliation for the wrongs she had received1 after which1 she said she should be willing to forgive them2 not considering1 that there was nothing to be forgiven1 where full pay or satisfaction had been received4 ,nevertheless1 this is the natural condition and disposition of all worldly-minded men and women1 who have not known1 through the powerful influence of the gospel of ,christ1 the work of regeneration and the new birth1 whereby they might experience redemption from such a malicious and revengeful spirit4 ,on the next day we proceeded to ,coeman's ,patent1 on the west side of ,hudson river1 which we crossed at a place called ,claverack landing4 ,we reached there on #gth day evening1 and the following day had a meeting with the few ,friends1 who had lately settled at that place1 and some of their neighbours1 who were mostly ,baptists4 ,it was the first ,friends' meeting ever held there1 and was a satisfactory season4 ,we then rode that afternoon about twelve miles towards ,albany1 and lodged at an inn2 and the next day we reached ,saratoga1 since called ,easton1 and lodged with our friend ,daniel ,cornell4 ,it was late in the night before we arrived1 and the evening snowy2 and the country being newly settled1 ,friends' houses were generally but poor1 so that several times1 while in these parts1 ,i felt the snow fall on my face when in bed4 ,this affected me with a heavy cold when ,i first came here1 but afterwards ,i was much favoured during the journey1 having in good measure become inured to the hardships we had to go through4 ,we attended the meetings belonging to this monthly meeting1 being four in number2 viz4 ,saratoga alias ,easton1 ,danby about forty miles further to the north east1 ,white ,creek1 and ,hoosack4 ,the monthly meeting was held alternately at this latter place and ,saratoga4 ,we also visited nearly all the families belonging to this monthly meeting1 and had good satisfaction1 and a peaceful reward of our labours4 ,from thence we went to ,new ,britain1 and visited three families1 in each of which there was but one member of our ,society4 ,we then returned to ,nine ,partners1 and attended their monthly meeting1 also several other meetings in that neighbourhood which we were not at in our way up4 ,after this we attended ,oblong quarterly meeting1 and next the monthly meeting of ,shapaqua2 and then taking meetings at ,purchase1 ,mamaroneck and ,westchester1 we passed the ,sound again1 and got safe home the #aeth day of #eth month4 ,i was gladly received by my family and friends1 having been absent on this journey about ten weeks1 and rode about eight hundred and fifty miles4 ,we attended thirty-two meetings1 six of which were monthly meetings1 and one quarterly meeting1 and visited about ninety families4 ,it was in the latter part of this journey1 between ,mamaroneck and ,westchester1 that we met with the interruption1 which ,i before alluded to1 from some of those robbers1 who frequented the country between the two armies4 ,i was a little ahead of my companion and some other ,friends1 and was met1 and accosted by two of those persons in a very rough manner4 ,i did not see them until they spoke1 and one of them demanded very rudely to know where we were going4 ,i looked calmly upon him1 and informed him1 without the least interruption of mind1 where we were intending to go4 ,he then interrogated me further1 as to where we had been1 what our business was1 and where we were from1 to all of which ,i gave true and suitable answers in a mild and pleasant tone4 ,they seemed thereby to be entirely disarmed of their rage and violence1 although they had just before robbed and beat a man2 and the one1 who had hitherto stood silent1 being the most overcome1 said to his fellow1 8,come1 let us go1 the ,quakers go where they please20 and1 then turning away1 they left us to pursue our journey without further interruption4 ,i considered this as a merciful preservation through the interference of divine providence1 who1 by his power1 not only sets bounds to the sea1 and saith1 8,hitherto shalt thou come1 but no further2 and here shall thy proud waves be stayed10 but also limits the rage and will of wicked men1 and turns them from their purpose2 and thereby delivers1 from their power and cruelty1 those that put their trust in him4 ,in the fall of the year #agha1 ,i was taken sick with a fever1 which lasted for several months1 in the course of which my strength became very much exhausted1 and some of my friends were ready to conclude1 that ,i should not continue long with them2 yet1 through the whole of my indisposition1 ,i had to believe that ,i should recover4 ,but through the exercise and distress both of body and mind which ,i experienced1 it proved a very humbling dispensation to me4 ,one circumstance in particular made it peculiarly exercising to my mind1 although it was that on which ,i principally grounded my belief of recovery4 ,when ,i was reduced nearly to the lowest state of bodily weakness1 a prospect opened on my mind to pay a religious visit to some parts of our island where no ,friends lived1 and among a people1 who1 from the acquaintance ,i had with them1 were more likely to mock1 than to receive me1 seeing that ,i considered myself but a child in such a service4 ,but when the prospect first presented1 it was very impressive on my mind1 and an injunction seemed to attend requiring my assent thereto2 and although ,i pleaded as an excuse my weakness and inability of body1 as well as my unfitness1 even if ,i was well1 for such a service1 yet with all my reasonings and pleadings ,i could feel no excuse granted me1 and the requisition lay heavy upon me both day and night4 ,by my thus standing out1 ,i was brought very low both in body and mind2 and finding that ,i could get no peace in this state of refusal1 and that if ,i did not yield1 my life must be taken for my stubbornness without any prospect of peace hereafter1 ,i at length yielded to the heavenly call1 which brought immediate peace and comfort to my afflicted soul2 and the ,lord was very gracious1 opening many things for my encouragement4 ,in the forepart of the next summer1 having fully recovered my health1 and apprehending the right time had arrived to perform this service1 ,i opened it to the monthly meeting1 and obtained its unity and concurrence1 and two ,friends agreed to bear me company4 ,we set out about the middle of the #hth month1 #aghb1 and had a very favoured meeting at ,jamaica1 with a considerable number of the inhabitants4 ,after this we had a meeting at ,samuel ,doughty's1 on the south side of the island1 and then passed on to a ,dutch settlement called ,flatlands1 where we had some difficulty to obtain a meeting1 in consequence of the priest of the place being opposed thereto4 ,the people seemed generally afraid to offend him1 but said that if he would consent1 they should be very willing to attend4 ,however his assent could not be obtained1 for he appeared very jealous lest his interest in the people should be affected4 ,but there was one man1 who seemed so much master of his own house1 that he said we were welcome to have a meeting in it1 let others say what they might4 ,a meeting was accordingly appointed1 which1 although small1 was a satisfactory opportunity4 ,the master of the house and his wife1 in an especial manner1 seemed much affected therewith1 and pressed us to come and see them again4 ,from thence we passed on1 and had meetings at ,gravesend1 ,new-,utrecht1 and ,springfield1 all to good satisfaction4 ,from the latter we proceeded home1 feeling the comfortable reward of peace for this service1 and very thankful to the ,lord1 my gracious helper1 for his countenance and support therein4 ,may his name be praised for ever4 ,in the latter part of #aghb1 ,i attended1 with a committee of the yearly meeting1 the quarterly meeting on the ,main1 and the monthly meetings thereunto belonging1 on a proposition from the said quarterly meeting for a division thereof4 ,we were absent about seven weeks1 and rode about six hundred and sixty miles4 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,visit to ,nine ,partners1 #aghc4--,visit on ,long ,island1 #aghd4--,visit to ,new-,york and ,staten ,island1 #agij4--,visit to ,vermont1 #agij4--,visit on ,long ,island1 #agia4--;,general visit to ,friends of ,new-,york yearly ,meeting1 #agia4--,visit to the ,meetings of ,ministers and ,elders1 #agib4--,visit to ,friends in ,new-,england and ,vermont1 #agic4 ,in the fall of the year #aghc1 ,i attended the quarterly meeting at ,nine ,partners1 also the meeting for sufferings1 which was held there at this time2 and1 on my return1 ,i was at the meetings held at ,oswego and ,perquage4 ,i was from home about eleven days1 and rode about one hundred and seventy miles4 ,the reward of peace which ,i felt for this little service1 and finding my family well on my return1 excited gratitude and thankfulness of heart to the author of all our mercies and blessings2 who richly rewardeth every labour of his dependent and devoted children4 ,a concern having for some time impressed my mind to pay a religious visit to the inhabitants of some of the adjacent towns1 who were not in profession with us1 and having obtained the unity and concurrence of my friends therein1 ,i left home on the #ast day of the week1 and #acth of #fth month1 #aghd1 in order to perform that service4 ,i attended our own meeting in the forenoon2 and1 in the afternoon1 one appointed at ,hempstead ,harbour1 to good satisfaction4 ,our next appointment was on #b;d day1 at a village called ,herricks1 where there was but little profession as to religion2 nevertheless1 we had a refreshing season among them4 ,the power and presence of the ,lord were witnessed to preside amongst us in an eminent manner4 ,many hearts were tendered2 and the peaceable kingdom and government of the ,messiah was exalted3 to ,zion's king may all the praise be ascribed1 who only is worthy for ever4 ,from thence we went to the widow ,cornell's at ,success1 where we lodged1 and had a satisfactory meeting there the next day2 many present were affected by the power of truth1 which ran freely over all1 to the comfort and refreshment of the sincere-hearted4 ,after this we rode to ,benjamin ,doughty's and lodged2 and the next day we had a meeting at the ,little ,plains1 about a mile from our lodgings1 among a loose airy people4 ,the ,lord's power was manifest for our help1 bringing things close home to their several conditions4 ,the day following1 we attended two meetings1 one at ,jamaica1 and the other at a place called the ,fresh ,meadows1 near ,flushing4 ,although the people were too generally at ease1 and in an unconcerned state1 with regard to their religious improvement1 yet1 through the interposition of divine goodness and mercy1 some hearts were tendered by the convicting power of truth1 and ourselves comforted in the faithful discharge of duty4 ,after these opportunities1 we rode to our friend ,isaac ,underhill's at ,flushing1 and lodged2 and the next day attended a meeting appointed in ,friends' meeting-house in that town1 wherein the ,master's presence was witnessed1 to the comfort and satisfaction of the upright in heart4 ,from thence we went to ,newtown1 and lodged with a man not in profession with us4 ,we had a meeting at his house the following day1 wherein the spirit of truth favoured with gospel communication1 suited to the states of those present1 and relieving to my own mind4 ,the four following days we attended meetings at the ,kilns in ,newtown1 ,bushwick1 ,brooklyn1 ,flatbush1 ,flatlands1 and ,gravesend4 ,after the last1 we turned our faces homeward1 having a meeting at ,samuel ,doughty's1 and another at a wigwam1 among the black people and ,indians2 both satisfactory seasons4 ,the next meeting was at ,springfield1 among a people1 who appeared to be in a state of great darkness2 but the ,lord was pleased1 by his own power1 to command the light to shine in many hearts2 insomuch that the meeting ended under divine favour4 ,to ,him alone may all the praise be ascribed1 who is worthy for ever4 ,the day following1 attended two meetings2 one at ,foster's ,meadow1 the other at the widow ,keziah ,mott's4 ,after this we rode to my father's at ,rockaway1 on the south side of the ,island2 and the next day attended a meeting there4 ,the day following attended two meetings at ,hempstead ,south1 the latter at the house of our friend ,john ,smith2 all ,i trust1 in a good degree1 profitable and instructive seasons4 ,our next and last appointment1 at this time1 was in the town of ,hempstead1 the following day4 ,it was a large satisfactory opportunity2 wherein divine help was afforded to minister suitably to the states of those present1 and to the comfort and edification of many minds4 ,to the ,master of our assemblies1 be the praise4 ,nothing is due to man4 ,from hence ,i returned home1 and found my family well2 having rode1 whilst out1 about one hundred miles4 ,a few weeks after my return from the aforesaid visit to the inhabitants of some of the adjacent towns1 not feeling my mind relieved from the service1 ,i again left home on the #dth of the #hth month following1 in order to finish the visit4 ,the first meeting ,i attended was again at ,hempstead2 and from thence proceeded along the south side of the island1 having meetings at ,thomas ,seaman's near ,jerusalem1 and ,thomas ,sands' at ,huntington ,south4 ,the next was at ,islip1 on #gth day2 but not feeling clear1 ,i appointed another the following day1 being the #ast of the week4 ,this proved a satisfactory season4 ,the same afternoon1 ,i attended another meeting about thirteen miles farther east1 at a place called ,blue ,point4 ,thence passing on along the south side of the island1 ,i attended meetings at ,patchogue1 the ,fire ,place1 ,south ,hampton1 ,north ,sea1 ,amaganset and ,montauk at the east end of the island1 among the ,indian natives4 ,in all of them1 strength was afforded to preach the gospel in a good degree of divine authority1 and to the general satisfaction of those assembled1 and the solid peace of my own mind4 ,after the meeting at ,montauk among the natives1 we returned that afternoon to a meeting at ,east ,hampton1 which we had appointed in our way down1 and was held at the fifth hour4 ,the priest of the town1 and a considerable number of his hearers1 attended1 and all passed away quiet4 ,we went from thence to the north part of the island1 having meetings at ,sagharbour1 ,shelter ,island1 ,south ,hold1 ,oyster ,pond ,point1 and ,stephen ,vail's1 a little back from the ,point2 thence back by ,riverhead to ,st4 ,george's ,manor1 where we had a meeting1 and all satisfactory seasons4 ,we passed from thence by ,wading ,river to ,setauket1 and ,stonybrook1 holding meetings at the two last places to good satisfaction4 ,the meeting at ,setauket1 especially1 was a solemn time2 the ,lord's presence was witnessed1 to the tendering many hearts4 ,after this we took meetings at ,jonah ,wood's1 and ,james ,oakley's1 and from thence returned home1 and found my family well2 for which favour1 with the peace and satisfaction ,i felt in the performance of this tour of duty1 my mind was inspired with gratitude and humble acknowledgments to the ,lord1 my gracious helper4 ,in the #abth month following1 feeling my mind drawn to a few places eastward1 on the north part of the island1 ,i again left home on the #b;d of said month1 and took meetings at ,huntington1 ,cowharbour1 ,crab ,meadow1 ,smithtown1 ,setauket1 ,wading ,river1 ,quoram1 ,joshua ,smith's near the branch2 and from thence home4 ,in all those meetings1 truth favoured me with ability to discharge myself faithfully1 to the peace of my own mind2 and1 ,i trust1 to the edification and instruction of the honest-minded in the several meetings4 ,having felt drawings on my mind to pay a religious visit to some1 not in profession with us1 on the western part of our island1 ,new-,york1 and ,staten ,island1 and obtaining the concurrence of our monthly meeting1 ,i proceeded therein1 the #bhth of #c;d month1 #agij1 ,fry ,willis kindly bearing me company4 ,our first appointment was at ,newtown1 at the widow ,smith's1 who received us1 and opened her house for a meeting1 which was held to good satisfaction4 ,the next day we had two meetings2 the first1 at ,friends' meeting-house at the ,kilns1 the other1 in the evening1 at a neighbouring village1 called ,juniper ,swamp2 both favoured seasons1 many hearts being tendered by the prevalence of the spirit of truth1 which1 through heavenly help1 was exalted over all4 ,the day following1 way opening therefor1 we had a meeting at ,hurlgate in the afternoon1 to the general satisfaction of those present1 and to my own comfort2 having been enabled to discharge myself faithfully1 in a plain way among them4 ,after this we proceeded to ,new-,york1 and the evening of the next day1 we had a large1 and1 ,i trust1 profitable meeting1 in a public building called the ,city ,tavern4 ,our next appointment was in ,friends' meeting-house1 the evening following2 it was a very large collection1 and1 through the gracious extendings of divine mercy1 the power of truth was exalted over all1 to the comfort and strength of my own mind1 and the solid satisfaction and rejoicing of many present4 ,the day following we passed to ,staten ,island1 and the next day1 being the #ast of the week1 we had two meetings3 the first1 at the house of ,peter ,prawl1 who was favourably inclined towards ,friends4 ,it was a favoured season1 wherein the ,master's presence was witnessed eminently to preside1 and in the precious influence thereof1 the gospel was preached in demonstration of the ,spirit1 and with power1 to the awakening and tendering the hearts of many present3 to the ,lord only wise1 be the praise and glory of his own work2 for he only is worthy for ever4 ,the meeting in the afternoon1 held at the house of the widow of our friend ,thomas ,ridgway1 proved a trying season1 but ,i trust ended well4 ,we had two more meetings on the island the next day1 and the solemnity attending gave encouragement to hope1 that they were of some use to those assembled4 ,after this we returned to ,new-,york with peace of mind1 accompanied with the good wishes of many of those we had visited4 ,the day after our arrival in the city1 ,friends' monthly meeting was held1 which we attended2 and the evening of the next day1 we had a large satisfactory meeting in the suburbs of the town1 in a large building called the ,hospital4 ,the next day1 at the tenth hour1 visited the poor in the poor house4 ,the visit was comfortable and satisfactory4 ,at the third hour we had a pretty full meeting1 in a house belonging to the ,methodists1 which they offered us for that purpose2 and in the evening we had another large meeting in ,friends' meeting house2 both satisfactory seasons1 and1 ,i trust1 comfortable and edifying to many who attended4 ,the next day we visited a few families of ,friends1 as way opened1 which closed our visit for this time to the city4 ,the day after1 being the first of the week1 and the #aath of #dth month1 we had a satisfactory meeting at ,brooklyn4 ,the two following days we attended two meetings on our way home1 the first at ,samuel ,doughty's1 at ,jamaica ,south1 the latter in ,jamaica town2 both favoured seasons1 although many who attended were light and airy2 yet the power of truth rising into dominion1 a comfortable solemnity was spread over the assemblies4 ,i left them in the enjoyment of true peace of mind1 and returned to my family the evening following1 and found all well2 which1 with other unmerited favours1 witnessed in the course of this little engagement1 filled my mind with thankful acknowledgments to the ,shepherd of ,israel1 who is over all1 worthy for ever4 ,in the latter part of the summer of this year1 ,i performed a visit1 in company with ,james ,parsons of ,new-,york1 to some people favourably disposed towards ,friends1 who resided in the towns of ,strafford and ,sharon1 in the ,state of ,vermont1 about fifteen miles west of ,connecticut river4 ,i left home the #bhth of #gth month1 and attended ,purchase quarterly meeting1 and a meeting on first day1 at ,cornwall in ,connecticut1 on our way1 and then passed on to ,northampton on ,connecticut river2 from thence up the east side of the river1 through ,massachusetts and part of ,new ,hampshire1 as far as ,hanover2 then crossing the river1 we rode about fifteen miles westerly1 to the town of ,strafford1 to the house of ,timothy ,blake1 who was principally instrumental in collecting those people4 ,their first meeting was at his house4 ,he appeared convinced of the principle of the inward light1 as held by us2 and had gathered a number into the same belief1 in a good degree4 ,they held two meetings when we came among them1 one at his house1 and the other at the adjacent town of ,sharon2 but1 for want of keeping inward enough to the principle of divine light and grace1 they became weak2 and those1 who apprehended it their duty to teach1 had got too much out into words and speculative preaching and doctrine1 which soon produced discord and a schism among them4 ,they appeared to have been at times much favoured1 and several of them had their understandings considerably illumined2 insomuch that they were joined1 at their request1 in membership with ,friends1 and their meetings came under ,friends' notice2 but being far distant from any other meeting of the society1 and not keeping low and little enough1 they mostly became bewildered and scattered1 and their meetings dropped4 ,yet a few kept1 or regained1 their first love2 several of whom afterwards removed nearer to ,friends4 ,we passed several days among them2 and then1 taking leave1 returned homeward by ,danby1 ,saratoga alias ,easton1 and ,hudson1 to ,nine ,partners1 attending meetings as they fell in our way1 and reached ,nine ,partners in time for their quarterly meeting4 ,after this we passed pretty directly home1 attending a meeting at ,shapaqua on first day4 ,i was from home1 on this journey1 about three weeks and five days1 attended two quarterly meetings1 and seven particular meetings1 and travelled about five hundred and ninety-one miles4 ,in the latter part of the winter1 and spring of the ensuing year1 in the drawings of gospel love1 and with the unity of my friends1 ,i performed a visit to a number of the adjacent towns and villages on our island1 among those not in profession with us4 ,i was from home about two weeks1 and attended fifteen meetings1 and rode about one hundred and fifteen miles4 ,a prospect having for some time impressed my mind to make a general visit to ,friends of our yearly meeting1 and to have some meetings among those not in profession with us1 in parts adjacent1 with the concurrence of my brethren at home1 ,i set out on this service1 the #bc;d of #ajth month1 #agia1 and had meetings at ,flushing1 ,newtown and ,brooklyn1 on my way to ,new-,york4 ,our quarterly meeting was held there at this time2 it ended on the sixth day of the week1 and was a solemn season1 and graciously owned by the ,master's presence2 many weighty subjects were opened through well qualified instruments1 to the satisfaction and encouragement of the living4 ,we were favoured with the company of our beloved friend ,mary ,ridgway1 and her companion1 from ,ireland4 ,the #bith1 ,i proceeded on my journey1 with ,andrew ,underhill1 who had kindly given up to bear me company4 ,we went by water to ,staten ,island1 and the next day1 being the first of the week1 we attended two appointed meetings1 the first at the house of a man inclined to ,friends1 whose wife was convinced of our principles2 the latter at the house of a professor among the ,methodists4 ,both were favoured seasons1 many hearts being tendered through gospel communication1 which flowed freely to the people4 ,the #cast1 we had another meeting on the island1 at the house of the widow ,ridgway2 after this1 in the evening1 we had a favoured and instructive season with the widow's family4 ,the next day we passed over to ,rahway1 in ,east ,jersey4 ,and on fourth day1 the #b;d of #aath month1 we attended ,friends' meeting at ,plainfield1 and an appointed meeting in the evening at ,elijah ,pound's1 near ,brunswick2 both1 ,i trust1 profitable seasons to some present4--,we returned next morning to ,rahway1 and attended ,friends' meeting in that place2 and one in the evening at ,woodbridge1 and returned to ,rahway to lodge4 ,the next day we passed over again to ,staten ,island1 and had two meetings in the south-western part1 wherein help was afforded to discharge myself faithfully1 in a plain way1 suited1 as ,i believe1 to the states of those who attended2 they were of different professions1 being ,episcopalians1 ,presbyterians1 ,baptists1 and ,methodists4 ,we returned again on seventh day evening to our lodgings at ,rahway1 to the house of our kind friend ,joseph ,shotwell2 and the next day1 being the first of the week1 and #fth of the #aath month1 we attended their forenoon and afternoon meetings2 both1 ,i trust1 instructive edifying seasons1 worthy of remembrance4 ,to the ,lord only wise1 be the praise and glory of his own work1 for to him it is due4 ,the following day we attended an appointed meeting at the eleventh hour in ,elizabethtown1 at the house of our friend ,joseph ,stackhouse2 and1 although small1 yet it proved a satisfactory season2 and in the evening1 one at ,newark1 held in their court-house1 which was large and much crowded4 ,i was drawn forth among them in a large doctrinal testimony1 ,i believe to general satisfaction1 and greatly to the peace and relief of my own mind4 ,our next appointment was on the evening following1 at a place called the ,english ,neighbourhood1 on the east side of ,hackensack river1 at the house of ,thomas ,frost1 a physician4 ,although it was the first meeting appointed by ,friends1 ever held at that place1 and the people mostly unacquainted with us and our principles1 yet they came freely together1 and generally behaved in an orderly and commendable manner4 ,the meeting was much favoured1 being evidently owned by the ,head of the ,church2 and ability was received to communicate divers things1 relative to the true ground of real religion and spiritual worship1 which appeared to obtain the general assent of those present4 ,the next day1 in the evening1 we had a meeting at the house of our friend ,daniel ,lawrence1 at ,tappan1 which1 although small1 was in the main a satisfactory season4 ,on the three following days1 we had two meetings1 by appointment1 on our way to ,cornwall2 one at ,kakiat1 at the house of the widow ,seaman1 the other at ,william ,thorne's1 at ,smith's ,clove4 ,in going to the latter place1 we rode over the western part of the mountains1 called the ,highlands4 ,we got to the house of our friend ,william ,titus1 at ,cornwall1 on seventh day evening4 ,the next day attended ,friends' meeting there1 and one1 by appointment1 in the evening at ,new ,windsor2 and lodged with our friend ,james ,thorne4 ,the next day crossed the ,hudson river1 and had a meeting at ,fishkill1 in our way to ,nine ,partners2 where we arrived on #c;d day1 and attended the quarterly meeting of ,ministers and ,elders1 which opened at the eleventh hour4 ,the two following days1 the meeting for discipline and a parting meeting for public worship1 were held4 ,they were all favoured seasons1 in which the faithful had cause to bless the name of the ,lord1 for his mercy in manifesting his gracious presence for the strength and help of his people and servants2 in a sense whereof1 we parted from each other with mutual rejoicing4 ,on sixth day1 we rode to ,sharon in ,connecticut1 and the day following held a meeting for the town's people in a large upper room in their school-house4 ,a considerable number attended3 and1 through heavenly goodness1 it proved a memorable time2 the testimony of truth went freely forth among them1 powerfully reaching and tendering many hearts4 ,to the ,lord alone1 be the praise4 ,after this meeting1 we rode to the house of ,simeon ,prague1 about three miles north of the town1 and attended a meeting there that evening4 ,next day1 being the first of the week1 we rode to ,goshen1 and attended the meeting held there1 at the house of ,charles ,richards2 notice having gone before of our coming1 it was a pretty full meeting1 and ended to satisfaction4 ,we passed from thence to ,tyringham1 in the state of ,massachusetts2 and1 on third day1 attended a meeting in that neighbourhood4 ,then travelling on that afternoon and the next day1 we got to ,westfield1 and lodged at an inn2 and the following day1 held a meeting at our lodgings1 for the neighbourhood4 ,after this we rode to ,norwich1 and attended a meeting that evening at the house of ,phineas ,mixer1 which proved1 through heavenly help1 a comfortable edifying season1 although the general part of those who attended were strangers to us and our principles4 ,the three following days1 we passed on through the towns of ,northampton1 ,hadley1 ,sunderland1 ,montague1 ,northfield and ,walpole1 to ,john ,cook's1 in ,claremont1 where we appointed a meeting to be held the next day4 ,our landlord undertook to give the notice to his neighbours2 and having heard that ,friends sometimes sit their meetings in silence1 he was afraid1 as he afterwards informed me1 to notify any of the meeting1 except two or three of his particular friends2 lest1 if it should prove silent1 they might laugh him to scorn4 ,in consequence thereof1 the meeting was very small4 ,but such was the kindness of divine ,providence1 that he did not fail to manifest his presence powerfully among1 as it were1 the two or three1 to the conviction and reproof of our unfaithful landlord2 insomuch that he informed me1 when ,i came that way again1 that his folly and blindness had given him much trouble and distress2 and he was now very pressing and desirous ,i would appoint another meeting1 that he might give all the neighbourhood general notice4 ,but we let him know1 that we were not at our own disposal2 and1 as no way appeared open in our minds for such an appointment at present1 we could not comply with his desire4 ,after the last mentioned meeting1 we passed the next day to ,windsor1 the most south-easterly town in the state of ,vermont1 on the west side of ,connecticut river4 ,here we had a meeting in their court-house1 which was very commodiously fitted up for the purpose1 and proved a solid satisfactory opportunity4 ,after this we rode to ,james ,willard's1 in the town of ,hartland2 who1 although brought up without any particular knowledge of ,friends1 was yet so far one in principle with us1 that he had maintained1 by himself alone1 a testimony against a hireling ministry1 against fighting1 and oaths1 and the superstitious observance of days2 and had1 by sound reasoning1 so far defeated all his opponents1 that he was permitted to remain quiet2 although his residence had mostly been among those rigid in the ,presbyterian profession4 ,we had a meeting in his house1 which appeared always to be open to ,friends1 after his gaining an acquaintance with them2 but it being on the day set apart by those in authority as a day of thanksgiving1 the meeting was small4 ,we took leave of our kind landlord1 and journeyed forward2 and got to the town of ,sharon the next day1 to the house of ,jared ,bassett1 who1 with some of his neighbours1 who were likewise measurably convinced of our principles1 held meetings together1 after our manner4 ,here we continued some days1 visiting those people1 and attended their meeting on first day1 the #dth of #abth month2 which1 through favour1 was1 ,i trust1 a profitable1 edifying season4 ,on third day we rode over to ,hanover1 a town on the east side of ,connecticut river4 ,and the day following had a meeting in the east part of said town1 among a people mostly of the ,baptist profession2 it was1 ,i trust1 an instructive season2 things1 relating to true religion and spiritual worship1 being largely opened4 ,and after the meeting1 we had some free conversation on several material points2 viz4 election1 falling from grace1 water baptism and the right use of the scriptures1 all of which were opened apparently to the satisfaction of most present4 ,the evening of the next day1 we had an appointed meeting near ,dartmouth ,college1 which proved a very disturbed opportunity1 by reason of the attendance of the young students1 whose behaviour was very rude and unbecoming2 nevertheless1 ,i hope the season was profitable to some present4 ,we returned the next day to ,jared ,bassett's1 at ,sharon1 and the following day attended two meetings1 one at ,strafford1 and the other in the evening at a place called the ,hollow4 ,after this we returned again to ,jared ,bassett's1 and the next day1 being the first of the week1 and the #aath of #abth month1 we attended the meeting at his house2 which1 with the two last1 were1 to myself at least1 satisfactory seasons2 feeling conscious of having discharged my duty faithfully among them1 and having the answer of peace therein4 ,the next day we set out for ,danby1 the nearest meeting of ,friends to this place2 but by reason of a great fall of snow1 and the way being mountainous1 we did not arrive there until the third day after we set out4 ,the next day after our arrival1 their monthly meeting began1 which continued two days4 ,it was a low time1 wherein ,i felt my mind much oppressed with the apparent careless indifferent way in which ,friends there conducted the weighty affairs of the ,church2 many of them appearing to act in their own will1 in as light a manner1 as they would in their own trivial outward business4 ,much labour was bestowed in a plain way1 in order to impress their minds with the necessity of being more weighty in their spirits1 when they presumed to be active in the affairs of truth2 and1 ,i hope1 to the encouragement of the honest hearted4 ,we stayed their first day meeting1 which was large1 and proved a trying season2 but ,i was favoured to relieve my mind among them1 although they appeared too generally insensible of the operation of truth4 ,after meeting1 we rode that afternoon1 on our way towards ,lake ,champlain1 about twelve miles1 and attended a meeting at the house of our friend ,joseph ,button1 that evening1 among a people mostly of the ,baptist profession4 ,it was a favoured season1 and ability was received to open many things1 in a plain way1 relating to the ,christian religion4 ,the strange doctrine of absolute personal election and reprobation was exposed1 also that of the impossibility of falling from grace2 and the true baptism explained1 in opposition to that of water4 ,the next day we pursued our journey towards ,lake ,champlain1 where we arrived on second day1 and were in the neighbourhood of the lake1 in different towns1 for about fifteen days1 and attended eleven meetings among ,friends and others1 to general satisfaction1 and the peace of my mind4 ,after this we returned to ,danby1 and from thence we passed on1 through ,queensborough1 to ,saratoga and ,easton2 in which neighbourhood we had divers comfortable and edifying meetings1 among ,friends and others4 ,then we went on through ,pittstown1 ,williamstown1 ,east ,hoosack1 ,new ,britain1 ,kline-,kiln1 ,coeman's ,patent1 crossing the ,hudson river on the ice to the last mentioned place1 and from thence to ,hudson2 most of the way upon the ice on the river4 ,we had a meeting at each of those places to good satisfaction1 also one at ,hudson the next day after our arrival there4 ,after this we passed on1 attending meetings at ,little ,nine ,partners1 and one at the house of our friend ,tideman ,hull2 thence to the ,creek1 where we had a precious opportunity on the first day of the week1 in a large meeting of ,friends and others4 ,then having meetings at ,crum-elbow and ,oswego1 we got in time to ,nine ,partners1 to attend their preparative meeting the fifth day following1 which proved a comfortable season2 and the next day attended a profitable meeting1 appointed at a place called ,chesnut ,ridge4 ,the two following days we attended two meetings1 one at the ,branch1 and the other on the hill at ,oblong2 and the day after1 their monthly meeting2 and returned to ,nine ,partners to attend the quarterly meeting1 which began the next day4 ,the quiet and comfort of this meeting seemed much interrupted by the forwardness and inexperience of some in the ministry1 which was cause of much affliction to my mind4 ,oh what great need there is for those1 who apprehend themselves called to that great and solemn office1 to know self wholly reduced2 for1 otherwise1 there is danger of their endeavouring to clothe themselves with the ,lord's jewels1 which1 nevertheless1 will turn to their own shame and confusion4 ,i had some close exercise in the meeting of ,ministers and ,elders on that account4 ,on sixth day we were at the monthly meeting at the ,creek1 which was attended with a degree of divine power1 but not without suffering some hurt1 by the forward unskilful workmen before mentioned4 ,from this meeting we crossed the ,hudson again1 and had meetings at ,little ,esopus1 ,marlborough1 and ,newburgh ,valley2 and then returned to ,nine ,partners1 and attended their monthly meeting4 ,after this1 taking leave of ,friends there1 we turned our faces homewards1 having meetings at ,amawalk1 ,joseph ,weeks' near ,salem1 ,purchase1 ,apoquague1 ,mamaroneck1 and ,westchester2 all favoured seasons1 especially the last1 which was mostly composed of those not in membership with ,friends4 ,i was enabled1 through divine aid1 to open much doctrine to them1 suitable to the occasion1 and to the states of those present1 to their general satisfaction2 and ,i felt great peace in my labour1 not only for the service of this meeting1 but for all my past labour in this journey2 wherein ,i had been graciously favoured1 to my humbling admiration4 ,to the ,lord only wise1 be all the glory4 ,the next day we rode to ,new-,york1 where ,i lodged with my kind companion1 and was cordially received by his beloved wife1 and many other near and dear friends4 ,we had been from the city four months and three days4 ,the next day being the first of the week1 ,i attended their forenoon and afternoon meetings1 which were large2 and the day following rode to my own home1 and1 with a mind full of peace and solid satisfaction1 the sure reward of obedience1 found my dear wife and children all well3 for which favour1 also for the manifold unmerited mercies and preservations ,i have from time to time received1 my spirit bows in humble adoration before thee1 ,o ,lord ,god of our health and salvation1 and desires to ascribe unto thee greatness1 with glory1 thanksgiving1 and high renown2 for thou art worthy to receive it1 throughout all ages and generations1 world without end4 ,amen4 ,i was from home on this journey four months and eleven days2 rode about one thousand five hundred miles1 and attended forty-nine particular meetings among ,friends1 three quarterly meetings1 six monthly meetings1 and forty meetings among other people4 ,in the latter end of the #gth month1 #agib1 ,i left home1 in company with some other ,friends1 by appointment from the yearly meeting of ,ministers and ,elders1 to visit the subordinate meetings throughout the yearly meeting4 ,i was from home nearly a month1 in which time we visited most of the meetings of ,ministers and ,elders1 and attended many other meetings2 and1 ,i believe1 the visit was truly useful4 ,we had many seasonable and comfortable opportunities among ,friends1 and1 ,i trust1 the labour was blessed to some1 and ,i felt peace of mind for this little service4 ,a concern having for some time rested on my mind1 in the feelings of gospel love1 to pay a religious visit to ,friends in ,new ,england1 in the spring of #agic1 ,i opened it to my friends1 and obtained their certificate for that purpose4 ,but ,i did not proceed therein till after our yearly meeting4 ,i left home the #b;d of #fth month1 being the first of the week1 and after attending our own meeting1 ,i crossed the ,sound that afternoon1 and got to the house of our friends ,daniel and ,samuel ,titus at ,horseneck1 that evening4 ,here ,i met my companion ,james ,mott from ,mamaroneck1 who had kindly given up to be my companion in this journey4 ,we set forward next morning through the state of ,connecticut1 which took near three days1 and arrived on fourth day evening at the house of our friend ,amos ,collins in ,stonington1 and the next day attended ,friends' meeting at ,hopkinton1 in the state of ,rhode ,island4 ,from thence we proceeded on towards ,newport1 attending meetings in our way1 at ,westerly1 ,richmond1 ,south ,kingston1 ,upper and ,lower ,house1 and ,canonnicut ,island2 all satisfactory opportunities4 ,after this we crossed the ferry to ,newport1 and lodged at the house of our kind and very hospitable friend1 the widow ,mary ,rodman1 who1 with her two worthy daughters1 ,sarah and ,hannah1 treated us with great kindness and affection2 and where we continued to lodge1 during our stay in that town4 ,the meeting of ,ministers and ,elders opened the next day at ,portsmouth4 ,after this we lodged that night at our friend ,jacob ,mott's1 and the next day attended a meeting for worship at that place1 which was very large2 although things appeared very low1 as to the life and virtue of truth1 both among ,friends and others1 and lukewarmness and indifference seemed to prevail1 which made it a laborious time for the honest travellers1 yet ability was afforded to discharge myself among them to a good degree of satisfaction1 and peace to my own mind2 and we returned that evening to ,newport4 ,the yearly meeting closed on the third day following2 and although strength was afforded me to discharge myself in the several sittings thereof1 both for worship and discipline1 in a manner productive of that true peace1 which is the sure reward of a faithful discharge of duty1 yet it was1 for the most part1 a dull time1 and the spring of life seemed very low2 occasioned1 in part1 as ,i apprehended1 by a very small number taking upon them the whole management of the business1 and thereby shutting up the way to others1 and preventing the free circulation and spreading of the concern1 in a proper manner1 on the minds of ,friends2 which ,i have often found to be of very hurtful tendency4 ,on fourth day morning we left ,newport1 and rode to ,portsmouth1 and attended their preparative meeting4 ,the forepart of the meeting for worship was a heavy season1 in which it was my lot to be baptized for the dead2 but1 as ,i patiently abode under suffering with the pure seed1 the ,lord was pleased to arise1 and give ability to come forth1 and sound an alarm to the lifeless2 whereby his power and presence were experienced1 in good measure1 to cover the meeting1 to the comfort and encouragement of the living travellers2 to the ,lord alone be the praise1 who is worthy for ever4 ,the next day we passed the ferry1 and rode to ,tiverton1 on the ,main1 and attended a meeting1 by appointment1 which was chiefly made up of people not of our society4 ,through the prevalence of divine love1 after a season of close labour1 strength was afforded me1 largely to open the truths of the gospel1 in a clear manner1 greatly to my own satisfaction1 and apparently so to most or all present2 for which my spirit was truly thankful4 ,the next day we attended a meeting at ,little ,compton1 which was large1 and mostly composed of people of other persuasions4 ,it was a comfortable edifying season2 the ,lord was graciously pleased to be near1 and to afford wisdom and utterance2 many things were opened in a doctrinal way1 suitable to the states of those present1 in the clear demonstration of the spirit1 and with power2 in a sense whereof1 the living were made to rejoice1 and return thankful acknowledgments for such unmerited mercy4 ,the day after1 we attended the monthly meeting of ,friends of ,acoakset1 held at ,westport2 the meeting for worship was very large1 and like the former1 mostly composed of people of other persuasions4 ,ability was afforded me largely to open the nature of true worship1 and to show the fruitlessness of mere outward performances in religion1 without the animating1 quickening virtue of the word of eternal life1 influencing and assisting the soul in that solemn act4 ,the meeting for discipline was small1 and very few of those present appeared to be under right qualifications to be active in the affairs of the ,church2 consequently their business was conducted in great weakness1 and in a way far short of maintaining the proper dignity of a monthly meeting4 ,no way seemed to open to afford relief2 as the disorder and weakness appeared to be much in those1 who assumed the place of leaders and heads in the meeting1 and great and uncommon rawness in most of the youth4 ,under the consideration thereof1 my mind was deeply affected with concern for their own1 and the testimony's1 sake4 ,our next appointment was at ,centre1 on first day2 and previous notice having been given of our coming1 the meeting was very large2 there were many more than the house could hold1 and it was a precious edifying season4 ,we then rode to ,newtown1 taking some refreshment on our way2 and attended a meeting at the fourth hour in the afternoon1 which was large1 and proved a satisfactory opportunity1 and ,i felt sweet peace in this day's labour4 ,the next day we attended the monthly meeting of ,aponegansett1 alias ,dartmouth1 which proved a hard1 painful season1 things being much out of order with ,friends there4 ,most of the young people1 and some of those that were older1 were very raw and ungoverned2 insomuch that the meeting was much interrupted by an almost continual going in and out1 although frequently reproved for it4 ,it rendered the prospect very afflicting1 to see the professors of truth so regardless of their own reputation and real good1 as well as of the good and reputation of society4 ,i left this place with a degree of sadness1 on account of the prevailing darkness and ignorance2 yet ,i felt peace to attend my mind1 having faithfully discharged myself among them4 ,we rode after meeting to ,new ,bedford1 in company with our beloved friend ,thomas ,rotch1 who met us at this place2 and we lodged at his house1 where we found a cordial reception1 and kind entertainment from him and his beloved wife1 who appeared to be hopeful young ,friends4 ,the next day we attended their monthly meeting1 which proved a very comfortable1 edifying season4 ,this monthly meeting was but newly settled1 and ,friends appeared desirous of improvement4 ,there were a number of promising young ,friends in this place1 to whom my spirit was nearly united1 and a sympathetic travail experienced for their growth and preservation4 ,my mind was covered with much sweetness in the course of this meeting1 and it proved a time of revival to my spirit2 having experienced much depression and discouragement in the two foregoing monthly meetings4 ,the next day we rode to ,long ,plain1 and attended a meeting at the eleventh hour1 which proved1 through heavenly help1 a comfortable1 edifying season4 ,after this we rode back to ,accushnet1 and attended a meeting at the fourth hour that afternoon1 in which ,i found it my business to set the people an example of silence2 and returned that evening to our lodgings at ,new ,bedford4 ,the next day we embarked for ,nantucket1 and arrived there before night1 having sailed about sixty miles in our way thither4 ,we took our lodgings at the house of our kind friend ,samuel ,rodman1 and stayed on the island several days1 in which time we attended their monthly meeting1 and a meeting of ,ministers and ,elders belonging thereto2 and two meetings on the first day of the week4 ,after this1 on second and third day1 their quarterly meeting was held1 and on fourth day ,i was at their meeting held in the middle of the week1 in the north meeting-house4 ,although things in general were much out of order with many of the professors of truth in this island1 and the pure seed of the kingdom much oppressed1 and gloominess seemed to spread over the camp1 yet the ,lord ,almighty1 in the riches of his love1 was pleased to furnish ability to sound an alarm to the dead1 and to press upon the lukewarm and careless professors1 the necessity of using all diligence to make their calling and election sure1 while time and opportunity were yet graciously afforded2 and also to administer ,gilead's balm1 to bind up the broken-hearted1 and to encourage the faithful labourers in the family1 to a perseverance in faith and patience4 ,to a remnant of these1 my spirit was nearly united in the real bond of ,christian fellowship1 and our hearts were filled with gratitude to the ,god and ,father of all our sure mercies1 that he was graciously pleased to distil the heavenly dew for refreshing the weary travellers1 and crowning the several meetings with the glorious diadem of his holy presence2 to him alone be the praise1 for he is worthy for ever4 ,on fifth day1 the #dth of #gth month1 we left the island1 and crossed over to ,falmouth1 about forty miles1 by water2 after landing1 we travelled about four miles to the house of our friend ,richard ,lake1 and lodged4 ,the next day we attended their monthly meeting1 which proved a time of deep exercise to my spirit2 occasioned1 as ,i believed1 by the dead and lifeless state of the professors of truth in that meeting4 ,i sat through the meeting for worship in silence1 under a great weight of death and suffering1 and saw no way of relief until near the close of the meeting for discipline1 when a prospect opened in my mind1 with a degree of light1 to propose to ,friends1 that the men and women should sit together again at the close of their business4 ,this proposition was agreed to by ,friends1 and way was made to clear my mind1 in a good degree1 amongst them1 of the burden ,i had sat under1 in a close searching communication of my prospect respecting their state1 as it opened in the view of my mind4 ,this appeared to have considerable effect on the minds of some1 yet some others appeared too much in that state1 of all others the most to be dreaded1 of self-justification1 and of being righteous in their own eyes1 which rendered them indisposed to improvement4 ,i left that place the day following1 with some weight on my spirit1 under a sense of the low state of things among them1 and rode to ,yarmouth1 and attended a meeting there the next day1 which proved a satisfactory season4 ,the three following days we passed on through ,sandwich1 ,pembroke1 and ,boston1 to ,salem2 having meetings at ,sandwich and ,pembroke1 both1 ,i trust1 profitable edifying seasons to some present4 ,we reached ,salem on fifth day1 the #aath of #gth month1 just in time to attend their monthly meeting1 having rode diligently the morning and afternoon before to accomplish it2 and had a pretty satisfactory time with ,friends at this meeting4 ,after this we rode back to ,lynn1 and the next day attended an appointed meeting there1 which proved a large1 favoured1 and ,i trust1 profitable meeting to many1 not soon to be forgotten2 there were a considerable number of hopeful young people in this place4 ,in the afternoon1 we had a precious opportunity at a ,friend's house1 where there were a number of young people and others collected2 it was a heart-tendering season4 ,for this1 with other favours conferred from time to time1 my heart was made truly thankful to the ,father of mercies1 and ,god of all comfort1 who is over all1 blessed for ever4 ,we proceeded the next day to ,almsbury1 and lodged with our friend ,ezekiel ,jones1 and the next morning rode back to ,newbury1 and attended ,friends' meeting at the eleventh hour4 ,although the meeting was small1 ,friends being much reduced there1 yet some of the neighbouring people coming in we had a precious opportunity together1 to our mutual comfort2 the way of life and salvation being clearly opened to them1 in the demonstration of the spirit1 and with power2 for which my spirit was reverently thankful4 ,we rode back and attended a meeting at ,almsbury that afternoon1 at the fourth hour2 a large number of those1 who were not members of our society1 assembled with the few ,friends of that place1 insomuch that the house could not contain them4 ,it proved a painful season1 by reason of the prevailing death and darkness that seemed to spread1 not only over ,friends1 but the assembly in general4 ,my spirit was brought into a state of deep suffering and baptism1 but as ,i patiently endured the conflict1 way was made1 and ability afforded1 to open to them their states and conditions1 with the necessity of being redeemed therefrom1 and the way whereby it must be effected4 ,the people were generally solid1 and ,i trust it was a profitable season to many minds present4 ,we returned that evening to the house of our friend ,ezekiel ,jones1 and the next day proceeded to ,newtown1 where we had a meeting1 which proved1 ,i trust1 an instructive edifying season to some present2 although the life of religion appeared very low in that place4 ,we lodged here1 and the day following we went to ,halestown alias ,wear1 and took our lodgings at the house of our friend ,ebenezer ,breed4 ,we attended their monthly meeting next day2 things in general appeared in a low state with ,friends here1 much of which weakness ,i apprehended arose from these two causes4 ,first1 from a forward spirit1 which appeared very predominant in some members1 who were not under a right qualification to be active in meetings for discipline1 not having their spirits sanctified3 and their unseasoned offerings and forward activity were a great burden to the living concerned members1 being often opposed to the right exercise of discipline1 which caused divisions and parties in the meeting3 ,secondly1 those ,friends who seemed to have the cause of truth at heart1 for want of dwelling enough in the root1 and in that perfect love that casts out all fear1 were led from an apprehension of necessity1 in order to keep down those forward spirits1 to make use of some undue methods in the exercise of discipline4 ,this1 originating in fear1 and being the result of human contrivance1 instead of subjecting1 had a tendency to strengthen them1 in their opposition3 for nothing can promote the ,lord's work but his own peaceable spirit and wisdom1 and this stands out of all human consultation and contrivance1 which1 when given way to1 although ever so well intended1 always mar his work4 ,i was much exercised1 both in the meeting for worship1 and that for discipline2 and ,i was helped to administer much counsel and advice for ,friends' improvement in general1 and particularly that those before mentioned difficulties might be removed2 and felt much peace in my labour4 ,the next day1 being the #eth of the week1 and #aith of #gth month1 we rode to ,epping1 about forty-two miles1 and lodged with our friend ,joshua ,fulsome1 an approved minister1 and attended ,friends' meeting there the following day4 ,in the forepart of this meeting1 my mind was reduced into such a state of great weakness and depression1 that my faith was almost ready to fail1 which produced great searchings of heart1 so that ,i was led to call in question all that ,i had ever before experienced4 ,in this state of doubting1 ,i was ready to wish myself at home1 from an apprehension that ,i should only expose myself to reproach1 and wound the cause ,i was embarked in2 for the heavens seemed like brass1 and the earth as iron2 such coldness and hardness1 ,i thought could scarcely have ever been experienced before by any creature1 so great was the depth of my baptism at this time2 nevertheless1 as ,i endeavoured to quiet my mind1 in this conflicting dispensation1 and be resigned to my allotment1 however distressing1 towards the latter part of the meeting a ray of light broke through the surrounding darkness1 in which the ,shepherd of ,israel was pleased to arise1 and by the light of his glorious countenance1 to scatter those clouds of opposition4 ,then ability was received1 and utterance given1 to speak of his marvellous works in the redemption of souls1 and to open the way of life and salvation1 and the mysteries of his glorious kingdom1 which are hid from the wise and prudent of this world1 and revealed only unto those1 who are reduced into the state of little children and babes in ,christ4 ,it proved a time of renewed strength and consolation to myself1 and ,i trust it was so to many present4 ,renowned for ever be the name of the ,lord1 who hath his way in the cloud1 and in the thick darkness1 and who can cause the light to shine out of obscurity1 when he pleaseth1 for the comfort and help of his devoted children1 and cause their darkness to become as the noonday4 ,we passed on from thence through ,dover to ,berwick1 where the monthly meeting for ,dover was held the next day4 ,it proved a very exercising season1 great weakness attending the meeting1 on account of the same rending1 dividing spirit getting in among ,friends there1 mentioned at the foregoing monthly meeting at ,wear4 ,it had made great havoc among them2 a great number of members had been separated1 and others were about to be separated1 by minutes of denial from the monthly meeting4 ,i had some close labour with them1 not only by endeavouring to stir up and warn the careless and refractory members2 but ,i also found it necessary to caution and warn those1 who had the chief management of discipline4 ,i believed they had too much departed from the meek spirit of ,jesus1 in ordering the affairs of truth2 and instead of giving the right portion of meat in due season to their fellow members1 had given way to a spirit of impatience1 and therefore did not stand wholly clear of beating and abusing their fellow servants4 ,o how necessary it is for all those1 who think themselves called to be active in the discipline of the ,church1 to know their own spirits fully subjected1 that nothing of the unmortified will of the creature may be found acting in the work of the ,lord2 or mixing its own forward unsanctified zeal1 with that true and holy fervour of soul1 which animates1 quickens1 and constrains1 by the mere force and influence of the pure love of ,christ1 our holy head1 and heavenly high priest1 from whence it derives all its power and authority1 in putting right discipline in practice1 and laying true judgment on the head of transgressors1 and refractory members4 ,we tarried here the next day1 it being the first of the week4 ,the meeting was pretty large1 and was composed of ,friends and others1 and favoured with the reachings forth of heavenly regard1 consoling many hearts1 and refreshing the weary travellers2 of these1 there appeared to be a small remnant preserved in almost every place4 ,the meeting ended with humble supplication1 and praise to the great ,author of every blessing1 who is over all1 worthy for ever4 ,the next day1 the #bb;d of #gth month1 we proceeded on towards ,falmouth1 at ,casco ,bay1 attending a meeting at ,portland1 in our way thither4 ,on fourth day we attended the monthly meeting of ,falmouth1 and1 on sixth day1 the monthly meeting of ,durham2 they were in general satisfactory seasons4 ,the next day we rode to ,georgetown1 and attended a meeting appointed there at the eleventh hour4 ,after this we proceeded on to the widow ,gardner's1 in a town called ,bordingham2 in getting to this place1 we had to cross the great river ,kennebeck twice4 ,the next day1 being the first of the week1 and the #bhth of #gth month1 a large meeting was held there by our appointment1 there being no meeting in that place4 ,it was a time of hard labour for a season1 by reason of the indifference and ignorance of many present2 nevertheless1 ability was afforded to discharge myself among them1 to pretty good satisfaction1 and1 ,i believe1 generally so to those present2 and1 ,i trust1 by some1 the season will not soon be forgotten4 ,we went by water that afternoon up the aforesaid river1 about seven miles1 to the house of our friend ,george ,ramsdale1 having sent our horses there the night before4 ,the next day we passed on to ,vassalborough1 and the day following rode up the river to ,fairfield1 and attended a meeting1 and returned to ,vassalborough that afternoon4 ,the next day we attended ,friends' meeting there1 which proved a heavy dull season1 till near the close1 when ability was afforded me to clear myself among them1 in a close searching communication1 which appeared to have a good effect1 and the meeting ended well4 ,we passed on that afternoon twenty miles to ,winthrop1 and the next day had a meeting there4 ,after this we rode to ,greene1 and from thence to ,lewistown1 having a meeting at each place2 both precious heart-tendering seasons1 especially the latter1 which was attended by a large number of young people1 many of whom were greatly affected by the power of truth4 ,we left them in a tender loving frame of mind1 and rode that afternoon to ,durham4 ,the next day1 being the first of the week1 and #dth of #hth month1 we attended ,friends' meeting there1 in which ,i was favoured to open many things in a doctrinal way1 there being many present1 who were not in membership with ,friends4 ,i was likewise led to speak largely of the good effects of pure love4 ,we passed on from thence through ,falmouth to ,portland1 where we had a meeting appointed for the town's people2 it was held in their court-house1 and was1 through heavenly help1 an instructive season4 ,many doctrines of the gospel were clearly opened2 and the unsound doctrines of original sin and predestination1 also the schemes of the ,universalists1 ,atheists1 and ,deists1 were confuted from scripture and reason4 ,and a pressing exhortation was extended to all present1 to attend to the leadings of the spirit of ,christ in their own hearts1 so as to be sensible of their fallen condition1 and to become acquainted with the necessity1 means1 and manner of their salvation4 ,truth was over all1 and ,i had great peace in my labour4 ,we returned that evening to ,falmouth1 and the next day went to ,windham1 and attended a meeting1 wherein ,i was led to be an example of silence4 ,after this we rode to the house of our friend ,john ,robinson1 and lodged2 and a prospect opening for paying another visit to ,friends at ,wear1 we accordingly proceeded1 attending meetings in our way1 at ,gorham1 ,lymington1 ,new ,sandwich1 and ,gilmantown1 all satisfactory seasons2 and reached ,wear in time to attend their monthly meeting4 ,although the same dividing spirit was still discernible among them1 which produced much weakness1 yet we had pretty good satisfaction in our visit4 ,we proceeded from thence through ,pittsfield1 and ,lee1 in our way to ,dover1 having a meeting at each place1 and reached ,dover in time to attend their monthly meeting1 held on seventh day1 the #agth of #hth month4 ,although discipline is at a low ebb with ,friends here1 yet1 through divine condescension1 ,i hope the season was profitable and instructive to many present4 ,we were at their first day meeting in the forenoon2 and1 in the afternoon1 had a satisfactory meeting at ,kittery2 and1 on second day1 we attended meetings at ,madersborough1 and ,rochester1 both1 ,i trust1 profitable seasons4 ,on third day we rode to ,hampton1 and the next day had a comfortable meeting with ,friends of that place2 and from thence we returned to ,salem1 and attended a meeting4 ,then we proceeded to ,lynn1 and attended their forenoon and afternoon meetings on first day4 ,on second day we rode to ,boston1 and attended a meeting at the eleventh hour2 although the meeting was but small1 there being but very few ,friends in that place1 and only a small number of the town's people came in1 yet we had pretty good satisfaction in giving them this opportunity1 and way opened to clear ourselves among them4 ,after this we passed on1 having a meeting at ,taunton1 and then attended ,providence monthly meeting1 held at ,smithfield2 things appeared but low with ,friends of this monthly meeting1 their attention being too much turned to worldly concerns4 ,we next attended the monthly meeting held in the upper part of ,smithfield1 being about nine miles from the latter2 this was in general a satisfactory season2 and the following day we attended ,uxbridge monthly meeting1 to good satisfaction4 ,our next appointment was at ,freetown1 the first of the week1 and the #ast of #ith month1 and was a satisfactory opportunity2 and1 on second day1 we attended the monthly meeting at ,swansey2 here things appeared much out of order1 and in a low state2 but1 through divine favour1 ability was given me1 to clear my mind among them1 in a way1 that ,i hope1 will tend to their profit4 ,from thence we passed on to ,providence1 where we had a satisfactory meeting4 ,the four following days we had meetings at ,cranston1 ,greenwich1 ,foster and ,scituate2 all satisfactory meetings1 particularly the last2 it was an open edifying season1 many hearts being comforted by the power of truth1 which prevailed over all1 and was cause of deep thankfulness to my mind4 ,our next meeting was at ,wankeg1 on first day1 the #hth of #ith month2 it was a profitable edifying season4 ,then passing on1 we had meetings as they were laid out for us1 on second day at ,gloucester1 on third day at ,douglass1 and on fourth day at ,smithfield4 ,the last was a large meeting1 and many things were opened in a clear manner2 confuting that dark belief in election and reprobation1 and the impossibility of falling from grace4 ,also showing the necessity of regeneration1 through the operation of the one essential baptism of the ,holy ,ghost2 and that all were the objects of universal1 and saving grace1 and how all might be saved by it1 if they did not reject it to their own destruction4 ,the next day we attended a meeting at ,mendham2 it was a comfortable season to myself1 and ,i believe1 to most or all present1 and was cause of thankful remembrance4 ,from thence we passed on1 having meetings at ,northbridge1 ,bolton and ,leicester2 at this place we also attended a burial1 and had a favoured opportunity with the people4 ,then we went to ,richmond1 and attended their monthly meeting1 where things were much out of order1 and the meeting was small1 and in a weak situation4 ,i cleared my mind in a plain way among them1 and found peace therein4 ,this was the last meeting we attended in the compass of ,rhode ,island yearly meeting4 ,then we passed on into the state of ,vermont1 in order to visit ,friends of our own yearly meeting1 who resided in that state4 ,we reached ,sharon1 in time to attend their meeting on first day1 the #bb;d of #ith month2 and the next day attended a meeting at ,strafford1 which was a dull heavy time1 in which ,i found it my place to be silent4 ,the next day we crossed ,connecticut river to the town of ,hanover1 and attended a meeting in a school-house1 no ,friends living in those parts4 ,it was a satisfactory season4 ,we lodged with a man attached to ,friends1 of the name of ,john ,williams1 who with his wife1 were convinced of the principles of truth2 yet found it a great trial1 faithfully to take up the cross1 as they lived among a people much opposed to them in that respect4 ,we left them the next day in a tender frame of mind1 and ,i have a hope they will improve4 ,we returned over the river and attended a meeting in the town of ,norwich1 at the fourth hour of the afternoon1 which was a small1 but favoured meeting4 ,we lodged that night with a person who had requested to be joined to ,friends1 of the name of ,zebulon ,huntington4 ,the next morning we returned to ,sharon1 and attended a meeting at the eleventh hour1 it being their usual meeting day1 which was a favoured season4 ,the next day we attended a meeting in the northeast part of the town of ,strafford1 among those not of our society4 ,after this we set forward for ,lake ,champlain1 and got to ,ferrisburgh just in time to attend their meeting on first day1 the #bith of #ith month1 which ,i sat in silence2 and returned after meeting to the house of our friend ,nicholas ,holmes and lodged4 ,the next day we rode to our friend ,cornelius ,halbert's1 and attended a meeting at the fourth hour1 which proved a comfortable season3 it was mostly composed of those not in membership with us4 ,from thence we proceeded to ,grand ,isle1 which is situated nearly in the middle of ,lake ,champlain1 having a meeting at ,wiltston1 in our way thither4 ,we had a comfortable meeting at our lodgings at this place1 and then crossed over by water to the west side of the lake1 to the river ,sable4 ,we walked on foot about six miles near this river1 to the house of our friend ,richard ,keese1 where we had a satisfactory opportunity1 in a meeting appointed in his house4 ,it was a newly settled place1 and no meeting of ,friends within forty miles4 ,we returned then to ,grand ,isle1 and the next day1 the first of the week1 and the #fth of #ajth month1 we attended another meeting there1 and then returned to ,monkton1 to the house of our kind friend ,nicholas ,holmes1 who had accompanied us in this little tour to the northward4 ,we rested the next day1 and the day following had an appointed meeting at the house of my kinsman ,stephen ,haight4 ,on fifth day we had a comfortable opportunity with ,friends here1 at their preparative meeting4 ,after this we took leave of our friends of this place1 and rode to ,vergennes1 and lodged at our friend ,thomas ,robinson's2 and the next day proceeded on our way to ,queensbury1 where we arrived on seventh day evening4 ,the day after1 the first of the week1 and the #acth of #ajth month1 we attended two meetings2 the first1 at ,friends' meeting-house1 at the usual time2 and the latter1 at a ,friend's house1 where a considerable number of people1 who were not in profession with us1 assembled4 ,on second day we rode to ,easton1 and lodged at our friend ,william ,coffin's2 on third day1 it being rainy weather1 we rested2 and on fourth day1 we attended the preparative meeting of ,ministers and ,elders for ,easton monthly meeting4 ,on fifth day their monthly meeting began1 which held three days1 and1 in general1 was conducted to good satisfaction4 ,i felt near sympathy with ,friends of this place1 as their monthly meeting was bordering on an extensive newly settled country1 to which ,friends were moving from various parts4 ,it made the bounds of their meeting very wide1 and the members much scattered from one another2 and caused much labour and exercise to the concerned part of the meeting1 in attending to1 and conducting the affairs of truth4 ,it likewise occasioned them to have1 almost continually1 a great load of business before the monthly meeting4 ,the day after1 being the first of the week1 we attended a meeting at ,saratoga4 ,it was a large comfortable edifying meeting1 and very refreshing to my spirit1 which had been much exhausted by the exercise and labour of the three foregoing days4 ,in the course of this week we attended meetings at ,greenfield1 ,ballstown1 ,troy1 ,albany1 and ,coeman's ,patent2 and reached ,hudson on seventh day evening4 ,the next day1 the first of the week1 and #bgth of #ajth month1 we attended their morning meeting1 and then proceeded on1 being desirous of reaching the quarterly meeting at ,oblong1 which began on third day4 ,we arrived there on second day evening1 where we met with several beloved friends from near our own homes1 to our mutual comfort4 ,after the close of this meeting1 we proceeded directly home2 where ,i arrived the #b;d of #aath month1 and found my dear wife and family in a pretty good state of health1 to our mutual rejoicing4 ,i had renewed cause to bless the name of the ,lord for his preserving providence and mercy1 who is over all1 worthy for ever4 ,i was from home in this journey about five months1 and travelled by land and water about two thousand two hundred and eighty-three miles2 having visited all the meetings of ,friends in the ,new ,england states1 and many meetings amongst those of other professions2 and also visited many meetings1 among ,friends and others1 in the upper part of our own yearly meeting2 and found real peace in my labours4 ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,visit to the ,meetings of ,ministers and ,elders1 #agie4--,visit to ,friends in ,pennsylvania1 ,new-,jersey1 ,delaware1 ,maryland1 and ,virginia1 #agih4 ,on the #bfth of #gth month1 #agie1 ,i left home in order to join a committee of ,friends1 appointed by the yearly meeting of ,ministers and ,elders this year1 to visit the quarterly and preparative meetings1 and ,friends individually1 in those stations1 throughout the yearly meeting4 ,a concern having arisen in that meeting1 occasioned by the many obvious deficiencies and departures amongst us as a people1 from the purity and simplicity of our holy profession1 a minute was issued and recommended to the inferior meetings1 setting forth the ground of this concern1 and for the purpose of stirring up and encouraging ,friends to a diligent search and labour1 that the many hurtful disorders might be removed1 and a right reformation1 from those prevailing weaknesses1 effectually take place4 ,this being the first day of the week1 ,i sat with ,friends in their meeting at ,westbury2 and although it was a dull time in the forepart1 yet1 through the comforting assistance of heavenly help1 it was made1 ,i believe1 an edifying season to many minds4 ,i crossed the ,sound that afternoon to ,new ,rochelle1 and the next morning met some of the committee at the house of our friend ,hugh ,judge4 ,we had an opportunity with his family1 which proved a refreshing season1 it being evident that he1 and his wife1 joined heartily with the concern4 ,we visited several other families that day1 and had the satisfaction to believe1 that the concern and labour were owned by the ,head of the ,church1 and1 we believe1 will be blessed to many4 ,the next day the quarterly meeting at ,purchase began1 and through the several sittings was made1 ,i trust1 a profitable season2 it ended on fifth day4 ,the next day we had opportunities with two families1 which1 through the fresh extendings of holy help1 proved very instructive and encouraging4 ,after this we set out for ,nine ,partners1 their quarterly meeting coming in the ensuing week4 ,i reached there on first day morning1 the #b;d of #hth month1 and attended their meeting1 which proved a heart searching season1 it being too manifest that many professors had suffered their minds to be captivated by a worldly spirit1 which had introduced great death and darkness into our meetings1 to the grief and trouble of the honest-hearted4 ,but help was graciously afforded me to set forth1 in a plain manner1 the danger attending such a departure from the life and power of religion2 and to stir up also the lukewarm from their supineness and ease1 and enforce the necessity of a more full dedication of their hearts1 and their all1 to the ,lord's service4 ,the next day we attended the preparative meeting of ,ministers and ,elders at the ,creek1 in which much weakness was apparent4 ,the three following days we attended the quarterly meeting at ,nine ,partners2 on the last of which1 ,i was favoured to relieve my mind among them1 in a season of close searching labour1 by way of communication4 ,after this we proceeded towards ,easton1 to attend the quarterly meeting there1 and to visit the families of ,ministers and ,elders within the compass of that meeting1 which we performed in about a week4 ,although weakness seemed to abound with ,friends there1 yet we were comforted in believing1 that the visit had a profitable effect1 and afforded encouragement1 and a renewal of strength1 to the sincere-hearted4 ,on seventh day1 the #aeth of #hth month1 we rode to ,east ,hoosac1 and the next day attended ,friends' meeting there1 which was large1 many people of other societies attending4 ,it proved an open satisfactory time1 and ended under a renewed sense of the merciful extendings of holy condescending love2 for which1 ,i trust1 many minds were made humbly thankful4 ,the afternoon and next morning were passed in visiting the families of ,ministers and ,elders2 and although things were not all well among them1 yet we had satisfaction and peace in our own minds1 by a faithful discharge of the trust committed to us4 ,the next day we rode to ,new ,britain1 and visited a ,friend in the ministry there1 he being the only select member in that meeting4 ,from thence we passed on to ,kline-,kiln1 where there was likewise but one member of the select meeting1 an ,elder1 whom we visited4 ,we then went to ,coeman's ,patent1 where there were three select members1 to whom we paid a satisfactory visit1 and then proceeded to the city of ,hudson4 ,the evening after our arrival1 and the next day1 we had opportunities with the ,ministers and ,elders of that place4 ,they proved seasons of heart-searching labour1 things appearing much out of order with some of them2 and1 among these1 there was a disposition apparent1 to lay waste good order in the ,church4 ,o the great want of honest1 faithful labourers in the vineyard4 ,after our services were finished here1 we left them with the answer of peace1 and rode that afternoon to ,nine ,partners4 ,the next day we attended ,friends' meeting at ,stanford1 which proved a season of hard labour4 ,there was a great want of solid weight1 and a living travail1 in order to experience the renewals of strength2 the power of truth went forth freely1 for the stirring up1 and arousing the careless and supine from their beds of ease4 ,after this we visited two families of ,friends1 and1 the two following days1 finished our visit to the rest of the families of ,ministers and ,elders in ,creek monthly meeting4 ,the rest of the week was taken up in visiting those under the notice of our appointment1 in the monthly meeting of ,nine ,partners2 and ,i may truly say1 it was1 in general1 a sorrowful affecting time1 in beholding the great departure of many of the ,ministers and ,elders1 in their families1 from that faithful discharge of duty1 which their stations require2 for want of this1 their children had almost all gone out from plainness4 ,we endeavoured to lay before them1 in sincerity and simplicity of heart1 the great danger attending such a conduct1 and the necessity of a reform in those things2 and felt peace of mind in our labour4 ,on seventh day afternoon we rode to ,marlborough1 and attended ,friends' meeting there the next day2 it was an exercising season1 on account of the great rawness and inexperience of the members of the meeting too generally1 and the great lightness manifest1 in most of those of other societies1 a number of whom were present4 ,my mind1 after a time of hard labour1 and suffering with the seed1 was engaged in some service addressed to the latter class4 ,afterwards way opened to have ,friends select1 to whom my mind was led to communicate some things in a plain way1 with the view of stirring them up to more diligence and circumspection in their families1 the better ordering and disciplining of their children and household1 and keeping things sweet and clean1 agreeably to the simplicity of our holy profession2 and ,i had peace in my labour4 ,that afternoon1 and the two following days1 we visited all the families of ,ministers and ,elders in that monthly meeting1 except one4 ,after this ,i returned home1 and found my family as well as usual2 which ,i esteemed as a favour from my great and good ,master4 ,for this1 with all his other mercies and preservations dispensed from time to time1 ,i felt a return of thankfulness and grateful acknowledgment to ,him1 who is the author and giver of every good and perfect gift1 and 8who is over all1 ,god blessed for ever40 ,having for several years felt my mind drawn1 at times1 in gospel love1 to visit ,friends of the yearly meetings of ,pennsylvania1 ,new-,jersey1 ,delaware1 ,maryland and some parts of ,virginia1 in the fall of the year #agig1 apprehending the time to be nigh for the performance of the visit1 ,i laid my concern before ,friends of the monthly and quarterly meetings of which ,i was a member2 and received certificates of their unity and concurrence4 ,i left home the #abth of #abth month1 accompanied by ,joseph ,cooper1 a member of our meeting1 in the station of an ,elder2 taking leave of my family and friends1 we rode to ,new-,york1 and the meeting for sufferings sitting there the next day1 ,i attended it2 and the day following being the meeting day for ,friends of that city1 ,i felt most easy to stay and attend it1 which proved a comfortable strengthening season4 ,after this ,i took leave of my friends there1 parting from them in near unity and brotherly affection1 and passed the next morning by water to ,staten ,island4 ,the day following we had two meetings there1 and though small by reason of rain1 were1 nevertheless1 both attended with a comfortable degree of divine favour4 ,the next day we left the island and rode to ,shrewsbury2 and the day after1 being first day1 we sat with ,friends there1 and1 ,i trust1 it was a profitable season to some present1 and relieving to my own mind2 strength and utterance being furnished to open divers truths of the gospel1 in the demonstration of the spirit1 accompanied with a good degree of the divine power2 to ,god only wise be the praise1 who is over all1 worthy for ever4 ,on second day we attended a meeting at a ,friend's house about seven miles from ,shrewsbury1 on our way to ,squan4 ,on third and fourth days we were at ,squan and ,squancum1 both small meetings1 as there are but few of our society in those parts2 yet they were1 for the most part1 satisfactory seasons4 ,we also sat with ,friends in their preparative meeting in the latter place1 which appeared in a state of great weakness2 but as way opened1 ,i was led to make some remarks1 in order to stir ,friends up to more diligence and circumspection2 and to show the necessity of an inward travail for the arising of truth1 which can only qualify for the right ordering of the affairs of society4 ,the next day we rode to ,barnegat1 and after an opportunity with ,friends there the following day1 we passed on to ,little ,eggharbour1 where we remained till first day1 the #bdth of the month4 ,notice being spread of our intention of attending ,friends' meeting there1 many of the neighbouring inhabitants came in1 and sat with ,friends1 and were very attentive2 divers truths of the gospel were opened in the clear demonstration of the spirit1 and ,i was helped to leave them with a peaceful mind4 ,on the #beth we rode to ,great ,eggharbour1 and the three following days attended meetings at the upper and lower meeting-houses of ,friends there1 also an appointed meeting near the head of ,great ,eggharbour river1 at a place called ,stephens' ,creek2 they were generally small1 yet attended with a good degree of favour2 for which my spirit was made humbly thankful4 ,on sixth day we attended a meeting at ,cape ,may1 which1 through the gracious condescension of the ,shepherd of ,israel1 was made a truly comfortable season1 and ,his great name magnified and praised1 who is worthy for ever4 ,from thence we rode to ,morris' river1 and attended a meeting appointed at the house of ,isaac ,buzby1 a man inclining to ,friends4 ,the spirit of truth favoured me with wisdom and utterance1 to divide the word suitably to the states of those present2 and apparently to their and to my own satisfaction and comfort4 ,we rode that afternoon to the house of a ,friend of the name of ,henry ,rulon1 where we had an appointed meeting the next day4 ,after this we passed on to ,greenwich1 and the two following days attended a meeting there1 and one at the head of ,cohansy ,creek4 ,then we rode to the house of our kind friend ,mark ,miller1 at ,salem1 and rested the next day4 ,the day following1 being the first of the week1 and #gth of #ast month1 we attended the meeting there1 which was very large1 many coming in that were not members2 the power of truth was exalted over all1 to the comfort of many hearts1 and to the praise and glory of ,him1 who is the strength and help of his dependent children4 ,on second day we attended a meeting at ,woodstown2 ,i was closely engaged among them in a searching testimony1 pointing out the great danger1 and hurtful tendency of the want of unity1 and joining in with the spirit of the world1 and neglecting a right conformity to the wholesome order1 established among us1 as a religious society2 whereby many disorders had crept in1 wounding to many3 strength was afforded me1 and utterance given1 and truth exalted over all opposition and disorderly spirits4 ,the four following days we attended meetings at ,penn's ,neck1 ,mullica ,hill1 ,upper ,greenwich1 and ,woodbury2 they were all seasons of favour1 especially the last1 where truth was eminently exalted1 and the doctrines of the gospel held forth in the demonstration of the spirit2 and the hearts of the faithful were made to rejoice in a sense of the ,lord's goodness1 to whom belongs the praise of his own work for ever4 ,on seventh day we rested with our esteemed friend ,joshua ,evens2 and on first day attended ,newtown meeting1 and the day following1 that at ,haddonfield1 both of which were profitable edifying meetings4 ,in the afternoon1 after the latter meeting1 we crossed the river ,delaware to ,philadelphia1 and the three following days attended the three meetings in that city2 they were all opportunities of favour1 and ,i had much satisfaction in this short visit to ,friends of this place4 ,i was comforted in the experience of an open door among them1 both in meetings and in families where my lot was cast2 and ,i felt my spirit nearly united to a living remnant1 especially a number of the beloved youth1 who are under the forming hand1 preparing for service2 some of whom1 ,i trust and believe1 will be as valiants in their day1 for the promotion of the cause of truth and righteousness in the earth4 ,may the ,lord bless1 and keep them faithful to himself1 and cover their heads in the day of battle4 ,on sixth day1 the #aith of #ast month1 we left the city in order to attend a meeting at ,darby1 notice having gone before of our intention2 it proved an open time1 but the meeting was hurt by an indiscreet appearance towards the end1 which clothed my spirit with sorrow1 not only on the ,friends' account1 but especially on account of the people1 for whose information and religious instruction1 my mind had been closely engaged4 ,we rode that afternoon to ,chester1 and the next day attended a meeting there1 which was owned with manifestations of divine favour2 and ,i was instructed to hand out doctrine1 suitable to the states of the people present4 ,after this we rode to ,wilmington2 and the next day1 being the first of the week1 and the #bast of #ast month1 we attended their forenoon and afternoon meetings4 ,i was silent in the first2 but1 through the merciful assistance of the ,shepherd of ,israel1 the latter proved a comfortable strengthening season2 after a time of close exercise in silent labour1 and deep baptism into death and suffering with the seed1 the power of truth went forth with authority against many things that opened to view1 as the cause of that deep oppression of the seed of life among them2 the meeting ended under a sense of the ,lord's goodness1 and many hearts were made to rejoice4 ,the six following days we attended meetings at ,whiteclay ,creek1 ,appoquinamink1 ,duck ,creek1 ,little ,creek1 ,motherkill1 and ,camden1 which is a village where no meeting of ,friends is held2 things appeared low in most of them1 as to the life of religion4 ,but1 through the condescending goodness of the ,shepherd of ,israel1 ,i had an open door among them1 and many gospel truths were held forth1 in the clear demonstration of the spirit1 and with power2 the last1 especially1 was a time thankfully to be remembered by me1 and1 ,i believe1 by many others present2 thanks be to ,god for his unspeakable gift1 that he is not leaving himself without a witness in the hearts of the people4 ,the next day1 first of the week1 we attended ,millford meeting2 things appeared very low1 and but few of our society in that part1 and those appeared very indifferent1 and several of them were absent4 ,on second day we attended a meeting at ,cool ,spring1 and the next day attended an appointed meeting on our way towards ,third ,haven2 it was held in a ,friend's house1 who had lately been received a member1 and who before was a professor with the people called ,nicholites2 he appeared to be a pretty solid man4 ,the meeting was in a good degree favoured2 the way of preparation1 as held forth in ,john's dispensation1 for the more full manifestation of the gospel state1 was set forth1 with the nature of true ,christian or spiritual baptism2 and that ,john's baptism was only a figure thereof1 and1 therefore1 was no part of ,christ's baptism1 and1 consequently1 had no place in1 nor could be of any use under1 the dispensation of the gospel4 ,the people appeared generally satisfied1 and ,i parted with them in peace of mind4 ,the six following days we attended meetings at ,north ,west ,fork1 ,marshy ,creek1 ,centre1 ,greensborough1 ,tuckahoe ,neck1 and ,tuckahoe2 and1 although these meetings were attended by but few of those who were joined in fellowship with us1 yet they were mostly crowded full meetings1 many of the neighbouring inhabitants coming in1 divers of whom were holders of slaves1 and others very raw and ignorant4 ,my spirit was much exercised in travail among them1 being baptized into their low and uncultivated states2 nevertheless1 through the merciful interference of the ,shepherd of ,israel1 their lost and undone condition1 without a ,saviour1 was clearly laid open before them2 also the way of return1 reconciliation1 and salvation4 ,many present were aroused and reached by the power of truth1 which was graciously prevalent in most of these meetings2 their spirits greatly tendered1 and the few faithful among them were made to rejoice2 and my spirit was humbly thankful1 in a sense of the ,lord's goodness2 to him alone be the praise2 nothing due to man4 ,three of the above meetings were held in meeting-houses belonging to a people under the denomination of ,nicholites2 many of them were led into great self-denial1 particularly in regard to dress and household furniture4 ,they appeared one in principle with us1 their faith and doctrine being founded on the manifestation and influence of the divine light1 inwardly revealed4 ,most of them1 of late1 have requested to be joined in membership with ,friends1 and have been received4 ,many of them appear to be a worthy people2 yet1 ,i fear1 some were a little hurt by being too tenacious in their dress1 particularly in making it a point to have all parts of their clothing white4 ,yet1 in general1 they appeared to be a plain innocent upright-hearted people2 and ,i felt a concern lest they should be hurt by the great and prevailing deficiencies manifest amongst us1 by many turning away from the purity and simplicity of our holy self-denying profession4 ,this1 ,i believe1 is a subject worthy of the deep consideration of those delinquent brethren4 ,for if it be a truth1 as most certainly it is1 that whosoever offendeth one of the least of those who believe in ,christ1 it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck1 and he cast into the sea2 what will become of those1 who live in the daily practice of those things1 which give continual offence to their brethren1 and are stumbling blocks in the way of honest inquirers4 ,after attending the aforesaid meetings1 we passed on1 having meetings at ,choptank1 ,third ,haven and ,bayside1 on the eastern shore of ,maryland4 ,the two first were attended by many of other societies1 a number of whom were ,methodists1 and at each was one of their ministers2 both of whom were very solid1 and paid great attention2 one of them was much affected1 and wept freely for a considerable time2 and1 with divers others1 manifested their full satisfaction4 ,my spirit was much humbled1 and made to rejoice in the ,lord1 that he was graciously near1 and made bare his arm for our help1 and carried us through the exercise of those meetings1 to the honour of his own name1 who is over all1 worthy for ever4 ,after leaving ,bayside1 we attended a meeting which we had appointed the day before1 on our way thither1 at a village called ,st4 ,michael's1 among the ,methodists2 the people were nearly all of that profession in this place4 ,it was held in their meeting-house1 and was the first meeting appointed by any ,friend in that place1 except a small one by some women ,friends some years before4 ,there was1 at this time1 a general collection2 and1 considering their unacquaintance with us1 and our manner of sitting in silence1 they behaved pretty well4 ,a comfortable degree of the divine presence was witnessed1 and many minds tendered and comforted1 and divers gospel truths clearly opened to the apparent satisfaction of most present4 ,we left them with peace of mind1 and the next day attended a meeting at ,easton1 alias ,third ,haven1 among the black people1 which we had appointed some days before4 ,it proved a favoured opportunity1 and to the edification1 comfort1 and encouragement of this poor1 injured1 and too much despised people2 many of whom1 ,i believe1 have good desires begotten in their minds after the knowledge of the truth4 ,the next day1 the first of the week1 and the #aath of #b;d month1 we attended ,friends' meeting at this place1 and information of our intention of being here having been given before1 the neighbouring inhabitants generally came in1 so that the house was much crowded4 ,the gospel was largely and freely preached among them1 to the apparent satisfaction of all present4 ,how marvellous is thy loving kindness1 ,o ,lord1 to the workmanship of thy holy hand2 how art thou graciously holding out1 from season to season1 offers of reconciliation to thy revolting and rebellious children1 and art calling to them1 by thy servants1 now1 as formerly1 return1 return1 repent and live2 for why will ye die1 ,o house of ,israel1 saith your ,god4 ,we continued here and attended their meeting of ,ministers and ,elders2 and1 on fifth day1 their monthly meeting1 which was in some degree favoured2 divers things were opened for the improvement and encouragement of ,friends in well ordering the affairs of truth4 ,the day following we rode to ,chester1 and the next day attended ,friends' monthly meeting at ,cecil1 which was small2 but truth favoured me with ability to labour1 to stir up ,friends to more vigilance1 and careful waiting for the arising of the spring of life2 as nothing short of the divine power1 and renewed quickenings of the holy spirit1 can qualify for the promotion of good order and discipline in the ,church4 ,the next day1 the first of the week1 we attended the meeting here4 ,notice having been given to the neighbouring inhabitants1 many came in1 most of whom appeared very raw and light2 nevertheless1 as ,friends kept down to their exercise1 towards the close of the meeting1 truth came into dominion2 and all that opposed it was made to bow and acknowledge its power2 for which my spirit was made thankful to the ,author of every blessing4 ,on second and third days following1 we attended two meetings2 the first1 in ,friends' meeting-house at ,chester1 and the latter at ,chestertown in their court-house2 both pretty large meetings1 and overshadowed with the wing of divine power2 although1 in the latter meeting1 we had to arrive at it through deep baptism1 and suffering with the seed2 for those that reign with ,christ1 must be willing likewise to suffer4 ,the people1 in the forepart1 were very light1 often whispering one to the other2 a spirit of licentiousness appeared to be prevalent with many of them2 but as truth arose1 they were gradually subjected1 until a becoming solemnity appeared in almost every countenance4 ,i trust some good was effected in some minds2 but we must leave the event to the ,lord1 to whom alone belongs all the praise2 nothing due to man1 but blushing and confusion of face4 ,the next day we attended a meeting at the head of ,chester2 it was somewhat hurt1 in the forepart1 for want of room4 ,the house was not sufficient to contain all who came1 and the weather too cold to stand without2 yet1 as it settled into quiet1 it proved a precious baptizing season1 and many hearts were melted into deep contrition4 ,i had cause to hope that if the few ,friends in that place show forth a good example1 there will be some gathered4 ,the day following we attended the meeting at ,sassafras1 to pretty good satisfaction4 ,the next day we rode to ,east ,nottingham1 and attended their monthly meeting the day after2 it proved a very exercising meeting1 things being much out of order among them4 ,i was led forth in a line of close searching labour1 both in testimony in the first part of the meeting1 and likewise in that for discipline2 but ,i got little relief1 except from a consciousness1 in myself1 of having discharged my duty faithfully among them4 ,the next day1 the first of the week1 and #beth of #b;d month1 we attended their particular meeting2 in which ,i had to expose1 in a close1 arousing testimony1 that spirit among ,friends1 which pleads for joining with those active in civil government1 and taking part therein1 and adopting the maxims and spirit of the world4 ,truth reigned triumphantly in this meeting over all opposition and disorderly spirits4 ,the #bfth we rested4 ,the #bgth we attended ,west ,nottingham meeting to good satisfaction1 and were made to rejoice in truth's victory over death and darkness1 for which the honest-hearted were made thankful4 ,the #bhth we attended a meeting1 lately established1 about five miles distant from the former1 which ,i sat mostly in silence1 feeling no clear commission for preaching the gospel among them4 ,the #ast of #c;d month1 we attended ,little ,britain meeting1 wherein ,i was opened and led into a large doctrinal communication1 suited to the states of many present4 ,the meeting was large and solid1 and1 ,i trust1 edifying and instructive to a number present4 ,but too many1 who have ears to hear1 and are led to acknowledge the truth of testimonies delivered1 neglect the practical part1 which is the most essential2 and are1 therefore1 in a situation like those1 who1 seeing their natural faces in a glass1 turn away1 and forget what manner of persons they are4 ,the #b;d1 we passed over the river ,susquehannah1 and lodged at ,richard ,webb's1 at ,fawn1 and attended their meeting next day4 ,it was a solid1 and1 ,i believe to many1 a profitable season4 ,the #dth1 and first of the week1 we attended ,deer ,creek meeting1 which was large1 and favoured with the overshadowing wing of heavenly regard4 ,the condescending goodness and mercy of a gracious ,god to his sinful creatures were marvellously displayed4 ,the meeting was composed1 in part1 of a number of dark undisciplined spirits1 many of whom1 it was thought1 had not been at any meeting for several years1 and some of them never at any of ours before4 ,the meeting appeared to be generally brought under a becoming solemnity1 and concluded to our solid comfort4 ,the #eth1 we attended ,bush ,river meeting1 and although it was composed generally of a loose careless-minded people1 yet truth favoured me2 and1 through divine help1 the gospel was preached in the demonstration of the spirit1 and with power4 ,many present were made sensible of its baptizing influence2 and all contrary spirits appeared subjected1 and brought down1 and truth reigned triumphant4 ,the #fth and #gth of #c;d month1 we attended the meetings at ,little ,falls1 and ,gunpowder1 both seasons of favour4 ,the #hth we attended ,friends' monthly meeting at ,baltimore4 ,it was1 ,i trust1 a profitable season1 both in the meeting for worship1 and that for the discipline of the ,church4 ,in the meeting for worship1 ,i was led1 in a close searching testimony1 to set forth the great danger1 and hurtful effects1 of ,friends joining in with the spirit of the world1 and taking any part in the fluctuating governments1 customs1 and manners thereof4 ,things opened clearly to show1 that1 in days past1 the apostacy took place through that medium1 both among the primitive ,christians1 and also in our own society2 and that the only way1 for us as a people to regain the primitive state1 was to return back into ancient simplicity1 to separate from the world1 its spirit1 governments1 manners1 and maxims2 and to make no league with those actuated thereby4 ,truth rose into dominion1 and the faithful among them were strengthened4 ,may praises for ever be ascribed to the ,shepherd of ,israel1 who is indeed a ,god near at hand1 and a present helper in every needful time4 ,the #ith we rested1 and ,i wrote to my family and friends at home4 ,the #ajth1 we visited several families in the morning1 and in the afternoon1 at the third hour1 attended a meeting among the poor1 at the alms-house belonging to this city4 ,it proved a comfortable season1 and ,i was glad ,i gave up to the service4 ,the #aath being the first of the week1 we attended ,friends' meeting in the forenoon1 and some notice being given among the town's people of our being there1 it was large2 and after sitting a considerable time in silent labour1 wherein my mind was baptized into the states of those present1 ,i stood up with a prospect of the hurtful tendency of pride1 both in religious and civil society4 ,truth opened the way1 and gradually rose into a good degree of dominion1 and1 ,i trust1 it was a profitable season to many present4 ,in the afternoon1 at the third hour1 we had a meeting with the black people2 and1 except the hurt received by their long and untimely gathering1 ,i think it was1 in general1 a comfortable season2 and many among them appeared to be brought into a becoming solemnity1 and we parted under the savour of truth4 ,on the #abth1 we attended a meeting at ,elk ,ridge2 it proved1 in general1 a heavy season1 yet1 ,i trust1 a time of profit and favour to some4 ,we rode that afternoon thirteen miles towards ,indian ,spring meeting1 which we attended the next day4 ,in this meeting1 ,i was led1 in a plain and full manner1 to expose the enormous sin of oppression1 and of holding our fellow creatures in bondage1 with the pernicious fruits and effects of it1 to those who are guilty thereof1 especially to their children2 who1 being supported by the labour and toil of those held in slavery1 and thereby brought up in idleness1 were led into pride1 and a very false1 and dark idea respecting ,god1 and his superintending providence1 and into many other evils1 fatal to their present and eternal well being1 and tending to disqualify them from being useful in almost any respect1 either to themselves or society1 and thereby rendering them unworthy of the respect of wise and good men4 ,truth rose into dominion1 and some present1 who were slave holders1 were made sensible of their conditions1 and were much affected4 ,i felt a hope to arise that the opportunity would prove profitable to some1 and ,i left them with peace of mind4 ,since then1 ,i have been informed1 that a woman1 present at that season1 who possessed a number of slaves1 was so fully convinced1 as to set them free1 and1 not long after1 joined in membership with ,friends3 which is indeed cause of gratitude and thankfulness of heart1 to the great and blessed ,author of every mercy vouchsafed to the children of men4 ,on the #adth we were at ,sandy ,spring meeting1 to satisfaction4 ,the #aeth1 we attended ,friends' preparative meeting at ,alexandria4 ,it was a small weak meeting1 very few manifesting any real concern for the support of our ,christian testimonies4 ,they gathered there from different parts of the country1 mostly for the advancement of their temporal interest2 and this being uppermost with them1 they were disqualified for improvement in religious experience4 ,o that we1 as a people1 were more weaned from the world and its fading enjoyments1 and our affections placed on celestial treasure2 then would the light of the ,church break forth out of obscurity1 and her darkness become as the noonday2 thousands would then be gathered from the highways and hedges1 and flock to the brightness of her arising1 with everlasting joy upon their heads4 ,the #afth we rode to ,fairfax1 about forty-six miles4 ,the #agth we attended their select quarterly meeting4 ,the #ahth1 the first of the week1 we attended the meeting at this place1 which was large1 composed of ,friends and others4 ,i was led to open the great advantages attendant on a life of righteousness1 from that scripture passage1 8,righteousness exalteth a nation2 but sin is a reproach to any people20 and showing the difference between a righteousness1 founded on the laws1 maxims1 and precepts of men1 and the righteousness that is witnessed by faith in the ,son of ,god1 as revealed to the hearts and souls of the children of men through the holy spirit4 ,although there were many raw1 and uncultivated persons present1 yet truth came into a good degree of dominion and victory1 and1 ,i trust1 it was a profitable season to some4 ,the #aith we attended the quarterly meeting for discipline1 in which ,i had some service1 in opening the nature and end of discipline1 and encouraging ,friends to an improvement therein1 to the solid satisfaction of the honest in heart4 ,the next day was the youth's meeting for the last time2 the quarterly meeting1 the day before1 having concluded to discontinue the same thereafter1 from a belief that its usefulness was over2 and that it had become more hurtful than beneficial4 ,a great concourse of idle people came together at that time1 not so much for the sake of the meeting1 as to see and be seen1 and to make it a place of diversion4 ,i had considerable to say among them1 but got but little relief2 by reason1 as ,i apprehended1 of a spirit of infidelity and licentiousness1 too generally prevailing among the people4 ,i was satisfied the quarterly meeting had done right in discontinuing that meeting2 believing1 if continued1 it would have been very prejudicial to the youth1 for whose good1 in the first institution thereof1 it was intended4 ,the #bast we attended the preparative meeting of ,south ,fork1 which is a branch of ,goose ,creek monthly meeting4 ,i was silent in the meeting for worship1 but had some close labour with ,friends in their preparative meeting4 ,i felt my spirit much oppressed with a sense of the great lukewarmness1 and love of the world1 which appeared to prevail in such a manner1 that the business of the preparative meeting was conducted in a very weak vague manner1 and void of a right sense of the dignity of such a meeting1 or a due concern for the preservation of right order4 ,i felt peace of mind in a faithful discharge of my duty among them4 ,the #bb;d we were at ,goose ,creek preparative meeting1 which was large in the first sitting1 many of other societies coming in4 ,after a considerable time of silent labour1 in deep baptism with the suffering seed1 my mouth was opened in a clear full testimony1 directed to the states of those present4 ,and many were brought under the influence of that power which 8cut ,rahab1 and wounded the dragon40 ,truth came into dominion1 and a good degree of victory over all was witnessed4 ,nevertheless1 such is the deadness and indifference of some who go under our name1 that1 at the close of this very solemn meeting for worship1 they withdrew with those who were not members1 and continued out until the preparative meeting had proceeded considerably in its business2 and then came in one after another1 in a very careless unthinking manner4 ,my heart was grieved1 and ,i have often been affected with similar conduct in many places in those parts1 as also in some others2 a conduct1 which appears to me to carry in it great indignity to our high and holy profession2 and1 ,i believe1 is greatly offensive to the great ,head of the ,church1 for the promotion of whose righteous cause1 these meetings for discipline are established4 ,i believe one great cause of this sorrowful weakness and declension is owing to a want of due administration of discipline1 by those who are called thereto4 ,by overlooking one little thing after another1 custom establishes those bad habits2 and great loss is sustained by the ,church in general1 and by some of its members in particular4 ,it is very observable that meetings1 where those things are apparent1 are generally in a declining state4 ,i was exercised in a plain way of dealing with those delinquents1 showing them the hurtful tendency of such conduct4 ,truth prevailed1 and many hearts were much tendered1 and the hands of the faithful strengthened2 to the ,lord only wise be the praise of his own work1 who is over all1 worthy for ever4 ,the #bc;d we attended a meeting at a place called the ,gap1 where there was a small meeting of ,friends4 ,it was1 however1 a large collection1 many of other societies attending1 more than the house could hold4 ,many of them appeared to be a raw insensible people1 void of any right idea or knowledge of true religion1 which made the meeting very trying and painful2 yet not without some degree of favour towards the conclusion1 by truth's obtaining the victory over death and darkness4 ,whilst in this neighbourhood1 my mind was brought into a state of deep exercise and travail1 from a sense of the great turning away of many among us1 from the law and the testimony1 and the prevailing of a spirit of great infidelity and deism among the people1 and darkness spreading over the minds of many as a thick veil4 ,it was a time in which ,thomas ,paine's ,age of ,reason 7falsely so called7 was much attended to in those parts2 and some1 who were members in our society1 as ,i was informed1 were captivated by his dark insinuating address1 and were ready almost to make shipwreck of faith and a good conscience4 ,under a sense thereof1 my spirit was deeply humbled before the majesty of heaven1 and in the anguish of my soul1 ,i said1 8spare thy people1 ,o ,lord1 and give not thy heritage to reproach10 and suffer not thy truth to fall in the streets4 ,the #bdth we attended the monthly meeting at ,fairfax1 which was an exercising season1 things being much out of order1 for want of more faithfulness among the members1 and a due attention to discipline4 ,i laboured among them in the ability received1 for their encouragement1 and incitement to their respective duties2 but alas for us1 most men mind their own things1 and not the things that are ,jesus ,christ's4 ,a worldly spirit too much prevails among the professors of truth1 to their great hurt1 and to the great grief of the honest-hearted1 who are in travail for ,zion's prosperity1 and ,jerusalem's peace4 ,the #beth1 we attended their first day meeting1 which was large1 and in it strength was graciously afforded to minister to the people in truth's authority1 which came into dominion over all4 ,this afternoon we passed over the great river ,potomac1 in our way to ,bush ,creek1 in ,maryland2 this1 by reason of rains1 was very full1 and difficult to pass4 ,after we had passed over the river ,potomac1 we had much difficulty in crossing a creek not far from it4 ,there was a floating bridge over it2 but the water was so high1 that we could not approach the bridge by the road commonly used2 and we only succeeded in reaching it1 by proceeding ourselves on the top of a high fence1 and leading our horses by our sides4 ,mine fell into a deep part of the creek2 but he soon rose1 and swam to the shore4 ,a ,friend was in company with us1 with a one horse carriage2 and there appeared to be no way of getting his conveyance over1 but by the horse swimming with it over the creek4 ,this we knew would be attended with considerable risk1 as the creek was deep in the middle1 and the carriage a heavy one4 ,but as there were no inhabitants on this neck of land1 nor near to it1 and as night was coming on1 we pursued that course1 and led the horse with the carriage into the creek2 and after violent exertions1 being at one time drawn under water by the weight of the carriage1 he took it safe over4 ,we were thus favoured to surmount this great difficulty1 without any hurt to ourselves1 or our horses2 which was cause of thankfulness and gratitude to the great ,author of every mercy and blessing4 ,we proceeded to a ,friend's house by the name of ,richard ,richardson1 where we had a meeting the next day1 with his family1 and a number of the neighbouring people1 who were not ,friends4 ,it proved a favoured season1 and ,i trust will not soon be forgotten by some present2 may it fasten as a nail in a sure place2 and to some ,i have a hope it may be as bread cast upon the waters1 to return after many days4 ,the day following we attended ,bush ,creek meeting1 notice having gone forward some days before1 of our intention of being there at this time2 it was large1 and greatly favoured with the prevalence of truth1 by way of testimony4 ,many things1 relative to true gospel worship1 were clearly opened1 and the fallacy and fruitlessness of all-will worship1 and mere bodily exercise1 in matters of religion1 manifested to the view of all present1 who had eyes to see1 and hearts to understand1 what the spirit saith to the ,churches4 ,it was a very solemn time1 worthy of grateful remembrance4 ,the #bhth we attended ,pipe ,creek meeting1 wherein ,i was greatly afflicted with evil thoughts1 which would keep arising in my mind1 that ,i was almost at times taken off from my proper exercise4 ,this very much grieved my spirit2 but1 as ,i endeavoured to keep up the warfare1 ,i was led to believe it was the case with too many present2 and that by giving way to such thoughts1 some had become captivated by their own lusts1 wounding one another2 and divers disorders1 and a want of unity1 had got in among them1 and many hurt thereby4 ,i was led into the necessity of bearing testimony against these things1 as way opened1 and calling the attention of all present1 to the light1 spirit1 grace1 and truth of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 our holy pattern1 as the only place of refuge and preservation from these1 and all other hurtful things4 ,after this meeting1 the ,friend1 where we lodged1 informed me the next morning1 that himself and his wife were uneasy that no ,friends had come in to see us after the meeting1 and were afraid they would judge them of having informed me of their condition1 the states of many had been so exactly described in the meeting2 but ,i told him they need not be troubled1 as they knew themselves to be clear4 ,the two following days we attended meetings at ,menallen and ,huntington2 they were both exercising seasons2 nevertheless1 truth favoured me with ability and understanding to communicate in a close searching manner1 suited to the states of those present2 and a crumb of consolation was handed forth to the few honest-hearted1 who were in travail for ,zion's arising1 and who went mourning on their way1 and bowed in spirit1 from a sense of the great turning away from the law and testimony1 and the prevalence of a spirit of ease and great indifference1 whereby many wrong things had entered4 ,from thence we passed on to ,warrington and ,newberry1 in each of which meetings truth favoured with victory2 and the hidden things of ,esau1 or the first nature1 which are earthly1 were brought to light1 searched out1 detected1 and condemned4 ,the manner and way in which the new or second birth1 which is spiritual1 and which has the promise1 is brought forth and effected1 was clearly shown and pointed out2 with the blessing attendant thereon1 to the comfort of the faithful1 and the few willing minded among them1 and to the stirring up and arousing the lukewarm1 careless1 and indifferent professors1 from their beds of ease and carnal security4 ,the latter meeting especially was a time to be remembered2 many hearts were greatly affected1 and1 ,i trust1 the season will not soon be forgotten by some4 ,i was very thankful for the relief ,i felt to my own mind1 after many days of deep baptism with the suffering seed4 ,religion appeared to be at a very low ebb in those parts1 by the prevalence of a worldly spirit1 which makes hard work for the poor travellers1 who have to go up and down among them1 as with their hands upon their loins for very pain4 ,did those lukewarm careless professors rightly consider the great distress and exercise they bring upon their concerned brethren1 who are in travail for their redemption and salvation2 and who are going up and down as with their lives in their hands1 through difficulties and dangers1 in jeopardy by sea and by land1 and among false brethren1 we might reasonably suppose it would be a means to stir them up to more diligence and circumspection1 that they might thereby comfort them in their exercises1 and relieve them in their tribulations2 then they that sow1 and they that reap1 might rejoice together1 and joy in the ,god of their salvation4 ,our next meeting was at ,yorktown1 where we tarried two days1 and were at their monthly meeting1 wherein things appeared distressingly low1 as to the right conducting of discipline in truth's authority3 indeed the meeting seemed sunk so below any proper sight and sense of right order1 that no way opened to administer much or any help2 and we left them without obtaining much relief of mind4 ,we passed on1 having a meeting near ,wright's ferry2 and then crossed the great river ,susquehannah1 and had meetings at ,lancaster and ,lampeter4 ,on first day1 the #hth of #dth month1 we attended a meeting at ,sadsbury1 which1 through hard labour1 proved a season of enlargement1 in a line of close doctrine1 suited to the varied states of those present2 some minds appeared to be much humbled2 may it not be in vain1 but as seed sown on good ground4 ,the #ajth of #dth month we attended ,west ,caln meeting1 the #aath ,fallowfield1 both favoured meetings4 ,the #abth we attended ,london ,grove meeting1 wherein ,i was led to open the duty and obligation incumbent on ministers1 elders1 overseers1 and heads of families4 ,i began with this query of the prophet ,isaiah1 8,watchman1 what of the night20 showing that for want of keeping up a strict watch1 with an eye single to that inward holy monitor1 or spirit of pure unerring wisdom1 many hurtful and destructive things had got in among us4 ,especially for want of a godly care in parents and heads of families1 over their children and those under their charge1 many pollutions had got in1 and spread among them2 particularly the youth1 not only in regard to a departure from the simplicity and purity of our holy1 self-denying profession1 in dress and address1 but also in many other unseemly and reproachful practices2 which is but the natural consequence of parents indulging undue liberties in their children4 ,it was a solemn time1 worthy of grateful remembrance4 ,the #acth we were at ,west ,grove meeting1 in which ,i had to go through a similar exercise2 from a sense of the great want of faithfulness among the members1 whereby many deficiencies were apparent1 wounding the faithful4 ,truth favoured me with ability to clear myself among them1 with plainness of speech2 which was cause of thankfulness to the honest-hearted4 ,the #adth we attended ,new ,garden meeting1 mostly in silence1 in which ,i had peace4 ,the #aeth1 and first of the week1 we attended ,hockesson meeting2 and1 at the fourth hour in the afternoon were at ,center2 the #afth at ,kennet2 these were1 for the most part1 suffering seasons4 ,although there is a small remnant preserved1 who are in travail for truth's arising1 yet the greater part are too much captivated by a worldly spirit2 which leads into a neglect of attending meetings1 and great carelessness in respect to the right ordering their families2 by reason whereof1 many undue liberties have got in among them1 wounding the faithful and honest-hearted4 ,the #agth we attended ,chichester meeting2 it was a time thankfully to be remembered2 the everlasting gospel of peace and salvation was preached in truth's authority2 and all contrary spirits were subjected and brought down4 ,truth reigned triumphantly over all2 magnified for ever be the name of the ,lord1 who made bare his arm for our help1 and the strengthening and refreshing of my poor soul4 ,i had been at times1 for days and nights past1 ready to sink into discouragement and dismay1 by reason of the deep baptisms ,i had to pass through1 unknown to man1 but in fellowship with the suffering seed1 which lies smothered and pressed down in the hearts of many careless and lukewarm professors1 as a cart under sheaves4 ,oh how does darkness and death spread itself1 as a curtain1 in this once highly favoured land6 ,alas for the people1 for the professors of truth2 what will become of them1 unless they repent and turn to the ,lord4 ,parents and children1 in some places1 are so estranged from the law and testimony1 that many seem plunged into the condition of ,jerusalem formerly1 when this pathetic lamentation was taken up by the dear ,master2 8,o ,jerusalem1 ,jerusalem1 thou that killest the prophets1 and stonest them which are sent unto thee1 how often would ,i have gathered thy children even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings1 and ye would not4 ,behold your house is left unto you desolate40 ,oh how is this verified2 what great desolations1 in a religious sense1 are apparent with many professors2 and how are the poor servants1 that are sent forth among them for their recovery1 as with their lives in their hands1 as it were stoned1 and often so plunged into death and sufferings1 as almost to despair of life6 ,oh the pangs that my poor soul has endured of late1 in many places2 so that ,i had often to say in secret1 with the holy apostle2 8why stand we in jeopardy every hour80 ,no tongue can tell1 nor is it in the power of language to communicate1 the distress and anguish1 which is sometimes endured by the poor travellers1 in filling up their measure of the afflictions of ,christ1 for his body's sake1 the ,church4 ,but1 in this also1 we are sometimes strengthened to rejoice1 that we are accounted worthy to suffer with ,him1 that when he is pleased to arise in his own strength1 as the light of the morning1 we may be permitted to reign with ,him2 and rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory4 ,the three following days1 we were at ,concord1 ,birmingham1 and ,bradford1 all favoured meetings1 through fervent labour1 and the prevalence of truth2 may the ,lord make it effectual1 and fasten it as a nail in a sure place4 ,the #bast we were at ,east ,caln1 mostly silent4 ,the #bb;d1 and first of the week1 we were at ,uwchlan2 the meeting was large1 wherein ,i had to expose the danger of self-righteousness1 or a trust in natural religion1 or mere morality2 showing that it was no more than the religion of ,atheists1 and was generally the product of pride and self-will2 and1 however good it may appear to the natural unregenerate man1 is as offensive in the divine sight1 as those more open evils1 which appear so very reproachful to the eyes of men4 ,i was favoured by the spirit of truth1 in a large searching testimony1 to the convicting and humbling many hearts1 and comfort of the faithful4 ,the #bc;d we attended the meeting at ,nantmill1 mostly in silence4 ,the three following days1 we were at ,pikeland1 ,valley1 and ,willistown meetings2 all in a good degree favoured4 ,the #bgth we were at ,goshen2 the meeting was large4 ,i had to caution ,friends against mixing with the people in their human policies1 and outward forms of government2 showing that1 in all ages1 those1 who were called to be the ,lord's people1 had been ruined1 or suffered great loss1 by such associations2 and manifesting clearly by scripture testimony1 and other records1 that our strength and preservation consisted in standing alone1 and not to be counted among the people or nations2 who were setting up party1 and partial interests1 one against another1 which is the ground of war and bloodshed3 these are actuated by the spirit of pride1 and wrath1 which is always opposed to the true ,christian spirit1 which breathes 8peace on earth1 and goodwill to all men40 ,those1 therefore1 who are in the true ,christian spirit1 cannot use any coercive force or compulsion by any means whatever2 not being overcome with evil1 but overcoming evil with good4 ,although there were many opposing spirits present1 who1 in their creaturely wisdom and human policy1 are pleading for those kinds of associations1 and taking part in those political governments1 yet truth favoured1 and came into a good degree of dominion over all1 strengthening and encouraging the true travellers for ,zion's prosperity4 ,the #bith1 and first of the week1 we attended ,middletown meeting2 and at the fourth hour in the afternoon1 were at ,providence2 both large crowded meetings1 more than the houses could contain4 ,i was favoured by the power of truth1 in an eminent manner1 especially in the former meeting2 where many hearts were deeply bowed1 from the sensible evidence of the prevalence of divine power1 which was in dominion over all1 tendering the hearts of most present4 ,it was a precious season1 worthy of thankful remembrance1 and humble gratitude to the blessed ,author of all our rich mercies and blessings1 8who is over all1 ,god blessed for ever40 ,the #cjth we attended the monthly meeting at ,providence1 consisting of the particular meetings of ,providence1 ,middletown1 ,springfield1 and ,chester4 ,things in this meeting appeared in a low state1 as to the right ordering of the affairs of the ,church4 ,numerous1 and great1 were the apparent deviations among them2 many of their youth were gone out into the foolish fashions and vain customs of the world to such a degree1 as not to retain any marks of true primitive plainness4 8,o how is the gold become dim2 how is the most fine gold changed60 ,many parents1 who retain a good degree of outward plainness themselves1 for want of dwelling enough in the pure spring of divine life1 have suffered the eye of their minds to be so far blinded by the god of this world1 as not only to suffer these improper indulgences in their families1 and among their children1 but1 in some instances1 are ready to plead for them4 ,the sense of this much affected my mind1 and under this exercise ,i was led forth in a line of close searching labour among them1 to stir up ,friends to more diligence1 and honest care in those respects2 which1 ,i trust1 afforded a degree of comfort and strength to the honest-hearted1 and procured peace to my own mind1 which is a treasure ,i prefer to all this world's glory and honour4 ,the #ast of #eth month we attended the meetings of ,springfield1 and ,haverford2 both favoured1 profitable seasons4 ,the #b;d we were at ,newtown1 where1 in a line of close searching labour1 ,i was led to show the danger of trusting the salvation of our souls to any thing short of a full surrender of our wills1 and an entire dedication of our hearts to the ,lord1 in an humble circumspect walking before ,him2 and separating ourselves from the world1 its spirit1 manners1 maxims1 governments1 honours and customs2 all of which are polluted1 and arising from the lusts of the flesh1 the lusts of the eye and the pride of life4 ,truth rose into victory1 softening many hearts1 and comforting and strengthening the faithful4 ,surely ,god is good to ,israel1 although in a state of great revolting2 yet he delighteth in showing himself merciful2 praised and magnified be his great and adorable name1 over all for ever4 ,the #c;d and #dth we attended meetings at ,radnor and ,merion2 and then passed on to ,philadelphia1 to attend their quarterly meeting1 which opened on the #eth1 with a meeting for ,ministers and ,elders1 and closed on third day the #hth of the month1 with a meeting for the youth1 and one for the black people1 in the afternoon4 ,i think1 in general1 it was a time of favour1 through much hard labour in the several sittings4 ,indeed we have no reason to expect to come at the spring any other way1 than by faithfully digging1 as with our staves1 while there remains so much rubbish on the well's mouth4 ,the #ith we attended the select quarterly meeting at ,abington2 and the day following the quarterly meeting for discipline4 ,i was engaged among them1 in each meeting1 and the favour extended was cause of thankfulness to the honest-hearted4 ,the #aath we returned to ,philadelphia2 and1 in the afternoon1 passed over the river ,delaware to ,haddonfield in ,west ,jersey4 ,the #abth we attended a monthly meeting at ,upper ,evesham2 it was a low time1 with not much of that divine life and power1 which only can qualify for the right conducting of discipline1 to be felt among them2 and left them without much relief of mind4 ,the #acth of the month1 and first of the week1 we attended meetings at ,evesham1 and ,cropwell2 in the former1 ,i was helped to labour pretty largely in testimony1 to the comfort of a few honest-hearted1 and a number of youth with tender minds2 but the greater part of the meeting appeared to be in a state of great insensibility and ease2 a situation which is generally callous to all the tender invitations1 and entreaty of their friends1 who are in travail for their redemption and salvation2 and too much like the deaf adder1 which will not listen to the voice of the charmer1 although he charm ever so wisely4 ,in the latter meeting1 ,i was silent as to ministry4 ,the #adth we attended the monthly meeting at ,haddonfield1 in which ,i laboured1 in the ability received1 for their help and improvement4 ,but alas1 some meetings are so lost to the life of true religion1 and so many1 who go under our profession1 are sunk into such a state of indifference and lukewarmness1 that the affairs of the ,church are too much conducted in a kind of rotation1 and creaturely wisdom1 void of that true weight1 and feeling sensibility1 which only gives right qualification for service in the ,church2 hence great weakness ensues1 and the way of right reformation is closed1 and truth prevented from arising in its primitive splendour and beauty4 ,the #aeth we were at ,moore's ,town and ,rancocas2 in the former meeting1 the power that 8cut ,rahab1 and wounded the dragon10 manifestly prevailed to the tendering many hearts4 ,truth came into victory over all2 praised for ever be the right worthy name of ,israel's ,king1 who1 in holy condescending love1 was pleased to make bare his arm for our help2 and once more redeemed my poor soul out of adversity1 and the deep depressing baptisms1 which for some days past it had been plunged into1 by suffering with the seed1 which lies pressed down in the hearts of many lukewarm worldly minded professors1 as a cart with sheaves4 ,from thence we passed on1 having meetings at ,mansfield ,neck1 ,burlington1 ,mansfield1 and ,bordentown2 which were all favoured meetings1 truth being near for our help4 ,the #bjth1 and first of the week1 we were at ,trenton2 the meeting was large1 many of the town's people1 of other professions1 came in4 ,strength was made manifest in the midst of weakness1 and1 as truth arose1 the gospel was preached in the clear demonstration of the spirit2 many hearts were tendered and comforted1 and the few faithful made to rejoice1 in a grateful sense of the ,lord's mercies4 ,the #bb;d we were at ,stony ,brook meeting1 wherein my heart was made glad through holy help1 and ,i was enabled to labour among them in truth's authority1 to the comfort of the willing-hearted1 and the solid peace of my own mind4 ,the two following days we were at ,plainfield1 and ,rahway2 in the latter meeting ,i was wholly silent2 but the former was a time of close labour1 in a clear plain way1 to stir up the minds of the people to more diligence1 and an inward humble walking with the ,lord2 which appeared to be too much wanting among them4 ,the #beth we attended an appointed meeting at ,newark1 a town wherein no ,friends reside4 ,the meeting was small1 and those gathered appeared mostly in a loose uncultivated state of mind2 yet1 ,i believe1 there were some thoughtful persons present2 and1 ,i trust1 the meeting was in some degree profitable4 ,i left them with peace of mind1 and proceeded that evening to ,new-,york to attend the yearly meeting1 which was to be opened there on the next day1 with a meeting for ,ministers and ,elders4 ,after the first sitting of the meeting1 ,i rode home1 not only to see my dear wife and family1 from whom ,i had been absent more than five months1 but also to assist them in getting out to the yearly meeting4 ,our rejoicing was precious1 and mutual1 in and under a sense of the ,lord's mercy and goodness1 for whose gracious preservation and help1 in this arduous journey1 my spirit was made to bow in humble adoration and praise1 beyond the expression of language4 ,oh my soul1 what canst thou render unto the ,lord for all his benefits6 ,nothing can be more acceptable1 than an entire surrender of thine all to his holy disposing2 and to endeavour1 as at the present time1 to continue humbly to worship at the footstool of his holy throne of grace4 ,amen4 ,i was absent from home in this journey about five months and two weeks1 and rode about sixteen hundred miles1 and attended about one hundred and forty-three meetings4 ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,visit to ,connecticut1 #agii4--,visit to ,oblong and ,nine ,partners1 #ahjj4--,visit on ,long ,island1 #ahjj4--,visit to ,friends in ,new-,jersey1 and ,pennsylvania1 #ahja4 ,having felt a concern1 for some time1 to pay a religious visit to some towns and places in ,connecticut1 and1 in my way1 to be with the few ,friends at ,west ,hartford1 ,i laid my prospect before my friends in the fall of the year #agii1 and received a minute of concurrence and unity from our monthly meeting4 ,i left home the #bfth of #ajth month1 and proceeded to ,oblong1 in order to meet a committee of our yearly meeting1 appointed this year1 to visit the quarterly meetings of ,nine ,partners and ,oblong1 and the monthly meetings belonging thereto2 a proposition having been made for a new arrangement of those meetings1 so as to establish another quarterly meeting4 ,i accompanied the committee in the attendance of both quarterly meetings4 ,after this1 we proceeded into ,connecticut1 attending meetings in our way to ,west ,hartford1 in the following manner1 viz3 three in the town of ,sharon1 one at ,cornwall1 one at ,goshen1 and one at ,litchfield4 ,they were all favoured meetings4 ,four of them were held in meeting-houses belonging to the ,presbyterians4 ,the latter meeting was but small1 considering the largeness of the town1 and the great openness manifested by their leading members2 there were three of their ministers1 and some other leading men present4 ,truth was prevalently manifest in this meeting1 tendering and comforting the honest-hearted1 a number of whom1 ,i believe1 were at the meeting1 whose words and conduct clearly manifested a hearty thankfulness for1 and satisfaction with1 the opportunity4 ,although the great opposition those meet with1 in coming out of their old traditions1 may prevent any open and manifest effects for the present1 yet1 ,i believe1 it will be as bread cast upon the waters1 which will return after many days2 so that his word which goeth forth1 may not return void1 but will accomplish the purpose for which it was sent1 to the praise and glory of his own worthy name1 8who is over all1 ,god blessed for ever40 ,after this meeting1 we passed directly to ,west ,hartford1 and lodged with our friend ,ebenezer ,crosby1 whose daughter ,abigail had come in company with us from ,nine ,partners4 ,she was a discreet religious young woman1 whose mind1 ,i apprehended1 was under the operation of the forming hand1 for her good2 may she be preserved in faith and patience1 under the varied turnings thereof upon her2 and then1 ,i have no doubt1 she will become a useful member in the ,church4 ,the next day we rode to ,springfield1 about twenty-six miles north of this place2 and attended a meeting there the following day4 ,although the people appeared generally raw and ignorant1 as to the internal work of true religion on the heart1 being mostly of those persuasions1 whose doctrines lead them to place too much trust and dependence on the external works of a ,saviour without them1 and an imputative righteousness2 and not experiencing the internal work of sanctification1 wrought by the spirit and power of a ,saviour within them2 which is a very dangerous errour2 nevertheless1 ,i was favoured by the ,lord's power to relieve my mind1 and divers appeared to be tenderly affected1 and manifested much satisfaction with the opportunity1 as did the auditory in general4 ,we rode back that afternoon to ,west ,hartford1 and the day following1 the first of the week1 and #agth of #aath month1 we attended ,friends' meeting2 and another at the house of our friend ,ebenezer ,crosby1 in the evening4 ,they were full meetings1 many of other societies attending1 mostly ,presbyterians4 ,truth favoured1 in an eminent degree1 in both opportunities1 but especially in the latter1 wherein it rose into great dominion1 breaking down1 and apparently reducing every contrary spirit4 ,a remarkable calm1 and general solemnity was felt to spread over the assembly1 to the solid rejoicing and comfort of many hearts1 and the exaltation of the cause and testimony of our ,god2 who1 for this1 and his multiplied favours and blessings1 vouchsafed from time to time1 is worthy of all honour1 dominion and glory1 both now and for ever4 ,the next day1 feeling my mind drawn to some of the adjacent towns1 we rode about ten miles1 to a place called ,perquanock1 a thickly settled village in the west part of the township of ,west ,windsor4 ,we had a precious opportunity there that evening1 in a large school-house4 ,although the notice was very short1 it being late in the afternoon when we came there1 yet1 when we reached the meeting1 which began at the sixth hour1 the house was nearly full1 and soon after taking our seats was crowded with as many as it could well contain4 ,a commendable stillness was maintained during the silent part of the meeting1 which we thought a little uncommon1 as the people were generally strangers to us1 and our ways4 ,after a time of solemn waiting1 my mouth was opened in a clear full testimony2 wherein the doctrines of the gospel were largely and plainly held forth1 in the demonstration of the spirit1 and with power1 tendering many hearts1 and to the apparent satisfaction of the people in general2 many expressing their thankfulness for the favour4 ,we left them with the answer of peace in our own minds1 and in a full persuasion1 that the ,lord is secretly at work in the minds of many of the people in these parts1 in order to deliver them from the power of their dark and blind leaders1 who1 for a long time1 by their carnal and lifeless teachings and doctrines1 and many vain traditions1 have formed almost a total eclipse between ,god and their souls4 ,may the ,lord hasten this good work in his own time1 that those merchants of ,babylon1 who are trafficking in the souls of the people1 those blind guides may be so discovered1 that no man may buy their merchandize any more4 ,the day after1 we attended a meeting in ,windsor town2 the people here seemed to be more under the dark power of their teachers1 being much blinded with the prejudice of education1 so that the meeting was but small4 ,nevertheless1 truth favoured me with ability to preach the gospel1 with a good degree of divine authority1 to the comfort and edification of some seeking minds present4 ,the two following days we attended ,friends' meeting at ,hartford1 the latter of which was appointed by our friend ,jervis ,johnson1 from ,ireland4 ,both were comfortable seasons4 ,the sixth of the week1 and #bb;d of the month1 we rode to the city of ,hartford2 and way opening for an opportunity with the people1 a meeting was accordingly appointed at the sixth hour in the evening1 to be held in a large meeting-house belonging to the ,presbyterians4 ,a great number of the citizens assembled1 supposed to be near a thousand1 among whom were most of the principal inhabitants4 ,the ,lord1 in whom was our trust1 was graciously near1 and furnished us with ability to conduct the meeting to the satisfaction and peace of our own minds2 and to the edification of many present1 and general satisfaction of the assembly4 ,we rested on seventh day1 and1 on first day1 we were again at ,friends' meeting at ,west ,hartford2 and notice that we were to be there having spread1 a considerable number of the neighbouring inhabitants and some from the city came in4 ,it was a season of high favour2 many weighty truths of the gospel were clearly opened1 and the way of life and salvation placed before the minds of the people2 and a general solemnity appeared to reign1 which was manifest in almost every countenance1 silencing every opposite spirit4 ,the hearts of ,friends1 with my own spirit1 were bowed in humble acknowledgment and gratitude to the ,lord our helper1 for granting us so great a mercy2 and under a solemn sense thereof we parted1 and took leave of each other in great nearness of spirit4 ,on second day we turned our faces homeward1 attending meetings in our way at ,cambridge and ,woodbury2 at the latter place we had two meetings2 we also had meetings at ,middlesex1 and ,stamford1 and again at ,middlesex on first day2 these were generally seasons of divine favour1 edifying and instructive4 ,after this we passed on into the state of ,new-,york1 and had meetings the six following days1 at ,rye1 ,white ,plains1 ,north ,castle1 ,shapaqua1 ,amawalk1 and ,croton4 ,as my mind was led1 in faith and patience1 to close in with the baptismal influence of the spirit of truth1 it was reduced into a state of suffering with the precious seed in the hearts of the people1 and their divers states were felt1 and way made to divide the word aright to those assembled2 who were a mixed number of ,friends and others4 ,truth was exalted1 and set over every contrary spirit1 and the honest-hearted comforted and encouraged to persevere in the 8work of righteousness10 which 8shall be peace2 and the effect of righteousness1 quietness and assurance for ever40 ,the following first day we attended ,friends' meeting at ,west ,chester2 and in the afternoon we had an appointed meeting at ,east ,chester1 principally among those not of our society4 ,we had cause1 in both these meetings1 to magnify and adore the name of the ,lord1 who deigned to be near with his saving help1 and furnished with ability to preach the gospel of life and salvation1 in the clear demonstration of the spirit2 the power attending1 convicting and tendering many hearts4 ,the few ,friends1 who dwell in that place1 were strengthened and encouraged1 and my spirit refreshed and made to rejoice1 in those closing opportunities4 ,after this ,i returned home1 and found my dear wife and tender children all well1 to our mutual rejoicing4 ,i was out about six weeks1 and attended about thirty meetings1 and two quarterly meetings4 ,on my return from my late visit in ,connecticut1 ,i felt my mind not fully clear of a prospect ,i then had of a few other places2 and the way opening with greater clearness1 and feeling a motion of love to draw towards again attending the ensuing quarterly meetings of ,oblong and ,nine ,partners1 after attending our quarterly meeting at ,westbury1 in #ast month1 #ahjj1 ,i set out with ,amos ,whitson as my companion4 ,we attended ,purchase meeting on first day1 which ,i sat in silence1 and passed from thence to ,oblong1 and attended their quarterly meeting4 ,after this we had a meeting at ,kent1 in our way to ,nine ,partners4 ,the people of this place are mostly of the ,presbyterian society1 and a considerable number assembled1 and behaved in an orderly manner4 ,i trust the opportunity was a season of profit1 and that the labour bestowed may be1 to some of those present1 as bread cast upon the waters4 ,after attending the quarterly meeting of ,nine ,partners1 we had two meetings in our way to ,cornwall and ,goshen1 among those not of our society1 though nothing very remarkable occurred in either4 ,we had a comfortable meeting at ,cornwall1 and visited ,charles ,richards and some others1 who appeared to be going into a separation from ,friends1 having already set up a separate meeting1 for which they were not long after disowned4 ,they had given way to some very inconsistent notions1 in which they became so hardened as not to take the tender counsel and advice of their friends1 who laboured much with them for their recovery4 ,from thence we returned home1 having a few meetings in our way1 mostly among people of other persuasions4 ,we got well home on first day evening1 the #afth of #b;d month1 after attending the morning meeting at ,new-,york4 ,as ,i took this little journey in part to fill up what seemed lacking in the other1 ,i now felt clear1 and my mind was accompanied with true peace1 which raised in me humble acknowledgments and gratitude to the great and blessed ,author of all our mercies4 ,soon after my return from the above little journey1 ,i felt my mind drawn1 in the renewed feelings of gospel love1 to pay a religious visit to some of the inhabitants of our island1 not of our profession4 ,after having opened my prospect to ,friends and obtained the unity and concurrence of our monthly meeting1 ,i performed that service1 in the latter part of the fall1 and beginning of the winter following4 ,i was out from home twenty-seven days1 rode about one hundred and ninety miles1 and attended thirty-five meetings2 only two of which were held in our meeting-houses4 ,they were generally seasons of great favour1 in which my mind was deeply bowed1 under a humiliating sense of the ,lord's mercy1 extended from day to day1 not only in opening the hearts of the people to receive us and our testimony with manifestation of much love and good will2 but also in furnishing matter suitably adapted to the states of those assembled4 ,truth was raised into victory1 in a remarkable manner1 in almost every meeting2 and in several1 to a very eminent degree1 even beyond1 as ,i thought1 what ,i had ever before experienced4 ,it ran over like oil4 ,all appeared broken down by its precious and embalming influence1 in which the ,lord was worshipped1 and his great and glorious name praised and exalted over all1 who is worthy for ever4 ,in the spring of #ahja1 feeling my mind engaged1 in the love of the gospel1 to proceed in a visit to ,friends1 in some parts of ,jersey and ,pennsylvania1 and some places adjacent thereto1 ,i left home the #aath of #dth month1 with the concurrence and unity of my friends2 and with ,edmund ,willis as a companion4 ,we rode to ,new-,york1 and attended ,friends' forenoon and afternoon meetings there1 on first day4 ,although the life of religion appeared at a low ebb with ,friends of that city1 in too general a manner2 yet a number of the younger class1 and some more advanced in life1 gave some hope of improvement4 ,my mind was deeply engaged among them4 ,and1 through the condescending goodness of the ,shepherd of ,israel1 strength was witnessed to preach the gospel in the demonstration of the spirit1 and with power2 insomuch that a fresh visitation was extended to many present4 ,may it rest1 and be fastened by the ,master of assemblies1 as a nail in a sure place1 to the honour of his great and glorious name1 who is the blessed ,author and finisher of every good word and work4 ,on second day we left the city1 and passed to ,elizabethtown ,point1 ,woodbridge and upper ,freehold4 ,and on fourth day1 we attended a meeting in the neighbourhood1 called ,robbins' meeting1 at the usual time2 and in the afternoon attended ,upper ,freehold meeting4 ,the former was usually a small1 weak meeting2 but information of our intention to be there1 being generally spread1 many came in who were not members2 and it proved a profitable edifying season1 worthy of grateful remembrance4 ,the latter was rather a season of suffering with the seed4 ,i was mostly shut up as to any ministerial communication4 ,the next day we attended the meetings of ,crosswicks1 and ,upper ,springfield2 at both of which strength was afforded to communicate what opened in the line of duty1 in such a manner as to find relief of mind1 which ,i account a great favour4 ,we rode to ,philadelphia on sixth day1 and the next day the yearly meeting of ,ministers and ,elders opened2 and on the ensuing second day1 the yearly meeting for discipline1 which was very large1 and continued1 by adjournments1 through the week1 and closed on seventh day4 ,many weighty subjects were opened for deliberation4 ,but through the prevalence and mixture of unsubjected spirits1 who were too forward and active in their own unmortified wills1 much weakness was apparent4 ,this greatly increased the burden of the living1 and truly baptized members1 of which class there were a very considerable number1 who were deeply engaged for the promotion of the cause of truth1 and that the family at large might be kept in decent and commendable order1 consistent with the gospel of ,christ2 and become established on the ancient foundation of our holy profession4 ,these were nearly united in spirit and in travail for ,zion's arising1 and the ,lord was graciously pleased to water them together1 at seasons1 with the descendings of heavenly dew2 by which1 encouragement was witnessed1 to persevere in patience1 and in thankful acknowledgment1 for his continued mercy2 and they were favoured to return from their annual solemnity with rejoicing1 for all the good the ,lord had been pleased to favour them with4 ,we remained in the city over first day1 and attended the forenoon meeting at ,market-street1 which was very large4 ,my spirit was set at liberty1 and ability afforded to divide the word among them1 according to their varied conditions1 in a large searching and effectual testimony2 whereby a holy solemnity was witnessed to spread over the meeting1 to the great rejoicing of the honest-hearted4 ,but alas1 how oft are those seasons of comfort interrupted and hurt1 by the indiscreet forwardness of some who have been called to publish the gospel2 but1 for want of dwelling enough in the root1 have branched out in the fertility of their own natural abilities1 and become too active in their own spirits2 and are thereby not only in danger of losing their gifts1 and falling into a bewildered state1 but often hurt the service1 and take off the savour of many of our most favoured solemnities4 ,this was affectingly the case at this time1 by the addition of a long1 but very lifeless testimony2 and although delivered in sound words1 yet being destitute of the life and power1 tended greatly to burden the living1 and grieve the upright in heart4 ,great advantage would redound to the ,church in general1 and to this class of its members in particular1 if those1 who stand in the station of ,elders1 were more deeply centered in their minds to the well-spring of eternal life2 waiting for1 and feeling after a spirit of right discernment1 that so they might be enabled to judge righteous judgment1 and distinguish rightly between the living and the dead4 ,then would the hand be seasonably laid upon the head of this transforming spirit1 and those1 in danger of being deceived thereby1 witness preservation4 ,on second day1 the #bgth of #dth month1 we left the city1 and passed over into ,west ,jersey1 in order to take some meetings which ,i had not been at4 ,we were at five in the course of the week2 and although the life and virtue of true religion appeared to be at a low ebb1 among those professing with us1 in too general a manner1 in those meetings2 yet as public notice was given of our attendance1 many of the neighbouring inhabitants came in4 ,there were1 ,i believe1 some seeking minds among them1 and these generally add life to meetings1 and draw down the compassion1 and tender regard of the heavenly parent1 who1 in his condescending goodness1 made way for the gospel to be preached among them1 in those several meetings1 in a good degree of divine authority4 ,many minds were tenderly affected1 and the assemblies solemnized2 the lukewarm aroused1 and the hypocritical1 worldly-minded professors forewarned of the danger their situations exposed them to4 ,my spirit was made thankful for the relief ,i obtained1 although through a line of deep inward travail and baptism with the oppressed seed2 but the ,lord's power rose in victory over all1 to the honour of his right worthy name1 who will be glorified in his saints1 and sanctified in all those who come near him4 ,we returned to the city on seventh day1 and attended the quarterly meeting of ,ministers and ,elders2 in which ,i was led1 in a short1 but relieving testimony1 to call ,friends' attention back to primitive simplicity and integrity2 the great need there is of being more separated from the world1 its spirit1 manners1 maxims1 and customs2 and to live daily under an exercise and travail1 for the arising of that life and power1 which only can enable us to separate from those things1 that have a tendency to hurt and defile2 and through which life and power1 ,ministers and ,elders can only be rightly qualified to lead and feed the flock1 over which the ,holy ,ghost hath made them overseers1 consistent with divine appointment4 ,for want of this fervent labour and travail1 great weakness is apparent amongst us as a people1 in many places2 and the great and worthy name by which we are called1 ofttimes dishonoured1 to the grief of the upright in heart1 who are exercised for ,israel's prosperity1 and ,jerusalem's peace2 and who go almost daily1 as with their hands on their loins for very pain4 ,on first day1 we attended the north meeting1 in the morning1 and that in ,market-street in the afternoon4 ,they were both instructive edifying seasons2 wherein ,i had full opportunity to relieve my mind1 being1 through gracious assistance1 led in the clear openings of the divine light1 to set forth the great danger of mixing in with the spirit of the world1 which leads to strife and contention1 and the promotion of parties and party animosities in civil governments3 all of which have a direct tendency to engender war and bloodshed1 and are therefore inconsistent for us1 as a people1 to touch or take part with1 or to suffer our minds to be agitated thereby2 as it always has led1 and always will lead those1 who are leavened therewith1 out of the meek spirit of the gospel1 which breathes 8peace on earth1 and good will to all men40 ,this was the ,lord's doing and marvellous in our eyes4 ,friends were much comforted and united in this day's exercise1 and my spirit made joyful in the saving help1 and continued mercy of ,israel's true ,shepherd1 who is over all1 worthy1 and blessed for ever4 ,the quarterly meeting was held on second day1 which was likewise a time of favour4 ,divers communications were made1 tending to unite ,friends in an exercise for the advancement of the testimony1 that the numerous causes of weakness1 which brought pain1 and many deep baptisms on the living part of the body1 might be done away1 and the camp cleansed4 ,i left the city on third day morning1 with a peaceful mind1 and rode to ,frankford2 and attended a meeting there in the forenoon1 and one at ,germantown in the afternoon1 in both of which ,i laboured in the ability received4 ,the first was a very searching season2 things were laid open in such a manner1 that the dead1 in some instances1 seemed to be raised1 and that power felt1 which opened the graves formerly2 and some of those1 who were settled down in their polluted rests1 had their heavens shaken1 and their rocks made to melt1 by the fervent heat of the divine word1 which was as a fire and a hammer4 ,truth prevailed1 and was eminently in dominion over all4 ,on fourth and fifth days1 we attended the quarterly meeting of ,abington2 in which ,i was exercised in a line of close fervent labour1 both in the meeting for ,ministers and ,elders1 and the quarterly meeting at large4 ,it was a season which gave hope of some improvement in many1 but others appeared too much in a state of self-sufficiency1 a most deplorable condition1 sickly and wounded1 and which refuses to be healed4 ,for these1 my mind felt pained4 ,o1 that they might1 ere the day of their visitation pass over1 witness their eyes anointed with the eyesalve of the gospel1 that so they might be brought to see the precipice on which they stand1 and be thereby reduced into the valley of humiliation2 where alone true honour and right exaltation are known1 and where they might experience a being washed from all their pollutions1 and healed of all their wounds4 ,we attended a meeting at ,byberry on sixth day1 and1 through the ,lord's presiding presence1 it proved a day of signal favour4 ,the doctrines of full and complete redemption from sin and death were clearly opened1 and truth exalted over all the dark tenets1 and carnal reasonings of men1 which lead to unbelief and infidelity4 ,on seventh day we returned to ,abington1 where we had another large favoured meeting1 wherein many things were opened in a plain way1 tending to gather the minds of the people out of the spirit of the world1 which leads to strife and contention1 from whence party animosities arise1 often a prelude to war2 and calling their attention home to the great gospel privilege1 the holy unction and anointing within3 so that they need not that any man teach them1 but as the same anointing teacheth2 which1 as they come to believe in and obey1 would qualify them to judge of all ministry1 and from whence it had its rise and spring2 and thereby be delivered from all false glosses and mixtures in religion1 and become established in that which never fell1 the immoveable rock ,christ ,jesus1 against which the gates of hell will never be able to prevail4 ,on first day1 the #ajth of #eth month1 we attended ,horsham meeting1 and in the afternoon1 the meeting at ,north ,wales4 ,it was a day of high favour1 the ,lord's arm was graciously made bare for our help2 and the meetings were very large1 many not of our society attended4 ,the gospel was freely preached among them1 in the clear demonstration of the spirit4 ,they were truly humbling seasons1 especially the former1 wherein a great number were much contrited1 and wept freely4 ,the rocks seemed to melt at the presence of the mighty ,god of ,jacob1 whose power was prevalently witnessed in that large assembly1 to the praise and exaltation of his great and glorious name4 ,we attended the meeting at ,plymouth on second day4 ,although there was an evident want1 affectingly manifest1 of that primitive zeal and integrity which distinguished our worthy predecessors1 with too many of those1 who fill up their places in outward profession2 yet it was comforting to find1 that the ,shepherd of ,israel was still graciously pleased to continue his merciful visitations1 and renew his gracious calls to these1 to return1 and renew covenant with him4 ,this was the substance of this day's testimony and labour2 may the ,master of assemblies make it effectual1 to all that were present of this description1 is my sincere prayer4 ,on third day we were at ,providence meeting1 which was small2 nevertheless1 through gracious regard1 it proved an edifying1 heart-tendering season4 ,the states of the people were opened and spoken to1 in the authority of truth1 to their great humiliation2 many hearts were much broken and reduced1 and the ,lord's power exalted over all4 ,after this meeting1 my mind was turned towards the quarterly meeting of ,caln1 to be held this time at ,sadsbury1 a newly established quarterly meeting1 in the county of ,chester4 ,finding it necessary to comply with the motion1 believing my peace consisted in it1 we set out immediately after dinner1 having thirty miles1 or upwards1 to ride to it4 ,the journey proved very wearisome to my infirm body1 being much troubled at this time with a painful complaint1 with which ,i was greatly afflicted during the time of this quarterly meeting1 especially in the forepart of the public meeting1 preceding the meeting for discipline4 ,i was ready to conclude that ,i should be obliged to leave the meeting1 my distress of body was so great2 but feeling my mind drawn to the people1 there being a large congregation present1 ,i continued1 and way opening1 ,i was enlarged in clear1 pertinent doctrine4 ,truth rose into dominion1 in an eminent manner1 and ran over all as oil1 comforting and breaking many hearts1 and reducing1 and silencing every opposite spirit4 ,a very precious solemnity was spread over the meeting1 rejoicing the upright in heart1 relieving to my own mind1 and alleviating my bodily affliction4 ,these are high favours2 may an humbling and grateful sense thereof rest continually upon thee1 ,o my soul1 and mayest thou never forget how much thou owest to thy ,lord1 how deep and solemn are thy obligations to the ,god of thy salvation2 how hath he often taken thee out of the horrible pit1 and out of the miry clay1 and set thee upon a rock1 and put a new song into thy mouth1 even praises1 high praises to him4 ,from this meeting we returned to ,caln1 and attended their monthly meeting1 held the sixth of the week4 ,i was enabled to labour among them in much plainness1 both in the meeting for worship1 and for discipline2 and left them with a peaceful mind4 ,the three following days we attended meetings at ,robinson1 ,exeter1 and ,reading4 ,the number of members which constituted these meetings was small1 but a considerable number of the neighbouring inhabitants attended4 ,ability was graciously afforded to preach the gospel freely in each1 and the power attending broke and tendered many hearts1 and an excellent savour and solemnity was felt to spread over the meetings1 in an eminent manner2 for which ,i was made humbly thankful to the bountiful ,author of all our blessings4 ,these favours were more than an adequate reward for all my toil and exercise2 although ,i had been1 for some days past1 under the pressure of much bodily infirmity1 accompanied with seasons of great uneasiness and pain2 but the ,lord's power was over all1 and kept my mind in patience1 and sweet peace from day to day2 blessed for ever1 be his right worthy name4 ,the fourth of the week1 and the #bjth of #eth month1 we attended the meeting at ,maiden ,creek4 ,the same afternoon1 and the next day1 we crossed the ,blue ,mountains to ,roaring ,creek2 and the day after1 attended a meeting there4 ,both of these meetings were crowned with the ,lord's presence1 and were edifying and instructive seasons4 ,the morning following we rode to ,catawissa1 and attended their monthly meeting2 and continued there until after their first day meeting4 ,i was enabled1 through the ,lord's good presence attending1 to labour among them1 both in the meeting for discipline1 and those for worship1 in much plainness2 divers matters relative to the well-ordering of the affairs of truth were opened1 which proved instructive and edifying4 ,after the latter meeting1 we passed on that afternoon fifteen miles to ,berwick1 crossing the river ,susquehannah in our way4 ,the day following1 the #beth of #eth month1 although my bodily indisposition still continued1 we had a meeting there1 among the town's people1 and the few ,friends of that place4 ,it was a comfortable season1 edifying and strengthening to ,friends2 and confirming to a number who were looking towards us with desires for further information4 ,after this meeting1 we rode to ,fishing ,creek1 about eighteen miles2 and the day following had a very satisfactory meeting at that place4 ,although in this journey1 for a considerable time past1 ,i have experienced much bodily infirmity2 yet the ,lord1 in his abundant mercy1 hath been graciously pleased to keep my mind stayed upon him4 ,my trust and confidence have not at any time failed1 not even when ,i have been reduced into a state of great distress and suffering2 and my poor soul plunged into the mighty abyss of surrounding darkness1 and sunk1 as it were1 to the bottom of the mountains3 for as ,i patiently abode under those trying baptisms1 and was made willing to endure my portion thereof1 my spirit was raised out of this horrible pit2 wherein ,i had been a partaker with the suffering seed in the hearts of those1 who1 through supineness1 ease1 forgetfulness1 unbelief and a worldly spirit1 had become like a bottomless abyss of corruption1 darkness and errour3 and ,i was enabled1 through a real feeling of their deplorable states1 to administer to their several wants1 and open to them their condition4 ,many were reached in heart1 and convinced of the errour of their ways1 and were led to give ,god the glory of his own work4 ,and1 ,o1 saith my soul1 may all those who are sent out on this solemn embassy and most important service1 dwell low in their minds1 and keep a single eye to the ,lord's honour1 that so self may be thoroughly abased3 otherwise1 there is great danger1 in those trying and most afflictive dispensations1 of the mind getting into a state of impatience1 and therein be led to judge the people of hardness1 and a spirit of opposition4 ,this will not fail1 if given way to1 of centering the minds of such1 either into a state of silent sadness and discouragement1 that1 like the disciples formerly1 they will be for sending the people away fasting1 and empty2 or else raise in them a hot fiery zeal1 in which they will throw out some hard censures1 or harsh reproof1 untempered with that charity1 requisite and necessary always to attend every gospel communication3 for want of which1 both speaker and hearers will be wounded1 much hurt done1 and many opportunities1 ,i believe1 have been entirely lost by these means1 which might have been crowned with the ,lord's presence1 and his truth exalted4 ,nay ,i have no doubt1 but some meetings have been held to the dishonour of truth1 and wounding many tender minds4 ,and ,i have sometimes been afraid1 that some1 who are rightly called1 and sent on this greatest of errands1 have so far missed their way1 while under some of those excruciating baptisms1 which they have been led into1 in order to qualify them rightly to administer to the states of the people1 as to suffer an impatient spirit to rise up2 and have thus brought a gloom of darkness over their minds1 which has continued with them from day to day1 greatly to their distress4 ,although they have continued to attend meetings1 they have been so shut up in total darkness1 as not to see any way of relief1 except in uttering their complaints1 similar to the murmurings of ,israel in the wilderness4 ,where ,i have found such things left on record1 ,i have thought they always tended to discouragement and dismay1 when coming from the leaders of the people4 ,although the ,lord was graciously pleased to condescend to the weakness of ,israel1 and deliver them out of the distress which their impatience had brought upon them2 yet he very clearly manifested his displeasure thereat4 ,and if only one instance of impatience and improper zeal in ,moses drew upon him such severe censure1 as we read it did1 how ought all those1 who are now called forth as leaders of the people1 to stand always on their guard against every motion of impatience1 and impure zeal1 lest they also fall under the displeasure of the ,captain of their salvation4 ,although1 after those gloomy dispensations1 we may be again favoured1 in renewed mercy1 and helped out of this horrible pit1 and witness the lifting up of the light of the ,lord's glorious countenance upon us2 yet this is no proof of the rectitude of our conduct1 any more than his showing mercy to ,israel1 after their murmurings1 was a justification thereof4 ,yet ,i have been afraid1 that some have considered those renewed favours1 as a consequence of their own sufferings2 which1 to me1 carries too much of selfishness1 and savours of a desire of clothing ourselves with the ,lord's jewels1 instead of rendering to him1 with heart-felt gratitude1 the glory of all his works2 and receiving this act of unmerited redemption from the gloom1 our own impatience1 and the want of a thorough reduction of self1 had cast us into1 as flowing purely from his forbearing mercy1 condescending goodness and free love4 ,after the aforesaid meeting1 we rode to ,muncy1 and lodged with our kind friend ,william ,ellis4 ,the next day1 the fourth of the week1 and the #bgth of #eth month1 their meeting was held2 and notice being spread that we were there1 it was large4 ,although ,i had to sit some time in the forepart of the meeting1 in much weakness and depression1 both of body and mind2 yet as ,i abode in patience and resignation to my allotment1 willing to be any thing1 or nothing1 and to do1 or to suffer1 according to the ,master's will2 after a time of solemn waiting1 a little opening presented1 attended with some glimmering of light2 and as my eye was kept steadily to it1 ,i felt a necessity to stand up2 and as ,i proceeded in guarded care1 it opened to a large field of doctrine1 suitably adapted1 ,i believe1 to the states of those present4 ,a very comfortable solemnity was felt to spread over the meeting1 rejoicing the hearts of the faithful4 ,we rested for a day or two after this meeting1 with our aforesaid friend1 in order to recruit1 feeling myself very unwell with a cold1 which had attended me for some time2 and being much worn down by constant travelling under such bodily infirmities4 ,the #cjth of the month1 and seventh day of the week1 we attended a meeting at a place called ,pine ,grove2 a small meeting of ,friends being held there4 ,on first day we had a large meeting1 by appointment1 at a town called ,williamsport1 which was held in their court-house2 but the room was not large enough to contain the people1 and although very much crowded1 and many standing1 they behaved soberly1 and a blessed meeting we had4 ,i was led forth among them1 in a large affecting testimony1 wherein the truths of the gospel were clearly opened and explained to the weakest capacities1 and the ,lord's power was in dominion1 in a very eminent manner4 ,it was a season thankfully to be remembered1 and greatly refreshing to my drooping spirit1 making up every deficiency for the want of bodily health4 ,i could with heart-felt gratitude cheerfully acknowledge1 it was the ,lord's doing4 ,after this meeting we set forward on our journey towards ,redstone1 having meetings in our way1 at ,job ,packers1 ,milesburgh1 ,half-moon ,valley1 and ,downing's ,creek4 ,then we passed directly over the ,alleghany mountains1 into the compass of ,redstone quarterly meeting4 ,on fourth day1 the #ajth of #fth month1 we attended a meeting at ,sewickly1 on the western side of the mountains1 a branch of ,redstone monthly meeting4 ,after this1 we were at ,providence on fifth day1 ,center on sixth1 and ,fallowfield on seventh day4 ,although these were seasons of close exercise1 accompanied with some painful labour1 and deep baptisms1 in suffering with the seed2 yet my mind was favoured in the openings of gospel light1 so to discharge myself in those meetings1 as to leave them with solid peace of mind4 ,i believe they were seasons of renewed visitation to many who attended1 that will not soon be forgotten by them4 ,on first day we attended the meeting at ,pike ,run1 and the two following days were at ,westland1 and ,redstone meetings4 ,my mind was under a very great pressure of distress1 in passing along through those six last mentioned meetings2 both from an inward sense1 and an outward discovery1 of great weakness prevailing among them2 occasioned by an unwarrantable credulity1 and letting out their minds to listen to1 and believe in1 the vulgar1 and shamefully ridiculous notion of witchcraft4 ,some of their leading members openly acknowledged1 they believed that a family of their near kindred1 several of whom were troubled with a kind of periodical fits1 were actually thus affected by one of their neighbours4 ,my spirit was exceedingly grieved by their asserting their belief in those abominable reports1 and by discovering how their minds were led away thereby2 and my grief was also much increased by their confidence in a certain boy in the neighbourhood1 who pretended to tell secrets1 saying1 that he could see persons whom any should inquire after1 although in a very distant part of the world1 and would tell those who came to see him1 notwithstanding they lived on the other side of the ,atlantic1 that he could see the very place of their residence1 and of what materials their houses were made1 as if he was present at the place2 and would pretend to tell the conditions and dispositions of persons1 whom he had never before seen1 and what they were guilty of1 as to their private sins1 and who was a witch1 and who not2 and he had so far got the ascendency in the minds of those who had given way to the absurd notion of witchcraft1 that whatever he said1 in these respects1 obtained their implicit belief4 ,and if he impeached the most unblemished character of being a witch1 or charged such with being guilty of any baneful sin1 they were ready to believe it2 by which means great hurt was done4 ,i was exceedingly burthened therewith1 and had conversation with divers on the subject2 but they were so carried away with these notions1 that reasoning seemed to have no weight with them4 ,while any man or woman can give way to believe in such things1 and go to dark1 undisciplined1 and irreligious men1 to be healed of those infirmities1 which they are told are the effect of witchcraft1 it is certainly denying the ,god that made them1 who only hath all power in heaven and in earth1 and can wound and heal1 kill and make alive at his pleasure4 ,god forbid1 saith my soul1 that any1 professing the name of a ,friend1 should ever thus desert the ,god of his salvation2 for if he doth1 it will no doubt tend to his confusion1 and in which state1 he will be given over to strange delusions1 even to believe a lie2 a most wretched state for any poor soul to be in4 ,i was enabled1 through condescending goodness1 to clear my mind among them1 by divers large full testimonies to the truth1 and the excellency of its power1 to deliver from every thing that tends to hurt or defile4 ,i left them with peace of mind1 and proceeded to ,connelstown1 where we had a very comfortable heart-tendering season1 among a few ,friends1 and the town's people4 ,next we attended ,sandy ,hill meeting2 and the day following were at ,sandy ,creek ,glades1 both comfortable seasons4 ,these closed our visit to ,redstone quarterly meeting4 ,we then returned across the ,alleghany mountains1 with a view to attend the meetings belonging to ,hopewell1 in the compass of ,fairfax ,quarterly meeting4 ,we reached ,bear ,garden particular meeting on first day1 having rode diligently the day before1 for that purpose2 not having much prospect thereof when we left ,sandy ,creek4 ,the distance between the two places was about ninety-two miles1 and the way very mountainous1 and having had but little more than a day and a half to ride it4 ,this meeting1 in the forepart1 was heavy1 but ended well2 and we left them with solid satisfaction1 and passed on to ,back ,creek meeting that afternoon2 held near a small town1 or village1 called ,penn's ,town4 ,many of the neighbouring people came in1 so that the meeting was pretty large1 and ,i had considerable to communicate among them1 but without obtaining much relief of mind4 ,in the course of this week we attended meetings at the ,ridge1 ,centre1 ,crooked ,run1 ,mount ,pleasant1 ,hopewell1 and ,lower ,ridge2 and on the first and second days1 of the following week1 we were at ,middle ,creek1 and ,berkly meetings4 ,these were1 most of them1 favoured seasons1 particularly that at ,middle ,creek1 wherein the ,lord's presence was powerfully manifest4 ,truth rose into great dominion1 preciously uniting and edifying the honest-hearted1 and breaking down all opposition1 affecting and mollifying the hearts of1 almost1 the whole assembly4 ,it was indeed a precious solemnity1 not soon to be forgotten1 but to be held in grateful remembrance4 ,after those meetings1 we turned our faces homewards1 attending meetings in our way1 at ,little ,york1 ,columbia1 ,pottstown1 and the ,great ,swamp1 alias ,richland2 these were through divine favour1 instructive seasons4 ,the next meeting was at ,plumbstead1 in the compass of ,buck's quarterly meeting1 which we attended on third day1 the #gth of #gth month3 and on the two following days1 we were at ,buckingham1 and ,wright's ,town meetings4 ,my mind1 in those meetings1 was brought under a close exercise1 from a prospect of ,friends being too much leavened into the spirit of the world1 its customs and maxims2 by which1 many appeared to be greatly wounded1 and had become as dwarfs in our ,israel4 ,and ,i believe1 nothing contributed more to this1 than their becoming parties in the civil government1 and taking offices therein2 for here1 the spirit of contention gets in1 and a striving to be uppermost1 and fill the principal seats3 then party animosities take place1 from whence are derived envy and jealousy1 one against another2 and then reviling1 and neighbours speaking evil of each other2 hence wars and fightings arise1 as from their natural ground4 ,as any give way to these things1 it leavens their minds into the spirit of the world1 which is a spirit of darkness1 that blinds the understanding and hardens the heart1 and draws into many hurtful and pernicious practices1 such as dealing in ardent spirits1 drinking strong drink1 and handing it out in their fields to their workmen1 to stimulate them to an excess of labour2 hence an excess of drinking strong drink is gradually introduced among the poor labourers1 by means of which many families are ruined4 ,my spirit was deeply exercised on those accounts1 but as ,i patiently endured the baptisms ,i had to go through1 and submitted to communicate what appeared clearly to open2 ,i was enlarged in setting forth the dangerous and hurtful tendency of such conduct1 and its great inconsistency with our holy profession1 and to exhort ,friends to a more frequent recurrence to the first principle of our profession1 the light within2 whereby deliverance and preservation could only be experienced4 ,the ,lord was graciously with us in those meetings1 and the faithful were encouraged and edified1 and many hearts greatly tendered1 under a sense of the ,lord's mercy and goodness extended to us in these seasons4 ,on sixth day we attended a meeting at ,makefield1 and in the afternoon1 had a large meeting at ,newtown4 ,it was held in their court-house1 and mostly composed of those not professing with us4 ,i felt in this meeting1 the pressure and prevalence of a spirit of darkness and unbelief2 and was led to open the ground thereof1 and to show its inconsistency with the self-evident experience of every rational mind4 ,for although men in the ignorance and darkness of their own hearts1 may strive to settle themselves in unbelief1 in order to live quietly in the gratification of their own wills and creaturely appetites1 without any controul2 yet1 they never can fully come to this2 for that just witness1 placed in every bosom as a reprover for sin1 will continue to disturb all those false rests1 and shake every heaven of man's making4 ,for although men1 through the hardness of their hearts1 may not submit to the guidance of this just principle1 so as to have a saving belief therein2 yet they will thereby be compelled into a belief1 similar to that of the devils1 and which they will never be able fully to divest themselves of by all their carnal reasonings and fleshly wisdom2 but it will continue1 at times1 to make them fear and tremble1 and by its tremendous power will cause the very top of their ,sinai to shake1 and blast all their false hopes4 ,for it is the determinate counsel of unerring wisdom1 that the hope of the hypocrite shall perish3 therefore let all prize the day of their visitation1 while the ,lord is graciously striving with them1 by the clear1 self-evident touches of his light in their hearts2 in order that the wicked may turn from his wicked way1 and the unrighteous from his unrighteous thoughts1 and turn unto the ,lord who will have mercy upon him1 and unto our ,god1 who will abundantly pardon4 ,the meeting at ,makefield was likewise a precious opportunity4 ,the ,lord being mightily with us in our passing along1 from season to season1 to our humbling admiration1 furnishing with strength for every service2 so that we indeed found him to be strength in weakness1 and riches in poverty4 ,for ,i never felt greater weakness and nothingness1 as to self1 than in this journey2 and could truly say1 that our sufficiency was not of ourselves1 but of ,god2 and that the ,lord was our strength from day to day1 who is over all1 blessed for ever4 ,the three following days we attended meetings at ,middletown1 ,bristol1 and the ,falls4 ,i was led forth in these meetings to show wherein real ,christianity consists2 and although the people of christendom had the name of ,christians1 yet1 so long as they lived in the gratification of their own wills and carnal lusts1 from whence discord1 animosities1 envyings1 strife and every evil work originated1 they were only heathens in disguise4 ,for true ,christianity is nothing else than a real and complete mortification of our own wills1 and a full and final annihilation of all self-exaltation3 and the contrary is the true antichrist1 that sitteth in the seat of ,god1 who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called ,god1 or that is worshipped4 ,therefore1 none are any further ,christians1 than as they come to experience the self-denial1 meekness1 humility and gentleness of ,christ1 ruling and reigning in them1 so as to become their real life2 and in1 and by which1 they become partakers of the divine nature1 and know the life of ,god raised up in the immortal soul2 which is the new birth1 or ,christ formed in us1 and without which1 as our ,lord told ,nicodemus1 no man can see the kingdom of ,god4 ,after these meetings we crossed the river ,delaware into ,new ,jersey1 attending meetings on our way1 at ,kingwood1 ,hardwick1 ,mendham1 and one near ,paulingskiln4 ,from thence we passed to ,cornwall1 in the state of ,new-,york4 ,we reached there seventh day evening1 the #ahth of #gth month1 and the next day were at their first day meeting4 ,i was much worn down by constant travelling and hard labour1 and felt much fatigue when we came here2 and in going to this meeting1 ,i felt a desire to rise in my mind1 that ,i might have a good silent meeting4 ,the prayer of my spirit was answered1 for ,i had not sat long before a perfect1 sweet calm ensued1 wherein my whole man was swallowed up in divine seraphic enjoyment2 so that not only my mind1 but also my wearied body forgot all its toil2 and my soul was so inflamed with gratitude1 to the all-bountiful ,author of all our rich mercies and blessings1 that praises and thanksgiving ascended as incense from the altar of my heart to his great and glorious name1 who remains to be ,god over all1 blessed for ever1 world without end4 ,amen4 ,in the course of this week we attended meetings at ,newburgh ,valley1 the ,paltz1 ,marlborough1 and on fifth day were at ,cornwall monthly meeting4 ,the meeting for worship which preceded the business1 was large4 ,i was led among them in a line of close searching labour1 which1 for some time1 seemed to have but little entrance among them2 mankind being too generally disposed1 while in a state of unsoundness1 to shut themselves against that1 which they know1 if they are open to receive1 would find out all their secret lurking places1 where self-love and self-will lie shrouded under a mask of doing good1 while it is gratified in the full enjoyment of all its beloveds1 and with whom it is daily committing adultery and fornication3 but as ,i continued to persevere in faithfulness to the opening1 although the prospect for a time seemed discouraging1 truth began to make way by its own power1 and gradually spread over the meeting1 breaking down all opposition1 and tendering and mollifying many hearts4 ,the meeting for discipline appeared to be pretty well conducted1 there being1 ,i believe1 a remnant honestly engaged for the promotion of the cause of truth2 and these the ,lord delights to favour1 and furnish with strength to carry on his own work of truth and righteousness in the earth2 and he will continue to reward these with the real enjoyment of his life-giving presence2 while those who sit as mere idle spectators1 will be sent empty away4 ,on sixth day we had an appointed meeting at the house of our friend ,thomas ,jones at ,walkiln2 on seventh day1 one at ,goshen1 and on first day1 we were at ,smith's ,clove4 ,all satisfactory seasons1 especially the last1 wherein truth was powerfully manifest1 tendering the hearts of the people in a remarkable manner2 so that a very precious solemnity was witnessed to spread over the meeting4 ,after these meetings we turned homewards1 attending meetings in our way at ,kakiat1 ,tappan and ,new-,york4 ,we reached home on fourth day evening1 the #bith of #gth month4 ,i found my family in usual health1 which1 together with an endeared and cordial reception in the feelings of mutual love1 and flowings of that peace of mind attendant on a faithful discharge of manifested duty1 filled my heart with thankful acknowledgments to the great and bountiful ,author of every blessing4 ,i was from home in this journey three months and eighteen days1 and travelled about sixteen hundred and thirty miles4 ,,chapter ,v4 ,visit to ,friends in ,canada1 and some of the northern parts of the yearly meeting of ,new-,york1 #ahjc4--,visit on ,long ,island1 ,staten ,island1 and ,new-,york1 #ahjf4--,visit to ,purchase1 ,nine ,partners1 and ,stanford1 and some adjacent parts1 #ahjf4--,visit to ,nine ,partners1 #ahjg4--,visit to ,purchase1 ,nine ,partners1 and ,stanford1 #ahjh4--,visit to the subordinate meetings1 #ahjh4--,visit to ,purchase1 #ahji4--,visits on ,long ,island1 #ahab and #ahac4--,visit to ,purchase in #ahac4 ,in the fall of the year #ahjc1 ,i performed a visit to ,friends of ,upper ,canada1 and some other of the northwestern parts of our yearly meeting4 ,daniel ,titus was my companion in this journey4 ,we left home the #bjth of #ith month1 and proceeded directly to ,canada1 in company with two other ,friends1 who1 with us1 were appointed to attend the monthly meeting of ,adolphustown on a particular concern relative to that meeting4 ,we were at but three meetings in our way thither1 two at ,hudson on first day1 and one at ,black ,river4 ,we got well to ,adolphustown on third day evening1 the #c;d of #ajth month1 having rode about four hundred and ten miles1 and crossed the great river ,st4 ,lawrence1 which appeared to be a dangerous passage4 ,we crossed its two branches1 an island lying in the middle4 ,each branch was nearly five miles over4 ,we passed the latter in the middle of the night1 by the light of the moon1 in two small flat-bottomed boats1 one of them so small as to carry only one horse4 ,this latter passage lay open to ,lake ,ontario1 and the wind being from that quarter1 caused the swell frequently to wash into our boats1 so that we had considerable labour to throw out the water as fast as it came in2 but my confidence was in ,him1 who hath the winds and the waves at his command4 ,this kept out fear1 and we got safe over about one o'clock in the morning4 ,on fourth day we attended ,friends' meeting at ,adolphustown1 as it came in course1 which proved an instructive favoured season4 ,on fifth day we rode to ,green ,point1 in the township of ,sophiasburgh1 to the house of our friend ,daniel ,way2 and had an appointed meeting there that afternoon1 at the third hour4 ,in this meeting ,i was favoured2 and by the prevalence of the power of truth1 attending the communication1 many minds were much bowed1 and their hearts tendered by its secret mollifying influence4 ,our next appointment was in the neighbourhood of our friend ,robert ,hubbs1 on seventh day1 composed mostly of people not of our society1 which was a comfortable1 edifying season4 ,after this we proceeded to the township of ,hallowell1 to the house of our friend ,thomas ,boorman near ,west ,lake2 and on first day attended ,friends' meeting there4 ,on second day1 we had an opportunity with the people at the east end of the lake1 which was held at the house of a professor among the ,methodists4 ,these two last meetings were eminently favoured2 truth rose into dominion1 and ran as oil over all opposition1 to the instruction and comfort of many minds2 and the ,lord was praised for his goodness1 and for his merciful1 loving kindness to the children of men4 ,we returned that evening to the west end of said lake1 to the house of our friend ,jacob ,cronk1 and lodged4 ,on third day the #aath of #ajth month1 we returned to the house of ,cornelius ,blount1 where the meeting for ,friends of ,west ,lake was held4 ,it was the time of their preparative meeting1 and many of the neighbouring inhabitants came in1 and sat with ,friends1 during the time of worship2 the forepart of which1 was rather low and depressing2 but as patience was abode in1 and right attention given to a small opening which presented1 and as ,i moved therein with care1 truth gradually rose into dominion1 powerfully breaking down all that stood in its way4 ,many hearts were comforted and refreshed1 and a general solemnity spread over the meeting1 so that we could truly say1 hitherto hath the ,lord helped us4 ,after the preparative meeting was over1 which was held in an orderly manner1 we returned that evening to the house of our friend ,john ,dorland1 in ,adolphustown1 he having kindly accompanied us since we left that place4 ,on fourth day we attended the preparative meeting there4 ,the meeting for worship was large1 many of those who were not members came in1 and manifested great willingness to hear the truths of the gospel declared2 yet too many appeared careless and unconcerned1 with regard to the practical part1 so that in them was fulfilled the saying of the apostle3 8,for if any be a hearer of the word1 and not a doer1 he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass3 for he beholdeth himself and goeth his way1 and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was40 ,and this1 it is to be feared1 is too much the case with many amongst us1 as a people1 who are pleasing themselves with hearing the truth declared1 and rejoice in the privilege of sitting under a free1 living1 gospel ministry1 through the labour and exercise of the faithful2 but suffer the cumbering cares and pleasures of this life1 so to divert them from a right improvement of their own gifts1 that they1 in a religious sense1 may justly be compared to idle drones1 who live on the labour of the industrious bee1 and are contenting themselves in a situation like the foolish virgins1 who1 although they have lamps1 yet1 are without oil in their vessels2 but alas1 what will these do1 when the awful midnight cry is heard1 8behold the bridegroom cometh20 then fear and dismay1 with an utter exclusion from the marriage chamber1 will be the woful doom of all careless1 and lifeless professors4 ,o that all might lay these things to heart1 and endeavour1 in awful fear1 to have their day's work done in the day time2 for behold the night cometh1 wherein none can work4 ,on sixth day we attended ,friends' preparative meeting at ,kingston2 and on seventh day1 we had a meeting in the town of ,kingston1 in the court-house1 the first ,friends' meeting ever held in that place4 ,the people appeared much unacquainted with the order of our meetings1 and some of the principal men seemed at a loss how to behave themselves in the time of silence2 but during the communication1 they were generally quiet and solemn1 and truth rose into victory1 furnishing doctrine1 clothed with divine power1 and carrying conviction to the minds of most present4 ,the next day1 the first of the week1 we again attended ,friends' meeting held at the house of the widow ,brewer2 they not having any meeting-house in this place4 ,in the afternoon we had an appointed meeting in the west part of this township1 on the bay1 which was held at the house of ,john ,everit1 a man not in strict profession with any religious society4 ,these were both seasons of heavenly refreshment2 the life ran as oil over all2 many hearts were much broken and contrited1 under the precious mollifying influence thereof2 praised and magnified for ever1 be the name of the ,lord1 for his mercy and loving kindness to the children of men4 ,the #agth we returned towards ,adolphustown1 and attended a meeting appointed at an inn on our way1 in the town of ,earnest4 ,this also proved1 through the condescending mercy and goodness of the ,lord our gracious helper1 a blessed season2 and through the efficacious power attending the word preached1 many hearts were pierced1 and the whole assembly solemnized4 ,we parted from each other with thankful hearts1 and rode to ,adolphustown1 and lodged with our friend ,daniel ,haight4 ,the day following we had an appointed meeting at his house1 for the neighbouring inhabitants1 who were1 many of them1 professors among the ,methodists4 ,this1 through divine goodness1 was to me a season of great refreshment1 and the assembly were generally broken and contrited by the convicting power of divine love1 which was mercifully vouchsafed to us at this season4 ,we then proceeded again to our friend ,john ,dorland's1 and rested the next day1 as ,i was somewhat unwell1 and considerably wearied by such constant travelling4 ,on fifth day1 the #bjth of the month1 we attended ,friends' monthly meeting for the lower part of the ,province of ,upper ,canada1 held at ,adolphustown4 ,this closed our visit in these parts2 and we took leave of our friends in much brotherly affection2 their hearts were contrited1 and their cheeks bedewed with tears1 when we closed our farewell addresses4 ,after this we rode directly to ,kingston about thirty-five miles1 and there took boat immediately1 and crossed one branch of the river ,st4 ,lawrence that evening4 ,we likewise crossed the island1 which lies between1 before dark1 it being about five miles over2 but as the wind was unfavourable1 we did not cross the other branch till next morning4 ,we lodged in a small house1 being the only one on that side of the island4 ,our accommodations were very poor1 having to lie on the floor1 and on benches2 but having the best of company1 peace of mind1 and a firm trust in the divine blessing1 it kept us comfortable and pleasant4 ,the next day1 the #bb;d of the month1 we crossed early in the morning1 and rode that day1 to our friend ,samuel ,brown's1 at ,black ,river4 ,the day after1 being the first of the week1 we tarried there1 and had two meetings with his family1 and the neighbours2 divers of whom were sober religious ,baptists4 ,they were both favoured seasons2 may the ,lord bless his own work1 and seal it to the lasting advantage of those who attended4 ,the #bdth and #beth1 we rode eighty-five miles to ,utica1 on the upper part of the ,mohawk river4 ,the #bfth1 #bgth and #bhth1 we rode about one hundred and eighteen miles to ,palmyra1 in ,ontario county1 to the house of our friend ,abraham ,lapham4 ,the #bith we rested4 ,the #cjth1 being the first of the week1 we attended ,friends' meeting in that neighbourhood1 and one in the evening1 appointed at a man's house whose wife was a member1 about six miles distant from the former4 ,they were both1 ,i believe1 profitable and edifying seasons4 ,the #cast we attended a meeting in the town of ,palmyra1 appointed principally for those not of our society4 ,it was a large solemn meeting1 wherein the truths of the gospel were largely opened1 affecting1 solemnizing and comforting many hearts4 ,on the #ast of the #aath month1 we rode to ,bristol about eighteen miles1 and attended a meeting at the third hour in the afternoon4 ,it was held in a ,baptist meeting-house1 and was a hard exercising season4 ,those who attended appeared to be mostly1 very insensible of any right religious concern and exercise2 nevertheless1 through ability received1 after a considerable time of hard silent labour1 the power of truth was exalted among them1 and some hearts were reached and tendered thereby1 and ,i left them with peace of mind4 ,we then rode back thirty-seven miles to ,cayuga ,lake1 and lodged at an inn4 ,on the #c;d1 we rode to a town called ,scipio1 where a few ,friends resided1 who were indulged with holding a meeting under the care of the monthly meeting of ,farmington4 ,here we had a meeting at the eleventh hour1 it being their usual meeting day4 ,it was very small and low in the silent part1 but as a right exercise in waiting1 was patiently maintained1 truth gradually rose into dominion1 in a very instructive manner1 refreshing and comforting our minds1 in the sweet enjoyment of the divine presence1 who manifested himself to be graciously near for our help in the needful time4 ,after dining with our friends we took leave1 and turned our faces homeward2 and in four days got to ,galloway1 to the house of our friend ,philip ,macomber4 ,the next day we rested4 ,the three following days we attended the meetings of ,galloway1 ,ballstown1 and ,newtown2 which were all comfortable edifying seasons4 ,the #abth we rode to ,troy4 ,the #acth1 and first of the week1 we attended two meetings1 the first1 at the eleventh hour1 at the house of ,zachariah ,garnrick1 about four miles from ,troy1 where the few ,friends of that place and the adjacent neighbourhood1 hold a little meeting4 ,it was enlarged at this time by others coming in1 who were not of our society2 and the ,lord rewarded us bountifully1 and gave us a heavenly season together1 wherein his name was gloriously exalted over all2 and we parted with thankful hearts4 ,the latter meeting was held at ,troy1 in their court-house4 ,it was a large gathering1 but hard and heavy4 ,the #adth we rode to ,pittstown1 and attended a meeting at the second hour1 which was a satisfactory season1 and1 ,i hope1 profitable to some2 although others appeared to be too much at ease4 ,the #aeth we rode to ,easton1 and attended the quarterly meeting of ,ministers and ,elders2 and the two following days we attended the quarterly meeting for discipline1 and the parting meeting for worship4 ,the latter was a heavenly baptizing season1 wherein truth was raised into dominion in a very eminent manner1 the hearts of many were much broken and contrited1 and a general solemnity spread over the meeting2 and the ,lord's name praised1 and exalted over all1 who is worthy for ever4 ,after this1 we rode that afternoon to ,saratoga1 crossing the river ,hudson in our way2 and the next day went to ,south ,greenfield1 and attended a meeting at the second hour in the afternoon4 ,the #aith we rode to ,providence1 and after a meeting there1 went back again that afternoon to ,north ,greenfield4 ,the day following1 being the first of the week1 we attended a meeting there1 which was large and favoured1 as were the two former4 ,the #bast1 we had an appointed meeting at ,saratoga ,springs1 amongst a people not very unlike those1 whom the scribes1 among the ,jews1 called publicans and sinners4 ,it was a profitable edifying season1 most of those present appearing to receive the word with readiness1 and apparent good will2 so that it might have been said of some of them1 as our ,lord said concerning some of this description in his day1 that they were more likely to enter the kingdom1 than many of the high professors of religion1 who make a great outward show of godliness1 but are void of the power4 ,the #bc;d and #bdth1 we attended the monthly meetings of ,saratoga and ,easton2 and the day following had an appointed meeting at ,white ,creek1 and the next day we rode to ,east ,hoosack4 ,the #bgth1 and first of the week1 we attended ,friends' meeting there4 ,it was a very comfortable season2 the ,lord was with us1 and by his power made way in the hearts of the people1 for the reception of the testimony given us to bear among them4 ,we left them with thankful hearts1 and rode that evening to our friend ,david ,lapham's1 in the township of ,hancock2 and the next day had a meeting at his house1 at the second hour1 for the neighbouring inhabitants1 who were mostly professors among the ,baptists1 and who behaved very orderly2 and the ,lord1 in his never failing mercy1 favoured us together with a solemn instructive season4 ,the next day we passed on to ,new ,britain1 and rested the following day4 ,the fifth of the week1 and the #ast of #abth month1 we attended the meeting there1 at its usual time2 which was very large1 occasioned1 in part1 by our being there2 and there was likewise a marriage accomplished thereat4 ,i think1 for the most part1 it was a favoured1 comfortable season4 ,on sixth day we attended a meeting at ,kline ,kiln2 and on first day were at ,hudson1 where we had1 with ,friends and others1 at their meeting1 a refreshing opportunity2 the ,lord was graciously near1 furnishing with strength and utterance1 and an evidence of the divine power attending1 rejoicing the faithful1 confirming the weak and wavering1 and convicting the indolent1 the disobedient1 and gainsayers4 ,on second day we rode to ,little ,nine ,partners2 and the four following days1 we attended meetings at that place1 ,pine ,plains1 ,stanford1 and ,creek2 these were comfortable meetings1 wherein1 through the prevalence of truth1 many were convicted1 their hearts tendered1 and the faithful few encouraged1 and made to rejoice2 and the ,lord's name praised and exalted over all4 ,on seventh day evening we had an appointed meeting at the house of ,thomas ,wilbur1 about four miles from the latter2 and although hard and low1 yet ,i trust in a good degree profitable and instructive4 ,on first day we went to ,crum-elbow meeting1 which was very much crowded1 and the house not sufficient to hold the people4 ,the season appeared somewhat to represent the time1 when the miracle of the loaves and fishes was performed4 ,for the people's attention appeared to be generally outward1 many having come together out of curiosity1 to see and hear with their outward senses2 which makes hard work for the travellers1 who are faithfully engaged in ,zion's cause4 ,i sat long in silence in great poverty and want1 for the people appeared to be void of any spiritual food1 and no offering prepared2 but as ,i abode in patience1 and in the faith1 the query ran through my mind1 is there not a lad present1 who may have a few barley loaves and fishes4 ,a young man soon after stood up1 who1 ,i believed1 had for some time1 something on his mind to offer2 and by a short but pertinent communication opened my way4 ,soon after he sat down ,i stood up1 and the ,lord made way among the people1 while ,i was led to open1 in a very enlarged manner1 what the young ,friend had dropped2 and the ,lord's power was extended in a marvellous manner over the whole assembly1 so that it might be said indeed1 that all did eat and were filled1 and many fragments remained to be gathered up4 ,it was the ,lord's doing1 and marvellous in our eyes4 ,our two next appointments were at ,pleasant ,valley1 and the ,branch1 on second and third days4 ,these were comfortable1 and ,i trust1 profitable seasons4 ,the four successive days we attended the monthly meetings of ,oswego1 ,nine ,partners1 ,creek1 and ,stanford4 ,they were all seasons of great favour1 wherein ,i was largely opened in the line of gospel ministry1 in four several searching testimonies1 greatly to the comfort of the honest faithful travellers1 and to the rebuke and warning of the careless1 hypocritical1 and worldly-minded professors4 ,on first day we attended the meeting at ,nine ,partners1 and notice having been previously given of our intention of being there1 the meeting was very large2 and the ,lord's power was present with us1 enabling me to discharge myself faithfully among them1 and instructingly to divide the word1 suited to their several conditions4 ,the season concluded with prayer and thanksgiving1 to his great and adorable name1 who is over all1 ,god blessed for ever4 ,after this1 apprehending ,i felt liberty to turn my face homeward1 and having for the two successive days meetings1 appointed at ,chesnut ,ridge1 and ,poughquague1 we proceeded accordingly4 ,although ,i was under considerable infirmity of body1 and travelled in much pain1 yet through gracious aid1 furnished from the adorable fountain of all wisdom and strength1 ,i was enabled to attend them to my own satisfaction1 and the comfort and encouragement of my friends4 ,i was led forth in both of these meetings in large affecting testimonies2 the minds of many present were baptized and humbled1 and the faithful few refreshed1 whom the ,lord delights to honour4 ,on fourth day we crossed the ,highlands1 and rode down to the mouth of ,croton ,river1 about forty-two miles4 ,it was wearisome to my afflicted body1 but believing it right for us so to proceed1 and having faith in the divine sufficiency1 ,i was sustained even beyond rational expectation4 ,the day following being ,friends' meeting day in that place1 we had a comfortable opportunity with them1 together with some of their neighbours2 and it was1 ,i believe1 an instructive edifying season to many4 ,may it fasten as a nail in a sure place4 ,after this we passed on to ,new-,york1 where we tarried over first day1 and attended their forenoon and afternoon meetings2 also an appointed meeting in the evening1 at their new meeting-house4 ,they were large and very exercising1 yet1 ,i trust1 in the main1 profitable meetings4 ,on second day the #bfth of #abth month1 we rode home1 and ,i found my family well1 which1 together with the ,lord's mercies and preservations1 vouchsafed to me in this arduous journey1 caused my heart to be filled with gratitude and thanksgiving to ,his great and worthy name1 to whom belongs all praise1 adoration and worship1 from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same1 throughout all ages1 world without end4 ,amen4 ,i was out in this journey about three months1 and rode about fifteen hundred and seventy-five miles4 ,in the spring of the year #ahjf1 feeling my mind drawn in gospel love1 to pay a religious visit to some of the neighbouring towns and villages on our island1 ,staten ,island and ,new-,york1 among those not in profession with us2 and opening my concern to our monthly meeting1 ,i received the concurrence and unity of my friends therein4 ,i was from home in this service about twenty days1 and had about thirty meetings among those not of our society1 generally to good satisfaction1 and to the peace of my own mind4 ,many1 in most places1 appeared convinced of the truth and propriety of our doctrine and principles1 as they were communicated1 and divers feelingly expressed their satisfaction therewith1 and the heart-felt comfort they witnessed in those opportunities2 and ,i had cause to hope that light was breaking forth in some places1 which had long been under the power of great darkness1 through the undue force of wrong customs1 and a false education1 principally propagated by a mercenary1 anti-christian ministry4 ,my mind was often affected1 in considering the emptiness and fruitless state of many of those professors under different names1 who had a form of godliness1 and were very zealous in attending to the outside ceremonials1 of what they called religion and worship2 but in their lives and conduct denied the power thereof1 being persuaded by their blind guides1 to believe they might be saints1 while they were sinners1 and stand in a state of justification1 without sanctification4 ,but this is a false and very dangerous doctrine4 ,o1 saith my spirit1 may the light of ,israel arise and come forth1 and by the brightness of its arising1 dispel all those mists and fogs1 those works of darkness1 which those blind guides have raised up between ,god and the souls of the people2 and deliver the nations out of the hands of all oppressors1 that so none1 at the awful closing period1 may witness verified in themselves1 that solemn truth1 that 8if the blind lead the blind1 both shall fall into the ditch40 ,in the fall of the year #ahjf1 feeling my mind drawn to visit some parts of the quarterly meetings of ,purchase1 ,nine ,partners1 and ,stanford1 with some adjacent places1 not among ,friends1 and obtaining the unity and concurrence of our monthly meeting therein1 ,i set forward the #hth of #abth month2 ,thomas ,willis kindly joining me as a companion in this journey4 ,on third day we attended the meeting for sufferings in ,new-,york1 and in the evening we had an appointed meeting at ,brooklyn1 which was a solemn1 comfortable season4 ,fourth day1 being the day on which ,friends' meeting was held in the city1 notice was given of our intention of being there4 ,it was a pretty large meeting1 and in a good degree favoured with the spreading of the divine canopy1 and strength was afforded to communicate to the various situations of those present2 to the honest-hearted and truly exercised travellers1 comfort and encouragement1 and of this number1 ,i trust1 there are a few preserved in this city of great stir and commotion2 and to the careless1 the unguarded and refractory1 caution and rebuke4 ,after this we passed on to ,mamaroneck1 and lodged with our kind friend ,richard ,mott4 ,the three following days of this week1 we attended the monthly meetings of ,purchase1 ,shapaqua and ,amawalk4 ,we stayed over their first day meeting at ,amawalk1 which was large1 many of other societies coming in2 and had an appointed meeting in the evening at ,peekskill4 ,these were all seasons of favour1 comforting and refreshing to my mind4 ,on second day1 the #aeth of the month1 we proceeded on our journey1 and reached1 seasonably in the evening1 the house of our kind friend ,enoch ,dorland1 at or near ,oswego4 ,on third day we rode to ,nine ,partners4 ,on fourth day we attended the monthly meeting of ,oswego2 both the meeting for worship1 and that for discipline1 were well conducted1 and truth reigned2 which made them comfortable and instructive4 ,on fifth1 sixth and seventh days1 we attended the monthly meetings of ,nine ,partners1 ,creek1 and ,stanford4 ,nothing transpired in either of these unusual4 ,we attended ,friends' meeting at ,northeast1 on first day1 and also a meeting in the evening at ,little ,nine ,partners2 both seasons of favour4 ,on second day we rode to ,hudson1 and the next day attended their monthly meeting1 and likewise had a large public meeting in the evening with ,friends and others4 ,i have cause to acknowledge the goodness and mercy of the ,shepherd of ,israel1 who has been pleased graciously to manifest his presence and power for our help and encouragement1 from season to season1 enabling us to labour1 to the comfort and refreshment of the honest-hearted and faithful among the brethren and sisters1 and to impart counsel and caution to the varied states of those amongst whom our lots were cast1 and stirring up the pure mind in many4 ,so that in many places it appeared to be a renewed visitation of divine love to the people1 for which many hearts with our own were made thankful4 ,on fourth and fifth days we had meetings with ,friends at ,kline ,kiln1 and ,new ,britain2 and on sixth day we had an opportunity with those not in profession with us1 at a place called ,philipstown4 ,the meeting was held in a meeting-house belonging to the ,presbyterians1 and a precious season it proved1 tendering the hearts of most present2 truth prevailing over all1 to the praise and glory of ,his grace1 who hath called us to labour in his vineyard4 ,we went from this place to ,troy and attended ,friends' meeting on first day2 and had a large public meeting in the evening with the inhabitants of the town4 ,on second and third day evenings1 we had meetings in the towns of ,waterford and ,lansingburgh2 the former was held in a meeting-house belonging to the ,methodist society2 and the latter1 by their voluntary permission1 in the ,episcopal meeting-house4 ,these were all seasons of favour1 especially the last1 in which truth was powerfully manifest1 solemnizing the assembly1 tendering and melting many hearts into contrition1 and raising an acknowledgment to its divine power4 ,on fourth day we attended ,friends' preparative meeting at ,troy1 and also an appointed meeting for the inhabitants of the town in the evening4 ,the next morning previous to our leaving there1 we had a precious opportunity with three or four families of ,friends1 the heads of which were all brethren and sisters of each other1 by blood1 or marriage4 ,it was a season wherein the ,lord was pleased to magnify his power1 and cause every heart to bow and acknowledge to its blessed and mollifying influence1 which prevailed over all to our mutual rejoicing4 ,the visit being over we took leave of our friends1 and rode that afternoon to ,albany1 and attended a pretty large meeting1 held that evening in their court-house4 ,it was1 ,i believe1 to many1 a profitable edifying season4 ,on sixth day morning feeling my mind drawn to have a select opportunity1 with the few members of our society resident in this city1 they were notified thereof1 and came together early in the forenoon4 ,we had a satisfactory season with them1 in which ,i was favoured to clear myself of a burden ,i felt on their account1 in a plain tender manner1 comforting the sincere-hearted1 and stirring up the careless and lukewarm4 ,after this we took our leave in brotherly affection1 with quiet and peaceful minds1 and with an evidence of having faithfully discharged our duty1 which made our journeying forward pleasant1 as we passed on to ,duanesburgh1 where we arrived that evening4 ,on seventh day we rested4 ,on first day the #dth of #ast month1 #ahjg1 we attended the meeting there1 and notice being given of our attendance1 it was a very large meeting1 wherein truth reigned4 ,many doctrinal truths were opened to the people1 and the gospel preached in the clear demonstration of the spirit2 to the ,lord only wise1 gracious and merciful1 be the praise1 who is the blessed author thereof2 nothing due to man4 ,the next day we had a meeting in our way to ,otego1 near a village called ,charlestown1 at the house of a man inclining to ,friends1 in which ,i was enabled to communicate1 in gospel authority1 to the tendering and contriting of many hearts4 ,we reached ,otego on fourth day1 a little before meeting time1 it being ,friends' usual meeting day1 which1 therefore1 afforded but little opportunity of notifying their neighbours2 but some hearing thereof1 attended4 ,it was a glorious meeting1 which richly paid us for all our toil in getting there1 yea an hundred fold2 magnified for ever be the name of the ,lord1 who graciously manifested his power for our help1 comforting many hearts1 and causing the faithful to rejoice together1 in the sweet incomes of his love and life4 ,on fifth day1 we attended ,friends' meeting held at ,burlington in the middle of the week4 ,the neighbouring inhabitants having notice of our coming1 generally attended1 and although the life did not appear to rise so high as in the foregoing meeting1 yet1 for the most part1 ,i believe1 it was a profitable edifying season4 ,we rode to ,deruyter on sixth day1 and on seventh day rested1 and mended our carriage1 which was much injured and broken by our journey to this place4 ,on first day1 we attended ,friends' meeting there1 which was much crowded1 the house being but small4 ,the ,lord was with us1 and magnified his power1 reaching and tendering many hearts2 the gospel was freely preached1 and appeared to be freely received by the auditory in general4 ,on second day1 we had a meeting at a town called ,woodstock1 at the eleventh hour1 and one in the evening at ,cazenovia4 ,there were no ,friends living in either of these places1 and the people in general appeared dark and ignorant1 yet1 they were attentive to what was communicated2 and many of them appeared thankful for the opportunities1 and desired our longer continuance among them2 but we took our leave1 and left them with our minds clothed with peace4 ,we then turned our faces homeward1 being desirous of getting back in time to attend the ensuing quarterly meeting of ,nine ,partners1 to be held in the forepart of #b;d month4 ,we felt our minds drawn to return by ,burlington1 and had meetings in our way there1 at ,hamilton1 ,brookfield1 ,bridgewater1 and one in the evening between ,bridgewater and ,burlington1 held in a school-house1 at a village in the township of ,brookfield4 ,these were all favoured meetings1 comfortable and instructive1 many hearts were reached and affected with the power of truth1 which was prevalently manifest for our help4 ,we were at ,burlington on first day1 and notice being generally spread that we were there1 it proved the largest meeting ever held in that place2 and through the ,lord's goodness and mercy to us1 it was made a season gratefully to be remembered1 by1 ,i believe1 the greater part of the meeting4 ,this being over1 we had another meeting in the evening1 in a neighbouring town called ,pittsfield1 which was held in a large school-house1 there being no member of our society there2 this was likewise an edifying opportunity4 ,the next day we proceeded to ,otego1 and attended a meeting there at the eleventh hour1 appointed previously by our request4 ,it was a large meeting1 and graciously favoured with the overshadowing wing of divine kindness4 ,on third day we had an appointed meeting in the township of ,heartwick4 ,from this place we returned to ,duanesburgh1 and attended their monthly meeting held on sixth day4 ,this meeting was composed of the preparative meetings of ,duanesburgh1 ,otego1 ,burlington1 and ,deruyter4 ,the latter meeting was near ninety miles from the place where the monthly meeting was held at this time4 ,friends are much scattered in this new country1 by reason of which1 but few1 in some meetings1 have much opportunity of attending their monthly meetings2 this is a great loss to many families1 especially the children1 many of whom are thus deprived of the improving company of experienced ,friends in meetings for discipline or otherwise4 ,i have often thought it a very weighty matter for a ,friend to move with a family of children so far from meetings1 and especially meetings for discipline1 which1 ,i have often considered as schools of very profitable instruction to well-minded youth4 ,this is a new monthly meeting1 made up of ,friends of but small experience1 many of them newly received members4 ,the business of the meeting was of course but weakly conducted4 ,we laboured among them in the ability received1 for their instruction and help1 and there appeared a readiness in some to receive1 who1 ,i trust1 will become useful members1 as they abide in humility1 and are faithful to the measure of grace received4 ,on seventh day we rode to ,oakhill1 and on first day attended ,friends' meeting there2 it was a very full meeting1 and proved satisfactory and instructive4 ,the four following days we were at meetings at ,scott's ,patent1 ,bern1 ,rensselaerville1 one in a ,friend's house between the last mentioned place and ,coeman's ,patent1 and one at ,coeman's ,patent4 ,they were seasons of general satisfaction1 especially the last1 which was a very large precious meeting1 in which the truths of the gospel were largely declared1 in the demonstration of the spirit4 ,many hearts were tendered and contrited1 and the ,lord's name praised and magnified1 who is over all1 worthy for ever4 ,the sixth1 we rode to ,hudson1 and passed most of the way upon the ice1 on the river1 the weather having been1 for some days past1 extremely cold4 ,on seventh day evening we had an appointed meeting at ,lunenburgh1 which lies on the west side of the river ,hudson1 and opposite to that city4 ,on first day we attended ,friends' meeting at ,hudson4 ,both these meetings were held1 ,i believe1 to general satisfaction1 and ,i trust1 were profitable and instructive to many who attended4 ,from hence we passed on to ,nine ,partners1 and reached there seasonably to meet with the committee who have the oversight of the boarding-school1 held there by the direction of our yearly meeting1 we being members of that committee4 ,by the accounts now rendered1 the school appears in a prosperous state2 but a considerable difficulty attends procuring suitable tutors and caretakers in the family4 ,on third day1 the select quarterly meeting of this place was held1 and on fourth day1 that for discipline2 and although there was a degree of favour experienced1 yet1 in general1 it was a trying exercising season4 ,this is a large quarterly meeting2 and many who attend are mere birthright members1 and having never known the baptizing power of truth1 to sanctify and prepare for right and useful membership1 are but as dead weights in our religious meetings2 and some others1 who have joined the society by convincement1 for want of faithfully attending to that which first convinced them1 have lost their first love1 and suffered their minds too much to centre back again into the world1 and the love of it2 and have thereby become stumbling blocks in the way of others4 ,these bring much exercise and concern to the living1 who are daily engaged for ,zion's cause1 and that truth may prosper and prevail in the earth4 ,on fifth day1 we had an appointed meeting at ,pleasant ,valley1 which was a comfortable instructive season2 and another seasonable opportunity in the evening at ,poughkeepsie1 composed mostly of those not in membership with us4 ,on sixth day1 we were at ,west ,branch meeting1 which was pretty full1 wherein ,i had to go down into deep baptism with the dead1 being plunged into the feeling of a state of great ignorance and unbelief2 but as ,i patiently sat under the burden1 light sprang up1 and life came into dominion2 and ,i was led1 in a clear manner1 to show the ground from whence all this darkness and unbelief proceeded2 that it was from a want of due attention to1 and right belief in1 the inward manifestation of divine light1 which reveals itself in the heart of man against sin and uncleanness2 and at the same time shows what is right1 and justifies for right doing4 ,therefore while men disregard this inward divine principle1 of grace and truth1 and do not believe in it1 as essential and sufficient to salvation2 they are in danger of becoming either ,atheists1 or ,deists--these are also in danger of becoming so blinded as not to believe in that necessary and very essential doctrine of perfection1 as contained in that clear1 rational1 and positive injunction of our dear ,lord3 8,be ye therefore perfect1 even as your ,father which is in heaven is perfect40 ,and we cannot rationally suppose they can ever be otherwise1 while they continue in this situation2 as nothing but this light is sufficient to produce the knowledge1 on which this belief is founded4 ,my mind was likewise largely opened to communicate1 how we all might1 by faithful attention and adherence to the aforesaid divine principle1 the light within1 come to know and believe the certainty of those excellent scripture doctrines2 of the coming1 life1 righteous works1 sufferings1 death1 and resurrection of ,jesus ,christ1 our blessed pattern3 and that it is by obedience to this inward light only1 that we are prepared for an admittance into the heavenly kingdom4 ,it was a day of high favour1 wherein the ,lord's arm was made bare for our help1 and the exaltation of his own glorious and holy name1 who is over all1 blessed for ever4 ,this favoured opportunity being over1 we rode that afternoon to ,samuel ,dorland's1 and attended a meeting there appointed for us that evening3 and lodged with our worthy friend ,enoch ,dorland4 ,on seventh day we crossed the mountains called the ,highlands1 in our way homeward1 and got well to our friend ,abraham ,underhill's1 at ,croton ,river1 that evening4 ,the next day1 being the first of the week1 we attended ,friends' meeting there1 and notice being given of our attendance1 the meeting was pretty full1 and graciously attended with the divine presence1 in which strength was received to preach the gospel in the demonstration of the spirit4 ,it was a season thankfully to be remembered4 ,on second day1 the #ith of #b;d month1 #ahjg1 we rode to ,new-,york1 where ,i was gladly received by my beloved daughter ,abigail1 and her kind companion2 we being mutually glad to see each other4 ,the next day we attended our meeting for sufferings4 ,i then rode home1 that evening1 and found my dear wife and children well1 to our mutual rejoicing2 and we greeted each other with thankful hearts4 ,i was from home in this journey about two months1 and attended forty-five particular meetings1 nine monthly meetings1 one quarterly1 and our meeting for sufferings twice2 and travelled upwards of seven hundred miles4 ,after returning from the aforesaid journey1 ,i continued mostly at and about home1 for several months1 attending our several meetings as they came in course2 and also at different times1 some appointed meetings among those not in profession with us1 in some adjacent neighbourhoods1 to which ,i could go and return in a few days4 ,in all these seasons1 ,i have thankfully to acknowledge the ,lord was near1 and graciously manifested himself to be a present helper in every needful time1 furnishing with ability to labour in the work of the gospel1 convincing1 and comforting many hearts2 and to the solid relief and peace of my own mind4 ,in the ensuing fall1 having felt my mind renewedly engaged in gospel love to visit a few of the meetings of ,friends1 in the three lower quarterly meetings belonging to our yearly meeting2 and to have some meetings in divers places in those parts1 among those of other professions1 ,i left home1 with the unity of my friends1 the #cast of #ajth month1 #ahjg1 and the seventh day of the week1 and went to ,new-,york1 having my beloved wife with me2 who proposed to be my companion in part of this journey4 ,we also took our two youngest daughters with us1 in order to place them in the boarding-school at ,nine ,partners4 ,we remained in ,new-,york over first day1 and attended ,friends' meetings there2 that at ,pearl-street in the morning1 and at ,liberty-street in the afternoon4 ,they were both1 ,i trust1 profitable meetings1 more especially the former2 in which truth prevailed1 and came into dominion1 solemnizing and comforting many hearts2 and was very strengthening to my mind1 in the prospect before me4 ,on second day we set out for ,nine ,partners1 and reached there seasonably to attend the quarterly meeting for discipline1 the ensuing fourth day2 and the latter part of the week1 we spent in attending the quarterly meeting of ,stanford4 ,after this we returned to the boarding-school and placed our daughters there2 and1 as ,i was one of the committee1 who have the superintendence of the institution1 ,i remained there about ten days4 ,then way opening to proceed1 ,i went as far as ,hartford in ,connecticut2 accompanied by two ,friends who reside at ,nine ,partners4 ,as the weather was cold and unsettled1 my wife remained at the school1 assisting the managers1 until ,i returned4 ,we had several meetings in our way thither1 and one as we returned2 and were at several in and about ,hartford1 mostly among those of other professions4 ,and the ,lord1 magnified for ever be his right worthy name1 was graciously pleased to be with us1 and manifested his power for our help2 giving wisdom and strength1 tongue and utterance1 and teaching to divide the word aright1 to the states of the people2 whereby his righteous cause was exalted in many minds1 and his glorious holy truth raised into dominion over all1 in divers of those favoured opportunities2 to the praise of his grace1 8who is over all1 ,god blessed for ever40 ,on my return to the school1 ,i again spent some days with the family1 assisting them in the management thereof2 and then1 my wife and myself took leave of our children and friends1 in much mutual affection2 and turned our faces homeward4 ,we attended ,oswego monthly meeting in our way1 on fourth day1 the #afth of #abth month2 and the next day had an appointed meeting at ,apoquague4 ,on sixth day we rode through the mountains to ,peekskill1 and lodged with our kind friend ,nathaniel ,brown4 ,we attended their meeting on first day1 and on second day1 we had an appointed meeting at a place called ,crompond2 which was held in a meeting-house belonging to the ,presbyterians1 by their proposal4 ,on fourth day we were at ,amawalk1 on fifth day at ,shapaqua1 and on sixth day we had an appointed meeting at ,mount ,pleasant2 this was likewise held in a place of worship belonging to the ,presbyterians4 ,we rode to ,new-,york on seventh day1 and on first day attended ,friends' meeting there4 ,the third day following we left the city on our way home1 but a storm came on soon after we left1 and increased to that degree1 that when we came to the ferry at ,hurlgate1 where we intended to cross1 we found it impassable4 ,we then turned our course and rode to our friend ,joseph ,byrd's at ,harlem1 and lodged4 ,i felt my mind drawn towards having a meeting at that place when passing down to the city1 but admitting some doubts to arise1 as to the clearness of the prospect1 ,i omitted it2 but now1 way opening with more clearness1 we had one appointed the next day1 which proved a favoured season4 ,after this we crossed the ferry that afternoon1 and rode to ,flushing1 and the next day being the fifth of the week1 and #cast of #abth month1 we attended ,friends' meeting there2 and then rode home that afternoon1 and were gladly received by our friends4 ,my spirit was made humbly joyful1 in believing that the ,lord ,almighty had graciously condescended to be with us1 to lead us in the way1 manifesting his loving kindness and mercy1 in a greater or lesser degree1 in all those opportunities1 convicting1 convincing1 edifying and comforting many hearts2 and encouraging the honest travellers ,zion-ward4 ,may his right worthy name be praised and exalted above all for ever4 ,as our return home at this time was hastened by the inclemency of the season1 we being out with a carriage1 and likely to be prevented from travelling by the snow1 my mind was not relieved of the prospect before me4 ,therefore1 after remaining at and about home a few weeks1 ,i again set out1 with the unity of my friends1 in order to finish what was left behind of my former concern4 ,charles ,willets a friend and neighbour accompanied me4 ,we set out the #bdth of #ast month1 #ahjh1 and attended the three quarterly meetings of ,purchase1 ,nine ,partners1 and ,stanford1 as they came in course3 and likewise five particular meetings in the intermediate space1 between ,purchase and ,nine ,partners4 ,we were from home at this time about five weeks2 and attended three quarterly meetings1 one monthly1 and twenty-three particular meetings4 ,and ,i have abundant cause1 with humble gratitude1 to admire the adorable loving kindness1 and condescending goodness1 of a gracious ,god to me a poor creature2 in enabling me to surrender all up to his heavenly disposal1 to be any thing or nothing1 as he would have me to be2 leading me from place to place1 as a weaned child1 by the guiding of his power1 and the influence of his precious love3 and teaching me1 not only how to suffer want1 but likewise1 how to abound2 and in every situation and dispensation which he is pleased to lead into1 to be therewith content4 ,under a renewed sense whereof1 my spirit is led to acknowledge1 that 8great and marvellous are thy works1 ,lord ,god ,almighty2 just and true are thy ways1 thou ,king of saints40 ,even so4 ,amen4 ,in the spring of the year #ahjh1 our yearly meeting1 from an exercise in observing the many deficiencies1 brought up in the reports from the several quarterly meetings1 issued an epistle1 or minute of advice and caution1 to its subordinate meetings4 ,and in order to strengthen and enforce the same1 and to make it the more effectual to promote a reformation1 appointed a committee to attend therewith4 ,and ,i1 being one appointed with divers other brethren and sisters1 willingly engaged therein2 as a concern1 of a similar nature1 had for some time previous thereto attended my mind4 ,accordingly1 at the close of the yearly meeting1 we agreed to enter upon the service at the succeeding quarterly meeting at ,nine ,partners2 and to attend in succession the quarterly meetings of ,stanford and ,easton1 as they came in course4 ,two men1 and three women ,friends1 joined me in this northern tour2 and several others of the committee attended at the quarterly meetings4 ,after those meetings1 we proceeded to attend with the minute1 all the monthly meetings constituting them2 except the three distant ones1 of ,adolphustown in ,upper ,canada1 and ,farmington and ,scipio1 in the western part of the state of ,new-,york3 also a considerable number of the preparative meetings1 as way opened therefor4 ,although great and many were the apparent deviations and departures of many of our members1 in the varied classes of society1 from that ancient simplicity and integrity1 which marked the conduct of our worthy predecessors1 in the dawn of this latter gospel day2 and by this declension1 those noble testimonies given us to bear1 for the prince of peace1 and the promotion of the cause of truth and righteousness in the earth1 were by many1 but weakly supported2 and by others1 almost wholly neglected2 grieving and wounding the hearts of the faithful1 and reproaching our ,christian profession3 nevertheless1 we had abundant cause gratefully to acknowledge the condescending goodness and mercy of the great ,head of the ,church1 in uniting us together in the work1 and in owning the concern from place to place2 giving full evidence thereto in a general manner1 by the manifestations of his love and power2 and thereby enabling and qualifying his weak and unworthy though devoted servants1 who were very sensible they had no might nor ability of their own1 to perform the service they were engaged in1 to his honour1 or the promotion of his righteous cause2 and to communicate counsel and encouragement1 reproof and caution1 as occasion required1 and opportunity offered2 by which the faithful were strengthened1 and made at times to rejoice together1 the hearts of ,friends being in a very general manner1 opened cordially to receive us and the concern1 with much unanimity4 ,we had many precious opportunities as we passed along1 in public meetings1 7many of which were much crowded1 by those coming in who were not in membership with us17 and also in meetings for discipline2 truth being often raised powerfully into dominion over all4 ,so that in many of those favoured seasons1 we were strengthened to set up our ,ebenezer1 and to say1 in the heart-felt language of filial and grateful acknowledgments1 8hitherto hath the ,lord helped us40 ,and1 ,i believe1 it was a season of renewed powerful visitation1 and manifestation of the ,lord's mercy to many2 not only to the members of our society1 but also1 to others that are without1 who were favoured with the privilege of attending the public meetings4 ,after getting through this part of the service1 which took us between nine and ten weeks1 in which time we travelled upwards of one thousand miles1 and attended three quarterly meetings1 seventeen monthly meetings1 sixteen preparative meetings1 and forty public meetings for worship1 including those that preceded the monthly and preparative meetings1 we returned home1 and remained until the time of the next quarterly meetings' coming on when ,i again joined some of the committee1 and attended the quarterly meetings of ,westbury and ,purchase1 and all the monthly meetings constituting them2 except ,purchase monthly meeting4 ,and ,i may say with gratitude of heart1 that the same divine power that attended in the foregoing part of the visit1 was again manifested for our help1 in going through1 and finishing the service1 to the humble admiration and solid peace of my own mind1 and the praise of his own right worthy name1 8who is over all1 ,god blessed for ever40 ,how great and wonderful is his goodness and loving kindness to the children of men2 his mercies are present every moment2 and as saith the prophet1 8they are new every morning30 therefore saith my soul let all praise and exalt him above all1 for his mercy endureth for ever4 ,in the latter part of the winter1 and spring of the year #ahji1 with the concurrence of our monthly meeting1 ,i made a pretty general visit to the meetings of ,friends1 within the quarterly meeting of ,purchase2 and attended some meetings belonging to ,nine ,partners quarterly meeting2 and also appointed a considerable number among others1 in the adjacent parts4 ,i found great openness generally among the people1 to hear the truths of the gospel2 and a number1 ,i believe1 received them with sincerity of heart2 and ,i was made glad in believing1 that the ,lord was graciously near1 and accompanied the word preached1 with his heart-tendering power1 comforting and refreshing the broken hearted1 reviving the spirit of the contrite ones1 and stopping the mouths of gainsayers4 ,for these favours my soul was often bowed1 in deep humility and contrition of spirit1 accompanied with grateful acknowledgments and thanksgiving1 for his wonderful works to the children of men4 ,the year #ahaj1 ,i spent mostly at home1 except performing a visit to some of the neighbouring inhabitants1 not in membership with us4 ,i was from home in this service a few weeks in the spring2 and in the summer ,i performed a visit to the half year's meeting at ,canada1 by appointment from our yearly meeting4 ,i passed the year #ahaa at and near home1 in attending our own and some adjacent meetings2 also some meetings in divers neighbourhoods among other societies4 ,i had frequent cause to rejoice in a living hope1 that truth was gradually rising1 and the true light shining more and more in the hearts of the people2 and that in the ,lord's time1 it would be exalted and become a great mountain1 and fill the whole earth4 ,in the winter and spring of the year #ahab1 with the concurrence of my friends1 ,i passed about four weeks in visiting the neighbouring inhabitants1 not of our society4 ,i had twenty-eight meetings1 all held in private houses2 many of them were very large and crowded1 and the ,lord was graciously near1 comforting and refreshing the sincere-hearted1 and opening counsel to those who wanted information1 and sealing his testimony on the minds of the people1 to the exaltation of his own righteous cause1 and to the glory of his excellent name1 8who is over all1 ,god blessed for ever40 ,in the forepart of the winter of #ahac1 feeling a renewed concern toward the neighbouring inhabitants of our island1 and ,new-,york1 not in profession with us2 many of whom are as sheep without a shepherd1 and appeared to be under exercise and concern1 to be rightly instructed in the way of peace and salvation1 in gospel love1 and with the unity of my friends1 ,i paid them a visit4 ,i had upwards of twenty meetings in the different parts1 much to my own satisfaction1 and1 ,i trust1 to the edification and comfort of many who attended4 ,the ,lord1 our gracious helper1 was near1 and covered the assemblies with his solemnizing presence and power2 and instructed to divide the word to the several states1 in the demonstration of the spirit4 ,for these unmerited favours1 ,i was made at seasons to rejoice1 and in deep humiliation and thankfulness of heart1 to joy in the ,god of my salvation1 who does wondrous things in mercy1 for the children of men1 in order to hide pride from man1 and turn him from his unrighteous purposes1 and save his soul from the pit1 that so he may know1 and seek after ,god4 ,before ,i had got fully through this little tour of duty1 a further prospect opened1 toward a visit to ,friends and others in the compass of ,purchase quarterly meeting1 and some of the neighbouring parts of the state of ,connecticut1 where none of our society reside3 and under the impression of duty ,i laid the concern before our monthly meeting held in #ast month1 #ahac1 and received its concurrence1 in a short minute for that purpose4 ,i left home the #fth of #b;d month following1 my kind friend ,gideon ,seaman1 an ,elder1 and member of ,westbury monthly meeting1 accompanied me in this visit4 ,we passed to ,new-,york on our way1 and on first day attended the forenoon meeting at ,pearl-street1 and the afternoon meeting at ,liberty-street2 and had an appointed meeting on second day evening in the northeast part of the town1 in a large room in a public house4 ,it was a favoured season1 and largely attended2 many more came than the room could contain4 ,the two foregoing meetings were also favoured strengthening opportunities1 affording encouragement in my first setting out in the weighty and solemn service before me1 which ,i always esteem that of appointing meetings to be1 more especially those among strangers2 many of whom know but little of us1 or of the manner in which we hold our meetings1 and therefore are apt to get restless1 and sometimes much disquieted at our sitting so long in silence1 as we often have to do2 that it requires1 in ,friends1 at such seasons1 a very deep indwelling with the seed of life1 to prevent being jostled1 or interrupted in our inward travail and waiting1 for the pure motion of life2 lest1 by their eagerness to hear words1 ,friends on those occasions1 might be led to venture on too small an intimation and without sufficiently turning the fleece again and again1 and to feel clearly1 that1 8wo is unto me1 if ,i preach not the gospel40 ,for want of this care1 there is danger sometimes of our running in vain1 and so not profit the people at all1 nor procure peace to our own minds4 ,i was from home in this journey about four weeks1 and rode upwards of three hundred miles2 and attended twenty-five meetings1 and our meeting for sufferings twice4 ,twelve of these meetings were among people not of our society2 and where there are no meetings of ,friends4 ,among these ,i found great openness to receive us1 and our testimony2 many expressed their satisfaction with the opportunities1 and manifested a desire in most places1 that we would stay longer with them1 and have more meetings4 ,indeed truth was so prevalent in those meetings1 as not only to silence1 at least for the present1 all opposition1 but in many of them to reign triumphantly over all2 whereby many minds were comforted and instructed1 and the power of truth exalted2 and our hearts made glad in believing1 that the ,shepherd of ,israel is still availingly stretching forth the crook of his love1 and will gather many from the highways and hedges2 whom1 as they attend to his call1 and abide faithful to the end1 he will clothe with the wedding garment1 and admit into the marriage chamber of the ,lamb2 while many of those1 who have been long and often invited1 but are nevertheless making excuses1 in order to attend to their farms1 their merchandize1 their oxen1 c41 will not be able to enter4 ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,engagements at and about home1 #ahac4--,visit to ,friends in the middle and southern states1 #ahac4 ,sixth day1 #bfth of #c;d month1 #ahac4 ,my worldly concerns engrossed much of my time to-day4 ,how true is that saying1 8,no man can serve two masters40 ,o1 how hard a master the world is2 and from whose servitude ,i often feel strong desires to be fully redeemed2 so that all my time may be more fully dedicated to the service of my heavenly master1 whom1 ,i often feel1 ,i sincerely love4 ,seventh day4 ,part of this day ,i spent in repairing a vehicle1 in which ,i have travelled several thousand miles1 in my religious engagements4 ,most of the evening was occupied in reading the excellent doctrine of our ,lord relative to the ,comforter1 and the union and communion between himself and his faithful followers1 as recorded by ,john the ,evangelist4 ,if it is sweet and pleasant to read1 how much more precious and excellent is it to know and witness it in our own experience4 ,first day4 ,our meeting this day passed in silent labour4 ,the cloud rested on the tabernacle3 and1 although it was a day of much rain outwardly1 yet very little of the dew of ,hermon appeared to distil among us4 ,nevertheless1 a comfortable calm was witnessed towards the close2 which we must render to the account of unmerited mercy and love4 ,second day4 ,most of this day was occupied in a visit to a sick friend1 who appeared comforted therewith4 ,spent part of the evening in reading part of ,paul's ,epistle to the ,romans4 ,third day4 ,i was busied most of this day in my common vocations4 ,spent the evening principally in reading ,paul4 ,found considerable satisfaction in his first epistle to the ,corinthians2 in which he shows the danger of some in setting too high a value on those who were instrumental in bringing them to the knowledge of the truth1 without looking through and beyond the instrument1 to the great first cause and ,author of every blessing1 to whom all the praise and honour are due4 ,fifth day1 #ast of #dth month4 ,at our meeting to-day found it1 as usual1 a very close steady exercise to keep the mind centered where it ought to be4 ,what a multitude of intruding thoughts imperceptibly1 as it were1 steal into the mind1 and turn it from its proper object1 whenever it relaxes its vigilance in watching against them4 ,felt a little strength1 just at the close1 to remind ,friends of the necessity of a steady perseverance1 by a recapitulation of the parable of the unjust judge1 showing how men ought always to pray1 and not to faint4 ,sixth day4 ,nothing material occurred1 but a fear lest the cares of the world should engross too much of my time4 ,seventh day4 ,had an agreeable visit from two ancient friends1 whom ,i have long loved4 ,the rest of the day ,i employed in manual labour1 mostly in gardening4 ,first day4 ,felt my mind drawn to attend to-day a meeting1 a few miles from home1 held1 for the present1 by indulgence of ,friends4 ,i was led forth in a line of encouragement and caution to a seeking travailing remnant2 and in warning to the indolent and self-righteous1 endeavouring to show them the danger of resting in such a polluted state2 many hearts were contrited1 and a comfortable solemnity clothed the meeting1 for which we were made thankful to the gracious ,author of all our blessings4 ,second day4 ,this day spent in manual labour1 a less proportion of which would suffice for me1 if every other man was disposed to do his part3 but the poor and the indolent must and will be helped4 ,third and fourth days4 ,mostly occupied in my temporal concerns1 with attendant poverty of spirit1 and a longing after spiritual food1 free from condemnation4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our preparative meeting1 at which our queries were read1 and answers prepared to be sent to the yearly meeting2 but too much1 ,i fear1 in a formal way1 and may1 if not well guarded against1 become a snare to us1 as the brazen serpent was to ,israel4 ,sixth day4 ,i can say little more than that ,i wearied myself with hard labour in assisting my workmen to build stone fences4 ,in the evening read ,paul's ,epistle to the ,galatians1 in which ,i think he has fully shown the final end and abolishment of all outward ordinances and observations in matters of religion4 ,seventh day4 ,this day ,i spent mostly in manual labour4 ,some little interruption of mind by the improper conduct of one of my labourers4 ,how hard a thing it is to find1 in such persons1 honesty1 industry1 and a suitable deportment1 united in the same individual2 and yet it is no more than ought to be in every man1 and it is always their duty and interest to be so4 ,first day4 ,at our meeting to-day the fire seemed very low on the altar4 ,dulness1 and a spirit of heaviness were too predominant with many2 occasioned1 no doubt1 by a too near attachment to the world1 and the things of it1 with some1 and by too much lightness and vanity with others4 ,alas1 how much good seed is lost by the wayside1 in stony places1 and on thorny ground4 ,just at the close1 ,i was engaged to call the attention of the people to the necessity of having always a proper point1 or object to aim at1 a right centre to all their hopes and desires2 and that ,god was the only proper object for man to set his heart upon1 as the doing his will is the whole sum and substance of all true religion and worship4 ,second1 third and fourth days4 ,spent in usual labour1 with a peaceful mind4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our monthly meeting to-day at which ,i received a certificate of their unity and concurrence with a prospect1 which ,i had previously opened to them1 of performing a religious visit to ,friends and others1 in some parts of the yearly meetings of ,pennsylvania and ,baltimore1 and the adjacent parts of ,virginia4 ,how humbling it is to the natural man to be called to the performance of those duties1 for which he feels himself destitute of every right means and capacity3 he is therefore brought under the necessity of trusting in1 and depending upon1 that invisible arm of power1 which is beyond the reach of all mortals to command or controul4 ,sixth day4 ,felt much poverty of spirit at our preparative meeting of ,ministers and ,elders4 ,how necessary it is for such as fill those stations in society1 to dig faithfully with their staves1 like the princes and nobles of ,israel formerly1 by the direction of the lawgiver1 saying1 8spring up1 ,o well1 sing ye unto it20 that so they may be favoured both with the upper and the nether spring3 for how otherwise can they be good waymarks and ensamples to the flock1 over whom the ,holy ,ghost has made all the rightly qualified of this description overseers1 and who will have to give an account of the flock under their charge4 ,seventh day4 ,spent in my usual vocation as a farmer or husbandman1 in which ,i need incessantly to watch against the intrusions of worldly cares4 ,first day4 ,had close exercise1 through the greatest part of our meeting to-day in opposing a dull drowsy spirit1 which1 through unmerited mercy and help1 ,i vanquished towards the close3 soon after which1 ,i was unexpectedly called upon to sound an alarm to the youth1 and to show them the danger of suffering the intruding vanities and follies of the world to steal away their affections from their supreme good1 and blessed ,author of their being and well-being1 in and on whom they ought to fix their only best hope and trust1 who is the true and only source of all felicity and blessedness in time and in eternity4 ,second day4 ,my temporal concerns necessarily engaged my attention to-day2 in pursuing of which1 nothing transpired to interrupt or turn the mind from its proper centre4 ,the four following days were principally occupied in attending our quarterly meeting1 held1 at this time1 in ,new-,york4 ,i think it was1 on the whole1 a favoured season4 ,the canopy of the heavenly ,father's care was sensibly felt to overshadow the meeting in its several sittings4 ,i spread before the meeting for discipline my prospect of a religious visit to ,friends and others in some of the southern states1 with the certificate of concurrence from our last monthly meeting4 ,the meeting fully united therewith1 and ,i was left at liberty to pursue the journey as way should open therefor4 ,what deep obligations devolve upon us1 when thus liberated by our friends1 and separated to travel in the service of the gospel1 that we are careful1 in no case1 to make the gospel chargeable to any1 nor abuse our power in it2 but that1 in deep humility and reverential fear1 we wait for the putting forth of the ,shepherd of ,israel1 and know him to go before3 then will the ,lord's cause prosper in our hands1 and his people be edified and instructed1 and we comforted in our labours of love1 to the glory and praise of his right excellent name1 who is over all1 ,god blessed for ever4 ,seventh day4 ,was busied to-day in my farming business1 endeavouring to get all my temporal concerns properly arranged1 expecting soon to proceed on the visit already mentioned2 as ,i consider it my especial duty1 as much as in me lies1 to leave all in a state of order and quiet1 so that nothing may remain on the mind that would tend to interrupt or disturb it1 while travelling in this weighty service1 nor that any should have cause to complain1 whom ,i leave behind4 ,first day4 ,having felt my mind inclined to see ,friends in their meeting at ,bethpage before ,i left home1 ,i went there to day1 accompanied by my wife1 our two youngest daughters1 and a sober young woman of our neighbourhood4 ,their company was pleasant1 and1 after a time of deep inward travail and suffering1 ,i trust the season was profitable and edifying to a number present4 ,how often are the living baptized for the dead1 in order for their arising2 for if the dead are not raised1 preaching is vain4 ,second and third days4 ,spent in preparing my business1 looking for the time of setting out on my intended journey4 ,may ,i be ready and willing when the time comes1 without murmuring or complaining2 for1 as ,i trust and believe a dispensation of the gospel is committed to me1 wo is unto me if ,i preach not the gospel4 ,fourth day4 ,alas1 how the cares of the world intrude on the mind and engross its attention1 if they are not carefully watched against with fervent prayer6 ,fifth day4 ,attended our usual meeting4 ,found it necessary to engage against a dull heavy spirit1 that seemed very prevalent in the meeting3 but1 as ,i maintained the struggle1 ,i was favoured with a good degree of victory towards the close1 when a ray of light broke forth1 attended with peace and quietude of mind1 an ample reward for all my toil4 ,sixth day4 ,i endeavoured to spend this day as ,i ought to do4 ,met with some interruption from a careless neighbour1 by the trespass of his unruly cattle4 ,how much more comfort and satisfaction would neighbourhoods enjoy1 if all honestly endeavoured to walk uprightly1 agreeably to that excellent rule left us by ,jesus ,christ3 8all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you1 do ye even so to them2 for this is the law and the prophets40 ,seventh day1 #ast of #eth month4 ,still pressing after a more full release from the world and its cares1 endeavouring to redeem the time1 because the days are still evil1 or attended in many respects1 with much evil4 ,the alarm of war is heard in the land1 and much contention is among the people4 ,flee1 ,o my soul1 to thy rock1 the name of the ,lord2 for1 in it is safety1 and a sure refuge from all the storms and tempests1 that assail poor mortals in passing through this vale of tears1 and state of trial and probation4 ,first day4 ,had to suffer through the meeting to-day4 ,alas1 how oft have the poor ministers to be baptized for1 and with1 the dead6 ,second day4 ,still pressing after a release from my worldly cares2 as the time is near at hand1 when ,i shall proceed on my proposed journey to the south and west on my good ,master's business1 ,i hope1 in the way he is pleased to lead4 ,third day4 ,felt much poverty of spirit to-day1 although nothing particular has occurred either on the right hand or the left2 therefore ,i feel1 in a good degree1 a peaceful mind which is worthy of thanksgiving4 ,fourth day4 ,still pressing after a full settlement of my temporal concerns that ,i may be in a state of readiness to pursue my journey1 as soon as the way opens4 ,fifth day4 ,was favoured1 towards the close of our meeting to-day1 to discharge another debt of love and care to my friends1 as it was likely to be the last opportunity ,i should have with them before ,i proceeded on my intended journey2 and1 through the prevalence of gospel love1 it was made a tendering baptizing season to some1 and we parted under a degree of the uniting influence of it4 ,sixth day4 ,still aiming at the same mark of readiness and preparation for my journey1 expecting to leave home to-morrow1 and proceed therein1 if the cloud is removed from the tabernacle1 and the light should lead the way4 ,seventh day1 #hth of #eth month1 #ahac4 ,i commenced the journey on this day1 after a precious solemn season with my family1 in which ,i was favoured1 in fervent supplication1 to recommend them to the divine protection and preserving care of the ,shepherd of ,israel4 ,under a thankful sense of his loving kindness we took leave of each other in much affectionate sympathy and brokenness of spirit1 ,i rode to ,new-,york with a peaceful and quiet mind4 ,my kinsman ,isaac ,hicks1 of ,westbury1 kindly accompanied me in this journey4 ,first day4 ,attended ,friends' meetings there1 in the morning at ,pearl-street1 and in the afternoon at ,liberty-street4 ,they were both exercising seasons1 and ,i hope profitable to some1 as in all right exercise we are encouraged to believe there is profit4 ,after these opportunities1 and a favoured season in a family of ,friends1 the heads of which were ,elders1 ,i felt a pretty full release from the city at present4 ,second day4 ,proceeded on our journey to ,newark1 where we attended a meeting appointed for us at the third hour4 ,it was on the whole1 ,i think1 a favoured season2 many truths of the gospel were opened to the people1 and appeared to have a good degree of entrance to the minds of some present2 although others appeared to be too much fettered by the prejudice of education to be profited by them4 ,the meeting closed in solemn quiet2 and ,i left them with a peaceful mind4 ,we then rode to ,rahway and lodged4 ,third day4 ,this afternoon at the third hour we attended a meeting previously appointed at ,elizabethtown4 ,many of the most respectable inhabitants attended1 among whom were the governour of the state of ,new-,jersey and his wife2 and a very considerable number of young people4 ,the ,lord1 who is a never-failing helper to those that trust in him1 was near1 furnishing with ability to preach the gospel of life and salvation to the people1 in the clear demonstration of the spirit2 and with a power attending1 that produced great brokenness of heart and contrition of spirit among them2 and the power of his divine love was felt to spread over the meeting as a precious canopy4 ,we parted with them in humiliation and deep thankfulness of heart1 rejoicing that his loving kindness was still extended to his backsliding and offending creature man4 ,fourth and fifth days4 ,we attended ,friends' meetings at ,plainfield and ,rahway4 ,sixth day4 ,we had a favoured meeting at ,new ,brunswick among the inhabitants of the town4 ,many truths of the gospel were opened to their consideration2 and a comfortable solemnity was witnessed to spread over the meeting4 ,seventh day4 ,we rode to ,upper ,freehold1 intending to be at ,friends' meeting at ,east ,branch in that township on first day4 ,we lodged at the house of our friend ,george ,frost1 where ,i had lodged before in my way through these parts1 about twelve years prior to this time4 ,we met a very kind reception from our said friend and his family2 and it seemed like a fresh renewal of friendship and affection between us4 ,how consoling it is for the weary traveller to meet with kind friends6 it is as a brook by the way in a time of drought4 ,first day4 ,we attended ,east ,branch meeting as proposed4 ,the forepart was exercising1 for want of a lively travail among the members2 too many of whom seemed in a dead1 lifeless state1 as to a right religious concern4 ,this makes hard labour for the living exercised members1 and is very trying to those who visit them in the service of truth2 yet as we kept up the travail for truth's arising1 and patiently abode under suffering1 a degree of light broke forth1 and led to a seasonable1 and ,i trust1 instructive communication2 in which ,i found relief and peace in the labour1 which ,i consider a great favour4 ,second day4 ,were at ,upper ,freehold meeting4 ,it was a season of deep suffering in the forepart1 in which my spirit was deeply baptized with1 and for the dead2 but as ,i patiently submitted to the crucifying operation of the present dispensation1 a degree of light sprang up1 and in it ,i was led to view the declaration of the apostle ,paul1 that 8death reigned from ,adam to ,moses10 and to show to the people1 that all the unregenerate were under the influence and power of the same death4 ,for in ,adam1 that is1 in the transgressing state1 all die4 ,and that it is only by and through our attention being turned to the inward divine law1 which the apostle calls1 8the law of the spirit of life in ,christ ,jesus10 and our yielding full obedience thereunto1 that we can be set free and delivered from this law of sin and death1 which was typified by ,israel's deliverance1 from the bondage of ,pharaoh1 by a full and implicit obedience to the outward commands of ,god1 through his servant ,moses4 ,as ,i attended carefully to the opening1 truth rose into victory1 and administered cause of thanksgiving1 under a grateful sense of the continued mercy and loving kindness of our gracious ,creator to his backsliding creature man4 ,the three following days we attended meetings at ,crosswicks1 alias ,chesterfield1 ,upper ,springfield1 and a meeting called the ,mount4 ,these were all favoured meetings1 wherein the ,lord's presence and power were manifested1 tendering and contriting many hearts1 giving tongue and utterance2 and through which the gospel was preached in the demonstration of the spirit1 and with a power attending1 which carried sharp reproof to the disobedient and unfaithful1 strength to the weak and feeble minded1 confirmation and encouragement to the honest-hearted1 humble traveller2 and mutually rejoicing the sincere-hearted4 ,for all these favours my spirit was made humbly thankful to the ,shepherd of ,israel1 to whom all the glory and praise is due1 for his mercy endureth for ever4 ,sixth day4 ,attended ,friends' meeting at ,old ,springfield4 ,it was a precious baptizing season1 the ,lord's presence and power were felt to spread over the meeting1 affecting and contriting many present2 and comforting and encouraging the honest travellers ,zion-ward4 ,the meeting closed under a thankful sense of divine favour1 with prayer and praise4 ,seventh day4 ,we were at ,mansfield4 ,on first day were at ,bordentown in the morning1 and at ,lower ,mansfield in the afternoon4 ,these meetings were well attended and very solemn4 ,the two last1 ,friends informed me were unusually large4 ,oh how good is the ,lord1 and greatly to be praised for his marvellous works1 and his never failing loving kindness to the children of men4 ,second day4 ,we were at ,burlington4 ,in this meeting my mind was opened largely to set forth the nature and design of the gospel dispensation2 and to show1 that as none had ever been perfect in it1 but the man ,jesus ,christ1 we had not a right1 as his professed followers1 to take the example of any but his own1 for our real perfect rule of life4 ,for all who have gone before us have in a greater or less degree1 through the undue force and prejudice of education1 fallen short of the perfect rule left us in his example and precepts4 ,i also showed them that the ,christian professors in the varied ages of the ,church had very much marred and obstructed the work of reformation1 by suffering themselves to be too closely attached to their several particular leaders2 and have therefore justly thrown themselves open to the censure of the apostle2 wherein he blames some of the primitive ,christians for setting themselves one against another1 by the partiality each had for the minister1 by whom he had been brought over to the ,christian faith1 one crying1 ,i am of ,paul1 and ,i of ,apollos1 and ,i of ,cephas1 and some more wise1 ,i of ,christ2 to whose example all ought to have looked1 and not turned their attention so much to the instruments1 by whom they were brought to believe in him4 ,although many of our worthy predecessors according to their measure of light endeavoured faithfully to do the work of their day1 yet few1 if any of them1 had been so entirely emancipated from the undue force of education1 as to see clearly through the cloud of prejudice produced thereby2 and therefore were in the practice of divers things1 not consistent with that perfect justice which the example and precepts of our ,lord call for1 and which are in full unison with the perfect righteousness of the gospel4 ,the word was preached in a large searching testimony1 ,i trust through divine assistance1 in the demonstration of the spirit1 to the comfort and encouragement of the sincere in heart1 and the peace of my own mind4 ,third day4 ,were at ,rancocas4 ,the meeting was solemn1 and the ,lord's presence was felt to preside1 humbling many minds2 and many truths of the gospel were in an instructive manner spread before the people4 ,fourth and fifth days4 ,we attended meetings at ,mount ,holly1 ,upper ,evesham1 and were at ,easton on fifth day afternoon2 these were all favoured meetings4 ,in the two former1 my mind was largely opened in two doctrinal testimonies1 wherein the design and end of all the shadows of the law were clearly opened2 and the necessity of their entire abolishment at the death and resurrection of ,christ clearly shown4 ,i also opened to them1 that1 by the primitive ,christians retaining many of the shadows of the law1 the apostacy broke in upon the ,church1 and that by the retention of some of the same shadows1 the reformation had been1 and is still greatly retarded3 and will never advance on its right foundation1 until those shadows are all discarded and done away4 ,my mind was deeply humbled1 under a sense of the ,lord's mercy4 ,the three following days we were at ,lower ,evesham1 ,cropwell1 ,chester1 ,westfield1 ,haddonfield1 and at ,newtown1 attending two meetings each day4 ,after the latter meeting1 on first day evening1 we crossed the river ,delaware to ,philadelphia4 ,in those meetings my mind was deeply humbled1 under a grateful sense of the ,lord's continued mercy to an unworthy people2 rendered so by the continued disobedience and revolting of great numbers1 who go under our name1 not only among the youth1 but with many of riper age1 whose experience and daily observation we might reasonably suppose1 had they endeavoured to improve by it1 would1 ere now1 have taught them better4 ,but how true is that saying of the great ,master3 8,if therefore the light that is in thee be darkness1 how great is that darkness40 ,this has fallen to the lot of those1 by turning their backs upon the true light1 and adhering to their own carnal reasonings and fleshly consultations1 whereby they have been left like ,balaam1 through his covetousness1 to justify themselves in many things1 which the true light in them1 had they been obedient to its manifestations1 would not have approved4 ,therefore these are left as a reward of their disobedience to believe a lie to their own confusion4 ,my mind was largely opened in these meetings1 not only to commemorate the ,lord's gracious dealings with the children of men2 but likewise to set forth and open to the several auditories the subtle workings and varied transformations of that diabolical spirit1 which lies in wait to deceive and counteract the gracious designs of heaven among the children of men4 ,and under a renewed sense of the ,lord's continued mercy1 my spirit was led to exclaim1 as did one formerly3 8,great and marvellous are thy works1 ,lord ,god ,almighty2 just and true are all thy ways1 thou ,king of saints40 ,the following week we spent in the city1 except on seventh day we rode out and attended two meetings2 one in the morning at ,frankford1 and the other at ,germantown1 at five in the afternoon4 ,these were both favoured seasons4 ,we then returned in the evening to ,philadelphia2 and the next day being the first of the week1 and the #fth of #fth month1 were at ,friends' meeting at ,arch-street in the morning1 and at the ,north meeting in the afternoon4 ,some previous notice having been given of my intention of attending them1 they were unusually large2 and many had to go away for want of room4 ,it was supposed there were three thousand people at the beginning of the meeting1 and toward the close many more than the rooms could contain4 ,through the marvellous condescension and loving kindness of our gracious ,god1 my mind was strengthened and qualified to preach the gospel of peace and salvation to the people1 in the demonstration of the spirit1 and with a power attending1 that brought home the doctrine1 to the humbling conviction of many minds4 ,in the first ,i was engaged to bear testimony to the excellency of a life of strict and impartial justice and righteousness1 as the only right foundation of every real religious and moral virtue2 and without which no true virtue could possibly exist4 ,the communication comprehended much salutary caution1 reproof and encouragement1 suited to the varied states present2 under a sense of which my mind was deeply humbled1 and had gratefully to acknowledge1 8this is the ,lord's doings1 and marvellous in mine eyes40 ,the latter was likewise a favoured season1 wherein many truths of the gospel were opened to the people1 tending to lead their minds off from all dependence on traditional religion and worship2 and to gather them home to the eternal substance in themselves1 ,christ1 the hope of glory and light of the world2 by the influence of whose light and spirit1 we only can be enabled to obtain victory over the world and its spirit1 and become qualified to worship the ,father in spirit and in truth4 ,the #gth we left ,philadelphia4 ,in the course of this week and the next first day1 we attended eleven meetings in the following order1 previous notice having gone forward4 ,on second day at ,darby2 third day at ,haverford in the morning1 and at ,merion at the fifth hour in the afternoon2 fourth day at the ,valley2 fifth day at ,radnor1 which was their monthly meeting2 sixth day at ,newtown in the morning1 and at ,springfield in the afternoon2 seventh day at ,middletown in the morning1 and at ,providence in the afternoon2 first day at ,chester in the morning1 and at ,chichester in the afternoon4 ,and although ,i was taken very unwell on third day afternoon1 before the third meeting as above arranged1 and continued so through the week1 and until the last meeting2 insomuch that for several days ,i could take scarcely any nourishment1 my stomach loathing all food2 yet to my humbling admiration1 ,i was strengthened to go through the service of these meetings1 which in each was arduous and extensive4 ,at the close of some of them my strength was so exhausted1 being wet from head to foot with extreme sweating1 that it seemed to me after divers of those exercising seasons1 almost impossible for me to reach the next2 but that which is impossible to man1 we often find easy to the great ,helper of his people4 ,as my care was wholly cast upon ,him1 he graciously accompanied1 by his holy presence1 from meeting to meeting4 ,when ,i first sat down in many of those meetings1 the force of my complaint seemed to absorb all my strength both of body and mind2 yet as ,i endeavoured to centre in quiet1 ,i seldom sat long before the light sprang up1 and dispelled all the darkness1 and opened doctrine new and old2 and strengthened to communicate in a way of clear demonstration4 ,the honest-hearted were strengthened and instructed1 and conviction and reproof brought home to the delinquent1 and a visitation of entreaty and love extended to the beloved young people1 whose minds were not yet hardened in vice2 showing them1 what great and everlasting benefits and blessings would redound to them1 by an early dedication of their hearts to the ,lord4 ,my mind at the close of these large solemn meetings1 7for many were very large1 more than the houses could contain17 was generally centered in perfect peace1 wherein ,i was led to contemplate the ,lord's marvellous loving kindness to me a poor unworthy creature1 and his wonderful works in mercy to the children of men2 waiting in long forbearance for their return1 and continuing his call to them by his spirit1 through his servants and messengers1 rising up early and sending them1 that no means should be left untried for their recovery and reconciliation4 ,o1 what shall we render to the ,lord for all his benefits6 ,having been very unwell1 as before observed1 most of the last week1 ,i found it necessary to lay by a day or two1 which we did at the house of our friend ,john ,talbot4 ,with a little rest ,i soon found myself better1 and being desirous to improve the time1 we again proceeded4 ,on fourth day1 the #afth of the month1 we were at ,concord meeting1 at ,wilmington on fifth day1 ,centre on sixth day1 ,hockesson on seventh day1 and at ,kennet on first day4 ,i was helped to get through the service of these meetings to my own satisfaction and peace of mind2 although some of them were very trying and exercising1 by the unfaithfulness and great want of a right concern and zeal1 for the support and maintenance of our ,christian testimonies1 which in some families were very much neglected and let fall4 ,i was led forth generally in those meetings1 in close searching testimonies1 tending to arouse friends from their bed of ease and carnal security2 brought upon them by an inordinate love of the world1 and an increase of temporal blessings2 in which their principal enjoyments were too much centered1 loving the gifts and forgetting the ,giver4 ,i laboured fervently among them1 especially in the last meeting1 wherein my mind was largely opened to unfold to the audience many of the deep mysteries of the gospel state1 making them plain and easy to be understood by the most ignorant1 whose minds were in any degree turned to inquire the way to ,zion4 ,it was a season in which the ,lord's power was manifested in an eminent degree1 breaking down and contriting many hearts1 and truth appeared to reign triumphantly over all1 to the praise of his grace who is ,god1 blessed for ever4 ,the following week we attended meetings at ,birmingham1 ,willistown1 ,goshen1 ,westchester1 ,bradford and ,marlborough4 ,these were mostly pretty full meetings1 and generally favoured and satisfactory4 ,in some of them1 as in many foregoing opportunities1 the ,lord's power was eminently exalted1 and set above1 and over1 all errour and untruth4 ,on first day1 the #bgth of the month1 we attended two very large meetings4 ,one in the morning at ,london ,grove1 and the other in the afternoon at ,new ,garden4 ,in both of these meetings1 my mind1 ,i trust1 was opened by that divine key1 which1 when it opens1 none can shut1 and when it shuts1 none can open4 ,i was strengthened to declare largely of the things of ,god1 and the way to eternal life2 to the satisfaction and peace of my own mind2 and ,i trust to the edification and instruction1 as well as conviction and reproof1 of many present2 the spirit assisting to divide the word severally to every one1 according to the necessity of their different states4 ,it was a day thankfully to be remembered4 ,in the course of this week we attended meetings at ,west ,grove1 ,east and ,west ,nottingham1 ,eastland1 and ,little ,britain4 ,these were all satisfactory seasons2 that at ,east ,nottingham particularly1 was a heart-searching opportunity1 wherein truth was raised powerfully into dominion over all4 ,many were broken and contrited1 and a number wept freely for a considerable time3 surely it was the ,lord's doing1 and marvellous in our eyes4 ,on seventh day we crossed the river ,susquehannah1 and rode into the neighbourhood of ,deer ,creek2 and attended the meeting there on first day4 ,this also proved a very precious meeting1 wherein the ,lord's power was eminently manifested2 and every mind appeared to be humbled by its blessed influence4 ,the meeting ended with solemn supplication4 ,the two following days1 we attended meetings at ,little ,falls and ,gunpowder4 ,after the latter meeting1 we rode to ,baltimore2 and the two following days1 attended ,friends' meetings there for the ,western and ,eastern ,districts1 as they came in course4 ,at the close of each1 their monthly meetings were held1 which were exercising seasons1 but ended to pretty good satisfaction4 ,there appeared to be a concerned remnant in each meeting1 through whose care the discipline appeared to be pretty well supported4 ,after the latter1 we left the city and rode to ,elk ,ridge1 to attend a meeting appointed for us there the next day1 the sixth of the week2 which was a satisfactory opportunity4 ,the day after1 we attended ,indian ,spring meeting4 ,it was a solemn1 and ,i trust profitable season to some3 may it remain with them as bread cast upon the waters1 that may be found after many days4 ,after this meeting1 we rode to the city of ,washington2 and the next day1 being the first of the week1 and the #aath of #gth month1 we attended a meeting there in the morning2 and in the afternoon one at ,alexandria4 ,these were both very hard trying meetings2 the people appeared very destitute of real religious engagement1 their minds being so swallowed up in their political controversies1 and other worldly concerns1 that there seemed to be very little room in their thoughts for any thing else4 ,i felt but little satisfaction in these meetings1 except a consciousness of having done my duty1 in laying before them1 in a plain manner1 divers truths necessary for them to be in the practice of1 and without which they could not be real ,christians1 nor obtain an inheritance in the kingdom of heaven4 ,the three following days we attended meetings at ,georgetown1 ,sandy ,spring1 and ,elk ,ridge4 ,we had been at the latter place the week before on sixth day4 ,these were seasons of favour3 many truths of the gospel were1 ,i trust1 clearly opened to the people1 accompanied with right authority1 humbling many minds1 and truth reigned over all4 ,after the last meeting1 we rode to ,baltimore that afternoon1 and attended a meeting previously appointed for us at the fifth hour2 and the next day ,friends' meeting in the ,eastern ,district was held1 and public notice was given of our intention of attending it4 ,these were both full meetings1 in which ,i was led forth in two large doctrinal testimonies1 ,i trust1 to the edification and comfort of many minds4 ,after this ,i felt easy and clear to leave the city4 ,we proceeded that afternoon about fourteen miles on our way towards ,little ,york1 in ,pennsylvania2 where we arrived the next day a little before evening4 ,on seventh day we had a comfortable instructive meeting there4 ,we then rode to ,columbia1 crossing the river ,susquehannah in our way4 ,the next day being first day1 we attended ,friends' meeting there4 ,it was large for that place1 more came than the house could contain2 and was a favoured season2 the ,lord's power was manifest1 and truth reigned over all2 and ,i was made to rejoice1 under an humbling sense of his continued mercy and gracious assistance from day to day2 wherein we had cause often to set up our ,ebenezer1 and say1 in the language of one formerly1 8hitherto hath the ,lord helped us40 ,the three following days1 we attended meetings at ,lampeter1 ,sadsbury1 and ,doe ,run4 ,in these1 our gracious helper1 whom we waited upon1 and trusted in1 manifested himself to be a ,god near at hand1 and a present helper in every needful time2 and was not only mouth and wisdom1 tongue and utterance2 but likewise sealed the truths communicated by the attendant evidence of his own power1 humbling and contriting many hearts and bringing all under subjection to the authority of truth2 so that ,i had often in deep thankfulness of heart1 to query like ,david3 8,what shall ,i render unto the ,lord for all his benefits towards me40 ,we then proceeded1 attending meetings at ,fallowfield1 ,east ,caln1 ,downingstown2 and on first day1 the #beth of #gth month1 were at ,uwchlan meeting4 ,it was1 ,i trust1 a profitable instructive season1 as were also the three foregoing2 and ,i found peace in my labours1 which ,i esteem above all4 ,on second day we crossed the river ,schuylkill1 in our way to ,plymouth2 where1 by previous notice1 we had a meeting appointed at the fourth hour in the afternoon1 which we accordingly attended4 ,the next day we had an appointed meeting at ,abington4 ,these were both large meetings1 in which the ,lord's power was felt to preside4 ,the latter especially was a very comfortable satisfactory meeting1 wherein many truths of the gospel were opened to the people's consideration1 and they pressed to an engagement of mind to realize them in their own experience2 and were shown the great and singular advantage and benefits1 that would most certainly result to them and to society1 in their so doing4 ,the ,lord's power was manifest1 and truth reigned over all opposition4 ,the four following days we were at ,byberry1 ,middletown1 ,bristol1 and the ,falls4 ,these were large meetings1 wherein1 through gracious assistance1 my mind was strengthened to labour largely in the gospel2 endeavouring1 by plain and conclusive arguments1 drawn from scripture testimony and their own experience1 to gather the minds and attention of the people1 from every non-essential and false trust1 home to the sure foundation1 the elect precious corner stone1 which is ,christ in them1 the hope of glory4 ,these were solemn seasons1 wherein the people's minds were generally humbled1 the honest-hearted comforted1 the youth encouraged and instructed1 and the lukewarm and refractory cautioned and reproved4 ,the ,lord's power was exalted over all1 rejoicing the sincere-hearted1 and giving peace to my own mind4 ,the next day being first day1 and #ast of #hth month1 we attended ,trenton meeting in the morning1 and were at ,stony ,brook at five in the afternoon4 ,the meeting at ,trenton was considered to be the largest that had ever been held in that place4 ,it was a favoured precious meeting1 wherein the ,lord's power was eminently manifest2 and my spirit was made to rejoice and joy in the ,god of my salvation1 who had made bare his arm of divine sufficiency2 and as ,i trusted in him1 carried me through1 and over1 every trial and tribulation1 that attended in the course of this journey2 enabling me to labour faithfully in the work of the gospel1 ,i trust to the exaltation of his own righteous cause1 and to the peace and comfort of my own mind4 ,these meetings closed my visit in those parts4 ,we then proceeded directly to ,new-,york1 where we arrived on third day2 and as ,friends' monthly meeting there was to be held the next day1 we concluded to stay and attend it4 ,i then rode home and found my family well1 for which favour1 together with the ,lord's other multiplied mercies and blessings1 conferred in the course of my pilgrimage through this vale of tears1 inspire my heart with gratitude and thanksgiving to the great and blessed ,author of my being and well-being1 8who is over all1 ,god blessed for ever40 ,fifth day1 #eth of #hth month1 #ahac4 ,on this1 and the two following days1 ,i made preparations for again entering into the necessary cares of my family4 ,first day4 ,after a pretty close exercise in silence in our meeting to-day1 ,i was led to call ,friends' attention to more strict watchfulness and circumspection1 and to show the necessity of advancing in the work of righteousness1 and not to continue any longer at ease in a formal customary way1 which is sure to produce dwarfishness and death1 not only to individuals1 but also languor and dulness in meetings1 greatly distressing to the living exercised members4 ,the following week was spent in my common vocation as a farmer2 except that on seventh day1 ,i went to ,setauket1 about thirty miles1 to visit a sick ,friend1 who had lately been received a member4 ,we had a meeting with her and some of her neighbours on first day1 after which ,i returned home that evening4 ,second1 third1 and fourth days1 passed1 as usual1 in a peaceful attention to my ordinary vocations4 ,fifth day4 ,at meeting to-day my mind was solemnly humbled in a fresh commemoration of the gracious dealings of our heavenly ,father towards the workmanship of his holy hand1 especially to his revolting and backsliding creature man2 whom1 in great mercy1 he is visiting and revisiting in the midst of his iniquities1 inviting him in loving kindness to repent and return1 that he may bring back his soul from the pit1 and be enlightened with the light of the living4 ,sixth and seventh days4 ,was occupied with my temporal concerns1 which were trying1 through indisposition of body1 and much poverty of mind4 ,first day4 ,i attended our meeting to-day1 not so much with an expectation of comfort1 as from a sense of real duty1 as my bodily indisposition and poverty of spirit still continued2 nevertheless1 my mind1 soon after ,i took my seat1 was opened into a view of the great hurt man has sustained by suffering himself to be led and governed by his external senses4 ,it is through these avenues that he is principally exposed to temptation in this probationary state4 ,and had he watchfully attended to the internal sense and voice of ,god to his soul1 which his dependent state justly required of him1 the tempter would have found no more place in him1 than he did in the blessed ,jesus4 ,hence the way of our return lies open before us1 through the grace of ,god or ,comforter1 by which the internal sense of the soul is again arrested1 and strict obedience to its dictates required2 and if yielded to in uprightness and faithful submission1 the external senses are thereby subjected and regulated1 and every undue desire and passion subdued1 and the creature returns a willing subject to the ,creator1 and primitive harmony is restored4 ,i had largely to communicate on this subject1 and to show to the auditory how wonderfully gracious and merciful the ,lord is1 who in longsuffering and loving kindness is dispensing to every state1 according to its necessities1 not suffering even a sparrow to fall without his heavenly notice4 ,the rest of this week was spent in my ordinary vocations4 ,my farming business was very pressing1 and it being difficult to procure suitable assistance1 my mind was over-burdened with care1 which seldom fails of producing leanness of spirit in a lesser or greater degree4 ,first day1 the #bith of #hth month4 ,attended our meeting in silence4 ,oh6 what a precious enjoyment to know both soul and body in humble silence1 prostrated at the throne of grace4 ,second day4 ,had invitations to attend the funerals of two deceased women ,friends on the day following4 ,one of them had been lately1 at her request1 received into membership by our monthly meeting1 but was never able to attend1 she living in the town of ,setauket1 far distant from ,friends4 ,we had a meeting at her funeral agreeably to her request4 ,it was a large solemn one4 ,a number of the inhabitants of the town attended1 and many1 although generally strangers to us1 were glad of the opportunity1 and appeared well affected therewith4 ,the rest of this week was spent about home in my usual avocations4 ,first day1 the #eth of #ith month4 ,attended the indulged meeting at ,jerusalem1 which1 in the main1 ,i think was a favoured season1 although somewhat hurt in the forepart by an unsavoury appearance in the ministry4 ,second1 third1 and fourth days4 ,was occupied in attending to my farming business1 which1 for want of suitable1 faithful labourers1 is often attended with much care1 and too much bodily labour for my time of life1 but which cannot well be avoided without my business suffering4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our preparative meeting1 at which our overseers brought forward information of one of our members having through unwatchfulness and want of faithful attention to the witness of truth in his own mind1 given way repeatedly to use strong drink to excess4 ,this information affected my mind in degree1 both with joy and sorrow4 ,i was glad1 because from my knowledge of the case1 ,i fully believed it had been too long procrastinated1 not only to the hurt and loss of the individual2 but also1 had brought reproach upon the society1 and wounded the noble cause we are engaged to espouse4 ,and it was cause of real sorrow1 when ,i was brought to reflect on the distressed state of the individual1 and the great affliction it must necessarily produce to his wife and children1 and near connexions4 ,o how necessary to keep up a steady watch and warfare1 against this sore evil which destroys so many tens of thousands of the children of men1 both in soul and body4 ,a few following days were spent in much bodily pain from a supposed rheumatic complaint in one of my limbs4 ,o how needful a virtue is patience in seasons of affliction1 to keep us from ungrateful murmurings3 by which men and women often greatly offend their gracious and beneficent ,creator1 who designs nothing but good to his creature man in all the varied dispensations of his divine providence4 ,first day4 ,at our meeting to-day1 ,i was led to show to the people the great harm and loss neighbourhoods1 as well as the community at large1 sustain for want of a careful submission to the laws1 in all points where they do not interfere with conscience2 and that those who from their licentious and immoral pursuits1 were often transgressing against the moral precepts of the law1 were not worthy of living in a free country1 while violating the civil policy thereof merely to gratify their own creaturely and selfish inclinations4 ,an honest and faithful attention to the moral law of the country we live in1 will1 in a certain degree1 7as the apostle expressed in allusion to the law of ,moses17 be as a schoolmaster to lead to ,christ4 ,he only who is faithful in the unrighteous mammon1 is likely to make any proficiency in obtaining the true riches4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our monthly meeting2 at the first sitting of which1 my mind was opened into a clear view of the necessity of our coming to experience a resurrection from a state of spiritual death1 to a renewal of spiritual life1 through the resurrection of ,christ1 by his life and power in us2 as nothing short of that can give full and satisfactory evidence of his1 and our resurrection1 from the dead4 ,on this internal testimony our whole salvation depends2 and we know and feel1 that because he lives we live also2 and the life that we now live1 is by faith in the ,son of ,god1 hence we come to know in our own experience what ,paul meant when he thus expressed himself3 8my little children1 of whom ,i travail in birth again until ,christ be formed in you40 ,christ formed in us is the sum and substance of the gospel state4 ,sixth and seventh days4 ,spent in manual labour1 a reasonable portion of which ,i consider my duty and delight2 and the more my delight1 because ,i esteem it my reasonable and ,christian service3 and as ,i also abhor idleness and sloth4 ,first day4 ,sat our meeting in silence under a pretty long testimony of a ministering ,friend on a visit to us1 who introduced his communication with the following saying of ,christ3 8,except ye eat my flesh and drink my blood1 ye have no life in you2 for my flesh is meat indeed1 and my blood is drink indeed30 and to show that it was to be spiritually understood and internally received1 he further added3 8,the words that ,i say unto you1 they are spirit and they are life40 ,an excellent subject indeed1 and while he kept to his text and the subject1 it seemed lively2 but he after a time departed from it1 and the life1 ,i thought1 very much departed with it4 ,how very necessary it is for ministers to keep a steady eye to the openings of truth1 and not suffer any premature birth to rise up and get in and scatter their attention4 ,for want of this care1 ,i have often thought many good openings have been much lost1 and the work thereby marred4 ,first day1 the #ajth of #ajth month4 ,alas6 how fleeting is time3 three weeks have elapsed since my last note2 in the course of which ,i have attended two funerals4 ,take care1 oh my soul6 and do not grow careless and forgetful when drawing near to the eve of life2 lest the world and its cares get in and choke the bubblings of the celestial spring1 through the abundant cumber that seems necessarily attendant on my present state in striving to help and comfort others4 ,first day1 the #agth of #ajth month4 ,passed the last week principally in attending to my outward avocations1 except attending the funeral of a young man1 where we had a solemn opportunity4 ,i was exercised publicly to set forth the necessity and great propriety of an early and timely preparation for death2 and to show to the people the way and means by which it only can be effected2 founded on the declaration of the apostle ,paul1 where he asserts that1 8not by works of righteousness which we have done1 but according to his mercy he saved us1 by the washing of regeneration1 and renewing of the ,holy ,ghost40 ,the opportunity closed with comfort and peace of mind1 which is the true crown of all4 ,i sat our meeting to-day in silence1 feeling nothing to exercise my mind in a communicative way4 ,seventh day4 ,spent this week mostly in the busy round of outward cares1 in my temporal concerns2 except attending our monthly meeting on fifth day1 and our select meeting for ,ministers and ,elders on sixth day4 ,in both of these my mind was exercised on account of the apparent languor respecting the right management and want of firmness in the execution of our discipline1 even in ,ministers and ,elders2 by which reason the society were very much enveloped in a state of weakness4 ,first day4 ,felt my mind clothed with great weakness1 and a feeling sense of my own insufficiency1 while sitting in our meeting to-day2 nevertheless1 ,i was led to view in prospect and contemplation1 the great and essential advantages which result to individuals1 and society in general1 by a strict and steady attendance of religious meetings1 from a real sense of duty2 as there is scarcely any thing in the outward conduct of men and women1 which more fully denotes a mind fixed on ,god its maker for support and countenance1 while passing through the changes and vicissitudes of this mortal life4 ,the subject spread and led to communication1 and opened to a large field of doctrine1 in which the gospel was preached in the authority of truth1 and a very comfortable solemnity covered the meeting4 ,third day4 ,attended the funeral of an acquaintance1 a convinced person2 it being his request on his death-bed2 and also that a meeting might be held at his funeral4 ,it was accordingly so ordered1 and proved a very solemn affecting season1 particularly so to the near connexions of the deceased4 ,the ,lord was graciously near1 furnishing ability to bear ample testimony to many truths of the gospel4 ,the people were very attentive1 and many hearts were broken and contrited1 and the ,lord's name and power exalted over all4 ,seventh day4 ,the three preceding days ,i attended our quarterly meeting1 which was held at this time at ,flushing4 ,the meeting of ,ministers and ,elders1 and the meeting for discipline were very trying heart-searching seasons4 ,the meeting for worship was a quiet favoured meeting4 ,we had great cause to acknowledge the goodness and continued mercy of ,israel's ,shepherd1 who not only furnished wisdom and ability to search out the hidden things of ,esau1 or the first nature2 and to set judgment upon the head of the transgressing nature1 in those meetings set apart for the well-ordering of the affairs of the church3 but also graciously condescended in the closing meeting held for worship1 to gladden our hearts by the effusions of his love1 causing the light of his countenance to shine upon us4 ,the minds of the faithful were influenced to return thanksgiving and praise to his ever adorable name1 who remains to be 8,god over all1 blessed for ever40 ,first day4 ,sat our meeting in silence1 and was much interrupted by the intrusion of unprofitable thoughts1 against which ,i had to struggle through most part of the meeting4 ,second and third days4 ,spent in my necessary avocations2 but not without considerable fear attending1 lest my temporal concerns too much intrude and indispose my mind for heavenly meditations4 ,nothing material occurred the rest of the week4 ,first day4 ,silence as to words sealed my lips through the meeting again to-day2 and may they remain shut in all our solemn meetings1 unless opened by the key of ,david4 ,in the course of this week ,i attended the funerals of two ,friends2 at both of which meetings were held4 ,in the first1 my mind was largely opened on the subject of religion2 wherein ,i was led to show to the auditory1 that a right consideration and frequent remembrance of our latter end1 tended to lead into the realities thereof2 which consist in nothing but acts of real obedience and humble submission to the manifested will of our heavenly ,father1 through the inspiration of his grace and light in our own hearts4 ,as we are careful to have this in our daily experience1 it qualifies to answer the great end for which we were created1 to glorify ,god and enjoy him2 and be thereby prepared to meet death with an even and tranquil mind1 having known its sting1 which is sin1 taken away by the death of the cross4 ,i was also led to expose the doctrine of personal and unconditional predestination and election2 and to show the fallacy and inconsistency thereof with the divine character4 ,in the latter meeting ,i was concerned to show the dangerous and hurtful tendency of our submitting to be led and governed by the customs and manners of others1 without a strict and careful examination thereof2 and bringing them to the test of the light in our own conscience4 ,for although the frequency of a thing1 and an habitual conformity to that which is not right1 often blunts the edge of conviction1 and reconciles us to that which is contrary to truth1 and derogatory to our true interest2 yet the custom of sinning will not lessen its guilt4 ,for in the awful day of final decision1 all our fig-leaf coverings will be torn off1 and things will then appear as they really are2 and we shall all stand in need of that substantial covering1 represented by the coats of skins1 which the ,lord made for our first parents1 and gave them in lieu of their fig-leaves2 that is1 something of their own inventing1 that so their nakedness might no longer be exposed4 ,my mind was also opened to set forth the design and end of the shadowy or law dispensation2 and that by its consistency and harmony in all its parts1 it was a just figure and representation of the gospel state and dispensation4 ,many of its precepts were not good1 nor consistent with the justice and mercy of the all-beneficent and gracious ,jehovah2 but were only so1 as they stood in relation to the very low1 degraded and wicked state of mankind at that time2 and were therefore justly suited to ,israel's state1 and the states and conditions of the surrounding nations concerned therein1 as saith ,ezekiel3 8,wherefore ,i gave them also statutes that were not good1 and judgments whereby they should not live40 ,first day1 the #adth of #aath month4 ,attended ,cow ,neck meeting to satisfaction4 ,the rest of this week ,i spent at home1 being closely engaged in business1 and in making preparation for the more comfortable accommodation of my stock through the inclemency of the approaching winter2 considering that a merciful man is merciful to his beast2 and as ,i consider it not right to keep in my possession1 and under my immediate notice1 any more of the animal creation than ,i can render reasonably comfortable4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our monthly meeting1 in which my mind was engaged to show the great benefit that would result to society1 and to its members as individuals1 by a right exercise and faithful execution of our discipline1 without fear or favour2 and that some cases of disorder in an individual might turn up1 which1 with its attendant circumstances1 might render it not only necessary to disown the person1 but would also prove more to his true interest1 and the advancement of the cause and testimonies that we as a people are engaged in1 than the reception of any untimely or unseasonable acknowledgment could possibly be4 ,for ,i have always considered it required1 not only deep and solid consideration1 but suitable time of waiting1 in order rightly to qualify a person to make an acknowledgment for an offence committed against a religious society4 ,first day4 ,my mind was closely engaged1 and largely opened1 to show the inconsistency and unrighteousness of a conformity to the vain and foolish customs of the world2 demonstrating from the scriptures1 that in all ages since the fall of our first parents1 the customs of men and women in their natural estate1 were vain1 and that there was a certain degree of wickedness attached to every vanity2 hence the necessity of our carefully guarding against the conformity to any custom or tradition1 until we have first brought it to the test of the light in our own consciences1 and the reason of things2 and also to its consistency with the precepts and example of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ3 and if relating to our duty towards our fellow creatures1 examine whether it comports with that most excellent rule given by him as a criterion of conduct3 8,all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you1 do ye even so to them2 for this is the law and the prophets40 ,second1 third1 and fourth days4 ,nothing particular occurred4 ,on fifth day ,i was invited to the funeral of a friend who was a member of ,bethpage particular meeting1 which ,i attended4 ,after the interment a solemn meeting was held1 in which my mind was largely opened to set forth to the people1 the great necessity1 as well as wisdom and propriety1 of an early preparation for death2 and showing them the way whereby it could only be rightly effected4 ,it was a season of renewed visitation to a remnant1 and many hearts were broken and contrited4 ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,engagements at and about home1 #ahac and #ahad4 ,first day1 the #bhth of #aath month1 #ahac4 ,feeling my mind drawn last evening and this morning to attend ,friends' meeting at ,martinicock1 ,i submitted thereto and went alone4 ,in the forepart of the meeting1 ,i had to combat a spirit of ease and stupefaction1 which is generally prevalent among the worldly-minded1 although they may be pretty steady in attending meetings2 yet it is to be feared with little or no profit1 if it be true what the beloved apostle has affirmed1 that3 8,if any man love the world1 the love of the ,father is not in him40 ,in the latter part of the meeting ,i was led to view the excellency of the pacific principles of the gospel1 as promulgated by ,jesus ,christ and his apostles2 and to show to the people1 the very great and essential benefit and blessing which would result to the professors of ,christianity by a strict adherence and submission thereunto2 as they stand in direct opposition to the spirit of violence and war1 and breathe forth nothing but peace on earth and good will to men4 ,it proved through mercy a season of favour2 many hearts were contrited1 and the faithful and poor in spirit comforted and strengthened2 and my own mind inspired with gratitude and thankfulness for such unmerited mercy4 ,first day1 the #eth of #abth month4 ,the six working days of last week were principally spent in my worldly concerns1 except attending our fifth day meeting1 and the ,charity ,society meeting yesterday2 an institution of ,friends for educating the children of poor black people4 ,our funds1 agreeably to the last report of a settlement with the ,treasurer1 amount to upwards of thirteen hundred dollars2 the interest of which is yearly expended for the above purpose1 by a committee of the ,society1 who superintend the educating of said children4 ,the directors of the ,society are limited to thirty members1 who meet quarterly for the promotion and oversight of the institution4 ,i attended our fifth day meeting in silence1 and sat our meeting in like manner to-day1 in poverty of spirit1 which terminated in a peaceful close4 ,first day1 the #abth of #abth month4 ,at our meeting to-day1 my mind was largely opened to set forth before the people the difference between the law state and that of the gospel4 ,it was1 ,i trust1 an instructive edifying season1 worthy of grateful remembrance4 ,second day afternoon ,i rode to ,new-,york1 in order to attend the meeting for sufferings to be held there the next day4 ,it opened at the ninth hour4 ,we got through the business at two sittings1 and closed in the evening4 ,fourth day afternoon ,i rode home4 ,fifth day was our monthly meeting4 ,the meeting for worship was1 ,i think1 a favoured comfortable season2 and the testimonies communicated instructive and edifying3 such repeated favoured seasons make it evident beyond controversy1 that we are still a highly favoured people1 and shall be accountable according to the manifold mercies and blessings bestowed upon us3 and we have great cause often to query1 like the psalmist formerly1 8,what shall ,i render unto the ,lord for all his benefits towards me20 for his mercies are new every morning2 great is his faithfulness4 ,sixth and seventh days4 ,spent in my ordinary concerns2 yet1 ,i trust1 my mind was preserved in a state of watchfulness and care1 that what ,i do1 even in my temporal business1 may all be done to the glory of ,god1 and be useful to myself and to my fellow creatures4 ,first day1 the #aith of #abth month4 ,while silently musing in our meeting towards the latter part1 a subject opened which led to the necessity of communication1 wherein that petition in the prayer our ,lord taught his disciples1 viz3 8,thy kingdom come2 thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven20 was opened to the audience2 and the necessity of our individually witnessing it fulfilled in us1 as the only medium through which we can obtain salvation1 and a preparation for the kingdom of heaven4 ,this was pressed upon the people1 showing from the analogy of things1 that as there is nothing but the ,lord's will done in heaven1 a soul that is not reconciled thereto1 cannot enter therein1 nor partake of its celestial enjoyment4 ,the rest of the week was carefully employed in my household concerns1 with the attendance of our fifth day meeting1 agreeably to my invariable practice when at home1 if not prevented by indisposition4 ,it was a quiet comfortable meeting4 ,sixth day4 ,attended the funeral of our honest friend ,richard ,townsend4 ,there was a large collection of ,friends and neighbours1 he being generally esteemed4 ,a meeting was held on the occasion1 which proved a very solemn season4 ,the people's attention was called to the necessity of a timely preparation for death1 in a large arousing testimony2 setting forth the great and singular advantages which would redound to the children of men1 by their obtaining right ideas and apprehensions of ,god4 ,the want of these left them to be led away into a belief of many strange and ideal notions concerning him1 particularly that of foreordination2 the inconsistency of which1 my mind was led to unfold to the auditory1 by this and other undeniable arguments2--that1 as ,god's ordination1 and ,god's creation1 and ,god's will1 are always in perfect unison1 and cannot be diverse one from the other2 and as all that he wills and creates is immutably good1 agreeably to his own declaration in the work of creation2 hence1 whatever he ordains must likewise be immutably good3 therefore1 if there is any such thing as sin and iniquity in the world1 then ,god has neither willed it1 nor ordained it2 as it is impossible for him to will contradictions4 ,and secondly1 if he has1 previous to man's creation1 willed and determined all his actions1 then certainly every man stands in the same state of acceptance with him1 and a universal salvation must certainly take place2 which ,i conceive the favourers of foreordination would be as unwilling as myself to believe4 ,and moreover1 if man was not vested with the power of free agency1 and a liberty of determining his own will1 in relation to a choice of good or evil1 he could not be an accountable creature2 neither would it be in his power to commit sin4 ,it was a time of favour1 and the ,lord's blessing on the labours of the day was reverently supplicated4 ,o1 saith my soul1 may they have the desired effect4 ,first day1 the #bfth of #abth month4 ,sat the greater part of our meeting in much weakness and poverty of spirit1 to which ,i felt perfectly resigned1 believing it to be agreeable to the ,lord's will4 ,but towards the close an honest elderly ,friend1 though young and small in such service1 expressed a sentence or two accompanied with a degree of life1 which seemed to give spring to a concern on my mind1 which led to communication4 ,the subject which opened was to show1 that plainness and simplicity were the true marks and badges of the ,lord's people and children in every age of the world1 witnessed to by the true nature and analogy of all things in the universe2 and confirmed by the testimony of the grace and good spirit of ,god through his servants in all the generations of mankind4 ,the youth were exhorted and tenderly invited to submit to the cross of ,christ1 with the assurance assented to by the experience of all the faithful2 that if they bowed willingly to his yoke1 it would become not only easy but delightful4 ,but alas6 how true is that declaration of the prophet3 8who hath believed our report1 and to whom is the arm of the ,lord revealed80 ,certainly to none but the obedient1 which number1 if we are to judge by their fruits1 is doubtless very small4 ,second1 third1 and fourth days4 ,spent mostly in my temporal business1 but not without a watchful care lest it should engage too much of my attention4 ,the evenings were partly spent in reading the scriptures1 in which ,i greatly delight4 ,how excellent are those records6 although old1 yet they seem ever new4 ,the prophecy of ,micah was a part of my present reading2 what a dignified sense and clear view he had of the gospel state and worship2 and how exceedingly it lessened the service and worship of the law in his view1 in the clear sense given him of its full and complete abolishment1 with all its shadowy rituals2 when he was led to set forth its insufficiency1 in this exalted language3 8,wherewith shall ,i come before the ,lord1 and bow myself before the high ,god8 ,shall ,i come before him with burnt-offerings1 with calves of a year old8 ,will the ,lord be pleased with thousands of rams1 or with ten thousands of rivers of oil8 ,shall ,i give my first-born for my transgression1 the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul80 ,no1 none1 nor all of these were sufficient to give access to the divine presence1 or to the divine law under the gospel2 they being only shadows1 and therefore could only give access to the outward law and outward lawgiver ,moses1 and the law and ordinances given by him2 which were also shadows of the true substance4 ,for ,moses1 and his outward law and ordinances1 stood in the same relation to outward ,israel1 under the shadowy dispensation1 as ,christ the spiritual ,moses1 with his spiritual law written in the heart1 does to his spiritual ,israel under the gospel2 8which is a dispensation not0 of shadow1 but of substance2 as is clearly shown by the sequel of the testimony of ,micah above alluded to1 where he goes on as follows3 8,he hath showed thee1 ,o man1 what is good20 then certainly not shadow nor sign1 but real substance1 8and what doth the ,lord require of thee10 not only by an outward1 but by his inward1 divine law1 8but to do justly1 and to love mercy1 and to walk humbly with thy ,god40 ,this is the sum and substance of all true religion and worship1 and needs not the continuance of any outward elementary washings or eatings or drinkings2 but opens to the necessity of our drinking at that spiritual river1 the streams whereof make glad the whole heritage of ,god4 ,for those that drink thereof will never thirst again1 at least for the water of any other stream4 ,fifth day4 ,sat our meeting to-day in silence4 ,it is not unpleasant to feel ourselves sometimes circumstanced as ,mordecai formerly1 sitting at the king's gate1 and1 in its season1 is as grateful to the truly humble and submissive mind1 as riding on the king's horse1 and all bowing before us4 ,first day1 the #b;d of #ast month1 #ahad4 ,another year is ended4 ,oh my soul1 how hast thou improved it1 and what progress hast thou made in thy heavenly journey8 ,as ,i sat in our meeting to-day1 my mind was led to contrast the law and gospel1 or shadow and substance4 8,while ,i was musing the fire burned10 and my heart became warmed within me2 8then spake ,i with my tongue10 and endeavoured in a zeal for the ,lord's cause1 to open to the people1 the superiour excellency of the gospel1 above and beyond that of the law1 as set forth by the precepts1 doctrines1 example and commands of our great and gracious lawgiver ,jesus ,christ4 ,the life rose towards the close of the meeting into a good degree of dominion1 through hard labour and toil4 ,for many professors lie so securely in their graves1 that nothing short of the powerful voice that raised ,lazarus formerly1 is sufficient to quicken and raise them therefrom4 ,second day4 ,this day principally spent in making provision more favourably to meet the inclemency of the ensuing winter4 ,third day4 ,spent as yesterday4 ,in the evening read ,thomas ,ellwood's relation of his sufferings and cruel usage from his father1 because1 for conscience' sake1 he could not pull off his hat and stand bare before him2 and for using the plain language of thou and thee1 instead of the plural you4 ,alas6 what a spirit of pride1 arrogance and cruelty governs the children of men1 while living in the lusts of their fallen nature1 estranged from ,god and from his true nature and image4 ,and it is to be feared that many in this day1 who profess to be the successors of those primitive sufferers1 our worthy predecessors1 who stood faithful1 and patiently bore the burden and heat of the day1 through many years of cruel persecution1 are now turning back like a broken bow2 and through the fear or favour of men1 are disregarding the testimonies which their forefathers in the truth purchased at so dear a rate2 and are ready to account many of them but small1 or as indifferent things1 which may1 or may not1 be attended to at their own pleasure4 ,but alas for these1 it is to be feared they will never have a view1 much less be permitted to enter the promised land1 the heavenly ,canaan3 but will fall in the wilderness as did the unbelieving and rebellious in former ages4 ,i often mourn and take up a lamentation1 when ,i behold the children of believing parents1 turning aside1 disobedient to their parents1 and disregarding the travail and exercise of their concerned ,friends1 who are labouring for their return3 but those who are faithful to give the watchword in season1 will be clear of their blood1 and the ,lord will be clear4 ,for he will have a people1 and1 as formerly1 will send his servants into the highways and hedges1 and gather from thence1 that his house may be filled3 but those children of the kingdom1 who are making excuses1 and will not come when they are bidden1 will be cast out into outer darkness1 where will be weeping and gnashing of teeth4 ,fourth day4 ,i was occupied as a carpenter1 in making some conveniences for my stock4 ,i felt wearied at evening with the labour of the day1 but was comforted with a peaceful mind1 feeling myself at peace with all men4 ,a blessed privilege2 it is the ,lord's doing1 and marvellous in mine eyes4 ,seventh day4 ,attended the funeral of an ancient ,friend4 ,a meeting was held on the occasion1 wherein ,i was exercised in a large arousing testimony suited to the occasion4 ,may it be to the honest inquirers1 as a nail fastened in a sure place2 and to those who yet remain unwilling to surrender1 as bread cast upon the waters1 found after many days4 ,first day1 the #ith of #ast month4 ,at our meeting to-day ,i was led to reflect on my frequent appearances in the ministry at home1 and ready to wonder why ,i was led so often to communicate to almost the same assembly4 ,but these meditations were soon superseded by a renewed living concern1 which opened again to communication1 in a deep searching testimony2 wherein ,i was led to show the fallacy and weakness of all man's creaturely and carnal reasoning1 that it was all estranged from ,god1 and stood in the ignorance and corruption of his fallen nature2 and that man never had1 nor could have1 consistent with his nature as a dependent being1 a right to assume a power to use his reason at his own discretion and will2 but only in submission and subservience to the dictates of the light and spirit of his ,creator1 as paramount both to his reason and animal senses4 ,for his reason is given him as an agent under his ,creator1 to govern and keep in due order the animal senses2 not according to his own discretion and will1 but agreeable to the manifestations of the divine spirit1 or inward law and will1 of his heavenly ,father4 ,it was an humbling season1 and many hearts with mine own were bowed in reverence1 under the sensible impress of the divine power4 ,the rest of the week ,i passed in my usual engagements1 and in visiting some of my friends4 ,first day1 the #afth of #ast month4 ,sat our meeting in silence to-day4 ,the three following days ,i spent in attending to my usual avocations1 and in visiting two of my sick neighbours4 ,one of them was a young man1 who was convinced of the truth1 as held by us1 in his young years4 ,he spoke very sensibly of the work of truth on his mind in the early part of his convincement1 and of the awe that covered his spirit1 through the sensible impressions of the divine power2 and recapitulated the precious seasons he had witnessed in the fields1 sitting on rocks1 and stumps of trees2 and that he now felt his love to reach forth and embrace the whole human family4 ,he appeared to be in a sweet and quiet frame of mind1 though so weak1 as not to be able to speak louder than a whisper4 ,what a precious thing it is when the youth submit willingly to the visitations of divine love in their tender years2 how amiable they appear1 and how peaceful their close2 a pearl to be valued above all temporal enjoyments4 ,fifth day4 ,this being the time of our monthly meeting1 we had the company of two ,friends on a visit to us4 ,one of them appeared largely in the line of the ministry1 but a fear attended my mind1 lest he had not sufficiently attended to that command1 which forbids sowing our ground with mingled seed2 or suffering a garment of linen and woollen to come upon us3 ,oh how necessary it is for all those who apprehend they are called to the work of the ministry1 to know self fully reduced2 otherwise they may be in danger of endeavouring to cover the harlot1 with the ,lord's jewels2 and with fair words1 and fine speeches1 deceive the hearts of the simple4 ,sixth day4 ,attended our preparative meeting of ,ministers and ,elders4 ,i had to drop a caution1 founded on the failure of ,moses and ,aaron at the rock2 when instead of speaking to it1 as commanded1 ,moses smote it with his rod1 with the addition of1 8hear now1 ye rebels2 must we fetch you water out of this rock80 ,this act1 being the effect of mere creaturely zeal and warmth of natural passions1 lost them much2 as it prevented their entering into the promised land4 ,oh how needful it is for those who are called to stand as a medium between ,god and the people1 to be deeply attentive to the word of command1 and not add thereto1 nor diminish therefrom1 under the penalty of his displeasure4 ,for if he spared not ,moses who was only guilty of this one fault in his administration1 how much less can we expect that he will spare us1 if we should add to1 or diminish from1 the word of prophecy4 ,seventh day4 ,assisted a sick neighbour to settle his outward business by writing his will and seeing it executed4 ,i then endeavoured to stimulate his mind with a concern rightly to improve the few remaining moments which might be permitted him on this side the grave2 that so he might be prepared to meet death with a peaceful and tranquil mind4 ,first day1 the #bc;d of #ast month1 #ahad4 ,attended ,westbury meeting1 at which there was a funeral of a deceased ancient woman ,friend4 ,it was a large meeting4 ,many ,friends and neighbours came from a distance to attend the funeral4 ,i had good service among them in the line of the ministry1 by way of caution1 encouragement and reproof2 and was led to press upon the auditory the necessity of a submission of our wills to the divine will1 as the only medium through which we could become qualified to answer the great end of our creation2 which is to glorify ,god and enjoy him4 ,second day4 ,attended the funeral of a pious young ,friend of our meeting who departed this life by a consumption1 after lingering a few months4 ,his corpse was carried into our meeting-house at ,jericho4 ,there was a large meeting on the occasion1 and through the prevalence of the divine power that presided over the assembly1 it proved a very solemn time4 ,many hearts were broken and contrited by the force of the testimony1 which went forth powerfully clothed with the demonstration of the spirit1 and the ,lord's name was exalted over all4 ,seventh day4 ,this being the time of our quarterly meeting1 ,i was mostly employed through the week in attention thereto4 ,it was1 ,i think1 through the several sittings a solemn searching time4 ,my mind was closely engaged on several subjects appertaining to our ,christian testimonies2 but more particularly that against war1 which was now in the land4 ,friends1 with others1 were called upon for supplies by way of taxes to carry it on1 which were levied various ways on the inhabitants4 ,i felt my mind deeply engaged to lay before ,friends the inconsistency of our actively complying with any such military requisitions1 believing that if we did1 we should not only become accessaries in the war1 but should have to bear a part of the guilt of shedding the blood of our fellow creatures4 ,the ,lord's power was felt to preside1 and the testimonies borne on the occasion were evidently clothed with divine authority1 keeping down all opposition4 ,the minds of the faithful were inspired with humble gratitude and thanksgiving to the ,lord our gracious helper1 under a renewed sense of his continued mercy to us as a people2 and to all the workmanship of his holy hand4 ,first day1 the #cjth of #ast month1 #ahad4 ,as ,i was sitting in our meeting my mind became exercised in contemplating the danger that some of my fellow professors of the ,christian name are exposed to1 by placing their dependence for justification and salvation on the imputative righteousness of ,christ which he performed without them1 without coming to know a complete remission of their sins1 and living a life of righteousness through faith in the operation of ,god1 and a submission to the work of his spirit in their minds2 by which1 according to the apostle's exhortation1 they can only be enabled to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling4 ,for it is ,god that worketh in the willing and obedient soul1 both to will and to do of his own good pleasure2 but this can only be witnessed by such as experience their own wills to be mortified and slain by the power of the cross inwardly revealed1 whereby the true spiritual atonement is made4 ,i was largely opened to communicate on some of these subjects2 and to show to the people wherein the true harmony between the law dispensation1 and that of the gospel consisted4 ,it was a season worthy of grateful remembrance2 the meeting closed with thanksgiving and prayer1 under a renewed sense of the continued mercy of our gracious ,god1 who is over all1 blessed for ever4 ,second day4 ,being unwell with a cold ,i kept house and read4 ,third day4 ,having the evening before received an invitation to attend the funeral of a deceased neighbour about four miles distant from my dwelling1 and understanding it was the desire of the deceased on her death-bed that ,i would attend2 ,i felt inclined to go1 although still unwell4 ,i was glad ,i gave up thereto1 as it proved1 through heavenly help1 a solemn instructive season1 wherein my heart and mouth were opened to declare largely of the way of life and salvation to the people in the clear demonstration of truth4 ,the assembly in general were bowed and humbled1 and many hearts contrited2 to the ,lord alone be the praise1 for to him only it is due4 ,fourth day4 ,still unwell3 mostly kept house4 ,fifth day4 ,ventured out to our meeting1 but was considerably afflicted with my cold and cough4 ,the meeting was held in silence4 ,the two following days1 and the forepart of the next week1 ,i employed1 mostly1 in preparing for the press a small treatise on slavery2 and on the use of the produce of the labour of slaves4 ,i laid it before our meeting for sufferings which met this week2 and obtained their concurrence for printing it4 ,as ,i was in the city1 ,i attended ,friends' meetings as they came in course on fourth and fifth days1 and returned home on sixth day4 ,nothing particular transpired on seventh day4 ,first day1 the #acth of #b;d month4 ,was largely opened in communication on divers subjects in a very searching testimony1 which brought a covering of great solemnity over the meeting4 ,the honest-hearted were comforted3 but it was a season of sharp reproof to the unfaithful and lukewarm4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our monthly meeting1 at which nothing opened worthy of particular notice4 ,seventh day4 ,i attended the funeral of the wife of ,john ,wine1 a ,friend of ,flushing4 ,we had a very solemn meeting on the occasion1 in which ,i was exercised in a large affecting testimony1 tendering and contriting the hearts of the assembly in general4 ,the truth was raised into dominion1 breaking down all before its influential searching power2 which was cause of deep gratitude and thanksgiving to the ,lord our gracious helper1 for his unmerited mercy1 still dispensed in his longsuffering loving kindness to the children of men4 ,feeling my mind inclined to sit with ,friends here the next day1 which was first day1 the people were notified thereof at the close of the foregoing opportunity4 ,it was a full meeting1 in which truth favoured and furnished with matter suited to the states of those present2 which made it an instructive edifying season4 ,the canopy of love was felt to spread sweetly and very comfortably over the assembly1 and ,i parted with them in the fresh feeling thereof2 and with a peaceful mind1 and a thankful sense of the ,lord's mercy4 ,nothing particular occurred in the course of the next week2 but the precious savour that was witnessed in the two forementioned opportunities1 remained as a canopy over my mind1 and was cause of humble gratitude and thankfulness to the blessed ,author of all our rich mercies and blessings4 ,first day1 the #bgth of #b;d month4 ,my mind1 in our meeting to-day1 after a considerable time of humble quiet waiting1 and seeking to be gathered to ,shiloh1 was led in prospect to view the great and singular advantages which would redound to the children of men by an early acquaintance with the ,lord2 and by continually looking to him1 and relying on him1 as the primary and only object of their faith and hope4 ,the prospect enlarged and opened to a communication1 and the truth was raised into a comfortable degree of dominion1 and spread a solemn covering over the assembly2 and many hearts were contrited and made glad from a feeling sense of the ,lord's mercy vouchsafed to us at this season4 ,o how good is the ,lord1 and how greatly to be praised1 for his mercy endureth for ever4 ,the rest of this week ,i was occupied in my temporal concerns4 ,sat our fifth day meeting in silence1 in which ,i had to maintain a steady warfare against the intrusion of unprofitable thoughts4 ,o how precious it is to be favoured to gain a complete victory over these1 and to have the mind brought to witness a profound stillness1 where nothing reigns but ,jesus1 in his inward spiritual government4 ,first day1 the #fth of #c;d month4 ,in our meeting to-day ,i had again to bear testimony against the prevailing evils of the day2 some of which ,i had to expose1 and to show how we must enter the church militant1 if ever we enter right1 and become useful members thereof1 and be truly comforted and profited thereby4 ,the communication was introduced by the parable of the supper1 which shows that those who have something of the pleasures and treasures of this world to gratify and comfort themselves with1 will not come in1 although invited3 but those who are brought to a full sense of their wretched and forlorn condition1 without ,god and without a ,saviour1 compared1 in the parable1 to those who are poor and destitute of every comfort1 and scattered in the highways and hedges1 will seek a place of refuge2 and having tried every means they had in their power1 and every invention that man has sought out in the way of salvation1 and after all finding themselves still left in a state of disappointment1 are made willing to surrender all up1 and sell all2 that so they may be enabled to purchase the field wherein the pearl of great price lies4 ,the word went forth with power1 and struck home to many minds1 and a very solemn weight appeared to cover the assembly in general4 ,second1 third1 and fourth days4 ,spent in a quiet attention to my temporal concerns with the attendant blessing of peace of mind2 yet not without some intervals of interruption from the loose and the vain1 with which this neighbourhood is too much disturbed4 ,alas1 what has so gained the ascendency in and over the mind of man1 as to cause him to delight and take pleasure in wickedness4 ,fifth day4 ,was our preparative meeting1 in which the overseers brought forward information against one of our members1 a young man1 for deviations from plainness1 and being guilty of attending horse races1 and suffering his horse to run for a wager2 all which manifest a very thoughtless disposition1 and much vanity of mind1 very unworthy the least member in our community4 ,the meeting felt tenderly for him1 as he had not had a guarded education2 he being left an orphan1 when small1 by the death of his father4 ,in considering his condition1 ,i was induced to enlist myself voluntarily in the meeting's service1 to pay him a visit2 and the meeting added another ,friend to join me therein4 ,i was likewise engaged in the meeting for worship1 to call ,friends' attention to the necessity of greater purification both in body1 soul1 and spirit2 as the only medium through which we could gain an inheritance in the kingdom of heaven4 ,i showed by the analogy of reason1 that a purified soul could not be content to inhabit a polluted body2 and that if the inside was made clean1 the outside would be clean also2 and that true and genuine ,christianity will lead to cleanliness in our persons1 in our houses1 and in all our concerns4 ,all this will proceed from real love and duty to our ,creator1 and not from any germ of pride1 or vainly to make a show1 but from a real desire of effecting holiness in the fear of the ,lord4 ,first day1 the #acth4 ,a comfortable meeting to-day1 mostly in silence1 but closed with solemn supplication1 wherein ,i was led to set forth how our gracious and beneficent ,creator1 although he sees all our wants1 and stands always disposed1 before we ask him1 to redress all our real grievances1 and dispense good to us whenever he finds us in a condition fit to receive3 yet as he is a ,god of justice and truth1 he delights to see his people and children grateful and humbly sensible of their dependence on him for every blessing2 therefore1 he permits them1 at times1 when he sees meet to influence their minds thereto1 to approach his sacred presence in humble and devout prayer1 and which also affords to those who are thus devoted1 sweet and heavenly consolation and joy4 ,i passed this week mostly at home overseeing my temporal concerns4 ,attended our monthly meeting on fifth day1 at which we received information1 from the women's meeting1 of the departure of one of our members1 a young woman1 who had gone out in her marriage with one not a member1 whom they concluded ought to be disowned2 with which the men's meeting concurred4 ,this is a weakness among our young members1 which is1 in general1 very pernicious in its consequences1 and too often happens through the neglect of care and right concern in parents and guardians1 who1 for want of living near the truth1 and under right religious engagements themselves1 are too often led away to seek after riches for their children1 and are more desirous that their children should obtain companions who are wealthy and rich in this world's treasure1 than such as are truly religious and virtuous4 ,thus a foundation is often laid1 by such indiscreet parents1 for many very unhappy connexions1 by which the religious improvement and advancement of their tender offspring is often entirely intercepted and prevented1 and their prospects of temporal comfort and joy rendered abortive2 and they have to drag out a miserable existence until death dissolves their obligations4 ,first day1 the #bjth4 ,as ,i sat in our meeting my mind was brought under exercise in taking a view of the life of ,solomon1 that wise king of ,israel1 as delineated by his own pen2 and from which we learn the insignificance of all consolation and joy which have their source in temporal and mortal things1 as they must and will end1 in vanity and vexation of spirit3 and that to fear ,god and keep his commandments1 is not only the whole duty of man1 but likewise the only blessed and eternal source of all true joy and never ending felicity4 ,the subject spread on my mind and led to communication1 in which ,i endeavoured1 in the ability afforded1 by persuasive arguments1 to engage the minds of the auditory1 both old and young1 in the pursuit of that invaluable treasure that waxeth not old1 but endureth for ever1 which will bring true joy to the immortal soul and adds no sorrow4 ,nothing particular occurred in the course of this week1 except that a care and fear attended my mind1 lest the cares of this world and the increase of temporal things might too much interrupt1 and intrude1 upon my spiritual concerns2 for riches are ever deceitful1 and always promise more than they have in their power to perform4 ,first day1 the #bgth4 ,feeling my mind inclined to sit with ,friends at ,bethpage to-day1 ,i yielded to the motion and attended their meeting2 and although ,i had not a great deal to communicate1 yet what ,i had1 appeared to reach home to many minds1 and rendered it a comfortable meeting1 not only to myself1 but to the assembly in general4 ,the subject which opened for communication was the necessity and excellency of integrity2 and that although we might be so wise and knowing as to comprehend all knowledge1 yet if we were destitute of integrity and sincerity of heart1 we should but share the fate of fools at last1 and be not a whit better for all our wisdom and knowledge4 ,second1 third1 and fourth days4 ,spent in close attention to my temporal concerns1 the care for which1 and for their right ordering1 is constantly necessary2 insomuch that ,i often wonder how it is1 that ,i sometimes hear people say1 they seem at a loss how to spend their time2 when not only my temporal1 but in an especial manner my spiritual concerns1 are always urgent and pressing2 so that ,i find not a moment to be idle3 so true is that declaration of the ,most ,high verified3 8,in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread1 till thou return unto the ground2 for out of it wast thou taken3 for dust thou art and unto dust shalt thou return40 ,the wise man also saith3 8,all things are full of labour0 therefore we ought not to repine or murmur at our lot1 but receive all1 as at the hand of the ,lord with thanksgiving4 ,fifth1 sixth1 and seventh days4 ,i attended three funerals1 one on each day successively4 ,the first was a very ancient female1 upwards of ninety years of age1 belonging to ,westbury meeting4 ,we had a solemn meeting on the occasion1 in which truth favoured1 opening suitable doctrine1 and bringing it home to the states of those present1 who were mostly ,friends4 ,the hidden things of ,esau1 or the first nature1 and the secret lurking places of self1 were searched out and exposed2 for which my mind1 with the honest-hearted present1 was made glad in the ,lord1 and in the apparent working of his power and wisdom4 ,the two last were not members of our society1 but were favourably disposed to ,friends4 ,they were seasons of favour4 ,a meeting1 was held at each1 and both largely attended by the neighbouring inhabitants4 ,the doctrines delivered were well adapted to the conditions of the hearers1 and were brought home to many minds in the demonstration of truth1 breaking and contriting many hearts2 and thanksgiving and praises were returned to the ,shepherd of ,israel1 as a tribute of gratitude for such unmerited mercies4 ,first day1 the #c;d of #dth month4 ,our meeting to-day was favoured with the overshadowing wing of divine truth1 and its power exalted over all1 contriting and comforting many minds4 ,but alas1 what small advancements are made by many of those who are often dug about and watered by the compassionate ,shepherd of ,israel1 whose mercy is still eminently dispensed to man1 the workmanship of his holy hand4 ,i attended two funerals in the course of this week1 one on fifth day1 after the sitting of our preparative meeting1 and the other on sixth day4 ,both were young men in the prime of life4 ,the latter unmarried1 and was a relation to my wife4 ,his parents had a healthful family of children1 and had never met with the like trial before4 ,it was therefore a very affecting scene both to them and their children2 they having been before favoured with almost an unbroken scene of worldly prosperity1 which made the wound sink deeper4 ,we had a very solemn meeting on the occasion1 wherein ,i was largely opened to preach the gospel in the demonstration of truth2 and among other things to show to the people1 the necessity and sure felicity of an early preparation for death2 and that ,god was the alone proper object for man to set his heart and affections upon4 ,the auditory were mostly not in membership with ,friends4 ,many of them were much broken and contrited1 and a general1 and very precious solemnity was spread over the meeting4 ,the hearts of many were made glad1 from a sense of the ,lord's continued and unmerited goodness and mercy to the children of men2 still showing his unwillingness that any should die in their sins1 and that all might repent1 turn to him and live4 ,first day1 the #ajth4 ,i had a hard suffering meeting to-day1 in which ,i witnessed not only deep inward poverty1 but had to struggle with unprofitable thoughts1 with very little ability to maintain the warfare2 yet1 under the consideration that it was altogether as good1 if not better1 than my deserts could justly require1 ,i was preserved from murmuring or complaining at my lot1 being willing to receive evil as well as good1 at the hand of my gracious and compassionate ,lord1 when he sees meet to permit or dispense it4 8,shall we receive good at the hand of ,god1 and shall we not evil80 ,the rest of this week was principally occupied in a close application to my temporal concerns1 except attending our monthly and select preparative meetings1 which came at this time4 ,my belief was similar to the apostle's1 that he who is not carefully industrious to labour for his own and household's comfortable support1 may be considered to have denied the faith1 and is worse than an infidel2 as they are generally careful on those accounts4 ,first day1 the #agth4 ,the meeting to-day was pretty open and comfortable4 ,the rest of the week was mostly taken up in attending our quarterly meeting1 held at ,new-,york at this time4 ,first day1 the #bdth4 ,sat our meeting mostly in silence4 ,second1 third1 and fourth days4 ,were taken up principally in caring for my temporal concerns4 ,alas1 how much precious time is expended for the accommodation of those houses of clay1 which must shortly return to the dust from whence they were taken2 and which often burden1 and too much indispose the mind for heavenly and spiritual meditations1 unless carefully watched and strongly guarded against4 ,fifth day4 ,i was wholly silent in our meeting to-day2 in the course of which ,i had full evidence of the truth of that saying of the great ,master1 that of ourselves1 without him1 we can do nothing4 ,sixth and seventh days4 ,were accompanied with heart searchings1 discouragement1 and dismay2 in which ,i witnessed the truth of that saying1 that vain is the help of man1 whose efforts often tend more to sully and weaken1 than to brighten and strengthen the minds of those they strive to help4 ,this is principally owing to their dwelling on the surface1 and judging from the outward appearance1 instead of digging deep in search of the mind of truth1 which only can enable to judge with righteous judgment4 ,first day1 the #ast of #eth month4 ,sat our meeting in silence1 and in much poverty of spirit2 and when the season for closing the meeting seemed near at hand1 ,i looked over the assembly1 which was pretty large1 with a degree of sympathy and commiseration1 which brought to my remembrance the compassionate saying of our ,lord to his disciples1 on1 as ,i apprehended1 a similar occasion1 viz3 8,if ,i send them away fasting to their own houses1 they will faint by the way40 ,this put a stop to my mind with regard to closing the meeting2 and as ,i knew ,i had nothing to give1 ,i looked around to see what was to be done4 ,a friend then stood up with something comparable to the five loaves and the two fishes1 which were found formerly in the lad's basket4 ,as they were broken1 she handed them to the company1 until all appeared satisfied2 for which ,i was thankful4 ,seventh day4 ,the week hath passed away4 ,oh time1 precious time1 how swift thou passest on1 by us almost unenjoyed and unimproved6 ,how soon thou wilt land thy travelling pilgrim in the house appointed for all living2 where1 oh my soul1 thou knowest there is no repentance nor amendment known6 ,prepare then1 oh prepare1 for thy final change6 ,first day1 the #hth of #eth month4 ,a poor silent meeting until near the close1 when a little light sprang up and dispelled the darkness1 and sweetened all the bitter4 ,by such things we are instructed1 and learn to know our dependent state1 and that it is the ,lord's doings1 and marvellous in our eyes4 ,nothing uncommon transpired in the course of this week1 save as usual1 bonds and afflictions for the gospel's sake1 spiritually and inwardly experienced1 await me2 from a view and sense of the spread of evil1 and the great want of faithful testimony-bearers in society2 and the languor and weakness which abound2 that ,i am sometimes almost involuntarily led to cry1 alas for the day4 ,first day1 the #aeth4 ,my mind was deeply exercised in our meeting to-day on divers important subjects1 and largely led forth in communication3 but for want of a more full openness and preparation in the auditory to receive1 the labour was arduous and exercising1 yet ,i trust profitable to some4 ,the rest of the week was employed in my usual attention to my necessary temporal concerns1 and an unfailing attention to those of a religious nature4 ,our monthly meeting was held this week4 ,the meeting for ,ministers and ,elders belonging to the yearly meeting was held on seventh day1 at the tenth hour1 which my wife and myself attended4 ,it was1 ,i think1 in a good degree a favoured time2 as were the public meetings on first day1 both forenoon and afternoon4 ,on second day the yearly meeting for discipline opened at the tenth hour1 and continued by adjournments until fifth day evening4 ,it was for the most part a comfortable profitable season1 evidencing in the several sittings1 that the ,lord had not forsaken his people1 but was still graciously manifesting his presence and power for our comfort and help1 in ordering the affairs of the ,church4 ,on sixth day ,friends turned their faces towards home1 where ,i arrived at evening with my wife and two youngest daughters1 who constitute my present family1 except servants4 ,the next day ,i felt myself in a cheerful readiness to put my hands to whatever they found to do1 as right to be done4 ,first day1 the #bith4 ,felt myself so much indisposed with a cold and considerable pain of body1 as to be prevented from attending our meeting to-day2 in reflecting thereon1 and how very seldom ,i had been thus prevented for many years past1 my mind was filled with gratitude and thankfulness to our gracious ,helper and ,preserver1 for the portion of bodily health allotted me in the course of his divine providence2 whereby1 ,i have been almost invariably of ability of body for a number of years1 to attend all our religious meetings1 which ,i consider and number among our chiefest blessings and benefits4 ,the latter end of this week ,i joined our friend ,william ,flanner1 who was here on a religious visit from ,ohio2 and attended a number of meetings in divers places1 where no meetings of our society were held4 ,i had had a prospect of visiting those places some time before4 ,we were out three days and attended five meetings4 ,the first was with ,friends at ,bethpage1 the rest among people inclining to ,friends1 and those of other professions4 ,they were1 ,i think1 all favoured seasons4 ,the ,lord's presence and power were manifested for our help1 furnishing ability to minister suitably to the different states of the people1 in the demonstration of the spirit4 ,many hearts were humbled and contrited1 and the assemblies solemnized1 and truth raised into dominion over all2 and our hearts were made glad under an humbling sense of the continuation of the ,lord's mercy and compassion1 still extended to the children of men4 ,we returned home on first day evening1 the #eth of #fth month4 ,the three following days ,i was about home1 mostly employed in my temporal concerns4 ,on sixth day attended the funeral of a friend of ,westbury meeting4 ,it was a solemn time1 in which ,i found it my place to be an example of silence4 ,seventh day spent at home4 ,on first day1 the #abth of #fth month1 ,i attended two meetings1 by appointment1 among those not of our society4 ,one in the morning at ,cold ,spring1 and the other at four o'clock in the afternoon at ,huntington4 ,they were both seasons of extensive labour1 and ,i hope profitable to some2 and productive of peace to my own mind4 ,on second day ,i went to ,new-,york in order to attend the meeting for sufferings1 which ,i accordingly attended the next day1 and returned home at evening4 ,on fourth day attended to my temporal concerns with usual industry4 ,fifth day attended our monthly meeting1 at which several matters occurred producing exercise to my mind1 which led to a communication of prospects2 and although some diversity of sentiment was expressed1 yet ,i was favoured so to unfold the subjects1 that they were concluded in a general unity4 ,sixth and seventh days4 ,spent in attending to my usual affairs4 ,first day1 the #aith of #fth month4 ,i was led in our meeting to-day1 to set forth the excellency of real poverty of spirit2 as it is that only1 which can produce that truly humble state1 to which the blessing is annexed4 ,fifth day4 ,as ,i was sitting in our meeting enjoying the especial advantages which are attached to silent meetings1 when the mind is silently prostrated at the throne of grace1 and helped to be sequestered from all intruding thoughts1 and wholly centered in and upon ,jehovah1 the alone object of worship and adoration2 a subject opened and spread in a way which led to communication2 in which ,i had to show1 that there were but two proper motives or inducements for our rightly attending religious meetings4 ,the first related to such as were unbelievers1 or those who were ignorant of the right way of worshipping ,god in and under the dispensation of the gospel1 which according to our ,lord's declaration to the woman of ,samaria1 is only to be performed in spirit and in truth4 ,the principal benefit to these1 is to be informed and instructed2 for which more especially1 the ,lord hath ordained a ministry in his ,church1 by means of instruments rightly qualified therefor1 by the baptismal influence of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,the second relates to such as are already instructed and informed1 whose judgments are convinced1 and whose motive as it relates to themselves is1 to meet together to wait upon and worship ,god in spirit and in truth1 without any regard or consideration to any external ministry or means whatever3 as it is only in a state of entire sequestration from every thing of an outward or external nature1 that the soul is permitted to enter into the holy place1 not made with hands2 and admitted into the immediate presence of ,jehovah1 and rendered capable of worshipping him1 in spirit and in truth1 as the gospel requires4 ,sixth and seventh days4 ,spent in my usual vocation as a farmer4 ,first day1 the #bfth of #fth month4 ,attended two meetings by appointment1 among those principally not of our society4 ,the first was held in a ,friend's house at a place called the ,half ,hollow ,hills4 ,the latter at the fourth hour in the afternoon1 at a village called ,new ,babylon1 in the township of ,huntington4 ,it was held in a school-house1 and was a large meeting1 mostly of the ,presbyterian persuasion4 ,the people behaved very soberly1 becoming the occasion4 ,it was a very solemn favoured season2 many hearts were contrited and made thankful for the opportunity2 and my heart was much enlarged in love to the assembly4 ,i trust ,i felt a mutual return of the same feeling from most present1 for which ,i was made thankful to the ,shepherd of ,israel2 and for the continuation of his gracious regard in manifesting his presence1 and making bare his arm1 for the help of his devoted servants2 showing himself indeed to be a ,god near at hand1 and a present helper in the needful time1 worthy to be praised and adored by the children of men1 throughout all ages1 world without end4 ,the rest of this week ,i spent mostly about home1 being closely engaged in making hay1 which for want of suitable help1 made it necessary for me to labour myself1 beyond what seemed suitable for one of my age2 but ,i felt peace of mind in so doing1 although ,i suffered some pain of body1 as the result of my exertion4 ,first day1 the #c;d of #gth month4 ,sat our meeting in silence4 ,at the third hour in the afternoon attended the funeral of a deceased neighbour4 ,although my mind was brought under some exercise1 which led to communication2 yet ,i found very little relief1 owing1 as ,i apprehended1 to the prevalence of a libertine spirit in many present4 ,for these are generally disposed to mock at1 and ridicule every thing serious1 or that has the appearance of religion and godliness3 rebellious children who hate the light1 because their deeds are evil1 and who take more delight in revelling and drunkenness than in the fear of the ,lord4 ,i often feel sad for such as these1 and my mind goes clothed as it were with sackcloth1 unseen by the world4 ,o1 when will they be awakened to a right sense of their miserable condition6 ,i often fear that some of them have nearly sinned out their day2 and to whom the scripture declaration will apply3 8,he that1 being often reproved1 hardeneth his neck1 shall suddenly be destroyed1 and that without remedy40 ,second1 third and fourth days4 ,busily employed in my husbandry concerns1 with my mind clothed with peace towards all men1 and with hope towards ,god my ,saviour3 and comforted at times in the remembrance of that apostolic declaration1 where it is asserted3 8,we know that we have passed from death unto life1 because we love the brethren40 ,fifth day4 ,attended our meeting in silence1 the fire being low on the altar4 ,sixth and seventh days4 ,closely engaged in making and securing hay for the accommodation of my stock the ensuing winter2 as ,i consider it a duty to provide plenty of good provender for them1 so as to render their lives as comfortable as may be1 whilst under my care4 ,first day1 the #ajth4 ,as ,i sat in our meeting to-day1 my mind was led into a consideration and prospect of the excellency and amiableness of justice1 and of the vast advantage which would accrue to the children of men by a strict adherence thereto2 as it would greatly tend to regulate our conduct1 both as it relates to our duty to ,god our creator1 and also to man1 our fellow creature3 and therefore ought to be the governing principle and main spring of all our conduct1 as well in our temporal1 as in our spiritual concerns4 ,the subject spread and enlarged and opened to communication2 and1 ,i trust1 proved an instructive comfortable season to some present2 and ,i felt a reward of peace in my labour4 ,second day4 ,attended the funeral of a deceased neighbour1 who was not a member of our society1 but being convinced of our principles1 and inclined to ,friends1 the family desired a meeting might be held1 which was accordingly agreed to4 ,it was a large collection of people of various denominations1 and a considerable number of the looser sort4 ,i had an open favoured time among them1 in which the power of truth rose into dominion over all1 humbling and contriting many hearts1 and a general solemnity was felt to cover the meeting to the praise of ,him1 who is over all1 ,god blessed for ever4 ,third and fourth days4 ,occupied in my usual concerns1 but did not feel that full peace of mind with my fourth day's exercise that is generally my experience1 owing1 as ,i apprehended1 to a want of a more full attention to a small intimation respecting that day's employment4 ,remember1 oh my soul6 that all thy success in temporals1 as well as all thy sweet inward heavenly consolations1 depend upon thy faithfulness and ready submission to those inward divine intimations2 although sometimes small1 they ought to be considered by thee1 binding and obligatory1 as the only source from whence all thy true peace and joy are derived4 ,fifth day4 ,this was our preparative meeting1 and as it was the one preceding the quarterly meeting1 the queries were read and answered2 but ,i apprehended in a way not tending to much profit1 either by reason of one or two improper questions being added to the queries of late1 which to many ,friends appeared inconsistent to be answered2 or from the want of a more lively spiritual exercise with the members2 or both might have had a share in producing a dull distressing season4 ,no way seemed to open for any relief1 so we had patiently to bear it4 ,and indeed ,i thought it required a large share of patience to sit the meeting through without murmuring2 the chariot wheels seemed to go very heavily on1 as though almost sunk in the slough of despond2 but we did what we could1 and so left the matter2 and ,i returned home with a heavy heart1 and was preserved1 ,i trust1 from murmuring at my lot4 ,sixth day4 ,spent in gathering in my harvest and some other small exercises4 ,the day closed with a quiet and peaceful mind4 ,what a paradise it is when this is our lot4 ,seventh day4 ,visited two ,friends who were under some bodily infirmity4 ,the visits were mutually comfortable4 ,such opportunities1 when rightly conducted1 tend to the increase of friendship and mutual love4 ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,visit to ,purchase1 and engagements at and about home1 #ahad4 ,first day1 the #agth of #gth month1 #ahad4 ,feeling my mind drawn to sit with ,friends in their meeting at ,westbury1 ,i yielded to the motion4 ,it proved an exercising meeting--but little life to be felt3 nevertheless1 way opened for a short communication1 pointing particularly to the state of the meeting1 which ,i hope was profitable to some4 ,at the third hour in the afternoon1 ,i attended the funeral of a very ancient woman of this neighbourhood1 not a member of our society2 but the family desiring the company of ,friends1 a number collected with others4 ,it proved a pretty solemn time4 ,my mind was led to open to the assembly1 the especial advantages which would result to us1 as rational accountable beings1 by a timely preparation for death2 and that it was our especial duty1 as well as our best interest1 to make it1 at all times1 the primary object of our concern4 ,second1 third1 and fourth days4 ,spent principally in family cares and my husbandry concerns4 ,what a favour it is for such an active creature as man1 possessed of such powers of body and mind1 always to have some employment1 and something for those powers to act upon3 for otherwise they would be useless and dormant1 and afford neither profit nor delight4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our monthly meeting4 ,it was an exercising season1 especially the meeting for worship1 which ,i think was much hurt by the communication of a ,friend in the ministry1 who was this day with us4 ,it was attended with so much mere creaturely warmth and animation1 as to render it unacceptable1 and1 as ,i apprehended1 hurtful to the meeting1 and the cause it was intended to advance4 ,what a pity it is that any who apprehend themselves called to this very important work1 should make such grievous mistakes1 and wound the minds of the living sensible members4 ,sixth day4 ,attended our select preparative meeting of ,ministers and ,elders4 ,it was1 ,i think1 a season of profitable exercise1 in which some of the hidden things of ,esau1 or the first nature1 were searched out and exposed4 ,seventh day4 ,laboured hard in my harvest field2 and1 although sixty-six years of age1 ,i found ,i could wield the scythe nearly as in the days of my youth4 ,it was a day of thankful and delightful contemplation4 ,my heart was filled with thankfulness and gratitude to the blessed ,author of my existence1 in a consideration of his providential care over me1 in preserving me in health1 and in the possession of my bodily powers2 the exercise of which were still affording me both profit and delight3 and ,i was doubly thankful for the continued exercise of my mental faculties1 not only in instructing me how to exert and rightly employ my bodily powers1 in the most useful and advantageous manner1 but also in contemplating the works of nature and ,providence1 in the blessings and beauties of the field2 a volume containing more delightful and profitable instruction1 than all the volumes of mere learning and science in the world4 ,what a vast portion of the joys and comforts of life do the idle and slothful deprive themselves of1 by running into cities and towns1 to avoid labouring in the field2 not considering that this is one of the principal sources1 that the gracious ,creator of the universe has appointed to his creature man1 from whence he may derive great temporal happiness and delight4 ,it also opens the largest and best field of exercise to the contemplative mind1 by which it may be prepared to meet1 when this mortal puts on immortality1 those immortal joys that will ever be the lot of the faithful and industrious4 ,first day1 the #bdth of #gth month4 ,i went to our meeting to-day in much poverty of spirit1 and in full expectation of passing it in silence2 but ,i had not sat long before my mind was led into a view of the singular benefit derived to the children of men1 by the denial of self1 and a daily and faithfully taking up1 and bearing the cross2 as it is the only way by which we can come to experience real sanctification and justification4 ,the subject spread and opened to communication1 in which things were laid home to the states of many present1 in a clear manner2 and the danger of their situations exposed4 ,it brought a solemn covering over the meeting1 for which ,i was thankful4 ,second and third days4 ,i spent in securing my harvest4 ,this week being the time of our quarterly meeting1 the meeting for ,ministers and ,elders opened on fourth day at the tenth hour4 ,it was a season of close search2 the deficiencies of ,ministers and ,elders were laid open2 and the hurtful tendency thereof exposed4 ,a number appeared deeply concerned1 on account of the prevailing weakness of some in those exalted stations in society4 ,on fifth day the meeting for discipline was held4 ,it was also a very searching time1 a season of deep exercise to my mind2 in which the hurtful tendency of many apparent deficiencies was laid open and exposed2 and ,friends exhorted to greater faithfulness and diligence1 in the right support of those noble testimonies1 given us to bear1 for the promotion of righteousness and peace on the earth4 ,on sixth day was a general public meeting1 in which my mind was enlarged in gospel communication1 wherein truth was exalted and raised into dominion1 to the comfort and edification of many minds2 and to the sweet peace of my own4 ,after this ,friends separated to their several homes in much nearness of affection1 and mutual love4 ,seventh day4 ,spent in my temporal concerns4 ,first day1 the #cast of #gth month4 ,a silent meeting to-day1 for which ,i was thankful4 ,although faithfully labouring in the ,lord's vineyard produceth peace and joy to the willing mind1 even should it have to bear the burden and heat of the day2 yet when permitted1 a season of rest is also sweet and grateful4 ,having for some days past felt my mind inclined to attend the ensuing quarterly meeting at ,purchase1 ,i spent most of this week in that service4 ,on second day ,i left home1 and returned on the following sixth day at evening4 ,i felt but little satisfaction in this short tour of duty1 except in one or two visits in ,friends' families4 ,most of the sittings of the quarterly meeting seemed to be clothed with great weakness1 and some of them distressingly so4 ,seventh day4 ,exercised in my husbandry business2 and the evening closed with a peaceful mind4 ,first day1 the #gth of #hth month4 ,felt so much bodily indisposition as to prevent my attending meeting2 but even this induced thankfulness and gratitude1 in recollecting how very seldom this had been my lot for many years4 ,oh what shall ,i1 a poor worm1 render unto the ,lord for all his benefits6 ,second1 third1 and fourth days4 ,spent principally in looking to1 and overseeing1 my temporal business2 and still feeling some slight touches of bodily indisposition1 which seemed to announce this language1 in unison with every thing that is mortal1 remember to die4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our preparative meeting3 what a privilege6 the very name points to care1 as saying1 8,be ye therefore ready40 ,sixth day4 ,did as ,peter and some of his fellow disciples1 when not directly employed by their ,master1 but waiting and watching for his coming4 ,seventh day4 ,laboured in the field2 and the day closed with a quiet and peaceful mind1 which ,i esteem the greatest treasure4 ,first day1 the #adth of #hth month4 ,as ,i sat in our meeting to-day1 my mind was impressed with the remembrance of the declaration of the prophet ,isaiah1 when reproving the house of ,israel1 under the similitude of a vineyard1 for their backsliding and breach of covenant and great wickedness1 which he closes with this notable saying3 8,therefore hell hath enlarged herself1 and opened her mouth without measure3 and their glory1 and their multitude1 and their pomp1 and he that rejoiceth1 shall descend into it40 ,he showed them thereby the natural tendency of evil1 and certain destruction of evil doers1 who harden themselves in sin4 ,the subject opened and led to a large exhortatory and cautionary communication2 also setting forth the great obligations of parents and guardians to their tender offspring and children under their charge2 and the incalculable loss that children sustain where parents and guardians neglect their duty in timely care for their right instruction4 ,it was a solemn time1 and ,i hope profitable to some1 by stirring them up to more diligence4 ,the rest of this week1 except attending our monthly meeting on fifth day1 was spent in close attention to my temporal concerns4 ,the urgent necessity attending my present business induced me to labour beyond what my judgment approved2 which1 though somewhat painful to the body1 was nevertheless1 ,i trust1 free from sin4 ,first day1 the #bast of #hth month4 ,a silent meeting to-day1 which closed with a peaceful mind4 ,second1 third1 and fourth days4 ,passed without any thing transpiring worthy of particular notice4 ,fifth day4 ,a silent meeting1 as it respects myself4 ,sixth and seventh days4 ,spent in my salt-meadows1 about ten miles from home2 assisting my men in making and securing hay4 ,on my return visited a poor widow1 with the surplus of our provisions1 for which she was very thankful4 ,first day1 the #bhth4 ,my lips1 at our meeting to-day1 were closed in solemn silence4 ,second1 third1 and fourth days4 ,diligently employed in what my hands found to do3 for ,i see no time when it would be right to indulge in idleness4 ,fifth day4 ,sat our meeting in much weakness and poverty of spirit1 but felt peace at the close4 ,sixth and seventh days4 ,closely engaged in my temporal business2 but did not forget my accountability to my great ,lord and ,master1 for the right use of every portion of precious time1 he is pleased to dispense to me4 ,first day1 the #dth of #ith month4 ,my mind1 while sitting in our meeting to-day1 was led into a contemplation of the great and excellent advantages resulting to those1 who have placed their supreme trust in the arm of divine sufficiency2 and while musing thereon1 and the manifold blessings attendant on such a state1 there was brought to my remembrance the exhortation of ,solomon3 8,trust in the ,lord with all thy heart2 and lean not unto thine own understanding40 ,the subject spread1 and opened to a communication1 in which the audience were pressingly invited and encouraged to lay hold and make choice of this only sure rock of refuge1 an entire trust and confidence in ,god1 and in the arm of his salvation4 ,for those who trust in the name of the ,lord1 have never been confounded4 ,the rest of this week was spent in my usual vocations1 except attending our preparative meeting on fifth day4 ,nothing transpired worthy of particular notice4 ,first day1 the #aath4 ,as ,i was sitting in our meeting to-day1 my mind was led into a train of solemn reflection1 from the revival of these expressions of ,christ to his disciples3 8,in the world ye shall have tribulation3 but be of good cheer1 ,i have overcome the world40 ,an enlightened view was opened to me of the especial advantages1 and deep consolation1 derived to the true ,christian1 by a firm belief therein3 as the expressions evidently carry in them an earnest to the true believer1 of his being likewise enabled to overcome1 as he is faithful in treading in the path of self-denial1 agreeably to his heavenly pattern4 ,the subject opened to communication1 in which the audience were pressingly invited and encouraged to enter earnestly into this most necessary and interesting warfare2 as nothing short of overcoming the world1 the flesh1 and the devil1 can restore to us an uninterrupted peace1 and entitle us to the white stone in which the new name is written2 which none can read1 but he who hath it4 ,the succeeding days of this week were attended to as they passed2 but nothing transpired unusual4 ,our monthly meeting was on fifth day2 and although we had a pretty trying case before us1 yet we got through without interruption1 or any breach of ,christian harmony4 ,first day1 the #ahth of #ith month4 ,a satisfactory meeting to-day1 more so than for several weeks past2 the testimony of truth went forth freely1 and1 ,i think1 clothed with a good degree of power and demonstration of the spirit1 which produced a peaceful and thankful mind4 ,the rest of this week ,i was closely engaged in preparing my fallow ground1 and sowing my wheat and rye4 ,i am willing to do my part carefully and industriously2 and then ,i can with more confidence1 place my trust and dependence on a gracious and beneficent ,providence1 for a blessing on my labour3 for if care and industry be wanting1 there is nothing for him to bless4 ,first day1 the #beth4 ,a silent meeting to-day1 as to any vocal communication2 but my mind was too much intruded upon by unprofitable thoughts1 and interrupted by the unchristian commotions and din of war1 which are at present mightily prevailing in our land1 and by the frequent reports of blood and slaughter witnessed among professed human rational beings3 but alas6 how inhuman and irrational do they prove and proclaim themselves to be1 who can deliberately imbrue their hands in each other's blood for this world's honours and profits2 and dare at the same time to call themselves ,christians1 although so utterly estranged from the real ,christian spirit and life4 ,the remaining part of this week spent in my usual vocations4 ,first day1 the #b;d of #ajth month4 ,i was led1 in my communication to-day1 to show the unreasonableness of some people1 in looking to1 and depending on1 being made ,christians1 by the ministration of men1 and information derived from books and writings2 when1 alas1 the ministration of angels would be entirely insufficient for that purpose4 ,the ministration of the ,son and sent of ,god1 even the divine word that was in the beginning with ,god1 and was ,god1 is only sufficient to effect that great and blessed end3 and that1 not by any thing which he has spoken1 commanded1 or done without us1 but by what he speaks1 commands1 and does within us2 we yielding and submitting thereto by faithful obedience4 ,for there is no other way by which any have been1 or can be1 made real ,christians1 or true1 sincere1 sensible followers of ,christ1 in spirit and life4 ,nothing unusual transpired in the course of the remaining part of this week4 ,first day1 the #ith4 ,whilst sitting in our meeting to-day1 there was brought to my remembrance the following portion of ,paul's exhortation to his son ,timothy1 as recorded in his first epistle3 8,for bodily exercise profiteth little3 but godliness is profitable unto all things1 having promise of the life that now is1 and of that which is to come4 ,this is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation4 ,for therefore we both labour and suffer reproach1 because we trust in the living ,god1 who is the ,saviour of all men1 especially of those that believe40 ,the subject spread1 and my mind was opened to take an enlightened1 and enlarged view thereof2 so as to be induced to believe that a necessity was laid upon me to communicate it to the assembly2 and as ,i yielded thereto1 it still enlarged1 and led to an open field of doctrine4 ,i was clothed with gospel authority1 which produced a most precious solemnity and calm over the meeting4 ,it was evidently the ,lord's doing1 and it was marvellous in my eyes2 and my spirit was made thankful for the renewed1 and unmerited mercy and favour4 ,second and third days4 ,were spent in attending our meeting for sufferings1 at which information was received1 through one of its corresponding members1 that the ,legislature of our state1 now sitting1 were about forming a bill to lay a heavy tax on the members of our society1 to be paid in lieu of personal military service2 which1 if passed into a law1 would be likely to expose many of our members to severe suffering4 ,the subject brought considerable exercise over the meeting1 which led into a discussion of our testimony against war2 in which it appeared manifest1 that the deficiency of many of our members1 in regard to a right support thereof1 tended to obstruct1 in a very considerable degree1 our stepping forward1 consistently with the nature of our appointment1 to seek redress therein3 nevertheless1 after a considerable time spent thereon1 and many different prospects opened1 the meeting so far agreed1 as to separate a committee of six ,friends1 to pay especial attention to the subject3 who were directed to proceed therein1 as the necessity of the case might require1 and way should open for4 ,fourth day4 ,spent in assisting two of my neighbours to settle their business2 and wrote a will for each of them4 ,this is a business that every man ought to attend to1 and complete1 in time of health4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our preparative meeting1 and it being the one preceding our quarterly meeting1 the queries were to be answered4 ,as one of the overseers was likely to be necessarily absent from the preparative meeting1 they met a day or two previous thereto1 and prepared essays of answers2 and the one who attended1 produced them to the meeting at the time of entering upon reading and answering the queries4 ,as ,i had long believed1 from observation and experience1 that this method was inconsistent with the nature of our profession1 and right order of our discipline1 as well as in its tendency very hurtful and weakening to the meeting1 my mind was very much exercised on the occasion2 and the more so1 in finding several ,friends willing to adopt the practice3 but1 after the matter had been pretty fully spoken to1 under a weight of concern1 ,friends agreed to lay the essays aside1 and not notice them2 which was a considerable relief to my mind4 ,sixth and seventh days4 ,passed without any thing particular to notice4 ,first day1 the #afth4 ,my mind was brought under a renewed exercise in our meeting1 from a view and consideration of the very small improvement and progress made by a great portion of our society in religious experience1 when compared with the opportunities they were so abundantly favoured with from time to time4 ,it led to a communication on the subject1 which was introduced by a revival of ,paul's reprehension of the ,hebrews3 8,for when for the time ye ought to be teachers1 ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of ,god3 and are become such as have need of milk1 and not of strong meat40 ,the subject spread1 and brought a solemn weight over the meeting1 and ,friends were pressingly excited to greater diligence in the right improvement of their precious time2 that so when the day of solemn inquisition comes1 they may be prepared to give in their account with joy1 and receive the desired and peaceful answer of3 8well done thou good and faithful servant2 thou hast been faithful over a few things1 ,i will make thee ruler over many things3 enter thou into the joy of thy ,lord40 ,our monthly meeting was held on fifth day2 and1 ,i think1 the business was well and harmoniously conducted4 ,the rest of the week ,i was busily employed in my usual vocations2 and divers things occurred1 which induced gratitude and thankfulness of heart to the blessed ,author of all our mercies4 ,first day1 the #bc;d4 ,a silent meeting to-day4 ,what a precious thing it is1 to be taught to know when to speak1 and when to be silent4 ,our quarterly meeting was held this week at ,flushing4 ,it was1 ,i think1 through the several sittings1 a searching1 instructive1 favoured season4 ,in the meeting of ,ministers and ,elders1 and meeting for discipline1 many of the hidden things of ,esau1 or the first nature1 were searched out and made manifest2 and their inconsistency with the gospel dispensation1 and hurtful tendency1 exposed2 particularly that of coveting and grasping after riches2 to obtain which1 many of the members of our society had launched into extensive business1 more particularly in the line of commerce1 and1 in order to carry it on1 had involved themselves in debt beyond their ability to pay2 and1 to keep up a false credit1 had1 by a show of friendship1 and a deceptive appearance of having great possessions1 drawn in others to lend them money1 and become their sureties for large sums2 until both the borrower and lender were involved in utter ruin1 to the great scandal of themselves1 the distress of their families1 and reproach of our holy profession4 ,others there were1 who1 for want of keeping close to the foundation principle of our profession1 the inward divine light1 and faithful testimony-bearer in the heart and conscience1 had given way to busy themselves1 and take a part in1 the political disputes and controversies among the people1 relative to the governments of this world2 which at this time ran high1 and had produced war and distress in the land2 by which1 they not only grieved their concerned ,friends1 but brought much reproach upon themselves and their profession4 ,my mind was deeply exercised on account of these things2 and ,i was constrained to bear a full and faithful testimony against all such inconsistent and unchristian conduct2 and to call ,friends' attention to the necessity of a more close adherence to the internal principle of divine light and truth1 as the only sure ,director and ,preserver1 in times of trial4 ,the closing meeting1 held for worship1 was eminently favoured with the ,divine presence2 and the concurring testimonies borne1 gave evidence of his presiding power2 and his great name was supplicated1 and gratitude and thanksgiving were rendered to him for his continued mercy4 ,first day1 the #cjth4 ,in the forepart of our meeting to-day1 my mind seemed clothed with great weakness1 and much interrupted by the continued succession of unnecessary and unprofitable thoughts3 but as ,i continued to endeavour to draw my attention from them1 although to little effect1 till towards the close of the meeting1 my mind was unexpectedly arrested with a subject very interesting to every immortal soul1 that of coming to believe in1 and become settled on1 the eternal and unchangeable rock of salvation1 ,christ the divine light1 as prophesied of1 not only as 8a light to lighten the ,gentiles10 but to be ,god's salvation to the ends of the earth4 ,the subject spread1 accompanied with life2 which1 as communicated under the influence thereof1 spread over the meeting1 and it became a comfortable refreshing season4 ,it was evidently the ,lord's doing1 and worthy of thankful acknowledgment1 for the unmerited mercy4 ,second1 third1 and fourth days4 ,busily employed with my workmen1 assisting them in securing our corn1 c4 ,it was a bountiful crop1 which made the labour pleasant1 and the heart thankful4 ,fifth day4 ,at our meeting to-day1 which was larger than usual1 occasioned by the marriage of one of my daughters1 ,i was led to set forth1 by public testimony1 the excellency of the divine fear1 and its blessed and salutary effects on the minds of those1 who live daily under an humbling sense thereof2 and1 by the persuasive language of entreaty1 endeavoured to arrest the minds of the tender and beloved youth present1 with a sense of the necessity of having it to dwell richly in their hearts1 as the only sure means of preservation1 from the many evils and temptations which abound in the world4 ,a comfortable calm was brought over the meeting1 a fit preparative for the quiet and orderly accomplishment of the intended marriage4 ,it was cause of thankfulness to my mind1 having been favoured to have four daughters1 out of five1 agreeably married1 in the comely order of ,friends3 the other1 yet single1 a tender precious young woman1 observing with pious submission her parents' counsel4 ,but this is a blessing which few parents enjoy1 except those who live under a daily concern1 with timely and continued care1 to watch over and nurture their tender offspring in the fear of the ,lord4 ,sixth day4 ,accompanied our daughter with her husband to his father's house1 and returned in the evening4 ,seventh day4 ,spent in my family cares1 and ended the week with a peaceful mind4 ,first day1 the #fth of #aath month4 ,my lot was silence to-day4 ,a pleasant lot indeed1 when the ,master wills it so4 ,second1 third1 and fourth days4 ,employed diligently in my ordinary affairs4 ,the rest of the week was devoted to religious concerns4 ,we had the company of a ministering ,friend from ,west ,jersey on fifth day at our meeting1 through whose fervent labour the life was raised into dominion2 which made it a comfortable and instructive season4 ,accompanied him the two following days to ,bethpage and ,jerusalem1 having a meeting at each place2 both of which were seasons of favour4 ,first day1 #acth4 ,passed our meeting again in silence1 under the comfortable feelings of a mind resigned either to speak or to be silent4 ,second1 third1 and fourth days4 ,spent in my usual concerns4 ,fifth day4 ,was our monthly meeting1 at which we had the company of the same ,friend1 who attended our meeting the fifth day preceding4 ,i had near unity with him in his exercise2 and had to bear a corresponding testimony1 both in the men's and women's meeting4 ,it was a season of favour2 and much suitable counsel was administered1 tending to excite ,friends to greater faithfulness and circumspection in the right ordering of their families1 and in bringing up and educating their children1 in the nurture and admonition of the ,lord1 consistent with our holy profession4 ,sixth and seventh days4 ,returned1 as respects the mind1 like ,mordecai to the king's gate2 while my hands were busily employed in my family affairs4 ,first day1 the #bjth4 ,having felt my mind for some time increasingly inclined to sit with ,friends in their meeting at ,martinicock1 ,i thought it right at this time to attend thereto2 but when ,i came there1 my mind felt so vacant and void of concern1 that for some time ,i was ready to conclude1 that if my coming was of any use1 it would all be included in my personal presence1 as an example of silence3 but after a time of quiet waiting1 a subject presented1 and the life rose with it1 and opened to a large communication1 in which the gospel was preached in the demonstration of the spirit1 and with such power attending as produced a very solemn covering over the meeting2 and many hearts present were broken and contrited4 ,for this favour my mind was clothed with gratitude and thanksgiving to the bountiful ,author of all our mercies and blessings1 8who is over all1 ,god blessed for ever40 ,the rest of this week ,i spent about home1 mostly employed in my temporal concerns4 ,passed our fifth day meeting in silence2 and the week ended with a peaceful mind1 which ,i account an unmerited favour4 ,first day1 the #bgth4 ,feeling my mind drawn to sit with ,friends at ,westbury1 ,i accordingly attended their meeting1 in which ,i was led to set forth the excellency of the state described by the apostle ,paul1 which is freed from condemnation1 and is effected by a full submission and obedience to the law of the spirit of life in ,christ ,jesus1 which sets free from the law of sin and death4 ,it was an open1 and1 ,i trust1 a profitable opportunity to some present2 and ,i felt peace in my labour4 ,second day4 ,attended the funeral of a neighbour1 whose wife was a member of our society2 and1 although he had been a very intemperate man1 yet1 towards his close1 he signified a desire to be laid in ,friends' burial ground1 which was allowed4 ,his widow being desirous ,i should attend the funeral1 ,i went accordingly with several other ,friends4 ,the neighbourhood was chiefly ,dutch people1 and a considerable number attended4 ,we had a solemn opportunity among them3 the testimony borne had a very reaching effect on many1 especially among the youth2 and ,i was made thankful for the opportunity4 ,third and fourth days4 ,occupied in laying in my winter store of provisions4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our meeting4 ,it was a quiet encouraging season4 ,towards the latter part1 ,i was concerned to show to ,friends the hurtful tendency of evil thinking1 which ,i introduced by that short saying3 ,evil be to him1 that evil thinks4 ,the subject enlarged1 and spread increased weight over the meeting2 and many minds were humbled and contrited2 and we parted under the solemn covering4 ,sixth and seventh days4 ,occupied in my usual concerns1 with attendant peace of mind4 ,first day1 the #dth of #abth month4 ,a quiet silent meeting to-day4 ,second1 third1 and fourth days4 ,diversely engaged4 ,part of the time occupied with many other ,friends1 in collecting some relief for the poor in the city of ,new-,york2 the present tumultuous state of public affairs having reduced many of the labouring part of the citizens to a suffering state1 for want of the necessaries of life4 ,fifth day4 ,in the meeting for worship which preceded our preparative meeting1 ,i felt my mind renewedly engaged to call ,friends' attention to a faithful support of our ,christian testimonies2 particularly those against war and injustice2 and that all might with firmness maintain our ,christian liberties1 without fear1 favour1 or affection1 against every encroachment of the secular powers2 as1 in the present disturbed state of public affairs1 laws had recently been enacted1 levying taxes and other requisitions for the support of war2 which was now spreading and making its destructive ravages in our once peaceful land4 ,a solemn weight covered the meeting during the communication2 and ,i was favoured to relieve my mind for the present1 from the weight of concern and exercise it lay under on those accounts4 ,sixth and seventh days4 ,busily engaged in my family concerns2 believing with the apostle1 that he who doth not take the necessary care for his own1 and families' comfortable support1 may be considered to have denied the faith1 and in that respect is worse than an infidel4 ,first day1 the #aath4 ,being invited to attend the funeral of a woman attached to ,friends1 though not a member2 a widow of my acquaintance in our neighbouring town of ,hempstead2 and feeling an inclination thereto1 ,i attended accordingly4 ,there was a considerable collection1 mostly made up of ,episcopalians1 ,presbyterians1 and ,methodists2 among whom my mind was enlarged in gospel love1 and led to sound forth the glad tidings of life and salvation1 through ,jesus ,christ the second ,adam1 the ,lord from heaven1 a quickening spirit2 showing that by a full submission to the inward operation of this spirit1 a manifestation of which is given to every man to profit withal1 we experience the truth of that remarkable saying of the apostle ,paul3 ,for as in ,adam1 or the first fallen nature1 all die2 so in ,christ1 the second ,adam1 or the renewed and quickened state1 all are made alive2 and therefore born again1 not of corruptible seed1 but of the incorruptible seed and word of ,god1 that liveth and abideth for ever4 ,it was a highly favoured season1 in which the ,lord's power was exalted1 and the truth reigned over all1 bowing the assembly generally2 and many hearts were broken and contrited4 ,it was evidently the ,lord's doing1 and marvellous in mine eyes2 and engaged renewed gratitude and thankfulness of heart for the unmerited mercy4 ,second and third days4 ,spent in attending our meeting for sufferings in ,new-,york1 in which an opportunity opened to relieve my mind of a concern ,i had been for some time exercised under1 on account of some recent laws enacted by the general government of this country1 and the legislature of the state of ,new-,york2 which1 in their tendency1 were opposite to our testimony against war and injustice2 and were likely to produce much suffering to the faithful in our society1 who saw they could not yield to the requisition of those laws1 without balking their ,christian testimonies in these respects4 ,i was led to excite ,friends to unity in this concern2 as the want of uniformity would very much tend to lay waste those precious testimonies1 and increase the sufferings of the society4 ,fourth day4 ,attended our neighbouring monthly meeting of ,westbury4 ,my mind was engaged to call ,friends' attention to a more close adherence to discipline2 the right management of which could not be profitably effected1 without keeping to a right and sound form4 ,i felt satisfaction in my labour1 in a belief that the honest-hearted were strengthened and encouraged4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our own monthly meeting1 at which we had the company of our friend ,john ,winslow1 from the district of ,maine1 in ,new ,england4 ,his gospel labours1 in the line of the ministry1 were acceptable and edifying4 ,at this meeting1 ,i opened to my friends a prospect1 which had for some time attended my mind to make a visit to some scattered families of our society1 who resided in the outskirts of our quarterly meeting2 some of whom1 being distant from meeting1 but seldom attended4 ,i had also a view of visiting some families who were not members1 and of appointing some meetings1 among some of the neighbouring inhabitants of other societies4 ,the meeting united with the prospect1 and left me at liberty to pursue it1 as way might open4 ,on sixth and seventh days1 ,i accompanied our friend ,john ,winslow to ,bethpage and ,jerusalem2 attending a meeting in each place4 ,the ,lord our gracious helper was near1 strengthening and qualifying to preach the gospel of life and salvation in the clear demonstration of the spirit1 and with power2 humbling and contriting many present1 and rejoicing the minds of the honest-hearted4 ,first day1 the #ahth4 ,i attended our own meeting2 and was favoured therein with a lively impressive testimony which produced a very comfortable solemnity over the meeting1 and rendered it an instructive edifying season4 ,on second day1 by appointment1 ,i met our friend ,john ,winslow at a meeting in the town of ,oysterbay2 where we again witnessed the ,shepherd of ,israel to be near1 enabling us to discharge ourselves faithfully to the people2 setting the truth above errour1 and left it upon them1 whether they will hear1 or forbear4 ,on third day evening1 had an appointed meeting for the black people in our meeting-house at ,jericho4 ,it appeared to be owned in a very especial manner by the ,master of our assemblies1 who furnished doctrine suited to their states and conditions2 and the truth reigned over all1 fully evidencing that the ,lord our ,god is no respecter of persons1 but is gracious and merciful unto all2 and that in every nation1 kindred1 tongue1 and people1 those that fear him1 and work righteousness1 are accepted of him4 ,fourth day4 ,attended an appointed meeting1 about four miles easterly from ,jericho4 ,it was a highly favoured season2 most present were affected by the prevalence of truth1 that ran as oil4 ,surely it was the ,lord's doing1 and worthy of grateful acknowledgments and thanksgiving1 for the unmerited favour4 ,in the evening we attended another meeting at ,cold ,spring2 and although not so open as the former1 yet we were favoured to clear ourselves among them2 and left them with the reward of peace in our labour4 ,fifth day4 ,attended a meeting in the morning at the house of a man not a member1 at ,huntington ,west ,neck2 and in the evening one at the west end of the town of ,huntington1 at ,peleg ,woods'4 ,the first was a very precious season to the visiters1 and1 ,i trust also1 to most or all of the visited3 the latter a stripping time in the forepart1 but ended well4 ,sixth day4 ,visited some families on our way home1 which visits1 ,i believe1 were mutually comfortable4 ,seventh day4 ,spent partly in repairing the travelling vehicle of our friend aforenamed1 who had accompanied me in the above tour4 ,first day1 the #beth4 ,my mind1 while sitting in our meeting1 was opened on the subject of faith1 in the revival of that ,scripture passage1 viz3 8,all men have not faith40 ,i was led1 in a clear full testimony1 to show to the auditory1 why all men have not faith2 although the means of obtaining it are freely offered to the acceptance of all2 yet it is not to be obtained by man's natural wisdom or acquirements1 but only by and through the operation and inspiration of the grace and spirit of ,god1 as man yields in obedience and submission thereunto3 hence he comes to know ,god1 by the inward experimental touches of his own life and power in his soul2 and hence springs up in him1 as he patiently submits thereunto1 that living operative faith1 that works by love to the purifying of the heart2 but such as are exercising themselves in their own speculative wisdom1 and refuse submission to the manifestations of divine grace1 have not faith1 because they reject the only means by which it can be obtained4 ,the truth was raised into dominion1 to the praise of him who is over all1 ,god blessed for ever4 ,second and third days4 ,busily employed in my husbandry and family affairs2 each day closing with a peaceful mind4 ,fourth and fifth days4 ,i attended the meetings at ,westbury and ,cowneck2 and previous notice being given of my intention of attending them1 they were larger than usual at that time in the week4 ,through the gracious condescension of ,israel's never-failing ,helper1 my mind was opened to declare to the people of the things concerning the kingdom of ,god1 in two large doctrinal testimonies1 one at each place1 suited to the states of the auditories4 ,the doctrines delivered distilled as the dew on the minds of many who were present2 causing tears of contrition to trickle down their cheeks4 ,surely such seasons are as a brook by the way to the honest exercised traveller ,zion-ward2 as they tend to an increase of faith1 and inspire with fresh courage to persevere in the heavenly journey4 ,i also attended an appointed meeting in the intermediate evening at ,hempstead ,harbour4 ,although ,i was led in my communication to treat in a full clear manner divers particular doctrines of the gospel3 yet it seemed to have but little entrance in the minds of those present1 which made the exercise arduous1 and afforded but little satisfaction in the end4 ,this ,i have found mostly to be the case1 in neighbourhoods where the minds of the people are led to adhere to outward1 formal and ceremonial performances in religion2 and especially where much self-activity and bodily exercise is superadded1 which is very much the case with the principal part of this neighbourhood3 and those not of this description are1 except a few1 in a state of lukewarmness and almost entire indifferency1 respecting those things which belong to their soul's salvation4 ,on sixth day1 ,i attended the funeral of a person who died in a ,friend's family1 wherein he had been a labourer for many years1 in the neighbourhood last mentioned4 ,although but few collected1 yet the opportunity was solemn2 and the testimony borne had a reaching effect on the minds of divers present especially on several of the youth4 ,may it be fastened by the ,master of assemblies1 as a nail in a sure place4 ,seventh day4 ,occupied in my temporal concerns2 and the week1 and the year1 ended with a peaceful mind4 ,first day1 the #ast of #ast month1 #ahae4 ,my mind1 while silently waiting in our meeting1 was opened to view in prospect the beauty and excellency of order4 ,as it spread on my mind1 ,i felt constrained to communicate on the subject2 and to show1 that all things1 which continued in full subjection to the divine will1 were preserved in the same beautiful order they were arranged in from the beginning2 and that all disorder sprang from1 and was the effect of1 a will separate and distinct from the divine will4 ,for as ,god is a ,god of order1 and is also the creator of all things1 of course there can be no order and right harmony in his creation1 but what he is the sole author of3 hence the necessity of every created being becoming wholly subject to his heavenly and divine will1 as nothing else can possibly restore the creation to its primitive order and harmony3 and when this is effected1 there will be a perfect subjection of every distinct and separate will1 to the will of our heavenly ,father4 ,then the whole creation will stand in a state of subservience to the divine will2 then will the morning stars again resume their song1 and all the sons of ,god shout for joy4 ,o6 happy day1 may the ,lord hasten it in his own time4 ,second day4 ,i attended the funeral of a young man1 who was killed by the falling of his horse4 ,he was in company with a number of loose young men at a tavern1 where they had been running horses2 and his horse threw him off in a fearful manner2 nevertheless he escaped unhurt3 but shortly after1 as he was riding from the tavern1 his horse fell with him1 and he died with the hurt he received by the fall1 in about a week after4 ,the accident had considerable effect on his young companions2 and impressed their minds with sadness and alarm4 ,they were generally present at his funeral2 as also were most of the youth in the neighbourhood1 for a considerable distance round2 who1 with others of riper years1 made a large collection4 ,the ,lord1 who is always graciously near1 and ready to help in every needful time1 opened my mouth among them in a large affecting testimony1 suiting the occasion4 ,it was a very humbling solemn season1 not soon to be forgotten by many present2 and my spirit was made thankful for the unmerited favour4 ,after the funeral1 ,i went1 with my wife and daughter ,elizabeth1 to ,islip1 to see our grandson1 who is in a weakly declining state4 ,we returned home the next evening4 ,fourth day4 ,engaged in my family concerns4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our meeting to-day in silence4 ,we had the company of our friend ,phebe ,i4 ,merritt1 from ,new-,york1 who also sat most of the meeting in silence2 but appeared towards the close in a short testimony1 which spread a good degree of life over the meeting2 which was truly gladdening4 ,sixth and seventh days4 ,part of the time occupied in temporal concerns2 and part in assisting an ancient ,friend1 upwards of ninety years of age1 in settling his business1 and writing his will4 ,he appeared competent to the purpose1 both as to memory and understanding4 ,first day1 the #hth4 ,my mind was in unison with the exercise and testimony of our friend ,phebe ,i4 ,merritt1 who was again with us at our meeting to-day2 and ,i found it my duty towards the close of the meeting to set my seal thereto1 in a short impressive testimony3 and1 ,i trust1 the meeting closed under a sensible degree of divine favour1 worthy of our thankfulness and gratitude4 ,second and third days4 ,while my hands were busily employed in my temporal business1 my mind was often led to rise above all temporal enjoyments2 and to contemplate on things of an eternal nature4 ,in the course of my meditations ,i was led to contrast those who are led and influenced by the wisdom and will of man1 with those who are led and influenced by the wisdom and will of ,god2 and it was opened to me that1 of necessity1 the former must be ruled and governed by the wisdom and power of man3 hence the necessity of coercion1 and hence the necessity of war2 as every government of coercion1 must of necessity be set up and maintained by the force and fear of the sword1 as that is the last alternative1 in every government1 set up in the wisdom and will of man4 ,but those1 who are led and influenced by the wisdom and will of ,god1 have no necessity of being governed by any thing else than the divine wisdom and will1 through the power of persuasive love2 and no other coercion can ever be necessary in the kingdom of heaven1 where nothing reigns but love1 peace1 and joy undefiled1 without intermission4 ,and ,o6 that every rational being was so inspired with a real soul-craving desire1 after the enjoyment of this heavenly and peaceful kingdom1 as not to rest until he had gained a satisfactory assurance1 that his name was enrolled in that city1 which hath foundations whose builder and maker the ,lord is4 ,fourth day4 ,i rode to ,new-,york1 in order to attend the funeral of our beloved friend1 ,matthew ,franklin1 to take place the next day4 ,he was taken with an apoplectic fit while speaking in the morning meeting in ,pearl-street1 on the preceding first day4 ,he appeared lively in testimony1 but was suddenly stopped by indisposition1 and sat quietly down3 but soon arose and withdrew1 and was followed by some of his friends1 and would have fallen as soon as he got out1 had he not been upheld by them4 ,in a few minutes he fell into an almost senseless state1 as to the body1 not being able to speak afterwards2 and quietly expired at about half past seven in the evening of the following day3 and1 we trust1 has safely landed in that celestial port1 where the wicked cease from troubling1 and the weary soul is at rest4 ,he appeared amiable in his life and conversation1 and was generally beloved by his friends and acquaintance1 especially the youth2 for whose improvement and preservation1 he often appeared very solicitous4 ,the unusually large attendance at his funeral1 and the solemnity that appeared in the countenances of the multitude assembled1 7the meeting-house though large not containing perhaps more than two-thirds of those that gathered17 carried full evidence of the correctness of the foregoing representation1 as did also the testimonies borne on that solemn occasion4 ,i attended1 besides the funeral on fifth day1 two other meetings2 one at ,liberty-street in the morning1 it being ,friends' meeting day at that place1 and a meeting for the people of colour in ,pearl-street4 ,the latter was very large4 ,my mouth was opened in each assembly to speak of those things which relate to the kingdom of ,god1 especially at the funeral2 and in the meeting for the people of colour1 my mind was largely opened to preach the gospel in the demonstration of the spirit1 and the ,lord's power attended1 humbling and solemnizing the assemblies4 ,it was evidently the ,lord's doing4 ,may all the honour and praise be ascribed to him1 for he only is worthy1 both now and for ever4 ,lie low1 ,o my soul6 and be humbled in the dust1 from a due sense of such unmerited mercy4 ,on sixth day1 ,i rode to ,manhattanville1 and attended a meeting there in the evening4 ,it was for the most part1 ,i think1 a favoured season4 ,the truth was largely declared1 and appeared to have a reaching effect upon most present4 ,seventh day4 ,returned to the city1 and attended a meeting in the evening in the ,bowery2 which ,i had appointed the day before ,i left town4 ,it was a very solemn quiet meeting1 the power of truth flowed freely1 and ,i hope had a profitable entrance with some4 ,may it prove as a nail1 fastened in a sure place4 ,,chapter ,,ix4 ,visit to families of ,friends in ,new-,york1 and engagements at and about home1 #ahae4 ,first day1 the #aeth of #ast month1 #ahae4 ,i attended ,friends' meetings in ,new-,york4 ,was at ,pearl-street in the morning1 and the other in the afternoon4 ,my mind was opened to communicate largely in both meetings2 and was led1 in the course of the testimonies1 to open divers particular doctrines of the gospel2 and to distinguish between the law state1 and that of the gospel2 and to show to the people1 that as all the shadows of the law stood in1 and consisted of1 outward and elementary things1 they must end in the gospel1 which is the substance of all shadows2 and of course supercedes them all4 ,it was a day of favour1 in which the ,lord's power was exalted2 and his name and truth set above all errour and untruth4 ,on second day evening ,i attended the meeting for sufferings1 which was adjourned to that time on a particular occasion4 ,we sat again the next day1 when we finished the business before us4 ,in the evening ,i attended a meeting ,i had appointed for the labouring class of the community1 and for those in low circumstances4 ,the weather was very inclement2 it being a snow storm2 which prevented most of the women from attending3 but there was a considerable number of men1 who behaved with great order and solemnity4 ,they received1 with much attention1 the truths delivered3 which inspired a hope1 that the opportunity would be blest1 and a real benefit experienced by many of them4 ,fourth day4 ,i attended ,friends' meeting in ,pearl-street1 which proved a comfortable1 and1 ,i believe1 instructive season to some1 especially among the youth4 ,after this1 ,i returned home with peace of mind1 and a thankful sense of the continued mercy of a gracious ,god to his creature man1 amidst all his backslidings and transgressions4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our own monthly meeting2 in which ,i had to lay before ,friends the great advantage that would result1 not only to us as individuals1 but also to society1 by individual faithfulness1 and a full belief and trust in the divine providence2 and a strict and undeviating adherence to the order and discipline of the ,church1 for which labour ,i had peace4 ,sixth day4 ,i attended the funeral of ,charles ,valentine1 son of ,david ,valentine1 at ,moscheto ,cove4 ,it was very largely attended by ,friends and others4 ,i had an open time among them2 which was introduced with this scripture exhortation3 8,stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith ,christ hath made us free1 and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage40 ,the subject was largely opened1 showing that all the works of the flesh did in a lesser or greater degree bring the mind under a yoke of bondage2 and that the fear of death was a principal one1 out of which many others originated2 such as every means of self defence1 that consisted in war and warlike preparations4 ,every ceremonial performance in matters of a religious nature2 such as water baptism1 and what is called the ordinance of the supper1 in the use of outward bread and wine1 not being essential bring a yoke and burden on the believer in ,christ2 as he came purposely to set his followers free from all signs and shadows1 and bring them into the possession and enjoyment of the substance2 whereby we come to know all the shadows to flee away and come to an end2 as ,christ manifested1 is the substance and end of all shadows4 ,it was a highly favoured season4 ,the truth was raised into dominion and ran freely1 humbling and contriting many hearts4 ,may the praise1 the honour1 and the glory be all ascribed to ,him1 who opens and none can shut1 and who shuts and none can open2 and who remains to be 8,god over all1 blessed for ever40 ,seventh day4 ,attended to some necessary repairs about my farm and tenements4 ,for as ,i am much from home attending to my religious engagements1 when ,i feel a liberty to be at home1 ,i find it needful to be industriously employed1 to keep my temporal concerns in order2 so that when ,i leave home on truth's account1 my mind may be at liberty1 without thinking much about them4 ,first day4 ,attended our own meeting1 mostly in silence4 ,the rest of this week was principally taken up in preparing for and attending our quarterly meeting1 which was held at ,westbury4 ,it was pretty largely attended1 both the meeting for discipline1 and that for public worship2 the latter was somewhat hurt by an unskilful appearance in the ministry1 in the forepart1 but ended well4 ,in the meeting of ,ministers and ,elders1 as also in that for discipline1 a living exercise and concern were prevalent with divers ,friends1 not only in searching out the causes of the numerous weaknesses and deficiencies that were manifest in society1 but also endeavouring for their removal1 by much tender and pressing advice and counsel1 suited to the states of those who were delinquent4 ,many minds were brought under an humbling exercise and travail of spirit in those solemn opportunities2 and divers young ,friends1 who were under the forming hand1 preparing for usefulness in the ,church1 came forth at this time1 and publicly espoused the cause of truth and righteousness1 uniting with their elder brethren in the exercise and travail which were felt to prevail in those favoured meetings4 ,my spirit was led into near sympathy with these1 and fervent was the desire and prayer of my mind for their preservation in the path of duty2 that so they might grow up and become useful in society1 and faithful labourers and pillars in the ,lord's house1 that should go no more out4 ,first day1 the #bith4 ,we had a comfortable meeting to-day1 mostly in quiet silent retirement2 except towards the close my mind was quickened and opened to a short communication1 in the remembrance of the case of ,joseph and his brethren2 wherein ,i was led to recapitulate their envy and hatred towards him1 and to show that their wicked intentions in selling him1 to prevent his rising to the power and dignity which his dreams appeared to forbode1 were the very means in the ordering of divine providence of accomplishing their fulfilment2 and of course made their bowing and making their obeisance to him much more humiliating than it would have been had they conducted themselves towards him in the line of true brotherhood1 and had he been raised to the dignity and power he was1 by some other way4 ,but herein was the true proverb verified3 ,let envy alone1 and it will punish itself4 ,i was led further to open the malignity and baneful effects of those hateful1 and very evil propensities4 ,a solemn weight covered the meeting2 and we parted under a thankful sense of the favour4 ,the rest of this week ,i spent in my ordinary vocations1 and in visiting some friends under bodily affliction4 ,first day1 the #eth of #b;d month4 ,i left home in order to proceed again in the concern ,i had engaged in1 to visit some of the inhabitants in some of our neighbouring towns1 and some scattered families of ,friends and others4 ,i spent the week in this service1 and attended nine meetings1 all by appointment in places where no meetings are held except one2 and visited eleven families of ,friends1 and persons not members4 ,although ,i left home under much depression of spirit1 attended with great discouragement1 insomuch that ,i was brought near to a conclusion that it would be safest to tarry at home1 and wait for a more full manifestation2 yet1 as ,i brought the subject to the test in my own mind1 and patiently waited for an answer in much abasedness and humiliation1 a small degree of light sprang up1 in which the voice said1 go and trust in the ,lord to open the way4 ,my mind was then centered in a state of perfect acquiescence2 and ,i proceeded accordingly1 seeing nothing further when ,i left home1 than to attend the meeting of ,friends at ,bethpage4 ,this was the first ,i attended2 but before the close of that meeting1 light sprang up1 and the way in which ,i should advance clearly opened2 and as my trust and dependence were fixed in the arm of divine sufficiency1 strength and ability were furnished from season to season1 faithfully to espouse the cause of truth and righteousness1 and to preach the gospel in the clear demonstration of the spirit1 and with power2 convincing and contriting many minds1 and relieving and comforting my own4 ,my heart was inspired with continual thankfulness and gratitude to the blessed ,author of all our mercies4 ,i returned home on seventh day evening1 accompanied with true peace of mind4 ,first day1 #abth4 ,attended our own meeting2 and after a pretty long season of solemn silence1 my mind was opened to communication1 in the revival of the following declaration of the apostle ,james3 8,for as the body without the spirit is dead1 so faith without works is dead also40 ,the subject was largely and impressively opened1 which brought a solemn covering over the meeting1 and made it a season of comfort and edification4 ,surely such seasons administer cause for all the humble and contrite in heart to thank ,god and take courage2 and press forward in the holy and heavenly way4 ,second day4 ,i found liberty to occupy this day in my temporal concerns4 ,third day4 ,i attended the funeral of a man1 not a member1 at ,jerusalem4 ,there was a very large collection of people1 composed of the different classes of civil society2 and although it was a time of extreme cold1 and the means for rendering the rooms1 wherein the people assembled1 comfortable1 very inadequate for that end1 yet they were generally very quiet and orderly1 and appeared to pay great attention to the doctrines delivered4 ,my heart and mouth were opened among them1 to speak of the things concerning the kingdom of heaven1 and to set forth1 in a clear and forcible manner1 the way and means of man's salvation2 and that nothing short of a freedom from sin1 and the experience of real righteousness1 would be sufficient to effect that great and happy end4 ,fourth day4 ,i attended the monthly meeting at ,westbury2 and had some close searching exercise1 both in the meeting for worship and that for discipline1 tending to quicken ,friends' minds to a more lively concern for the arising of the divine life in their meetings2 that so their faith might be productive of good works2 and they qualified to serve the ,lord in newness of life1 and not in the oldness of the letter4 ,fifth day4 ,i attended our own monthly meeting4 ,we had but little business to attend to at this time4 ,i found it incumbent1 before the meeting closed1 to submit a prospect that attended my mind to the consideration of the meeting1 to visit the families of ,friends of the monthly meeting of ,new-,york2 and received ,friends' united concurrence therein4 ,sixth day4 ,i spent with my family1 and in my family concerns2 and in the evening attended a meeting ,i had appointed at ,woolver ,hollow1 a neighbourhood consisting mostly of ,dutch people4 ,it was a very solemn quiet meeting1 and ,i had good service among them1 to the mutual comfort and edification of most present4 ,seventh day4 ,i left home again on my former concern in visiting some more of the scattered families of ,friends and others1 in the suburbs of our quarterly meeting2 having not fully accomplished that service4 ,our first meeting was the next day at ,rockaway1 among my relatives and acquaintance1 this having been the place of my former residence4 ,although the meeting at this time was small1 partly occasioned by the inclemency of the weather1 yet1 through the gracious extendings of divine love1 it proved a favoured season4 ,after this1 we proceeded eastward on the southern part of the island1 and had five more meetings among those not in membership with us1 except here and there a scattered family1 or part of a family2 yet numbers of them appear to be convinced of the truth of the doctrines and principles of ,friends2 and many of them1 ,i believe1 if they continue faithful to their convincement1 will in time become members with us4 ,we also had some edifying seasons in the few scattered families of ,friends in this quarter1 and in a number of families of those inclining to ,friends4 ,we returned home on fifth day evening2 and ,i found sweet peace in thus dedicating myself to the promotion of the cause of truth and righteousness in the earth4 ,sixth and seventh days4 ,devoted to the care of my family and household concerns2 which ,i find to be my incumbent duty1 when at liberty from my religious engagements and gospel services4 ,first day1 the #bfth4 ,attended our own meeting to-day4 ,second day4 ,attended the funeral of a woman not a member2 and the family being inclined to ,friends1 a meeting was held on the occasion1 which proved a profitable edifying opportunity4 ,third day4 ,i proceeded to ,new-,york1 in order to attend the monthly meeting the next day2 in which ,i opened my prospect of visiting the families belonging thereto1 with which the meeting united4 ,but feeling a concern to attend the monthly meeting to be held at ,flushing the following day1 before entering on the family visit1 ,i accordingly went4 ,the meeting for worship1 which preceded that for discipline1 was a favoured season1 in which truth reigned4 ,i likewise had a large favoured meeting with the inhabitants of the town in the evening2 and the next day returned to ,new-,york4 ,seventh day1 the #dth of #c;d month4 ,i began the family visit4 ,sat with twelve families1 in some of which ,i felt the renewed visitation of the heavenly ,father's love1 in which the visited and visiters were united in the bond of ,christian fellowship2 which tended to inspire with strength to persevere and trust in the ,lord1 who hath graciously promised1 that they who trust in him shall not be confounded3 but in others1 things were much out of order1 and darkness spread over us at times as a curtain1 when we found it needful to be clothed with faith and patience2 and as these were abode in1 after a time of suffering with the seed1 way was mostly made to set the testimony of truth over darkness and errour4 ,many were convicted and instructed2 and peace afforded to my own mind4 ,samuel ,parsons kindly accompanied me in the greater part of the visit2 and cordially united and sympathized with me therein4 ,first day4 ,i attended the meetings at ,liberty-street1 both forenoon and afternoon1 and sat with four families2 and1 in the course of the week1 seventy more4 ,in these we met with a variety of states and conditions1 which renders such services truly arduous and exercising1 requiring great inward attention to the divine gift2 as nothing else can open to the diverse states of the people1 and qualify to speak suitably to their several conditions1 to their improvement and help2 and give the answer of peace to those under such exercises4 ,i also attended ,friends' meetings1 held in the middle of the week1 at ,pearl and ,liberty streets4 ,at the former was a marriage4 ,it was a time of unusual favour1 in which the descendings of the heavenly ,father's love were felt to cover the very large assembly1 in an eminent manner4 ,my mouth was opened in a large impressive testimony1 in which1 in a clear instructive manner1 ,i had to set forth the great difference between a believer and an unbeliever2 showing that the former was1 by faithfulness and obedience to the inward divine gift of grace1 daily improving and advancing in divine wisdom and knowledge1 and in the enjoyments and consolations always attendant thereon2 while the latter was sinking deeper and deeper into a state of darkness and errour1 and the distresses and vexations1 which naturally result from unbelief4 ,it was a day of high favour1 in which the truth was exalted over all opposition and errour1 rejoicing many minds2 and bowing my heart in deep thankfulness and gratitude to the ,author of every blessing4 ,surely it was the ,lord's doing2 therefore let all the praise be ascribed to ,him who is over all1 blessed for ever4 ,first day1 the #abth4 ,attended ,pearl-street meeting in the forenoon and afternoon4 ,both meetings were much hurt by a long1 tedious and lifeless communication in each1 by a ,friend1 not a resident here1 who attended those meetings at this time4 ,it very much shut up my way1 and was1 ,i apprehend1 a great loss to the meetings2 as it very much hurt the solemnity4 ,in the course of this week ,i sat with twenty-nine families2 and attended ,pearl-street meeting on fourth day4 ,after this ,i rode home1 in order to attend our own monthly meeting1 and returned on seventh day to ,new-,york4 ,on first day1 ,i attended ,pearl-street meeting in the forenoon1 and ,liberty-street in the afternoon1 both comfortable seasons4 ,in the course of this week1 ,i sat with seventy-seven families4 ,first day1 the #bfth4 ,attended ,pearl-street meeting in the forenoon and afternoon1 and an appointed meeting at ,liberty-street in the evening4 ,they were large full meetings2 and through the condescending goodness of ,israel's ,shepherd1 they were eminently favoured4 ,my mouth was opened in each1 to preach the gospel in the demonstration of truth1 to the comfort1 edification and instruction of many who attended1 as appeared by their solemn and satisfactory deportment2 and ,i was truly thankful that ,i had been enabled to get through this day's exercise1 to the peace of my own mind1 which ,i esteem the best treasure4 ,second day4 ,sat with five families in the city1 and in the afternoon crossed the ferry to ,brooklyn1 and visited three families of ,friends in that neighbourhood1 they being members of ,liberty-street meeting4 ,i also had an appointed meeting in the evening1 for the inhabitants of ,brooklyn4 ,it was well attended1 and proved an instructive favoured season1 gratefully to be remembered4 ,third day4 ,rode to ,manhattanville1 and visited the families of ,friends in that place1 and three families on the way2 and returned to the city next morning1 and attended ,friends' preparative meeting in ,pearl-street4 ,it was the time for answering the queries2 and it proved an exercising meeting1 ,friends having too generally got in the habit of making use of words which rendered their answers evasive1 and not giving a direct one to the question2 by which the deficient members were very much covered2 and which tended rather to set them at ease1 than to stir them up to more diligence and care4 ,my mind was deeply exercised1 things appearing very much out of order with many in this city2 and the number of the faithful very small4 ,i endeavoured to discharge myself faithfully among them1 and found peace in my labour4 ,in the afternoon1 ,i had a select opportunity with the ,ministers1 ,elders and ,overseers4 ,in this opportunity1 ,i1 in a good measure1 relieved my mind from a burden ,i had been under for some time1 respecting ,friends in those stations4 ,in the evening ,i had an appointed meeting in the east part of the town1 principally among those not in membership with us4 ,it was held in a large1 commodious building1 erected for the purpose of educating the children of such poor people as did not belong to any society of professed ,christians4 ,there was at this time a school held in it1 consisting of nearly four hundred such children4 ,the expenses were defrayed by the charitable donations of the citizens at large4 ,it is a benevolent institution1 and well conducted4 ,the meeting was large1 consisting1 as was supposed1 of a thousand people2 to whom the truths of the gospel were largely opened1 comforting and instructing many minds1 and administering reproof to the lukewarm1 the licentious1 and immoral4 ,a general solemnity spread over the meeting2 and we parted under a deep and humbling sense of the unmerited favour4 ,fifth day4 ,attended the preparative meeting at ,liberty-street1 which was a comfortable meeting4 ,the queries appeared to be answered with much more consistency than at the other4 ,the afternoon and evening spent in the family visit2 as also the two following days4 ,first day1 the #b;d of #dth month4 ,i attended ,pearl-street meeting in the morning1 and that at ,liberty-street in the afternoon2 and public notice being given of my intention of attending the latter1 it was large4 ,i also had an appointed meeting in the evening at ,pearl-street1 which was also very large4 ,they were all seasons of favour1 especially those at ,pearl-street1 wherein truth reigned1 and the people's minds were solemnized1 and the faithful comforted and made glad together1 under a grateful sense of the continued mercy1 and longsuffering loving kindness of ,israel's ,shepherd to the workmanship of his holy hand4 ,second day4 ,sat with four families in the forenoon2 and1 in the afternoon1 had an appointed meeting at ,flatbush1 near the west end of ,long ,island1 where no ,friends live4 ,the inhabitants were mostly ,dutch people1 the descendants of the ancient ,hollanders3 they had but little acquaintance with us or our principles4 ,the meeting was held in their court-house4 ,a respectable number collected1 and behaved quietly1 becoming the occasion4 ,our gracious ,helper was near1 furnishing doctrine suited to their states and conditions2 which had a reaching and salutary effect upon many minds2 and through the prevalence of the power of truth1 which rose into dominion1 divers hearts were broken and contrited4 ,we parted from them with thankful hearts1 and returned to the city that evening4 ,third day4 ,attended the meeting of ,ministers and ,elders1 composed of the select members of the monthly meetings of ,new-,york and ,flushing4 ,it was a solemn1 and1 ,i hope1 a profitable time4 ,the next day the monthly meeting of ,new-,york was held1 in which ,i was favoured to close my visit to ,friends there1 in an opportunity with the members generally together1 both male and female1 select from others4 ,at this meeting ,i discharged myself fully to the peace of my own mind1 and1 ,i trust1 to the comfort and encouragement of the faithful2 and at the same time administered reproof and correction to the lukewarm1 and unsound members1 and strength to the weak and feeble-minded4 ,the ,lord was supplicated in behalf of his people1 that he would still strive with them1 both in mercy and judgment1 as he may see meet1 in his matchless wisdom and loving kindness1 and not give his heritage to reproach1 lest the people without be led to inquire1 where is their ,god4 ,fifth day4 ,i turned my face homeward1 having a meeting at ,newtown ,kilns1 at the eleventh hour1 and another in the town at evening4 ,they were favoured seasons2 although the latter was somewhat interrupted at the close1 by a hireling minister1 of the ,presbyterian persuasion1 who took some exceptions to the doctrines delivered respecting water baptism1 imputative righteousness1 and the hire of ministers4 ,the arguments he advanced in support of these appeared very weak1 being unfounded and fallacious2 and the scripture passages which he quoted to prove his positions1 were in direct opposition thereto4 ,for his proof of water baptism1 he made use of the doctrine of the apostle ,paul2 and especially that part wherein he thanks ,god that he had baptized but a very small number1 positively asserting1 that ,christ sent him not to baptize2 therefore1 if so great a minister as ,paul had no commission or authority to baptize1 that is with water1 who had converted so many to the ,christian faith1 and set up and established many churches1 in parts where no other of the primitive ministers had yet travelled1 surely he could not think it needful1 or otherwise he must have fallen very far short of fulfilling his ministry2 but if we conclude1 as ,i apprehend we are all bound to do1 that ,paul1 as he himself asserts1 was not a whit behind the chiefest of the primitive apostles1 we may then safely conclude that water baptism has no part in the commission of a gospel minister1 and consequently is no part of the gospel dispensation1 but was only made use of in condescension to the weak state of the ,jewish believers1 in the same way as circumcision was made use of by ,paul4 ,indeed it is abundantly evident1 that the rituals of the law were continued for many years by many of the ,jewish ,christians4 ,it is clear1 however1 that it was all in condescension to the weak state that the believers were in1 through the force of tradition and custom4 ,having been long in the use of outward shadows and types1 the way did not open to shake them all off at once2 but as the light of the glorious gospel should arise1 they would gradually recede and give place to the substance1 just as when the sun rises above the horizon1 all the shadows of the night flee away4 ,and with regard to imputative righteousness1 some ,christians affirm that the righteousness of ,christ1 wrought without us1 being imputed to believers1 they are thereby justified1 without any works of righteousness carried on in us1 by and through the operation of the grace of ,god1 we yielding thereunto1 and co-operating therewith4 ,but the apostle ,paul asserts that 8the grace of ,god1 that bringeth salvation1 hath appeared to all men1 teaching us1 that denying ungodliness1 and worldly lusts1 we should live soberly1 righteously1 and godly in this present world40 ,now will any be so inconsistent with truth and righteousness1 as to assert1 that a man is justified merely by the righteousness that ,christ wrought in the outward manifestation1 without his coming to know in his own experience1 those works of righteousness wrought in him1 as above expressed by the apostle2 and which he must be a party to and in1 or they cannot be wrought4 ,for a mere belief in grace does not do the work of righteousness2 but faith in the sufficiency of the grace is the first previous work of the mind of man2 but if that belief is not carried into effect1 such faith cannot save him2 for faith without works is dead1 being alone1 as a body without the spirit4 ,i think the conclusive arguments of the apostle ,james are quite sufficient to prove these things to every judicious mind4 ,for although the harlot ,rahab had1 from what appears1 a full belief that ,israel's armies would conquer the land of ,canaan1 and it is likely many thousands more of the ,canaanites had the same belief2 yet as none of them added good works to their faith but her1 none others were saved4 ,abraham also believed he was required to sacrifice his son1 as the scripture assures us2 but had he not gone forward to put it in execution1 his faith1 instead of being imputed to him for righteousness1 would have greatly administered to his condemnation2 and instead of becoming the friend of ,god1 he would have been cast out of his favour2 so that by his works only was his faith made perfect4 ,but the great errour1 of the generality of professed ,christians1 lies in not making a right distinction between the works that men do in their own will1 and by the leadings of their own carnal wisdom1 and those works that the true believer does1 in the will and wisdom of ,god4 ,for although the former1 let them consist in what they will1 whether in prayers1 or preaching1 or any other devotional exercises1 are altogether evil3 so on the contrary1 those of the latter1 let them consist in what they may1 whether in ploughing1 in reaping1 or in any handicraft labour1 or in any other service1 temporal or spiritual1 as they will in all be accompanied with the peace and presence of their heavenly ,father1 so all they do1 will be righteous1 and will be imputed to them as such4 ,and these1 and these only1 will witness the blessing pronounced by the royal psalmist1 where he saith3 8,blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven1 whose sin is covered4 ,blessed is the man unto whom the ,lord imputeth not iniquity1 and in whose spirit there is no guile40 ,and who are those whom the royal prophet here designates2 why none but such as have carefully and strictly adhered to the teaching of the grace of ,god2 and who by its teaching and aid have denied themselves of all ungodliness1 and worldly lusts2 and have come to live soberly1 righteously1 and godly in this present world4 ,and in order to prove the consistency of ,christian ministers taking pay1 and making contracts with the people for their preaching1 and letting themselves out to the highest bidders1 he brought forward quotations from the same ,paul1 who is so very severe against hirelings2 showing1 both by his example and precepts1 that it is more blessed to give than to receive2 and that parents or leaders ought to care for the children1 and not the children for the parents4 ,the quotations he brought forward were founded principally on these two passages from the epistle to the ,corinthians3 8,do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple1 and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar8 ,even so hath the ,lord ordained1 that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel40 ,in order to understand correctly how far proof will arise from these passages of scripture1 it will be necessary to consider the ground upon which the priesthood was established under the law2 and likewise the reason and ground1 upon which their maintenance was instituted3 for it was all a work of perfect wisdom4 ,and first1 the dispensation of the law was outward and local2 so likewise was the priesthood3 none being eligible to that office but the family of ,levi3 and in consequence of their being appointed to that office1 they were deprived of having their portion or allotment in the land2 but the ,lord was to be their portion3 except that they were to have room for residence1 and some suburbs about their dwellings1 for their convenience4 ,their office was to kill and prepare the sacrifices which the people brought of their holy things1 as offerings to the ,lord2 so that they were under the necessity of doing a great deal of manual labour for the people4 ,therefore1 in order that they might have a livelihood among their brethren1 the ,lord had let one-twelfth1 that is ,levi's lot1 to farm among his brethren2 and they were bound to return to their brethren1 the ,levites1 one-tenth of their increase2 to reward them not only for the abundant manual labour they were bound to do for them1 but also in consideration of their having the improvement and profits arising from ,levi's portion of the promised land4 ,now to make a right bearing between the shadow and substance1 and render it eligible under the gospel for its ministers to take pay1 they must be such as are immediately called1 as was the house of ,levi2 and be deprived of any allotment in the land1 except room for residence1 and some small suburbs3 they must likewise be under the unavoidable obligation of doing a great deal of manual labour in outward things1 or otherwise they are not entitled to any outward pay3 and all this only as their duty to him1 who hath called and appointed them1 without making any contract with the people at all for their service2 for this was not admissible under that dispensation3 and all that did were reproached by the ,lord's prophets as hirelings4 ,an instance to the point is the case of ,micah1 who had a house of idol gods2 and he hired a ,levite to be his priest1 and gave him for his service ten shekels of silver by the year1 and a suit of apparel1 and his victuals4 ,indeed we have in this ,levite a true specimen of a hireling2 for when the ,danites proposed to his consideration1 which would be best for him1 whether to be a priest to the house of one man1 or to a tribe and family in ,israel1 he soon solved the question2 and it made his heart glad1 and he took ,micah's ephod1 teraphim1 and graven image1 and added theft to covetousness2 and went with the ,danites1 and became their idol priest4 ,secondly1 we are next to consider the perfect analogy between the service of the priesthood under the law1 and their wages1 agreeable to ,paul's expressions3 8,do ye not know that they which minister about holy things1 live of the things of the temple1 and they which wait at the altar1 are partakers with the altar80 ,now the things of the temple and of the altar were all the ,lord's things2 and as the priests and ministers were also the ,lord's1 he rewarded them out of his own holy things1 and justice required that it should be so4 ,therefore the priests under the law had no right to call on the people for any pay1 because there was no contract between them3 so likewise under the gospel1 the ,lord's true ministers must be such as are immediately called of ,god1 as was ,aaron3 but as there is no outward holy land under the gospel1 so neither is there any outward holy offerings or sacrifices1 nor any outward holy temple or altar of man's building2 so likewise no outward victims to be slain or consecrated1 hence no outward reward3 but the ,lord's ministers under the gospel are all called and commissioned by his spirit1 and clothed with his power and authority to preach the gospel1 not with wisdom of words1 lest the cross of ,christ should be made of none effect4 ,for the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness1 but unto such as are saved it is the power of ,god4 ,hence those who preach the gospel live of the gospel2 that is1 as the gospel is the power of ,god1 which is communicated to the people by gospel ministry1 by which they are fed and comforted spiritually1 as the ,israelites were outwardly1 by their outward sacrifices1 of which the priests who ministered took their share with the people3 so likewise the ministers of the gospel1 who minister to the people spiritually in holy things2 they also take their share1 and are made to rejoice together spiritually and mutually4 ,and herein consists the true analogy between the shadow and substance2 the first being the type1 which consisted in outward things1 and the latter the antitype1 consisting in spiritual things4 ,for if the reward of the ,lord's ministers under the gospel for their gospel labours is to consist in outward temporal things1 and likewise the reward of the ,lord's ministers under the law was of the same kind1 then it would no longer hold as is generally agreed by ,christians1 that the first is type1 and the latter its antitype3 but it will be only type for type1 and shadow for shadow2 of course we must look for another dispensation in order to do away the shadow1 and make way for the substance4 8,but thanks be to ,god1 which giveth us the victory1 through our ,lord ,jesus ,christ40 ,he is the end of the law to all those who believe1 and are witnesses of his spiritual appearance in their hearts1 to take away sin and finish transgression1 and fulfil all righteousness1 in those who willingly deny themselves1 and take up their cross daily1 and follow him in the way of regeneration4 ,even so let it be1 saith my spirit1 with the spirits of the faithful4 ,amen for ever4 ,sixth day4 ,i had an appointed meeting in the town of ,jamaica1 at the third hour in the afternoon4 ,it was for the most part a favoured meeting1 although long in gathering4 ,the truths delivered had an affecting reach on many minds1 and ,i was made thankful for the precious solemnity which prevailed over the meeting1 and we parted under a comfortable sense thereof4 ,after this ,i returned home1 and found my family well2 and my mind was clothed with peace1 which favour inspires grateful acknowledgments to the bountiful ,author of every blessing4 ,seventh day4 ,rested with my family4 ,first day4 ,attended our meeting to good satisfaction4 ,the three following days spent with my family1 and in my family concerns4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our preparative meeting1 previous to the sitting of which1 ,i attended a funeral of one of our neighbours4 ,the corpse was laid in our burial-ground1 and the people1 after the interment1 came into the meeting4 ,it was a large collection1 to whom the truths of the gospel were largely opened1 and the humbling power of truth spread over the assembly1 contriting many hearts4 ,sixth and seventh days4 ,spent in my family concerns4 ,first day1 the #afth4 ,attended our own meeting1 sat it through in silence4 ,it was exercising in the forepart1 in which ,i felt reduced into a state of baptism1 with and for the dead3 but as ,i abode in the patience1 toward the close light sprang up and ,i was relieved from the burden4 ,second day4 ,i spent in my temporal concerns4 ,what a strict and continual guard and watch it requires1 when engaged in any worldly business1 to keep the mind free and loose from every thing of a terrestrial nature2 so that1 at the first beck or motion of the divine intelligence1 we may be ready to obey1 and submit willingly to its holy requiring1 without consulting with flesh and blood4 ,third day4 ,i attended the funeral of a deceased ,friend4 ,a meeting was held on the occasion at the place of her residence4 ,the neighbourhood were mostly of the ,presbyterian order1 many of whom attended4 ,i had an open time among them1 to declare of the things pertaining to the kingdom of heaven2 and many gospel truths were plainly set forth and exalted over all untruth and errour4 ,it was indeed a season thankfully to be remembered1 and my heart was bowed in grateful acknowledgments to the great and blessed ,author of all our mercies4 ,fourth day4 ,at the funeral yesterday1 ,i was requested by several of my friends to attend the funeral of an individual who had been a professor among the ,methodists1 but whom ,i had for some time believed was pretty fully convinced of the principles of our profession2 but the trial of parting with his fellow professors1 and making a full surrender1 had kept him back1 until being brought on a bed of languishing1 he yielded and acknowledged to the truth1 and desired that in future his family would attend ,friends' meetings3 and towards his close1 in order to give full testimony to his belief1 requested in a solemn manner that after his decease his body might be taken into ,friends' meeting-house at ,bethpage1 which was not far from his dwelling1 and a meeting held there at his funeral1 and desired that ,i might be requested to attend4 ,on consideration of the subject1 ,friends were easy to comply with his request1 and a meeting was held accordingly4 ,it proved a very solemn affecting time2 many hearts were tendered1 and much brokenness and contrition were manifest in the meeting1 through the prevalence of the divine power which accompanied the word preached4 ,surely it was the ,lord's doing1 and truly marvellous in the eyes of his people4 ,and oh6 saith my spirit1 what shall we render unto the ,lord for all his benefits1 for his mercies are new every morning4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our monthly meeting1 and on sixth day our preparative meeting of ,ministers and ,elders4 ,in both of these1 my mind was engaged to stir up ,friends to more watchfulness and circumspection1 for the right ordering of the concerns of the society1 and maintenance of our ,christian discipline4 ,seventh day4 ,spent in my family concerns1 and ended the week with a quiet mind4 ,first day1 the #bc;d4 ,attended our meeting in silence4 ,it was rather an exercising dull time2 but we ought not to murmur1 for if we had had our deserts1 it might have been more so4 ,the rest of this week principally taken up in attending our quarterly meeting in ,new-,york4 ,it was in general rather an exercising time2 for not only the answers to the queries from the several monthly meetings1 manifested many deficiencies as to the right support of our ,christian testimonies and discipline1 but the diversity of sentiment among the active members respecting the full support of our testimony against war1 also produced much exercise to the faithful2 especially with regard to the active compliance in the payment of a tax1 levied by the general government of the ,united ,states1 for carrying on war1 and other purposes of the government1 which many ,friends believed could not be actively complied with1 consistently with our testimony on that head4 ,for refusing the payment of this tax1 a number of ,friends had suffered in their property by distraint1 to a considerable amount more than the tax demanded1 some even three or four fold2 whilst some others actively complied and paid the tax1 and justified themselves in so doing1 which caused considerable altercation in the meeting3 nevertheless1 ,i believe1 ,friends were generally preserved in a good degree of harmony with each other4 ,my mind was deeply baptized into the weak state of society1 and ,i laboured in the ability received to stimulate and encourage ,friends to faithfulness and perseverance1 that so all our precious testimonies for the ,prince of ,peace might be held up and exalted as a standard to the nations4 ,first day1 the #cjth4 ,a silent meeting4 ,the rest of this week spent in my family cares1 except attending our fifth day meeting1 which ,i sat in silence4 ,first day1 the #gth of #eth month4 ,i sat our meeting again in silence4 ,the repeated seasons of rest that ,i have witnessed1 since returning from my arduous labour in ,new-,york1 have brought to my remembrance the saying of the dear ,master to his disciples1 when they returned from the service they had been sent about1 in visiting and preaching repentance to the ,israelites1 and healing their sick1 c43 8,come ye yourselves apart into a desert place1 and rest awhile40 ,i accounted it a favour1 for which ,i was thankful to the bountiful ,author of all our blessings4 ,no particular call to any religious service during this week1 except in attention to our preparative meeting4 ,silent in the meeting for worship4 ,first day1 the #adth4 ,indisposition of body prevented my attending meeting4 ,i therefore spent the day quietly at home2 and in reading a portion of ,moshiem's ,ecclesiastical ,history of the ,fifth ,century1 and which is indeed enough to astonish any sensible1 considerate man1 to think how the professors of that day could be hardy enough to call themselves ,christians1 while using every artifice that their human wisdom could invent to raise themselves to power and opulence1 and endeavouring to crush down their opposers by almost every cruelty that power1 envy and malice could inflict1 to the entire scandal of the ,christian name2 and changing the pure1 meek1 merciful1 and undefiled religion of ,jesus1 into an impure1 unmerciful1 cruel1 bloody1 and persecuting religion4 ,for each of those varied sects of professed ,christians1 in their turn1 as they got the power of the civil magistrate on their side1 would endeavour1 by the sword1 and severe edicts1 followed by banishment1 to reduce and destroy all those who dissented from them1 although their opinions were not a whit more friendly to real genuine ,christianity1 than the tenets of their opposers2 for all were1 in great measure1 if not entirely1 adulterated and apostatized from the true spirit of ,christianity1 which breathes peace on earth1 and good will to man4 ,the rest of the week ,i spent in my family cares1 except fifth day1 which was the time of our monthly meeting2 in which the women's meeting brought forward1 for our consideration and concurrence1 requests to be joined in membership for eight individuals4 ,six of these were children1 at the request of their father2 another1 a minor of about ten years of age1 who appeared very desirous of membership3 she sent forward her request1 joined by her parents4 ,the other was an adult of a promising aspect1 the mother of several children4 ,she had been brought up and educated in the ,episcopal profession2 but being favoured with an opportunity of attending ,friends' meetings1 she was convinced of the truth as held by us2 and cheerfully submitted to the cross1 accounting the reproaches of ,christ a greater treasure1 than all the comfort and delights that could be found among her former associates in an outside pompous profession4 ,their requests were all admitted by the meeting2 and it was1 ,i think1 a comfortable instructive season4 ,first day1 the #bast4 ,while sitting in our meeting my mind was led into a consideration of the testimony of the apostle ,john1 where he assures us1 agreeably to truth and right reason1 that ,god is love1 and that they who dwell in love1 dwell in ,god1 and ,god in them4 ,my mind was opened to set forth to the people the excellency of this state and the certainty of its attainment1 by all such as sincerely desire salvation2 and in order therefor1 are willing1 through and by the leading and teaching of divine grace1 which the apostle ,paul assures us1 agreeably to our own sensible experience1 has appeared to all men1 to forego all our selfish and creaturely inclinations1 and to deny self2 and by bearing our cross daily1 come to a full crucifixion of the old man1 with all his corrupt and ungodly deeds4 ,we thereby come to know a putting on the new man1 even ,christ1 or a salvation state1 agreeably to another declaration of the same apostle1 where he asserts3 8,therefore1 if any man be in ,christ1 he is a new creature2 old things are passed away1 behold all things are become new1 and all things are of ,god40 ,i was likewise led to show the good fruits that would be the natural result of such a state1 as certain as good fruit is produced by a good tree2 for we should no longer love as man loves in his fallen state1 from a selfish motive1 self being slain2 but we should love as ,god loves1 with a disinterested love1 and then we should love1 not our friends and neighbours only1 but our greatest enemies also2 and we should become qualified sincerely to pray to ,god for them4 ,we should then be brought to discover1 that all such among ,christians as pray for the downfall1 or overcoming of their enemies by force of war1 or by any other means than pure disinterested love1 pray not in a ,christian spirit1 nor by the leading and influence of the spirit of ,god2 but in their own spirit1 and by the leading and influence of the spirit of antichrist4 ,therefore1 such prayers are not heard1 but are an abomination in the sight of a pure and holy ,god1 who cannot behold iniquity with approbation4 ,my mind was largely and impressively opened on the subject2 and with solemn weight ,i left it upon the auditory1 which was larger than usual3 may it have its desired effect1 is the sincere desire of my spirit4 ,second day4 ,i attended the funerals of two elderly men of ,bethpage meeting4 ,they were neighbours2 and were both interred in the meeting's burial-ground at the same time4 ,one of them was a member2 and the other was educated among ,friends1 but had lost his right4 ,a meeting was held on the occasion1 and there was a large collection of people4 ,it proved a solemn1 and1 ,i trust1 an instructive time to some present3 may it fasten as a nail in a sure place4 ,the rest of this week1 except the usual weekly attendance of our meeting1 was spent in family cares1 and in preparation for the attendance of our approaching yearly meeting4 ,indisposition in a branch of my family1 prevented my attending the meeting for ,ministers and ,elders2 but got to the city in time to attend the first day meetings4 ,in the morning ,i was at ,pearl-street1 and in the afternoon at ,liberty-street2 and although the latter was pretty large1 and in a good degree solemn1 yet it was an exercising season to the living sensible members4 ,in those large meetings1 where ,friends are collected from various parts1 the weak and the strong together1 and especially in those for worship1 it is essentially necessary that ,friends get inward1 and wait in their proper gifts1 keeping in view their standing and place in society1 especially those in the ministry4 ,for otherwise there is danger1 even from a desire to do good1 of being caught with the enemies' transformations1 particularly with those that are young1 and inexperienced2 for we seldom sit in meetings but some prospect presents1 which has a likeness1 in its first impression1 to the right thing2 and as these feel naturally fearful of speaking in large meetings1 and in the presence of their elderly friends1 and apprehending they are likely to have something to offer1 they are suddenly struck with the fear of man1 and thereby prevented from centering down to their gifts1 so as to discover whether it is a right motion or not2 and the accuser of the brethren1 who is always ready with his transformations to deceive1 charges with unfaithfulness and disobedience1 by which they are driven to act without any clear prospect1 and find little to say1 except making an apology for their thus standing2 by which they often disturb the meeting1 and prevent others1 who are rightly called to the work1 and thereby wound the minds of the living baptized members4 ,on second day the meeting for discipline opened1 and continued by adjournments until sixth day4 ,although divers weaknesses were manifest1 in transacting the business1 for want of a deep indwelling with the pure spring of life1 and each patiently abiding in his own proper gift1 without envying others1 yet1 ,i think1 in the main it was a favoured meeting4 ,divers brethren were largely opened to speak to subjects of concern1 which came before us1 in the life1 and in the clear demonstration of the spirit1 as scribes well instructed1 bringing out of the heavenly treasury things new and old4 ,first day1 the #dth of #fth month4 ,being invited to the funeral of a young woman within the compass of ,westbury meeting1 ,i attended that meeting1 which was very large1 much more so than usual1 occasioned in part by the funeral4 ,although the forepart of the meeting was dull and exercising1 yet1 as my mind centered under a patient exercise and travail1 way gradually opened to communication1 in which ,i was enabled1 through adorable condescension1 largely and livingly to declare to the people of the things concerning the kingdom of heaven1 and their own present and everlasting peace4 ,it was a season of great favour1 thankfully to be remembered4 ,the rest of this week ,i spent at home1 in peace of mind4 ,first day1 the #aath4 ,my mind was brought under exercise1 as ,i sat in our meeting1 in remembrance of ,paul's declaration1 where he says1 8,for all seek their own1 not the things which are ,jesus ,christ's40 ,as ,i continued under the exercise1 way opened to communication1 which brought a comfortable solemnity over the meeting4 ,second and third days4 ,i spent in attending our meeting for sufferings in ,new-,york2 an appointment which ,i have been under for nearly forty years4 ,fourth day4 ,most of this day spent in some necessary repairs about my house4 ,much is saved by timely and prudent care4 ,fifth day4 ,was our monthly meeting1 at which we had the acceptable company of our friend ,john ,comly1 a fellow-labourer in the gospel1 with whom ,i felt near sympathy and unity in travail4 ,i accompanied him the next day to a meeting he had appointed at ,martinicock2 in which he was favoured with a pretty large testimony1 in the plainness and simplicity of the gospel4 ,i took my leave of him and his companion ,stephen ,comfort that afternoon1 and returned home4 ,seventh day4 ,spent in my common avocations1 and the week closed with a peaceful mind4 ,,chapter ,x4 ,engagements at and about home1 #ahae4--,visit to the monthly meetings within the circuit of ,nine ,partners quarterly meeting1 #ahae4 ,first day1 the #ahth of #fth month1 #ahae4 ,my mind towards the close of our meeting1 was opened into a view of the excellency and advantage of having our minds actuated invariably1 by a principle of strict and impartial justice1 and of having just ideas and apprehensions of the divine character4 ,for nothing short of this1 is able to establish our faith in ,god on its right basis1 and to give us an unshaken hope and trust in his divine sufficiency1 and bring us to experience that love of our benevolent ,creator1 and of our fellow creatures which casteth out all fear4 ,as ,i communicated1 the prospect enlarged and brought a solemn weight over the meeting1 and we parted under a sense of the favour4 ,the rest of the week was spent in close attention to my temporal concerns1 except attending our fifth day meeting4 ,first day1 the #beth4 ,sat our meeting to-day in solemn silence1 being much depressed in mind on account of the improper conduct of some of my friends1 fellow members in society1 by which ,i apprehended the noble cause we had espoused was in danger of being hurt1 and the unity of the ,church broken1 which to me was a cause of real sorrow of heart4 ,except attending our fifth day meeting1 which ,i sat in silence1 the rest of this week was occupied in my common avocations1 and ended with a peaceful mind1 which is a hidden treasure of more value than the golden wedge of ,ophir4 ,first day1 the #b;d of #gth month4 ,as ,i sat in our meeting1 my mind was early impressed with that important scripture passage of the psalmist3 8,let ,god arise1 let his enemies be scattered40 ,it led to communication1 in which ,i was largely opened to set forth the very necessary truths it comprehended1 especially as it regards man's salvation4 ,for it shows clearly that man may prevent his thus arising1 and thereby hinder his own salvation3 and it also shows1 that unless we know him to arise and become supreme and chief ruler in our hearts1 agreeably to his own good will and pleasure1 we cannot be saved nor come to know his enemies to be scattered4 ,therefore it becomes us as poor helpless creatures1 patiently to wait1 and quietly to hope for his arising1 with penitent hearts and willing minds1 ready to receive him in the way of his coming2 although it may be 8as a refiner with fire1 or as a fuller with soap40 ,it is also necessary for us to know this arising to be within us and not without us2 and to be with power1 binding the man of sin and son of perdition1 which is self1 or the strong man armed2 whose goods1 while he rules1 are at peace3 but when we permit a stronger than he1 who only is ,god1 to come in or arise with power1 8he will bind the strong man armed1 and cast him out2 and then he will spoil his goods10 that is1 cleanse the heart from all the old rubbish of sin and uncleanness1 and purify his temple and make it a fit receptacle for his holiness to dwell in4 ,it was a season of favour4 ,many gospel truths were clearly opened to the auditory who gave solid attention2 may they fix as a nail in a sure place4 ,i was under considerable bodily indisposition most of this week4 ,on fifth day1 so much so1 as almost to give up the prospect of getting to meeting2 but ,i put on my usual resolution and went1 and was glad in so doing1 as there ,i met with that peace of ,god that passeth all understanding1 which is only known by being felt4 ,i had to declare to my friends how good it is to trust in the ,lord with all the heart1 and lean not to our own understandings1 lest they fail us4 ,on sixth day ,i attended the funeral of a kinsman1 a neighbour1 who had spent much of his life in a careless irreligious manner1 very seldom attending any religious meetings1 and was very ignorant as it respected the things of ,god and his own salvation2 but for a year or more before his death1 he was greatly afflicted with bodily indisposition1 from which he suffered long and very deeply4 ,it brought him to a solemn consideration respecting his latter end1 and ,i had a hope it worked for his good1 as he manifested a state of resignation2 so that he bore his affliction with much patience and quietude of mind4 ,my heart and my mouth were opened on the occasion1 to warn the people1 and to call their attention to the necessity of an early preparation for death2 showing them that it bordered even on presumption1 for such poor impotent helpless creatures as we are1 whose time is dealt to us by moments1 even to dare to close our eyes to sleep1 without first being well assured that our peace was made with our great and gracious ,creator4 ,many minds were considerably humbled1 and ,i hope the labour will not be lost1 but be as bread cast upon the waters1 that some may gather after many days4 ,first day1 the #ith4 ,we had a comfortable favoured meeting to-day4 ,my mind was set at liberty to preach the gospel in the clear demonstration of the spirit2 and to show unto the people that the reason why they were not healed of their many infirmities1 was not because there was not 8balm in ,gilead10 and 8a ,physician there20 but because they were not willing to seek him in the right way1 and receive him in the way of his coming1 which is inwardly1 as a refiner with fire1 or a fuller with soap2 to purify from all the old leaven of self1 and to cleanse the heart from all self-righteousness1 and self-sufficiency2 that a thorough crucifixion of the old man1 with all his unrighteous deeds may be witnessed2 and the creature set at liberty to serve the ,lord in newness of life4 ,the meeting closed with solemn supplication and thanksgiving to the ,lord for his continued mercy4 ,second1 third1 and fourth days4 ,spent in my family affairs1 mostly attended with sweet peace of mind2 although accompanied with much bodily pain1 which is more or less my common lot4 ,but what a great portion of severe bodily pain may be endured without a murmuring thought1 while accompanied with true peace of mind1 and a conscience void of offence toward ,god and man3 a rich consoling treasure4 ,fifth day4 ,this being the time of our preparative meeting1 at which our queries were answered1 ,i had to admonish ,friends to feel deeply after their own states4 ,for as it is by individuals that meetings are composed1 so every individual ought to know how far his particular state corresponds with what is queried after2 that so by a united labour1 and an inward investigation of our own particular states1 we may be enabled to form true and righteous answers to the superiour meetings4 ,for if they are false1 it will be accounted lying and that not unto men1 but unto ,god2 and thereby our queries be rendered very hurtful to us1 instead of being helpful4 ,sixth and seventh days4 ,i occupied myself in my usual business1 not feeling any particular religious draft2 except the necessity of keeping up the daily watch1 that no intruding thoughts lead into temptation1 or prevent my daily converse with the ,god of my salvation2 whose presiding fear1 ,i have long experienced to be the only sure antidote against all evil4 ,first day1 the #afth4 ,my mind was led forth in our meeting to-day in a large clear testimony1 clothed with gospel authority1 which was introduced with the following apostolic exhortation3 8,let love be without dissimulation4 ,abhor that which is evil2 cleave to that which is good4 ,be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love2 in honour preferring one another40 ,i was led to show that this undissembling love was not to be known by man in his fallen nature2 but only by the regenerated soul1 the new man in ,christ1 who had come to know1 in degree1 a partaking of the divine nature1 as no other nature is congenial with this love2 a love1 which the beloved apostle tells us1 casteth out all fear4 ,it was a season of favour1 thankfully to be remembered4 ,the remaining part of this week was principally employed in helping to gather in our harvest1 except attending our monthly meeting on fifth day1 and preparative meeting of ,ministers and ,elders on sixth day3 both of which were rather dull1 poor meetings4 ,alas6 how the cares and cumbers of this world1 like thorns and briars1 choke the good seed and prevent its bringing forth fruit4 ,be watchful1 ,o my soul6 that so thou mayest know thy seed time and harvest not to fail4 ,first day1 the #bc;d4 ,my present allotment is a state of depression and poverty of spirit3 but considering myself deserving thereof1 ,i do not complain4 ,in this condition ,i accompanied my family to meeting as the best thing ,i could do1 not feeling the least qualification to be in any degree useful to myself or to others2 except in a voluntary surrender of myself to be any thing or nothing1 as ,he1 who has a right to dispose of his own workmanship at his own pleasure1 should see meet4 ,but ,i had not sat long in this submissive state1 before a prospect presented to my mind1 that opened to a field of labour1 in which ,i had to espouse the ,master's cause1 and demonstrate to the people present the just and indubitable right he had to them and all their labours1 without the promise of any reward3 and that our true and real felicity1 in time and in a future state1 solely depended on this complete and willing surrender of ourselves and all we have1 to his holy and gracious will2 as nothing short thereof can produce our real sanctification and adoption4 ,second and third days4 ,nothing occurred worthy of particular notice4 ,fourth day4 ,was our quarterly meeting of ,ministers and ,elders1 held at ,westbury4 ,i attended under great depression and poverty of spirit1 which sealed my lips1 as to any communication1 the greater part of the meeting4 ,i sat resigned to my lot1 and heard my friends1 or some of them1 express their exercise1 which was principally directed to ,ministers and ,elders1 especially in regard to an honest1 careful exercise of their gifts as such2 and also alluding to the dulness and want of life that too generally attended those meetings4 ,i felt very little effect wrought in the meeting from their labour1 and could take no part in it2 but as ,i sat patiently waiting1 and endeavoured quietly to endure the cloud that was spread as a veil over the meeting2 it clearly opened on my mind1 that it was not brought over us in consequence of a deficiency in ministers1 as it respects their ministerial gifts1 nor from a want of care in elders in watching over them2 but from a much more deep and melancholy cause1 viz3 the love and cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches2 which1 springing up and gaining the ascendency in the mind1 choke the good seed like the briars and thorns1 and render it fruitless2 and produce such great dearth and barrenness in our meetings4 ,as the matter spread with a degree of animation on my mind1 ,i found it my place1 near the close of the meeting1 to open the prospect and sound an alarm to ,friends1 which appeared to have a quickening effect on many minds1 and enabled us at parting1 to renew our trust in the ,almighty arm of divine sufficiency1 and still to believe that the ,lord had not altogether forsaken his people1 but was mindful of the seeking remnant of his heritage1 and continued his gracious calls to his backsliding children4 ,fifth day4 ,was the meeting for discipline4 ,it was likewise rather an exercising season1 but ,i hope attended with some profit4 ,sixth day4 ,was the parting meeting held for public worship4 ,it was a large crowded meeting1 but was somewhat hurt in the forepart1 by the appearance of one young in the ministry standing too long1 and manifesting too much animation3 yet1 ,i believed1 he was under the preparing hand1 fitting for service in the ,church1 if he only keeps low and humble1 and does not aspire above his gift1 into the animation of the creature4 ,for there is great danger1 if such are not deeply watchful1 of the transformer getting in and raising the mind into too much creaturely zeal1 and warmth of the animal spirit1 whereby they may be deceived1 and attribute that to the divine power1 which only arises from a heated imagination1 and the natural warmth of their own spirits2 and so mar the work of the divine spirit on their minds1 run before their gift and lose it1 or have it taken away from them4 ,they thereby fall into the condition of some formerly1 as mentioned by the prophet1 who1 in their creaturely zeal1 kindle a fire of their own1 and walk in the light thereof2 but these1 in the end1 have to lie down in sorrow4 ,towards the close of the meeting1 as ,friends kept quiet and solid1 way opened for further communication1 which brought a comfortable solemnity over the meeting2 and we parted from each other with gladdened hearts1 under a grateful sense of the ,lord's mercy to his unworthy creatures4 ,seventh day4 ,i turned my hand again to my usual industry in my family affairs1 with a peaceful mind4 ,first day1 the #cjth4 ,devoted this day1 as usual1 to the attendance of our own meeting1 in which ,i had not sat long1 silently musing1 before my mind was opened into a view of the divine attributes1 especially that of ,god's unchangeableness1 and with which ,i had to contrast the changeable and unstable state of man4 ,i was led1 in the view thereof1 to show to the people1 that all our infelicity arose out of our unsettled state1 and for want of being established1 or fixed on some steadfast and invariable principle2 and as there is no other but ,god1 consequently all our true felicity and salvation depends on our being entirely settled and fixed in and upon him1 by which we are brought to witness an unchangeable state1 having the feet of the mind established on the immoveable rock1 ,christ1 the light of the world1 and the real spiritual life of all true believers4 ,for nothing short of this experience ought to satisfy1 or give rest to any seeking1 panting soul after ,god its redeemer4 ,the rest of this week ,i attended to my family avocations with1 generally1 peace of mind1 attending our fifth day meeting1 as it came in course2 nothing unusual occurring1 but having daily and continual cause of thankfulness to the bountiful ,author of every blessing1 both temporal and spiritual4 ,first day1 the #fth of #hth month4 ,my lot was to suffer the greater part of our meeting to-day1 until near the close1 when ,i found it my place to unite in a short testimony with a female fellow labourer1 in calling the attention of the people to an inward exercise and faithful improvement of the gift or talent committed to them1 while time and opportunity are afforded1 that so when called1 they might be prepared to render up their accounts with joy4 ,spent the remainder of this week as usual1 at and about home1 feeling no call abroad to any religious service2 but felt it my incumbent duty simply to wait1 and to watch at the ,king's gate4 ,first day1 the #acth4 ,towards the close of our meeting1 my mind was led to view the great and singular advantages which would result to mankind1 by a full surrender of their wills to the divine will1 not only in religious concerns1 but also in things of a temporal nature1 and indeed in every thing they do4 ,the subject became very impressive1 insomuch that ,i found it my place to spread it before the auditory2 and to set forth the inconsistency of people1 in first acknowledging the entire supremacy of the divine ,being1 and their own dependant state1 as tenants at will of the sovereign ,lord of the universe2 and at the same time presumptuously exercising an independent will and judgment in their temporal1 and1 mostly so1 even in their religious concerns4 ,therefore1 without breach of charity1 we may safely conclude1 that the generality1 even of professed ,christians1 serve and worship the creature1 more than they do the ,creator4 ,to this we may refer the source of all the misery and wretchedness of man2 and that to rise out of his fallen state1 he must come to know a complete sinking down into a state of nothingness of self1 and a full surrender of his will to the divine will1 and not to move in any thing without being conscientiously satisfied it is in correspondence therewith2 then should we move on safely1 and peace of mind would be our daily attendant4 ,in the course of this week ,i was indisposed1 being afflicted with much bodily pain2 but was enabled to attend our monthly meeting on fifth day1 at which we received extracts from our yearly and quarterly meetings1 with the printed epistle from ,london4 ,they furnished suitable advice on several subjects1 particularly relative to a right attendance of our religious meetings4 ,i was impressed also with a similar concern1 to call the careful attention of ,friends thereto1 as that upon which our religious advancement greatly depends4 ,first day1 the #bjth4 ,feeling a draft on my mind to sit with ,friends of ,bethpage1 ,i yielded thereto4 ,i sat the meeting mostly in silence1 it being rather a dull1 low time1 and but little life discoverable in the meeting2 yet near the close1 ,i felt a small motion leading to communication1 and as ,i gave way thereto1 a small stream of life arose1 and ran through the meeting1 and we parted under a sense of its comforting influence1 with thankful hearts4 ,first day1 the #bgth4 ,my mind was solemnly exercised during the greater part of our meeting1 and deeply impressed with the spirit of prayer and supplication4 ,oh1 how awful is the prospect of approaching the ,majesty of heaven in solemn prayer6 ,how it reduces the creature1 and shows him his entire unworthiness and helpless state4 ,well might the prophet thus exclaim3 8,when ,i heard1 my belly trembled2 my lips quivered at the voice2 rottenness entered into my bones1 and ,i trembled in myself1 that ,i might rest in the day of trouble40 ,as ,i sat under the humbling prospect1 ,i was strengthened1 towards the close of the meeting1 with a bowed down mind and bended knees1 to address my humble petition1 on behalf of myself and my friends1 to the throne of grace1 expressive of the desire of my soul1 that we might be kept1 both old and young1 at all times1 under an humbling sense of the divine fear1 as that on which all our safety and preservation depends4 ,second and third days4 ,i spent with a family of my friends some distance from home1 my wife accompanying me4 ,i had been for some time under considerable exercise and concern on account of some uneasiness and disunity which subsisted among them1 greatly to their hurt4 ,i entered fully into the subject1 and was favoured1 through patient perseverance1 to bring matters to a peaceful close1 for which ,i was thankful1 as the harmony of the family had been for several years very much interrupted4 ,fourth day4 ,we returned home4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our meeting held this day1 in which ,i was silent4 ,sixth day4 ,i spent principally in assisting a friend1 who was somewhat straitened in getting along with his husbandry concerns2 he having been indisposed4 ,seventh day4 ,attended the funeral of a very ancient woman ,friend1 an elder in society4 ,she lived to the age of ninety-seven years1 an example of prudence and plainness2 of an innocent life and conversation1 and generally beloved by her acquaintance4 ,a large collection of ,friends and others attended it4 ,i was led to set forth the great advantages the true believer has over the unbeliever2 and to show to the people the great necessity of care that we did not place any confidence in a mere traditional or historical belief1 without coming to a real experimental knowledge of ,god and ,christ4 ,it was a solemn time2 many hearts were tendered with the savour of truth1 that spread over the meeting4 ,first day1 the #c;d of #ith month4 ,feeling a small draft of love and concern to sit with ,friends of ,westbury meeting to-day1 ,i yielded thereto4 ,it proved rather a low dull season1 very little life felt to be stirring in the meeting2 but a little before the close1 ,i felt my mind quickened with the remembrance of the occurrence which took place with ,jesus and his disciples a short time previous to his being taken prisoner1 and carried before ,pilate2 but1 in a particular manner1 my mind was impressed with the proceedings of ,judas the traitor4 ,it opened on my mind that he was a true figure of self in man1 which is the son of perdition1 and man of sin4 ,i was led1 in the opening1 to warn ,friends to beware of him1 each one in themselves1 for otherwise he would deceive1 and betray them1 as ,judas did his ,master2 and who will as certainly destroy the precious life in us1 as he brought ,christ to his crucifixion2 his delight is to scatter and expose to trial and temptation4 ,it spread with weight over the meeting1 and many minds were solemnly affected4 ,surely the ,lord's mercy is still great towards his backsliding people1 as he continues striving to gather and preserve them from all evil4 ,the rest of the week ,i spent as usual1 nothing particular occurring4 ,first day1 the #ajth4 ,this day ,i was pretty closely engaged4 ,attended our own meeting in the morning1 and an appointed meeting at ,jerusalem in the afternoon4 ,both were meetings of favour1 and comforting seasons to the upright in heart4 ,second day4 ,visited a sick brother4 ,found him very ill1 his case being such as to render his recovery very doubtful4 ,it caused much distress in the family4 ,oh6 how wise it is for such dependant creatures as we are1 and whose stay here is so uncertain1 to be always in a state of readiness to meet every event4 ,what consolation it affords in such trying seasons1 when we can come to say1 ,lord1 thy servant is ready4 ,i returned home on third day evening4 ,fourth and fifth days employed as usual4 ,on sixth day paid him another visit1 and found him much better1 and the family cheerful4 ,oh1 how unstable a creature is man6 full and empty1 joyful and sorrowful1 as things go well or ill4 ,all this is for want of having the mind centered in and on ,god1 its alone proper object and sure balance4 ,i tarried until first day1 and had an appointed meeting in the neighbourhood2 and although not so large as ,i have sometimes had in that place1 yet it was in the main an open favoured season1 exciting thankfulness to the blessed ,author of all our mercies4 ,i returned home that evening1 leaving my brother in a favourable way of recovery1 with a hope that the visitation will be profitable to him and his family1 if they rightly improve it4 ,the rest of the week ,i spent at and about home4 ,attended our monthly meeting on fifth day1 and the funeral of a female relative on sixth day1 who was taken off very suddenly with an apoplectic fit4 ,such instances speak a language to survivors very urgent and expressive3 8,be ye therefore ready also40 ,first day1 the #bdth4 ,after a considerable time of silent waiting in our meeting1 my mind was quickened in the remembrance of the following declaration of the apostle ,paul3 8,for by grace are ye saved1 through faith2 and that not of yourselves3 it is the gift of ,god3 ,not of works1 lest any man should boast40 ,the subject opened to communication1 wherein ,i had to unfold to the people the utter incapacity of man1 in his fallen or natural state1 doing any thing that would1 in the least degree1 further his salvation1 or be acceptable to ,god1 as a part of his necessary duty or service to him4 ,for it would be very unwise and dangerous to presume or attempt any such thing3 unwise1 because it is impossible for him to effect it1 and dangerous1 lest he should do something that might warm or stir up his own passions1 or those of others1 in such manner as to apprehend that a degree of the divine power attended4 ,for this would tend to lead to a very fatal errour1 a continuance in the presumption2 which can produce no other1 than darkness and death to the soul4 ,in this state he could not possibly avoid boasting1 and thereby counteract the apostle's doctrine2 and indeed it would be justifiable to boast1 if we could do the least thing of ourselves1 without the immediate aid of divine grace4 ,for strict justice cannot deny the ascription of merit to any cause that produces a real good work2 but as no mere man can possibly ever be such a cause1 so he can never merit any good from his own works1 and therefore he never can have a right to boast4 ,all this the truly humble are abundantly sensible of1 and therefore dare not attempt any thing in a religious way1 in their own time and will1 but wait patiently for the immediate inspiring of divine grace1 to whose power only1 as the procuring cause of our salvation1 all merit is due4 ,the rest of the week ,i spent in my usual avocations1 not omitting my religious duties as they opened on my mind4 ,first day1 the #ast of #ajth month4 ,my mind1 while sitting in our meeting to-day1 was led into the consideration of the real necessity there was for each individual to know ,god1 before he could worship him acceptably1 in spirit and in truth4 ,for if we are ignorant of him1 our worship would be no better than the worship of the ,athenians to an unknown ,god4 ,the subject enlarged and opened to the communication of divers gospel truths1 and gave cause gratefully to acknowledge the mercy and goodness of our heavenly ,father to his backsliding children4 ,the six following days ,i was occupied at and about home1 with a grieved mind most of the time1 on account of the conduct of some of my neighbours1 particularly one of my tenants1 and one other1 who spent the week principally attending horse races2 a most pernicious practice1 leading to more evil than almost any other wicked custom that the loose and the vain are so foolishly addicted to2 for it is not only spending our precious time in a vain and wanton manner1 but likewise manifests great ingratitude to the ,author of all our blessings1 if not a total disbelief in him3 for how can it be supposed that a rational mind1 that has a real belief in ,god1 could have hardiness enough to drive a horse in a race1 to gratify a number of idle and vain spectators2 and if for a bribe or a wager1 it adds greatly to the sin1 as it is then accompanied with covetousness and dishonesty4 ,when we consider that the horse is one of the great temporal blessings conferred on man1 by a gracious and beneficent providence1 to abuse him without cause1 by driving him in a race1 is both cruel and wicked2 for his life1 and the life of his rider are both at stake1 as it sometimes happens that both are killed4 ,and not one single real good ever has arisen1 or ever can be looked for1 from it3 for the truth of which1 ,i dare appeal to any rational man who was ever in the practice1 that it has never produced one hour of real peace to the mind4 ,first day1 the #hth4 ,as ,i sat in our meeting1 the declaration of ,paul1 introductory to his epistle to the ,hebrews1 presented to my mind1 and opened to a very interesting communication1 showing that 8,god1 who at sundry times and in divers manners1 spake in time past unto the fathers in ,israel by the prophets1 hath in these last days spoken unto us by his ,son1 whom he hath appointed heir of all things40 ,this renders it necessary for every true follower of him1 to hear him in all things1 as now1 under the gospel dispensation1 we have no other sufficient teacher but the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 by his spirit in our hearts2 therefore1 they who do not hear and obey him1 cannot be saved1 but1 agreeably to the testimony of ,moses1 8the wrath of ,god abideth on them40 ,second and third days4 ,were taken up in attending our meeting for sufferings4 ,the rest of the week ,i was occupied in my temporal concerns1 except attending our preparative meeting on fifth day4 ,first day1 the #aeth4 ,although in going to meeting to-day my mind was under the impression of poverty and spiritual want1 yet ,i had not sat long1 ere light sprang up1 and opened to the communication of divers weighty gospel truths4 ,in the unfolding of these1 ,i was led to open to the people1 that every birth was clothed in its own proper nature1 and which must be congenial to the spring or source from whence the birth derived its existence4 ,hence1 agreeably to the apostle ,paul's declaration1 8,the first man is of the earth1 earthy2 the second man is the ,lord from heaven2 and as we have borne the image of the earthy1 we shall also bear the image of the heavenly40 ,therefore1 as the earthy or animal part in man1 must draw all its succour and support from the earth1 and cannot be comforted nor subsist without earthly food2 so neither can the spiritual part1 or the immortal soul of man1 be comforted or subsist in its true life1 without spiritual food4 ,this1 and much more1 ,i was led to open in the light of truth1 at this solemn time2 for the ,lord's power spread over the meeting in a very weighty and sensible manner1 and we parted under the precious covering4 ,oh that our hearts might be continually warmed with gratitude for such unmerited mercy6 ,fifth day4 ,since first day1 ,i have been busily employed in putting my family affairs in order1 so as to leave home in company with a committee appointed by the yearly meeting1 to visit the quarterly meeting of ,nine ,partners1 with the monthly meetings constituting it1 this being the time to set out4 ,i also attended the funeral of a deceased neighbour1 on fourth day1 where ,i had a favourable opportunity of expostulating with a large assembly1 on the fallen1 weak1 and helpless state of man1 and the necessity of his witnessing1 through the aid of divine grace or spirit of his ,creator1 a redemption therefrom1 as the only means whereby he can be saved1 and be again renewed into his divine image and become a partaker of his real nature1 as no other nature can be happy in the enjoyment of him4 ,i accordingly left home on sixth day1 the #bjth of #ajth month4 ,my wife and daughter ,elizabeth set out with me1 with a view of bearing me company in part of the visit4 ,we rode through ,new-,york to ,westchester1 and lodged with our kind friends ,thomas and ,elizabeth ,underhill1 in our way to ,west ,hartford1 in ,connecticut1 that being the first monthly meeting we were to attend1 in the arrangement made by the committee4 ,on seventh day we continued our journey to ,middlesex1 and lodged with our friends ,samuel and ,phebe ,bishop4 ,on first day attended ,friends' meeting there2 and some notice being given to the neighbouring inhabitants1 of our intention of attending it1 the meeting was large1 and through the condescending goodness of the ,shepherd of ,israel1 it proved a comfortable edifying season4 ,the doctrines of the gospel were freely and largely communicated1 and the truth raised into dominion above all1 to the glory of him who is over all1 ,god blessed for ever4 ,on second day we proceeded on our journey1 going by way of ,bridgeport1 in order to visit a female ,friend of our acquaintance who lived in that town1 far separated from her friends and relatives2 and whose husband being a seafaring man1 was from home on a voyage4 ,she was comforted1 and glad of the visit1 although short4 ,after dining with her1 and staying as long as our time would admit1 we proceeded that afternoon to ,woodbury1 and lodged with ,elijah ,sherman1 a person of the ,methodist persuasion1 and an old acquaintance1 where we were hospitably entertained4 ,the next day we rode to ,west ,hartford1 and put up with our kind ,friend ,ruth ,gilbert1 widow of ,charles ,gilbert4 ,fourth day1 being the day their usual meeting was held1 we attended it2 and although small1 was nevertheless a precious favoured season4 ,the states of those present were spoken to in the fresh flowings of gospel love1 tendering and contriting the hearts of most present4 ,surely it was the ,lord's doing1 and worthy of deep thankfulness to him1 as the alone author of every blessing4 ,fifth day4 ,was their monthly meeting1 held at this time out of its usual course to accommodate the yearly meeting's committee4 ,it proved a satisfactory season4 ,the few ,friends constituting it1 appeared to conduct the business which came before them1 in a good degree of propriety and harmony4 ,on sixth day we took leave of our friends there1 and rode to ,oblong2 a long journey of about fifty-five miles1 and the way rough and hilly4 ,we lodged with our friend ,azariah ,howland1 and the next day attended ,oblong monthly meeting1 which proved1 through heavenly help1 particularly the part for worship1 a comfortable edifying meeting4 ,near the close1 feeling a draft on my mind to be there the next day at their first day meeting1 ,i informed ,friends thereof before we parted2 and notice being given to the neighbouring people of my intention1 the meeting was large2 and through the unmerited condescension of our gracious ,helper1 ability was given to preach the gospel in the clear demonstration of the spirit1 and with power4 ,the spirits of most present were humbled and contrited1 and the truth raised into dominion1 to the praise of ,him1 who calleth us to glory and virtue4 ,after this favoured meeting1 we parted with our friends1 under a lively sense of the ,lord's goodness1 and rode that evening to ,nine ,partners and took quarters with our kind relations ,isaac and ,anne ,thorne4 ,the two following days we attended the monthly meetings of ,nine ,partners and ,oswego1 which were1 in the main1 solemn edifying seasons4 ,on fourth day we rode to ,cornwall1 leaving my wife and daughter with our relations at ,nine ,partners4 ,the three following days1 attended the monthly meetings of ,cornwall1 ,marlborough1 and ,rosendale ,plains4 ,with grateful hearts1 we had abundant cause to acknowledge the goodness1 and never-failing loving kindness of our heavenly ,father1 in condescending to be with us from day to day1 making bare his arm for our help and furnishing with ability for the work we were engaged in1 both in meetings for worship1 and those for the right ordering of the affairs of the ,church4 ,the several opportunities were crowned with ,his gracious presence1 solemnizing and tendering the hearts of the people1 and comforting and gladdening the sincere in heart1 who prefer the prosperity of ,zion to their chiefest joy4 ,first day4 ,we attended ,marlborough meeting2 and some notice having been given to those of other societies1 of our intention of being there1 the meeting was large1 and the house much crowded4 ,through divine favour extended to us1 it proved an awakening precious season2 the testimony to the power of truth went forth and reigned victoriously over all4 ,we tarried here until the next day1 and then returned to ,nine ,partners1 in order to attend the quarterly meeting1 which opened the next day with a meeting for ,ministers and ,elders4 ,here ,i again met my wife and daughter4 ,the quarterly meeting closed on fourth day afternoon1 and was in the main an instructive favoured season1 although considerably interrupted by the imprudence of a ,friend1 in his unwarrantable opposition to a concern1 which was opened to draw ,friends off from the too free and unnecessary use of articles1 which were the produce of the labour of the poor enslaved black people2 and which was wrung from them1 while in a state of cruel bondage1 by their hard-hearted task masters4 ,for the sufferings of those oppressed people1 my mind was deeply exercised4 ,fifth day4 ,rode to ,stanford1 and attended the quarterly meeting of ,ministers and ,elders1 which through condescending goodness proved a comfortable edifying opportunity1 as was that for discipline4 ,the following day the quarterly meeting closed1 with a meeting for worship on seventh day4 ,it was a season thankfully to be remembered by every sensible mind present2 for he that opens and none can shut1 and shuts and none can open1 was graciously near1 and condescended to open many deep doctrines of the gospel1 in a full and clear manner1 in the demonstration of the spirit1 attended with power2 humbling and solemnizing the minds of most present1 and exalting the truth1 which was raised into dominion1 and ran sweetly over all4 ,we returned that evening to ,nine ,partners1 intending to sit with ,friends there the next day2 and some public notice being given that we were there1 the meeting was large4 ,although it proved rather an exercising season1 and the labour hard1 yet1 ,i trust1 it was a season of profit and instruction to many4 ,after this meeting1 feeling myself released from any further service1 the committee having fulfilled their appointment1 and my wife feeling anxious to return home1 we took leave of our friends on second day afternoon and rode to our friend ,enoch ,dorland's at ,beekman4 ,the next day we rode to ,croton1 and lodged with our friend ,james ,jordan4 ,on fourth day we proceeded on our journey to ,manhattanville1 and lodged with our friend ,joseph ,byrd2 and the following day1 attended the little meeting of our friends at that place4 ,after this we rode down to ,new-,york1 and took up our quarters at the house of our friend and kinsman ,whitehead ,hicks4 ,we tarried in town until seventh day morning1 and then took leave of our friends and rode home1 where we arrived just before evening4 ,we were from home about four weeks1 in which time ,i travelled four hundred and eighty-four miles1 and attended two quarterly meetings which held five days2 seven monthly meetings1 and five particular meetings4 ,we had especial cause of gratitude and thankfulness of heart1 to the great and beneficent ,author of every blessing1 in that our journey was prosperous1 and ourselves preserved in a comfortable degree of bodily health during the time1 although a season of very general indisposition with those among whom we travelled4 ,first day1 the #aith of #aath month4 ,i sat with our friends again in our own meeting1 and found it my place to set them an example of silence1 feeling my situation like ,mordecai's when sitting at the king's gate3 a state as grateful to an humble mind as riding the king's horse1 and more safe1 as there is less danger of falling4 ,fifth day4 ,another silent meeting4 ,seventh day4 ,attended the funeral of a deceased neighbour4 ,my mind was largely opened1 to set forth to a large auditory assembled on this solemn occasion1 the great and blessed effects of a firm belief and faith in the living ,god2 as it has proved an antidote to all evil in every age of the world1 and to every individual who has had this true and living faith4 ,for it is that by which the just live1 and this the apostle saith1 is our victory1 even our faith2 and without it1 it is impossible to please ,god4 ,the ,lord's power accompanied the communication1 and many hearts were broken and contrited by its heavenly influence2 may it not pass away as the morning dew1 but fasten as a nail in a sure place1 driven by the ,master of our assemblies1 is the fervent desire and prayer of my mind4 ,first day1 the #bfth4 ,i passed our meeting to-day mostly in silence1 except just before the close1 ,i found it my place to remind the meeting of the complaint of the apostle ,paul in his epistle to his beloved ,timothy1 concerning some in that day1 who were ever learning1 and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth4 ,the occasion of this was1 as it opened on my mind1 their neglect of practical duty1 and unfaithfulness in what they styled little things2 and thereby rendered themselves unfit and unworthy of being made rulers over more2 and yet were continually seeking after knowledge in greater things1 through the medium of the outward ear1 and creaturely comprehension2 loving to hear the truth declared and doctrines communicated1 but unwilling and neglectful of putting them in practice2 and therefore made no advancement in true learning4 ,i had to warn my friends to be careful not to render themselves liable to the same reprehension1 and found sweet peace in this small portion of duty4 ,the rest of the week ,i spent about home1 being somewhat indisposed4 ,sat our fifth day meeting in silence1 quietly waiting1 as at the king's gate1 for renewed instruction4 ,first day1 the #c;d of #abth month4 ,my mind has been much shut up since ,i returned home4 ,sat our meeting again to-day in silence2 but felt a daily exercise and concern relative to a religious visit in ,new ,england1 which has for months past1 been ripening on my mind2 but have a prospect of some services about home1 ere ,i engage therein4 ,lay low1 oh my soul6 that thou mayest be rightly and wisely directed therein2 for thou well knowest the greatness1 and vast importance of the work thou art called to2 and that of thyself1 thou art utterly destitute of any right ability to perform it to thy own good1 or to the glory and honour of thy chiefest good1 who is the ,lord alone1 thy gracious and all-sufficient helper4 ,second and third days4 ,attended to some necessary concerns about home1 preparatory to the approaching winter4 ,on fourth day afternoon rode to ,flushing1 in order to attend the monthly meeting the following day1 with a further prospect of having two other meetings on sixth and seventh days1 one at ,newtown1 and the other at the ,kilns1 in my way to ,new-,york1 where ,i felt drawings on my mind to be on first day4 ,accordingly after attending the monthly meeting1 having the company of my kind kinsman ,isaac ,hicks from ,westbury1 with the assistance of some ,friends of ,flushing1 we procured the appointment of a meeting the next evening at ,newtown at the sixth hour1 principally for those not in membership with us4 ,as there were no ,friends residing in the village1 the meeting was held in a large upper room at an inn1 which was nearly filled with sober and orderly behaved people4 ,through heavenly help1 it proved a comfortable edifying season2 the doctrines of the gospel were freely and largely opened1 apparently to the general satisfaction of those present1 and many hearts were humbled and contrited4 ,the next day we attended an appointed meeting in ,friends' meeting-house at the ,kilns4 ,although not large1 yet it proved a precious tendering opportunity to most present1 worthy to be remembered with thankfulness and gratitude to the blessed ,author of all our multiplied favours and blessings4 ,after this we dined with our kind friend ,jane ,betts1 and then proceeded to the city4 ,first day4 ,we attended ,pearl-street meeting in the morning1 and that at ,liberty-street in the afternoon4 ,in the former1 the testimony of truth went forth with power1 and its dignity and excellency were exalted over all opposition1 to the praise of ,him who is calling and leading all his devoted and obedient children out of darkness into his marvellous light1 wherein they are brought to witness a full remission of their sins1 and an inheritance among all those that are sanctified4 ,the latter meeting ,i sat mostly in silence2 but towards the close1 ,i was led forth in a short searching testimony1 which brought a solemnity over the meeting1 under which covering the meeting closed4 ,second day4 ,i attended a committee of the meeting for sufferings1 and in the afternoon a funeral of one not a member1 but whose parents were inclined to ,friends1 and frequently attended ,friends' meetings4 ,they hearing of my being in town1 requested my attendance at the funeral2 and being disposed thereto1 ,i attended accordingly1 and had an open time to declare the truth to those present1 suited to the occasion1 and many minds were humbled4 ,third day4 ,i attended the meeting for sufferings1 and on fourth day the meeting held in the middle of the week at ,pearl-street1 at which there was a marriage2 which occasioned the meeting to be quite large1 and in which my mind was exercised in an unusual manner4 ,for the subject which first presented1 after my mind had become silenced1 was the remembrance of the manner in which the temporal courts among men are called to order2 and it became so impressive1 as to apprehend it right to make use of it as a simile1 much in the way the prophet was led to make use of some of the ,rechabites1 to convict ,israel of their disobedience and want of attention to their law and lawgiver4 ,i accordingly was led to cry audibly three times1 8,o yes1 ,o yes1 ,o yes2 silence all persons1 under the pain and penalty of the displeasure of the court40 ,this unusual address had a powerful tendency to arrest the attention of all present1 and from which ,i took occasion1 as truth opened the way1 to reason with the assembly1 that if such a confused mass of people as are generally collected together on such occasions1 and from very different motives1 and many from mere curiosity to hear and see the transactions of the court1 should all in an instant so honour and respect the court1 as immediately to be still and silent at the simple call of the crier3 how much more reasonable is it1 for a collection of people1 promiscuously gathered to the place appointed in a religious way1 to wait upon1 and worship the ,judge of heaven and earth1 to be still1 and strive to silence every selfish and creaturely thought and cogitation of the mind4 ,for such thoughts and cogitations would as certainly prevent our hearing the inward divine voice of the ,king of heaven1 and as effectually hinder our worshipping him in spirit and in truth1 as the talking of the multitude at a court of moral law1 would interrupt the business thereof4 ,as ,i proceeded with this simile1 the subject enlarged and spread1 accompanied with gospel power and the evident demonstration of the spirit1 whereby truth was raised into victory1 and ran as oil over all4 ,the meeting closed with solemn supplication and thanksgiving to the ,lord our gracious ,helper1 to whom all the honour and glory belong1 both now and for ever4 ,we left the city that afternoon1 under a grateful sense of the ,lord's goodness1 and rode to ,flushing1 where we had a large public meeting that evening1 mostly of those not in membership with us4 ,it was a solemn season1 instructive and edifying4 ,i returned home the next day1 and found my family in a reasonable state of health2 surely may ,i not1 with propriety and humility of heart1 exclaim with one formerly3 8,what shall ,i render unto the ,lord for all his benefits towards me80 ,are not his mercies new every morning8 his faithfulness faileth not4 ,sixth and seventh days4 ,i was industriously occupied in my family affairs1 and the week ended with peace of mind4 ,first day1 the #agth4 ,i was led in our meeting to-day1 to call ,friends' attention to the cross2 assuring them1 that if we lived without the cross1 we must expect to die without the crown4 ,for as the cross consisted only in doing right1 and doing right only in a conformity to the will of our heavenly ,father1 and doing all our works agreeable to his good pleasure and not our own1 therefore1 doing right is always a cross to our fallen nature1 as nothing can do right in the sight of ,god1 but a birth or child of ,god4 ,for although a man in his fallen state may do a moral act1 that in itself is a right work1 yet1 doing it for his own pleasure and will1 and not because it is agreeable to the will and pleasure of his ,creator1 it cannot be accepted as a good act1 because the motive and principle were evil1 being selfish and not of ,god4 ,second day4 ,busily employed about home and in home affairs4 ,third day4 ,visited a sick friend at his request4 ,assisted him in settling his business and wrote his will4 ,surely this is a work which requires sound judgment and discretion1 therefore ought always to be done in time of health1 with proper deliberation1 and not in haste4 ,fourth day4 ,attended ,westbury monthly meeting1 to my own1 and ,i trust1 my friends' comfort and satisfaction4 ,i believe it was a season of instruction and profit to many who were present2 may it fasten as a nail in a sure place4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our own monthly meeting4 ,the meeting for worship1 through close labour1 proved a quickening tendering season to many present4 ,in the meeting for discipline1 ,i found it my duty to spread before my ,friends1 a concern which had for many months been1 at times1 very impressive on my mind1 to pay a visit in gospel love1 to ,friends and others in some parts of the yearly meeting of ,rhode ,island4 ,after due deliberation thereon1 they united with it and gave me their certificate1 leaving me at liberty to pursue the prospect1 as truth might open the way4 ,this brought me under serious reflections1 in a view and consideration of the great responsibility which naturally attaches to those who thus go out on this solemn embassy1 with the concurrence of their ,friends4 ,for not only their own reputation as ministers of the gospel1 must rise or fall1 according to their good or ill conduct1 but likewise that of their ,friends1 and the society they profess to be ministers of2 and also1 the truth which they seem to espouse1 instead of being advanced1 may be retarded thereby4 ,lay prostrate1 ,o my soul1 at the throne of grace1 and seek that wisdom which is only profitable to direct1 that thou mayest be thereby strengthened to endure hardness1 as a good soldier and servant of the ,prince of ,peace4 ,sixth and seventh days4 ,busily employed in so arranging matters at home1 as to leave it with a peaceful mind4 ,first day1 the #bdth4 ,a profitable edifying meeting with my ,friends at home4 ,i was led to sound forth a gospel message among them1 in an arousing searching testimony1 by which many minds were humbled and contrited4 ,second and third days4 ,employed in making preparation for my proposed journey4 ,fourth day4 ,attended ,friends' meeting at ,westbury1 at which there were two marriages accomplished2 which occasioned the meeting to be very large4 ,many of other societies came out of curiosity to see the manner of our marriages1 amongst whom1 ,i was largely opened in communication1 to set forth many gospel truths necessary to be believed and witnessed in our own experience1 in order to our salvation4 ,it was a season of favour1 and a very solemn time2 may it be blessed and sanctified to the lasting benefit of all who were present1 is the fervent desire and travail of my spirit4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our meeting in silence4 ,the two following days busily engaged in arranging my temporal concerns1 and putting them in order1 that ,i may leave home with a peaceful mind4 ,first day1 the #cast4 ,a solemn meeting to-day1 in which my mind was led forth in humble supplication for support and preservation in my proposed journey2 and that the ,lord our gracious helper1 in his guardian care1 would be pleased to be near my dear family and friends at home1 and be their comfort and strength in every needful time2 and that all those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death1 might be redeemed therefrom1 and translated into the kingdom of ,god1 that so his truth might prosper and spread from sea to sea1 and from the rivers to the ends of the earth2 that his great and excellent name might be praised and magnified by all the nations of the earth1 from the rising of the sun1 to the going down thereof1 world without end4 ,amen4 ,second and third days4 ,still busily engaged preparatory to leaving home1 with a prospect of setting out on fourth day morning1 if way should open4 ,,chapter ,,xi4 ,general visit to ,friends in ,new ,england1 #ahaf4 ,fourth day1 the #c;d of #ast month1 #ahaf4 ,after taking a solemn and affecting opportunity with my dear wife and children1 ,i took leave of them under a sense of the ,lord's goodness and gracious regard1 and proceeded on my intended journey4 ,called on my kind kinsman ,isaac ,hicks1 of ,westbury1 who had previously concluded to go with me as a companion4 ,we proceeded that afternoon to ,new-,york1 where we tarried over the next day4 ,on sixth day morning we left the city1 and arrived at ,bridgeport1 in ,connecticut1 on seventh day evening1 where we had a small though comfortable meeting1 the next day1 at the house of ,thomas ,woodward1 whose wife was a member of our society4 ,after this we proceeded to ,new ,haven1 and lodged4 ,on second day we rode to ,hartford1 and lodged4 ,on third and fourth days1 rode to ,leicester1 and lodged with our friend ,pliny ,earle4 ,on fifth day had an appointed meeting there1 at the eleventh hour4 ,a number of the neighbouring people1 not of our society1 attended with ,friends1 among whom was their priest4 ,it was1 ,i think1 a season of favour1 in which my heart and mouth were opened1 under1 ,i trust1 the influence of gospel love1 to declare the way of life and salvation to the people2 proving from the scriptures1 and clear rational demonstration1 that nothing short of the inspiring spirit of truth1 could enable any rational creature to make the least progress in a real ,christian life1 or qualify to worship the ,father of spirits1 in spirit and in truth2 and that a confession to all1 or any creeds or forms of religion1 however specious in their appearance1 without the immediate aid of this inspiring spirit1 would1 in the end1 leave the soul in utter disappointment4 ,i was also led to show the unreasonableness and inconsistency of the doctrine of unconditional election and reprobation1 and that it was impossible to be drawn from a right and enlightened view of the divine character4 ,there occurred one circumstance in the meeting1 which1 as it was in itself improper1 and gave some interruption to my mind1 ,i am willing to mention as a caution4 ,when the meeting had got pretty quietly settled1 and my mind opened with a prospect to stand up1 just before ,i was about to rise1 there came in a stranger1 in appearance2 and a ,friend who sat near me spoke to him to come forward1 and called him parson1 meaning a priest1 which ,i was very sorry to be informed of3 for ,i think that ,friends ought to be exceedingly careful1 never to inform travelling ministers the state or condition of those who attend their meetings1 as it not only has a tendency to close up the way very much1 of real gospel ministers1 but when close and plain things are delivered1 they often are judged of having outward information of the condition of those to whom it applies2 which1 if it be the case1 it would most likely be the means of rendering their labour useless2 but if from inquiry such find that the speaker was utterly ignorant of them1 from any outward discovery1 it is then much more likely to fix on their minds and become useful4 ,after dining with our friends1 we proceeded on our journey about thirteen miles that evening1 with a view of endeavouring to get an opportunity with ,friends at ,bolton1 the next day2 but the morning opened with a pretty severe snow storm1 which rendered it impracticable4 ,however1 we proceeded in the morning through the snow1 and with much difficulty reached that place1 where we tarried until first day4 ,we had then a very comfortable edifying meeting with ,friends2 and continued there1 at the house of our kind friend ,john ,fry1 until second day morning1 and then proceeded to ,lynn4 ,on third day1 the #afth1 we proceeded to ,seabrook1 in order to attend the quarterly meeting1 which opened the next day with a meeting of ,ministers and ,elders4 ,on fifth day was the quarterly meeting for discipline1 preceded by a meeting for worship4 ,it was a season of favour1 especially the meeting for worship1 wherein my mind was largely opened to preach the gospel in the demonstration of the spirit1 to the comfort and edification of the upright in heart2 many being reduced into a state of humble contrition and thankfulness for the unmerited mercy4 ,on sixth day we proceeded to ,epping1 where1 by previous notice1 we had a meeting in the evening1 in which the ,lord's power and presence presided in a very eminent manner2 and his truth raised into victory over all1 and ran as oil1 quieting and solemnizing every thing that stood in opposition to its pure holy influence4 ,i scarcely ever was at a meeting1 wherein all were so swallowed up in a profound solemnity1 that when the meeting closed1 it was sometime before any removed from their seats4 ,surely it was the ,lord's doing4 ,from thence we went the next day to ,lee1 and had a small comfortable meeting at the eleventh hour1 and then proceeded to ,dover4 ,on first day attended ,friends' meeting there at the eleventh hour1 at the close of which1 feeling a draft of love towards the inhabitants of the town at large1 with the unity of ,friends1 there was a meeting appointed in the evening1 and general invitation given2 at which there was a very large collection of the various sects1 amongst whom my mind was largely opened1 and my tongue loosed1 ,i trust1 by ,him who opens1 and none can shut1 and shuts and none can open1 to declare of the things concerning the kingdom of ,god1 and to point out to the people1 in a very clear manner1 the way of life and salvation1 unfolding many important doctrines of the gospel1 in the clear demonstration of the spirit1 bowing and humbling many minds present1 and rejoicing the hearts of the faithful2 under a sense whereof my mind was bowed in deep abasedness for the favour4 ,next morning we proceeded to ,berwick1 and had an instructive edifying meeting there in the evening1 wherein many hearts1 with mine own1 were made thankful4 ,the next day we proceeded to ,portland1 a town on ,casco ,bay4 ,the following day1 being the fourth of the week1 we rode to ,falmouth1 and attended their select meeting1 constituted of the ,ministers and ,elders belonging to ,falmouth meeting4 ,it was small1 and the business conducted in a very weak1 and1 in my view1 a very improper manner2 for1 previous to the meeting1 it appeared that the clerk had1 at his leisure1 entered the business of the meeting1 as though at meeting1 and made answers to all the queries2 so that when the meeting collected1 they had nothing to do1 but to hear him read over what he had before written1 and which1 without any alteration1 was approved2 some representatives to the quarterly meeting appointed1 and the meeting closed4 ,on taking a view of the subject1 ,i was led to believe that meetings1 held in such a way1 brought no honour to the cause1 nor strength nor profit1 to those who attend them4 ,at the close of the meeting1 we rode to our friend ,john ,winslow's1 and lodged2 and the next day attended ,falmouth monthly meeting4 ,the two following days we attended the select meeting at ,windham1 and their monthly meeting4 ,first day attended ,windham meeting2 and on second day1 an appointed meeting at ,gorham4 ,on third day we rested1 and wrote4 ,on fourth day their quarterly meeting opened at ,windham1 which closed on fifth day4 ,sixth day1 had an appointed meeting at ,falmouth4 ,on seventh day rode to ,durham2 and on first day attended their meeting1 which was large1 notice having been given to the neighbouring inhabitants of our coming4 ,second day1 rode back to ,portland1 and had an appointed meeting with ,friends and others that evening4 ,on third day attended an appointed meeting at ,cape ,elizabeth1 and then returned to ,portland1 and had a large public meeting in the evening4 ,on fourth day we were at ,scarborough4 ,i then felt my mind released from any further service in this quarter2 but before ,i proceed1 am led in humble gratitude and thankfulness of heart1 to acknowledge the goodness and mercy of ,israel's ,shepherd1 who1 in his never-failing love1 was graciously near from place to place1 and clothed the assemblies with his presence and power1 opening my mind in every meeting for worship1 to preach the gospel1 humbling and contriting many minds1 and comforting and edifying the willing and upright in heart4 ,surely it is the ,lord that worketh in us and for us2 magnified and adored be his right worthy name1 both now and for ever1 to whom all the praise belongs3 nothing due to man4 ,after the meeting at ,scarborough1 ,i went with my kind friend ,william ,cobb to his house at ,gorham1 he having taken me in his chaise from ,portland to ,scarborough2 for our way of travelling was with a sled3 but the snow on the seacoast was so wasted as to render it difficult getting along with it4 ,it was therefore concluded that my companion should go back into the country to ,gorham1 where the snow was more abundant2 and ,william accompanied me as aforesaid4 ,we met again in the evening at his house1 and the next day returned to ,berwick1 and the day following to ,dover4 ,on seventh day ,i proceeded to ,rochester1 accompanied by ,thomas ,stackpole4 ,my companion being unwell1 it was thought best for him to rest until our return4 ,we attended the upper meeting in that town in the evening2 and the next day1 at the eleventh hour1 were at the lower meeting4 ,after this we returned to ,dover1 to attend a meeting in the evening1 which had been concluded to be appointed previous to my going out2 and general notice having been given1 it was very large4 ,they were all seasons of favour1 in which the ,lord's presence was felt to preside1 and truth raised into dominion2 particularly the last1 wherein my heart and mouth were largely opened1 and the gospel preached in the demonstration of the spirit1 attended with power1 solemnizing this large assembly4 ,truth reigned1 and the meeting closed with humble supplication and prayer to the ,lord4 ,second day1 the #abth of #b;d month4 ,we returned to ,seabrook1 to the house of our kind friend ,joseph ,phillbrick1 and had an appointed meeting there that evening4 ,the next day proceeded to ,almsbury and ,newbury1 and had a meeting at each place1 the latter in the evening4 ,they were open favoured seasons1 particularly the meeting at ,almsbury1 in which truth prevailed1 and ran as oil over all4 ,a ministering friend observed1 after the meeting1 that he believed the witness was raised in every mind present4 ,it was indeed a precious strengthening opportunity to my own mind3 may the honour and praise be all ascribed to ,israel's ,shepherd1 to whom it is altogether due4 ,how deeply humbling are such continued mercies1 dispensed to us poor unworthy creatures4 ,lay low1 ,o my soul6 for thou well knowest that it is the ,lord's power only1 clothed in righteous judgment and never-failing mercy1 that has raised thee from the dunghill1 where thou hadst plunged thyself by thy own follies2 yea1 it is he who has plucked thy feet out of the mire and clay of sin1 and set them on a rock1 and strengthened thee in faith to believe1 that as thou dwellest in deep humiliation before him1 resting on his mercy1 until self is fully mortified1 and the old man with his deeds is utterly crucified1 he will establish thy going1 and put a new song into thy mouth1 even eternal praises to thy ,god4 ,even so be it4 ,amen4 ,we left ,newbury on fourth day morning1 and returned to ,salem1 and attended their meeting1 the next day1 as it came in course1 at which there was a marriage accomplished between two worthy ,friends1 elders in society4 ,it was a comfortable edifying season1 in which ,i was led to set forth the deep and solemn obligations which mutually attach to the parties entering into the marriage covenant--obligations that can never be rightly and harmoniously fulfilled1 so as to render the parties truly happy together1 unless they are of one mind and one heart1 in all matters of importance1 but more especially in regard to their principles of religion and faith2 for if these are diverse1 it will most likely imbitter their enjoyments1 and produce discord in their family1 and tend to wound and distract the minds of their children1 should they be favoured with any4 ,it therefore bespeaks great presumption and folly in young people to risk the attempt1 especially on such slender reasons as are commonly brought forward as a plea1 that one of the parties may change their opinion1 and come to unite with the other4 ,this1 however1 is very fallacious1 as such change is uncertain2 and no man of reason will trust thereto in the most trivial matters1 for each generally suppose themselves in the right1 and look for the other to condescend and conform2 and therefore the breach often becomes greater4 ,on sixth day evening1 we had an appointed meeting for the inhabitants of the town in general4 ,it was very large1 consisting of the various religious sects1 and some of almost every description of people1 who commonly reside in such populous towns4 ,i was largely opened among them in the line of the ministry1 in which ,i was led to set forth the excellency of man's primitive state1 before the fall1 in which he was placed by the wisdom and goodness of his all-wise and gracious ,creator1 and furnished with sufficient light and understanding to know that he was altogether the work of his almighty power1 and that he derived his life and existence1 with every other blessing he had1 or could have1 from his bountiful hand2 under a just sense whereof1 while he stood in this happy state1 every desire of his soul flowed with a continual ascent to him1 as his only comforter and preserver4 ,in this state he realized the condition the apostle reminds us of in this exhortation3 8,rejoice evermore2 pray without ceasing2 and in every thing give thanks30 this being the only true delineation of a faithful servant of ,god4 ,but from this happy state man fell1 by a wrong use and abuse of those powers and capacities conferred on him as a free agent1 and without which he neither could have known nor served his ,god3 therefore1 man's fall was altogether an act of his own choice1 contrary to known duty2 and had it not been so1 he could not possibly have felt guilt and condemnation for what he had done4 ,i was also led to open to the people that the great end of ,christ's coming was to introduce the gospel1 which is the last and most blessed dispensation of ,god to the children of men1 as by it only can man be restored to this primitive state1 and without which restoration he cannot effectually serve ,god in spirit4 ,this gospel our ,lord told his disciples his ,father would send them in his name1 and which is the ,holy ,ghost or power of ,god sent down from heaven1 which well agrees with the doctrine of the apostle ,paul1 where he tells us1 that the gospel of ,christ 8is the power of ,god unto salvation1 to every one that believeth40 ,this therefore supposes1 that those who do not obey the spirit of truth1 or ,holy ,ghost1 which convinces them of sin1 do not believe the gospel1 and therefore are not benefitted by it3 of course they remain under the power and dominion of sin4 ,after this favoured meeting1 ,i felt myself much indisposed with a very severe cold and fever1 and had to keep house until the next third day1 when we proceeded to ,lynn4 ,the following day we attended their meeting held in the middle of the week2 and notice being given of our intention of being there1 it was large4 ,the power of truth went forth freely1 tendering many minds1 and comforting the faithful and upright in heart4 ,the next day we proceeded on our way to ,long ,plain1 where we arrived the day following1 about noon4 ,had a meeting there that evening4 ,the day after had a meeting at the eleventh hour1 at ,accushnet4 ,they were both favoured meetings4 ,we then proceeded to ,new ,bedford2 and the next day1 the first of the week1 and #beth of #b;d month1 we attended their forenoon and afternoon meetings4 ,in these my mind was largely opened in gospel communication1 tending to expose the man of sin and son of perdition1 manifesting that he was nothing but self in man1 and showing that1 in his mysterious workings1 in leading man to endeavour to imitate ,god1 in doing good and performing acts under the show of religion and religious worship1 but all done in his own will and time1 the whole mystery of iniquity is comprehended4 ,for in man's thus turning away from ,god and the inspirings of his holy spirit1 consists his fall1 as he takes upon himself an independent state1 and assumes the right of self-government1 and becomes his own director2 therefore1 his salvation wholly consists in surrendering up this self-ability1 letting it die on the cross1 and returning into a state of full submission to the leading and sole guidance of the inspiring spirit of ,god4 ,my mind was largely opened on these and other truths of the gospel in those meetings1 whereby truth was raised into dominion over all1 to the comfort and peace of my own mind1 and to the apparent satisfaction1 instruction1 and edification of the rightly exercised and seeking minds present4 ,the three following days we attended meetings at ,newtown1 ,centre1 and the monthly meeting of ,dartmouth1 or ,aponegansett4 ,in each of these ,i was largely opened in gospel communication1 particularly in the last4 ,the truth was powerfully raised into dominion over all1 spreading a precious solemnity over the meeting1 and much contrition of spirit was manifested4 ,it was the ,lord's doing1 and to him belongs all the praise of his own work1 nothing due to the creature but blushing and confusion of face4 ,fifth and sixth days4 ,we had meetings at ,acoaksett1 alias ,west ,port1 and ,little ,compton4 ,in both the gospel was preached in truth's authority2 the latter especially was a powerful melting season to most present1 inspiring the mind with deep thankfulness and gratitude to the bountiful ,author of every blessing4 ,on seventh day we proceeded to ,newport1 on ,rhode ,island1 and attended ,friends' forenoon and afternoon meetings on first day4 ,on second day1 had an appointed meeting at ,portsmouth4 ,after this1 with peace of mind1 we left the island that afternoon1 and went to ,tiverton1 and lodged with our kind friend ,joseph ,barker4 ,we had an appointed meeting there the next day1 and the day following were at ,swansey4 ,truth was eminently exalted in these meetings1 especially the latter1 which was a powerful baptizing season1 in which the ,lord's presence was witnessed1 and much brokenness and contrition of spirit was spread over the meeting4 ,this was witnessed1 not only by ,friends1 but by many others not in profession with us1 encouraging and gladdening every sincere mind for the unmerited favour4 ,after this solemn meeting1 we took leave of our ,friends1 and rode that afternoon to ,providence4 ,the next day we attended ,friends' meeting there1 as it came in course1 in which my mind was led to exemplify and set forth1 the excellency and blessed effects of true and strict justice in all our dealings and commerce between man and man1 as rational social beings2 which was introduced into my mind by the remembrance of this saying of the wisest of men1 viz4 ,solomon3 8,righteousness exalteth a nation1 but sin is a reproach to any people40 ,my mind was opened to show the great and essential difference there is1 between the righteousness of man1 as comprehended in1 and tolerated by the laws1 customs1 edicts and traditions of men1 and the righteousness of ,god1 which is altogether comprehended in pure1 equal1 impartial and unchangeable justice3 showing that every act of man1 which is not in conformity to this pure and impartial justice1 is sin2 and that whatever we do that has a tendency1 either directly or indirectly1 to counteract this pure1 simple1 impartial justice1 cannot be considered as any part of that righteousness which exalts a nation1 as it cannot bring glory to ,god2 for no righteousness1 but ,god's righteousness1 wrought in man by this pure principle of justice1 can possibly glorify him1 as this must be the foundation of every virtue in man4 ,it was a season of close searching labour1 by which the hidden things of ,esau1 or the first nature1 in which the serpentine wisdom works1 deceiving multitudes2 was brought to light and exposed3 especially that cunning sophistical reasoning in the wisdom of this world1 which many people are making use of to justify themselves1 and thereby stifle and put to silence the convictions of conscience1 while acting in direct opposition to this pure principle of justice2 by continuing a traffic in1 and making themselves rich1 by a commerce in the produce of the labour of the poor1 afflicted and deeply oppressed ,africans and their descendants1 held in a state of slavery by the mere force of war1 and which is wrested from them without their consent4 ,truth was exalted over all1 and unrighteousness exposed1 and its evil effects on societies and individuals manifested4 ,after this arduous meeting1 not feeling myself clear of the town1 ,i appointed another meeting in the evening4 ,public notice being given1 it was large1 not only of the white inhabitants1 but a large number of the people of colour also attended4 ,it was a season of favour1 and much doctrine was communicated1 suited to the states of those present2 tending to the edification and instruction of the seeking minds of the varied sects1 many of whom were collected in this solemn assembly4 ,i closed with a peaceful mind1 and the next day we proceeded to ,scituate1 and had a very edifying tendering meeting there4 ,the day following1 being the first of the week1 we were at ,friends' meeting at ,foster4 ,it was a small meeting of ,friends1 but a very considerable number of the neighbouring people came in of different persuasions4 ,i was led to open and explain among them many essential doctrines of ,christianity1 which1 crossing the carnal views of these outside professors1 and striking at their creaturely activity in their religious services1 ,i felt as ,i proceeded a strong spirit of opposition in some of this description1 but truth favoured so that no outward opposition was manifested1 and the meeting closed under a covering of solemn quiet4 ,on second day evening we attended an appointed meeting in ,friends' meeting-house at ,plainfield4 ,there are but few ,friends belonging to this meeting1 the whole consisting of but three families2 but a considerable number of their neighbours came in and sat with us4 ,we likewise appointed another meeting the next day at a ,friend's house in the northern part of this town1 at the second hour in the afternoon1 which was well attended by the neighbouring people4 ,these two last meetings closed my visit to ,friends and others1 in the compass of ,rhode ,island yearly meeting4 ,they were opportunities of favour1 in which much gospel instruction was communicated1 to the general edification1 comfort and satisfaction of the people1 and which was acknowledged by many of them4 ,in parting with them ,i felt the incomes of sweet peace1 as a crown to all my deep exercises and ardent gospel labours1 in this visit to ,friends and others in the compass of that yearly meeting3 a sense of which humbles my mind in deep thankfulness and gratitude1 to the bountiful ,author of all our mercies and blessings1 who is over all1 ,god blessed for ever4 ,we proceeded from thence on fourth day1 directly to the city of ,hartford2 and on fifth day evening had a large meeting there1 held in a meeting-house belonging to the ,baptists4 ,i was led forth among them in a large doctrinal testimony1 showing that ,christ's coming in the flesh1 was designed to supersede the dispensation of ,moses1 which stood in mere legal righteousness1 consisting of carnal ordinances1 and relating only to the outward or animal body1 made up of circumcision1 outward sacrifices1 elementary washings and cleansings1 and the blood of slain beasts1 c43 all which were only outward1 and therefore could not effect the soul1 nor make the comers thereunto perfect1 as pertaining to the conscience4 ,i was likewise led to open the nature of the true ,christian ,sabbath1 which is the antitype of the typical one1 and does not consist in a rest to the body merely for a day1 but in a perpetual rest to the soul by its coming into ,christ1 and submitting to the government of his spirit1 and entirely ceasing from its own willings and runnings1 by which reconciliation is witnessed1 and peace made with our heavenly ,father4 ,these things and much more1 ,i had to open to the people1 in the fresh feelings of the love and life of truth1 which was exalted over all4 ,the next day we rode to ,woodbury1 with a prospect of obtaining a religious opportunity with the people2 but way not opening for it1 we proceeded the day after to ,new ,milford1 and the next day being the first of the week1 we had a comfortable edifying meeting with ,friends1 and a large collection of their neighbours with them4 ,after this1 we rode that afternoon to ,oblong1 and the next day attended the monthly meeting there4 ,in the meeting for worship1 the ,lord's power was eminently exalted1 and truth was raised into dominion2 the season was deeply instructive and edifying4 ,the day after we had an appointed meeting in the town of ,patterson1 where no ,friend resides4 ,it was held in a school-house1 and proved1 through divine favour1 an instructive baptizing season4 ,from thence we proceeded to the ,valley1 and the following day had a precious strengthening opportunity with ,friends and others1 in ,friends' meeting-house there4 ,we then rode to ,north ,salem1 and the next day being their meeting day in the middle of the week1 we attended it3 and notice being given that we were there1 it was considerably enlarged by a number of the neighbouring inhabitants coming in4 ,the forepart of the meeting was exercising3 my mind1 in silent waiting1 was dipped into a deep sense of poverty and darkness1 and as ,i sat patiently under the impression1 ,i was led gradually into a view of the cause1 which appeared to be too much creaturely activity and a froward will4 ,as light began to arise and expel the darkness1 there was brought to remembrance these expressions of ,solomon3 8,keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of ,god1 and be more ready to hear1 than to give the sacrifice of fools3 for they consider not that they do evil30 and also1 8,but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury40 ,these were opened in a way that led to communication1 in which ,i had to show the very hurtful tendency of creaturely activity in matters of religion and religious worship1 and the absolute necessity of a complete redemption from self1 and all self motives1 in the great work of our salvation4 ,as ,i proceeded1 the life rose1 and truth prevailed and spread over the meeting in an eminent manner4 ,after this favoured meeting1 ,i found there was sufficient cause for my exercise2 and ,i was glad that ,i was altogether ignorant of it from any outward information4 ,the next day we had an appointed meeting at ,amawalk4 ,it was favoured with the ,lord's presence and power2 and many hearts were contrited and made thankful1 under a sense of his continued mercy4 ,we proceeded from thence to ,peekskill1 where1 by previous appointment1 we had a meeting the following day1 which was crowned with the ,lord's blessing4 ,surely the ,lord is good and gracious1 and his mercy endureth for ever2 for did he deal with us according to our deserts1 surely we might ere now all have been consumed3 for as ,i passed along from place to place1 ,i discovered great unfaithfulness1 and want of right submission to the divine will1 with many ,friends as well as others2 under a feeling sense whereof1 ,i was often led in a line of close searching doctrine1 by which the hidden things of ,esau1 or the works of the first birth or fallen nature were brought to light and exposed1 in a way that showed it was the ,lord's doing3 and my heart1 with the hearts of the faithful few were made glad in his power1 and his everlasting loving kindness to the children of men4 ,the next day being the first of the week1 we attended ,croton meeting4 ,the number of ,friends there is small1 but the meeting was large for that place1 for many of other societies came in4 ,the doctrines of the gospel were freely and largely preached among them1 to the instruction and edification1 ,i believe1 of most present1 and to the peace and comfort of my own mind4 ,our next meeting was at ,shapaqua1 which was large1 and a favoured season4 ,the two following days we had meetings at ,croton ,valley and ,north ,castle1 in both of which ,i was helped to clear myself among the people in a line of plain doctrine4 ,the next day and the fifth of the week1 we had an appointed meeting at ,purchase1 which was a large satisfactory meeting4 ,the two following days we attended meetings at ,mamaroneck and ,westchester2 in both of which1 the ,lord's power was manifested for our help1 and the gospel preached in the demonstration thereof1 and its divine influence tendered and contrited many hearts2 especially in the latter1 which being the last meeting ,i had in this journey1 it proved a crowning season1 in which truth was raised into victory over all1 and the ,lord's name praised and magnified for his goodness and marvellous loving kindness to the children of men4 ,after this solemn meeting ,i felt myself at liberty to return home1 where ,i arrived safe that evening1 and found most of my family in usual health4 ,i was from home nearly three months in this journey1 travelled upwards of one thousand miles1 and attended fifty-nine particular1 three monthly1 and two quarterly meetings4 ,first day1 the #cast of #c;d month1 #ahaf4 ,having returned from my aforesaid journey last evening1 sat with ,friends in our own meeting to-day4 ,i felt things to be very low in a religious sense1 and my mind clothed with much poverty1 which appeared to me in the openings of truth1 to be occasioned by ,friends suffering their minds to be too much overwhelmed with the surfeiting cares of this life1 which ,i was led to open to them in a plain though tender manner4 ,it had a reaching effect on the meeting1 and contrited many hearts2 may it fasten as a nail in a sure place1 is the fervent desire of my mind4 ,fifth day4 ,since first day ,i have been somewhat circumstanced as ,mordecai formerly at the king's gate1 waiting and watching in much poverty of spirit1 against intervening temptations1 while making some necessary arrangements respecting my temporal affairs2 being desirous that they may all be so conducted1 under the ordering and limitation of truth1 as to accord with the will of my heavenly ,father1 and thereby bring glory to his excellent name4 ,sat our meeting to-day in silence4 ,sixth and seventh days4 ,nothing transpired requiring particular notice4 ,first day4 ,i was led in our meeting to-day1 under a sense of the great want among mankind in general of a right concern to become acquainted with their ,creator1 to set forth the great loss and suffering which must necessarily result to them from this state of ignorance1 and want of the true knowledge of ,god1 and of his will concerning them4 ,seventh day1 the #acth of #dth month4 ,this week has passed since first day1 without feeling sufficient to warrant making a short note2 but being at present musing on the past time1 and feeling no condemnation1 although ,i had passed the present week mostly in caring for my temporal concerns2 yet not so much1 ,i trust1 from the love ,i have for the world or the things of it1 but more especially from a sense of duty1 that ,i may honestly provide for the outward welfare of myself and family1 and have1 through the blessing of a kind and benevolent ,providence on my frugal industry1 a sufficiency when called from my home and from every temporal enjoyment there1 for the gospel's sake1 to keep the gospel free from charge1 and that ,i abuse not my power in the gospel4 ,for this care1 ,i often fear is too much wanting by some who go out on that solemn embassy2 which1 if not guarded against1 may not only tend to frustrate the end of their labours1 but prove a stone of stumbling to many seeking minds4 ,for how inconsistent it must appear in those who profess to have taken up their cross to self and the world1 to follow their self-denying ,saviour in the plain path of duty1 to be anxious about what they shall eat or drink1 or what they shall wear2 or manifest a desire after praise or applause from their ,friends or others1 or have their hands and hearts open to receive the gratuities of the rich4 ,for all these may be considered when sought after1 as bribes to the receivers1 and it places such under the appellation of hirelings2 for although there may not have been any previous contract1 yet1 receiving benefits in that way1 ,i conceive1 will bring the receiver under obligations to the giver1 and place the individual in a situation not fit for a free minister of the gospel4 ,first day4 ,sat our meeting to-day mostly in silence1 and in suffering with the seed1 that lies oppressed as a cart under sheaves1 in the minds of most of the professors of ,christianity2 but towards the close a gleam of light broke forth1 in the remembrance of that saying of ,christ1 where he tells us1 that the kingdom of ,god is within1 and that it doth not come through outward observation4 ,the subject opened in a lively manner on my mind1 which led to communication1 and brought a solemn weight over the meeting1 and we parted under the favour4 ,the three following days ,i kept much within1 being under very considerable bodily affliction1 although1 at intervals1 so as to pay some necessary attention to my family affairs1 not being willing to let any portion of precious time pass away unimproved1 as ,i cannot suppose that any part of our time is dispensed to us for nought4 ,fifth day4 ,this was the time of our monthly meeting1 at which the queries were answered1 and accounts prepared to go up to the yearly meeting4 ,how deep and solemn our deliberations are on such occasions1 not only that our answers may be consistent with truth1 without any false colouring or evasion1 but that all may be done under the influence of that divine power1 which humbles and abases the creature1 and which only can qualify for the ,lord's work and service1 whether in ministry or discipline4 ,at this time ,i returned the minute ,i had from the meeting1 to perform my late visit to ,friends in ,new ,england1 with a short account of my journey4 ,sixth day4 ,attended our meeting for ,ministers and ,elders1 at which nothing unusual occurred4 ,seventh day4 ,quietly spent in my temporal concerns4 ,first day1 the #bast4 ,my mind1 in our meeting to-day1 was brought under a deep feeling exercise1 in sympathy with backsliders1 and such as1 having been often reproved1 continue still to revolt4 ,the power of truth went forth to these in a searching arousing manner3 may it prove effectual to produce in such more stability and faithfulness to the convictions of divine grace1 which1 as they become fully obedient thereunto1 will work their salvation2 otherwise these may share the fate described by one formerly3 8,he that1 being often reproved1 hardeneth his neck1 shall suddenly be destroyed1 and that without remedy40 ,the rest of this week ,i spent principally in attending our quarterly meeting1 held at this time in ,new-,york4 ,it was for the most part a favoured season1 but would have been more so1 had not some in the ministry quite exceeded the mark by unnecessary communication4 ,for very great care ought to rest on the minds of ministers1 lest they become burthensome1 and take away the life from the meeting1 and bring over it a gloom of death and darkness1 that may be sensibly felt4 ,first day1 the #bhth4 ,a silent meeting to-day4 ,second day4 ,in the afternoon of this day ,i accompanied a friend to a meeting he had appointed at ,jerusalem4 ,there was a considerable collection2 but the meeting proved trying1 not only in the silent part1 but when our friend was communicating1 there seemed to be a great weight of death over the meeting1 and the people appeared generally very dull and lifeless4 ,i was very much borne down under a feeling sense of it1 so that ,i had not the least prospect that ,i should have any thing to communicate1 as ,i felt nothing in myself to offer1 nor did there appear any disposition or fitness in the people to receive2 but just before the close1 some time after the ,friend had sat down1 there was a small presentation opened on my mind1 attended with a degree of life1 which1 as ,i yielded thereto1 it spread a comfortable calm over the meeting generally1 insomuch that ,i thought that the fragments which were left1 after each had had their portion1 were more than the whole stock in the beginning1 like the fragments of the loaves and fishes1 when the multitude were fed formerly4 ,i accompanied the aforesaid ,friend on fourth day to ,bethpage1 but sat the meeting in silence4 ,he appeared in a pretty long testimony1 but it was rather a dull heavy season1 and but little life to be felt1 so true is that saying1 that1 8,except the ,lord build the house1 they labour in vain that build it2 except the ,lord keep the city1 the watchman waketh but in vain40 ,he returned with me and attended our meeting the next day1 and had a pretty favoured time in the meeting1 and was led to open divers passages of scripture in a pretty clear manner1 which rendered the season instructive and satisfactory4 ,sixth and seventh days4 ,passed without any thing transpiring worthy of remark4 ,first day1 the #eth of #eth month4 ,being invited to attend the funeral of one of my wife's cousins1 on ,cowneck1 ,i accompanied her thereto4 ,there was a large collection of people2 but by their untimely and irregular gathering1 the opportunity was much interrupted2 yet1 through the condescending goodness of ,israel's ,shepherd1 the power of truth went forth freely to the people1 tendering and contriting many hearts1 particularly among the youth3 may it fix on their minds as a nail1 driven by the ,master of assemblies1 in a sure place4 ,the rest of this week ,i spent about home1 being somewhat unwell2 yet not so much so1 but that ,i attended our preparative meeting on fifth day4 ,first day1 the #abth4 ,feeling considerably indisposed1 ,i did not get out to meeting to-day2 yet had to reflect how very seldom ,i had been prevented by indisposition for many years past1 being generally preserved in health1 a favour worthy of grateful acknowledgments4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our monthly meeting4 ,it was a low dull season1 through the greater part of the first meeting2 but just before the close1 a small gleam of light appeared1 which1 with a short communication from a female1 brought the meeting to a pretty comfortable conclusion4 ,sixth and seventh days4 ,spent in my family avocations1 clothed with poverty of spirit1 yet not altogether cast down1 being encouraged at times with the remembrance of the divine promise succeeding the flood1 that1 8,while the earth remaineth1 seed-time and harvest1 and cold and heat1 and summer and winter1 and day and night1 shall not cease40 ,as in my past winter journey1 ,i witnessed summer and harvest1 so now ,i may rest patiently in the divine promise1 with the assurance1 that as winter in due course has succeeded summer1 so likewise summer by and by1 in its turn1 will succeed winter1 and the time of the singing of birds will come1 and the drooping spirit will again rejoice in the ,lord1 and joy in the ,god of its salvation4 ,nothing requiring a note the following week1 except1 that on seventh day1 the #beth of the month1 ,i proceeded to ,new-,york1 in order to attend our approaching yearly meeting1 which opened for ,ministers and ,elders at the tenth hour this morning2 but the morning being rainy1 we did not arrive in season to attend the first sitting4 ,the meeting continued by adjournments until the following sixth day1 and was in the main1 ,i think1 a favoured meeting1 the ,lord graciously manifesting himself to be near1 suppressing forward spirits1 that would now and then start up to the hurt of the meeting1 and uniting the living baptized members in a joint travail for the promotion of right order1 and the increase of the ,messiah's kingdom in the earth4 ,we returned home on seventh day4 ,first day1 the #b;d of #fth month4 ,attended our meeting in the morning in silence2 but in the afternoon meeting1 appointed by a friend from ,pennsylvania1 ,i had a pretty full opportunity1 after the ,friend who appointed the meeting had relieved his mind1 to call the people's attention to the only sure guide1 the light of ,god's spirit in their own hearts and minds1 which reveals to every man and woman all things that they had ever done1 as ,jesus did to the woman of ,samaria1 reproving for the evil1 and justifying for the good3 and were men and women all as faithful to themselves1 as this divine reprover is to them1 they would all witness the blessing of peace2 and if they held out in faithfulness and obedience to the end1 the answer of 8well done1 thou good and faithful servant01 would be the happy portion of them all4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our meeting in silence4 ,first day1 the #ith4 ,had the company of two female ,friends from ,philadelphia1 who were travelling in the ministry1 at our meeting4 ,it proved a hard trying season3 one of them was exercised in public testimony1 and although she appeared to labour fervently1 yet but little life was felt to arise during the meeting4 ,this makes the work hard for the poor exercised ministers1 who feel the necessity publicly to advocate the cause of truth and righteousness1 and yet obtain but little relief1 by reason of the deadness and indifference of those to whom they are constrained to minister4 ,i found it my place to sit silent1 and suffer with the seed4 ,second day4 ,went to ,new-,york1 in order to attend our meeting for sufferings1 which was held the next day at the ninth hour in the morning4 ,i accordingly attended1 and returned home that afternoon4 ,the rest of the week ,i spent about home4 ,attended our preparative meeting on fifth day4 ,the meeting for worship was held in silence1 and was a hard trying meeting4 ,,chapter ,,xii4 ,engagements at and about home1 and within ,westbury quarterly meeting1 #ahaf and #ahag4 ,first day1 the #afth of #fth month1 #ahaf4 ,my wife being under an appointment to meet some women ,friends at ,bethpage meeting1 ,i accompanied her thither4 ,it proved an exercising meeting1 especially in the forepart2 but as ,i submitted cheerfully and patiently to endure the present baptism1 which1 indeed1 as the experienced ,paul well observes1 is being baptized for the dead1 towards the latter part of the meeting1 that all-quickening and vivifying power that raises the dead to life1 was felt gradually to arise1 by which my mind was quickened and led to minister to the states of many present4 ,life spread over the meeting tendering many hearts1 and we parted under a grateful sense of the ,lord's mercies2 so that indeed the query of the royal ,psalmist is worthy to be had in continual remembrance3 8,what shall ,i render unto the ,lord for all his benefits towards me80 ,spent the rest of this week about home4 ,attended our monthly meeting on fifth day1 but nothing unusual transpired4 ,first day1 the #bc;d4 ,had the company of our friend ,mary ,post from ,westbury1 she being engaged in a visit to the families of ,friends in our monthly meeting1 a very useful service when rightly entered into4 ,my mind in this meeting1 was brought under exercise1 in the remembrance of the following exhortation of the wise king ,solomon1 viz3 8,keep thy heart with all diligence1 for out of it are the issues of life40 ,from a consideration of which1 ,i was led to believe there was a very great want of care among people generally1 in duly guarding their rising cogitations and thoughts1 as it is the avenue by which all temptations enter1 and get place in the mind2 and1 if suited to our natural propensities1 too often overcome and lead to undue conduct4 ,the subject spread on my mind1 and led to an impressive1 and1 ,i trust1 to some1 an instructive communication2 for which my mind was made gratefully thankful to the ,author of every blessing4 ,fifth day4 ,had the company of our aforesaid ,friend at our meeting to-day1 whose simple and plain communication1 tended to quicken4 ,a comfortable degree of life accompanied my mind during the meeting1 which ,i accounted a favour1 having for some time past witnessed much poverty of spirit in our meetings4 ,the rest of the week ,i attended to my temporal concerns1 as much as my state of health permitted2 but being much indisposed with bodily pain1 it was but little ,i could do1 except to take some oversight of my business4 ,this ,i consider one1 among many other such like mementos1 to remind me of the approach of my bodily dissolution4 ,be attentive1 ,o my soul6 that so thou mayest be in a state of readiness when the midnight cry is heard3 8,behold the bridegroom cometh40 ,first day1 the #cjth4 ,my mind was led into close exercise and travail1 in the prospect of the very great apparent want of truth and justice among the generality of the professors of ,christianity1 even of the foremost classes of the different sects4 ,the subject spread and opened to communication1 in which the attention of the auditory was impressively called to the subject1 as one of the greatest moment1 both in respect to our temporal1 and1 in a very especial manner1 our spiritual good2 as every other virtue must fail1 and prove abortive1 where truth and justice are wanting4 ,the rest of this week passed away without any thing worthy of remark1 except great poverty of spirit being almost continually my attendant4 ,first day1 the #gth of #gth month4 ,my mind was opened and enlarged in communication in our meeting to-day1 on the subject of the universal love of ,god to the children of men4 ,for he not only extends his gracious call to all1 but causes them to hear it2 yet1 agreeably to that scripture testimony1 8all have not obeyed the gospel40 ,there are also many other plain testimonies in the scriptures of the same import2 clearly showing1 that man's destruction and misery is altogether the result of his own misconduct1 and disobedience to divine requisition1 without any necessity laid upon him by his gracious ,creator to err1 or to swerve from the path of rectitude2 so that the ,lord will be clear of the blood of all his rational creation1 as saith the prophet3 8,o ,israel1 thou hast destroyed thyself1 but in me is thy help20 and there are many other passages which express the same4 ,my mind was led to open these subjects in a clear manner to the people1 and to show that the want of a right faith in ,god and ,christ1 as inwardly revealed1 was one of the greatest obstacles to their living a just and righteous life in the sight of their ,creator1 as the just can only live by faith4 ,the meeting was large1 and many hearts were convicted1 comforted and contrited2 to the ,lord only belongs all the praise1 nothing due to man but blushing and confusion of face4 ,in the course of this week ,i was much unwell1 forewarning me that my glass is almost run1 and my day of labour drawing to a close4 ,my indisposition prevented my attending our preparative meeting on fifth day4 ,these things all unitedly conspire to sound forth this language1 remember to die4 ,oh that ,i might witness with the worthy ,paul1 more and more a daily death1 to every thing that tends to hinder my steady walking in the path of duty1 that so my day's work may be finished in the day time4 ,first day1 the #adth4 ,having so far recovered from my indisposition as to get to our meeting to-day1 my mind was opened in a living powerful testimony to the excellency of the gospel dispensation1 in which ,christ by his light and spirit was come to teach his people himself2 a ,teacher not to be removed into a corner1 a ,shepherd ever present to lead and feed all his sheep that hear his voice and follow him2 and do not follow the stranger1 nor listen to the voice of any outward hireling teachers1 although they charm ever so wisely4 ,it was a season of favour1 and many hearts were warmed and contrited by the prevalence of truth1 and the ,lord's name was praised1 who is over all worthy for ever4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our monthly meeting1 at which the queries were read and answers prepared to go to the quarterly meeting4 ,to judge from these1 it would appear that we were generally an upright people2 but ,i fear our answers are becoming too much like many of us1 more in show and outside appearance1 than in spirit and substance4 ,for by this formal way of answering them1 unless great care is taken1 our queries may do us much more harm than good2 and this fear often attends my mind1 and induces me to call the attention of my friends from the letter of discipline1 to the spirit and substance2 without which all letter and outward order1 however beautiful in the outward appearance1 is but as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal1 and will in the end only deceive and disappoint us1 and unveil our nakedness4 ,sixth day4 ,was our preparative meeting of ,ministers and ,elders1 in which our answers made a similar appearance2 insomuch1 that there was but little to find fault with4 ,i hope it may stand the test in the day of trial2 this we ought carefully to consider1 otherwise1 in the end1 we may fall short when it may be too late to retrieve the loss4 ,the rest of the week ,i attended to my temporal business as far as my bodily infirmity would permit1 although at times my exercise produced very acute pains4 ,i find it needful however1 to keep up a continual watch1 that ,i do nothing to promote or encourage idleness1 that bane to every ,christian virtue2 and especially at such a time as this1 when most of our capable well-looking young men are running into cities and populous towns to engage in merchandise1 or some other calling by which they may live by their wits1 being unwilling to labour with their hands3 although it is the most sure way marked out by divine wisdom for our truest comfort and peace here1 and a right preparation for eternal joy hereafter4 ,and1 although many fatal consequences have befallen many of those who have thus run out in trade and mercantile business1 apparently to the ruin of both body and soul1 and the great injury and distress of their families3 yet1 because some few have made themselves rich in temporal things by those pursuits1 it has so blinded the minds of many that they will not take warning1 but go on in their wilful way to their own utter ruin4 ,first day1 the #bast4 ,this day at our meeting1 my mouth was opened in a full testimony introduced by this scripture passage3 8,wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way8 by taking heed thereto according to thy word40 ,i was led in my communication to show to the people1 that in this word was comprehended the great gospel privilege1 the word nigh in the heart and in the mouth2 and that it was not a literal or outward word1 nor any created thing1 but the uncreated word1 ,christ1 by whom all things were created1 or at first spoke into existence and order4 ,for nothing else could enable us to cleanse our way1 or live a righteous holy life2 and that it was only by a living faith in this inward1 operative1 powerful word1 that any could please ,god or be acceptable to him1 and was the only means by which we could be saved3 and that it was offered to the acceptance of all1 and therefore all were encouraged to lay hold of the offered mercy1 and not slight the day of their visitation4 ,second and third days4 ,i was busied in overseeing my temporal business1 attended1 at times1 by much bodily pain2 and which1 ,i trust and hope1 ,i endured without improperly complaining or murmuring4 ,the three following days1 ,i attended our quarterly meeting1 held this time at ,westbury4 ,i think1 in the main1 it was a favoured season4 ,the meeting was large and solemn3 the divine presence and power were evidently felt to preside1 humbling many minds and producing contrition of spirit1 and the gospel labours were instructive and edifying4 ,first day1 the #bhth4 ,a quiet day4 ,sat our meeting in silence4 ,fifth day4 ,a silent meeting4 ,the rest of the week1 as to bodily exercise1 mostly occupied in my temporal affairs4 ,first day1 the #dth of #hth month4 ,my mind settled in quiet with the exercise of this day4 ,besides the usual care and industry necessary in my temporal concerns1 that all things might be rightly arranged1 ,i attended1 in the course of this week1 our preparative meeting on fifth day1 and the funeral of a deceased neighbour on sixth day4 ,at the funeral was a large promiscuous assembly1 amongst whom my mouth was opened in a large searching testimony1 suiting the occasion2 whereby many hearts were tendered1 and much brokenness appeared in the meeting4 ,the truth delivered being brought home to the consciences of many1 by the prevalence of the divine power1 which was eminently in dominion over all4 ,first day1 the #aath4 ,i trust the exercise and travail of our meeting to-day tended to profit4 ,second day4 ,i attended the funeral of our friend ,edmund ,pearsall1 of ,flushing4 ,his corpse was carried into the meeting-house there2 and a large solid meeting was held on the occasion4 ,third day4 ,i attended our meeting for sufferings in ,new-,york1 which1 ,i think1 was an instructive season4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our monthly meeting1 in which ,i opened to ,friends a prospect1 which had for several months attended my mind1 to pay a religious visit to the bordering inhabitants of our quarterly meeting2 and had their unity therein4 ,sixth and seventh days4 ,i spent in my usual avocations4 ,first day1 the #ahth4 ,my mind1 as ,i sat in our meeting1 was opened into a view of the great benefits1 and supreme felicity1 which man derives1 and only can derive1 from the true knowledge and right fear of his ,creator2 and which knowledge and fear no man can witness or have experience of1 but by the revelation of the spirit of ,god1 or by the aid of that light1 which ,jesus ,christ told the ,jews was the condemnation of the world1 or of all those who did not believe in and obey it2 and which is an inward and not an outward light2 and all its manifestations are in the mind or heart of man4 ,i was led to show to the people1 that this doctrine was altogether the most rational1 and such as no man of right reason could doubt or dispute4 ,i hope the season was instructive to some1 and might tend to remove doubts from some doubting minds1 as1 from the sensations which ,i had1 ,i was led to believe there were some such present4 ,second1 third1 and fourth days4 ,i attended to my temporal concerns1 clothed with much poverty of spirit2 yet1 not altogether cast down nor discouraged1 respecting my spiritual welfare4 ,fifth day4 ,a silent quiet meeting4 ,sixth and seventh days4 ,paid some attention to my temporal business1 although1 at times1 in much bodily pain1 which1 more or less1 attends me daily1 and has for several months past4 ,first day1 the #beth4 ,according to the prospect opened at our last monthly meeting1 ,i attended two appointed meetings in the neighbouring town of ,hempstead2 one in the morning1 at the eleventh hour1 at the house of ,samuel ,carman1 a person inclining to ,friends1 and the other at the fourth hour in the afternoon1 at ,john ,raynor's1 about four miles distant from the former1 he also being kind and well disposed towards ,friends4 ,these were both pretty full meetings1 there being as many people as the rooms could well accommodate4 ,through the gracious condescension of the ,shepherd of ,israel1 the word went forth freely among them1 in a full impressive testimony at each place1 tendering and contriting many hearts1 and to the increase of love to the truth1 and to the promoters of it4 ,i took my leave of them in the fresh feelings of mutual ,christian affection1 and returned home that evening with a quiet peaceful mind1 the assured reward of faithfulness4 ,the rest of the week ,i spent in my usual avocations1 not omitting the attendance of our meeting on fifth day1 which ,i sat in silence4 ,first day1 the #ast of #ith month4 ,i attended an appointed meeting among my relatives and acquaintance at ,rockaway1 the place of my former residence1 when young1 while living in my father's house4 ,the meeting was not large1 but proved a precious tendering season4 ,many hearts were much broken and contrited by the prevalence of divine love and power that accompanied the testimony borne1 and spread generally over the meeting1 to the praise of ,his grace who is calling us to glory and virtue4 ,a concern for the guarded education of the youth among ,friends has for many years past exercised our yearly meeting2 and many advices and recommendations have been issued therefrom to the quarterly and other subordinate meetings1 in order to stir up ,friends to vigilance and care therein1 that proper schools might be established among them1 under the care of pious tutors1 that so ,friends' children1 while getting their necessary school learning1 might be religiously instructed1 and preserved from evil examples1 and the company of such children as are viciously inclined2 by which their tender minds might be wounded1 and led from the simplicity of truth4 ,in order further to stir up ,friends to this concern1 our last yearly meeting directed the quarterly meetings to appoint committees to visit the monthly and preparative meetings1 to encourage ,friends therein4 ,as ,i was one among other ,friends appointed by our quarterly meeting for that purpose1 we attended the monthly meetings of ,new-,york and ,flushing1 in the course of this week4 ,and ,i am thankful in believing that the service was owned by the ,head of the ,church1 who was graciously near1 and furnished with matter suited to the occasion2 insomuch1 that ,i have cause to believe that the opportunities at each place were instructive and edifying1 affording encouragement to the willing-minded4 ,first day1 the #hth of #ith month4 ,i found it my place to be at home to-day1 and of course attended our own meeting4 ,although most of the forepart of the meeting1 ,i apprehended ,i should be permitted to sit it in silence2 yet about the middle thereof1 my mind was quickened in the remembrance of the testimony of ,solomon1 where he tells us1 that 8,wisdom is the principal thing40 ,as the subject spread on my mind1 ,i was led to consider how it is that all men speak highly of it1 and yet1 at the same time1 are not at all rightly acquainted with its beginning2 and are therefore mostly living all their days without the right knowledge of1 and acquaintance with it4 ,for it is not to be derived through any other medium than the true fear of the ,lord1 which we are told is the beginning of wisdom2 and as it is only begun in man by this true fear1 so likewise it is the middle and the end2 as every advancement in true wisdom is only by the fear of the ,lord3 surely1 then1 it is the most precious of any thing to the children of men4 ,i spent the rest of the week about home4 ,attended our preparative meeting on fifth day4 ,the meeting for worship was held in silence4 ,our yearly meeting's minute of advice on the subject of schools was at this time received2 but as it was expected that the quarterly meeting's committee1 on that subject1 would shortly attend the preparative meeting1 the consideration thereof was deferred to the time of their attendance4 ,first day1 the #aeth4 ,by appointment ,i attended two meetings2 one at ,cold ,spring at ten o'clock in the morning1 and the other in ,friends' meeting-house at ,oysterbay1 at the third hour in the afternoon4 ,both were pretty well attended by the neighbouring inhabitants1 among whom ,i was helped to preach the gospel in the demonstration of the spirit1 accompanied with such a degree of the ,lord's power and presence1 as to produce a precious solemnity over the assemblies1 especially the latter1 wherein many truths of the gospel were largely opened1 humbling and contriting the hearts of a number present4 ,surely it was the ,lord's doing1 to whom all the praise and glory are1 and ought to be ascribed1 both now and for ever4 ,in the course of this week1 ,i attended our own and ,westbury monthly meeting1 in company with the quarterly meeting's committee1 on the subject of schools4 ,these were both favoured opportunities4 ,the concern was opened in a very impressive manner1 and spread weightily over the meetings1 the men and women sitting together while this subject was before them4 ,and ,i have a hope that ,friends will be strengthened and encouraged to persevere in the concern1 and keep it on its right basis1 that is1 a concern for the religious and moral instruction of our youth1 while at school1 by placing them under the care of pious tutors1 who may co-operate with the endeavours of religiously concerned parents1 who are more desirous that their children may be brought up and educated in the fear of the ,lord1 and in his nurture and admonition1 than that they should make great advancements in scholastic science1 or obtain the riches and popularity of the world2 all of which are of momentary duration1 and unworthy of much of the care of a rational immortal being1 especially when compared with the blessings attendant on a truly moral and religious life1 and walking in the fear of the ,lord4 ,first day1 the #bb;d4 ,in prosecution of the concern ,i had engaged in to visit the neighbouring inhabitants1 notice was sent to ,friends of ,martinicock1 that ,i proposed to attend their meeting at this time2 and desiring that public notice might be given to their neighbours who were not members1 it was accordingly done4 ,by this means the meeting was very large1 more so than ,i had ever seen it before2 among whom ,i was helped to labour in the cause of the gospel1 opening many important scripture passages1 tending to elucidate and confirm many points of our doctrine and principles1 to my own1 and apparently to the general satisfaction of the assembly4 ,at three o'clock in the afternoon ,i attended another meeting at ,moscheto ,cove1 held in the house of the widow ,hannah ,valentine4 ,this was also a large favoured meeting1 in which many truths of the gospel were clearly and satisfactorily opened4 ,i returned home that evening with peace of mind1 from an inward sense that ,i had faithfully discharged myself among the people1 concerning the things which relate to their salvation4 ,the rest of the week ,i was at and about home1 attending to my usual occupations4 ,sat our fifth day meeting in silence4 ,first day1 the #bith4 ,i attended ,friends' meeting at ,cowneck2 and previous notice having been sent of my intention to be there1 the meeting was large1 and favoured in a good degree with the overshadowing of the divine presence1 enabling to preach the gospel in the demonstration of the spirit1 and with power2 breaking and contriting many hearts4 ,at the third hour in the afternoon1 by previous appointment1 had a meeting at ,hempstead ,harbour1 at the house of ,daniel ,robbins4 ,this was rather a hard exercising meeting1 yet1 ,i trust1 in the main a profitable season4 ,the following part of the week ,i spent mostly in the oversight of my farming business4 ,sat our fifth day meeting again in silence1 at which we had the company of our ,friends ,isaac ,martin and ,henry ,shotwell1 from ,jersey4 ,first day1 the #fth of #ajth month4 ,attended our meeting in silence4 ,it was in the main1 ,i think1 a weighty1 solemn season4 ,at three o'clock in the afternoon1 ,i had an appointed meeting in the neighbourhood for the people of colour4 ,it was held in one of their houses1 and was a season of favour4 ,i hope it may prove profitable to them4 ,for this portion of dedication to duty in the cause of righteousness1 ,i felt peace in my own mind4 ,second day4 ,a ,friend from the western part of this state1 being on a religious visit among us1 had an appointed meeting at our place at the eleventh hour4 ,it proved a comfortable edifying season4 ,after this ,i rode to ,new-,york in order to attend our meeting for sufferings1 held the next day at the ninth hour4 ,in the course of the business that came before us1 the meeting was led into an exercise1 on behalf of that portion of the descendants of the ,africans who are still held in bondage in our state4 ,a proposition was made for addressing our state legislature on their account1 in order1 if possible1 to obtain a law for their emancipation2 apprehending1 that as the greater part of these long-oppressed people had now obtained their freedom1 those who were still held1 felt their condition much more aggravating1 and their bondage more intolerable2 insomuch1 that it appeared to us altogether just and consistent with the duty of the legislature1 to restore to them the just right of freedom4 ,after due consideration1 the proposition was acceded to1 and a committee named to draft an essay of an address accordingly4 ,fifth day4 ,this being our preparative meeting1 in which our queries were read1 and answers prepared to go to the quarterly meeting4 ,i felt my mind exercised on account of the many deficiencies apparent1 particularly in the non-attendance of our religious meetings1 as a failure in that often leads to greater deficiencies in other respects4 ,first day1 the #acth4 ,my mind was pretty largely opened in testimony to the sufficiency of the divine light4 ,the season was solemn1 and ,i hope instructive and profitable to many present4 ,at three o'clock in the afternoon1 ,i attended an appointed meeting in ,woolver ,hollow1 a neighbourhood composed mostly of the descendants of the ,dutch4 ,the season was instructive1 and tending to edification2 and ,i parted with them under an humbling sense of the favour4 ,fifth day4 ,our monthly meeting being held at this time1 answers were received from our preparative meetings1 to the five queries usually answered1 in which divers deficiencies were stated2 but this being frequently the case1 it produced little or no concern to the greater portion of the members2 and ,i have been afraid at times1 that the queries would become a snare to us1 and prove rather hurtful than helpful4 ,first day1 the #bjth4 ,had a conflicting season in the forepart of our meeting to-day with a worldly spirit1 and the benumbing consequences of a desire after riches4 ,and while labouring under a feeling of these states1 with their stupifying effects1 which were even intolerable to bear1 it often ran through my mind1 that 8the cares of the world1 the deceitfulness of riches10 and the lust of other things1 like briars and thorns1 choke the good seed and prevent its growth4 ,and as ,i continued patiently under the labour1 towards the close of the meeting light sprang up and dispelled the darkness2 in which strength and ability were dispensed to communicate in a lively and clear manner1 showing the pernicious effects of those things1 wherever they obtained the ascendency in the minds of men and women2 elucidating the subject by the parable of our ,lord1 concerning the rich man and ,lazarus the beggar4 ,it was1 ,i believe1 a season of real instruction to some present1 which ,i hope may not be soon forgotten4 ,at three o'clock in the afternoon1 ,i attended a meeting ,i had previously appointed in a neighbouring village4 ,it proved a satisfactory season to my own mind1 and generally so1 ,i believe1 to all who attended4 ,these favours are not to be lightly esteemed1 but held in grateful remembrance4 ,in the course of this week was our quarterly meeting1 held at this time at ,flushing4 ,although some of the sittings were exercising and arduous1 yet in the main1 ,i think1 it was a favoured edifying season2 and we parted at the close of the public meeting on sixth day1 under a thankful sense that the ,shepherd of ,israel had not forsaken his people1 but was still graciously near1 a present helper to all his faithful and devoted children4 ,in the course of this meeting1 on the evening of fifth day1 ,i had an appointed meeting in the town of ,jamaica1 among those not in profession with us1 which proved a very satisfactory season4 ,the people's minds appeared to be gathered into true stillness1 a situation most suitable to be taught and instructed4 ,first day1 the #bgth4 ,sat our meeting mostly in silence1 but towards the close my mind was opened and led to communicate a short1 but lively testimony1 which was introduced by the greatest part of the first psalm of ,david3 in the opening of which1 the meeting appeared generally to be gathered into a sweet1 comfortable solemnity1 and we parted under a solemn sense of the unmerited favour4 ,in the course of this week1 ,i attended1 in company with most of the committee of the quarterly meeting on the concern relative to schools1 the two preparative meetings in ,new-,york1 and that at ,flushing2 also an appointed meeting at ,brooklyn on third day evening1 and one at ,newtown on fifth day evening4 ,the last was a very instructive favoured meeting4 ,first day1 the #c;d of #aath month4 ,sat our meeting to-day altogether in silence4 ,spent the rest of the week principally in attention to my temporal concerns1 which ,i believe to be a ,christian's reasonable duty2 except that ,i attended in company with some of the quarterly meeting's committee on fifth day1 the preparative meeting at ,cowneck4 ,i sat the meeting for worship in silent suffering2 but was led in the preparative meeting1 pretty largely to open the nature and design of the concern of the yearly meeting1 with regard to the pious and guarded education of the youth of our society1 particularly while young and at school1 in getting their necessary school learning2 that they might as much as possible1 be kept out of harm's way1 by being placed at schools under the care of pious religiously concerned persons1 members in society2 who would be likely to co-operate with the religious concern of their parents1 in endeavouring1 as much as might be1 to bring them up agreeably to apostolic exhortation3 8,in the nurture and admonition of the ,lord40 ,for there is nothing that can more nearly and necessarily engage the minds of rightly exercised parents1 next to their own souls1 than the religious welfare of their children3 for parents who can live in the neglect of this great and incumbent duty1 must be dead to every right exercise and concern for the preservation and everlasting welfare of their tender offspring4 ,first day1 the #ajth4 ,sat our meeting in silence3 then rode several miles to visit a person who was sick1 and returned the next day4 ,i had to reflect on the great and serious loss sustained by a large portion of mankind1 from the want of due attention and a right perseverance in the way of known duty while young in years2 that when they are advanced in age1 and bodily infirmities interfere and increase upon them1 they are tossed up and down in their minds1 and can find no sure place of refuge for their souls2 like a ship in the midst of the ocean without a helm1 and which can find no safe anchoring ground4 ,on fourth day attended the funeral of a young woman on ,cowneck1 who was taken away very suddenly1 with about three hour's illness4 ,i had an open time among the people that were assembled on this solemn occasion1 and was led to call their attention to the propriety and necessity of an early preparation for death2 and to show that it manifested great presumption in such a poor impotent creature as man1 who was so sensible of the uncertainty of time1 to dare to lay his head down at night to take his natural rest1 without knowing his peace made with his ,god4 ,fifth and sixth days4 ,attended1 in company with some of the committee of the quarterly meeting on the subject of schools1 the preparative meetings of ,martinicock and ,bethpage2 both of which were open favoured seasons1 while the subject of our appointment was under consideration4 ,on seventh day ,i attended the funeral of a very aged man of my acquaintance1 being upwards of ninety years old1 who lived in the town of ,hempstead4 ,there was a pretty large collection of the neighbouring inhabitants present1 among whom ,i was led and strengthened to open divers necessary and important doctrines of the gospel1 in the clear demonstration of the spirit2 and1 ,i trust and hope1 to the edification and religious instruction of many present4 ,surely it was the ,lord's doing1 and to him belongs all the praise and honour of his own works1 and nothing due to man4 ,first day1 the #agth4 ,sat our meeting in silence4 ,it was a quiet solid season4 ,the rest of the week ,i was occupied in my husbandry business1 except attending our monthly meeting on fifth day4 ,first day1 the #bdth4 ,my mind in our meeting to-day1 was led into an humbling exercise1 under a sensible view of the great ascendency of evil over the good among mankind in general1 not excepting the best regulated society among men4 ,i was also led1 under the saddening prospect1 to communicate to the meeting the feeling impressions of my mind thereon1 together with the causes of this great degeneracy from the simplicity of the gospel of ,christ2 and that it was the effect of a spirit of ease and carnal security1 and being led and governed in our conduct and works by custom and tradition1 without taking the pains to examine whether they were founded in truth and righteousness or not2 and when at times they are awakened by the convicting evidence of truth on the mind1 instead of willingly submitting thereto1 they call to their aid all the powers of their reasoning faculties to drown the reprover's voice1 that so they may rest secure in their ceiled houses4 ,alas for these in the trying hour of final decision6 how dreadfully saddening will be their prospects in a dying hour6 ,first day1 the #ast of #abth month4 ,i sat with ,friends at ,westbury4 ,the meeting was for the most part a dull exercising season2 but towards the close ,i had a short testimony given me to communicate1 in which the state of the meeting was so opened as to have a very reaching effect on most present2 which spread life over the meeting1 and much tenderness and contrition were apparent4 ,surely have we not cause for these favours1 often to say with one formerly3 8,what shall ,i render unto the ,lord for all his benefits towards me40 ,second day4 ,i attended the funeral of a near kinsman at ,far ,rockaway1 at which ,i had a very open time amongst the people collected on that solemn occasion4 ,i returned home on third day1 and the weather being cold and inclement ,i was indisposed for several days after1 which prevented my attending our meeting on fifth day2 a circumstance which very seldom happens1 as ,i am generally preserved in the enjoyment of such a state of health1 as to attend meetings when at home without much omission3 and which ,i consider as one among many especial blessings and favours1 dispensed by a kind and beneficent ,providence to me1 a poor unworthy creature4 ,first day1 the #hth4 ,i left home this morning and rode to ,new-,york1 and attended ,friends' meeting at ,pearl-street in the afternoon1 in which ,i had to suffer1 being dipped into a state of death4 ,i felt as though baptized for the dead1 but as ,i patiently endured ,i was helped towards the close to spread my exercise before the meeting1 and a degree of life was felt to arise1 and some were quickened1 but with too many there appeared to be a great want of a right inward engagement and travail of spirit1 and these were sent empty away4 ,i tarried in town until fourth day1 it being the time of our meeting for sufferings4 ,in the course of this meeting1 we prepared a memorial to lay before the legislature of our state1 on behalf of the black people still held in bondage among us4 ,a committee was separated to attend therewith1 and we have a hope that it may prove effectual for their relief4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our preparative meeting1 and had to spread before my ,friends the exercise of my mind1 on account of the neglect of too many among us in respect to the due observance of discipline2 which is a source of great weakness to society1 and especially so to those who are delinquent4 ,sixth and seventh days4 ,spent in my usual vocations1 accompanied with quietness and peace of mind4 ,first day1 the #aeth4 ,almost as soon as ,i had taken my seat in our meeting to-day1 there was brought to my remembrance the following exhortation of the apostle1 accompanied with a degree of life3 8,to do good1 and to communicate1 forget not40 ,as ,i quietly attended to the impression1 it led to communication and opened to a field of doctrine1 tending to show the indispensable obligation every real ,christian lies under1 let his allotment in the ,church or in the world at large be what it may1 to comply therewith1 it being a divine requisition4 ,it is therefore reasonable to suppose that by a life of steady and uniform industry1 and from which man derives great earthly felicity1 and through the divine blessing1 most individuals would be enabled to fulfil the obligation2 by which means all the misery and distress that arise from poverty and want would be done away from the ,church of ,christ1 and agreeably to the prophecy of ,isaiah1 no wasting or destruction be found within her borders2 and ,christians would witness in their own experience1 that it is more blessed to give than to receive2 as we should thereby approach nearer to our divine original1 from whom we receive every blessing both spiritual and temporal4 ,the following part of the week ,i spent in my usual occupations1 except attending our monthly meeting on fifth day4 ,first day1 the #bb;d4 ,this day ,i attended the funeral of my brother ,stephen ,hicks at ,rockaway4 ,there was a pretty large collection of people on the occasion1 among whom ,i was led to labour fervently in the gospel1 and largely to declare of the things concerning the kingdom of ,god4 ,the season was solemn1 and by the prevalence of the divine power that attended1 many hearts were contrited and a precious solemnity was spread over the assembly1 worthy of our deepest gratitude and thankfulness of heart4 ,i returned home that evening with sweet peace of mind4 ,having for some time felt a draft on my mind to appoint a few meetings in some adjacent neighbourhoods1 to the south and east of us1 ,i left home on the seventh day of this week1 accompanied by my neighbour ,jacob ,willits1 jr4 ,we rode that afternoon to our friend ,james ,rushmore's1 at the ,half-way ,hollow ,hills2 where1 by previous notice1 we had a comfortable satisfactory meeting in the evening1 mostly made up of those not in membership with us4 ,the next day1 the first of the week1 we had two meetings2 one in the town of ,islip in the morning1 at the residence of my son-in-law ,joshua ,willits1 the other at the third hour in the afternoon1 in the school-house at the village of ,babylon4 ,these were very solemn affecting meetings1 wherein many truths of the gospel were largely and livingly opened1 in the demonstration of the spirit1 attended with a power that humbled and contrited many hearts1 and brought a general solemnity over the meetings4 ,the next day we rode to our friend ,thomas ,whitson's1 on the south side of our township4 ,had an appointed meeting there that evening1 which was also favoured with attendant gospel power2 whereby my mind was opened and led to sound forth an arousing testimony1 in order to stir up many present1 who1 for want of faithfulness and obedience to manifested duty1 were much behind in their day's work3 and which1 as it opened on my mind1 ,i expressed to them to be not only a cause of great loss and disadvantage in a religious sense to themselves1 but also to their families and their tender offspring4 ,things were laid close home to these1 and they excited to more faithfulness and religious engagement4 ,at this place ,i was informed of the death of our ,friend and neighbour ,elizabeth ,jones1 wife of ,samuel ,jones1 whose funeral was to be the next day4 ,this information induced us to return home early in the morning in order to attend the same4 ,as she had many connexions1 there was a very large collection of people on the occasion1 many of whom were of divers persuasions4 ,my heart and mouth were opened to preach the gospel among them1 and to explain to the people the principles of the ,christian religion1 in a full and clear manner1 in the authority of truth4 ,it was a highly favoured season1 in which truth reigned triumphant2 and the ,lord's name and power were praised and exalted over all4 ,fifth day1 the #b;d of #ast month1 #ahag4 ,i attended our meeting as usual4 ,it was quiet and comfortable4 ,near the close ,i had a short testimony to communicate1 to the excellency and exalted privileges of the ,christian state1 which brought a precious covering over the meeting4 ,first day1 the #eth4 ,very soon after ,i took my seat in meeting to-day1 my mind was brought into a feeling sense and view of the superiour excellency of the true ,christian religion2 and this can only be known and possessed by a full and entire subjugation of our wills to the divine will1 and living in the practical part of that reasonable injunction of our blessed ,lord1 to seek first the kingdom of ,god and his righteousness2 then every other blessing that is needful and comfortable for us will be added1 in the openings of the divine counsel4 ,but alas1 how few there are who pay any right attention to this excellent requisition1 but on the contrary go on in their own wills1 and in the prosecution of their own schemes of profit and pleasure1 most generally at least until they marry1 and settle themselves in the care and concerns of a family4 ,in all this time1 scarcely one in ten thousand of the human family even think of seeking first the kingdom of ,god and his righteousness1 or even asking counsel of him in the weighty concern of marriage2 upon a right procedure in which1 their present and future happiness greatly depend1 and for want of this previous care1 they are often very unequally yoked together2 and when these have a family of children about them1 without any right ability and qualification to instruct them1 confusion and disorder ensue2 and the poor children are left to grow up without right cultivation1 as brambles in the wilderness1 a lamentable case indeed3 a view of which has often clothed my mind with mourning4 ,i was led largely to open these subjects to the meeting under the influence of gospel love1 and found peace in my labour1 the sure reward of faithfulness to manifested duty2 and whether the people will hear or forbear1 it is not the business of the instrument to be careful about1 as the word that goeth forth will not return void1 but will accomplish the thing whereto it is sent2 either to instruct and comfort1 or to reprove and condemn4 ,the rest of the week ,i was mostly employed in my temporal concerns1 except attending our preparative meeting on fifth day4 ,the meeting for worship was1 ,i think1 a favoured season4 ,first day the #abth4 ,a silent meeting to-day4 ,fourth day4 ,feeling my mind drawn to attend the monthly meeting of ,westbury1 which was held to-day1 ,i proceeded accordingly4 ,in the meeting for worship1 ,i was led to show to ,friends1 under the similitude of ,israel's travel1 that it was not enough to be delivered from our former sins1 nor from the red sea of trials and obstructing temptations1 so as to rejoice on the banks of deliverance1 and be fed with heavenly manna1 even angels' food2 nor to journey on towards the promised ,canaan1 as far as ,korah and his company2 and to see like them1 the wonder-working power of ,jehovah in the wilderness1 unless they also came to witness a complete death to their own wills1 so as to be entirely submissive to the will of our heavenly ,father2 for otherwise they would be left to encompass as it were1 a mountain in the wilderness1 until the old man1 that is1 self-will1 is entirely worn out and dies there1 on this side ,jordan3 for nothing short of that will open ,jordan's streams1 and enable us to go through on dry land4 ,i had largely to open to ,friends the mystery of our redemption1 in the demonstration of the spirit1 showing the necessity of continual perseverance and making progress in our heavenly journey1 otherwise we shall be liable to fall into a state of ease and carnal security2 and thereby make shipwreck of faith and a good conscience1 and our latter end be worse than the beginning2 like those of ,israel1 who fell in the wilderness and never obtained the promised land4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our monthly meeting4 ,as it was the time of answering our queries1 ,i was engaged to stir up ,friends to more diligence1 by faithfully scrutinizing their own individual states through the medium of the queries1 by which means they would be truly useful to us2 for otherwise the reading and answering them would become a dead lifeless form4 ,first day1 the #aith4 ,a silent meeting to-day1 in which my spirit was grieved1 as is too often the case in our meetings1 from a sense of the great want of real spiritual life1 and the apparent deadness and formality which too generally prevail2 whereby it often happens that a number appear drowsy and nodding1 and some falling asleep1 to the great trouble and exercise of the living concerned members1 who are often led to mourn in secret on these accounts4 ,in the course of this week ,i attended our quarterly meeting held at this time at ,westbury4 ,it was a season of close solemn searching1 and through the animating influence of the divine light and life1 the hidden things of ,esau or the first nature1 were brought to light and judged4 ,although some1 who had long covered themselves as with thick clay1 and were solacing themselves in their ceiled houses1 kicked like ,jeshurun of old1 when they were made to feel the piercing edge of that sword which divides between soul and spirit1 joints and marrow1 and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart2 yet the truth had its way over all their opposition1 and in the closing meeting reigned triumphant over all4 ,blessed be the ,lord for his unspeakable gifts dispensed to his faithful children4 ,first day1 the #bfth4 ,my mind in our meeting to-day1 was led to reflect on the excellency and powerful effect of true faith4 ,as the subject opened1 ,i found it my place to spread the prospect before the meeting2 in the communication whereof1 life sprang up and the truth was raised into dominion over all1 and my heart was made thankful for the unmerited favour4 ,the rest of the week ,i was busily employed in my domestic affairs1 and in taking the oversight and care of my stock2 the weather being very cold and frosty1 and the earth covered with snow4 ,attended our meeting on fifth day1 at which there was a funeral of a deceased ,friend1 an ancient maiden4 ,i sat the greater part of the meeting in silence1 in which time there were two short testimonies delivered1 but without much apparent effect1 as the seed of immortal life was too much pressed down1 as a cart with sheaves2 and nothing is sufficient to raise a meeting from such a state of death and stupor1 but the life-giving presence and powerful word of ,him1 who raised ,lazarus from the grave4 ,as ,i patiently endured the necessary baptism for the dead1 towards the close of the meeting a little gleam of light appeared1 in which was brought to my remembrance that passage of the wise man1 that 8,righteousness exalteth a nation40 ,and as my inward eye was kept to the opening1 it spread1 and light sprang up1 in which ,i felt the truth of that saying1 that 8the ,lord's people are willing in the day of his power20 and as ,i yielded to communication1 the life was raised into dominion1 and ran as oil over all4 ,surely it was the ,lord's doing and marvellous in mine eyes4 ,,chapter ,,xiii4 ,engagements at and near home1 #ahag4--,visit to some parts of the yearly meetings of ,philadelphia and ,baltimore1 #ahag4 ,first day1 the #b;d of #b;d month1 #ahag4 ,i was largely led forth in our meeting to-day1 on the different dispensations communicated to man by his gracious ,creator1 in order for his recovery out of the fall1 and pointing out to the people the difference between the law state and that of the gospel3 showing that the former was a mere figure or prelude to the latter1 and that the first1 with all its elementary rituals1 ceased where the latter begun2 the first only affecting the body1 the latter principally the soul2 the first only the shadow of good things1 the latter the substance of all good to man2 by which he is altogether redeemed from sin and death1 as he submits willingly and fully to the power of the gospel1 and is thereby prepared for an inheritance in eternal life4 ,in the course of this week1 besides giving the necessary attention to my temporal affairs1 ,i made several friendly visits to the families of some particular friends1 in company with my wife and daughter ,elizabeth4 ,although ,i met with some occurrences1 one in particular1 which produced considerable exercise on my mind1 yet ,i had satisfaction in the visits2 believing that when they are properly made1 they often prove mutually comfortable and encouraging4 ,sat our meeting on fifth day in silence4 ,first day1 the #ith4 ,had a silent meeting to-day4 ,this week afforded occasion of deep inward exercise1 and seasons of heart-searching1 in a view of the manifest declension of many among us from that honest simplicity and faithfulness which so eminently characterized our worthy predecessors1 as also the increase of vanity and immorality among the people without2 and which ,i fear may have been increased by the want of faithfulness among us1 in the right and full support of our ,christian testimonies4 ,first day1 the #afth4 ,soon after ,i took my seat in our meeting to-day1 my mind was quickened and led into a sympathetic feeling with the state of ,elijah1 when he fled from the wrath and persecution of ,ahab and ,jezebel1 and when under great discouragement and dismay he bemoaned his condition2 saying1 that they had pulled down the ,lord's altars1 slain his servants1 and he only was left and they sought his life2 but the ,lord told him for his encouragement1 that there were seven thousand yet left in ,israel1 who had not bowed their knee to the image of ,baal4 ,but these no doubt were so scattered and dispersed among the people1 that ,elijah could scarcely find one to whom he might open his mind1 and therefore felt himself as one alone4 ,this no doubt is the lot of some of the ,lord's most faithful servants in the present day1 and was it not for the same divine help and succour that ,elijah experienced1 some of these at times would be altogether cast down and discouraged4 ,the subject spread and enlarged1 and opened to a field of doctrine2 wherein ,i was led to show to the people that the mystery of iniquity had wrought in and under every dispensation of ,god to the ,church through its varied transformations1 and always resembling as much as may be1 an angel of light2 by which it lies in wait to deceive1 and has generally deceived1 and still deceives1 the greater part of the people of all the nations under heaven2 setting up its post by ,god's post1 and leading its votaries to perform their worship and works just like the ,lord's servants1 with only this difference1 that it is done in a way and time of their own heart's devising4 ,but the ,lord's children are all taught of the ,lord1 and they are made to know it2 for in righteousness they are established1 and great is the peace of these children2 and there is no peace to the wicked1 to such as walk in their own wills1 and in the way of their own heart's devising4 ,on fifth day of this week1 was our monthly meeting1 at which we had the company of a ,friend in the ministry from one of our upper quarterly meetings4 ,he preached the truth to us in a pretty correct manner2 but ,i thought ,i never saw1 with greater clearness than at this time1 that ministers might preach the literal truth1 and yet not preach the real gospel3 and herein is witnessed the truth of that saying of the apostle1 that 8the letter10 however true1 8killeth20 8but the spirit10 and the spirit only1 8giveth life40 ,and it is a great thing when ministers keep in remembrance that necessary caution of the divine ,master1 not to premeditate what they shall say2 but carefully to wait in the nothingness and emptiness of self1 that what they speak may be only what the ,holy ,spirit speaketh in them2 then will they not only speak the truth1 but the truth1 accompanied with power1 and thereby profit the hearers4 ,first day1 #bc;d4 ,a silent meeting to-day4 ,nothing transpired in the course of this week1 which required particular notice4 ,sat our meeting on fifth day in silence4 ,first day1 the #b;d of #c;d month4 ,having felt my mind for several weeks past drawn to visit ,bethpage meeting1 ,i rode thither to-day in company with my wife4 ,it was rather a low dull time1 but as ,i continued in the patience1 a small prospect opened on the excellency of justice1 and the right bringing up of children4 ,it led to a communication instructive and edifying1 for which ,i was made thankful4 ,first day1 the #ith4 ,this day as ,i sat in our meeting1 my mind was led to view the exalted and precious state those enjoyed1 who were brought by their faithfulness to witness in themselves the fulfilment of the first and great commandment1 that of loving ,god above all2 as they would thereby likewise know the fulfilment of the second1 that of loving their neighbour as themselves4 ,as the subject spread on my mind ,i believed it right to express it to the assembly1 which brought a precious solemnity over the meeting1 and1 ,i trust1 it was an instructive season to some present4 ,this week principally spent in the care of my temporal concerns and in lending assistance to the needy1 and in the course of which my mind was often attended with comforting ejaculations after this manner4 8,the ,lord is my strength and my song1 the lifter up of mine head and my salvation2 therefore ,i will not fear what man can do unto me4 ,he leadeth me about and instructeth me1 and preserveth me from the snare of the fowler1 and from the strife of tongues40 ,first day1 the #afth4 ,our meeting to-day was large and solemn1 and mostly silent4 ,a little before the close1 an exhortation of the apostle ,peter was brought before the view of my mind3 8,be sober1 be vigilant2 because your adversary the devil1 as a roaring lion1 walketh about seeking whom he may devour40 ,as the subject opened ,i found it my duty to spread it before the meeting1 with some observations thereon1 tending to excite the people to diligence1 inasmuch as there could be no doubt of the truth of the apostle's testimony2 hence it was necessary for each one to keep the watch1 resisting him steadfast in the faith4 ,the communication though short1 was so attended with the quickening power of the gospel1 as to reach1 affect1 and tender many minds1 and brought a solemn awe over the meeting4 ,such seasons are worthy of grateful acknowledgments to the blessed ,author of all our rich mercies4 ,spent this week mostly at and about home1 enjoying sweet peace of mind1 and the solace of heart-felt thankfulness to the ,shepherd of ,israel for the unmerited favour4 ,attended the funeral of a deceased neighbour on fourth day and our monthly meeting on fifth day4 ,the funeral was largely attended by the neighbouring inhabitants1 among whom ,i was led forth vocally to espouse the cause of the gospel1 in a large impressive testimony4 ,many hearts were humbled1 and the assembly in general solemnized2 may it be to these as bread cast upon the waters1 gathered after many days4 ,first day1 the #bc;d4 ,our meeting to-day was a season thankfully to be remembered4 ,the subject that arrested my mind and led to communication1 was a comparative view of man with the rest of the animal creation2 showing that man1 although endued with a rational understanding1 and blessed with a measure and manifestation of the spirit of ,god1 to guide him infallibly in the way of his duty1 had nevertheless swerved much further from the state of rectitude in which he was created1 than any other creature2 and was much more changeable and unstable than they4 ,this is a sure mark of his fall3 and although continually liable and willing to change1 to gratify his own will and the humour of others1 in following the changeable customs and manners of a vain world2 yet averse to that necessary and laudable change1 whereby he might regain paradise and renew communion with his ,maker4 ,this and much more ,i was led to open to the auditory1 in the demonstration of the spirit1 showing the way of man's return2 whereby many minds present were humbled and contrited1 and solid satisfaction and comfort afforded to my own4 ,on fourth day1 ,i attended a marriage at ,bethpage4 ,it was1 ,i think1 a solid instructive season4 ,on fifth day attended our own meeting which was held in silence4 ,the rest of the week ,i was busily attentive to my usual avocations4 ,first day1 the #cjth4 ,i attended ,westbury meeting1 wherein my mind was opened into a view of man's primitive state1 the manner and means of his fall1 and the way whereby he only can be restored1 all which ,i had largely to spread before the meeting4 ,in addition to this1 ,i had also to caution ,friends1 particularly the youth1 against letting their minds out in their own will and wisdom1 into a search and pursuit after forbidden knowledge1 particularly that of the origin of evil1 which in the present day is a subject of much conversation and inquiry4 ,for man in the beginning was forbidden the knowledge of good and evil1 and that command is as binding and obligatory in the present day as it was in the primitive state2 therefore all those who presume in their own wills and creaturely wisdom1 independent of the teaching of the spirit of ,god1 to know good and evil1 do thereby desert ,god1 and so become dead to the divine life2 and this is man's fall1 and leads to ,deism and ,atheism4 ,i was much engaged in the course of this week in endeavouring to arrange and settle some difficulties in the neighbourhood1 and in regulating some of my own temporal affairs4 ,sat our meeting on fifth day in silence4 ,first day1 the #fth of #dth month4 ,sat our meeting to-day in silence4 ,in the afternoon at the fourth hour1 we had a meeting appointed by a ,friend from abroad1 who was accompanied by another ,friend in the ministry1 both of whom appeared in public testimony4 ,most of this week ,i was occupied about home4 ,attended our preparative meeting on fifth day1 which being the time of answering our queries to go forward to the yearly meeting1 ,i was led to make several remarks to ,friends to stir them up to more faithfulness1 in order that we might profit by the queries1 and be prepared to answer them with more clearness and propriety1 according to truth and justice4 ,first day1 the #acth4 ,sat our meeting to-day in silence4 ,this week our monthly meeting was held1 at which the state of society as represented by the answers to the queries from our preparative meetings was attended to1 and a summary thereof forwarded to the quarterly meeting to be held the following week4 ,this order of reading and answering the queries quarterly1 if rightly attended to1 and ,friends were generally kept lively in spirit1 and were zealously engaged for the promotion of truth1 would1 ,i believe1 be productive of much good to the society3 but alas6 there are so many who seem lulled asleep in the lap of the world1 and their minds clothed with so much indifferency1 that it is to them but a dead lifeless form4 ,surely these reap little or no advantage from their right of membership among us4 ,sixth day4 ,was our preparative meeting of ,ministers and ,elders1 in which nothing transpired worthy of notice4 ,first day1 the #bjth4 ,our meeting to-day1 as well as at some former times1 has been rather heavy and dull4 ,in the course of this week ,i attended our quarterly meeting1 held at this time at ,new-,york4 ,it was in general rather a low time1 although not without some manifestations of divine favour3 therefore we had no cause for murmuring but rather of rejoicing1 in that we were not cast off and forgotten4 ,first day1 the #bgth4 ,sat our meeting again in silence4 ,my present allotment is to be mostly at home1 generally engaged in temporal concerns for myself and others4 ,but1 ,i trust1 instead of increasing my love to the world and the things of it1 ,i am fast weaning from it1 and my love continually increasing and strengthening to higher and better objects2 as my attention to the world and its cares arises from necessity and duty1 and not from love1 except that ,i love to do my duty in all respects to ,god my ,creator1 and man my fellow creature1 believing that there is no real ,christianity without it4 ,our fifth day meeting was quiet and solemn1 wherein ,i had to remind ,friends that it was not enough to say with ,peter1 when queried of by his ,master whether he loved him1 8yea ,lord10 for this is no more than every professor is ready to say1 although they may be quite void of any true sense thereof2 but we must come to know him and love him in such manner1 as when brought to a full trial of our faith and love1 we can say as ,peter did in his third answer3 8,lord thou knowest all things1 thou knowest that ,i love thee40 ,for this is the situation of mind which prepares to be at his disposal1 and to endure hardness for his sake in the ,christian warfare4 ,first day1 the #dth of #eth month4 ,my mind was led into an interesting view and reflection on the following gracious invitation of our ,lord3 8,come unto me1 all ye that labour and are heavy laden1 and ,i will give you rest4 ,take my yoke upon you1 and learn of me3 for ,i am meek and lowly in heart1 and ye shall find rest unto your souls40 ,as the subject spread on my mind attended with a degree of life1 ,i was constrained to communicate the prospect1 showing that ,christ's yoke was nothing less nor more than the revealed will of his1 and our1 heavenly ,father2 which1 as it is faithfully submitted to1 yokes down and keeps in subjection every desire and propensity of the human mind which stands in opposition thereto4 ,so that the creature hereby knows ,god's kingdom to be come1 and his will to be done1 in earth as it is done in heaven2 and the reward of rest and peace promised in the closing part of the invitation is experienced4 ,the following part of this week spent principally in my usual vocations1 except attending our preparative meeting on fifth day2 and at the third hour in the afternoon1 the funeral of our ,friend ,joshua ,powell of ,westbury1 who was taken from us after a short illness1 by a sudden inflammation and mortification in one of his arms4 ,how true is that saying of the prophet3 8,all flesh is grass1 and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field2 the grass withereth1 the flower fadeth20 just such is man1 alive to-day1 to-morrow is dead4 ,this subject very sensibly impressed my mind at the funeral1 and led to an awakening communication1 which had a very reaching effect on the assembly4 ,i hope the word that went forth will not return void1 but prove a blessing to some who were present4 ,first day1 the #aath4 ,our meeting to-day was a trying season1 but little felt of the real virtue and life of religion4 ,it seemed as though we were in a worse condition than the multitude formerly2 for there was a lad found among them with five barley loaves and a few fishes1 which served for the blessing to operate upon and enlarge1 so as to suffice the multitude and leave fragments remaining2 but we were almost1 or altogether destitute of any thing for the blessing of heaven to act upon4 ,therefore we ought not to murmur1 although we were sent empty away4 ,except attending our monthly meeting on fifth day1 and assisting some of my neighbours to settle their business in which a dispute had arisen1 ,i was principally occupied in my temporal concerns through the week4 ,first day1 the #ahth4 ,a silent meeting to-day4 ,the rest of this week busily employed preparatory to leaving home to attend our approaching yearly meeting4 ,left home early on seventh day morning1 and got into the city seasonably to attend the opening of the yearly meeting of ,ministers and ,elders at the tenth hour4 ,on second day at the same hour1 the meeting for discipline opened1 and continued by adjournments until the seventh day following4 ,in the forenoon of that day at about eleven o'clock it closed1 under a comfortable evidence that the divine presence presided2 and which1 with thankfulness and gratitude we have humbly to acknowledge1 has1 in gracious condescension1 been vouchsafed to us in the several sittings of our large solemn assembly1 in as great1 if not greater degree1 than has been witnessed in any previous season3 tending to unite all the rightly concerned members in a living travail1 for the promotion of the cause of truth and righteousness1 and the spreading and exaltation of those precious testimonies given us as a people to bear for the ,prince of ,peace4 ,first day1 the #ast of #fth month4 ,attended our own meeting to-day in humbling silence4 ,spent the week at and about home1 except attending the funeral of our ancient ,friend ,isaac ,underhill of ,flushing1 on sixth day2 on which occasion a meeting was held in ,friends' meeting-house at that place4 ,it was a very solemn1 and1 ,i trust1 a profitable season to some present4 ,my mouth was opened among them to testify of the things concerning the kingdom of ,god1 in a large affecting testimony1 whereby many hearts were contrited and made humbly thankful for the present favour1 and ,i was glad in believing that the ,lord is still mindful of his people1 and is graciously disposed to strengthen and support them in the needful time2 as their eye is kept single to him1 looking to him only for help and salvation4 ,first day1 the #hth4 ,had a comfortable meeting to-day4 ,the testimony to the power of truth went forth freely to the people1 comforting and contriting many minds present4 ,this is the ,lord's doing and is worthy of grateful acknowledgments from his people1 for such continued yet unmerited mercy4 ,on third day ,i attended a meeting at ,bethpage1 appointed by our friends ,elizabeth ,coggeshall and ,ann ,shipley of ,new-,york1 who were now among us on a religious visit4 ,it was1 ,i think1 a season of great favour2 not only the two women appeared in seasonable and appropriate testimonies1 tending to gather the minds of the people into a very comfortable solemnity1 but also1 my heart and mouth were opened in a large affecting testimony1 which found a ready entrance into the minds of most present1 breaking down all opposition and contriting many hearts by the prevalence of truth1 which ran as oil over all4 ,after this1 our friend ,elizabeth closed the service in solemn supplication4 ,it was a day of favour1 worthy of grateful remembrance4 ,on fifth day ,i attended our preparative meeting1 in which ,i had some service for the promotion of truth's cause4 ,the four other days of this week1 ,i spent in my usual necessary avocations4 ,first day1 the #aeth4 ,nothing in particular to remark respecting the exercise of this day4 ,on the fourth day of this week1 our monthly meeting was held1 in which ,i was led into some close searching exercise1 in order to stir up ,friends to more diligence and circumspection1 that so their light might shine forth to the help of others1 and their conduct appear consonant with their profession4 ,in this meeting ,i found it expedient and consistent with my duty1 to open to ,friends a prospect and concern which had for a considerable time rested on my mind1 to pay a visit in gospel love1 to ,friends and others in some parts of the yearly meetings of ,philadelphia and ,baltimore4 ,the subject obtained the solid attention of the meeting1 and some ,friends were appointed to confer with me on the subject1 and1 as way opened1 prepare an essay of a certificate for that purpose1 and produce it to our next meeting4 ,first day1 the #bb;d4 ,whilst sitting in our meeting to-day1 my mind was led into a view of the great and singular advantages that would accrue to the children of men1 from their having right and just ideas of religion1 the want of which was the principal cause of all the distress and misery that fell to their lot1 both here and hereafter4 ,the subject spread1 and1 as ,i communicated1 opened to a large field of doctrine1 which had a very reaching effect upon the assembly1 and a very precious solemnity was spread over the meeting2 for which my heart was made truly glad1 with that gladness that hath no sorrow with it4 ,the rest of the week ,i was busily employed in the care of my temporal concerns1 which nevertheless has no tendency1 if kept within right bounds1 to prevent internal religious exercises1 and spiritual meditations and soliloquies4 ,sat our fifth day meeting in silence4 ,first day1 the #bith4 ,i sat our meeting to-day in a sense of great weakness1 in which ,i realized the truth of ,david's testimony3 8,verily every man at his best estate is altogether vanity40 ,except attending in silent meditation our fifth day meeting1 and the funeral of the only daughter of my brother ,samuel1 on seventh day1 ,i was engaged as usual during the week1 in my family cares2 which indeed is an arduous task1 if rightly performed1 and every department duly cared for in its right season1 consistent with our moral and religious duty4 ,the funeral mentioned above was a solemn one1 in which ,i was largely led forth to testify of the things concerning the kingdom of ,god2 opening the way of life and salvation to the people1 in the demonstration of the spirit4 ,the assembly were generally solemnized by the efficacy of the power which attended1 and truth raised into victory over all4 ,such favours are truly worthy of deep heart-felt gratitude and thanksgiving to the ,god and ,father of all our sure mercies1 who is over all1 worthy for ever4 ,first day1 the #fth of #gth month4 ,soon after ,i took my seat in our meeting to-day1 my mind was opened into a view of the great need man stands in of a ,saviour1 and that nothing can give him so full and lively a sense thereof1 as a true sight and sense of his own real condition2 by which he is not only brought to see the real want of a ,saviour1 but is also shown thereby1 what kind of a ,saviour he needs4 ,for it must not only be one1 who is continually present1 but who is possessed of a prescience sufficient to see1 at all times1 all man's enemies1 and every temptation that may or can await him2 and have power sufficient to defend him from all1 and at all times4 ,therefore1 such a ,saviour as man wants1 cannot be one without him1 but must be one that is always present1 just in the very place man's enemies assault him1 which is within1 in the very temple of the heart3 as no other ,saviour but such an one1 who takes his residence in the very centre of the soul of man1 can possibly produce salvation to him3 hence1 for man to look for a ,saviour or salvation any where else1 than in the very centre of his own soul1 is a fatal mistake1 and must consequently land him in disappointment and errour4 ,i was led forth to communicate largely to the people on the subject2 and on the blessed effects that do1 and will result to all those who find such a ,saviour1 and who1 in humility and sincerity of heart1 follow him faithfully in the way of his leadings4 ,it was a solemn season1 and a day thankfully to be remembered4 ,i was taken up principally the rest of this week1 except attending our preparative meeting on fifth day1 in my hay harvest4 ,it is a laborious season2 and is made much more so by reason of there being so few faithful labourers1 among those who offer themselves as such4 ,most of them are more anxiously careful how they may obtain the highest wages1 than to be engaged honestly to strive justly to earn them4 ,this makes the care and oversight of such business rather irksome and unpleasant1 which otherwise would be agreeable and often delightful4 ,first day1 the #acth4 ,i sat our meeting in silence4 ,this week ,i was mostly taken up in caring for and assisting in1 my hay harvest4 ,for by the fertility of the season1 our fields have brought forth plenteously4 ,on fifth day our monthly meeting was held1 in which ,friends united with the concern ,i had laid before them at the preceding monthly meeting1 to pay a visit in gospel love to ,friends and others1 in some parts of the yearly meetings of ,philadelphia and ,baltimore4 ,a certificate was prepared for the purpose1 leaving me at liberty to proceed therein1 as way should open4 ,first day1 the #bjth4 ,a solemn1 and1 ,i trust1 a profitable meeting to-day1 in which the gospel was preached freely in the demonstration of truth1 and a precious covering was felt to spread over the assembly2 and sweet peace clothed my mind at the conclusion4 ,surely the ,lord is a bountiful and rich rewarder of all his faithful servants1 who serve him1 not for reward1 but for the sake of that love wherewith he loveth them1 and which he so abundantly sheddeth abroad in their hearts1 that they are thereby drawn to love him above all2 and in and under the influence of this precious love1 they are led and constrained to serve and worship him freely for his own sake1 because he is worthy1 and not for any reward to themselves1 because they are altogether unworthy2 and because that precious love wherewith he hath loved them1 and with which he hath filled their hearts1 hath banished and dispelled therefrom every germ of self-love1 and all kind of selfishness4 ,nevertheless1 of his own rich bounty and free will1 without any real merit on our part1 he abundantly and plenteously bestoweth his blessings upon all his faithful servants and children1 whereby their love to him is continually increased1 until he becomes their all in all1 their alpha and omega1 and they are brought into the possession of that perfect love that casteth out all fear2 and in which they are enabled continually to worship and adore ,him who liveth for ever1 and who only is everlastingly worthy of all blessing and praise4 ,in the course of this week was our quarterly meeting1 which was held at this time at ,westbury4 ,it was a season of exercise to all who were concerned for the promotion of right order in the ,church2 and much counsel1 reproof1 and admonition1 were communicated1 under right influence1 to stir up the negligent and refractory members to more faithfulness and attention to their several duties1 and a more full submission to the manifestations of divine grace in their own minds1 that they may be thereby strengthened to arise1 and shake themselves from the dust of the earth1 and separate themselves from those hindering and annoying things1 which divert and turn them aside from their ,christian duty1 and those things in which their best interest consists4 ,the meeting for worship was likewise a favoured season4 ,many very important truths of the gospel were clearly opened in the demonstration of the spirit2 and the meeting closed under a thankful sense of the unmerited mercy2 and the living among us separated to their several homes with grateful hearts4 ,i laid before this meeting my prospect of a religious visit as aforementioned1 and received the unity and concurrence of the men's and women's meetings2 and an endorsement thereof was made on my certificate4 ,being now left at liberty1 and separated to the work whereunto ,i believed myself called by the ,holy ,spirit1 and knowing my own insufficiency1 and that of myself ,i can do nothing1 all that remains for me is to cast my care wholly on him1 in full faith1 who hath called me2 and1 as ,i abide in the patience and in a full submission to his heavenly will1 he that putteth his servants forth1 will in his own right time go before them and make way for them1 without which there is no way2 and will make darkness light before them1 and not forsake1 but safely carry them through and over all the opposition and discouragements1 that either men or devils may or can cast in the way1 to the exceeding praise of his grace1 and to the glory and exaltation of his great and excellent name1 who is over all1 ,god blessed for ever4 ,first day1 the #bgth4 ,my mind while sitting in our meeting to-day1 was led into a view of the great necessity there was of more faithfulness and attention to the inward principle of divine truth1 or inward teacher in the mind1 as professed by us as a people4 ,for want of this1 many were led into divers errours and deficiencies1 which in their tendency not only led to great weakness1 but to the encouragement of evil doers in their evil practices2 a sight and sense of which had for some time been a cause of much exercise to my mind4 ,the subject became very impressive1 insomuch that ,i found it necessary to spread it before the meeting in a large arousing testimony2 laying before the auditory the great danger many were in for want of a living concern to work out1 through the assistance of divine grace1 their salvation while the day of visitation was lengthened out4 ,for nothing short of a full submission to the operation of divine truth on their minds could fit and prepare them for the awful approaching season1 when the pale-faced messenger shall arraign us before the judgment seat of ,him1 whom we can neither awe nor bribe1 to give an account of the deeds done in the body1 whether good or evil4 ,a solemn weight spread over the meeting and many minds appeared to be deeply humbled4 ,may the exhortation be fixed in their remembrance1 as a nail in a sure place that may not be moved1 is the fervent desire of my mind4 ,the rest of this week ,i was busily employed in endeavouring so to arrange my temporal matters1 that when ,i leave home on the prospect before me1 ,i may feel my mind at full liberty therefrom1 and that no occasion may be given1 through the medium of any of my temporal engagements1 for the enemies of truth to gainsay or find fault1 to the disadvantage or reproach of the great and dignified cause ,i was about to embark in4 ,for ,i have been led to believe some who have gone out on this solemn embassy1 for want of this care have given too much occasion for censure1 and have thereby wounded the cause they have proposed to promote1 and brought much exercise on the minds of the faithful4 ,on fifth day at our meeting1 my mind was deeply bowed in commemoration of the ,lord's continued mercies1 and that indeed it might be said of us as it was of ,israel formerly1 that it was of the ,lord's mercies we were not consumed2 and ,i was made thankful in believing1 that there was a small remnant who were preserved faithful to his name and cause1 and who were the salt of the society1 and for whose sake he would not utterly cast us off nor forsake us4 ,surely it is of his unmerited mercy that we are not swallowed up in the mass of the people1 and numbered among the unstable multitude who have no sure and solid foundation to rest their hopes upon1 but are trusting in a ceremonial religion1 of man's invention2 all which in the day of trial will fail them1 and afford no succour to the soul4 ,first day1 the #c;d of #hth month4 ,my mind was brought under exercise in our meeting to-day1 in a view of the great want of diligent attention to the light within1 or that measure of the spirit given to every one of ,god's rational creatures to profit withal2 even those who were so far convinced as to acknowledge its excellence1 yet were almost daily neglecting its reproofs1 and turning aside from its teachings2 by which their understandings became darkened1 and they were left in a dwarfish unstable condition1 without any solid ground of hope4 ,the subject spread1 and my mind was led into a large arousing testimony1 setting forth the danger of such a state1 and the fatal consequences that would naturally and certainly follow such delinquency if continued in4 ,truth prevailed1 and many minds were sensibly bowed and affected by its power1 and a very general solemnity spread over the meeting1 to the praise of ,him who is calling all his faithful and obedient children out of darkness into his marvellous light4 ,the rest of the week spent as usual without occasion for any remark4 ,first day1 the #ajth4 ,a peaceful quiet meeting to-day in silent waiting4 ,the rest of the week1 except attending our meeting for sufferings and preparative meeting on fifth day1 was taken up in my outward business2 with a steady view to my religious engagement1 that with all readiness ,i might be prepared to embark therein when the full time arrived4 ,first day1 the #agth4 ,a silent meeting4 ,this week was taken up preparatory to my journey4 ,attended our monthly meeting on fifth day1 and feeling my mind drawn towards an opportunity with the people of colour before ,i left home1 ,i mentioned it to the meeting2 and with the unity of ,friends1 a meeting was appointed for them on the following first day at the fourth hour in the afternoon4 ,i also gave ,friends of ,bethpage meeting information1 that ,i felt my mind drawn to sit with them in their meeting the next first day1 and left them at liberty to inform their neighbours thereof4 ,first day1 the #bdth4 ,agreeably to my prospect ,i attended ,bethpage meeting in the forenoon4 ,it was large1 and ,i think1 greatly favoured with the overshadowing wing of divine kindness4 ,truth rose into dominion1 and bowed the assembly by the prevalence of its power1 for which my spirit was made deeply thankful4 ,the meeting for the coloured people was held at the fourth hour1 and ,i was enabled to clear my mind among them1 although it was a season of hard labour4 ,after this ,i felt my mind clear to set forward on my intended journey4 ,fourth day1 the #bgth of #hth month4 ,i left home in the afternoon in order to accomplish my contemplated visit to ,friends and others1 in some parts of the yearly meetings of ,philadelphia and ,baltimore4 ,my son-in-law ,valentine ,hicks1 accompanied me in the journey4 ,feeling my mind drawn to attend the meeting of ,friends at ,flushing the next day1 we rode there and lodged4 ,notice being given in the neighbourhood of my intention to be there1 the meeting was large1 and the ,lord graciously manifested himself to be near1 and enabled me to discharge myself faithfully among them under the feeling influence of gospel love4 ,many hearts were contrited and truth appeared in dominion over all1 for which favour ,i was made reverently thankful1 not only on my own account and the account of those present1 but especially so on account of my dear family and friends at home1 who gave me up with great reluctance on account of my present bodily indisposition1 being under the pressure of a heavy cold and very hard cough1 which1 in their apprehensions1 rendered me unable to travel in so arduous a service until ,i might be recovered therefrom4 ,but the time appearing to be come for my setting out1 and the way appearing open1 ,i considered it safest to cast my care wholly upon ,him in faith1 who1 ,i believed1 had called me to the work2 and that as ,i continued to go forward1 as he was graciously pleased to open the way and make it clear before me1 all would be well1 whether it terminated in life or in death4 ,the next day1 being the sixth of the week1 we had an appointed meeting in ,friends' meeting-house1 at the ,kilns1 in ,newtown4 ,the meeting there1 had been discontinued for a number of years1 and now there was but one member of our society left in the neighbourhood4 ,there was1 however1 a considerable number of people of other persuasions collected2 and the ,lord graciously condescended to enable me to preach the gospel among them1 and to open divers doctrines of the ,christian religion1 suited to their several conditions1 in the demonstration of truth1 for their consideration and instruction4 ,the people were very solemn and quiet2 and1 ,i hope1 the labour will not prove in vain1 but be to some of them1 as bread cast upon the waters1 gathered after many days4 ,we rode1 after this meeting1 to ,new-,york1 and rested on seventh day4 ,first day1 the #cast4 ,we attended ,pearl-street meeting in the morning1 and that at ,liberty-street1 in the afternoon4 ,they were both full meetings2 and1 although ,i was still under considerable bodily indisposition1 yet1 through condescending goodness1 ,i was strengthened to discharge myself faithfully in both opportunities1 and felt peace in my labours of love among them2 being led in each meeting to declare largely of the things concerning the kingdom of ,god1 and to point out to the people1 in a clear manner1 the way to peace and salvation4 ,on second day afternoon1 we proceeded on our journey to ,newark1 a town in ,new ,jersey1 where we attended a meeting at the fourth hour1 previous notice having been given in the town1 of our coming4 ,i had had several meetings there before2 but this was larger than usual for the place4 ,there is no member of our society residing in the town2 the inhabitants being principally of the ,presbyterian order4 ,all was quiet1 and a general solemnity spread over the meeting2 and truth and its testimony were raised into dominion4 ,surely1 it is the ,lord's doing1 and my spirit was made gratefully thankful for the unmerited favour4 ,the next day we attended a meeting appointed for us in ,elizabethtown4 ,here1 likewise1 there is no member of our society4 ,the meeting was small1 yet through condescending goodness it proved1 ,i trust1 a comfortable instructive season to some present2 and ,i parted with them in peace of mind1 the sure reward of faithfulness4 ,from this place1 we rode home with our kind friend ,henry ,shotwell1 of ,rahway1 who met us here4 ,the next day we attended ,friends' meeting at ,plainfield4 ,notice having been given that we intended to be there1 the meeting was large1 in which the ,lord's power was manifested1 and his arm made bare for our help2 and through which1 way was made and utterance given1 to preach the glad tidings of life and salvation to the people1 in the demonstration of the spirit4 ,many hearts were broken and contrited by the prevalence of its power4 ,may the glory and the praise be all ascribed to our gracious ,helper1 for such continued mercy2 for he only is worthy thereof1 as nothing is due to the creature1 but blushing and confusion of face4 ,after this favoured meeting1 we rode back1 towards evening1 to ,rahway4 ,the next day1 being the fifth of the week1 we attended ,friends' meeting there4 ,the meeting was much enlarged by many of the neighbouring inhabitants coming in1 who were not members4 ,many gospel truths were opened to their consideration1 and its power ran as oil over the assembly1 silencing all opposition1 and a perfect calm was witnessed to spread over all4 ,i have not often beheld such a perfect quiet2 such seasons are truly encouraging1 and worthy of thanksgiving and praise to the blessed ,author of such unmerited favours4 ,on sixth day morning1 we took leave of our kind friends at ,rahway1 and rode to ,mendham1 alias1 ,randolph4 ,the next day we had an appointed meeting there1 at the tenth hour1 which proved a solemn1 instructive season4 ,i left them with peace of mind1 and proceeded that afternoon to ,hardwick4 ,the following day being the first of the week1 we attended ,friends' meeting there4 ,it was large for the place1 as notice had been given that we expected to be there4 ,and1 through heavenly help1 the gospel was preached in the demonstration of the spirit2 and1 by the influence of its power1 a general solemnity was spread over the assembly1 and many hearts were broken and contrited4 ,on second day we proceeded to ,stroudsburgh1 in ,pennsylvania1 where we arrived about three o'clock in the afternoon4 ,here we had a meeting1 by appointment1 the next day1 at the third hour4 ,it was well attended by the ,friends of that place1 and many of the neighbouring inhabitants2 and was a very solid1 instructive season4 ,surely1 such unmerited favours greatly enhance our obligations to our all-gracious ,benefactor1 and tend to inspire the minds of his humble dependant children with gratitude and thanksgiving4 ,from this place we proceeded to ,richland1 and attended ,friends' meeting on fifth day4 ,it was much enlarged by many who were not members coming in4 ,from thence we went to ,plumbstead1 where1 by previous appointment1 we had a meeting the next day4 ,both these meetings were seasons of favour4 ,surely1 it is cause of deep humiliation1 when we consider the many sorrowful deviations which are obvious among us from the simplicity and purity of our holy profession1 and the great want of faithfulness in the support of those noble testimonies given us to bear1 for the ,prince of peace3 yet1 nevertheless1 in the midst of all our backslidings1 the condescending goodness of our heavenly ,father is such1 as to break the bread and distil the water of life1 often1 on our gathered assemblies2 satisfying the hungry and thirsty soul1 and causing his heavenly rain to descend on the thoughtless and worldly-minded professors1 whose hearts are like the dry and barren ground1 in order that they may be softened and rendered fit for the seed of his heavenly kingdom to take root in and grow1 to the praise of his grace1 and the glory of his great and excellent name4 ,from ,plumbstead we proceeded to ,buckingham1 and rested on seventh day1 as ,i was still unwell with a cough1 although much better than when ,i left home4 ,on first day we attended ,friends' meeting here1 which was large1 and favoured with the overshadowings of the heavenly ,father's regard1 which caused the faithful to rejoice4 ,on second day we rested with our ancient and worthy friend1 ,oliver ,paxton1 who was under deep bodily affliction1 and appeared drawing fast towards his close4 ,he was lively in spirit1 and cheerfully and patiently resigned to his heavenly ,master's will4 ,it was comfortable and instructive to be in his company4 ,on third day we were at ,solebury meeting1 of which our aforesaid friend was a member2 and1 although in much weakness and affliction of body1 he accompanied us thereto1 and a blessed meeting we had4 ,after this1 ,i parted with him in near unity of spirit1 which was a final parting to us1 as to the body3 for he lived but a short time after4 ,he was an elder and judge in ,israel2 and his memory will be precious to all the living1 who were acquainted with him1 and knew his worth4 ,the three following days we attended meetings at ,wright's ,town1 ,makefield1 and ,newtown4 ,these were all large1 favoured meetings1 in which the power of truth was exalted over all opposition4 ,on seventh day we rested1 and wrote to our families4 ,on first day1 the #bast of #ith month1 we attended ,horsham meeting1 which was very large4 ,strength was afforded me to communicate to the people1 and open many gospel truths1 to the relief of my own mind1 and1 ,i trust1 to the general satisfaction1 comfort and instruction of the assembly1 which was composed of various denominations of professed ,christians1 besides ,friends4 ,second and third days4 ,we attended meetings at ,upper ,dublin and ,north ,wales4 ,in both of these meetings the heavenly ,father's power and presence were felt to preside1 in an eminent degree1 breaking down and reducing by its blessed influence all opposing and contrary spirits1 and covering the assemblies with a precious solemnity1 especially the latter1 in which1 truth reigned triumphantly over all4 ,on fourth day we had an appointed meeting in a village called ,norristown4 ,it was held in their court-house1 there being only a few scattered members of our society living in the place4 ,the meeting was pretty large1 principally of people of other professions2 among whom was the chief judge1 and several lawyers and priests4 ,all were quiet1 and through the condescending goodness of the ,shepherd of ,israel1 it was1 ,i trust and believe1 to most present1 a very instructive and precious season4 ,fifth and sixth days4 ,we were at ,friends' meetings as they came in course1 at ,plymouth and ,providence4 ,notice having been given of our coming1 they were much enlarged by the attendance of the neighbours who were not members4 ,these were precious opportunities1 in which help was afforded to preach the gospel of life and salvation to the people1 accompanied with a power which broke down and subjected all to its blessed influence2 for which unmerited favour1 the hearts of the faithful were made to rejoice1 and in deep humiliation1 to return thanksgiving and praise to the benevolent and gracious ,author of all our blessings4 ,on seventh day we rested at ,charlestown4 ,on first day attended the meeting at that place1 which was large1 many more attending than the house could contain4 ,the three following days we attended meetings at the ,valley1 ,pikeland1 and ,nantmill4 ,these were all precious meetings1 in which the ,lord's presence and power were manifested for our help4 ,on fifth day we proceeded to ,columbia1 a town situated on the east side of the river ,susquehannah4 ,we had an appointed meeting there the next day1 in which truth prevailed2 nevertheless1 a hireling priest who attended the meeting1 afterwards made some objection to the doctrine delivered1 as it counteracted his traditional belief concerning the atonement1 the carnal ordinances of water baptism1 and the outward bread and wine1 and preaching for hire1 and the scriptures being the only rule of faith and practice2 the fallacy and inutility of all which had been laid open and exposed4 ,this roused his opposition2 and indeed1 it is not to be wondered at1 as it goes to overthrow all their craft1 by which they have their wealth4 ,we proceeded from thence to ,little ,york1 and rested on seventh day4 ,on first day1 attended ,friends' meeting there4 ,it was a pretty large1 favoured meeting1 but not feeling my mind fully clear1 ,i proposed another meeting in the evening2 and1 notice being given accordingly1 it was very large1 more than the house could contain4 ,it was a blessed meeting1 in which the ,lord's presence and power were manifested1 and truth raised into dominion over all4 ,the four following days1 we had meetings at ,newbury1 ,warrington1 ,huntington and ,menallen4 ,in these opportunities my mind was much engaged to turn the attention of the people from man1 and from all dependance on any thing without them1 to the inward principle of divine light and truth1 the great gospel minister2 which1 as it is heeded and obeyed1 leadeth into all truth1 and out of all errour2 and without whose teaching1 the true and saving knowledge of ,god and ,christ1 which only brings eternal life to the soul1 can never be obtained1 although we may be favoured to sit under the most powerful gospel ministry1 through the instrumentality of man1 however divinely qualified to that end1 from youth to old age4 ,for all that the best outward instrumental help1 either from reading the scriptures1 or hearing the gospel preached in the clear demonstration of the spirit1 can do for any man1 is only to point to1 and lead the minds of the children of men home to this divine inward principle1 manifested in their own hearts and minds4 ,these were all favoured1 instructive seasons1 worthy of grateful remembrance4 ,from ,menallen we rode to ,baltimore1 in order to attend the yearly meeting at that place1 where we arrived on sixth day evening1 the #ajth of #ajth month4 ,the yearly meeting of ,ministers and ,elders opened the next day at the tenth hour1 and the yearly meeting for discipline at the tenth hour1 on the following second day2 and continued by adjournments until the next sixth day at evening1 when the meeting closed under an evident sense of divine favour1 and which had been graciously extended through the several sittings of the meeting4 ,i had much general and particular service in the course of the meetings1 both in those for worship1 and those for discipline2 tending to gather ,friends' minds1 to an inward1 faithful exercise for the support and promotion of those noble testimonies1 that we1 as a people1 are called to bear for the ,prince of ,peace2 and for the exaltation of truth and righteousness in the earth4 ,the ,lord our gracious helper1 by his presence and power1 manifested himself to be near1 setting home the doctrines delivered to his witness in the hearts of most present2 whereby ,friends appeared generally to be united in spirit1 and comforted together under a renewed sense of the ,lord's goodness2 and we parted from each other with thankful hearts4 ,the meeting being ended1 we left the city the next morning1 in order to take a few meetings which lay westerly1 or southwesterly from this place4 ,we were out from the city about two weeks1 and attended the following meetings1 viz3 ,pipe ,creek1 ,bush ,creek1 ,fairfax1 ,goose ,creek1 ,south ,fork1 ,alexandria1 ,washington1 ,sandy ,spring1 ,indian ,spring1 and ,elk-,ridge4 ,all favoured meetings1 in which the ,lord's power and presence were manifested for our help1 enabling to preach the gospel in the authority of truth1 to the comfort and instruction of the honest seekers1 and rejoicing the hearts of the faithful1 and administering reproof and caution to the disobedient and ungodly1 and to such as are living at ease without ,god in the world4 ,i felt sweet peace in my labours of love among them4 ,after the latter meeting1 we returned again to ,baltimore on sixth day afternoon1 the #cast of #ajth month4 ,here we continued until the #aath of #aath month1 not only attending ,friends' usual meetings as they came in course in the city1 but likewise their monthly meetings1 and quarterly meeting1 which were held during the time4 ,in all of these ,i was led into much exercise and religious labour1 both in the ministry and in the discipline and order of the ,church4 ,we had1 likewise1 during our stay in the city1 three very large1 satisfactory evening meetings with the citizens at large4 ,two were for the white people1 and one for the people of colour4 ,i was led forth among them1 and strengthened largely to declare of the things concerning the kingdom of ,god1 and to open to their consideration divers important doctrines of the gospel1 in the authority and demonstration of truth1 apparently to their general satisfaction1 and to the comfort and edification of my friends1 and the solid peace of my own mind4 ,i then took leave of them1 under the precious uniting influence of the heavenly ,father's love1 and the covering of deep thankfulness and gratitude for the unmerited favour4 ,on third day1 the #aath of the month1 we left the city and proceeded to a place called the ,bush1 where there is a small meeting of ,friends4 ,the three following days we attended meetings at that place1 at ,deer ,creek1 and ,east ,nottingham1 all favoured seasons4 ,after the latter meeting on seventh day1 we proceeded to ,wilmington1 and attended ,friends' meetings there the next day1 both forenoon and afternoon1 in which truth favoured with ability to preach the gospel in the demonstration of the spirit1 suited1 ,i trust1 to the states of many1 or most1 of the people which composed those large assemblies1 and ,i left them with peace of mind4 ,on second day ,i rode to ,london ,grove1 accompanied by my kind friend ,william ,poole of ,brandywine1 my companion being disposed to tarry a day longer at ,wilmington4 ,on third day the quarterly meeting opened there with a meeting of ,ministers and ,elders2 in which ,i was led to open to ,friends of that meeting1 the great obligations and accountability which attached to those who consented to take seats in such meetings4 ,for it placed us in the front of society1 and consequently we were looked to as the leaders of the people2 and therefore if we should fall short in faithfully holding up those precious testimonies we are called to bear for the ,prince of ,peace1 and in leading forward the flock by advancing the reformation as truth opens the way1 we shall become stumbling blocks in the way of the honest travellers1 and thereby shut up their way to improvement1 by which they may be discouraged and fall back and be lost2 in consequence whereof it is to be feared1 their blood might be required at the hands of such unfaithful and dilatory shepherds4 ,it was an instructive searching opportunity1 in which truth prevailed in an humbling degree4 ,the next day was the meeting for discipline4 ,it was also a very favoured searching season1 in which many of the hidden things of ,esau or the first nature were brought to light and exposed1 and the careless worldly-minded professors reproved1 and the honest-hearted comforted and encouraged4 ,after this1 feeling a draft of love to those not in membership with us1 ,i proposed an opportunity for them the next day2 and ,friends uniting therewith1 a meeting was accordingly appointed4 ,it was a large gathering and mercifully owned by the ,head of the ,church1 by the gracious manifestation of his divine presence2 under the blessed influence of which1 the gospel was preached in the demonstration of the spirit1 and ,i parted with them under a thankful sense of the ,lord's mercy1 accompanied with a peaceful mind1 and rode that afternoon to ,concord4 ,on sixth day we rode to ,darby and lodged with our kind friend ,edward ,garrigues1 who accompanied us the next morning to ,philadelphia4 ,here we continued about a week1 attending ,friends' meetings in the city as they came in course4 ,as information of our coming had spread in the town the meetings were greatly thronged1 and at some places many more than the houses could contain2 people of varied professions1 and some of almost every description1 high and low1 appeared eager to attend4 ,it seemed a renewed visitation to the people in general1 ,friends and others2 and not only at meetings but in ,friends' families where we visited1 large numbers1 especially of the younger classes1 would soon collect2 so that those opportunities were made seasons of instruction and edification4 ,for the ,lord1 ,i believe1 beheld them with a gracious eye1 and opened my heart and mouth in converse and communication1 to the comfort and satisfaction of their inquiring minds1 and enabled me in each meeting to communicate in the line of the gospel in large impressive testimonies1 affording instruction1 comfort and edification to the assemblies in general2 and ,i felt a great power of love to flow freely towards them1 which caused my heart to rejoice1 and ,i was made glad in believing that it was the ,lord's doing1 and it was marvellous in mine eyes4 ,after ,i had got through ,friends' meetings1 ,i felt my mind drawn to have a public opportunity for those not of our society2 and ,friends uniting therewith1 it was concluded to be held on the evening of sixth day4 ,friends apprehending that the numbers who would be desirous of attending would be very great1 it was appointed at ,mulberry-street1 their largest house4 ,as the notice was given at the monthly meeting at that house1 ,friends likewise appointed a large committee of men and women to have the oversight of its gathering1 and to keep ,friends out until their neighbours should first have seats3 but the number that collected of other people was so great1 that it was supposed as many went away after the house was filled1 and the yard around the house as far as they could hear1 as there was in the house4 ,every avenue in the house was filled with people1 standing as close as they could crowd together4 ,such a collection of people ,i never saw together before on any such occasion4 ,it was with great difficulty that ,i got into the meeting1 and when ,i had taken my seat1 in viewing the crowded state of the multitude1 ,i was ready to fear that the pressure of the people upon one another would destroy the solemnity of the meeting2 but as ,i centered down to the gift1 life and strength sprang up1 and faith was increased2 and the ,lord made bare his arm for our help1 and soon opened my mouth among them1 which brought a precious calm over the assembly4 ,indeed ,i could scarcely have thought it possible had ,i not seen it1 that such a large promiscuous multitude1 made up almost of every description of people1 should in a few moments be brought into such a perfect state of quiet and remain so for hours1 until the meeting closed2 especially as in the midst of the meeting while ,i was communicating1 some ill advised persons1 in order to disturb the meeting1 made a great cry of fire1 rattling their engines along the street near the house1 but it had no tendency to break the solemnity of the meeting4 ,my heart and all that was alive within me1 was bowed in humble thankfulness to the ,lord our gracious helper1 for such a marvellous and unmerited favour4 ,as my whole man was filled with a flow of heavenly love to the multitude1 it was likewise very comfortable to feel a mutual return from them1 for all that could come near me manifested it1 both by conduct and converse2 such a time ,i never witnessed before3 surely it was the ,lord's doing1 and to him belongs all the praise and glory of his own work1 nothing due to the creature but blushing and confusion of face4 ,so let it be4 ,amen1 saith my spirit4 ,after having got thus favourably through my service in the city1 the next morning ,i took an affectionate farewell of my friends there1 in much unity of spirit1 and passed over the ,delaware to ,newtown1 in ,jersey3 where by previous appointment ,i had a meeting at the eleventh hour4 ,a considerable number of ,friends accompanied me thither from the city4 ,here we had another precious instructive meeting4 ,the next day being the first of the week1 we attended ,friends' meeting at ,woodbury2 and notice being spread of our intention of being there it was unusually large2 and through the condescending goodness of ,him who opens and none can shut1 my heart and mouth were opened in a large effective testimony1 in which was opened to the people divers of the most essential doctrines of ,christianity1 ,i trust1 to the general instruction and edification of those present1 and to the comfort and peace of my own mind4 ,the seven following days we attended meetings at ,mullica ,hill1 ,upper ,greenwich1 ,penn's ,neck1 ,piles ,grove1 ,salem1 ,alloway's ,creek1 and ,lower ,greenwich4 ,these were all large favoured meetings1 particularly the one at ,salem2 at which place the county court was then sitting1 which was adjourned by the judge in order to give the people generally an opportunity to attend the meeting1 which they did2 the judge and lawyers with the rest of the court also attended4 ,the gospel was preached to them and the doctrines of ,christianity largely opened1 apparently to the satisfaction of all2 and truth was raised into dominion over all that was contrary to its blessed influence4 ,from the latter place we proceeded on second day1 the #hth of #abth month1 to ,morris ,river1 alias ,port ,elizabeth1 where we had a very instructive edifying meeting the next day4 ,the day following we rode to ,little ,eggharbour2 and the next day being the fifth of the week1 we attended ,friends' monthly meeting there4 ,the meeting for worship was favoured1 and truth prevailed by way of testimony2 and many gospel truths were opened to the consideration of the people1 whereby many hearts were humbled and contrited4 ,the meeting for discipline was very weakly conducted4 ,the order of truth being at a low ebb with ,friends of this place1 and but little hope of improvement1 unless the younger classes in society come forward in more faithfulness than their elder brethren have done4 ,for most of the few that are left appeared to be settling on their lees1 without any thought or prospect of advancing the noble testimonies we are called to bear4 ,our next meeting was at ,barnegat3 the day being rainy it was small1 yet a precious favoured season4 ,the next day being the seventh of the week we rode to ,squan1 and the two following days attended the meeting at that place and at ,squancum2 but the weather being still rainy1 these were also small meetings3 but the power of truth being present for our help1 rendered the opportunities instructive and edifying4 ,after the latter meeting we proceeded to ,shrewsbury1 and on third day1 the #afth of #abth month1 we had an appointed meeting there which was large and satisfactory4 ,many gospel truths were fully and clearly opened to the apparent satisfaction1 and1 ,i trust1 to the instruction and edification of the assembly in general4 ,it was a very solemn meeting1 in which truth was raised into dominion1 humbling and contriting many hearts2 and which brought my religious labours in this journey to a peaceful close4 ,after this1 the three following days ,i passed directly home1 and found my dear wife1 children1 and grand-children in usual health1 to our mutual rejoicing4 ,for this favour1 together with the continued evidence of the divine favour which had accompanied me in this journey1 strengthening and enabling me from day to day1 faithfully to perform the work and service the ,lord had appointed me1 my mind was impressed with deep thankfulness and gratitude for the unmerited mercy4 ,praise the ,lord1 ,o my soul6 and forget not any of his benefits1 for he hath dealt bountifully with thee1 and set thee above all thine enemies1 to the exaltation of his own glorious name and power2 and who is ,god over all1 blessed for ever4 ,,chapter ,,xiv4 ,engagements at and near home1 and within the limits of ,westbury quarterly meeting--,visit to some parts of the yearly meeting of ,new-,york1 #ahah4 ,first day1 the #bast of #abth month1 #ahag4 ,i again met with my friends at home1 in our own meeting1 and was glad to see them2 having been absent nearly four months1 in which time ,i travelled about eleven hundred miles1 and attended eighty-five meetings for worship1 and eleven for discipline4 ,and now1 at home1 ,i find no time to be idle2 for in this first meeting1 my mind was brought under exercise1 and ,i had to tell my friends1 that if we would be ,christians1 we must be united to ,christ1 and learn by his example to do good for evil2 as it is no certain mark of a real ,christian1 to be in the practice of mutual returns of good offices to one another4 ,for sinners give and lend to sinners1 to receive as much again4 ,i found afterwards that there was just occasion for my exercise1 as some of my neighbours1 members of society1 had been disputing and differing about trivial matters of property4 ,alas for such6 what peace can they have on earth1 and much less can they hope for any in heaven1 when done with time4 ,for such dispositions cannot possibly be happy in the presence of a just1 holy1 and merciful ,being1 who is love ineffable4 ,i sat our meeting on fifth day in silence1 and nothing unusual occurred the rest of the week4 ,first day1 the #bhth4 ,i was led1 while sitting in our meeting to-day1 into a view of the great want generally manifested by the people1 of living in the fear of the ,lord1 and of seeking to be initiated into his kingdom of peace and love2 as nothing short of it can administer to any the joys of salvation1 or produce a real redemption from the power of evil4 ,the subject spread on my mind1 and opened to a pretty full communication1 in the line of close caution and warning to the indolent and unconcerned1 respecting the necessary preparation for our final change4 ,a solemn weight spread over the assembly1 and ,i have a hope the labour will not be all lost1 but sink deep and remain on some minds4 ,in the course of this week my case seemed to resemble ,mordecai's of old2 after riding the king's horse1 he had to retire to the king's gate1 and there wait for fresh direction4 ,i also felt my mind brought into a waiting quiet state1 in poverty of spirit4 ,attended our fifth day meeting mostly in silence1 except just before the close ,i had to remark to ,friends the great advantage that accrued to us by being embodied together in religious society1 under the influence of truth1 as our duties and religious obligations became more binding upon us1 especially the diligent attendance of meetings for worship1 which gave us frequent opportunity of inquiring into our own states1 and how far we stood accepted in the divine sight1 and were at peace with ,him and with all men2 for this is a very requisite care which ought not to be neglected1 but always be first in our minds4 ,first day1 the #dth of #ast month1 #ahah4 ,having felt my mind for several days drawn to sit with my friends at ,martinicock1 ,i accordingly went on this day1 accompanied by my wife and daughter ,elizabeth4 ,although the meeting was not altogether so large as at some other times on this day of the week1 the weather being cold1 yet the opportunity1 through the manifestation of divine regard1 by which ,i was enabled to preach the gospel in the demonstration of truth1 was rendered an instructive edifying season1 and we were comforted together under a renewed sense of the ,lord's goodness4 ,second day4 ,i attended the funeral of a neighbour4 ,it was a promiscuous gathering of different societies of professed ,christians4 ,i was largely led forth among them to declare of the things concerning the kingdom of ,god1 and to open to the people in a clear and impressive manner1 the way and means by which we may come to have an inheritance therein1 and that nothing short of our coming into a passive state without a will of our own1 as a little child1 agreeably to the doctrine of our ,lord1 will ever qualify us for that blessed inheritance1 where nothing that worketh an abomination or maketh a lie can ever enter4 ,it was a season of favour1 in which truth had the victory1 and ,i felt peace in my labour of love among them4 ,on third day ,i went to ,new-,york1 accompanied by my son-in-law ,valentine ,hicks1 in order to attend the monthly meeting of ,friends there1 which came the next day4 ,i attended it accordingly4 ,it was a pretty full meeting1 in which ,i was led in a close1 searching line in my testimony1 which agitated some of the worshippers in the outer court1 and made them fretful4 ,alas for such professors6 what will they do in the end1 when the winds blow and the rains descend8 ,surely their sandy foundation will fail them2 then will they be made to call to the rocks and mountains of their own exalted self-righteousness1 to cover them from the prevailing indignation which they have brought upon themselves1 by their own neglect of a right improvement of the talent with which they had been entrusted1 and which they had buried in an earthly mind2 but their cries will be in vain1 as the hypocrite's hope will perish4 ,fifth day4 ,i attended ,friends' meeting held in the middle of the week at ,flushing1 at which there was a marriage1 which caused it to be much enlarged1 by many of the neighbouring inhabitants coming in who do not usually attend4 ,it was a favoured season1 in which ,i was led to communicate divers important doctrines of the ,christian religion1 and to open the true ground of the marriage covenant1 whereby male and female may be rightly joined together1 so as to become true helpers and blessings to each other4 ,after this1 ,i returned home that evening with the blessing of peace1 the sure reward of faithfulness1 and retired willingly to the waiting gate of inward trust1 and poverty of spirit4 ,first day1 the #aath4 ,my mind was led into a view of the necessity of doing all our works to please ,god1 and not to please ourselves1 or one another2 and the only way to please our neighbours to edification1 was to do all to please the ,lord1 who hath promised that if our ways please him he will make our enemies to be at peace with us4 ,the subject spread and led to communication1 in which the people were invited to acquaint themselves with ,god1 and be at peace with him by doing his will1 and not our own1 whereby good would come unto us2 hence we should please one another to our mutual edification and comfort4 ,on fifth day our monthly meeting was held4 ,it was a season of exercise1 occasioned by a case of difficulty being improperly introduced into the meeting4 ,i saw clearly the meeting could not get along with it in its present form1 as it had taken ground which was not tenable4 ,it was therefore agreed to dismiss the subject for the present1 and let it be taken up anew1 unless on a further investigation by the overseers1 it should be settled4 ,how necessary it is for those who take an active part in the discipline of the ,church1 to wait for a right qualification1 and not to put a hand to the work until they are rightly called and furnished1 with that wisdom which is profitable to direct2 for otherwise1 instead of advancing the cause of righteousness1 they may retard its progress1 and do harm to themselves1 like ,uzza of old1 when he put forth an unsanctified hand to steady the ark4 ,i opened in this meeting to my friends1 a prospect ,i had of paying a religious visit to some of the neighbouring inhabitants not in membership with us1 within the borders of our quarterly meeting2 with which the meeting united1 and left me at liberty to pursue the prospect as way might open for it4 ,the rest of this week was spent in the care of my necessary temporal concerns1 and the week ended with peace of mind and a thankful heart1 for the continued blessings of a gracious ,providence4 ,first day1 the #ahth4 ,our meeting to-day was favoured1 and the power of truth exalted1 and the gospel preached in its own authority1 and a precious solemnity spread over the meeting1 which ended in thanksgiving for the mercy1 and solemn supplication for the continuance of divine regard4 ,in the course of this week our quarterly meeting was held at ,westbury4 ,it was a favoured season1 particularly the last day or closing meeting for public worship1 in which the ,lord's presence and power were manifested in an eminent degree1 and truth was exalted and a precious solemnity spread over the assembly1 convicting1 contriting1 and comforting many hearts2 to the praise of ,him who is calling us out of darkness into his marvellous light4 ,first day1 the #beth4 ,a silent meeting on my part to-day4 ,how comfortable it is to sit silently under the shadow of our own vine and our own fig-tree1 where none can make afraid4 ,second day4 ,i attended the funeral of my eldest and last surviving brother4 ,i am now the last and only survivor of six brethren1 and am myself arrived nearly to the age of three score and ten2 therefore cannot expect many more days1 as ,i continually feel time making its ravages on the animal system1 and which1 as a faithful herald1 exclaims repeatedly to the inward ear1 8prepare to die40 ,there was a large promiscuous collection of people of different societies attended the funeral4 ,i was largely led forth among them to declare the way of life and salvation1 and to open many very important doctrines of the ,christian religion4 ,the assembly were generally very quiet and attentive1 and1 ,i believe1 to many1 it was a season of solid instruction and edification4 ,i left them with peace of mind and a thankful heart4 ,i attended our fifth day meeting as usual1 and mostly in silence4 ,on sixth day ,i attended the funeral of a person not in membership4 ,it was principally made up of the poorer kind of people1 who made little or no profession of religion1 except a few ,friends and some of the ,methodist society4 ,i was deeply baptized into a feeling of their weak state1 in which ,i was led to communicate according to their capacity to receive2 which brought a comfortable solemnity over the assembly to their general satisfaction1 and ,i felt peace in my labour of love among them4 ,first day1 the #ast of #b;d month4 ,as ,i sat musing in silence in our meeting1 my mind was led into a view of the great mischief and harm which result to mankind1 by their giving way to harbour and indulge vain and evil thoughts4 ,the subject spread and led to communication1 in which ,i had to show to the assembly that our redemption and salvation principally depended on a right government of our thoughts1 and that if men and women were as fearful of evil thinking as they are of evil doing1 and as desirous of avoiding one as the other1 they would soon find themselves empowered as fully to avoid evil thinking as to avoid evil doing2 and this would be a suppression of sin in its first rise3 and there is no other way for any man or woman to become righteous and holy in the sight of ,god1 who as certainly at all times sees our evil thoughts1 and more so than man can see our evil actions3 yet nevertheless poor blind forgetful man will please and entertain himself with abundance of evil thoughts in the open view of his ,maker1 while at the same time he would dread to expose them by overt acts1 in the view of men4 ,this shows how much more predominant the fear of man is with the most of mankind1 than the fear of ,god their ,creator4 ,i hope the opportunity was profitable and instructive to some present4 ,second day1 the #ith4 ,i rode to ,new-,york in order to attend the meeting for sufferings which came the next day1 and which ,i attended accordingly4 ,after this ,i spent several days in the city and neighbourhood1 in prosecuting the concern ,i opened before our last monthly meeting4 ,my kinsman ,isaac ,hicks accompanied me4 ,i attended ,pearl-street meeting as it came in course on fourth day1 and had an appointed meeting at the same place in the evening1 for the inhabitants of the town at large4 ,it was a very full meeting1 many more collected than the house could contain4 ,the next day ,i attended ,friends' meeting at ,manhattanville1 and in the evening had a public meeting in the city1 at ,friends' meeting-house in ,liberty-street4 ,these were all full favoured meetings1 in which truth reigned and subjected1 at least for the present1 all contrary spirits1 which was cause of humble thankfulness to my mind4 ,we left the city on sixth day and had an appointed meeting at ,brooklyn in the evening4 ,on seventh day we had two meetings in ,newtown1 the first at ,friends' meeting-house at the ,kilns1 and the latter at the town in the evening4 ,these three last meetings were principally made up of people of other societies1 who behaved very commendably and appeared well affected with the meetings2 and truth's testimonies were largely and satisfactorily opened in each meeting1 comforting and contriting many hearts1 and to the solid peace of my own mind4 ,on first day1 the #aeth1 ,i attended ,friends' meeting at ,flushing1 and some notice having been spread of my coming1 it was large2 and was added to by a number from ,newtown1 of other societies who had attended the two meetings held there the day before4 ,this was also an open instructive meeting1 in which divers doctrines of the gospel were communicated in the life1 to the edification of the people4 ,the next day ,i returned home and found my family well1 which1 with the peace of mind that accompanied1 produced thankfulness of heart to the blessed ,author of all our mercies and blessings4 ,fifth day4 ,i attended our monthly meeting4 ,it was rather a dull exercising season1 in which ,i was led into some painful labour4 ,on sixth day1 ,i proceeded again on the visit to some of the neighbouring inhabitants4 ,had an appointed meeting in the evening at ,hempstead ,harbour1 and the next evening at the lower part of ,cowneck4 ,both were full meetings4 ,in the former ,i was largely opened by way of testimony1 and many important doctrines of the gospel were communicated for the instruction and edification of the people1 and ,i left them with peace of mind4 ,in the latter ,i was mostly silent4 ,on first day ,i attended ,friends' meeting at ,cowneck1 which was well attended2 many of the neighbouring inhabitants coming in that were not members1 who behaved soberly4 ,it was a favoured satisfactory season1 in which truth reigned4 ,in the evening ,i had a pretty large instructive meeting in the village of ,herricks4 ,it was a solemn time1 in which many truths of the gospel were clearly opened1 apparently to the satisfaction and edification of the assembly in general1 and ,i returned home next morning with peace of mind4 ,on fourth day ,i attended ,bethpage meeting1 at which there was a marriage1 which occasioned the meeting to be very large4 ,i think it was much the largest ,i had ever seen in that place4 ,there was a large number of young people1 and although many of them appeared raw and undisciplined1 yet they generally behaved orderly during the meeting1 and ,i had a pretty open time among them4 ,i was led to set forth the nature and dignity of the marriage covenant when rightly entered into1 and the sad reverse1 when rashly and unadvisedly undertaken2 and especially so when unequally yoked together1 and of different persuasions as to religion3 for being disunited in the main point1 it most certainly must tend to disturb their quiet and imbitter their enjoyments4 ,and the offspring of such connexions are greatly to be pitied2 attached by nature to both parents1 how confused must be their ideas with regard to which they shall follow2 and as it often happens1 the boys going with their father1 and the daughters with their mother2 hence1 children which ought to be bound together in the strongest ties of natural affection and consanguinity1 are in early life divided in principle and in conduct1 by which they become alienated from each other4 ,to avoid which the youth were earnestly and affectionately invited and admonished to put in practice the exhortation of ,jesus ,christ to his immediate followers1 and the people which resorted to hear him1 viz3 ,to seek first the kingdom of ,god and his righteousness1 in a full belief that as we comply therewith1 all other things needful and consolatory will be added4 ,i attended our own meeting the next day in silence1 and feeling a stop in my mind as to proceeding further at present in the visit before me1 ,i turned my attention to my family concerns1 not being willing to spend any of my precious time in idleness4 ,first day4 ,sat our meeting in silence4 ,it is a precious thing and very consoling1 to all ,zion's exercised travellers in the path of duty1 to be instructed how and when to speak1 and when to keep silence4 ,fifth day4 ,a silent meeting4 ,spent the rest of the week in attention to my family concerns4 ,first day1 the #hth of #c;d month4 ,a favoured open time in our meeting to-day1 in which the gospel was preached in its own authority1 and in which the excellency and reality of the divine principle of grace and truth was opened and explained2 showing it to be the same breath of life which was breathed into man on the day of his creation1 and which constituted the divine image in man1 and is the ,lamb or innocent life of ,god1 and which innocent life was slain in our first parents by their first transgression4 ,hence it is called the ,lamb slain from the foundation of the world1 agreeably to the scriptures2 but no otherwise slain than by man's rejecting it1 and turning away from it1 into the serpentine wisdom2 by which man became dead to this divine life1 and that dead to him4 ,hence the denunciation was fulfilled on man1 in the day thou eatest thereof1 that is1 in the day thou turnest away from this divine life1 and presumest to know good and evil for thyself1 thou shalt1 or wilt1 surely die2 which was accordingly fulfilled on our first parents in the day of their transgression1 and consequently on all their offspring who have followed their example4 ,agreeably to the apostle ,paul's doctrine1 it then follows1 that as in ,adam all die1 that is1 as in our transgressing like ,adam1 we take upon us ,adam's nature in the fall1 which nature is a state of death2 so on the contrary1 as we turn inward to the divine light and law1 and repent of our transgressions1 and become sincerely obedient thereunto1 by denying ourselves and taking up our cross daily1 we then come into the obedience of ,christ2 not doing our own will1 but the will of our heavenly ,father4 ,we then put on ,christ and become partakers of his divine nature1 and thereby come to witness in our own experience1 not only that in ,adam1 that is1 in ,adam's nature in the fall1 which we have taken upon us by our own transgression1 and not by ,adam's1 we die or witness a state of death to the divine nature3 so likewise in our coming into the obedience of ,christ1 we take upon us his divine nature2 and are thereby made alive and come to witness the ,lamb which was slain in us1 while we remained in ,adam's nature1 to rise from the dead and become ,christ in us the hope of glory1 or the ,lamb of ,god which taketh away the sin of the world4 ,therefore all the varied names given in scripture to this divine light and life1 such as ,emmanuel1 ,jesus1 sent of ,god1 great ,prophet1 ,christ our ,lord1 ,grace1 ,unction1 ,anointed1 c4 mean one and the same thing2 and are nothing less nor more1 than the spirit and power of ,god in the soul of man1 as his ,creator1 ,preserver1 ,condemner1 ,redeemer1 ,saviour1 ,sanctifier and ,justifier4 ,spent the rest of the week at and about home4 ,attended our preparative meeting on fifth day4 ,the meeting for worship ,i sat mostly in silence4 ,first day1 the #aeth4 ,in the course of our meeting ,i felt constrained to communicate some plain truths in doctrine and in caution1 to the unguarded and refractory2 but which seemed too much to rebound1 for want of a disposition in such to receive the word preached1 as they are apt to kick against the truth when it is plainly told them2 this causes hard labour to the messengers1 who1 although they feel the woe and are constrained to labour1 yet find little satisfaction therein1 except in the consciousness of having faithfully done their duty to their careless and deficient brethren and fellow creatures4 ,in the afternoon ,i proceeded in the concern before expressed1 in visiting some of the neighbouring inhabitants4 ,had an appointed meeting at ,jerusalem in the evening1 and on second day1 a meeting about four miles westerly from thence4 ,on third day ,i had one further on1 in a southwesterly direction1 among a people in moderate circumstances as to this world1 but whose minds seemed generally open to receive the doctrines of truth4 ,i also had a meeting in the evening of this day in the town of ,hempstead4 ,these were all large favoured meetings1 especially the last1 which was unusually so1 and in which the truths of the gospel were largely communicated1 apparently to the satisfaction and edification of the assembly1 and to the peace of my own mind4 ,we returned home the next day1 attending ,westbury monthly meeting in our way4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our monthly meeting4 ,in the meeting for worship ,i was led to open to ,friends the many precious advantages and privileges resulting from a firm faith and sincere trust in the ,almighty ,jehovah4 ,for thereby we come to witness all those great and precious promises fulfilled which the scriptures mention1 and know in our own experience that they who trust in the ,lord are never confounded4 ,the rest of the week ,i was busily employed in a variety of temporal concerns1 as ,i find no time to be idle1 either in body or mind1 for nothing affords so much true peace as a consciousness of the right improvement and employment of precious time4 ,first day1 the #bb;d4 ,by previous appointment ,i attended a meeting at the house of our friend ,james ,rushmore1 at the ,halfway ,hollow ,hills1 at the eleventh hour1 and in the evening at a place called ,babylon1 on the south side of the ,island4 ,these meetings1 by the extreme inclemency of the weather1 were small1 especially the first1 where it was like the two or three as to number1 yet ,i found a good degree of satisfaction in faithfully attending to the appointment1 although ,i had to ride a dozen miles or more through the storm1 which was so extreme as to prevent nearly all the neighbours from attending the meeting1 and in our passing from one meeting to the other1 the wind blew with such violence1 that our carriage seemed several times near blowing over2 but we got along safe1 and had a comfortable meeting at the latter place in the evening4 ,after this ,i rode to my son-in-law ,joshua ,willits'1 at ,islip1 and lodged4 ,i spent most of the next day at his house1 and on third day at the eleventh hour had a pretty large favoured meeting at the house of our friend ,thomas ,whitson1 at ,oysterbay ,south4 ,after this ,i returned home4 ,in our fifth day meeting ,i was made an example of silence4 ,first day1 the #bith4 ,in our meeting to-day ,i was led into an enlightened view of the excellency of faith1 and its blessed effects on the minds of those who come to witness its lively operation4 ,the subject opened to communication in a large affecting testimony1 recapitulating its wonder-working power in the holy ancients1 and showing that its efficacy was the same now as in former days1 to those who become rightly initiated into it through faithful obedience to divine requiring1 as nothing else will establish us in that living faith which works by love1 and gives victory over the world4 ,fifth day4 ,attended ,friends' meeting at ,martinicock1 in which ,i was an example of silence4 ,at the second hour in the afternoon1 ,i attended the funeral of ,charles ,thorne1 a person inclining to ,friends1 in the neighbourhood of ,moscheto ,cove4 ,there was a large collection of the neighbours1 among whom ,i was led to communicate and open divers essential doctrines of the gospel1 and to set forth the design and end of the types and shadows of the law dispensation given to ,israel1 and to ,israel only2 and to show that they were finished and abolished by the introduction of the gospel state1 or the diffusion of the spirit of truth1 or ,holy ,ghost1 in the minds of the believers1 by which only we can come to have a living faith made perfect by good works1 because faith without works is dead4 ,first day1 the #eth of #dth month4 ,a silent meeting to-day4 ,this week busily employed in my temporal concerns1 even so as to occasion wearisomeness at times4 ,what a comfortable state would even this world afford1 if men and women were all honest enough to do their light portion of labour1 for want of which thousands in every country are inventing pitiful and unrighteous schemes to obtain a livelihood from the labours of others4 ,these1 let them be high or low1 learned or unlearned1 rich or poor1 make up that class of mankind1 who grievously oppress and grind the faces of the poor4 ,first day1 the #abth4 ,i had a precious open time in our meeting to-day1 in which ,i was led largely to open many truths of the gospel1 in a clear instructive manner1 which brought a precious solemnity over the meeting1 and which closed under the sensible covering of divine favour4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our monthly meeting4 ,it was the time for preparing answers to the queries to go up to the yearly meeting1 and was1 ,i believe1 a season of profitable exercise4 ,first day1 the #aith4 ,i had good service in our meeting to-day1 and through the overshadowing wing of divine kindness1 it proved a precious opportunity4 ,in the course of this week ,i attended our quarterly meeting1 held at this time in ,new-,york4 ,it was a favoured season in the several sittings of it1 affording encouragement to the honest-hearted1 to persevere on in their heavenly way without turning aside to the right hand or the left1 through fear1 favour or affection4 ,the labour in the line of communication fell mostly to my lot4 ,first day1 the #bfth4 ,i was made an example of silence through our meeting to-day4 ,nothing of particular notice occurred in the course of this week4 ,first day1 the #c;d of #eth month4 ,i attended the funeral of our ancient worthy friend ,jacob ,underhill1 of ,cedar ,swamp4 ,there was a very large collection of ,friends and neighbours assembled on the occasion1 he being very generally beloved and esteemed by his acquaintance and ,friends4 ,a very solemn meeting was held at the meeting-house at ,martinicock1 on the occasion1 in which ,i was largely led forth in ministry and doctrine1 so that many hearts were contrited1 to the general satisfaction and edification of the assembly1 and to the peace of my own mind4 ,in the afternoon ,i had an appointed meeting at the house of ,amos ,cheshire1 about four miles easterly from our village4 ,through divine favour it was made an instructive1 profitable season1 in which truth was exalted over all opposition4 ,fifth day4 ,i attended the funeral of my kinswoman the widow ,sarah ,albertson4 ,a solemn meeting was held on the occasion1 at ,friends' meeting-house at ,westbury1 in which ,i had good service4 ,i was led to open in a clear manner1 the superiour excellence of the divine principle of light and truth1 borne testimony to by the society ever since we have been a people1 and showing that1 where that is wanting1 or is not given heed to1 every thing else will and must fail of effecting the great work of our salvation1 as no other means are adequate to that end4 ,it was a season of favour1 in which ,i was largely opened to declare of the things concerning the kingdom of heaven1 and to open to the people many truths of the gospel1 in the demonstration of the spirit1 accompanied with power2 which solemnized and tendered many minds4 ,surely it was the ,lord's doing1 and to him belongs all the praise3 nothing due to man4 ,first day1 the #ajth4 ,a hard trying meeting1 mostly silent4 ,fifth day4 ,had the acceptable company of our friend ,mary ,naftel1 from ,england4 ,she laboured in the ability afforded for our help and encouragement1 which honest travail does not fail of meeting its own reward1 true peace of mind1 the richest treasure4 ,first day1 the #agth4 ,silent in our meeting to-day4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our monthly meeting1 at which we had the company of our esteemed friend ,phebe ,field from ,scipio4 ,her company1 together with her lively1 simple1 plain testimony1 corresponding with our profession1 were truly acceptable and refreshing4 ,seventh day1 the #bc;d4 ,i left home early in the morning in order to attend our yearly meeting1 accompanied by my wife and daughter ,elizabeth4 ,we arrived in ,new-,york in time to attend the first sitting of the meeting of ,ministers and ,elders1 which opened at the tenth hour4 ,the meeting for discipline opened the following second day at ten o'clock1 and closed on fifth day evening4 ,it was shorter as to time than usual2 but ,i think1 in the main1 it was a favoured meeting1 and closed well1 under an humbling sense of divine condescension and regard1 and ,friends separated to their several homes1 under a feeling sense of brotherly love4 ,first day1 the #cast4 ,attended our meeting in silence1 and in much poverty of spirit1 and although we had the company of a ,friend who was travelling in the ministry1 and who appeared pretty large in testimony2 yet it seemed void of life to me1 which ,i was willing to conclude was my own fault4 ,we had another meeting appointed at the fourth hour in the afternoon1 by two women ,friends from ,west ,jersey4 ,this was also a meeting of exercise to me1 without laying any thing to the charge of my friends4 ,fifth day4 ,a silent meeting4 ,the rest of the week laboriously exercised in my temporal concerns4 ,oh how killing too much bodily labour is to our best spiritual life1 and although it may be no more than is our duty to do1 in order comfortably to accommodate our families1 and the timely payment of our just debts1 and the punctual performance of all our contracts1 yet even then divine wisdom has so wisely ordered the events of things1 as to impress caution on our minds1 by not suffering us to reap much spiritual content or inward enjoyment from bodily exercise1 or worldly care1 lest as man is naturally prone to seek earthly things1 he might become so swallowed up in his temporal enjoyments1 as to neglect the one thing needful1 that of laying up treasure in heaven4 ,first day1 the #gth of #fth month4 ,we had a large meeting to-day1 and having been made an example of silence for a number of meeting days past1 ,i also looked for the same at this time1 till nearly half the time of our meeting was expired4 ,i sat clothed in darkness1 a darkness which could be felt2 but after wrestling for about an hour a gleam of light sprang up1 and a prospect revived1 which had presented at the opening of the meeting1 and enlarged with increasing weight until it led to communication4 ,in the course thereof1 the original state of man was considered1 and presented to the view of the audience2 and the state of rectitude in which he was placed by his gracious ,creator2 also the way shown1 by and through which he fell1 in a way clearly to discharge and exculpate the all-equitable and perfect ,jehovah from any blame1 as having any part or hand in man's fall and ruin1 and placing it wholly on his own turpitude1 by making a wrong use of his liberty1 and by making his election to evil instead of good1 when both lay open before him1 at his own choice4 ,therefore1 if he would pursue evil instead of good1 he had none to blame but himself3 the ,lord would be clear1 and his faithful servants would be clear2 his blood will be upon his own head4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our preparative meeting4 ,my exercise and testimony led to show the excellency and necessity of silence to man1 in all his attempts to approach the divine ,being in solemn spiritual worship2 not only the body but also the mind must be silenced1 according to that saying of the prophet1 8,be still and know that ,i am ,god20 with which the testimony of ,christ well agrees1 where he assures his disciples1 8,that he is the vine1 and they are the branches2 and except the branch abide in the vine it withereth10 and that 8without him they can do nothing40 ,as it is the sap from the vine that can only quicken and vivify the branch2 so nothing short of the will1 life and power of the ,creator1 spiritually dispensed to the creature1 can enable him to perform worship in spirit and in truth4 ,for nothing but man's assuming an independent will1 in opposition to the divine will1 and becoming active therein1 occasioned his fall and separation from his ,maker2 so likewise nothing but a renunciation of that will1 and a cessation from all self-activity as an independent creature1 can unite and restore him again1 or enable him to worship in spirit and in truth4 ,first day1 the #adth4 ,having not fully performed my contemplated visit to our neighbouring towns and villages1 and way opening for a further procedure1 ,i attended two appointed meetings to-day1 one in the morning at ,cold ,spring1 and the other at the fourth hour in the afternoon at ,huntington4 ,both these were pretty full meetings1 in which my exercise was laborious1 but ,i had a hope they were profitable meetings to some present4 ,i returned home in the evening4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our monthly meeting1 at which we had the company of a ,friend from ,pennsylvania4 ,his plain lively testimony1 together with his company and solid deportment1 did my heart good1 as it brought to my remembrance some of our primitive worthies4 ,sixth day4 ,i attended the funeral of our friend ,jacob ,smith of ,westbury4 ,his death was very sudden and unexpected1 which made it the more trying to his family4 ,a meeting was held on the occasion1 which was largely attended by his friends and the neighbouring inhabitants4 ,the opportunity was solemn and instructive1 and the gospel was preached in the demonstration of the spirit1 and many hearts were humbled and contrited4 ,thanks be to ,god for his unspeakable gift4 ,first day1 the #bast4 ,i proceeded again in order to accomplish my aforesaid visit to the neighbouring towns and villages4 ,by previous notice1 a meeting was appointed at ,cow ,harbour1 about twelve miles to the eastward1 at the fourth hour in the afternoon1 at the house of a person by the name of ,henry ,scudder1 which was large and favoured4 ,the five following days1 ,i attended meetings appointed at the following places1 viz3 at ,elias ,smith's1 in the west part of ,smithtown1 on second day1 at the fourth hour in the afternoon2 at the ,branch on third day1 at the eleventh hour2 at ,stony ,brook1 on fourth day at eleven o'clock2 at ,setauket on the same day1 at the fourth hour in the afternoon2 on fifth day had one at a place called the ,hopfrogs1 at the fourth hour in the afternoon2 on sixth day at the eleventh hour1 one near ,commack1 at the house of our friend ,jacob ,harnad1 and at the fourth hour1 had our last meeting in this town1 at the house of ,jonah ,wood1 at ,dixhills4 ,this is a grandson of ,jonah ,wood deceased1 who resided in the same place1 where ,i often had meetings while he was living4 ,he was a man convinced of the principles of ,friends1 but never came forward to join the society1 which ,i apprehended was a loss to himself and family4 ,these meetings were all owned by the ,master of our assemblies1 although great weakness and ignorance were manifest in many who attended1 nevertheless the ,lord was graciously pleased to condescend to their low estates1 and opened my mouth in doctrine suited to their states and conditions4 ,i returned home on seventh day1 with a thankful heart and a peaceful mind1 the result of faithfulness in the ,lord's work4 ,first day1 the #bhth4 ,attended our own meeting1 which ,i sat the greater part in silence2 but towards the close had a short testimony to deliver1 which was introduced by the remembrance of the account given by the evangelist of the pool of ,bethesda1 and our ,lord's healing the impotent man who had long waited there to be healed1 but was not2 therefore our ,lord had compassion on him1 and healed him4 ,this shows how good it is to have a steady persevering faith and hope in the means ,god appoints for our salvation4 ,fifth day4 ,a silent meeting4 ,the rest of the week ,i was busily employed in the oversight of my hay harvest1 and in assisting in getting it into the barn2 the fields having brought forth bountifully1 which greatly enhances our obligations to the benevolent ,giver4 ,first day1 the #eth of #gth month4 ,my mind in our meeting to-day1 was humbled under an awakened sense of my own imperfections1 and the impotency of our common nature4 ,in this humiliated state1 my mind became clothed with the spirit of prayer and supplication1 which gave utterance vocally to present a petition to our heavenly ,father for the continuance of his mercy2 and that he would increase our faith and confident dependance on him1 as our only source of help and salvation4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our preparative meeting4 ,the meeting for worship was a lively meeting1 although silent or nearly so4 ,the diffusion of real friendship and brotherly love was warmly felt4 ,first day1 the #abth4 ,i sat our meeting in silence1 endeavouring to be edified by a communication from a young minister from ,cowneck1 which was sensible and in a good degree lively4 ,how much more comfortable it is to sit under a testimony that comprehends good sense1 and by which the understanding of the people is spoken to1 than such as are delivered in a high sound of many words1 and yet so unconnected1 as to render it difficult to comprehend the subject matter the speaker really aims at2 or such as are delivered in a kind of prophetic strain1 without power1 which some speakers are too apt to fall into2 so that we are sometimes ready to doubt their call to that highly important and dignified office4 ,these often cause deep exercise and concern to the living baptized members4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our monthly meeting1 at which the queries were read and the usual number answered1 in order to represent our state to the quarterly meeting4 ,things appeared well with us1 if the answers given in1 were a true representation of our state4 ,first day1 the #aith4 ,i was again made an example of silence4 ,in the course of this week our quarterly meeting was held4 ,it was1 ,i think1 in the main a favoured season1 in which divine goodness manifested a renewed extension of unmerited mercy to us poor1 helpless and unworthy creatures4 ,we had at this quarterly meeting the company of our esteemed friend ,gerard ,t4 ,hopkins from ,baltimore4 ,he appeared lively in his gift1 to our mutual edification4 ,it fell to my lot in the meeting for discipline1 to revive the concern for the melioration of the condition of the ,africans and their descendants2 not only as it respected those who are still held in a state of abject bondage and oppression1 but also on behalf of those who have been set free1 but who1 nevertheless continue1 in a very general manner1 in a degraded and helpless state1 for want of being placed upon the ground of equality with the rest of the inhabitants1 as strict justice would dictate1 if rightly adhered to by the people and government4 ,and ,i am fully in the belief1 that divine justice will not be satisfied1 nor the black stain of shedding innocent blood and cruelly oppressing this people1 ever be taken from the inhabitants of this land1 until strict justice is done them1 and they placed by the laws of our country1 in the same state of equality in every respect as the rest of its inhabitants1 and in the enjoyment of the full right of civilized man4 ,this is their just and righteous due1 and these privileges1 if duly and rightly administered to them1 would bring them to be as good and useful citizens as those of any other nation4 ,i was also led to call upon my ,friends to persevere in this noble and righteous concern1 that nothing might be left undone on our part1 in restoring strict justice and right to this deeply oppressed part of our fellow creatures2 not only on their account and for their relief1 but on our own account also4 ,for1 ,i believe1 we are in a very peculiar manner called upon1 agreeably to our profession1 of being led and guided by an unerring principle of perfect righteousness1 to exalt the standard of truth and righteousness in the earth3 and believing1 as ,i do1 that it is not in the power and wisdom of man to effect this1 by all the coercive laws which can be enacted1 nor by all the force of the arm of flesh4 ,for nothing can destroy and put an end to sin and wickedness1 but a principle in man of perfect righteousness and justice2 and this adhered to by man in so full and complete a manner1 as to have no fellowship or communion1 either immediately or remotely1 directly or indirectly1 with any acts of injustice or oppression4 ,hence1 ,i believe1 that if we as a people were faithful and obedient to this first principle of our profession1 we should be led thereby to abstain from all kinds of commerce or dealings in the produce of our country or elsewhere1 which we had cause to believe originated out of1 or through the medium of1 the labour of slaves1 wrung from them and sold by their tyrannical masters4 ,and ,i am well assured that nothing short of such an exalted testimony to truth and righteousness will ever put a full end to oppression and injustice2 and1 ,i believe1 ,he who called our worthy predecessors to exalt the testimony of truth in the earth1 and who is still calling us to advocate this noble cause1 is looking for this testimony of strict justice and righteousness at our hands4 ,o1 saith my soul6 that we as a people1 called as we are to be a light to the world1 might so persevere in faithfulness and obedience to the teachings and inspirings of light and truth in our hearts1 by which we should be enabled to unite together for the exaltation of this noble testimony1 and the increase of the ,messiah's kingdom of truth1 righteousness1 and peace in the earth2 and which in its progression will break down and dissolve all the kingdoms of this world1 until they become the kingdoms of our ,lord and of his ,christ1 and he comes to reign whose right it is4 ,the subject spread with unusual weight over the meeting1 and many brethren appeared deeply affected therewith1 and divers came forward by expression to encourage its progress1 and to stimulate each other therein2 so that my heart was truly gladdened under a sense of the prevalence of truth1 which was felt to preside in the meeting1 clearly manifesting that the concern was owned by the ,head of the ,church4 ,first day1 the #bfth4 ,a silent meeting to-day4 ,passed this week in much poverty of spirit1 accompanied with a peaceful mind4 ,sat our fifth day meeting in solemn silence4 ,first day1 the #b;d of #hth month4 ,feeling my mind disposed to sit with ,friends in their meeting at ,bethpage1 ,i went thither to-day accompanied by my wife4 ,although my mind felt rather depressed from a sense of the low state of things among them1 yet ,i was led to communicate some plain things2 showing that true religion did not consist in going to meetings and making a profession of it1 but in works of real righteousness1 and in a strict and daily conformity and submission to the cross1 and a steady obedience to the law of the spirit of life in ,christ ,jesus1 which only can set free from the law of sin and death4 ,fifth day4 ,a silent meeting on my part4 ,the rest of the week ,i was taken up in temporal matters1 having workmen of various kinds to overlook and assist1 even at times to a degree of wearisomeness2 insomuch that was it not from the calls of necessity and duty1 ,i should endeavour to quit them all and be free from their cumber and interruption2 as they do often interfere with better concerns1 and those of a higher and more excellent nature4 ,first day1 the #ith4 ,a silent meeting4 ,fifth day4 ,was our preparative meeting4 ,silence was my lot in the meeting for worship4 ,first day1 the #afth4 ,our meeting was larger than usual by the attendance of strangers1 who did not usually attend4 ,very soon after taking my seat1 my mind was impressed with a view of the baneful tendency of pride1 and its hurtful effects on the children of men universally4 ,the prospect led to communication1 and opened into a pretty full testimony1 tendering and humbling many minds4 ,may it fasten as a nail in a sure place1 that so it may continue in remembrance for many days and bring forth fruit1 is my fervent prayer4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our monthly meeting4 ,in the meeting for worship ,i renewed the example to silence4 ,first day1 the #bc;d4 ,in the course of our meeting1 my mind was led into a view of the necessity of the cross1 consistent with that saying of the lip of truth3 8,if any man will come after me1 let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me40 ,the subject spread and led to the necessity of communication1 in which the way and work1 and its effect upon the man of sin or self1 was opened2 showing that when the cross is submitted to and borne1 the transgressing nature in us is reduced and subjected by the operation of its power1 through which true liberty is known1 and the captive soul set free1 and made to rejoice on the banks of deliverance4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our meeting in silence4 ,in the afternoon attended the funeral of a man inclined to ,friends1 at which there was a large collection of people of various professions4 ,my mouth was opened to testify among them of the things concerning the kingdom of heaven1 and to open the way of life and salvation to the people1 and the only means by which it ever was or can be effected1 viz3 by the grace of ,god or light of truth1 revealed in the hearts and consciences of men and women1 as a swift witness against all manner of sin and iniquity4 ,life sprang up and the gospel was preached in the demonstration of the spirit1 wherewith many were affected and edified4 ,first day1 the #cjth4 ,the consideration of the great advantages which would result to the children of men1 were they possessed of right ideas1 and a right understanding of the divine character opened to an exercise and concern1 from an impressive belief that there was a great shortness in that respect1 even among professing ,christians in a general way2 and a great want of a right improvement of the talent or talents dispensed by our gracious ,creator to his creature man1 or that manifestation of the spirit given to every man to profit withal4 ,for this1 if rightly improved1 would bring us to know and witness the true and saving knowledge of ,god1 and give us right ideas of the divine character2 and by which1 if rightly adhered to1 our salvation would be effected4 ,i was led to communicate on the subject1 which brought a very comfortable solemnity over the meeting4 ,fifth day1 the #c;d of #ith month4 ,a silent meeting to-day4 ,first day1 the #fth4 ,having for some days past felt drawings on my mind to attend ,friends' meeting at ,westbury1 and way opening for it to-day1 ,i went thither accompanied by my wife4 ,it was rather a trying exercising season in the forepart1 but towards the close my spirit was set at liberty1 and an opening presented1 attended with life2 in which ,i was led to open and show to those present1 the necessity of an entire renunciation of self1 in order to come to a saving knowledge of ,god1 and a qualification to worship him in spirit and in truth2 and of an entire cessation from all our own willings and runnings1 both in body and spirit and in thought4 ,although this is an attainment which man cannot arrive at by the dint of his own sufficiency1 yet1 nevertheless he may1 by a right faith in ,god and in the sufficiency of his power4 ,therefore we ought not to let in discouragement from a sense of our own impotent state1 but continue to strive to enter in at the straight gate of self-abasement and renunciation1 and persevere therein1 leaving the rest to the ,lord2 and then1 no doubt1 we may be brought to the experience of one formerly who exclaimed3 8,thou wilt ordain peace for us1 for thou also hast wrought all our works in us40 ,fifth day4 ,attended our meeting as usual when at home4 ,i was much cumbered in the forepart of the meeting with unprofitable thoughts1 such as relate to our temporal concerns4 ,for these produce poverty of spirit in religious meetings1 and ought to be strove against in order to obtain a release from them3 and1 although it is what we cannot do in our own time and strength1 yet as we continue to strive and do not give over the struggle1 but persevere in faith and patience to obtain the blessing1 as ,jacob did when he wrestled with the angel1 we shall witness an overcoming in the ,lord's time and strength1 and know our light to rise out of obscurity1 and our darkness to be as noonday4 ,then are we qualified to worship the ,father in spirit and in truth1 in the beauty of holiness1 and nothing can hinder or let4 ,then can we do the ,lord's work with a willing heart agreeably to his will1 without the fear or favour of mortals4 ,we can then minister1 if called thereto1 in the demonstration of the spirit1 accompanied with power1 which causes it to be instructive and edifying to the hearers4 ,first day1 the #acth4 ,my mind1 as ,i sat in our meeting to-day1 was led under exercise from the remembrance of the following passage of ,isaiah3 8,look unto me and be ye saved1 all ye ends of the earth2 for ,i am ,god1 and there is none else40 ,i was largely opened on the subject1 and as ,i communicated1 truth was raised into dominion2 whereby the minds of many were humbled and contrited1 the meeting generally solemnized and edified1 and sweet peace afforded me in the labour4 ,fifth day4 ,this was the time of our monthly meeting4 ,we had the company of our friend ,william ,rickman from ,england1 now on a religious visit in this country4 ,having felt my mind drawn for some considerable time past1 to make a visit in the love of the gospel1 to ,friends in the compass of our yearly meeting1 with a view also to appoint some meetings among those of other persuasions1 it appeared right to spread the concern before my ,friends at this time2 who1 after due consideration1 united with me therein1 and directed the clerk to furnish me with a minute of concurrence with my prospect1 leaving me at liberty to pursue it as truth might open the way4 ,fifth day1 the #bdth4 ,a quiet silent meeting4 ,on seventh day ,i attended the funeral of a young ,friend1 a kinsman1 who1 for more than a year previous to his dissolution1 had been in a declining state of health4 ,there was a large collection of ,friends and neighbours on the occasion4 ,the corpse was taken into the meeting-house1 and a meeting held before it was interred1 which is mostly the case among ,friends in this part of the society4 ,it proved a very exercising season in the forepart1 and although divers ministers were present1 yet all seemed shut from any communication1 until the meeting seemed drawing to a conclusion1 when my mind was set at liberty from its bonds1 and a degree of light arose and dispelled the darkness1 in which ,i was led to open the cause and ground of the prevailing darkness which had been so generally spread over us2 and to show that it was owing to the people's living too much to self1 and serving self1 when they ought more faithfully to serve the ,lord and live unto him4 ,i was led1 in a brief way1 in a close1 searching testimony1 which ,i hope will have its use1 at least with some present4 ,first day1 the #bgth4 ,in our meeting to-day1 my mind was largely opened into the substance of things referred to by the shadows and symbols of the law1 or outward dispensation4 ,as the prospect spread and enlarged1 ,i found it necessary to spread it before the assembly1 and to show the difference between the law state and that of the gospel1 and that as the shadows and symbols of the outward law dispensation1 stood and consisted in real essential and substantial things1 suited to our outward nature and life2 so likewise the substance of those shadows1 as they were intended to point to spiritual things1 must also consist in real1 essential and substantial things1 suited to our inward and spiritual nature and life1 and therefore of course all the shadows of the law are at an end1 where the gospel state is known and experienced4 ,it was a season of favour1 and renewedly strengthening to my mind1 and ,i believe1 instructive and edifying to many present4 ,thanks be given to ,israel's ,shepherd1 for his continued mercy4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our preparative meeting1 at which the queries were read1 and answers given to the usual five1 to go to the quarterly meeting2 and ,i thought1 from the tenour of the answers1 if correct1 we were a favoured people4 ,first day1 the #aath4 ,our meeting was large1 in which the gospel axe was laid close to the root of the corrupt tree2 showing that every tree which did not bring forth good fruit must be hewn down1 let it have ever so specious an outward appearance4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our monthly meeting1 at which answers to the queries were produced from the preparative meetings4 ,although ,i feared the answers from our preparative meeting made us appear more correct than we really were1 yet those from the other branch of the monthly meeting were still more perfect1 and although ,i felt some doubting1 yet a degree of gladness attended in a hope that we were improving4 ,after this meeting1 nothing in particular transpired1 until ,i proceeded on my intended journey1 which was on the #bast of #ajth month1 #ahah1 and fourth day of the week4 ,samuel ,willis1 a member of our meeting1 and an elder1 joined me as a companion4 ,we proceeded to ,flushing1 in order to attend our quarterly meeting1 which opened with a meeting of ,ministers and ,elders at the tenth hour4 ,the next day was the meeting for discipline1 and the day following a public meeting for worship4 ,through the condescending goodness of the ,shepherd of ,israel1 the several seasons were truly comfortable1 instructive and edifying1 in which the power of truth was exalted over all opposition1 to the praise of ,him who is calling us to glory and virtue4 ,from ,flushing we proceeded to ,newtown1 on sixth day afternoon1 and attended a public meeting in the evening1 of those belonging to other societies4 ,the next day we had an appointed meeting in ,friends' meeting-house at the ,kilns1 and another in the evening at ,brooklyn1 generally composed of those not in membership with us1 and many not in strict fellowship with any religious society4 ,and we had thankfully to acknowledge1 that ,he who opens and none can shut1 was graciously near for our help1 and opened doctrine suited to the states of those who attended in the several opportunities1 to the peace and comfort of my own mind1 and1 ,i trust1 to the instruction and edification of the people4 ,from thence we proceeded to ,new-,york1 and attended the meetings in the city1 on first day4 ,they were large3 many not in profession with us came in1 as previous information had been given of our intention to be there4 ,the gospel was freely preached among them in both opportunities1 particularly that at ,pearl-street1 wherein truth was raised into dominion over all4 ,on second day we attended a meeting by appointment at ,west ,chester1 which was also a precious edifying opportunity4 ,after this we proceeded to ,purchase1 in order to attend the quarterly meeting at that place1 which opened the next day at the eleventh hour1 and continued three days4 ,the meeting for discipline was well conducted1 in which ,i was led to call upon ,friends1 to rally to our standard1 the light within1 which is a principle of perfect rectitude and justice1 and if rightly attended to1 will lead us to withdraw from all kind of conduct and commerce1 which is in the least degree tinged with injustice and oppression4 ,and in a particular manner from a commerce in1 and the use of1 articles which are the product of the labour of slaves2 the injustice of which was clearly opened and brought home to ,friends' minds1 showing them that nothing short of a principle of immutable justice1 which may so pervade the minds of mankind1 as not to have any intercourse with the oppressor1 in the produce of the labour of the oppressed1 will ever be sufficient fully to suppress that monstrous evil1 and put a final end thereto4 ,it was a very solemn season4 ,the meeting for worship was likewise favoured1 in which the divine presence was witnessed for our help and comfort4 ,the four following days we attended meetings at ,north ,castle1 ,salem1 ,oblong and the ,branch4 ,these were all large for the places1 and favoured with the overshadowing of heavenly regard1 in which ability was received to preach the gospel1 in the demonstration of the spirit1 and wisdom afforded to divide the word to the different states of those present4 ,each meeting was composed of a variety of professions and conditions2 and such was the gracious condescension of the ,shepherd of ,israel1 as not to send any away empty1 if they were willing to receive the portion justly allotted them2 and if they refuse1 because it is not agreeable to their own inclinations1 the ,lord will be clear1 and his faithful servants will be clear2 and if they are not saved1 their blood will be upon their own heads4 ,these several seasons were comfortable and encouraging to the honest-hearted1 and strengthening to my exercised mind2 a sense of which filled my heart with gratitude and thanksgiving to the blessed ,author of all our mercies4 ,after these meetings we proceeded to ,nine ,partners4 ,on third day1 the #c;d of #aath month1 their quarterly meeting came on4 ,the meeting of ,ministers and ,elders opened at the tenth hour1 and the meeting for discipline the next day4 ,these were both profitable instructive meetings to many present1 in which way opened fully to relieve my own mind2 and ,i felt sweet peace in my labours of love among them4 ,the three following days we attended the quarterly meeting at ,stanford4 ,i had but little active service in the meeting of ,ministers and ,elders1 yet ,i found it my place to remind ,friends of the danger and bad effects of covering or hiding1 and of the advantage of laying ourselves open to the just witness1 and of entering into an individual investigation1 when answering the queries1 lest we overlook some things even in ourselves1 and so make our answers more clear than truth and equity will warrant4 ,and when the answers to the queries came to be read1 ,i thought there was occasion for the caution1 as their answers were generally full and clear4 ,in the meeting for discipline1 ,i was led to call ,friends' attention to the fundamental principle of our profession2 and to show the drift and design of those precious testimonies1 as good fruit naturally emanated from a good tree2 especially those two1 the most noble and dignified1 viz3 against war and slavery4 ,and whether while we were actively paying taxes to civil government for the purpose of promoting war or warlike purposes in any degree1 we were not balking our testimony in that respect2 and pulling down with one hand1 what we are pretending to build with the other4 ,and in like manner with regard to slavery4 ,for although we had freed our own hands from holding1 by active force1 any of this oppressed people1 the ,africans and their descendants1 in unconditional slavery2 yet1 whether so long as we voluntarily and of choice1 are engaged in a commerce in1 and the free use of the fruits of their labour1 wrested from them by the iron hand of oppression1 through the medium of their cruel and unjust masters1 we are not accessary thereto1 and are partakers in the unrighteous traffic of dealing in our fellow creatures1 and in a great measure lay waste our testimony against slavery and oppression4 ,these subjects were largely opened1 and the inconsistency of such conduct placed before the minds of ,friends2 accompanied with strong desires1 that they might have their proper effect1 in convincing them of the unrighteousness of such conduct4 ,the meeting for worship1 or closing meeting1 was mostly made up of such as were not members4 ,it was a favoured1 solemn meeting1 and1 ,i trust1 instructive and comfortable to many present2 as it was to the satisfaction and peace of my own mind4 ,first day1 the #hth of #aath month4 ,we returned and attended the meeting at ,nine ,partners4 ,as notice was given of our intention of attending it1 it was very large2 the house was filled with a mixed company of various professions1 besides ,friends4 ,i was largely led forth among them1 to declare of the things concerning the kingdom of ,god4 ,truth was raised into dominion1 and a precious solemnity spread over the assembly4 ,may all the praise be ascribed to the ,shepherd of ,israel1 for the unmerited favour4 ,in the course of this week1 after resting on second and third days1 in which time ,i visited some of my relatives1 we attended meetings at ,chestnut ,ridge1 ,apoquague1 ,beekman1 and ,oswego4 ,these meetings were generally well attended1 and were1 ,i trust1 profitable and instructive to many who attended them4 ,first day1 the #aeth4 ,i attended ,west ,branch meeting in the morning1 and that at ,pleasant ,valley in the evening4 ,they were both very crowded gatherings4 ,at the latter meeting1 there were many more than the house could contain1 composed1 principally of such as were not in membership with ,friends1 being of the varied religious professions common among us2 and many who were not in strict fellowship with any4 ,at such seasons1 where1 of course1 there must be a great variety of states and conditions1 ,i have found it necessary to dwell deep1 and wait patiently for the arising of the pure spring of gospel ministry1 which alone can enable and qualify to divide the word aright1 so that each may have his due portion1 and be spoken to in his own language2 a language which sets home the truth to every mind1 as was the case on the day of ,pentecost4 ,on second day evening1 we had a very large meeting in ,poughkeepsie4 ,it was held in their court-house1 which was a very commodious room for the purpose1 being well seated1 and was thought sufficient to hold nearly a thousand people4 ,it was much crowded1 and proved a very solemn1 quiet opportunity1 in which truth had the dominion4 ,the five succeeding days1 we attended a large meeting by appointment at ,crum-elbow1 the monthly meetings of ,oswego1 ,nine ,partners1 ,creek1 and ,stanford4 ,in all these meetings ,i had good service2 the several opportunities being favoured with the overshadowings of heavenly regard4 ,first day1 the #bb;d4 ,we had a very crowded meeting at ,little ,nine ,partners4 ,the next day we were at an appointed meeting1 in ,friends' meeting-house1 in the town of ,northeast1 which was likewise a very full meeting4 ,in both of these the gospel was freely preached1 and its doctrines largely opened1 and set home to the minds of the people2 and the fallacy and and emptiness of all formal and ceremonial religion exposed1 and the people pressingly invited to gather inward1 to the immutable principle of light and truth in their own souls1 as the sure rock of ages1 and the only means whereby we can be enabled to work out our salvation4 ,the ,lord's power was felt eminently to preside in those solemn assemblies1 to the praise of his great and excellent name1 who is over all worthy for ever2 and ,i parted with them in true peace of mind1 the sure result of faithfulness4 ,on third day we rode to ,canaan1 a town in ,connecticut1 and the next day had an appointed meeting there1 with the few ,friends at that place1 and some of their neighbours4 ,it was a comfortable1 instructive season4 ,the following day we had another meeting by appointment1 in an adjacent neighbourhood which was held in a school-house4 ,this was also a favoured meeting4 ,divers present were much broken and contrited1 and truth reigned over all4 ,on sixth day we proceeded to ,hartford1 and on seventh day evening had an appointed meeting in the city4 ,it was held in a meeting-house1 belonging to the ,presbyterians2 as there were only two or three members of our society in the place4 ,the meeting was small1 occasioned1 as ,i supposed1 by the inclemency of the weather1 and want of proper notice2 nevertheless the divine presence was felt to preside1 and truth was declared among them in the demonstration of the spirit2 and ,i parted with them1 under a thankful sense of the ,lord's mercy4 ,the next day1 being the first of the week1 we attended ,friends' meeting at ,west ,hartford4 ,this was likewise very small1 ,friends being but few in number in that place1 and those mostly appeared in a lukewarm state2 and ,i apprehended they had taken but little care to inform their neighbours of our intention to be there1 although we had seasonably requested them so to do4 ,such conduct manifests great insensibility1 and want of regard for their friends who have left all their outward enjoyments1 for the promotion of the gospel1 and the religious improvement of the people2 and are going up and down in travail and labour1 as with their lives in their hands1 as truth leads the way2 and yet1 ,friends whom they visit in some places1 either think it too much trouble1 or are so unconcerned as to take little or no care to give their neighbours notice2 a sense of which caused me to take leave of my ,friends at this place with a heavy heart4 ,from thence1 on second day1 we proceeded to ,woodbury1 and put up at the house of a person of the ,methodist society1 where we had a large meeting the next evening with the neighbouring inhabitants1 composed of ,methodists1 ,episcopalians1 ,presbyterians and some others1 not in strict fellowship with any religious society4 ,it was a very solemn1 favoured meeting1 in which the ,lord's presence and power were felt eminently to preside2 and many hearts were broken and contrited1 and manifested much satisfaction with the opportunity1 especially the man at whose house we were1 who in much brokenness of spirit1 and with gratitude and thankfulness of heart1 acknowledged the favour4 ,the next morning1 after a tendering opportunity in the family1 we took leave of them in mutual affection1 and rode to ,middlesex1 upwards of forty miles4 ,here we lodged with our kind friend ,samuel ,whiting1 who1 with his affectionate wife and children1 received us with marks of true friendship1 which is a brook by the way to the weary traveller2 and which was our case at this time4 ,what added further to our comfort1 was the readiness of mind and concern they manifested1 in giving their neighbours information of our intention to attend their meeting the next day1 which we accordingly did4 ,the ,lord graciously condescended to open my mouth among them1 in a living1 powerful testimony to the truths of the gospel4 ,it was a season of great favour4 ,may the word preached not return void1 but accomplish that to which it was sent1 is the fervent desire of my spirit4 ,after this solemn meeting we proceeded on our journey1 and rode that afternoon to our friend ,charles ,field's1 at a place called the ,saw ,pits4 ,here we had a meeting the next day at the eleventh hour4 ,there is but one family of ,friends in this village1 the ,friend and his family above named1 and one other member4 ,the inhabitants consist of the various professions common among us1 and some others not in communion with any religious society4 ,a considerable number assembled1 with whom we had a very solemn instructive opportunity1 to the comfort and peace of my own mind4 ,the evening of the next day1 we had a precious favoured meeting at ,manhattanville on ,new-,york ,island1 with ,friends of that place4 ,it was attended by a considerable number of the neighbouring inhabitants1 who conducted themselves very soberly1 suiting the occasion4 ,many hearts were broken and contrited1 and we parted with them under an humbling sense of the ,lord's goodness1 and with grateful hearts for the unmerited favour4 ,first day1 the #fth of #abth month4 ,we rode to the city4 ,as ,friends of the monthly meeting there had recently opened a new meeting in the eastern part of the town1 we attended it both forenoon and afternoon4 ,and as notice was given at the close of the forenoon meeting of our intention to attend in the afternoon1 it was a full meeting1 more than the house could well contain4 ,these were both memorable meetings1 in which the ,lord's presence and power were manifested in an eminent degree1 breaking and contriting many hearts1 and truth reigned over all4 ,it was the ,lord's doing1 and marvellous in our eyes1 that he should thus condescend1 in matchless mercy1 to notice us poor unworthy creatures4 ,at evening1 we had a very large meeting by appointment1 in ,friends' meeting-house in ,pearl-street4 ,although ,i was much worn down by arduous labour in the three foregoing meetings1 yet ,i was strengthened to communicate in this1 in a full plain testimony1 opening to the people the danger and disadvantage of resting in the forms and empty shadows of the law state2 and continuing in the traditions and ceremonies introduced into the professed ,christian ,churches1 in the time of the apostacy from primitive simplicity2 and the hurtful tendency of observing days and times1 like the carnally-minded in the ,galatian ,church2 for which they were sharply reprehended by the apostle ,paul1 in his epistle to that ,church4 ,the people were very quiet and attentive1 and a precious solemnity was spread over the meeting1 which closed in a solemn manner4 ,thanks be given to ,israel's unslumbering ,shepherd for the unmerited favour4 ,we tarried in town until third day1 in order to attend the meeting for sufferings which came in the course at that time4 ,we also had an appointed meeting in ,liberty-street1 on second day evening4 ,it was pretty well attended1 in which ,i was led to open to the people the way of redemption by ,christ1 the only ,mediator between ,god and man2 and the way of his working in man1 in the accomplishment of his salvation4 ,i also opened to them the emptiness of all shadows and outward ordinances1 under the ,christian dispensation2 such as water baptism1 and the ordinance called the supper or communion2 also the hurtful tendency of observing days and times1 such as a seventh day sabbath1 days of thanksgiving1 and fast days of man's appointing4 ,they were shown that all these were of ,jewish or ,heathenish original1 being a part of the law dispensation1 and of course ended with it1 and therefore the continuance of them under the gospel dispensation was irrational1 non-essential1 and contrary to truth2 tending to keep the minds of ,christian professors under the veil of carnal ordinances1 and greatly retarded the progress of reformation1 and the advancement of real ,christianity4 ,i was led to use great plainness of speech1 and the people sat very quiet and attentive1 and the word preached appeared to have free course4 ,it was a highly favoured season1 and the honest-hearted were made to rejoice1 under an humbling sense of the ,lord's mercy1 and ,i parted with them in true peace of mind4 ,the next day1 after attending the meeting for sufferings1 we rode home and found our families well1 which ,i considered as an additional favour from my heavenly ,father1 whose mercy is over all his works4 ,i was from home at this time about forty-nine days1 and attended forty-nine meetings1 and travelled about four hundred and fifty miles4 ,,chapter ,,xv4 ,general visit to ,friends of the yearly meeting of ,new-,york1 #ahai4 ,i continued at and about home1 until the commencement of the year #ahai1 attending our meetings as they came in course4 ,i also attended two funerals1 at which ,i had good service2 and the meeting at ,westbury1 on a first day1 in which ,i was led to open to ,friends the three principal requisites to the being1 and well-being1 of a ,christian4 ,the first being a real belief in ,god and ,christ1 as one undivided essence1 known and believed in1 inwardly and spiritually4 ,the second1 a complete passive obedience and submission to the divine will and power inwardly and spiritually manifested2 which1 when known1 brings to the ,christian state1 through a crucifixion of the old man1 with all his ungodly deeds4 ,the third1 in order for the preservation and well-being of a ,christian1 it is necessary that they often meet and assemble together1 for the promotion of love and good works1 and as good stewards of the manifold grace of ,god4 ,for this purpose the ,lord's people and children have been led by his spirit to appoint times and seasons in which to present themselves before him4 ,of these times1 all being apprized1 and living within a reasonable distance of the place so appointed1 it becomes their bounden duty to attend1 in order to wait upon1 and thereby become qualified to worship ,god1 in spirit and in truth2 and no temporal concern of the greatest magnitude ought be considered as a sufficient excuse for omitting this great and necessary duty4 ,for the experience of many ages has shown1 that those who suffer their temporal business to divert them from a steady attendance on their religious meetings1 never make any real proficiency in religion1 or the true spiritual life4 ,the communication was impressive1 and reached the witness in many minds1 and truth was exalted1 and the honest-hearted comforted1 and ,i was made glad in believing that my labour had not been in vain4 ,such seasons are truly worthy of grateful remembrance4 ,as1 on my return home1 ,i did not feel myself released from a further prosecution of my concern1 and visit to ,friends of our yearly meeting1 with the concurrence of my friends1 ,i retained the minute ,i had received for that purpose1 and on the #b;d of #ast month1 #ahai1 ,i again left home1 and proceeded in the engagement4 ,my son-in-law ,valentine ,hicks joined me as companion in the journey4 ,we proceeded to ,new-,york2 and1 the next day being the first of the week1 we attended ,friends' meeting at ,pearl-street in the morning4 ,after this1 in the afternoon1 we proceeded on our journey as far as our friend ,thomas ,walker's1 at ,west ,farms1 near ,west ,chester1 where we had a meeting1 at the sixth hour in the evening4 ,on second day1 we had an appointed meeting at ,mamaroneck4 ,these meetings were in a good degree favoured1 in which the presence and love of our heavenly ,father were felt to preside4 ,on third day we had another opportunity1 by appointment1 at ,white ,plains1 in the court-house4 ,it was rather a season of hard labour1 as the truths communicated did not appear to have free course1 in any general way2 but1 ,i trust1 some were instructed and edified4 ,on fourth and fifth days1 we attended ,friends' meetings at ,purchase1 and ,shapaqua4 ,as notice was given of our intention to attend them1 they were large2 and through divine condescension1 they proved seasons of favour1 in which the truths of the gospel were largely declared in the demonstration of the spirit1 to the edification of the assemblies1 and peace of my own mind4 ,the two following days we attended meetings at ,croton ,valley1 and ,amawalk4 ,they were well attended by ,friends1 and some others4 ,i was led to open among them many essential doctrines of the ,christian religion2 and to show to the people1 in the openings of truth1 the way and means by which1 and by which only1 our redemption and salvation can be effected4 ,the testimonies had a very reaching effect upon the auditories3 many present were much broken and contrited1 and truth was raised into victory1 and a precious solemnity was spread over the meetings1 to the comfort and edification of the honest-hearted1 which was cause of thankfulness and gratitude to the beneficent ,author of all our mercies4 ,first day the #ajth4 ,we attended ,friends' meeting at ,croton in the morning1 and at ,peekskill in the evening4 ,both were full meetings1 in which the power of the gospel was felt to preside1 furnishing with wisdom and strength to divide the word1 to the several states present1 in a way which seemed to give each his due portion1 and none sent empty away1 but those who refused to take their own part4 ,many hearts were broken and contrited1 and the honest-hearted comforted2 and the ,lord's name and power praised and exalted over all1 who is worthy for ever4 ,on second day we rode to ,nine ,partners2 and on third day evening had an appointed meeting at ,dover4 ,it was held in a pretty large school-house1 there being no other place so convenient in the neighbourhood2 but it was too small to contain the people who assembled1 some being obliged to stand without1 for want of room4 ,it was a very solemn1 instructive meeting4 ,on fourth day we attended ,pleasant ,valley meeting2 and notice being given of our expectation to attend it1 the meeting was large4 ,a considerable number of other societies were present who behaved soberly1 consistent with the occasion4 ,it was a season of great favour1 under a sense of which the honest-hearted were made to rejoice4 ,after this1 we proceeded to ,poughkeepsie1 and attended an appointed meeting in the evening1 at the sixth hour4 ,it was held in their court-house1 a large convenient room1 but not sufficient to contain the people who assembled2 many were obliged to withdraw for want of room4 ,it proved1 through the condescending goodness of our heavenly ,father1 a blessed meeting to myself1 and1 we had cause to believe1 to the assembly in general4 ,thanks be to ,god for his unspeakable gift3 yet we have reason to believe there were some present watching for evil1 as carpers and opposers1 if we may judge from the conduct of the hireling priests1 since ,i was there a few weeks before1 as ,i was informed at this time1 that they had joined together to calumniate me1 an endeavour to lay waste the testimony ,i then had to bear4 ,we tarried here most of the next day1 visiting some of our friends4 ,on sixth day we proceeded to ,hudson1 where we arrived at evening4 ,the following evening1 we had an appointed meeting in the town of ,claverack1 about four miles distant from ,hudson4 ,the inhabitants were mostly ,dutch2 a considerable number attended1 and behaved pretty soberly2 and way opened to communicate divers truths of the gospel1 in a clear and impressive manner among them1 to which they paid good attention1 and appeared to be generally well satisfied4 ,the next day1 being first day1 we attended ,friends' meeting in ,hudson1 and an appointed meeting in the evening4 ,the latter was very large1 more than the house could contain4 ,these were favoured meetings1 in which ,i was largely led forth in testimony to the truths of the ,christian religion1 setting forth1 in a clear manner1 the ground and source from whence all true religion and true worship have their spring and origin4 ,a general solemnity prevailed1 and truth was raised into dominion over all4 ,on second day1 we proceeded to ,kinderhook1 and had a meeting in the evening in a school-house1 and on third day afternoon1 we had an appointed meeting in ,spencertown4 ,these were both crowded meetings1 mostly made up of the different societies common among us2 many of them were the descendants of the old ,dutch inhabitants1 not much acquainted with our customs and order2 yet they generally behaved soberly1 and gave good attention to the testimonies borne4 ,many gospel truths were opened to their consideration1 and the ,lord's presence and power were felt to crown these solemn assemblies2 and ,i parted from them in true peace and thankfulness of heart4 ,on fourth and fifth days1 we attended ,friends' meetings at ,kline ,kiln1 and ,new ,britain4 ,in both of these meetings1 ,i had good service for truth and its blessed cause1 and the hurtful tendency of a dependance on forms1 and outward ordinances and ceremonies in religion and worship1 was laid open and exposed4 ,on sixth day1 we proceeded to ,troy1 where we rested on seventh day1 and wrote to our families4 ,on first day1 we attended ,friends' meetings at ,troy1 both forenoon and afternoon1 and1 information being given that we were there1 they were large4 ,at the forenoon meeting1 more assembled than the house could contain2 and that gracious ,being1 who never leaves nor forsakes his dependant children1 whose trust is fixed on him1 was near for our help2 and opened my heart and mouth in both meetings1 to declare largely of the things concerning the kingdom of ,god1 and to open many gospel truths to the people1 and to show the fallacy and hurtful tendency of all ceremonial religion1 which consists in the observance of days and times1 and outward ordinances4 ,the people were generally attentive2 and ,i found solid peace in my labours of love among them4 ,on second day1 we proceeded to ,pittstown1 and the next day had a meeting appointed there1 at the eleventh hour1 which was a large1 favoured meeting4 ,after this we proceeded to ,white ,creek1 and attended ,friends' meeting as it came in course the next day2 and1 information being given that we were there1 it was largely attended4 ,the ,lord's presence was felt to preside1 and truth was raised into victory4 ,oh my soul6 what wilt thou1 or canst thou render unto the ,lord1 for all his benefits2 8for his mercies are new every morning1 and great is his faithfulness40 ,on fifth day we attended an appointed meeting in the town of ,shaftsbury1 on our way to ,danby4 ,in this place1 none of our society reside1 except one female member1 the wife of a well-disposed man1 at whose house we put up1 and were very hospitably entertained4 ,the meeting1 although small1 was attended by the governor of the state1 and divers of the judges and magistrates4 ,it was a season of favour2 many essential doctrines of the ,christian religion were opened to them1 in the demonstration of truth1 and ,i parted with them in thankfulness of heart1 and with a peaceful mind2 and the next day rode to ,danby4 ,on seventh day1 we attended an appointed meeting near a village called the ,borough1 in the east part of the town2 and on first day1 attended ,friends' meeting on the ,hill4 ,both were fully attended by ,friends1 and the neighbouring inhabitants2 and were both solemn instructive seasons1 in which the power of truth was felt to preside1 enabling to preach the gospel in the demonstration of the spirit1 to the comfort and encouragement of the living1 faithful few1 and to the instruction and edification of the honest inquirers1 whose faces were turned ,zion-ward2 likewise spreading caution and reproof to the indolent and careless4 ,on second day we proceeded towards ,ferrisburgh1 where we arrived on third day afternoon1 and the next day attended the monthly meeting at that place4 ,the four following days1 we attended meetings in the following order3 ,on fifth day we had an appointed meeting at ,monkton4 ,it was large1 and proved a very solemn1 favoured meeting1 in which the power of truth prevailed1 silencing all opposition1 and ran as oil1 to the comfort1 encouragement and instruction of the honest-hearted4 ,bless the ,lord1 ,o my soul1 and forget not any of his benefits6 ,on sixth day we attended ,friends' monthly meeting at ,starksborough4 ,on seventh day had an appointed meeting in a school-house1 in the southeast part of the town1 where ,friends hold a small meeting2 and on first day was at ,friends' meeting at ,lincoln4 ,these were all favoured meetings1 in which ,i had good service for truth and its cause4 ,on second day1 we returned into the south part of ,monkton1 and had an evening meeting in a kinsman's house1 by the name of ,stephen ,haight4 ,he was convinced of the principles of ,friends1 but failed in the practical part4 ,this proved a pretty exercising season1 by reason of the unsettled state of some who attended2 especially in the silent part of the meeting3 for being brought up and educated in the belief that1 unless they are engaged in some bodily exercise1 such as outward and vocal singing1 praying1 preaching1 and the like1 there is no meeting2 being so instructed by their teachers1 it is very difficult to get them into stillness1 or into any right condition to hear4 ,this makes hard work for the true gospel minister1 whose labour and travail is to get into1 and bring others into1 a state of true solemn silence2 that he may therefore become baptized into the state of the people1 and be qualified to administer to their real conditions2 for otherwise preaching is vain4 ,but as ,i continued patient in travail1 my mouth was opened in a large searching testimony1 showing the fallacy and emptiness of all outward ceremonial worship2 and that it must inevitably land all those who trust therein1 in a state of sad disappointment1 in the end4 ,i was led also to open1 in a clear manner to the people1 the most essential doctrines of the ,christian religion1 to the information and satisfaction of the honest inquiring minds4 ,the next day we returned to ,ferrisburgh1 in order to attend the quarterly meeting which opened on fourth day1 with the meeting of ,ministers and ,elders1 which ,i attended1 and had good service among them4 ,i was led to open in the life the order of true gospel ministry1 and the necessity all are under1 who are called to that solemn and important office1 of keeping their vessels clean1 not only from sin and every pollution of flesh and spirit1 but also in their ministry from all the dregs or remains of former offerings4 ,for if1 through the strength of memory1 any act upon former offerings1 such communications tend to produce death1 rather than life4 ,we find1 under the law1 that the vessels in the ,lord's house were not only at first made pure and holy1 but when they were made use of in the ,lord's offerings1 and had been filled with the ,lord's holy things1 when that season of offering was over1 they were then cleansed from all the remains and dregs of such offering1 and put up in their places clean and empty4 ,this also agrees with the doctrine of ,christ to his apostles3 8,every branch in me10 he says1 8that beareth fruit1 my heavenly ,father purgeth it1 that it may bring forth more fruit40 ,it was1 ,i trust1 an instructive season1 there being a number present who were young in the ministry4 ,after this meeting we rode to ,vergennes1 and attended an appointed meeting at six in the evening4 ,it was pretty well attended by the inhabitants of the town1 who generally behaved soberly4 ,i was led to open divers important doctrines of the gospel for their consideration1 and to caution them against having any fellowship with1 or affording any support to the dark1 and what ,i esteem1 pernicious system of ,free ,masonry4 ,they were generally attentive1 and withdrew quietly4 ,the two following days1 we attended the quarterly meeting for discipline2 and the parting meeting for worship4 ,these1 ,i trust1 were profitable opportunities4 ,the latter was a highly favoured meeting1 in which truth reigned over all2 and ,i took leave of my friends in the sensible feeling of true gospel fellowship4 ,we rode1 that afternoon and evening1 to ,shoram1 and lodged with our kind friends ,zebulon and ,elizabeth ,frost4 ,the next day at evening1 had an appointed meeting there1 which many of the neighbouring inhabitants attended4 ,it was a solemn time1 in which many doctrines of the ,christian religion were opened for their instruction and consideration2 and ,i parted with them with a peaceful mind4 ,the next day we rode to ,granville2 and the following day had an appointed meeting there1 at one o'clock in the afternoon4 ,this was a greatly favoured opportunity1 the power of truth breaking down and dispelling every opposite spirit1 humbling and contriting many hearts1 and comforting and strengthening the honest-hearted4 ,surely it was the ,lord's doing2 a sense of which inspires gratitude and thankfulness of heart1 for the unmerited favour4 ,on third day we rode to ,easton4 ,on fourth and fifth days we attended their quarterly meeting for discipline1 and public meeting for worship4 ,their meeting of ,ministers and ,elders was held on third day previous to our arrival4 ,on sixth day we had an appointed meeting at ,cambridge4 ,these meetings were all comfortable instructive seasons1 in which the doctrines of truth were largely opened1 for the information and edification of the people4 ,we rested on seventh day1 feeling myself pretty much worn out with such continual and almost incessant labour in travelling and in meetings4 ,on first day ,i again attended ,easton meeting which was also a large favoured meeting1 in which the power of truth was exalted4 ,on second day we proceeded on our way to ,queensbury1 and attended a meeting in our way1 which ,i had previously appointed at a large village called ,whipple ,city4 ,it was largely attended by the neighbouring inhabitants4 ,there were no members of our society in the place4 ,it was1 ,i think1 a favoured opportunity1 in which ,i was enabled to declare the truth among them1 in a large1 effective testimony4 ,many present were humbled and contrited1 and ,i parted with them in true peace of mind4 ,after this we proceeded to ,queensbury1 where we arrived in the evening4 ,the three following days we attended the quarterly meeting held there at this time for ,saratoga and ,queensbury4 ,i also attended two evening meetings in two neighbouring villages1 which ,i had appointed for the benefit of those of other societies1 who pretty generally attended4 ,i think the quarterly meeting in general was an instructive favoured time4 ,the two other meetings were exercising seasons2 the minds of the people appeared to be very much veiled1 and in a state of much ignorance2 being generally too much swallowed up in worldly pursuits1 and self-gratifications4 ,this makes hard work for the devoted traveller1 who is engaged for the advancement of the cause of truth and righteousness in the earth4 ,but as ,i waited1 and patiently endured the baptisms necessary to be brought into a feeling of their real conditions1 way opened to communicate doctrine suitable for their instruction and help2 and1 although there did not appear much effect wrought for the present1 yet ,i had reason to hope1 that the labour would not be all lost2 nor the word return void1 but would1 in the end1 accomplish the thing whereunto it was sent1 and be as bread cast upon the waters to return after many days4 ,my hope in this respect was strengthened from the satisfaction and true peace ,i felt in the ardent labour ,i passed through1 in these seasons of exercise4 ,the quarterly meeting being over1 we proceeded to ,saratoga1 and on sixth day had an appointed meeting there at two o'clock in the afternoon4 ,this was a large favoured meeting1 in which truth was raised into victory over all1 and under its precious influence the gospel was preached in the clear demonstration of the spirit4 ,thanks be to ,god for his unspeakable gift4 ,from thence we proceeded to ,milton1 and on first day1 the #bhth of #b;d month1 we attended ,friends' meeting there4 ,it was largely attended by ,friends and others1 and through the condescending goodness of ,israel's unslumbering ,shepherd it proved an instructive edifying season4 ,the five following days1 we attended meetings at ,greenfield1 ,galloway1 ,providence1 ,mayfield1 and ,northampton4 ,although things in most places1 as it regards the life of religion1 appeared rather low1 and considerable rawness was apparent in many in that respect1 yet such is the unmerited kindness of the heavenly ,father1 that he graciously condescended to break the bread1 and caused it to be distributed to the people1 in these several opportunities1 so that none were sent empty away1 except those who either neglected or refused to take the portion allotted them2 and my spirit was comforted1 under an evident sense that ,i had faithfully discharged my duty among them4 ,from ,northampton we proceeded to ,newtown1 and on first day the #gth of #c;d month1 we attended ,friends' meeting at that place2 and1 information being given that we were there1 it was large4 ,a very considerable number more assembled1 than the house could contain1 who were obliged to stand without4 ,for these ,i felt much sympathy and concern1 as the weather was very cold1 and those without1 not willing to lose the opportunity1 continued until the meeting ended1 which held nearly three hours4 ,but ,i had cause to hope they did not go away unrewarded1 as the season proved a very favoured one1 in which the divine presence was felt to preside1 enabling to preach the gospel of the grace of ,god to the people1 in the demonstration of truth1 and to the comfort and peace of my own mind4 ,on the evenings of the two following days1 ,i attended meetings by appointment1 at ,waterford and ,troy4 ,both were largely attended by those not in membership with us4 ,on fourth day1 attended ,friends' monthly meeting at ,troy4 ,on fifth day evening1 had a very large meeting in ,albany1 which was held in the state-house1 a large1 commodious room for the purpose4 ,in these several meetings truth was felt to arise into dominion1 and ability afforded to discharge myself faithfully in communication to the people who assembled1 ,i trust1 to their general satisfaction and edification2 may it instructively fasten on their minds1 as a nail in a sure place1 driven by the ,master of assemblies1 that so the word preached may tend to real profit1 and not return void1 but accomplish the end to which it was sent4 ,from thence we proceeded to ,bern1 within the compass of ,duanesburgh quarterly meeting1 where we arrived on sixth day evening1 and lodged with our kind friend ,samuel ,cary1 who1 with his affectionate wife and children1 treated us with great hospitality4 ,the next evening we had an appointed meeting at a village about four miles distant1 where no member of our society resides4 ,we intended to return and attend ,friends' meeting at ,bern1 on first day2 but a snow storm coming on seventh day1 and increasing towards evening and all next day with such violence1 that1 although we got to the evening meeting1 which was small1 by reason of the storm1 we were not able to return until the following second day1 and then it was with great difficulty that we got along1 the snow was so deep1 and the roads drifted full4 ,we however made the attempt to return on first day morning1 and got on our way about half a mile1 but could proceed no farther4 ,we then called at a house on the way1 a good looking mansion belonging to a professor among the ,presbyterians4 ,here we tarried over first day1 not being able to proceed4 ,we held a little meeting there with this family1 and three of their friends1 who were with them on a visit1 in which my mind was opened to communicate to them the grounds of our profession1 and the doctrines of the ,christian religion1 as held by us4 ,this had a very considerable effect on the man's wife1 so that she openly acknowledged to the truths1 delivered1 and assured all present that she should vindicate them1 as certain undeniable truths1 which she felt to be so1 in her own experience4 ,on the following fifth day1 we attended ,friends' meeting at ,bern4 ,the weather being again stormy and inclement1 it was small4 ,the roads were blocked up1 so as to prevent many from attending4 ,the next day we proceeded to ,duanesburgh1 and had a meeting there on seventh day1 which was a large favoured season4 ,on first day we attended meetings at ,charlestown in the morning1 and at ,carlisle in the evening4 ,on second day we proceeded to ,middleburgh1 and the next day had a meeting there4 ,the day following1 had meetings at ,oakhill in the morning1 and at ,rensselaerville in the afternoon4 ,after this we returned with our friend ,samuel ,cary to his house1 who had kindly accompanied us in this little tour4 ,i felt true peace of mind1 from a consciousness that ,i had faithfully discharged myself in the service allotted me1 in those several meetings1 void of any influence from the fear or favour of man4 ,on fifth day1 we attended ,friends' monthly meeting at ,bern4 ,the meeting for worship was attended by a very considerable number of the neighbouring inhabitants1 not in membership with us1 who behaved themselves soberly1 and were very attentive to what was communicated4 ,many were broken and contrited by the prevalence of truth1 which was raised into dominion in this favoured meeting4 ,not only the meeting for worship1 but likewise that for discipline was a comfortable instructive season4 ,the two following days1 we had meetings at ,new ,baltimore1 and a village where several families of ,friends reside1 by the name of ,dickenson1 from whom they call the meeting 8,dickenson's meeting20 and at ,coeman's1 alias1 ,stanton ,hill4 ,i had good service in those several meetings1 in which ,friends appeared to be brought near together1 in the feeling influence of the truth1 and in the oneness of the spirit4 ,in a sense of this1 we had gratefully to acknowledge that the ,lord is still mindful of his people1 fulfilling all his promises to those who seek him with sincerity of heart2 and they that seek him early will find him to be near at hand1 a present helper in every needful time4 ,after the latter meeting1 we proceeded to ,athens2 and1 the next day being the first of the week1 and the #bhth of #c;d month1 we attended ,friends' meeting there in the morning1 and had another meeting by appointment in the afternoon4 ,these were exercising meetings1 particularly so in the forepart of the latter4 ,a great power of darkness seemed so to prevail1 as entirely for a considerable time1 to close up the way to any public service2 but as ,i patiently submitted to the baptism and willingly became baptized1 with and for the dead1 for it is only through death1 that the resurrection from death can be witnessed1 a little glimmering of light appeared1 in which ,i felt the necessity of standing up2 and as ,i proceeded1 keeping my eye single to the light that led the way1 the light more and more arose1 and the darkness vanished2 and ,he that opens and none can shut1 and shuts and none but himself can open1 made way for the promotion of his own righteous cause1 and the exaltation of truth's testimonies4 ,it was the ,lord's doing1 and marvellous in mine eyes4 ,we left here on second day morning1 and proceeded to ,alexander ,young's at the east part of ,esopus1 about forty miles4 ,this was a day of very hard travel1 both for man and horse1 the roads being bad1 as the winter was just breaking up2 but we arrived safe in the evening1 and were kindly received by our friends1 which made up in part for the toil of the day4 ,at this place we had an appointed meeting the next day4 ,the five following days we had meetings at ,rosendale ,plains1 ,paltz1 ,plattekill1 ,newburgh ,valley and ,marlborough4 ,attending these meetings1 with the exercise of travelling on the heavy1 rough roads1 produced a large portion of exercise1 both to body and mind4 ,but the ,lord's strengthening and consoling presence1 vouchsafed from season to season for our help1 carried us through and over all1 to the praise of his grace1 and to the comfort and peace of our own minds4 ,on second day1 the #eth of #dth month1 we proceeded to ,cornwall1 and attended a meeting by previous appointment1 at the eleventh hour4 ,the next day1 had an appointed meeting at ,smith's ,clove1 and the day following were at a place called the ,upper ,clove1 alias ,blooming ,grove4 ,in these several meetings ,i was led largely to open to the people the law state1 or dispensation of figure1 as comprehensively set forth in the ,old ,testament1 and to show the difference between that and the gospel1 and that the first ends where the latter begins1 and are as distinct from each other1 as the body is from the soul4 ,the first comprehends the salvation of bodies from outward servitude1 the latter the salvation of the soul from sin1 and the death consequent on it4 ,i also set forth the use and necessity of the rituals1 or shadows of that dispensation1 during its continuance2 and that they were all abolished under the gospel1 and have no part nor lot under that dispensation4 ,i had much service in these meetings1 and great cause of gratitude and thankfulness to the bountiful ,author of all our multiplied favours4 ,the next day1 we attended ,friends' meeting at ,kakiat1 alias ,hempstead4 ,we had a tedious time in getting there1 the road1 part of the way1 being deep with mud and wet1 and much cut up4 ,but the ,lord richly rewarded us for all our toil1 in giving us a precious meeting with our friends1 and a considerable number of the neighbouring inhabitants4 ,it was truly a season of grateful remembrance1 both by us and our friends2 we were made to rejoice together for the unmerited favour4 ,after this we proceeded to ,tappan1 to the house of our friend ,john ,lawrence4 ,here is not any meeting of ,friends2 but feeling the way open1 we appointed a meeting there at two o'clock next day4 ,although it was not large1 yet1 ,i trust1 it was a comfortable instructive season to some present4 ,this meeting closed our visit1 and the next morning we proceeded to ,new-,york1 where we heard of the decease of my kinsman ,benjamin ,hicks1 with information that he was to be interred the next day4 ,this induced us to proceed home that afternoon1 where we arrived between eight and nine at night1 much wearied1 having travelled in the course of the day upwards of fifty miles1 and some of the way but indifferent travelling4 ,finding1 however1 our dear families well1 accompanied with sweet peace of mind1 it made rich amends for all our toil1 and my heart was inspired with gratitude and thankfulness to the great and gracious ,author of all our blessings4 ,i was from home in this journey fourteen weeks1 attended seventy-three meetings1 three quarterly meetings1 four monthly meetings1 and travelled one thousand and eighty-four miles4 ,the next day ,i attended the funeral of the aforesaid ,friend1 which was on first day the #aath of #dth month1 #ahai4 ,it was largely attended by ,friends and others1 he being a man much esteemed by his friends and neighbours1 and a useful member of society1 both in a religious and moral relation1 and his memory will be blessed4 ,it was a very solemn time1 in which my heart and mouth were largely opened to declare to the people of the things concerning the kingdom of ,god2 and to point out to them in a full and clear manner1 the only way and means by which an entrance therein is attainable by the children of men4 ,it was a season of favour1 and many hearts were made to rejoice under an humbling sense of the gracious extending of heavenly regard to the workmanship of ,his holy hand4 ,after this my lot seemed similar to ,mordecai's of old1 when sitting at the king's gate2 ,i had but little public service when at and about home4 ,this brought to my remembrance1 the saying of our ,lord to his disciples1 on their return from the service he had sent them out to perform in the land of ,israel4 ,when they had given him an account how well they had succeeded1 he invited them to retire awhile and rest4 ,i was mostly silent in our meetings at home1 and was not from home1 except to attend a funeral in a neighbouring town1 and our quarterly meeting at ,new-,york1 until our yearly meeting4 ,this opened on seventh day1 the #bb;d of #eth month1 with a meeting of ,ministers and ,elders4 ,the yearly meeting for discipline opened on the following second day1 and closed near evening1 on the fifth day following4 ,it was1 ,i think1 in general1 a favoured meeting1 although the weaknesses and deficiencies still among us1 as manifested by the accounts from our quarterly meetings1 were cause of exercise and travail to the honest-hearted who are engaged for the promotion of the cause of righteousness and peace in the earth2 yet the condescending goodness of the ,shepherd of ,israel1 in manifesting his life-giving presence for our encouragement and support1 inspired the hearts of the living with thanksgiving and gratitude for his unmerited mercies4 ,we returned home the next day4 ,i now found it my duty to pay some attention to my temporal concerns1 and to see that all accounts between myself and others were truly adjusted and settled1 as is my general rule from year to year4 ,a rule which every honest man will be led to pursue1 to prevent trouble and preserve harmony2 as a contrary course often leads to vexation and litigation1 by which both parties are often hurt and wounded4 ,first day the #cjth of #eth month4 ,i attended our meeting as usual1 when at home4 ,had a short communication1 tending to excite ,friends to faithfulness1 and an inward labour1 that the true end of our meeting together might be answered4 ,i was busily employed in the course of this week1 in my temporal concerns4 ,attended our fifth day meeting2 and closed the week in quiet4 ,first day1 the #fth of #fth month4 ,i was led1 in our meeting1 to show ,friends the fallacy of trusting in the outside appearance of things1 without coming to possess the real substance1 as the day is hastening when every foundation will be tried1 and all will receive according as their works have been4 ,i was considerably enlarged1 and the power of truth was exalted over all4 ,i found it my place at this time1 to keep close at home1 both in an inward and outward sense1 to arrange my temporal concerns1 and set things in order2 not knowing how soon ,i may be called to leave them all1 and surrender them1 with myself1 to the guardian care and disposal of a gracious ,providence1 who doth not suffer a sparrow to fall to the ground1 without his heavenly notice4 ,i attended our preparative meeting on fifth day1 and the meeting of the ,charity ,society1 for educating the children of the poor black people1 on seventh day2 in both of which ,i felt satisfaction and peace of mind4 ,first day1 the #acth of #fth month4 ,towards the close of our meeting to-day1 ,i had to open to ,friends the necessity of our individually coming to know what life we are living2 whether it be a life after the flesh1 which worketh death to the immortal soul2 or a life of the spirit1 by which we become spiritually-minded4 ,for if we live after the flesh1 it will prove in the world to come an eternal death to the soul2 but if it be a life in the spirit1 and in the things of heaven1 it will prove an everlasting life to the soul1 in the world to come2 and will crown it with joy unspeakable1 and full of glory1 at ,god's right hand for evermore4 ,from this time to our monthly meeting in #gth month1 ,i was pretty steadily at home4 ,attended our meetings as they came in course2 and was very busily and necessarily engaged in my temporal concerns1 having a prospect before me of attending the ensuing yearly meeting of ,ohio1 and also some other meetings in that1 and in the compass of ,baltimore and ,philadelphia yearly meeting4 ,this concern ,i spread before my ,friends1 at our monthly meeting the #aeth of #gth month2 and obtained their unity and concurrence4 ,first day1 the #ahth of #gth month4 ,attended our meeting4 ,we had the company of our ancient honest friend ,thomas ,titus4 ,he communicated for our consideration1 some plain truths1 in order to stir up and encourage ,friends to industry and faithfulness in those things which belong to their everlasting peace and welfare4 ,i felt unity with him in his exercise1 and found it my place and duty to make some addition1 to bring the matter close home to the minds of ,friends4 ,it was a favoured solemn meeting1 and most minds seemed well affected with the heavenly power which was felt to preside4 ,in the course of this week our quarterly meeting was held at ,westbury4 ,it was well attended by ,friends2 and the public meeting was very large4 ,it was in the main a favoured meeting4 ,i likewise opened to this meeting1 my prospect of attending the yearly meeting of ,ohio2 and produced the minute of unity and concurrence from our monthly meeting4 ,it was fully united with by the quarterly meeting1 and an endorsement thereof made on my certificate4 ,first day the #beth4 ,a silent meeting to-day4 ,when such meetings are attended with full acquiescence1 and entire peace of mind1 how precious they are4 ,thus are the ,lord's dedicated children led and instructed2 taught how to suffer want1 and how to abound2 being content in every dispensation of his divine will and pleasure3 and in this condition1 all things work together for good to these4 ,hence we are led to 8,rejoice evermore4 ,pray without ceasing4 ,in every thing give thanks40 ,the rest of this week ,i was diligently employed in preparing for my intended journey2 and in arranging my temporal concerns1 that no occasion might be given to the adversaries of truth1 to reproach the truth1 or its cause1 by any neglect or omission on my part2 and endeavouring that all things might be left sweet and quiet at home1 that so ,i might leave it with peace of mind1 freed from every burden and care on that account2 and be fully at liberty to devote myself wholly to the service of my great and good ,master1 until the allotted portion is accomplished1 which he hath called me forth to fulfil4 ,for to him belong obedience and worship1 who is over all1 ,god blessed for ever4 ,amen4 ,first day the #ast of #hth month4 ,at our meeting to-day1 my mind was led into a view of the excellence and necessity of a right faith in ,god and ,christ2 it being that by which the just live4 ,for nothing else can qualify to live a life of true righteousness and justice1 but a true and living faith in ,god and ,christ2 and without this faith1 it is impossible to please ,god4 ,the subject spread and led to communication in a large testimony1 by which many minds were reached and comforted1 and a precious solemnity spread over the meeting2 and we parted from each other with grateful hearts for the unmerited favour4 ,on fifth day ,i was led to call the attention of my friends to first principles1 and to recur to the uprightness1 simplicity1 and faithfulness of our worthy predecessors1 and to recount the great and sorrowful deviations therefrom by those who are making the same profession in the present day1 in departing from a full reliance and dependance on the power and spirit that actuated and governed them4 ,hence weakness and darkness pervade their minds1 by which great reproach is brought upon the society1 and occasion given for many to speak evil of the truth1 and the principle we hold out to the world1 as the only sure guide to blessedness2 to the wounding of the faithful few1 who are yet preserved in a good degree of gospel simplicity1 and who live under a daily exercise for the promotion and advancement of the ,messiah's kingdom here on earth1 and that it may arise and become the peace and glory of all nations4 ,,chapter ,,xvi4 ,journey to ,ohio in #ahai4--,visit to the neighbouring inhabitants in #ahai4--,visit to ,farmington and ,duanesburgh quarterly meetings in #ahbj4--,visit to some parts of ,pennsylvania1 and to ,baltimore1 in #ahbb4 ,visit to some of the lower quarterly meetings in #ahbc4 ,having1 as before noted1 had it on my mind to attend the next yearly meeting of ,friends in the state of ,ohio1 and some other meetings in going there and returning home2 and having obtained a minute of unity and concurrence from our monthly and quarterly meeting1 ,i left home in order to accomplish the service1 the #agth of #hth month1 #ahai1 and proceeded to ,new-,york4 ,the next day1 being first day1 ,i attended ,friends' meeting in ,pearl-street in the morning1 which proved a favoured season1 in which ,i witnessed a renewal of strength1 and a satisfactory evidence that my procedure was under right direction2 for which my mind was reduced into a state of humble gratitude for the unmerited mercy2 having left my home in weakness and poverty of spirit1 and nothing to lean on in crossing this ,jordan1 but my slender staff of faith4 ,i attended the meeting at ,liberty-street in the afternoon1 which1 although small1 was in a good degree comfortable1 and encouraging to my much exercised mind4 ,as our meeting for sufferings was the succeeding third day1 ,i staid in town and attended that meeting4 ,after this ,i proceeded on my journey1 accompanied by my kind friend and neighbour ,willet ,robbins1 who had joined me as a companion in this journey4 ,we attended the quarterly meeting at ,rahway on our way1 which opened the next day with the meeting of ,ministers and ,elders4 ,the meeting for discipline was held the day after2 and a meeting for public worship1 as a parting meeting1 the succeeding day4 ,in these several opportunities1 way opened to discharge myself faithfully in the exercise of gospel communication to my friends and others who attended1 fully to the relief of my own mind1 and1 ,i trust1 to the instruction and encouragement of many who attended2 the ,lord having been graciously pleased to manifest his presence and power for our help1 to the glory and praise of his own excellent name1 who is over all1 ,god blessed for ever4 ,after these solemn opportunities were closed1 we took leave of our friends1 and proceeded on our journey2 and arrived at ,easton on seventh day evening4 ,this is a town on the west side of the river ,delaware1 in the state of ,pennsylvania4 ,having felt my mind led to pass through this town1 attended with a concern to have a religious opportunity with the inhabitants1 we tarried with them the next day1 and had a meeting appointed1 which was held in their school-house1 at the fourth hour in the afternoon4 ,it proved1 through heavenly help1 a favoured1 and1 ,i trust1 an instructive season to many2 several of their ministers and most of the principal people attended1 and appeared all to go away satisfied2 and many apparently with thankful hearts for the present favour2 and ,i parted with them in true peace of mind4 ,the next morning we proceeded on our journey1 and rode to ,maiden ,creek1 and lodged with our kind friend ,isaac ,penrose4 ,the day following being third day1 we had an appointed meeting at ,reading1 about eight miles farther on our way4 ,it was held in their court-house4 ,many of the inhabitants of the town attended1 and behaved soberly2 and the gospel was preached among them in the plain demonstration of truth1 and1 ,i trust1 was as a sword or hammer to some present1 who were not prepared to meet sound doctrine2 but was comfortable and instructive to others1 such as were tender in spirit1 and were honestly seeking the way to peace4 ,it was a solemn1 and1 ,i trust1 profitable opportunity4 ,after the meeting ,i made a short visit to a sick woman1 who appeared to be drawing fast toward her close4 ,she was comforted in the visit1 and when ,i parted with her1 appeared in a quiet resigned state of mind4 ,her bodily affliction1 which had attended her for a considerable time1 had1 ,i believe1 wrought a good work in her4 ,after this opportunity we proceeded immediately on our journey1 which we continued the four following days1 through a number of towns and villages1 where no ,friends live4 ,we arrived on seventh day evening at ,dunning's ,creek1 where there is a monthly meeting of ,friends4 ,they lie very much detached from the body of society2 the nearest meeting to them is about sixty miles distant4 ,we attended their meeting on first day1 which proved1 through heavenly help1 a comfortable1 strengthening opportunity4 ,we lodged with our kind friend ,thomas ,penrose4 ,the next morning we proceeded on our journey1 having the ,alleghany1 and several other mountains and high and rough ridges of land to pass over1 in our way to the settlements of ,friends in the ,redstone country4 ,the roads were excessively bad1 and in some places almost impassable2 but with two days hard travelling we got safe to ,connelsville1 on the west side of the mountains1 on third day evening4 ,we put up with a man by the name of ,john ,gibson1 who had once a right of membership in our society1 but by some means had lost it2 yet he appeared to retain his love to ,friends1 and was very kind and benevolent1 and appeared very glad of the opportunity of entertaining ,friends4 ,his family likewise appeared very kind and friendly1 and signified it as a matter of considerable regret1 that they were so far distant from ,friends1 as not to have the privilege of attending their meetings4 ,there was one family of ,friends in the town2 and one of their children1 an infant of about eight months old1 had died a little before our arrival2 and the funeral being the next day1 we attended it4 ,it was a very solemn opportunity1 in which many hearts were contrited by the tendering power of truth1 which was felt to cover the assembly in a very general manner4 ,such seasons are as a brook by the way1 to the poor exercised travellers1 who often go mourning on their way1 from a sense of the prevalence of sin and iniquity in the land4 ,after this solemn opportunity we proceeded on our journey1 and the next day attended ,friends' monthly meeting at ,westland1 in ,redstone quarterly meeting4 ,i had some service1 both in the meeting for worship1 and that for discipline2 but things appeared rather low as to the right order of the gospel1 in both meetings4 ,it being a day of ease and outward tranquillity2 and this hath a tendency to produce lukewarmness1 if not watchfully and diligently guarded against4 ,from this place we proceeded directly to ,mount ,pleasant1 in ,ohio1 where the yearly meeting is held2 where we arrived on seventh day1 the #bhth of #hth month4 ,on first day1 the #bith1 attended ,friends' meeting at ,short ,creek in the morning1 and had an appointed meeting at ,mount ,pleasant in the afternoon4 ,they were both largely attended1 and proved very instructive satisfactory meetings1 in which ,i had good service2 and found sweet peace as the result of my labours of love amongst them4 ,the five following days1 meetings were appointed for us at ,concord1 ,st4 ,clairsville1 ,plainfield1 ,flushing1 and ,harrisville4 ,these were all full meetings2 generally more collected than the houses could contain2 but ,friends were industrious1 and provided seats out of doors1 about the house1 by which the people were generally accommodated4 ,on seventh day the yearly meeting of ,ministers and ,elders opened2 and continued by adjournments until fifth day4 ,i think they were generally favoured opportunities4 ,the ,head of the ,church graciously condescending to manifest his presence for the help of his devoted1 dedicated children2 and this is the crown and diadem of all our religious assemblies4 ,on first day public meetings for worship were held1 both forenoon and afternoon1 in both ,friends' meeting-houses in the neighbourhood2 that in the town of ,mount ,pleasant1 held in their new meeting-house1 which is one of the largest ,i ever saw belonging to ,friends1 was very large4 ,i attended that meeting both forenoon and afternoon1 in which ,i had much service by way of testimony2 which appeared to be much to the comfort and general edification of the assemblies1 and resulted in the solid peace of my own mind4 ,on second day1 the yearly meeting for discipline opened1 and continued by adjournments until seventh day toward evening4 ,it was a season of much travail and exercise to the rightly concerned active members2 having before them1 in addition to their usual business1 the revisal of their discipline4 ,i was led under close exercise on the account1 and a very considerable portion of active service fell to my lot1 with other ,friends4 ,it was thought1 ,i believe1 by ,friends generally1 to have been the most favoured yearly meeting they had had since its institution1 and was worthy of grateful remembrance4 ,i tarried here over first day1 and attended their meeting at the old meeting-house4 ,it was a season of deep travail in the forepart of the meeting1 in which my spirit was led into deep baptism with1 and for1 the dead2 and ,i was brought into sympathy and fellowship with the suffering seed1 which appeared to me to be pressed down in the hearts of the formal professors1 as a cart under sheaves4 ,this1 ,i believed1 was too much the situation of a considerable number in that assembly2 but as ,i continued patiently to endure the exercise1 and kept up the inward travail1 light sprang up and dispelled the darkness1 accompanied with a motion of life to stand up2 and my mouth was opened in a large searching and effective testimony1 whereby the dead were raised1 the lukewarm stirred up1 the honest seekers encouraged1 and the rightly exercised minds comforted and edified4 ,it was the ,lord's doing1 and marvellous in mine eyes4 ,the six succeeding days1 meetings were appointed at the following places1 which we attended4 ,on second day1 at a little village called ,york1 where a few ,friends were privileged with an indulged meeting2 a meeting not being established4 ,on third day at ,smithfield2 on fourth day at ,cross ,creek2 on fifth day at ,franklin1 where was also only a small indulged meeting4 ,on sixth day1 at ,augusta1 at the tenth hour in the morning1 and at ,sandy ,spring1 at the third hour in the afternoon2 on seventh day at ,new ,garden4 ,these were all seasons of favour1 wherein ,i was strengthened to labour in the work of the gospel1 and to declare largely to these several assemblies1 of the things concerning the kingdom of ,god2 endeavouring1 by persuasive arguments1 founded in the clear demonstration of the spirit1 accompanied with a lively evidence of divine power to gather the minds of the people to the light of ,christ1 or ,christ the light1 in their own hearts2 as the only sure guide to blessedness1 and foundation rock on which to build all our hopes of redemption and salvation4 ,a precious solemnity was felt to prevail in those several meetings1 most of which were crowded gatherings1 many more often collecting than their meeting-houses could contain2 and truth was exalted over all1 to the praise of ,him who is over all1 ,god blessed for ever4 ,after the latter meeting we proceeded to ,salem1 intending to be at ,friends' meeting there the next day1 which was first day1 the #aith of #ith month4 ,we attended the meeting in the forenoon1 but not feeling myself clear1 ,i was led to appoint an afternoon meeting2 which was accordingly held at the third hour1 and was largely attended by ,friends and others2 among whom way opened fully to discharge and clear myself1 and ,i found peace in my labour of love among them4 ,on second and third days1 ,i attended meetings by appointment at ,springfield and ,goshen1 two neighbouring villages4 ,these were likewise very solemn instructive seasons1 wherein ,i was largely led forth in ministerial labour1 apparently to the comfort and edification of most present4 ,from ,goshen we returned back to ,salem1 intending to be at their monthly meeting to be held the next day1 which we accordingly attended4 ,i had good service among my ,friends1 both in the meeting for worship and that for discipline4 ,after this we took a final leave of them1 in the fresh feelings of mutual love and ,christian fellowship1 and proceeded on our journey that afternoon to ,fairfield1 where we had a meeting the next day4 ,on sixth day1 was at ,columbiana4 ,on seventh day1 at ,middleton4 ,and on first day1 the #bfth1 had two meetings2 one in the morning at ,elk ,run1 and the other at the third hour in the afternoon at ,carmel4 ,these meetings were all well attended2 wherein ,i was led forth largely in testimony1 apparently to the general satisfaction and edification of the people1 and to the comfort and peace of my own mind4 ,on second day we proceeded to ,new ,lisbon1 and attended a meeting in their court-house at the eleventh hour4 ,it was a large collection1 mostly made up of other societies1 there being but few ,friends residing in that place4 ,i was led to open several doctrinal points of our profession1 and to show the great difference between profession and possession2 and that no profession of religion was worth esteeming as any thing1 unless it was the effect of the real possession of the thing professed2 as no profession of a thing1 could of itself give any a possession thereof2 but a real possession1 will manifest itself by its fruits4 ,it was a day of great favour1 in which truth reigned over all4 ,on third day1 we proceeded to ,beaver ,falls4 ,had a meeting there the next day to good satisfaction4 ,after this we travelled on our way to ,pittsburg1 where we arrived the next day about noon1 and had an appointed meeting there in the evening in their court-house4 ,it was a large spacious building1 but more collected than the house could contain4 ,i had much service among them1 and the ,lord's power was felt to preside1 quieting and solemnizing the assembly2 and many hearts were humbled and contrited1 and truth raised into dominion over all4 ,on sixth day afternoon1 we left ,pittsburg on our way to ,brownsville1 where we arrived in the afternoon of the next day4 ,on first day we attended ,friends' meeting there2 and notice being spread among the people at large that we were there1 it was a very crowded assembly1 more than the house could well contain4 ,through the condescending goodness of the ,shepherd of ,israel1 ,i was helped to discharge myself faithfully among them1 in an effective testimony to the truths of the gospel2 proving from clear scripture testimony1 accompanied with the demonstration of the spirit1 in harmony with right reason1 that nothing short of a full belief in1 and obedience to1 the revelation of the spirit of truth1 7a manifestation of which is given to every man and woman to profit withal17 as the only rule of faith and practice1 can make a real ,christian1 and produce redemption and salvation to an immortal soul4 ,it was a very solemn instructive season1 worthy of grateful remembrance4 ,on second day we had an appointed meeting at ,sandy ,hill1 at the tenth hour2 and another in the evening at ,uniontown1 held in their court-house4 ,these were both seasons of favour1 producing solid peace to my own mind1 and1 ,i trust1 instructive and edifying to the people in general who attended4 ,these meetings closed my labours among ,friends and others1 in the compass of the yearly meeting of ,ohio4 ,on third day we set out on our journey over the mountains1 towards ,winchester in ,virginia2 in order to attend the meetings of ,friends in that neighbourhood1 on our way to ,baltimore4 ,the distance was about one hundred and sixteen miles4 ,it took three days to accomplish the journey1 with hard travelling2 a considerable part of the way being very rocky1 as well as mountainous4 ,we arrived among ,friends at ,pughtown1 on fifth day evening2 and had a meeting appointed there the next day1 at two o'clock in the afternoon1 which we attended accordingly4 ,on seventh day had a meeting at the ,ridge4 ,on first day at ,centre1 near ,winchester2 and the two following days had meetings at ,hopewell and ,berkley4 ,i was largely led forth in these meetings1 to show to the people the inconsistency and unrighteousness of holding our fellow creatures in bondage1 and the evil tendency of bringing up our children and families on the fruits of their labour1 wrested from them by violence1 without paying them an adequate reward for the same4 ,i likewise opened to them the folly and deception of all their profession of worshipping that ,being1 who is perfect in justice1 purity and holiness1 while their hands are full of violence and oppression1 and they living in luxury and idleness on their unrighteous gain4 ,the ,lord's power was exalted in these meetings1 and truth reigned4 ,after the latter meeting we proceeded on our way towards ,baltimore1 where we arrived on seventh day evening2 attending meetings at ,fredericktown and ,new ,market1 on our way thither4 ,on first day1 the #agth of #ajth month1 ,i attended ,friends' meetings in that city2 the ,western ,district in the morning1 and the ,eastern ,district in the afternoon4 ,i was silent in the former1 but in the latter1 ,i was largely led forth in gospel communication4 ,as notice had been spread among the citizens of other professions1 the meeting was large1 and the divine power was felt to preside1 which brought a precious solemnity over the meeting1 and truth was raised into dominion4 ,here we met with our friend ,elizabeth ,coggeshall from ,new-,york1 with her companion ,judith ,coffin1 from ,nantucket2 also our ancient friend ,william ,rickman1 from ,england4 ,we were mutually glad in seeing each other4 ,elizabeth felt a concern to see the members of our society1 select from those of other societies in each meeting1 accordingly a ,friend1 at her request1 in the morning meeting when the service of the first meeting was over1 proposed the same to the assembly2 when those who were not members quietly withdrew1 and our dear friend had good service among them4 ,this also opened an opportunity for me to throw in my mite1 and set a seal to the service4 ,a similar opportunity was likewise had with ,friends at the close of the afternoon meeting in the ,eastern ,district1 which was also a favoured time4 ,and as ,i had felt my mind somewhat similarly engaged in coming into the city1 it opened the way to spread my exercise before ,friends2 which was that of the more select service of seeing the active members and heads of families of both sexes together4 ,i had an opportunity with those of this description in the ,western ,district1 and afterwards with those of the ,eastern2 and was glad in believing that divine love was near1 favouring with ,his enlivening1 reconciling presence2 which raised a hope1 that through the divine blessing1 the opportunities would not prove altogether unfruitful1 for some disunity and jealousies had prevailed among the members of society in this city4 ,the next day being ,friends' meeting day1 ,i felt most easy to stay and attend it4 ,i also found my mind led to some further service among the citizens at large3 for although ,i had had a public opportunity on first day evening1 which seemed for the present to ease my mind1 yet a renewed exercise on that account induced a belief it would be right to give the citizens generally another invitation2 which ,friends readily agreed to1 and spread the notice accordingly4 ,it was a very large meeting1 and through gracious condescension a highly favoured season2 the ,lord's power was felt to preside1 and a precious solemnity spread over the assembly1 and ,i took my leave of them in much peace of mind4 ,this closed my service among them4 ,the two following days we rode to ,wilmington1 where we arrived on sixth day evening4 ,on seventh day evening we had a large meeting by appointment1 with ,friends and the inhabitants of the town4 ,this was a solemn instructive season1 worthy of grateful remembrance4 ,we also attended the morning meeting of ,friends the next day1 and then proceeded to ,chester1 parting with my ,friends in much sweet peace and unity4 ,here we had a large solemn meeting in the evening1 among the few ,friends of that place and the inhabitants of the town4 ,i trust1 through heavenly goodness1 it proved an instructive edifying season to many4 ,the two following days1 ,i attended the monthly meetings of ,providence and ,darby4 ,on fourth day morning we proceeded to ,philadelphia4 ,we staid in the city until the following third day1 and attended all the meetings of ,friends there2 some by appointment1 and the others as they came in course4 ,we were at two of their monthly meetings1 and their quarterly meeting4 ,the meetings were generally crowded1 and at several many of the people were obliged to stand outside of the doors1 for want of room4 ,through unmerited mercy the ,lord's power was felt to preside1 producing a precious solemnity over those large promiscuous gatherings1 and by which truth was raised into dominion4 ,surely it was the ,lord's doing1 and marvellous in mine eyes4 ,it was1 ,i trust1 a time of renewed visitation to many1 especially to the beloved youth4 ,we left the city on third day morning1 and proceeded to ,germantown1 where by previous appointment we had a large meeting at the eleventh hour4 ,the two following days we attended ,friends' quarterly meeting at ,horsham2 and on sixth day1 had a large public meeting at ,byberry4 ,these were all favoured instructive seasons1 in which the ,lord's presence was manifested for our help1 and were worthy of grateful remembrance4 ,on seventh day we attended a meeting at ,bristol2 and at evening crossed the river ,delaware to ,burlington1 and attended ,friends' forenoon and afternoon meetings on first day4 ,these were large favoured meetings1 in which truth reigned4 ,on second day1 the #hth of #aath month we proceeded to ,trenton and had a large meeting there in the evening1 with the few ,friends of that place1 and the inhabitants of the town1 in which divers essential doctrines of the gospel were opened to the consideration of the assembly4 ,it was a solemn meeting1 and ,i parted with them in true peace of mind1 which is the certain and consolatory result of disinterested obedience1 and faithfulness to manifested duty4 ,we proceeded on third day1 on our way to ,new-,york1 where we arrived the next day in season to attend ,friends' meeting in ,pearl-street2 it being their usual meeting day4 ,the meeting was generally gathered when ,i got in1 having had some distance to travel to reach there1 which occasioned my being a few minutes after the time4 ,my mind1 soon after taking my seat1 was brought under a renewed exercise1 on account of the members of our society mixing in with the associations of other people1 in their governments and politics1 their ,bible and ,missionary societies1 and pretended charity associations2 which had a very hurtful tendency1 by leavening the minds of ,friends1 and leading them to assimilate with the spirit of the world2 and turning them away from the simplicity1 of our profession1 thereby neglecting to support our ,christian testimonies1 as it regards plainness of speech1 deportment1 and apparel4 ,such conduct is particularly wounding to some of the beloved youth1 for they seeing their elder brethren1 and especially some who were sometimes active in our meetings for discipline1 join with such associations1 it leads them into a free familiarity and friendship with such as are light and vain in their conversation and deportment1 by which their tender minds are greatly wounded2 and they led off from the cross1 and a strict regard to that sobriety of conduct1 which truth requires of all its professors4 ,i was led to communicate largely on those subjects1 in a close searching testimony2 and the ,lord's power was felt to prevail1 and the meeting generally brought under a solemn covering4 ,it proved a season of favour1 and the right-minded were made to rejoice4 ,feeling my mind impressed with a concern to appoint a meeting for the citizens at large1 the appointment was accordingly made at seven o'clock the ensuing evening4 ,it was a very large collection1 more than the house could contain2 and was a highly favoured season4 ,a very precious solemnity was spread over the assembly in general2 and when ,i sat down1 after standing nearly two hours1 ,i turned my eyes over the congregation1 and all was quiet and still1 and every countenance seemed expressive of the solemnity felt1 which united us together and clothed us as with a mantle of love4 ,surely it was the ,lord's doing1 and marvellous in our eyes4 ,the next day ,i attended ,friends' meeting near the ,bowery1 as it came in course2 and some notice being given of my intending to be there1 we had the company of a number of their neighbours of other societies4 ,this was also a very instructive favoured season4 ,the ensuing evening ,i had another appointed meeting for the citizens at large1 in ,friends' meeting-house at ,liberty-street4 ,this was rather a trying meeting2 as many who attended were such as had settled down in a form1 and were difficult to reach1 which makes hard labour for the truly exercised ministers4 ,however ,i had a hope the season would prove profitable to some1 and ,i left them with peace of mind4 ,this meeting closed my labours in this journey1 and the next morning we rode home1 the #abth of the #aath month1 #ahai4 ,i found my family and friends in usual health1 and glad to see me1 which rendered it a cause of mutual joy1 and filled my heart with gratitude and thanksgiving to the ,god and ,father of all our sure mercies1 who had led about1 instructed and preserved me1 through all1 to the praise of his great and excellent name4 ,i was from home in this journey about three months1 and travelled nearly twelve hundred miles1 and attended eighty-seven meetings4 ,first day1 #adth4 ,i sat with my ,friends in our own meeting1 in which ,i was largely led forth in ministry1 setting forth1 as it opened on my mind1 the cause why so little progress was made in reformation1 and the true spiritual or real ,christian life2 and showing that it was principally1 as it then appeared in the openings of truth1 occasioned by the visited children of our heavenly ,father1 not keeping close to that which first visited them1 and opened their understanding2 but letting their minds out to worldly things1 and that by opening the way to a free and familiar converse with the people of the world1 many were led and induced thereby to join with them in their manners1 maxims1 interests and worldly policies1 by which means they were so yoked together in a free and open friendship1 as thereby to become weakened and brought into bondage to them2 so as to be ashamed and afraid to stand upright1 and bear a faithful testimony against this worldly spirit and its fruits2 by which the testimonies of truth were in a great measure let fall1 for fear of offending these their worldly-minded associates1 by which the promotion of the cause of truth was greatly obstructed1 and its faithful testimony-bearers grieved1 and made to go mourning on their way4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our monthly meeting1 in which ,i also had some close searching labour to stir up ,friends to more diligence and faithfulness in the support of our ,christian testimonies2 and cautioning them against a worldly spirit1 which would lead to extortion and grinding the faces of the poor2 for this is very reproachful for any ,christian professor1 and more so for us1 who are making a more exalted profession than any others who go under the ,christian name4 ,first day1 the #bast4 ,my mind to-day was led into a near feeling sympathy with such as had been visited with the day-spring from on high1 but who had not so fully given up to the pointing of truth1 in what are generally termed little things1 as they ought2 the natural tendency of which is to lead the mind into a doubting state4 ,for when the creature1 in his own will1 takes the liberty of judging for himself1 of what is little1 or what is great1 he departs from the true standard1 and has no certain evidence to walk by2 for if he has a right to judge for himself in one case1 why not in every other4 ,here doubting will arise in his mind1 of what is1 or is not1 agreeable to the divine will2 as nothing can give the mind certain evidence1 but faithfully complying with the evident sensations which the light of truth opens upon it1 let them be what the creature may judge to be small or great2 for we have no more reason or right to refuse complying with a small requisition1 than we have a great one1 if the requisition proceeds from the same source4 ,the subject was so opened as to affect many minds with tenderness and contrition2 and had an humbling1 solemnizing effect on the meeting in general1 and was1 ,i believe1 gladdening to many minds4 ,fifth day4 ,attended our meeting in silence1 which was very acceptable to me4 ,first day1 the #bhth4 ,mostly silent in meeting to-day4 ,on my return home from my late journey1 ,i felt my mind drawn in sympathy1 attended with a concern to pay a religious visit to the neighbouring inhabitants in the compass of our quarterly meeting4 ,this concern ,i opened to my friends the first monthly meeting after my return1 and received their full unity therein2 but taking a severe cold soon after ,i came home1 ,i continued indisposed for some weeks1 which with some necessary concerns1 prevented my entering on the visit1 until after our succeeding monthly meeting4 ,the fourth day following1 the #bb;d of #abth month1 ,i proceeded therein1 accompanied by my wife and my kinsman1 ,isaac ,hicks1 of ,westbury4 ,we were from home five days1 and attended six meetings1 mostly among those of other societies4 ,it was a time of deep exercise to me1 being led in the line of searching labour1 pointing to a reform in manners and conduct2 and showing the fallacy of all ceremonial religion in the observation of days1 and complying with outward ordinances2 which do not in the least tend to make the comers thereunto a whit the better1 as it respects the conscience1 but lead the observers thereof into a form1 without the power4 ,we returned home the following second day4 ,i tarried at home until the beginning of the next week1 when feeling my mind drawn to attend the monthly meeting of ,friends in ,new-,york1 ,i again left home1 accompanied by the aforesaid friend4 ,we were at the monthly meeting on fourth day1 in which ,i had some close exercise1 the meeting having much business before it1 and one case in particular was very trying1 in which ,friends were divided1 and two or three unqualified individuals seemed determined1 for a considerable time1 to compel the meeting to comply with their unsanctified wills2 but as ,friends who were rightly exercised1 patiently kept up the travail1 and withstood them1 truth was raised into dominion1 and by its power silenced all their cavilling1 and united the meeting in a right conclusion4 ,the meeting for worship and that for discipline continued upwards of six hours4 ,we left the city soon after the close of this long meeting1 and passed over the river to ,brooklyn1 where by previous appointment we had a meeting that evening1 composed of the different professions of the inhabitants of that place1 very few ,friends residing there4 ,the meeting was pretty large1 and in the main satisfactory4 ,the next day we proceeded to ,flushing1 and attended their monthly meeting4 ,i was silent in the meeting for worship1 but had some good service in that for discipline4 ,we also had an appointed meeting in the evening for the inhabitants of the town1 which was large and solemn4 ,the next day we returned to ,newtown1 and had a meeting at ,friends' meeting-house at the ,kilns in that place1 at the eleventh hour2 and another in the evening at the sixth hour1 in the village4 ,they were both favoured meetings4 ,we returned to ,flushing after the latter meeting1 and lodged with our kind friend ,walter ,farrington1 and the next day rode home and found my family well4 ,first day1 the #ith of #ast month1 #ahbj4 ,i sat with my friends at home in our own meeting to-day1 which ,i considered as no small privilege4 ,on second day morning ,i was early informed1 that my kinsman and kind fellow traveller ,isaac ,hicks1 was taken with a severe illness1 about ten o'clock the preceding evening1 and lay at the point of death4 ,i hastened to see him1 and found him nearly breathing his last1 being past noticing any thing by his external senses4 ,it was a sudden and unexpected trial to me1 to be thus almost instantaneously separated from such a kind and valued friend1 who had for a number of years devoted himself in divers ways1 to promote the cause of truth and righteousness in the earth2 and in particular1 by encouraging and accompanying ,friends in the ministry1 when travelling in truth's service1 especially myself1 having been with me in several long journeys1 as well as divers short ones4 ,i parted with him at the close of one of the latter1 on the seventh day afternoon before his death1 at his own house1 and apparently in usual health3 although he had been for a considerable time previous thereto1 much afflicted1 at times1 with severe pain in his breast and shortness of breath1 which created great suffering during their continuance4 ,he had a return thereof the evening before ,i last parted with him1 which occasioned him to observe to me1 that he thought he should ere long be taken off in one of those attacks2 but ,i then thought quite otherwise1 as in other respects he appeared to be in very good health1 and had a very healthy countenance4 ,such sudden attacks prove with indubitable evidence1 that mortality is so closely interwoven in the very constitution of these animal bodies1 that the present moment is the only time we can call our own2 and which continually announce the impressive language3 8,be ye therefore ready40 ,such sudden and unexpected separations from our endeared friends make the loss seem greater1 not only to their families and near connexions1 but to their friends in general1 and particularly so to those who knew their real worth4 ,but it ever affords a soothing consolation1 and induces to acquiesce in the divine will1 when we have evident cause to hope that our loss1 which is but for a short time1 is their eternal gain4 ,i attended the funeral of my beloved friend1 which was large and solemn2 and ,i was led forth in an impressive testimony to the truths of the gospel2 inviting the people to inquire1 and see1 and taste for themselves1 that the ,lord is good4 ,i continued at home until the following seventh day1 when ,i again proceeded on my visit to the neighbouring towns and villages4 ,i was from home about thirteen days and attended fifteen meetings1 returning home on sixth day1 the #aath of #b;d month1 #ahbj4 ,my service in many of those opportunities was very arduous2 the lukewarmness and insensibility of the people1 as to any right religious concern1 make hard work for the honest labourers1 in this day of ease and carnal security4 ,but true peace of mind1 the sure result of faithfulness1 crowns the attempts at doing good1 as it makes hard things easy and bitter things sweet4 ,i tarried at home until the latter end of the next week1 in the course of which ,i had a very severe attack of bodily indisposition1 occasioned by the gravel1 with which ,i have been afflicted at times1 for near twenty years4 ,these warnings are designed to spur us on to our duty1 as they continually announce to the enlightened mind this very useful memento3 8,remember to die40 ,in the latter end of the week1 there came to my house my much esteemed friend and kinsman ,edward ,hicks1 from ,newtown1 in ,bucks county1 ,pennsylvania1 on a religious visit to our parts1 with his companion ,james ,walton1 an elder4 ,i accompanied them the next day to a meeting they had appointed at ,westbury4 ,it was very large1 in which ,edward had very good service1 being largely led forth to open to the people many important doctrines of the ,christian religion4 ,i accompanied him to all the meetings he had among us except one2 and in some of them had a portion of the service laid upon me1 particularly in the meeting at ,bethpage4 ,i accompanied my friend to four meetings after this1 in which he was generally favoured to open things suitable to the states of the people2 his gift being searching and lively4 ,after his service was over in the meeting at ,cowneck1 on first day1 ,i was led forth in a short testimony2 and the meeting closed under an evident sense that truth reigned4 ,our next meeting was the day following at ,rockaway1 on second day1 the #bhth of #b;d month4 ,it was in the main a favoured opportunity4 ,my part was to sit in silence4 ,after this meeting ,i parted with my beloved friend and his companion1 in the fellowship of the gospel2 they proceeded towards ,new-,york1 and ,i returned home that evening1 and found my family well4 ,first day1 the #eth of #c;d month4 ,i attended our own meeting1 which through heavenly help proved a very precious instructive season4 ,it was larger than usual1 many coming in who did not often attend1 to whom the gospel was preached in the demonstration of the spirit1 through which truth was raised into dominion1 causing the hearts of many to be warmed within them by the influence of its power1 and manifesting itself by much brokenness and contrition of spirit4 ,second day1 the #acth4 ,attended the funeral of our friend ,charles ,frost1 at which there was a large collection of friends and neighbours4 ,a meeting was held on the occasion1 which was a favoured one1 and1 ,i trust1 a profitable opportunity to some present1 and worthy of grateful remembrance4 ,in the fall of #ahbj1 being1 with several other friends1 on an appointment from the yearly meeting1 requiring our care and attention in the northern quarters1 and having for some time previously felt my mind drawn to visit some of the meetings of ,friends1 within the compass of ,farmington and ,duanesburgh quarterly meetings1 ,i obtained the unity and concurrence of my ,friends at home to attend thereto1 after accomplishing the service of the yearly meeting4 ,i accordingly set out in the #ith month1 and was favoured to go through the visit with peace to my own mind2 for ,he1 who is the alone sure helper of all his dependant children1 graciously manifested himself to be near1 for my help and encouragement in the travail and exercise that ,i was engaged in1 for the promotion of his noble cause of truth and righteousness in the earth2 and in a way1 that was often marvellous in mine eyes1 tending to inspire my soul with deep and humble gratitude and thanksgiving1 for the unmerited favour4 ,in the summer of #ahbb1 ,i opened to my ,friends a prospect1 which for a considerable time had been impressive on my mind1 to make a visit in the love of the gospel1 to ,friends and others in some parts of the yearly meeting of ,philadelphia2 and1 if way should open for it1 to visit some of the families of ,friends in that city1 and also to attend the yearly meeting at ,baltimore4 ,they united with me in the concern1 and left me at liberty to proceed therein4 ,i set out in the #gth month1 with ,david ,seaman as my companion4 ,we had a large favoured meeting at ,flushing1 which was strengthening and comforting to my mind1 in first setting out in this arduous engagement1 and excited gratitude for the unmerited mercy4 ,after leaving ,flushing on our way to ,new-,york1 my prospect of a meeting at ,hester-street1 which ,i had a view of several weeks before ,i left home1 revived with renewed weight2 and although from the consternation and interrupted state of the citizens1 owing to the prevalence of fever in the city1 ,i had given up the prospect on leaving home1 yet ,i now saw that ,i could not depart from the city with a quiet mind1 unless ,i had a meeting agreeably to my former view4 ,accordingly1 when ,i got into town ,i opened my concern to some of my friends there1 who readily united therewith1 and notice was given2 and one of the ,friends who attended about the door at the gathering of the meeting1 said there were more people collected than had ever been at any former time in that place2 several hundreds1 he said1 went away1 who could not get into the house for want of room4 ,i had a full opportunity to clear my mind among the people1 most of whom were very solid and attentive4 ,thus we have great cause of gratitude to the gracious ,care-taker of his faithfully devoted children1 who opens a way for them1 when some are ready to conclude there is no way4 ,but he opens a way for those1 which none but himself can shut1 to the praise of his own great and adorable name1 who is over all1 blessed for ever4 ,we then proceeded to ,newark1 and had a meeting in the court-house4 ,there was a pretty large collection of the inhabitants1 among whom ,i had strength and utterance given to open many important doctrines of the ,christian religion1 in a clear and impressive manner1 which appeared sensibly to affect and impress the minds of the sober and well inclined2 but many appeared very ignorant and inexperienced as to the real truths of the gospel4 ,but having fully cleared my mind among them1 ,i left them with the answer of peace1 and proceeded to ,plainfield4 ,we attended the meeting there1 which was large for the place2 and it was favoured in an eminent manner1 to our mutual comfort4 ,we then rode to ,kingwood1 and had a full and comfortable meeting there2 after which we went to ,solebury1 in ,pennsylvania1 and had a meeting at the sixth hour in the evening4 ,it was a large meeting1 in which ,i was led to discharge myself faithfully in a close searching testimony4 ,it was a very solemn quiet opportunity1 and ,i parted with them in peace of mind4 ,we afterwards attended meetings at ,buckingham1 ,plumbstead1 ,wrightstown1 ,makefield1 and ,newtown3 and we have abundant cause to bless the name of ,israel's unslumbering ,shepherd1 who hath graciously condescended to manifest his presence and power for our help and support1 opening my way in a marvellous manner in all the meetings ,i have attended since ,i left home1 uniting my friends in a joint travail for the promotion of his blessed cause2 truth prevailing in every meeting1 and running as precious ointment over the assemblies1 bearing down all opposition1 and spreading1 by its power1 a sweet and precious solemnity over all4 ,surely it is the ,lord's doing1 and marvellous in our eyes3 and what is the greatest cause of gratitude and thanksgiving to the benevolent ,author of all our richest blessings1 is1 that he causes all these favours to bow my spirit in deep humiliation and fear before him1 as unworthy of the least of his mercies4 ,to the sufficiency of his grace1 may all the praise and glory be ascribed1 nothing due to man4 ,we then attended meetings at ,horsham1 ,upper ,dublin1 ,north ,wales1 ,plymouth1 ,providence1 ,pikeland1 ,westchester1 ,london ,grove1 and ,deer ,creek2 and my spirit is humbled in a deep feeling sense of the ,lord's goodness vouchsafed for our help1 opening a way in the minds of my friends generally to receive the testimonies given me to bear1 for the promotion of his righteous cause1 with marks of apparent joy and satisfaction1 and to our mutual comfort4 ,we reached ,baltimore on the #beth of #ajth month2 and the meeting of ,ministers and ,elders was opened on the next day at the tenth hour4 ,the yearly meeting continued till sixth day evening1 and was acknowledged to be the largest and the most favoured meeting they had known for several years past4 ,the unity of ,friends with my exercises in the public meetings1 and in those for discipline1 was truly grateful1 and tended to humble and inspire my mind with gratitude and thanksgiving to my heavenly ,father4 ,i did not feel myself at liberty to leave the city at the close of the yearly meeting1 believing that some more public service among the people was required of me4 ,i had accordingly a public meeting in the ,eastern ,district1 on seventh day evening4 ,it was very large2 and among the various subjects that opened for communication to those assembled1 ,i was led to expose the iniquity and deformity of the cruel practice of holding our fellow creatures in bondage1 and the injustice and inconsistency of ,friends doing any act where the right of slavery was acknowledged and supported2 and1 ,i think1 ,i was enabled to do it in a more full and impressive manner than ever before4 ,we had a very interesting and solemn meeting2 truth appeared to gain the victory1 and reigned over all4 ,on first day ,i attended ,friends' meetings for the ,western ,district1 both in the forenoon and afternoon4 ,they were very large2 and ,i had a full opportunity in the morning of clearing myself among them4 ,we had a precious1 powerful meeting2 and among the divers states addressed1 the slave-holders were peculiarly the objects of my exercise and concern4 ,the afternoon meeting ,i sat in silence1 except the expression of a few words just at the close1 in taking leave of them1 and bidding all farewell4 ,in the evening ,i had a precious interesting opportunity with the coloured people1 in ,friends' meeting-house in the ,western ,district4 ,it was said by ,friends to be much the largest known in that place4 ,it was a very quiet1 solemn meeting2 and the minds of all1 both white and coloured1 seemed animated with gladness and joy for the favour dispensed1 and gave manifestations of their thankfulness and gratitude for the opportunity4 ,we then proceeded towards ,philadelphia1 attending several meetings on our way1 which were greatly favoured1 and crowned with the divine presence and power1 in such a manner as to be marvellous in our eyes4 ,we arrived in ,philadelphia in the early part of #abth month2 and ,i immediately entered on the arduous concern which ,i had had in prospect1 and which ,i was favoured soon comfortably to accomplish4 ,we visited the families composing ,green-street monthly meeting1 being in number about one hundred and forty2 and we also attended that monthly meeting1 and the monthly meeting for the ,northern ,district4 ,this closed my visit there1 and set me at liberty to turn my face homeward4 ,we left ,philadelphia on the #beth of #abth month1 and attended several meetings in ,pennsylvania and ,new ,jersey1 on our way home1 which were large and solemn opportunities4 ,we were favoured to reach our homes with feelings of thanksgiving to our gracious ,preserver1 and with the enjoyment of that precious peace1 which is experienced by those whose minds are stayed on ,god2 as the prophet declared in his appeal to ,jehovah3 8,thou wilt keep him in perfect peace1 whose mind is stayed on thee1 because he trusteth in thee40 ,and he subjoins1 for our encouragement3 8,trust in the ,lord for ever2 for in the ,lord ,jehovah is everlasting strength40 ,may we all dwell here2 then nothing can hurt or harm us2 for the ,lord our ,preserver will turn all the designs and cunning devices of those that rise up against us upon their own heads1 and cause them to fall into their own pit4 ,in the latter part of #ahbc1 ,i felt myself engaged to make a religious visit to ,friends and others in several of the lower quarterly meetings2 and having obtained the unity of my friends1 ,i set out in the #ajth month1 with ,samuel ,willis as my companion4 ,after having meetings at ,westchester and ,mamaroneck1 we attended the select quarterly meeting at ,purchase1 which was small1 many of the members being absent4 ,they appeared to be clothed with much weakness3 ,i was led into a feeling sympathy with them1 and way was opened to communicate to their states1 in a way that was comforting and encouraging to the honest-hearted4 ,the next day was the quarterly meeting of discipline4 ,it was large2 and1 ,i think1 in the main it was a favoured instructive season1 although considerably hurt by a long tedious communication from a ,friend1 not sufficiently clothed with life to make it useful4 ,but the society is in such a mixed and unstable state1 and many who presume to be teachers in it are so far from keeping on the original foundation1 the light and spirit of truth1 and are so built up in mere tradition1 that ,i fear a great portion of the ministry amongst us is doing more harm than good1 and is leading back to the weak and beggarly elements to which some seem desirous to be again in bondage4 ,after leaving ,purchase1 we had a pretty large and favoured meeting at ,north ,castle2 and next day we went to ,oblong1 and attended their meeting on first day4 ,it was large1 and ,i had an open time among them1 through the prevalence of that power which opens and none can shut1 and when he shuts none can open4 ,truth reigned1 and the people generally1 ,i believe1 were instructed1 comforted1 and edified4 ,i parted with them in true peace of mind1 which leads my heart into deep humility1 and inspires it with gratitude and thanksgiving to the great and blessed ,author of all our mercies4 ,we had a meeting at the ,branch1 and then proceeded to ,nine ,partners1 and attended the select quarterly meeting4 ,it was much like some other meetings of this kind1 hard and not very fruitful4 ,the members of those meetings are too generally falling more short of coming up faithfully1 according to their stations1 than most of the other departments of our society4 ,we attended the quarterly meeting for discipline1 also that at ,stanford1 and soon after turned our faces homeward2 where we arrived1 accompanied with the fresh feelings of that love that many waters cannot quench2 even that powerful love that is stronger than death1 and binds together in an indissoluble bond1 all the new-born children of the heavenly ,father4 ,may we all seek for it1 and dwell in it4 ,it will cast out all fear1 and clothe with that innocent boldness1 which will enable us to withstand all the dark powers of antichrist and his agents1 and all their deceivableness of unrighteousness2 and will raise above the fear of death1 with all his mis-shapen and ugly forms1 and clothe with the joys of ,god's salvation here and for ever1 as we continue steadfast in the faith that overcomes the world4 ,,chapter ,,xvii4 ,visit to ,baltimore to attend the yearly meeting in #ahbd4--,visit to the inhabitants of the eastern part of ,long ,island in #ahbe4--,visit to ,scipio quarterly meeting in #ahbe4--,visit to ,southern and ,concord quarterly meetings in ,pennsylvania in #ahbf4--,visit to the families of ,friends in ,jericho and ,westbury monthly meetings in #ahbg4--,visit to ,friends in some parts of ,new ,jersey1 ,pennsylvania and ,ohio in #ahbh4 ,in the summer of #ahbd1 ,i had the concurrence of my friends to attend the quarterly meeting of ,cornwall and ,stanford1 which ,i accomplished to my own peace and comfort4 ,and in the fall of the same year1 they also united with a concern which had impressed my mind1 to attend the ensuing yearly meeting in ,baltimore4 ,this engagement1 through the mercy of ,him who has hitherto helped me1 ,i was favoured to accomplish to the peace and satisfaction of my own mind4 ,the yearly meeting for discipline opened on second day1 and continued by adjournments until the following fifth day1 in the afternoon of which it closed1 under a comfortable evidence of divine favour attending4 ,i think it was1 in its several sittings1 one of the most satisfactory yearly meetings ,i ever attended1 and the business was conducted in much harmony and brotherly love4 ,in ,philadelphia1 on my return1 ,i had a severe attack of bodily indisposition2 so that1 for some time1 there seemed but little prospect of my recovery4 ,i lodged at the house of my very kind friend ,samuel ,r4 ,fisher1 who1 with his worthy children1 extended to me the most affectionate care and attention2 and ,i had also the kind sympathy of a large portion of ,friends in that city4 ,in the summer of #ahbe1 ,i obtained the concurrence of my friends to make a visit1 in gospel love1 to the inhabitants of the eastern part of ,long ,island1 and ,i proceeded therein1 with ,samuel ,willis as my companion4 ,the people appeared open to receive us1 and the meetings at the several places we visited1 were pretty fully attended4 ,many minds were humbled and contrited1 and truth's testimonies exalted1 and the people generally comforted1 and1 ,i trust1 edified4 ,in the fall of #ahbe1 being on an appointment of the yearly meeting to attend the opening of ,scipio quarterly meeting1 ,i obtained the unity of my friends to attend some meetings among ,friends and others1 on my way going and returning4 ,the quarterly meeting in its several sittings1 was conducted in much apparent harmony and condescension2 the truth was so effectually raised into dominion over all1 that if there were any discordant spirits present1 they were all kept down and subdued by the prevalence of its power2 and ,friends were united in the bond of brotherly affection1 and the faithful were made to rejoice for the unmerited favour4 ,the meeting closed on the #cjth of #ith month1 with a very large solemn public meeting2 the public service therein fell to the lot of ,thankful ,merritt and myself1 and ,thankful closed the meeting in sweet solemn supplication4 ,in returning home1 ,i attended several meetings which were large1 and1 through the condescending goodness of the ,shepherd of ,israel1 were favoured satisfactory seasons1 in which truth was raised into dominion1 and a precious solemnity prevailed4 ,in the latter part of #ahbf1 my friends united with a concern1 which had been for a considerable time impressive on my mind1 to make a visit in the love of the gospel1 to ,southern and ,concord quarterly meetings1 in the yearly meeting of ,philadelphia4 ,i accordingly set out in the #aath month1 with ,jesse ,merritt as my companion4 ,in passing through ,philadelphia1 we attended ,mulberry-street meeting in the forenoon1 and ,green-street in the afternoon4 ,they were both very large meetings1 many more coming together than the houses could contain4 ,truth was powerfully raised into dominion1 and at the close of each meeting1 many ,friends manifested1 in an affectionate manner1 their unity and satisfaction with my labours amongst them4 ,we then proceeded on the further service on which we had set out1 taking several meetings on the way1 which were large and solemn opportunities1 and favoured with the overshadowing wing of divine kindness2 and having accomplished the prospects in view1 we turned our faces homewards1 having thankfully to acknowledge that best help had been near1 enabling me to discharge myself faithfully in the various meetings1 to the comfort and peace of my own mind4 ,in the early part of #ahbg1 with the unity of my friends1 ,i entered into the engagement of making a religious visit to the families of ,friends within our own and ,westbury monthly meeting1 and ,i was favoured to go through this arduous service to the satisfaction and peace of my own mind4 ,having felt an exercise and travail of spirit in the course of last year1 to make a religious visit in the love of the gospel1 to ,friends and others in some parts of our own yearly meeting1 and in the compass of the yearly meetings of ,philadelphia1 ,baltimore1 ,ohio1 ,indiana1 and a few meetings in ,virginia2 and apprehending the time had come to move therein1 ,i spread the concern before my friends at ,jericho monthly meeting1 held the #bjth of #c;d month1 #ahbh1 and obtained their unity and concurrence therein4 ,this concern1 with the certificate from our monthly meeting1 ,i laid before our quarterly meeting held at ,westbury1 the #bdth of #dth month following2 and obtained their unity and concurrence1 with an endorsement thereof on my certificate from the monthly meeting4 ,i left home the #bhth of #dth month1 the week after our quarterly meeting1 in order to accomplish the service above alluded to2 and attended the three quarterly meetings of ,purchase1 ,nine ,partners1 and ,stanford1 as they came in their usual course4 ,on my way home1 ,i attended ,oblong monthly meeting1 also four particular meetings1 three of which were appointed at my request4 ,in all these meetings the ,lord1 our gracious helper1 manifested himself to be near for our support1 making way for us at times where there seemed to be no way1 to our humbling admiration4 ,i was from home in the prosecution of this little tour of duty1 two weeks and two days4 ,after this ,i tarried at and about home until after our yearly meeting4 ,soon after this ,i again left home1 on the #adth of #fth month1 and rode to ,new-,york4 ,the day following being the first of the week1 we attended the morning and afternoon meetings of ,friends in the city1 which1 through the gracious extendings of heavenly help1 proved to be comfortable edifying seasons4 ,my esteemed friend ,jesse ,merritt1 an elder of our monthly meeting1 accompanied me in this journey4 ,we left ,new-,york on second day1 after taking a sympathetic farewell of our friends in the city1 and proceeded on our journey to ,rahway in ,new ,jersey1 and lodged with our kind friend ,william ,shotwell1 and the next day had an appointed meeting in that village4 ,it was truly a comfortable edifying opportunity2 many truths of the gospel were clearly opened to the audience1 humbling and contriting many who were present2 a sense of which inspired our minds with gratitude and thanksgiving to the blessed ,author of all our mercies4 ,the next day being the fourth of the week1 we attended ,friends' monthly meeting held at ,plainfield1 for ,rahway and ,plainfield4 ,the meeting for worship was large1 many of the neighbouring people of other societies coming in1 to whom the gospel was freely preached in the demonstration of the spirit1 solemnizing the assembly1 and truth was raised into victory over all4 ,my mind was also comforted in the meeting for discipline1 in observing the harmony and brotherly condescension of ,friends1 in the orderly conducting the affairs of the ,church4 ,the next day we proceeded on our journey to ,kingwood1 and put up with our kind friend ,henry ,clifton4 ,we had an appointed meeting here the day after at the tenth hour1 and although the number of ,friends was small that constituted this meeting1 yet ,friends being careful to give their neighbours of other societies information thereof1 we had a very full meeting2 and it proved a very solemn impressive opportunity in which truth reigned1 comforting and contriting many minds4 ,after this we passed on to ,solebury in ,pennsylvania1 and lodged with our kind friend ,watson ,fell1 who met us at ,kingwood and kindly took us to his house4 ,the next day we had an appointed meeting here at the fourth hour in the afternoon4 ,it was a solemn opportunity1 and ,i parted with them under a thankful sense of the unmerited favour4 ,we then rode home with our kind friend ,moses ,eastburn2 and the next day being first day1 and the #bb;d of #fth month1 we attended ,buckingham meeting in the morning1 and had an appointed meeting at ,plumbstead at four o'clock in the afternoon4 ,after this we rode home with our worthy friend ,israel ,lancaster1 and on second day had a meeting at ,wrightstown2 on third day in the forenoon1 we attended ,newtown meeting2 and at the fourth hour in the afternoon had an appointed meeting at ,makefield4 ,these were all large favoured meetings1 in which the gospel was preached in the demonstration of the spirit1 and many hearts were humbled and contrited1 and a precious solemnity spread over the meetings1 comforting and rejoicing the honest-hearted1 and to the praise of ,him1 who is calling us to glory and virtue4 ,on fourth day1 the #beth1 we attended a meeting at the ,falls2 on fifth day were at ,middletown2 on sixth day at ,byberry2 and on seventh day at ,abington4 ,these meetings were all large and very solemn1 and the canopy of love1 in a very comforting manner1 was felt to spread over the assemblies2 and much kindness and friendly regard were manifested towards us1 not only by our friends1 but by the people in general of other societies1 who attended the meetings4 ,we attended ,horsham meeting in the morning1 on first day1 the #bith1 and had an appointed meeting at ,upper ,dublin at the fourth hour in the afternoon4 ,they were very large2 more attended than the houses could contain4 ,as the last meeting was assembling there came on a heavy shower of rain1 accompanied with an uncommon time of lightning1 and very heavy peals of thunder3 many flashes of the lightning appeared to strike down to the earth within a very small distance of the meeting-house1 which brought a great solemnity over the meeting1 and ,i was thankful in observing the stillness and quiet which prevailed generally among the people4 ,these meetings were very solemn seasons1 in which truth reigned1 and ,i parted with them in peace of mind1 and the fresh feelings of gospel love4 ,our kind friend ,joseph ,foulke met us at ,horsham2 and after the latter meeting conducted us to his house1 where we met a very cordial welcome1 and were favoured with the company and conversation of his ancient and very worthy father ,hugh ,foulke4 ,the two following days we attended meetings at ,north ,wales and ,plymouth4 ,these were large favoured meetings1 in which many truths of the gospel were largely opened to the edification1 comfort1 and apparent satisfaction1 of those large assemblies1 and to the peace of my own mind4 ,it was the ,lord's doing1 and to him belongs all the praise1 nothing due to man4 ,from thence we proceeded to ,charlestown1 and lodged with our kind friend ,james ,wood2 and the next day1 being the fourth day of the week1 we attended their meeting4 ,after this we rode to ,pikeland1 where we were very kindly entertained by our friends ,emmor ,kimber and wife1 and had an appointed meeting there the next day4 ,we tarried here until the next morning2 and then proceeded on to ,uwchlan1 where we had a meeting1 by previous appointment1 at the eleventh hour2 and although it was in the midst of their harvest1 and the care necessary for getting it in1 very urgent1 as many of their fields of grain appeared to be over-ripe1 yet to our own and our friends' admiration1 the meetings were unusually large1 frequently many more assembled than the houses could contain4 ,the people were generally very solid and quiet1 and very attentive to hear what was communicated2 and many minds were humbled and contrited1 and truth's testimonies exalted1 to the mutual comfort and encouragement of the honest-hearted1 and to the general satisfaction of the assembled multitudes2 and my mind was deeply humbled and made thankful for the continuance of those unmerited favours4 ,on seventh day1 the #eth of #gth month1 we attended a meeting at ,downing's ,town1 held in an orchard1 under the shade of the apple trees2 which was a large1 solemn1 satisfactory meeting4 ,a division having taken place in the ,society of ,friends1 and the meeting-house in this place being in possession of the party termed ,orthodox1 they refused to permit ,friends to occupy it on this occasion4 ,there were1 however1 more attended the meeting1 than could have got into the house1 if we had been permitted to use it4 ,the next day we attended ,friends' meeting at ,east ,caln2 and notice having been given of our intention of attending it1 the house1 although very large1 did not contain more than three quarters of the people that assembled4 ,it was a season to be remembered with gratitude1 in which the ,lord's presence was felt to preside1 humbling and contriting many hearts1 and truth was raised into victory over all4 ,on second day we attended a meeting1 by appointment1 at ,sadsbury2 and on third day their monthly meeting4 ,on fourth day we had an appointed meeting at ,lampeter4 ,these were all favoured opportunities1 wherein the ,lord's power was manifested for our help1 rejoicing and encouraging the honest-hearted1 and settling and confirming the wavering1 who were halting between two opinions1 but were now satisfied1 and openly declared themselves on the side of ,friends1 some of whom had previously gone with our opposers1 but were now convinced of the impropriety of their conduct1 and cheerfully united with ,friends4 ,after the latter meeting1 we dined with our friend ,thomas ,peart4 ,we then took leave of our friends in near unity1 and proceeded on our journey to ,columbia1 and lodged with our kind friend ,william ,wright1 who1 with his worthy and affectionate wife1 entertained us with great hospitality4 ,we had an appointed meeting at this place the next day4 ,the two following days we attended meetings at ,little ,york and ,newbury4 ,all of these were favoured opportunities1 in which truth was raised into dominion1 and many hearts were humbled and contrited1 and the faithful comforted and made to rejoice together in the unity of the one spirit1 ,christ1 the only sure foundation1 on which the true ,church has been built in all the varied ages of mankind1 from the beginning down to the present time2 and on which all future generations must build1 or their building must and will fall4 ,on first day1 the #acth of #gth month1 we attended ,friends' meeting at ,warrington1 and the two following days the meetings of ,huntington and ,menallen4 ,these were all favoured opportunities1 in which ability was vouchsafed1 by the blessed ,author of all our sure mercies1 to preach the gospel to the people in the simplicity1 plainness1 and demonstration of the spirit1 which brought a precious solemnity over the assemblies2 and ,i parted with them with the satisfactory evidence of having faithfully discharged myself among them1 feeling that true peace of mind1 which the world1 with all its fading enjoyments1 cannot give nor take away4 ,the next day1 the #afth1 we proceeded on our journey through the mountains to ,redstone1 about one hundred and sixty-one miles2 and arrived there on first day1 the #bjth1 about eight o'clock in the morning1 at the house of our kind friend ,jesse ,townsend4 ,we attended their meeting at the eleventh hour1 which was large and favoured4 ,we lodged with our aforesaid friend1 during the time we spent in this place4 ,on second day we rested4 ,on third and fourth days we attended meetings at ,providence and ,centre4 ,on fifth day we attended ,westland monthly meeting2 and the neighbourhood being informed of our coming1 there were more people assembled than the house could contain2 and ,i had a full opportunity to discharge myself among them in a large effective testimony1 which brought a precious solemnity over the meeting1 and many minds were humbled and contrited4 ,a ,friend from abroad attended this meeting1 and after ,i sat down he rose and made opposition1 which greatly disturbed the meeting4 ,on sixth day we attended an appointed meeting at ,pike ,run4 ,it was held in the side of a wood1 the meeting-house having been burnt4 ,there being but few ,friends in this place1 they met in a small private room3 this induced them to make seats out of doors1 as the house would not have held half the people that met4 ,it was an unusually favoured season4 ,in the silent part of the meeting1 the divine presence was felt to spread over the assembly1 producing such a sweet and precious solemnity1 as ,i scarcely ever before witnessed in the same fullness1 and which continued through the course of my communication4 ,surely it was the ,lord's doing1 and it was marvellous in our eyes4 ,after this meeting we dined with our kind friend ,john ,grave1 and then proceeded on our way about three miles towards ,brownsville1 and lodged with our friend ,isaac ,walker4 ,on seventh day night we lodged at the house of our friend ,solomon ,philips1 near ,brownsville2 and the next morning crossed the river ,monongahela into the town4 ,here we put up again with our kind friends ,jesse and ,edith ,townsend1 where we had the company of many ,friends1 and many of the inhabitants of the town not members of our society1 also came in to see us2 as the unfounded reports of those who style themselves ,orthodox1 having been generally spread over the country1 it created such a great excitement in the minds of the people at large1 that multitudes flocked to the meetings where we were1 to hear for themselves2 and many came to see us1 and acknowledged their satisfaction4 ,at this place we again fell in with the ,friend from abroad1 who attended the meeting with us2 he rose in the early part of the meeting1 and continued his communication so long1 that a number left the meeting1 by which it became very much unsettled3 however1 when he sat down ,i felt an opening to stand up2 and the people returned and crowded into the house1 and those that could not get in stood about the doors and windows1 and a precious solemnity soon spread over the meeting1 which has been the case in every meeting1 where our opposers did not make disturbance by their disorderly conduct4 ,the meeting closed in a quiet and orderly manner1 and ,i was very thankful for the favour4 ,on second day we rested and wrote to our friends4 ,on third day we attended their preparative meeting for ,ministers and ,elders1 and on fourth day their monthly meeting4 ,here the ,friend who had before made opposition opposed me publicly and personally in the meeting for worship2 but ,i nevertheless had a favoured opportunity1 to the general satisfaction of the meeting1 and to the peace of my own mind4 ,we attended ,westland meeting again on fifth day as it came in course4 ,it was pretty large1 many of the neighbouring inhabitants coming in4 ,we had a very favoured meeting2 ,friends were comforted together1 and the people went away satisfied2 and my mind was fully relieved1 and inspired with thankfulness and gratitude4 ,on sixth day we attended the quarterly meeting of ,ministers and ,elders held at ,westland1 where we met with but little opposition2 and the next day we attended the quarterly meeting of discipline4 ,i had good service in the meeting for worship1 which preceded that for discipline4 ,it was very large1 a great number of those not in membership with ,friends came in1 and behaved very orderly4 ,here we met with some opposition1 more particularly in the meeting for discipline from the ,friend above mentioned4 ,and ,friends were so disturbed with the conduct of this ,friend and his companion1 that they proposed that the ,elders and ,overseers should take an opportunity with them1 and see if they could not put a stop to such disorderly conduct2 accordingly they had an interview with them1 in which ,friends relieved their minds pretty fully2 but the few termed ,orthodox1 used their influence in their favour1 which greatly prevented their being benefited by the opportunity4 ,public notice was given at the close of the meeting on seventh day1 that my companion and myself intended to be at their meeting the next day4 ,a great number more assembled than the house could contain2 and although the ,friend above alluded to1 had so fully discovered that not only ,friends1 but the people generally1 had no unity with him1 yet soon after the meeting was settled1 he rose and stood a considerable time4 ,after he sat down1 ,i was favoured to clear myself among them in a large impressive testimony1 that soon brought a precious solemnity over the meeting2 and many hearts were broken and contrited1 and ,i took an affectionate farewell of the assembly in the fresh feelings of gospel love4 ,as ,i was about to close the meeting1 the same individual again rose1 and began to oppose what had been said by me2 this so offended the people1 ,friends and others1 that they rose up and went out in great numbers1 he at the same time begging them to stay2 but they refused and continued going out until he was discouraged and sat down4 ,soon after ,i closed the meeting1 feeling very sorry for the people to see them so imposed upon4 ,after this meeting we proceeded that afternoon about seven miles1 on our way to ,pittsburg4 ,on second day we rode to ,pittsburg1 and lodged with ,robert ,townsend2 who1 although not in membership with ,friends1 entertained us with much kindness and hospitality4 ,the day following at evening1 we had a large satisfactory meeting in their court-house1 ,friends having no meeting in that town4 ,on fourth day we proceeded on our journey1 crossing the ,alleghany river at ,pittsburg1 and arrived that evening at a village1 at the great falls of the river ,beaver4 ,the next day we had an appointed meeting there1 held in a field under some trees1 which made a comfortable shade1 the weather being very warm1 and ,friends meeting-house much too small to contain the people who assembled4 ,it was a very solemn opportunity1 in which truth was raised into victory over all1 and the people appeared thankful for the favour2 and ,i witnessed the consoling evidence of true peace1 in faithfully discharging my duty among them4 ,after this favoured meeting1 we went forward that afternoon towards ,salem1 in order to attend the quarterly meeting at that place1 which opened the next day at the eleventh hour1 with a meeting of ,ministers and ,elders4 ,friends met in a school-house which one of them had built on his own premises1 with which1 and a temporary shed that ,friends put up adjoining to it1 the meeting was pretty well accommodated4 ,they conducted the business of the quarterly meeting in much unity and concord1 and the ,lord's presence was evidently felt to cover the assembly4 ,the next day being first day1 and as notice was spread of our being there1 the meeting was very large4 ,it was judged by ,friends that upwards of two thousand people attended4 ,it was a highly favoured season1 in which ,i was enabled by ,him1 who when he opens none can shut1 and when he shuts none can open1 to declare the truth to the people in the demonstration of the spirit1 and with a power attending which brought a precious solemnity over the meeting1 and many hearts were humbled and contrited4 ,the next day we had a meeting by appointment at ,fairfield4 ,this was also a very large meeting1 many more assembled than the house could contain4 ,i had a favoured time among them1 and was made thankful for the opportunity1 and had cause to believe my labour was not in vain4 ,the day following we attended ,new ,garden quarterly meeting4 ,here ,friends had a trying time1 as those called ,orthodox1 although they were but a small part of the meeting1 had undertaken to disown a number of ,friends2 but ,friends did not acknowledge their authority1 nor consider their disownments of any effect1 and they all came together as usual in the quarterly meeting4 ,the ,orthodox strove hard to get ,friends to withdraw1 but they refused1 and proceeded with the business of the meeting1 which those called ,orthodox interrupted for a time2 but finding that ,friends would not give way1 they finally left the meeting1 and retired to a school-house1 and ,friends had a comfortable season together1 and conducted their business in much harmony and condescension1 and were evidently owned by the ,head of the ,church4 ,i appointed a meeting on fourth day for the public at large1 ,friends1 and others4 ,a large number assembled2 many more than the house could contain4 ,we had a precious meeting3 the ,lord's power prevailed in an eminent manner4 ,it was a season thankfully to be remembered1 and was truly an humbling time among the people4 ,after this we proceeded to ,new ,lisbon1 to attend a meeting there the next day1 which we had previously appointed4 ,it was held out of doors1 there being no house in the town sufficient to hold the people that ,friends apprehended would assemble4 ,being aware of this1 they erected a booth or shed1 by setting up posts1 on which they laid long poles1 and covered them with branches of trees to make a shade1 as the weather was very warm4 ,under this we had a very large favoured meeting1 to the general satisfaction of the people1 and peace of my own mind4 ,the two following days we attended meetings1 by appointment1 at ,springfield and ,goshen4 ,those called ,orthodox had possession of the meeting-houses at those places1 and refused to admit us2 but although they could shut us out of the meeting-houses1 yet they could not shut us out from the divine presence1 for this was felt eminently to preside in both these highly favoured meetings4 ,the next day1 being first day and #agth of #hth month1 we attended ,marlborough meeting4 ,it was very large1 notice having been previously given of our intention to be there1 so that hundreds assembled who could not get into the house4 ,i had an open opportunity among them1 to proclaim the everlasting gospel in the demonstration of the spirit1 to the comfort and satisfaction of this large assembly1 except those called ,orthodox1 who1 when ,i sat down1 made great opposition1 which greatly offended the people4 ,we then proceeded to ,canton1 a pretty large country town1 and attended a meeting at the fourth hour in the afternoon1 and notice was publicly given that we were to be there4 ,as there were no members of our society in the town1 the meeting was held in their court-house4 ,many of the respectable inhabitants attended1 and information being given to ,friends of ,kendal1 a small meeting about seven miles distant1 most of them attended1 and many other inhabitants of that place came also to the meeting4 ,we had a favoured opportunity with them1 and left them with peace4 ,after this we returned to ,new ,garden1 and put up with our kind friend ,nathan ,galbreath4 ,the next day being the fourth of the week1 we rode to ,salem1 and attended ,friends' monthly meeting1 in which ,i was led to stir up ,friends to faithfulness1 in support of our religious testimonies1 as the eyes of the people were upon us1 watching our movements in this time of trial1 ,friends separating from each other1 and setting up separate meetings1 which caused a great breach of unity and confusion in most of our meetings1 which a few years previous thereto had been united together in the bonds of ,christian fellowship2 but a few individuals who had gained some influence in society1 letting in the spirit of jealousy1 began to accuse some of their friends of promulgating unsound doctrines1 without any just cause for so doing1 by which they greatly disturbed the peace and quiet of society2 and being encouraged therein by several ,friends from ,england1 who as ministers1 had obtained liberty from their friends at home1 to come over on a visit to ,friends in this country1 they blew up the fire of discord1 until they brought about a division in our once peaceful society2 a small minority of which1 in many places1 separated themselves from the body1 and set up separate meetings1 assuming the names of the yearly1 quarterly1 and monthly meetings2 and these1 in their presumption1 have taken upon them to deal with and disown the great body of the society4 ,the next day we returned to ,new ,garden and attended ,friends' monthly meeting there2 and the neighbouring inhabitants being apprized of our return1 a great number came in1 and greatly enlarged the meeting2 and ,he that openeth1 and none can shut1 graciously condescended to open my mouth among them1 in a large effective testimony to the truths of the gospel2 and many hearts were humbled and contrited4 ,it appeared as a renewed visitation of the heavenly ,father's love to ,friends and others2 and it was a season gratefully to be remembered by all present2 for surely it was the ,lord's doing1 and marvellous in our eyes4 ,the day following we had an appointed meeting at ,sandy ,spring1 at the fourth hour in the afternoon4 ,the meeting was very large1 and favoured with the overshadowing wing of divine kindness2 and a precious solemnity pervaded the assembly1 and my mind was opened to declare the truth to them1 to the apparent satisfaction and comfort of the assembled multitude2 and ,i took leave of them with thankfulness and peace of mind4 ,we remained here until the next morning1 and then proceeded on our journey to ,richmond1 about thirty-five miles1 where we took up our lodging at an inn4 ,the next day being first day1 and #bdth of #hth month1 we had an appointed meeting in the town4 ,the inhabitants were mostly ,presbyterians and ,methodists4 ,it was held in their school-house1 a large convenient room4 ,the people came in freely1 and behaved with great propriety and order1 and appeared to go away satisfied2 and ,i felt true peace in having faithfully1 in gospel love1 discharged myself among them4 ,after this we proceeded about five miles on our way to ,smithfield1 and the next morning rode to that place2 but being somewhat unwell1 we rested there through the day1 and the next day had an appointed meeting there1 at the fourth hour in the afternoon4 ,those called ,orthodox1 shut the meeting-house against us2 but ,friends provided seats under the shade of trees1 in an adjacent wood1 where we had a very solemn1 favoured meeting1 in which the ,lord's power prevailed over all in an eminent degree1 and broke down all opposition1 and many hearts were broken and contrited2 and we parted with them under a grateful sense of the ,lord's mercy for the unmerited favour4 ,,chapter ,,xviii4 ,continuation of his visit to ,friends in some parts of ,ohio1 ,indiana1 ,maryland1 ,pennsylvania and ,new ,jersey in #ahbh4--;,decease of his wife in #ahbi4--,visit to ,friends in the yearly meeting of ,new-,york in #ahbi4--,letter to ,hugh ,judge in #ahcj4--;,his decease in #ahcj4--,memorial of the monthly meeting of ,jericho in #ahcj4 ,on the #bgth of #hth month1 #ahbh1 we proceeded on our journey to ,mount ,pleasant1 and attended on that day1 their meeting in the middle of the week2 it was large1 by the attendance of many of the inhabitants who were not members of our society1 and was1 in the forepart1 a solemn1 quiet meeting2 but the latter part of it was disturbed and its usefulness marred1 by a long1 tedious communication from a minister among those called ,orthodox1 who1 after ,i sat down1 publicly opposed and endeavoured to lay waste what ,i had said4 ,the next day we attended ,short ,creek meeting4 ,here also the meeting in the forepart1 was truly a solemn season1 in which ,i was favoured to open and declare many important truths of the gospel to the people1 which brought a precious solemnity over the assembly1 and many minds were contrited2 but an opposition from the same person who caused the disturbance the day before1 again took place1 much to the dissatisfaction of the principal part of those assembled4 ,the next day being the sixth of the week1 we attended an appointed meeting at ,harrisville4 ,here we met with no interruption4 ,this was a large crowded meeting1 and very solemn and quiet4 ,i had an open time among the people to declare many things1 both old and new2 setting forth the great declension of the professed ,christian ,churches1 from the simplicity and integrity of the primitive disciples2 and showing that it was all brought about by a departure from the only sure foundation of true and real ,christianity1 the light within1 or spirit of truth1 the immediate revelation of the spirit of ,god1 in the immortal souls of men and women2 the only and alone true teacher of the things of ,god under the gospel4 ,and as a departure from this only sure guide1 and turning back to the letter and external evidence1 and building up1 from these outward materials1 many diverse systems of religion1 in their own creaturely wisdom1 brought confusion and anarchy into the ,church1 which enveloped it in a state of midnight darkness and death1 as to the life and spirit of real ,christianity2 by which the worst of persecution1 and the most cruel and sanguinary wars were introduced among ,christians3 so nothing short of a full and entire return to this only sure foundation and first principle1 and placing an entire dependance thereon for our salvation1 can ever produce a real restoration from the apostate state in which ,christendom is at present involved4 ,i was also led to lay before the people the inconsistency and hurtful tendency of ,bible and ,missionary societies2 as believing them all to be set up and associated together in the will and wisdom of man1 which never did1 nor ever can1 produce the righteousness of ,god1 but tend to lead the mind down to a state of darkness and death1 as a dependance on the letter and external evidence ever has1 and ever will kill1 as to the real spiritual life1 agreeably to ,paul's doctrine3 8,the letter killeth1 but the spirit giveth life40 ,the next day we had an appointed meeting at ,westgrove4 ,the day following being the first of the week1 and #cast of #hth month1 we attended ,concord meeting2 and the three following days attended meetings at ,st4 ,clairsville1 ,plainfield1 and ,wrightstown4 ,these were all large satisfactory meetings1 in which the gospel was preached to the people1 and by the power attending1 many hearts were broken and contrited2 and a precious sense of the divine presence was felt to preside1 to the comfort and encouragement of the honest-hearted2 a sense of which inspired my mind with thanksgiving and gratitude1 to the blessed ,author of all our sure mercies4 ,on fifth day1 the #dth of #ith month1 we had an appointed meeting at a place called ,stillwater4 ,it was a very large comfortable meeting1 and ,i had a full opportunity in an effective testimony1 to ease my exercised mind among them1 to the comfort and apparent satisfaction of the people1 both ,friends and others4 ,the next day we rode back to ,mount ,pleasant1 and the day following being the seventh day of the week1 and #fth of #ith month1 the yearly meeting opened with a meeting of ,ministers and ,elders4 ,when the time came for meeting1 ,friends gathered to the gate which led into the yard where the meeting-house stood1 and found it guarded by a number of men of the opposing party1 who refused to let us in2 and ,friends had to hold their meeting in the open air1 outside of the yard2 but after the first sitting1 adjourned to a school-house near by1 and afterwards held the remaining sittings in a private room1 in ,israel ,french's house4 ,the next day and first of the week1 we attended ,mount ,pleasant meeting in the morning1 and that held at ,short ,creek in the afternoon4 ,in the morning meeting ,elisha ,bates and ,anna ,braithwaite made great opposition1 endeavouring by long and tedious communications to lay waste what ,i had previously communicated1 which very much disturbed many present4 ,but the afternoon meeting was not interrupted1 as none of those opposers attended4 ,on second day morning1 the yearly meeting for discipline opened at the tenth hour4 ,not being present at this sitting1 ,i was informed that great confusion and disorder took place2 both ,friends and those called ,orthodox wished to retain possession of the meeting-house1 and both parties went on with their business with separate clerks1 for some little time1 when the ,orthodox adjourned their meeting to ten o'clock the next day1 and left the house in the possession of ,friends1 who then proceeded quietly on with the business of the meeting until some time in the afternoon1 and then adjourned to nine o'clock the next day2 when they again met1 and near the tenth hour a deputation from our opposing ,friends came and demanded the use of the house1 in the name of the yearly meeting of ,ohio4 ,friends informed them that the yearly meeting was now sitting1 and the doors were open1 and they might come in2 and after some further requisition for ,friends to withdraw1 and give them the entire use of the house1 which ,friends could not think right to do1 as being entirely unreasonable1 they then went away and did not give ,friends any more interruption in that way4 ,but they had recourse to the law and prosecuted a number of ,friends1 some in an action for a pretended trespass1 for going into their own meeting-house1 and some as rioters2 and compelled them to leave their meeting and go before the magistrates1 to answer for crimes they1 without a just cause1 had accused them of having committed4 ,and a considerable number1 it was said about thirty of their own principal members1 such as ,ministers and ,elders1 and other active members1 left the sittings of their yearly meeting1 and went to a town twenty miles distant1 where they had compelled a number of ,friends to attend1 to be tried by the court then sitting1 and were two days absent from the sittings of their meeting4 ,after this they interrupted ,friends no further1 and ,friends quietly proceeded with their business1 and closed on sixth day4 ,we proceeded on our journey next day to ,flushing1 and the day after being the first of the week1 we attended ,friends' meeting there2 and as notice had been given of our intention to be there1 the meeting was very large1 more than the house could contain4 ,at this meeting those styled ,orthodox made great opposition2 for as soon as ,i came near the meeting-house several of them met me1 and desired ,i would not interrupt the meeting3 and soon after the meeting was gathered1 before it became fully settled1 ,charles ,osborn1 an ,orthodox minister1 kneeled in supplication and continued on his knees1 ,i believe1 more than an hour4 ,it was truly a distressing scene1 and it greatly disturbed the meeting2 and very soon after he took his seat1 he rose and began to preach1 and continued for more than an hour4 ,however1 when he sat down1 although the meeting was much wearied with his long and tedious communications1 ,i felt the necessity of standing up and addressing the people1 which brought a precious solemnity over the meeting2 but as soon as ,i sat down1 he rose again to contradict1 and tried to lay waste my communication1 by asserting that ,i had not the unity of my friends at home2 which being untrue1 ,i therefore informed the meeting that ,i had certificates with me to prove the incorrectness of his assertions1 which ,i then produced1 but he and his party would not stay to hear them1 but in a disorderly manner arose and left the meeting2 but the people generally stayed and heard them read1 to their general satisfaction4 ,the next day we went to ,cambridge1 about thirty-seven miles2 and the day following rode to ,zanesville1 twenty-four miles1 and had an appointed meeting there in the evening1 held in their court-house1 a large room1 but not sufficient to contain all the people who assembled4 ,it was a very solemn instructive opportunity1 and ,i parted with them under a thankful sense of the favour1 and with peace of mind4 ,the two following days we rode to ,wilmington1 and put up with our friend ,warren ,sabin1 where we lodged the two next nights4 ,on seventh day the #bjth of #ith month1 we rode to ,centre1 and attended ,friends' monthly meeting1 composed of the preparative meetings of ,centre and ,wilmington4 ,it was the first monthly meeting they had held since the separation2 and notice being given of our attendance1 the meeting for worship was very large1 more than the house could contain2 and the ,lord1 our never-failing helper manifested his presence1 solemnizing the assembly and opening the minds of the people to receive the word preached2 breaking down all opposition1 and humbling and contriting the assembly in a very general manner2 and we parted from each other with grateful hearts1 from an humbling sense of the unmerited favour4 ,we returned that evening to ,wilmington1 and the next day attended ,friends' meeting in that town2 and as their meeting-house was small1 ,friends procured the court-house in that place to hold the meeting in4 ,the meeting was very large1 and we had a very favoured opportunity to declare the truth among them1 to their general satisfaction2 and the honest-hearted were comforted and edified1 and ,friends were made to rejoice for the unmerited favour4 ,at the fourth hour in the afternoon1 we had an appointed meeting at a place called ,lital's ,creek1 a short distance from ,wilmington4 ,here we had a favoured opportunity with the people1 greatly to their satisfaction4 ,the next day being the second of the week1 and #bb;d of the month1 we proceeded on to ,springfield4 ,here those called ,orthodox shut the meeting-house and set guards at the doors to keep us out1 and we held our meeting under some trees near by4 ,it was a precious season1 wherein the ,lord's power and love were exalted over all opposition1 and many minds were humbled and contrited2 and thanksgiving and praise were ascribed to ,his great and adorable name1 who is over all1 blessed for ever4 ,we had a favoured meeting the day after1 at a place called the ,grove4 ,friends' meeting-house there being small1 we had to hold the meeting out of doors to accommodate the people4 ,it was a very satisfactory opportunity4 ,the following day we had an appointed meeting at ,lebanon1 a pretty large country town1 where there were no members of our society1 but many sober people4 ,it was held in the court-house1 but it was not sufficient to contain the people2 about one third of those who assembled had to stand out of doors4 ,it was an instructive opportunity2 many gospel truths were opened to the people1 and they appeared to go away well satisfied2 and ,i parted from them with true peace of mind4 ,on seventh day1 the #bgth of the month1 we attended the opening of ,indiana yearly meeting1 with the first sitting of the meeting of ,ministers and ,elders2 and although small1 it was a favoured encouraging opportunity to the few who assembled4 ,the next day1 being first day1 a large concourse assembled with ,friends4 ,a great number had to stand without1 although the house was very large4 ,and he that openeth and none can shut1 and when he shutteth none can open1 opened my mouth among them in a large effective testimony to the truths of the gospel2 in which1 through adorable condescension1 ,i was enabled to bring forth1 out of the ,lord's treasury1 things new and old2 and truth was raised into dominion over all1 to the comfort and rejoicing of the honest-hearted1 and to the apparent satisfaction and edification of the people in general4 ,surely it was the ,lord's doing1 and it was marvellous in our eyes4 ,the next day the meeting for discipline opened1 and continued by adjournments until sixth day evening2 and ,friends were favoured1 through the several sittings1 to conduct the business in much harmony and brotherly condescension4 ,the day after1 we proceeded on our journey towards ,richmond1 in ,indiana2 attending meetings on our way1 at ,springborough1 ,elk1 ,westfield1 and ,eaton4 ,all these were seasons of favour1 the ,lord graciously manifesting his presence for our help4 ,blessed be his great and excellent name1 for his mercy endureth for ever4 ,from ,eaton we rode home with our kind friends ,john and ,elizabeth ,barnes1 and lodged4 ,the next day1 being the fourth of the week1 and #hth of #ajth month1 we rode to ,richmond1 where those called ,orthodox were holding their yearly meeting2 and as this day was the time for holding a meeting for worship1 notice was given of our intention of being there4 ,it was very large1 and proved1 through adorable condescension1 a solemn heart-tendering season1 in which truth reigned over all4 ,the three following days we attended meetings by our appointment1 at ,centreville1 ,west ,union and ,milford4 ,after this we returned again to ,richmond1 in order1 agreeably to appointment1 to attend their first day meeting4 ,it was large like the former2 a multitude of people assembled2 and was a precious meeting1 in which truth was triumphant1 and ran as oil over the assembly1 breaking down all opposition1 and melting a great portion of the assembly into tears of contrition4 ,surely it was the ,lord's doing1 and marvellous in our eyes2 and to him belongeth all the praise1 who is over all1 blessed for ever4 ,we parted from them with solid satisfaction1 and peace of mind2 and after dinner took a solemn and very affectionate leave of our friends1 and rode on our journey about four miles1 and spent the evening at the house of our esteemed friend ,benjamin ,stokes4 ,we returned and lodged with our kind friend ,john ,barnes2 and the following day attended a meeting1 by our appointment1 at a place called the ,ridge2 it was a comfortable opportunity4 ,the next day we attended a meeting at ,orange4 ,here those called ,orthodox made great disturbance1 and hurt the meeting very considerably4 ,the day after1 we had a meeting at a place called ,silver ,creek4 ,this was a precious meeting1 in which truth reigned over all4 ,we then proceeded on our journey towards ,cincinnati1 and arrived there on seventh day1 the #ahth of #ajth month4 ,the next day being first day1 we attended ,friends' meeting at that place1 at the usual time1 which was very large1 many more attending than the house could contain3 and at three o'clock in the afternoon1 we appointed a meeting to be held in the court-house4 ,both these meetings were highly favoured seasons1 in which truth was raised into dominion over all opposition1 to the praise of ,him1 who is calling us to glory and to virtue4 ,on second day morning we proceeded on our journey1 towards home2 and attending meetings in our way1 in the course of the week1 at ,salt ,creek1 ,salem1 alias ,rochester1 ,newberry1 and ,clear ,creek4 ,all these meetings were composed of people of varied professions1 to whom the gospel was preached in the demonstration of the spirit1 attended with a power which silenced all opposition1 humbling and contriting many hearts1 without respect of persons or sects2 and ,friends were comforted together1 and made to rejoice for the unmerited favour2 and we parted from them under a thankful sense of the ,lord's mercy1 and with peace of mind4 ,the next day being first day1 and #bfth of #ajth month1 we attended ,fairfield meeting2 and notice being given of our intention of attending it1 the meeting was very large4 ,here those called ,orthodox made public opposition in the early part of the meeting2 one of them informing the assembly that ,i was travelling without having the unity of my ,friends1 and other incorrect declarations1 which ,i passed over without notice at the time4 ,the meeting was soon gathered into a solemn quiet1 and ,i had a favoured opportunity to declare the truth among them1 which was raised into dominion1 and many hearts were humbled and contrited4 ,before1 however1 ,i had concluded my communication1 those called ,orthodox1 to manifest further disunity1 rose and left the meeting2 but ,friends and others kept their seats1 and we had a very solemn close1 and great brokenness and contrition were manifest among the people2 and to do away the false reports spread by the ,orthodox1 ,i had my certificates read1 which gave full satisfaction to the assembly2 and we took an affectionate farewell of our friends and others present4 ,we then proceeded on our journey to ,wheeling in ,virginia1 a town situated on the east side of ,ohio river4 ,we arrived here on sixth day1 the #cast1 a little before noon1 and had an appointed meeting in the evening4 ,as ,friends have no meeting-house in this place1 it was held in the ,methodist meeting-house1 which they kindly offered of their own accord4 ,it was a pretty large collection of people1 mostly made up of other societies1 the number of ,friends there being very small1 insomuch that they have no steady meeting in the place4 ,it was a comfortable1 favoured opportunity4 ,we left them with peace of mind1 and proceeded on our journey to ,westland1 in the limits of ,redstone quarterly meeting1 where we arrived on first day1 the #b;d of #aath month1 in time to attend their meeting4 ,it was a very solemn edifying opportunity1 in which the power of truth was exalted over all opposition4 ,after this we proceeded on to ,redstone1 about seven miles1 crossing the ,monongahela river in the way2 and the next day had an appointed meeting in that town1 at two o'clock in the afternoon4 ,the day after we passed on towards ,waterford1 alias ,fairfax1 in ,virginia1 where we arrived on first day the #ith of #aath month1 and attended their meeting at the usual hour4 ,at two o'clock in the afternoon1 we had an appointed meeting for the inhabitants of the town in general2 and the two following days attended meetings1 by appointment1 at ,goose ,creek and ,southwest ,fork4 ,these were all large favoured meetings1 particularly the two last1 wherein ,i was led to expose the great evil of oppression1 especially that enormous sin of holding our fellow creatures in slavery4 ,although in my communication ,i was led to lay judgment to the line1 and justice to the plumb line2 yet the slave-holders1 divers of whom were present1 were so brought down and humbled with the force and correctness of the testimony1 that they frankly acknowledged the truth and propriety of it2 and we parted from them with true peace of mind1 and the honest-hearted were made to rejoice for the favour dispensed from the hand of the gracious ,benefactor of every blessing4 ,the next day we rode to ,alexandria1 forty-three miles1 and lodged with our kind friend ,phineas ,janney1 and the day after attended their meeting as it came in course1 and in the evening had another meeting for the inhabitants of the town in general4 ,these were opportunities of favour3 many truths of the gospel were set forth before the people1 in the demonstration of the spirit1 which brought a solemnity over the assembly1 to the comfort and edification of the upright in heart4 ,the next day we rode to ,washington1 and attended a meeting there in the evening4 ,this was rather a trying season in the forepart1 but1 ,i trust1 it ended well4 ,we then proceeded to ,sandy ,spring1 in ,maryland1 and on first day1 the #afth of #aath month1 attended ,friends' meeting there2 and notice being given of our expectation of attending it1 the meeting was large2 and through condescending goodness1 it proved to be a very favoured instructive season1 and ,i parted with them with a thankful heart1 and true peace of mind4 ,the next day we proceeded on our journey to ,elk ,ridge1 and lodged with our kind friend ,george ,ellicot2 and the day following being third day1 we had1 by appointment1 a very comfortable1 favoured meeting with ,friends3 many of the neighbouring inhabitants likewise attended1 and appeared well satisfied with the opportunity4 ,many minds were humbled and contrited1 and a precious solemnity prevailed over the meeting4 ,after this meeting we dined at our lodgings1 and that afternoon proceeded in company with our kind friend ,john ,marsh1 who met us at this meeting1 six miles on our way to ,baltimore1 and lodged at his house4 ,in the morning we rode into the city1 and on that and the following day attended ,friends' meetings held in the middle of the week1 at the upper and lower houses2 and not feeling fully clear1 on sixth day evening1 we had an appointed meeting for the inhabitants of the town in general1 at the upper house4 ,this was a very large meeting1 made up of almost every class of the people1 among whom1 as to religious profession1 were ,romanists1 ,episcopalians1 ,presbyterians1 ,baptists1 ,methodists1 ,unitarians1 and others of divers descriptions1 and some slave-holders4 ,these meetings were seasons of favour1 particularly the last1 in which truth in a very extraordinary manner was raised into victory over all1 bowing and breaking down all under its baptizing influence1 so that it appeared as though the whole assembly were baptized into one body2 and when the meeting closed1 all seemed desirous to take me by the hand4 ,surely it was the ,lord's doing1 and marvellous in mine eyes2 and ,i parted with them with gratitude and thankfulness of heart4 ,the day following we rode to ,gunpowder ,falls2 and the next day being first day1 and #bc;d of the #aath month1 we attended ,friends' meeting there2 and information being given of our intention of attending it1 the meeting was large1 and through the condescending goodness of ,israel's unslumbering ,shepherd1 whose mercy is over all his works1 it proved a precious favoured opportunity1 in which many hearts were humbled and contrited1 and truth was raised into dominion4 ,the day following we went to the ,little ,falls1 and on third day1 the #beth1 attended ,friends' meeting in that place1 and the day after attended ,deer ,creek meeting4 ,these were very large favoured opportunities4 ,after this we proceeded on our journey1 crossing the river ,susquehannah on our way to ,little ,britain2 and on the three following days we attended meetings at ,little ,britain1 ,west and ,east ,nottingham4 ,these were seasons to be remembered1 in which the ,lord's power was eminently manifested by its solemnizing influence4 ,surely it was the ,lord's doing4 ,on second day1 the #ast of #abth month1 we proceeded to ,west ,grove1 in ,chester county4 ,here our opposing brethren shut the meeting-house against us1 and the care-taker of it refused to open it4 ,however1 when the people assembled1 which they did in great numbers1 many more than the house could contain1 it was opened2 and we had a very favoured1 solemn opportunity with them1 in which truth reigned over all4 ,the three following days we attended the monthly meetings of ,london ,grove1 ,new ,garden1 and ,fallowfield1 as they came in their usual course2 and notice being given1 of our attending them1 to the neighbouring inhabitants1 great numbers of the varied classes of the people assembled with ,friends2 insomuch that none of the houses were large enough to contain the multitude1 and in some instances there were nearly as many standing without as the houses contained4 ,these were all highly favoured seasons1 the ,lord's power evidently presiding over these large assemblies1 solemnizing and humbling with its overshadowing influence1 and causing a profound silence to prevail over all1 to the praise of him who is over all1 ,god blessed for ever4 ,on the two following days we attended meetings at ,marlborough and ,west ,chester4 ,the first was by our appointment1 the latter on first day4 ,these meetings were like the former2 great numbers attended more than the houses could contain3 nevertheless1 order and stillness prevailed in a remarkable manner in and without the houses1 in every place1 to the comfort and rejoicing of ,friends1 and to the instruction and edification1 ,i trust1 of the assembled multitudes4 ,we took leave of them under an humbling sense of the unmerited favour1 and with true peace of mind4 ,on second day1 the #hth of the month1 we attended ,kennet meeting1 and on third and fourth days we had meetings at ,kennet ,square and ,centre4 ,these were all crowded meetings1 and in them all the divine presence was felt to preside1 solemnizing the assemblies1 and comforting and rejoicing the honest-hearted4 ,on fifth and sixth days we attended meetings at ,hockesson and ,stanton4 ,both were crowded1 solemn meetings1 and1 ,i trust1 instructive and profitable to many who were present4 ,after the latter1 we rode that afternoon to ,wilmington1 and rested on seventh day with our friend ,william ,poole1 who was in a weak state from bodily indisposition1 but was so far recovered as to walk about4 ,on first day1 the #adth1 we attended ,friends' meetings in ,wilmington1 both forenoon and afternoon4 ,they were both very large4 ,in the forenoon meeting ,i had good service1 but in the afternoon ,i was mostly silent1 as the people appeared to be too much hungering for words1 and too indifferent and careless in putting in practice what they had already heard and knew to be their duty4 ,hence ,i was led to set them an example of silence4 ,we left ,wilmington on second day morning1 and proceeded to ,concord1 and attended a meeting there by previous appointment4 ,the four following days we attended meetings at ,middletown1 ,providence1 ,chester1 and ,darby4 ,these were all very large favoured opportunities1 in which the ,lord's power was felt to preside1 causing a precious solemnity to spread over the assemblies1 and humbling and contriting many minds4 ,to the ,lord be the praise and glory of his own work2 nothing due to man4 ,leaving ,darby1 we proceeded on to ,philadelphia2 and on first day1 the #bast of #abth month1 we attended ,friends' meetings in the city1 that at ,cherry-street in the morning1 and at ,green-street in the afternoon4 ,at both these meetings hundreds more assembled than the houses could contain4 ,on second day we left the city1 and attended meetings1 in the course of the week1 at ,haverford1 ,radnor1 ,newtown1 ,willistown1 and the ,valley4 ,all these meetings were unusually large2 the houses were generally too small to contain the people2 many had to stand out of doors for want of room2 nevertheless1 the people behaved orderly1 and the ,lord's presence was felt to preside1 solemnizing those crowded assemblies1 in all of which my mind was opened1 and ability afforded1 to preach the gospel to the people in the demonstration of the spirit and with power1 and many hearts were broken and contrited1 and went away rejoicing1 under a thankful sense of the unmerited favour4 ,after this we returned to the city1 and on first day1 the #bhth of the month1 we again attended ,friends' meetings there1 in the same order as before4 ,on second day we attended ,frankfort meeting by appointment4 ,these were all large favoured meetings2 many had to leave those in the city for want of room4 ,my opposing brethren had1 by their public opposition and erroneous reports1 created such excitement in the minds of the people generally of every profession1 that it induced multitudes to assemble to hear for themselves2 and they generally went away satisfied and comforted4 ,on third day we took leave of our friends in ,philadelphia1 and passed over into ,new ,jersey2 and the four following days attended meetings at ,mullica ,hill1 ,piles ,grove1 ,salem1 and ,woodbury4 ,these were very large favoured meetings2 and ,i felt true peace of mind as a rich reward for my labour and exercise among them4 ,we attended ,haddonfield meeting on first day1 the #dth of #ast month1 #ahbi4 ,here ,friends1 and those who styled themselves ,orthodox1 met together in the same house4 ,as notice was given of my attendance1 the people assembled in great numbers2 and as soon as the meeting was fully gathered1 a precious solemnity was felt to spread over the assembly2 and the ,lord1 our gracious helper1 was near for our support and strength1 and the truth was raised triumphantly over all opposition4 ,the four following days we attended meetings at ,moore's ,town1 ,evesham1 ,cropwell1 ,mount ,holly1 and ,upper ,evesham4 ,these were very large meetings1 in which the ,lord our gracious helper made bare his arm for our support1 enabling to hand forth out of the treasury things new and old1 to the comfort and edification of the honest-hearted1 and solid peace of my own mind2 to ,him be all the praise1 nothing due to man4 ,on first day the #aath1 we attended ,friends' meeting at ,rancocas4 ,this was said to be the largest meeting ever known in that place2 in which the ,lord's presence was felt to preside1 humbling and contriting many minds1 and baptizing the whole assembly into a very precious solemnity2 and causing the upright in heart to rejoice1 under a thankful sense of the unmerited favour4 ,in the course of this week we attended meetings at ,old ,springfield on second day1 ,mansfield on third day1 ,upper ,springfield on fourth day1 ,arney's ,town on fifth day1 ,crosswicks1 alias ,chesterfield on sixth day1 ,bordentown on seventh day1 and ,trenton on first day4 ,all these were favoured opportunities1 and in them all1 although under considerable indisposition of body1 ,i was favoured with strength1 and way opened to labour in the ,lord's cause in which ,i was engaged1 and which produced that true peace of mind1 that the world with all its perishing enjoyments cannot give1 nor all its frowns and opposition take away4 ,on second day we proceeded on our journey towards ,new-,york1 being desirous of reaching our quarterly meeting to be held there on the following fifth day4 ,we arrived in the city on third day afternoon1 where ,i met my beloved wife and daughter ,elizabeth1 and several other branches of my family1 and a number more of my near and intimate friends4 ,it was truly a season of mutual rejoicing1 and my spirit was deeply humbled under a thankful sense of the ,lord's preserving power and adorable mercy1 in carrying me through and over all opposition1 both within and without4 ,he caused all to work together for good1 and the promotion of his own glorious cause of truth and righteousness in the earth1 and landed me safe in the bosom of my dear family and friends at home1 and clothed my spirit with the reward of sweet peace for all my labour and travail4 ,praises1 everlasting high praises1 be ascribed unto our ,god1 for his mercy endureth for ever4 ,on seventh day1 after the quarterly meeting we returned home1 having been out on this journey seven months and ten days1 and travelled nearly twenty-four hundred miles4 ,soon after my return from the aforesaid journey1 ,i had to experience a very severe trial and affliction in the removal of my dearly beloved wife4 ,she was taken down with a cold1 and although1 for a number of days1 we had no anticipation of danger from her complaint1 yet about five days after she was taken1 the disorder appeared to settle on her lungs1 and it brought on an inflammation which terminated in a dissolution of her precious life1 on the ninth day from the time she was taken ill4 ,she had but little bodily pain1 yet as she became weaker1 she suffered from shortness of breathing2 but before her close1 she became perfectly tranquil and easy1 and passed away like a lamb1 as though entering into a sweet sleep1 without sigh or groan1 or the least bodily pain1 on the #agth of #c;d month1 #ahbi3 ,and her precious spirit1 ,i trust and believe1 has landed safely on the angelic shore1 8where the wicked cease from troubling1 and the weary are at rest40 ,to myself1 to whom she was a truly affectionate wife1 and to our children1 whom she endeavoured1 by precept and example1 to train up in the paths of virtue1 and to guard and keep out of harm's way1 her removal is a great and irreparable loss3 and nothing is left to us in that behalf1 but a confident belief1 and an unshaken hope1 that our great loss is her still greater gain2 and although the loss and trial as to all my external blessings1 are the greatest ,i have ever met with1 or ever expect to have to endure1 yet ,i have a hope1 that1 though separated1 ,i may be preserved from mourning or complaining2 and that ,i may continually keep in view the unmerited favour dispensed to us1 by being preserved together fifty-eight years in one unbroken bond of endeared affection1 which seemed if possible to increase with time to the last moment of her life2 and which neither time nor distance can lessen or dissolve2 but in the spiritual relation ,i trust it will endure for ever1 where all the ,lord's redeemed children are one in him1 who is ,god over all1 in all1 and through all1 blessed for ever4 ,she was buried on the #aith1 and on this solemn occasion1 the ,lord1 who is strength in weakness1 enabled me to bear a public1 and ,i trust a profitable testimony1 to the virtues and excellences of her long and consistent life4 ,on the #bdth of #fth month1 #ahbi1 ,i again left home with ,cornwell ,willis for my companion1 to complete the visit to ,friends and others in the compass of our yearly meeting1 agreeably to a certificate ,i received from our monthly and quarterly meetings1 expressive of their unity with me therein4 ,this certificate ,i received in the spring of the year #ahbh1 expressive of my concern to pay a religious visit to ,friends and others1 in parts of the yearly meetings of ,philadelphia1 ,baltimore1 ,virginia1 ,ohio1 ,indiana1 and ,new-,york4 ,i accomplished my visit to the first four last season2 that is1 ,i visited parts of them1 but found my mind released without going into the yearly meeting of ,virginia4 ,since ,i left home1 we have attended meetings at ,flushing1 ,newtown1 ,brooklyn1 and two at ,new-,york last first day4 ,these were favoured comforting opportunities1 affording encouragement to persevere in the path of duty4 ,we left ,new-,york on second day the #bith1 after taking an affectionate farewell of our friends there1 and proceeded to ,west ,chester1 and attended a meeting at that place at the eleventh hour2 and on the two following days1 attended meetings at ,mamaroneck and ,purchase4 ,on fifth day we attended ,friends' meeting at ,middlesex2 and on sixth and seventh days1 had meetings appointed for us at a place called the ,saw ,pits1 and at ,friends' meeting-house at ,north ,castle4 ,all these meetings were seasons of favour1 in which the divine presence was felt to preside1 solemnizing the assemblies1 and affording ability to minister to the people in gospel authority1 and tendering and contriting many hearts4 ,to the ,lord be all the praise1 nothing due to man4 ,on first day1 the #eth of #gth month1 we attended ,shapaqua meeting in the morning1 and had an appointed meeting at ,croton ,valley1 at the fourth hour in the afternoon4 ,the three following days we attended meetings by appointment at ,amawalk1 ,salem1 and at the ,valley1 called ,haviland's ,hollow4 ,these were all unusually large meetings1 in which truth reigned over all1 to the praise of ,his great name1 who giveth us the victory4 ,from the latter meeting we proceeded to ,oblong1 and put up with our kind friend ,daniel ,merritt1 and the next day attended their meeting4 ,the two following days we had meetings by our appointment at the ,branch1 and ,poughquague2 and on first day attended ,nine ,partners meeting4 ,those four meetings were unusually large1 and very solemn opportunities2 in which truth's testimony went forth freely1 tendering and contriting many hearts1 and rejoicing the faithful travellers ,zion-ward4 ,the two following days1 we had meetings at ,chestnut ,ridge and ,oswego4 ,these were likewise large satisfactory meetings4 ,we then proceeded by the way of ,poughkeepsie1 to ,marlborough1 in order to attend ,cornwall quarterly meeting1 held at ,marlborough at this time4 ,it opened on fourth day1 the #aeth of #gth month1 with a meeting of ,ministers and ,elders4 ,the next day the meeting for discipline was held4 ,both were very favoured seasons4 ,as ,i did not feel easy to leave the place without having a public opportunity with the people at large in that neighbourhood1 a meeting was appointed the next day4 ,this was likewise a large favoured opportunity4 ,the following day being seventh day1 we returned to ,poughkeepsie1 in order to attend ,friends' meeting on first day2 and having also appointed a meeting to be held there1 at the fifth hour in the afternoon1 for the inhabitants of the town at large4 ,these meetings were largely attended1 in which the power of truth was exalted over all4 ,the four following days we attended meetings at ,west ,branch1 ,pleasant ,valley1 ,creek1 and ,crum-elbow4 ,although it was in the midst of harvest1 such was the excitement produced amongst the people by the opposition made by those of our members who had gone off from us1 and set up separate meetings1 that the people at large of other societies flocked to those meetings in such numbers1 that our meeting-houses were seldom large enough to contain the assembled multitude2 and we had abundant cause for thanksgiving and gratitude to the blessed ,author of all our mercies1 in condescending to manifest his holy presence1 and causing it so to preside as to produce a general solemnity1 tendering and contriting many minds1 and comforting and rejoicing the upright in heart4 ,after the last mentioned meeting we proceeded on our journey1 attending meetings at ,stanford1 ,milan1 and on first day the #bfth of #gth month1 the forenoon and afternoon meetings at ,hudson4 ,on second day we rested1 on third day attended a meeting at ,athens1 on fourth day at ,ghent1 on fifth day at ,chatham1 on sixth day at ,nassau1 and on seventh day evening we had a large meeting in ,albany1 held in their state-house1 generally composed of people of other professions and inhabitants of the town1 who behaved themselves very soberly1 becoming the occasion4 ,it was a solemn1 and1 ,i trust1 a profitable opportunity1 in which truth was raised into dominion2 and which in like manner was witnessed in all the foregoing meetings1 the people coming together very freely and in great numbers1 and a general solemnity prevailed over the assemblies from meeting to meeting4 ,surely it was the ,lord's doing1 and it was marvellous in our eyes2 witnessing that he had not left himself without an evidence of the truth in each mind1 by which their understandings were opened to receive1 and many of them to bear testimony to the doctrines delivered in those large solemn meetings4 ,from ,albany we proceeded on first day morning1 the #b;d of #hth month1 to ,troy1 and attended their forenoon and afternoon meetings4 ,these were very large meetings4 ,the first was held in ,friends' meeting-house1 but great numbers collected more than the house could contain3 this induced ,friends to accept the offer of a house belonging to the ,episcopalians1 which was not occupied1 for the accommodation of the afternoon meeting4 ,they gave the citizens an invitation to attend2 and although it was a very large building1 yet it did not contain the people who assembled1 many had to go away for want of room4 ,this was likewise a highly favoured opportunity1 in which truth reigned to the comfort and edification of the upright in heart1 and to the general satisfaction of the assembled multitude4 ,it was1 in the estimation of ,friends1 the largest meeting which had ever been assembled on any occasion before in that city4 ,on second day we had an appointed meeting at ,greenbush1 a village on the east side of the river1 opposite ,albany4 ,after this we proceeded on our journey about eleven miles to the town of ,bethlehem1 southwesterly from ,albany4 ,here we lodged with our kind friend ,thomas ,rushmore1 and attended a meeting in his house by appointment1 on third day2 the few ,friends of that place were privileged with holding a meeting for worship in this ,friend's house4 ,on fourth day we attended ,friends' meeting at ,stanton ,hill2 and the three following days attended meetings at ,new ,baltimore1 ,rensselaerville1 and ,oak ,hill4 ,these were all large satisfactory meetings4 ,on first day we were at ,bern meeting in the morning2 and at the fourth hour in the afternoon had an appointed meeting at a village called ,rensselaerville ,city1 which was held in a large meeting-house belonging to the ,methodist society4 ,these were very large favoured meetings1 in which the truths of the gospel went forth freely to the people1 and appeared to be gladly and satisfactorily received by them2 and ,i took leave of them with true peace of mind4 ,on second day we had an appointed meeting at ,middleburgh1 much to our satisfaction4 ,it was a very solemn instructive opportunity1 and the people appeared to receive the word preached with much readiness of mind1 and we left them with thankful hearts4 ,we proceeded on third day to ,duanesburgh1 in order to attend their quarterly meeting1 which opened there the next day with a meeting of ,ministers and ,elders1 and was a favoured opportunity4 ,the meeting for discipline was large1 and the business conducted in much harmony and condescension2 and the public meeting the next day was very large2 hundreds had to stand out of doors for want of room2 and it was a highly favoured season1 worthy of grateful remembrance4 ,from thence we proceeded to ,charleston1 and attended ,friends' meeting there on first day1 the #afth of #hth month4 ,this was likewise a very large meeting1 the largest1 ,friends said1 that had ever been known there before4 ,it was judged1 that as many stood without for want of room1 as the house contained2 and it was a very solemn time1 both within and without the doors4 ,the divine canopy was felt to spread over the whole assembly1 and we took leave of them with true peace of mind and thankfulness of heart1 under a grateful sense of the unmerited favour4 ,on second day we rode to ,utica2 and the next day had an appointed meeting there at the eleventh hour4 ,after this we proceeded to ,bridgewater1 and attended their fourth day meeting4 ,these were not so large as in some other places1 neither was there as much openness to receive our testimony as had generally been the case elsewhere4 ,our opposing ,friends had filled their heads with so many strange reports1 to which they had given credit without examination1 by which their minds were so strongly prejudiced against me1 that many in the compass of these two last meetings1 were not willing to see me1 nor hear any reasons given to show them their mistakes1 and that the reports they had heard were altogether unfounded3 however1 ,i was favoured to communicate the truth to those who attended1 so that they generally went away fully satisfied1 and ,i left them with peace of mind4 ,from this place we proceeded to ,deruyter1 having a meeting at ,smyrna1 on sixth day1 in our way4 ,on first day we attended ,friends' meeting at ,deruyter in the morning1 and at the fifth hour in the afternoon had an appointed meeting in ,deruyter village for the inhabitants generally1 which was held in the ,baptist meeting-house4 ,these two meetings were very large1 and they were highly favoured opportunities1 in which truth was raised into dominion over all opposition2 and we parted from them with true peace of mind1 a rich reward for a faithful discharge of duty4 ,the next day1 the #bdth of #hth month1 we proceeded to ,sempronius1 having a meeting by previous appointment on our way1 in the town of ,homer1 at the eleventh hour4 ,it was held in a large meeting-house belonging to the ,methodist society1 which they freely offered for the accommodation of the people1 there being no ,friends in the place4 ,a very considerable number of the inhabitants attended1 and behaved soberly1 giving good attention to what was communicated1 and went away apparently satisfied2 and we parted with them under an humbling sense that the appointment1 and our labour and service in this meeting1 were owned by the ,head of the ,church4 ,we arrived at ,sempronius about sunset1 and had an appointed meeting there the next day1 held in ,friends' meeting-house at the third hour in the afternoon4 ,this was likewise a favoured opportunity1 in which the power of truth went forth freely1 humbling and contriting many minds4 ,after this we proceeded to ,skeneateles1 and put up with our kind friend ,william ,willets1 and rested here the next day4 ,on fifth day we attended ,friends' meeting at this place1 as it came in course2 and notice being given of our intention of attending it1 the meeting was large4 ,this was a very comforting satisfactory opportunity1 apparently so to all present1 although composed of many of the members of the varied societies of professed ,christians common in our land1 and divers of their ministers4 ,on sixth day we had an appointed meeting in the town of ,auburn1 at the third hour in the afternoon2 and on seventh day1 an appointed meeting at ,north-street1 in ,scipio4 ,these meetings were largely attended1 and1 ,i trust1 instructive profitable opportunities to many who were there4 ,after the latter meeting1 we visited several families of ,friends1 and took lodgings with our kind friend ,john ,merritt4 ,the next day being the first of the week1 and #cjth of #hth month1 we attended the meeting at ,south-street4 ,the three following days we had meetings1 by appointment1 at ,salmon ,creek1 ,aurora1 and ,union ,springs4 ,these were all very large favoured meetings1 in which the power of truth went forth freely1 and appeared to have a ready entrance into the minds of the people in a very general manner1 bringing a very comfortable solemnity over these large assemblies2 and we took leave of them with thankful hearts and in true peace of mind4 ,we then proceeded on our journey to ,junius1 crossing ,cayuga lake on the way4 ,here we had a meeting the next day1 the fifth of the week1 and #c;d of #ith month2 and the day following had an appointed meeting at ,galen4 ,these were highly favoured opportunities1 in which the ,lord's presence was felt to preside1 reducing the assemblies into a very solemn state1 and truth was raised into dominion over all1 to the comfort and establishment of ,friends on the ancient foundation1 the light within2 by the power and efficacy of which1 our primitive worthies were gathered to be a people1 from among the varied societies of professed ,christians4 ,for they were settled on that unshaken rock1 which ,jesus told his disciples he would build his ,church upon1 viz3 the revelation of his heavenly ,father1 against which the gates of hell should never be able to prevail2 and although the powers of the earth rose up against them1 and used all their power and policy1 both priests and people1 to overthrow them1 yet they were never permitted to prevail2 for the ,lord ,jehovah1 on whose almighty arm they had placed their entire trust and confidence for support and defence1 delivered them from all their tribulations1 and set them above their persecutors1 and caused them to rejoice on the banks of deliverance4 ,and he is the same ,god of power that he ever was1 and a present helper in every needful time2 and although many in the present day1 who have left their first love1 are rising up1 and charging their fellow-professors with holding unsound doctrines1 and are endeavouring1 by unfounded and reproachful epithets1 to destroy and undermine their religious and moral character among men1 and have separated from their brethren1 and set up separate meetings1 giving them the names of the meetings of ,friends2 and in their usurped authority undertake to disown their fellow-members1 who could not submit to their usurpation3 yet all their formal disownments being altogether out of the order of the gospel1 our meetings consider them of no effect4 ,from ,galen we proceeded to ,south ,farmington1 and attended a meeting there on seventh day1 at the third hour in the afternoon2 and the next day being first day1 we attended ,north ,farmington meeting4 ,the three following days we had meetings at ,macedon1 ,palmyra1 and ,williamson4 ,these were likewise large favoured meetings1 in which truth was exalted over all1 and we parted with them in true peace of mind1 and proceeded on our journey to ,rochester1 and had a meeting on sixth day1 by appointment3 we also staid and attended their meeting on first day4 ,after this we proceeded to ,wheatland1 and had an appointed meeting there on second day1 the #adth of #ith month2 on third day we were at ,henrietta1 and on fourth day at ,mendon4 ,these were all favoured opportunities2 the people's minds seemed to be open to receive us and our testimony with gladness4 ,from this place we turned back through ,farmington and ,scipio1 to ,skeneateles1 and attended a meeting by our appointment at a village about five miles from the village of ,skeneateles1 on the east side of the lake4 ,on first day we attended ,friends' meeting at ,skeneateles2 on second day we proceeded to ,verona2 and the next day had a meeting there1 held in a meeting-house occupied by the ,baptists1 ,friends' meeting-house being too small to contain the people who assembled4 ,the next day being fourth day1 we proceeded to ,utica1 and had an appointed meeting in the evening4 ,here we remained over the next day1 and attended ,friends' meeting as it came in course4 ,from this place we proceeded to ,charleston1 and attended their meeting on first day4 ,these meetings1 in like manner1 were all solemn seasons2 and1 ,i trust1 profitable and comfortable to many2 and ,i left them with peace of mind4 ,after the last meeting1 we rode about thirteen miles1 and lodged with our kind friend ,zacheus ,mead4 ,the following day we proceeded on our journey to ,newtown2 and the next day attended ,friends' meeting there4 ,after this we proceeded to ,saratoga1 and attended ,friends' preparative meeting at that place2 and not feeling clear to leave it1 we had an appointed meeting there the day after1 of which public notice was given4 ,it was very large2 and it proved a highly favoured season2 the ,lord's presence was manifested for our help1 and truth was raised into dominion1 and ran like oil over the assembly4 ,many hearts were broken and contrited1 and the upright in heart were made to rejoice for the unmerited favour4 ,the following day we had an appointed meeting at ,milton4 ,after this we proceeded to ,galway1 and lodged with our ancient friend ,philip ,macomber1 who was in the ninety-first year of his age4 ,here we had a meeting on seventh day4 ,the next day1 the #dth of #ajth month1 we attended ,providence meeting1 which was very large4 ,on second day we had an appointed meeting at ,mayfield4 ,these were all seasons of favour1 particularly that at ,providence1 in which truth was exalted over all opposition1 and many hearts were contrited2 from a sense of which1 our minds were bowed in reverence and humiliation before ,him1 who is the author of all our sure mercies4 ,we proceeded from ,mayfield to ,greenfield1 and on fourth day attended ,friends' monthly meeting at that place1 which was composed of that and ,milton preparative meetings4 ,we had good satisfaction in sitting with our ,friends1 and in observing their commendable order1 and the harmony and condescension manifest in conducting the affairs of the ,church4 ,from thence we proceeded to ,easton1 and had an appointed meeting there on sixth day4 ,on seventh day we were at ,cambridge1 on first day at ,white ,creek1 and on second day we rode to ,danby1 and the next day had a meeting there4 ,these were all large and very solemn seasons1 in which the great ,head of the ,church manifested his gracious presence1 convicting and contriting many minds1 and the upright in heart were edified4 ,from ,danby we proceeded to ,granville1 and had an appointed meeting there the next day1 which was a large solemn opportunity4 ,the day after we proceeded on our journey to ,shoram1 a town on the eastern shore of ,lake ,champlain4 ,here we had a meeting the next day with the few ,friends of that place1 and some of the neighbouring inhabitants4 ,it was a comfortable opportunity1 and we left them with peace of mind4 ,we then rode to ,ferrisburgh1 and on first day1 the #ahth of #ajth month1 had a very large favoured meeting at that place4 ,on second day we had an appointed meeting at ,monkton4 ,this was likewise a large favoured opportunity1 in which truth reigned over all opposition1 to the praise of his own excellent name1 who is over all1 ,god blessed for ever4 ,as ,i was somewhat unwell1 we rested on third day with our kind friends ,thomas and ,rowland ,t4 ,robinson2 and feeling my mind now clear from any further service in these parts1 on fourth day we turned our faces homewards1 and proceeded back to ,shoram4 ,on fifth day we had an appointed meeting in that village1 principally for those not members of our society4 ,although the people came together in a negligent manner as respected the appointed time1 yet they generally behaved orderly1 and appeared to give good attention to what they heard2 and my mouth was opened by ,him who opens and none can shut1 in a large effective testimony to the truths of the gospel2 which brought a precious solemnity over the assembly1 and they appeared to go away satisfied1 and we left them with the answer of peace in our own minds4 ,the next day we proceeded on our journey to ,granville1 and from thence the following day to ,queensbury4 ,on first day1 the #beth of #ajth month1 we attended ,friends' meeting there2 and notice being given to the neighbouring inhabitants of our attendance1 they came in until the house was filled1 and a number had to stand without for want of room2 and a blessed meeting we had1 in which the power of truth ran as oil over the assembly1 tendering and contriting many minds1 and to the comfort and rejoicing of the upright in heart4 ,we had an appointed meeting on the following day at ,moreau1 which was a large favoured meeting4 ,from thence we proceeded to ,saratoga1 and lodged with our kind friend ,thomas ,wilbur1 and the next day ,thomas accompanied us to ,pittstown1 where we had an appointed meeting on fourth day4 ,this was truly an humbling season1 in which truth was exalted over all2 great brokenness and contrition of spirit were manifested among the people1 and we were edified together in love1 which inspired our minds with thanksgiving and gratitude for the unmerited favour4 ,from this place we proceeded to ,troy1 and as ,i was somewhat unwell1 we rested the following day with our kind friend ,isaac ,merritt4 ,on sixth day we proceeded on our journey to the neighbourhood of ,hudson1 and put up with our kind friend ,thomas ,wright2 and seventh day being very rainy and inclement we continued here1 and attended ,hudson meeting on first day1 which was a large satisfactory meeting4 ,on second day we proceeded on our journey to ,stanford1 and lodged with our kind friend ,john ,hull4 ,the two following days we attended the quarterly meeting at ,nine ,partners4 ,at this place there is a very large body of ,friends united together in gospel fellowship1 and they were favoured to conduct the business of the quarterly meeting in harmony and condescension4 ,the public meeting was very large4 ,it was attended by a great number who were not in membership with us1 and who behaved orderly1 and it was indeed a very solemn edifying season4 ,after the close of this meeting1 we returned that evening to ,stanford1 in order to attend the quarterly meeting at that place1 which opened the next day with a meeting of ,ministers and ,elders4 ,i attended this1 and the following day1 the meeting for discipline4 ,a large number of the neighbouring inhabitants attended this meeting1 and sat with ,friends1 until the partition between the men and women was closed4 ,they behaved very orderly1 and a precious solemnity spread over the assembly1 and many essential doctrines of the gospel were opened to the people in the demonstration of the spirit1 truth was raised into victory over all1 and the upright in heart were edified and comforted4 ,the meeting of ,ministers and ,elders was likewise a precious opportunity1 in which comfort and encouragement were freely administered to them4 ,from ,stanford we proceeded on our journey to ,cornwall1 crossing the ,hudson river on our way4 ,we arrived here on seventh day evening1 and attended their meeting on first day1 the #hth of #aath month4 ,this meeting was large1 and a truly baptizing season1 in which many hearts were humbled and contrited1 and truth reigned over all2 thanks be to ,god1 who giveth us the victory1 nothing due to man4 ,the two following days we had meetings appointed at the ,lower and ,upper ,clove4 ,these were well attended1 and1 ,i trust1 profitable edifying seasons to many present4 ,they were composed of people of various professions1 conditions1 and states2 yet all appeared to be brought down and subjected by the solemnizing influence and power of truth1 that reigned victoriously over all4 ,surely it was the ,lord's doing1 and it was marvellous in our eyes4 ,these meetings closed my labour and exercise in the gospel1 to ,friends and others in the yearly meetings of ,philadelphia1 ,baltimore1 ,ohio1 ,indiana1 and ,new-,york1 as expressed in a certificate of unity and concurrence1 given me by the monthly meeting of ,jericho1 and quarterly meeting of ,westbury4 ,from the latter meeting we proceeded the next day directly to ,new-,york1 where we arrived on fourth day evening4 ,the day after we attended ,friends' meeting at ,hester-street1 it being their usual meeting day2 and a marriage being accomplished at the close of it1 it was larger than usual1 as many of the neighbouring inhabitants attended4 ,way opened for me to declare the truth among them1 to the peace of my own mind1 and to the mutual comfort and encouragement of the upright in heart4 ,i rested here until first day1 and attended ,friends' meeting at ,rose-street in the morning1 and that held at ,hester-street in the afternoon4 ,they were both very large solemn meetings4 ,on second day evening ,i had an appointed meeting at ,brooklyn1 likewise a large and very favoured season4 ,in all of these meetings the word preached had free course1 and ,i had1 in the openings of truth1 to declare to these large mixed assemblages many things concerning the kingdom of ,god2 and the only sure way by which an admittance into his kingdom of peace and joy may be obtained by the children of men4 ,the foregoing meetings were times of favour1 and as a seal from the hand of our gracious and never-failing ,helper1 to the labour and travail which he has led me into1 and enabled me to perform1 for the promotion of his great and noble cause of truth and righteousness in the earth1 as set forth in the foregoing account1 and not suffering any weapon formed against me to prosper4 8,this is the heritage of the servants of the ,lord1 and their righteousness is of me1 saith the ,lord40 ,for all these unmerited favours and mercies1 in deep humiliation my soul doth magnify the ,lord1 and return thanksgiving and glory to his great and excellent name2 for his mercy endureth for ever4 ,on third day we proceeded homeward1 and attended ,westbury monthly meeting on fourth day1 on our way4 ,after this ,i rode home1 and found my family well1 to our mutual rejoicing2 and we greeted each other with thankful hearts for the unmerited favour4 ,we travelled in this journey nearly fifteen hundred miles4 ,,elias ,,hicks4 99 99 99 99 99 ,e4 ,h4 here closed his ,journal1 and signed his name2 after which he lived a little more than two months4 ,,appendix4 ,,letter ,,to ,,hugh ,,judge1 ,,of ,,ohio4 ,jericho1 #b;d mo4 #adth1 #ahcj4 ,dear ,hugh1 ,thy very acceptable letter of the #bast ultimo1 was duly received1 and read with interest1 tending to excite renewed sympathetic1 and mutual fellow-feeling2 and brought to my remembrance the cheering salutation of the blessed ,jesus1 our holy and perfect pattern and example1 to his disciples1 viz3 8,be of good cheer1 ,i have overcome the world40 ,by which he assured his disciples that1 by walking in the same pathway of self-denial and the cross which he trod to blessedness1 they might also overcome the world2 as nothing has ever enabled any rational being1 in any age of the world1 to overcome the spirit of the world1 which lieth in wickedness1 but the cross of ,christ4 ,some may query1 what is the cross of ,christ8 ,to these ,i answer1 it is the perfect law of ,god written on the tablet of the heart1 and in the heart of every rational creature1 in such indelible characters that all the power of mortals cannot erase nor obliterate4 ,neither is there any power or means given or dispensed to the children of men1 but this inward law and light by which the true and saving knowledge of ,god can be obtained4 ,and by this inward law and light1 all will be either justified or condemned1 and all be made to know ,god for themselves1 and be left without excuse1 agreeably to the prophecy of ,jeremiah1 and the corroborating testimony of ,jesus in his last counsel and command to his disciples1 not to depart from ,jerusalem until they should receive power from on high2 assuring them that they should receive power1 when they had received the pouring forth of the spirit upon them1 which would qualify them to bear witness of him in ,judea1 ,jerusalem1 ,samaria1 and to the uttermost parts of the earth2 which was verified in a marvellous manner on the day of ,pentecost1 when thousands were converted to the ,christian faith in one day4 ,by which it is evident1 that nothing but this inward light and law1 as it is heeded and obeyed1 ever did1 or ever can make a true and real ,christian and child of ,god4 ,and until the professors of ,christianity agree to lay aside all their non-essentials in religion1 and rally to this unchangeable foundation and standard of truth1 wars and fightings1 confusion and error will prevail1 and the angelic song cannot be heard in our land1 that of 8glory to ,god in the highest1 and on earth peace and good will to men40 ,but when all nations are made willing to make this inward law and light1 the rule and standard of all their faith and works1 then we shall be brought to know and believe alike1 that there is but one ,lord1 one faith1 and but one baptism2 one ,god and ,father1 that is above all1 through all1 and in all2 and then will all those glorious and consoling prophecies1 recorded in the scriptures of truth be fulfilled4 ,isaiah ii4 #d1 8,he10 the ,lord1 8shall judge among the nations1 and rebuke many people3 and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks3 nation shall not lift up sword against nation2 neither shall they learn war any more40 ,isaiah xi4 8,the wolf also shall dwell with the lamb1 and the leopard shall lie down with the kid2 and the calf1 and the young lion1 and the fatling together2 and a little child shall lead them4 ,and the cow and the bear shall feed2 their young ones shall lie down together2 and the lion shall eat straw like the ox4 ,and the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp1 and the weaned child put his hand on the cockatrice's den4 ,they shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain3 for the earth10 that is our earthly tabernacles1 8shall be full of the knowledge of the ,lord1 as the waters cover the sea40 ,these scripture testimonies give a true and correct description of the gospel state1 and no rational being can be a real ,christian and true disciple of ,christ1 until he comes to know all these things verified in his own experience1 as every man and woman has more or less of all those different animal propensities and passions in their nature2 and they predominate and bear rule1 and are the source and fountain from whence all wars1 and every evil work proceed1 and will continue as long as man remains in his first nature1 and is governed by his animal spirit and propensities1 which constitute the natural man1 which ,paul tells us 8receiveth not the things of the spirit of ,god1 for they are foolishness unto him1 neither can he know them1 because they are spiritually discerned40 ,this corroborates the declaration of ,jesus to ,nicodemus1 8that1 except a man be born again1 he cannot see the kingdom of ,god20 for 8that which is born of the flesh is flesh1 and that which is born of the spirit is spirit40 ,here ,jesus assures us1 beyond all doubt1 that nothing but spirit can either see or enter into the kingdom of ,god2 and this confirms ,paul's doctrine1 that 8as many as are led by the spirit of ,god are the sons of ,god10 and 8joint heirs with ,christ40 ,and ,jesus assures us1 by his declaration to his disciples1 ,john xiv4 #af1 #ag1 8,if ye love me1 keep my commandments2 and ,i will pray the ,father1 and he shall give you another comforter1 that he may abide with you for ever1 even the spirit of truth1 whom the world cannot receive20 that is1 men and women in their natural state1 who have not given up to be led by this spirit of truth1 that leads and guides into all truth2 8because they see him not1 neither do they know him1 but ye know him1 for he dwelleth with you1 and shall be in you40 ,and as these give up to be wholly led and guided by him1 the new birth is brought forth in them1 and they witness the truth of another testimony of ,paul's1 even that of being created anew in ,christ ,jesus unto good works1 which ,god had foreordained that all his new-born children should walk in them1 and thereby show forth by their fruits and good works1 that they were truly the children of ,god1 born of his spirit1 and taught of him2 agreeably to the testimony of the prophet1 that 8the children of the ,lord are all taught of the ,lord1 and in righteousness they are established1 and great is the peace of his children40 ,and nothing can make them afraid that man can do unto them2 as saith the prophet in his appeal to ,jehovah1 8,thou wilt keep him in perfect peace1 whose mind is staid on thee1 because he trusteth in thee40 ,therefore1 let every one that loves the truth1 for ,god is truth1 8trust in the ,lord for ever1 for in the ,lord ,jehovah there is everlasting strength40 ,i write these things to thee1 not as though thou didst not know them1 but as a witness to thy experience1 as 8two are better than one1 and a threefold cord is not quickly broken40 ,i will now draw to a close1 with just adding1 for thy encouragement1 be of good cheer1 for no new thing has happened to us2 for it has ever been the lot of the righteous to pass through many trials and tribulations1 in their passage to that glorious1 everlasting1 peaceful1 and happy abode1 where all sorrow and sighing come to an end--the value of which is above all price2 for when we have given all that we have and can give1 and suffered all that we can suffer1 it is still infinitely below its real value4 ,and if we are favoured to gain an inheritance in that blissful and peaceful abode1 8where the wicked cease from troubling1 and the weary are at rest10 we must ascribe it all to the unmerited mercy and loving-kindness of our heavenly ,father1 who remains to be ,god over all1 blessed for ever4 ,i will now conclude2 and in the fulness of brotherly love to thee and thine1 in which my family unite1 subscribe thy affectionate friend1 ,,elias ,,hicks4 ,to ,hugh ,judge4 ,please present my love to all my friends1 as way opens4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the writing of the preceding letter was the last act in the life of this eminent individual1 and the attentive reader will not fail to regard it as an act of peculiar interest4 ,it was as a seal to the labours of a long life1 and evinced the abiding and lively efficacy of that internal principle which he had uniformly sought as his director and preserver4 ,but the work of this faithful servant was now accomplished2 8the silver cord was loosed10 and that spirit which had been so diligently active in the service of its ,divine ,master1 was now to rest from its labours1 and to reap its reward4 ,just when he had finished the letter alluded to1 he was attacked with a paralytic affection1 under the effects of which he became gradually weaker2 but his mind remained established in great peace and serenity1 and on the #bgth of #b;d month1 #ahcj1 he calmly expired1 aged nearly eighty-two years4 ,of the character of this extraordinary man1 it is not necessary now to speak4 ,the preceding pages describe the nature of his engagements2 and an estimate may thence be formed1 of the fervency of his spirit1 and the brightness of his example4 ,in his general deportment1 and in the expression of his countenance1 there was a remarkable union of gentleness and dignity1 indicating the habitual benevolence and solemnity of his feelings2 and his public communications were accompanied with a power and an authority which demonstrated the purity of the source from whence they were derived4 ,the promotion of spiritual holiness and practical righteousness in the earth1 were the objects of his constant solicitude2 and he endeavoured1 through divine assistance1 to exemplify in his own daily experience1 the comprehensive command of the prophet1 8,to do justly1 to love mercy1 and to walk humbly with thy ,god40 ,,the ,,memorial ,,of ,,jericho ,,monthly ,,meeting ,,of ,,friends ,,concerning ,,our ,,ancient ,,friend ,,elias ,,hicks4 ,we believe the example exhibited in the life and religious exercise of this our beloved ,friend1 is eminently calculated to set forth the efficacy and sufficiency of that divine grace1 which1 when believed in and obeyed1 bringeth salvation4 ,he was born in the town of ,hempstead1 ,queens county1 ,long ,island1 state of ,new-,york1 the #aith day of the #c;d month1 #agdh4 ,his parents' names were ,john and ,martha ,hicks4 ,at the age of seventeen he was placed as an apprentice to learn the trade of a carpenter2 on the expiration of his term1 he returned to his father1 with whom he lived until the time of his marriage1 which took place about the twenty-third year of his age1 to ,jemima1 daughter of ,jonathan and ,elizabeth ,seaman1 of ,jericho1 in said county1 where he resided the remainder of his life4 ,from his own account we learn1 that when very young1 he was favoured with clear and powerful impressions of divine grace operating on his mind as a reprover for evil1 which not duly regarding1 and being naturally of a lively and active disposition1 he associated with those who indulged in the vanities and amusements too common in the world1 though mostly in things deemed innocent by the generality of mankind4 ,but the gift of divine grace1 which was so early manifested1 did not forsake him1 though he often strove to stifle its convictions1 but followed him in judgment and in mercy1 until a willingness was wrought in him to give up all to follow ,christ1 in the regeneration4 ,on one occasion1 when preparing to join in the dance1 and surrounded by his jovial companions1 the pure witness rose so powerfully in his mind1 and so clearly set before him the evil tendency of the course he was pursuing1 that he reasoned not with flesh and blood1 but gave up to the heavenly vision1 and in deep contrition and prostration of soul1 entered into covenant with the ,god of his life1 that if he would be pleased to furnish him with strength1 he would endeavour not to be again found in the like disobedience2 which covenant1 through mercy1 he was favoured to keep inviolate4 ,thus1 submitting to the purifying operation of the ,holy ,ghost and fire1 he was1 in due time1 qualified and called to declare to others what ,god had done for his soul2 under the divine anointing1 he was enabled to unfold the truths of the gospel1 in the demonstration of the spirit and with power4 ,and1 through a faithful obedience to that which had begun the good work in him1 he became an eminent instrument in the ,lord's hand1 for the promotion of truth and righteousness in the earth4 ,he first appeared in the ministry1 about the twenty-seventh year of his age1 and from this period1 his time and talents were devoted to the cause of his ,divine ,master1 labouring diligently for its advancement1 not only at home1 and in his own neighbourhood1 but in most parts of this continent where there are settlements of ,friends1 and also1 in many places amongst those not of our society4 ,in declaring what he believed to be the counsel of ,god1 he was bold and fearless1 and his ministry1 though unadorned with the embellishments of human learning1 was clear and powerful4 ,in argument he was strong and convincing1 and his appeals to the experience and convictions of his hearers1 were striking and appropriate4 ,he saw1 and deeply lamented the great departure of many in the society of ,friends1 from that plainness and simplicity1 and that godly sincerity1 which characterized it in the beginning4 ,hence he felt himself called upon1 under the influence of the love of the gospel1 to admonish his brethren in religious profession1 to rally to the ancient standard1 the light of truth manifested in the heart1 and to follow no man any further1 than he should be found a follower of ,christ4 ,he assailed the strong holds of superstition and bigotry with great boldness1 which sometimes alarmed the timid1 and roused the prejudices of others4 ,yet to the candid inquirer and sincere seeker after truth1 he breathed the language of encouragement1 of consolation and of comfort4 ,his great and primary concern was to draw the minds of the people to practical righteousness--from all outward dependance to the sure foundation1 the rock of ages1 the spirit of truth1 the comforter1 8,christ within1 the hope of glory40 ,he generally corroborated the doctrines which he preached1 by appropriate references to the testimonies and experience of those who have gone before us1 as recorded in the scriptures of truth4 ,through the efficacy of that power which enabled him to say1 8,by the grace of ,god1 ,i am what ,i am10 many were convinced of the truth1 through his ministry4 ,so full and pointed was his testimony against a hireling ministry1 which he held to be1 not only in direct violation of the great gospel precept 8,freely ye have received1 freely give10 but fraught with incalculable injury to the best interests of mankind1 that he sometimes gave offence to those1 whose minds were strongly biased in its favour4 ,yet such was the general kindness and benevolence of his character1 that he did not willingly give offence to any4 ,while he condemned the practice1 he was kind and charitable to those1 who1 through the influence of education and early prejudice1 differed from him on this subject4 ,such was his concern that his examples should comport with his testimony1 that he was scrupulously careful to defray his own expenses when travelling as a minister4 ,when his meetings were attended by a large concourse of persons of various denominations1 the solemnity and stillness that prevailed1 were often very remarkable1 reminding us of the testimony of primitive ,friends1 that the power accompanying their gospel labours so overshadowed the assemblies1 that truth reigned over all4 ,being deeply sensible of his own inability to promote the cause of truth and righteousness1 without divine aid1 he was engaged to dwell near the fountain of light and life1 and to minister as this opened and gave ability4 ,he was indeed an example of ,christian humility1 and eminently preserved from being elated by the applause of men1 or depressed by their censure4 ,many were the exercises which he felt on account of the evils which abound in the world1 and the oppressed condition of the ,african race excited his tenderest sympathy4 ,their cause engaged his earnest solicitude for the greater part of his life1 and he was often led feelingly and powerfully to advocate it4 ,we believe that many were convinced1 through his labours1 of the cruelty and injustice of holding them in bondage4 ,he bore for many years a faithful testimony against slavery1 by carefully abstaining from the use of articles which he believed to be produced by the labour of slaves4 ,when at home1 and not engaged in services more strictly of a religious character1 he laboured diligently with his own hands1 believing it the duty of all to be usefully employed in obtaining the necessaries of life2 and when acquired1 he acted as a steward under the direction of the bountiful ,giver1 being restrained from using them for selfish gratification4 ,in the various relations of life he was a bright example1 worthy of imitation3 he was an affectionate husband2 and as a father and guardian1 his concern for the religious and moral education of his children1 and those placed under his care1 was very great1 that they might be brought up in the fear and admonition of the ,lord4 ,for these ends he exercised the authority of a parent with firmness1 but in much tenderness and love4 ,his tender sympathy was excited for the poor1 to whom he was a kind and liberal friend1 often supplying their necessities4 ,it may be truly said of him1 that he was a man fearing ,god and hating covetousness4 ,he was a peace-maker1 endeavouring1 both by precept and example1 to promote harmony in his neighbourhood2 and in this respect he was very useful1 his ,christian deportment having gained the confidence and affection of his neighbours4 ,he was very diligent in the attendance of religious meetings1 and often led to encourage others1 assuring them1 from his own experience1 that none could expect to increase in the divine life1 until they considered that important duty paramount to temporal concerns3 he was also conspicuously useful in supporting the discipline of the society4 ,at a very advanced age he continued to labour in the ,lord's vineyard1 with the same fervent zeal1 the same dedication of heart1 for which he had been so eminently distinguished in the earlier stages of his life2 and in the exercise of his gift in the ministry1 he was as lively1 clear1 and cogent1 as at any former period4 ,having been long taught in the school of ,christ1 and being deeply experienced in the things which concern our eternal well-being1 he was well qualified to administer counsel and encouragement to others2 and was frequently led1 feelingly and forcibly1 to impress upon the minds of the rising generation1 the importance and necessity of early attention to the inward discoveries of divine light2 cautioning them not to rest in the tradition of their fathers1 but to walk by the same rule1 and to mind the same thing1 which has led the righteous in all ages safely through time2 nor to depend upon the teachings of men1 for that knowledge which brings life and immortality to light in the soul2 declaring that faithfulness and obedience to the influence of divine grace in their own hearts1 could only qualify them to advance the standard of truth and righteousness in the earth4 ,his dedication to the law of the spirit of life in ,christ ,jesus1 his firmness in the support of those testimonies which he felt himself called upon to maintain1 and his plainness in reproving unfaithfulness in others1 and bearing testimony against every appearance of evil1 gave offence to some2 yet none of these things moved him1 neither counted he his life dear to himself1 so that he might finish his course with joy1 and the ministry he had received1 to testify the gospel of the grace of ,god2 and we are persuaded that his feet were established upon that rock1 against which the powers of darkness shall never be able to prevail4 ,he was favoured1 in times of the greatest trial1 to experience the truth of the prophetic declaration1 8,thou wilt keep him in perfect peace1 whose mind is stayed on thee1 because he trusteth in thee40 ,he was favoured with a good constitution1 and in the decline of life1 was still actively engaged in the concerns of society1 and industriously employed in his temporal avocations4 ,his mental powers continued strong and vigorous to the end of his labours4 ,his comprehensive and energetic mind was apparently but very little impaired by the revolution of more than fourscore years4 ,within the last two years of his life1 he travelled extensively in the work of the ministry4 ,when he was eighty years of age1 he opened in this monthly meeting a concern to pay a religious visit to ,friends and others in some parts of the yearly meetings of ,new-,york1 ,philadelphia1 ,baltimore1 ,virginia1 ,ohio1 and ,indiana4 ,he obtained a certificate of unity and concurrence from this monthly meeting1 endorsed by ,westbury quarterly meeting4 ,in this visit he experienced many deep probations on account of the unsettled state of society4 8,for the divisions of ,reuben1 there were great searchings of heart40 ,yet he was enabled to accomplish his visit to the southern and western yearly meetings1 agreeably to his prospect4 ,shortly after his return from this journey1 he met with a severe affliction in the loss of his beloved companion1 with whom he had lived in near union and affection for fifty-eight years4 ,in the summer of #ahbi1 in pursuance of his prospect as before mentioned1 he visited most of the meetings of ,friends in the northern and western parts of our yearly meeting4 ,his gospel labours1 during these arduous and extensive visits1 were productive of satisfaction and peace to his own mind1 and were peculiarly seasonable and acceptable to his friends1 as appears by numerous certificates of near unity1 which he produced to this meeting on his return home2 after which1 he attended all the meetings of ,friends in the city of ,new-,york1 and on this island1 very much to their satisfaction4 ,in these last visits1 as heretofore1 his gospel labours were remarkably clear and powerful1 and we trust are profitably remembered by many4 ,he seemed renewedly concerned on account of the deviations from that plainness and simplicity into which the truth would lead2 and expressed the comfort it would be to him to see a reformation in these respects4 ,on first day morning1 the #adth of #b;d month last1 he was engaged in his room1 writing to a friend1 until a little after ten o'clock1 when he returned to that occupied by the family1 apparently just attacked by a paralytic affection1 which nearly deprived him of the use of his right side1 and of the power of speech4 ,being assisted to a chair near the fire1 he manifested by signs1 that the letter which he had just finished1 and which had been dropped by the way1 should be taken care of2 and on its being brought to him1 appeared satisfied1 and manifested a desire that all should sit down and be still1 seemingly sensible that his labours were brought to a close1 and only desirous of quietly waiting the final change4 ,the solemn composure at this time manifest in his countenance1 was very impressive1 indicating that he was sensible the time of his departure was at hand1 and that the prospect of death brought no terrors with it4 ,during his last illness1 his mental faculties were occasionally obscured1 yet he was at times enabled to give satisfactory evidence to those around him1 that all was well1 and that he felt nothing in his way4 ,his dependance had long been upon that arm of power alone1 which supported him under every probation1 and near the conclusion of the letter above alluded to1 he thus expressed himself3 8,and if we are favoured to gain an inheritance in that blissful and peaceful abode1 where the wicked cease from troubling1 and the weary are at rest1 we must ascribe it all to the unmerited mercy and loving kindness of our heavenly ,father1 who remains to be ,god over all1 blessed for ever40 ,he continued gradually to decline until the evening of the #bgth1 when he quietly passed from the trials of time1 we doubt not1 to receive the reward of the righteous4 ,his funeral took place on fourth day1 the #c;d of #c;d month4 ,it was attended by a large concourse of ,friends and others1 and a solid meeting was held on the occasion2 after which1 his remains were interred in ,friends' burial ground at this place4 ,signed by direction and on behalf of ,jericho ,monthly ,meeting1 held #dth month1 #aeth1 #ahcj4 ,,willet ,,robbins1 ,clerks4 ,,abigail ,,hicks1 ,at ,westbury ,quarterly ,meeting held at ,westbury1 the #bb;d of #dth month1 #ahcj4 ,a memorial of ,jericho ,monthly ,meeting1 concerning our late beloved friend ,elias ,hicks1 was produced and read1 and being satisfactory to the meeting1 was approved1 directed to be endorsed1 and forwarded to the ,meeting for ,sufferings4 ,signed on behalf of the meeting by ,,stephen ,,underhill1 ,clerks4 ,,sarah ,,cock1 ,at a ,meeting for ,sufferings held in ,new-,york1 #eth month1 #bfth1 #ahcj1 ,the memorial from ,jericho ,monthly ,meeting1 endorsed by the ,quarterly ,meeting of ,westbury1 concerning our beloved friend ,elias ,hicks1 deceased1 being deliberately attended to1 was approved and directed to the ,yearly ,meeting4 ,extract from minutes of said meeting4 ,,john ,,barrow1 ,clerk4 ,at the ,yearly ,meeting of ,new-,york1 held by adjournments1 from the #bdth of the #eth month1 to the #bhth of the same inclusive1 #ahcj1 ,a testimony of ,jericho ,monthly ,meeting1 endorsed by ,westbury ,quarterly ,meeting1 and approved by the ,meeting for ,sufferings1 concerning our ancient beloved friend ,elias ,hicks1 was read and approved4 ,much solicitude was felt and expressed that it may1 with the remembrance of his exemplary life1 encourage us to walk by the same rule1 and to mind the same thing1 which enabled him to become so eminently useful in his day and generation4 ,,samuel ,,mott1 ,clerks4 ,,ann ,m4 ,,comstock1 ,,transcriber',s ,,note4 ,archaic and obsolete spellings and usage were left as originally printed1 however obvious typos were fixed4 ,place names are often misspelled by current standards1 but are easily recognizable4 ,details of the changes are below1 the correction being inside square braces4 ,page #jai proceeded to ,oswego and ,appoquague,apoquague1 and then to ,page #jcg at ,little ,esopus1 ,marlborough1 and ,newburg,newburgh ,valley2 ,page #jch near ,salem1 ,purchase1 ,apoquage,apoquague1 ,mamaroneck1 and ,page #jea ,champlain1 and got to ,ferrisburg,ferrisburgh just in time ,page #jed occasioned by the many obvious deficiencesdeficiencies and ,page #jfa travail among them1 being baptisedbaptized into their low ,page #jgb following days we attended meetings at ,monallen,menallen ,page #jgi #aeth we were at ,moore's ,town and ,rancocus,rancocas2 in the ,page #aad at ,chesnut ,ridge1 and ,poquague,poughquague1 we proceeded ,page #baj manner1 the way and means of man's salvavationsalvation2 ,page #bag own experience1 those works of righeousnessrighteousness ,page #bbj it made his heart glad1 and he took ,micha's,micah's ephod1 ,page #bbc attend ,friend's,friends' meetings3 and towards his close1 ,page #bcb business1 not feeelingfeeling any particular religious ,page #bge the excellency of the gospel dispenpensationdispensation1 ,page #bij covering over the meeetingmeeting4 ,page #cja to-day1 to morrowto-morrow is dead4 ,this subject very ,page #cja funeral1 and led to an awkeningawakening communication1 ,page #cja our aproachingapproaching yearly meeting4 ,left home early ,page #cjf more faithfulnesfaithfulness and attention to the inward ,page #caa attended ,friend's,friends' meeting at ,plainfield4 ,notice ,page #cae ,huntington and ,monallin,menallen4 ,in these opportunities my ,page #cae ,from ,monallin,menallen we rode to ,baltimore1 in order to ,page #cbj seven following days we attended meetings at ,mulica,mullica ,page #ceb the ,saw ,pitts,pits4 ,here we had a meeting the next day at ,page #cei ,creek1 and attended ,friend's,friends' meeting as it came in ,page #cfj day we proceeded towards ,ferrisburg,ferrisburgh1 where we ,page #cfi return from the service he heduplicate had sent them out ,page #cgc that my proceedureprocedure was under right direction2 for ,page #cgf ,concord1 ,st4 ,clairville,clairsville1 ,plainfield1 ,flushing1 ,page #djb ,huntington and ,monallin,menallen4 ,these were all favoured ,page #dbd #aath1 we attended ,friends' meeting at ,rancocus,rancocas4 ,page #dbi in this ,friends',friend's house4 ,on fourth day we attended