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If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Journal of the Life and Religious Labours of Elias Hicks - -Author: Elias Hicks - -Release Date: April 8, 2020 [EBook #61777] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOURNAL--LIFE OF ELIAS HICKS *** - - - - -Produced by Emmanuel Ackerman and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - -JOURNAL - -OF THE - -LIFE AND RELIGIOUS LABOURS - -OF - -ELIAS HICKS. - - -WRITTEN BY HIMSELF. - - - NEW-YORK; - PUBLISHED BY ISAAC T. HOPPER. - 1832. - - -“Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1832, by -Valentine Hicks, and Robert Seaman, in the Office of the Clerk of the -Southern District of New-York.” - -PUBLISHED FOR THE PROPRIETORS. - - NEW-YORK: - STEREOTYPED BY REES & REDFIELD. - No 216 William-street. - - -Ludwig & Tolefree, Printers, Corner of Greenwich & Vesey sts. N. Y. - - - - -PREFACE. - - -Among the papers which were left by Elias Hicks, there were several -manuscripts, written by himself, containing many particulars respecting -his life and religious engagements. His connexions have collected -these Memoirs, and now present them to the notice of the public. In -performing this office, they believe that they will be rendering an -acceptable and useful service to his survivors. To those who were -personally acquainted with him, it will be interesting to review -this brief record of his long and useful life; and to all, it may be -animating and instructive to contemplate the feelings and experience of -an individual, who, it will be seen, was, in his retired moments, as -fervent in his aspirations for purity and humility of heart, as he was -faithful and diligent in his public labours for the promotion of truth -and righteousness in the earth. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - PREFACE. 3 - - - CHAPTER I. - - Birth, 1748. Early visitations of Divine grace. Apprenticeship. - Trials and temptations. Marriage, 1771. Renewed visitations of - Divine love. Appearance in the Ministry. Situation of Friends - during the war. Journey to Philadelphia, 1779. Visit to Friends - on the Main, 1781. Illness, 1781. Visit on Long Island, 1782. - Visit to the meetings on the Main, 1782. 7 - - - CHAPTER II. - - Visit to Nine Partners, 1783. Visit on Long Island, 1784. Visit - to New-York and Staten Island, 1790. Visit to Vermont, 1790. - Visit on Long Island, 1791. General visit to Friends of New-York - yearly meeting, 1791. Visit to the meetings of Ministers and - Elders, 1792. Visit to Friends in New-England and Vermont, 1793. - 25 - - - CHAPTER III. - - Visit to the meetings of Ministers and Elders, 1795. Visit to - Friends in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and - Virginia, 1798. 54 - - CHAPTER IV. - - Visit to Connecticut, 1799. Visit to Oblong and Nine Partners. - 1800. Visit on Long Island, 1800. Visit to Friends in New Jersey, - and Pennsylvania, 1801. 82 - - - CHAPTER V. - - Visit to Friends in Canada, and some of the northern parts of the - yearly meeting of New-York, 1803. Visit on Long Island, Staten - Island, and New-York, 1806. Visit to Purchase, Nine Partners, and - Stanford, and some adjacent parts, 1806. Visit to Nine Partners, - 1807. Visit to Purchase, Nine Partners, and Stanford, 1808. Visit - to the subordinate meetings, 1808. Visit to Purchase, 1809. - Visits on Long Island, 1812 and 1813. Visit to Purchase in 1813. - 106 - - - CHAPTER VI. - - Engagements at and about home, 1813. Visit to Friends in the - middle and southern States, 1813. 132 - - - CHAPTER VII. - - Engagements at and about home, 1813 and 1814. 159 - - - CHAPTER VIII. - - Visit to Purchase, and engagements at and about home, 1814. 184 - - CHAPTER IX. - - Visit to families of Friends in New-York, and engagements at and - about home, 1815. 206 - - - CHAPTER X. - - Engagements at and about home, 1815. Visit to the monthly - meetings within the circuit of Nine Partners quarterly meeting, - 1815. 229 - - - CHAPTER XI. - - General visit to Friends in New England, 1816. 253 - - - CHAPTER XII. - - Engagements at and about home, and within Westbury quarterly - meeting, 1816 and 1817. 273 - - - CHAPTER XIII. - - Engagements at and near home, 1817. Visit to some parts of the - yearly meetings of Philadelphia and Baltimore, 1817. 294 - - - CHAPTER XIV. - - Engagements at and near home, and within the limits of Westbury - quarterly meeting. Visit to some parts of the yearly meeting of - New-York, 1818. 322 - - - CHAPTER XV. - - General visit to Friends of the yearly meeting of New-York, 1819. - 355 - - - CHAPTER XVI. - - Journey to Ohio in 1819. Visit to the neighbouring inhabitants in - 1819. Visit to Farmington and Duanesburgh quarterly meetings in - 1820. Visit to some parts of Pennsylvania, and to Baltimore, in - 1822. Visit to some of the lower quarterly meetings in 1823. 373 - - - CHAPTER XVII. - - Visit to Baltimore to attend the yearly meeting in 1824. Visit - to the inhabitants of the eastern part of Long Island in 1825. - Visit to Scipio quarterly meeting in 1825. Visit to Southern and - Concord quarterly meetings in Pennsylvania in 1826. Visit to the - families of Friends in Jericho and Westbury monthly meetings in - 1827. Visit to Friends in some parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania - and Ohio in 1828. 396 - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - - Continuation of his visit to Friends in some parts of Ohio, - Indiana, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey in 1828. Decease - of his wife in 1829. Visit to Friends in the yearly meeting of - New-York in 1829. 411 - - - APPENDIX. - - Letter to Hugh Judge in 1830. 439 - - His decease in 1830. Memorial of the monthly meeting of Jericho - in 1830. 444 - - - TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE. - - - - -JOURNAL OF ELIAS HICKS. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - - Birth, 1748.--Early visitations of Divine - grace.--Apprenticeship.--Trials and temptations.--Marriage, - 1771.--Renewed visitations of Divine love.--Appearance in the - Ministry.--Situation of Friends during the war.--Journey to - Philadelphia, 1779.--Visit to Friends on the Main, 1781.--Illness, - 1781.--Visit on Long Island, 1782.--Visit to the Meetings on the - Main, 1782. - - -Having experienced many mercies and preservations, both spiritual and -temporal, in passing through this probationary state, I am induced to -record some little account of them, under a sense of humble gratitude -to my gracious and merciful Creator and Preserver. - -I was born on the 19th day of the third month, 1748, in the township -of Hempstead, in Queens county, on Long Island. My parents, John and -Martha Hicks, were descended from reputable families, and sustained a -good character among their friends and those who knew them. My father -was a grandson of Thomas Hicks, of whom our worthy friend Samuel Bownas -makes honourable mention in his journal, and by whom he was much -comforted and strengthened, when imprisoned through the envy of George -Keith, at Jamaica, on Long Island. Neither of my parents were members -in strict fellowship with any religious society, until some little time -before my birth. My father was at that period united in membership with -Friends; but as his residence was mostly at some distance from meetings -and in a neighbourhood where very few Friends lived, my associates, -when young, were chiefly among those of other religious persuasions, -or, what was still worse for me, among those who made no profession -of religion at all. This exposed me to much temptation; and though I -early felt the operation of divine grace, checking and reproving me -for my lightness and vanity, yet being of a lively active spirit, and -ambitious of excelling in my play and diversions, I sometimes exceeded -the bounds of true moderation, for which I often felt close conviction -and fears on my pillow in the night season. - -When I was about eight years old, my father removed his habitation -and settled on a farm which his father had left him, on the south -side of the island, near the sea shore. This introduced a new scene -of diversion to my active mind, which was prone to pleasure and -self-gratification. The shore abounded with fish and wild fowl, -and I soon began to occupy myself with angling for the former, and -shooting the latter. These amusements gained an ascendency in my mind, -and although they were diversions for which I felt condemnation at -later periods, yet I am led to believe that they were, at this time, -profitable to me in my exposed condition, as they had a tendency to -keep me more at and about home, and often prevented my joining with -loose company, which I had frequent opportunities of doing without -my father’s knowledge. My mother was removed by death when I was -about eleven years of age, and my father was left with the care of -six children, three older, and two younger, than myself; and although -he endeavoured to keep his children within the limits of truth, yet -opportunities sometimes occurred to join with vain companions. But the -Lord was graciously near to my poor soul in my tender years; and he -followed me with his reproofs, and his dread made me afraid. - -When I was about thirteen years of age, I was placed with one of my -elder brothers who was married, and lived at some distance from my -father’s residence. I was here without any parental restraint; and -mixing with gay associates, I lost much of my youthful innocence, -and was led wide from the salutary path of true religion, learning -to sing vain songs, and to take delight in running horses. Yet I did -not give way to any thing which was commonly accounted disreputable, -having always a regard to strict honesty, and to such a line of conduct -as comported with politeness and good breeding. Nevertheless, I -became considerably hardened in vanity, and on several occasions in -riding races was exposed to great danger; and had it not been for the -providential care of my heavenly father, my life would have fallen a -sacrifice to my folly and indiscretion. O my soul, what wilt, or canst -thou render unto the Lord for all his benefits, for his mercies are new -every morning! - -About the seventeenth year of my age, I was put an apprentice to learn -the trade of a house carpenter and joiner, and this by no means placed -me in a more favourable situation than before; for my master, although -considered an orderly man, and one who frequently attended Friends’ -meetings, was yet in an eager pursuit after temporal riches, and was -of but little use to me in my religious improvement. We had to go from -place to place, as our business called, to attend to our work, and I -was thereby introduced into hurtful company, and learned to dance and -to pursue other frivolous and vain amusements. During my apprenticeship -I passed through many trials and much exposure; and I have often -thought, that had it not been for the interposition of divine mercy and -goodness, I should have fallen a prey to the varied temptations which -surrounded me; for although I was overtaken in many faults, in which my -poor soul was deeply wounded, and for which I afterwards felt the just -indignation of an offended God, yet when I have looked back on this -scene of my life, and recounted the many snares that I escaped, all -that is truly sensible within me has been bowed in humble admiration of -the Lord’s mercies and deliverance; and in reverent gratitude, I was -made to praise and magnify his great and adorable name, “who is over -all. God blessed for ever.” In the midst of my vanity and exposure, -the Lord, as a gracious father, was often near; and when I was alone, -he inclined my mind to solid meditations.--Some of my leisure hours -were occupied in reading the Scriptures, in which I took considerable -delight, and it tended to my real profit and religious improvement. - -My youthful companions would often endeavour to persuade me and each -other, that the amusements, in which we spent much of our precious -time, were innocent; yet being very early convinced by the divine -light that its teachings were truth, it had, in my calmer moments, an -ascendency in my mind over all the reasonings and persuasions of men. -Nevertheless, I had such a proneness to levity and self-gratification, -that I often ran counter to clear conviction, and went on for a -considerable time, sinning and repenting; for the Lord in great mercy -had regard to me in my tried condition, and often opened a door of -reconciliation to my poor soul. But I was too weak to keep my covenants -in the midst of so many temptations, until by his righteous judgments, -mixed with adorable mercy, he opened to my mind, in a very clear -manner, the danger I was in of falling into eternal ruin. - -Under the weight of this impression, my heart, in the midst of -merriment, was often made very sad; and while engaged in the dance -my soul was deeply sensible of its evil and folly: even my reasoning -powers, when thus enlightened by the clear evidence of divine light, -were made to loathe it as a senseless and insipid pursuit, and utterly -unworthy of a rational being. But although I formed resolutions -to refrain from this evil and others of a like nature, yet it was -difficult to resist the importunities of my companions; and I found -by experience, that if I would altogether cease from them, I must -wholly withdraw from the company of those who were inclined to such -pursuits. On the last occasion that I was present at a dance, and in -which I was pressed to take a part, I was brought under great concern -of mind, and was struck with a belief, that if I now gave way after -forming so many resolutions, and should again rebel against the light, -I might be left in an obdurate situation, and never have another -offer of pardon. I also clearly saw that this would be just, and that -my blood would be upon my own head; and feeling the dread of the -Almighty to cover me, and a cry raised in my soul towards him, when -I was called to participate in the dance, it seemed as though all my -limbs were fettered, and I sat down and informed the company that I -was now resolved to go no further. I was deeply tried, but the Lord -was graciously near; and as my cry was secretly to him for strength, -he enabled me to covenant with him, that if he would be pleased in -mercy to empower me, I would for ever cease from this vain and sinful -amusement: and he instructed me, that if I would escape the danger of -another trial, I must keep myself separate from such companions; and -blessed for ever be his right worthy name, in that he hath enabled me -to keep this my covenant with him from that time inviolate. - -In looking back to this season of deep probation, my soul has been -deeply humbled; for I had cause to believe that if I had withstood at -this time the merciful interposition of divine love, and had rebelled -against this clear manifestation of the Lord’s will, he would have -withdrawn his light from me, and my portion would have been among the -wicked, cast out for ever from the favourable presence of my judge. I -should also for ever have been obliged to acknowledge his mercy and -justice, and acquit the Lord my redeemer, who had done so much for me; -for with longsuffering and much abused mercy he had waited patiently -for my return, and would have gathered me before that time, as I well -knew, as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, but I would -not. Therefore it is the earnest desire of my spirit, that the youth, -and others whom it may concern, may wisely ponder their ways, and not -think that the frivolous excuses which those make, who endeavour to -justify themselves in such vain and wicked diversions, by saying that -their parents judge it innocent, or their teachers have instructed them -so to believe, or that under the law it was deemed admissible, will -stand them in any stead in the day of solemn inquisition: for what -are all these carnal reasonings worth, when weighed in the balance -of the sanctuary, against one single conviction of the divine light -in the secret of the heart. The last is clear and self-evident; the -others are mere evasive excuses: and I often reflect with surprise -on the conduct of those parents, who are spending their substance in -hiring idle dancingmasters to teach their children this unnatural and -unchristian practice, and who plead for excuse the example of righteous -David. But how unlike is their dancing to his, who did it only in -worship and honour to his God, and in conformity with the outward -dispensation under which he lived. We have, however, a better and -higher example than David, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the mediator -of a better covenant; this covenant is _inward_, even the law written -upon the heart, which no outward example of others can ever abrogate -or disannul; nor do his doctrines or self-denying example in any wise -approbate or justify this foolish and idle practice, but, in all parts -thereof, condemn and disapprove it: for if none can be his disciples, -except those who deny themselves, and take up their cross daily, as -assuredly no others can, how can those be acceptable to him who are -living in the daily gratification of their own licentious wills, and -spending their precious time and talents in such fruitless and vain -sports. - -His self-denying apostles also have left us neither example nor -precept in justification of such wanton and evil amusements; but we -are exhorted by them to redeem the time, because the days are evil, -and to use diligence to make our calling and election sure, and to -follow them as they followed Christ: there is not a word of learning -to dance, or of dancingmasters, but an exhortation to abstain from -all idle and vain sports, and foolish talking and jesting, which are -contrary to Christian gravity, and to the self-denying example of the -blessed Jesus, who, when personally on earth, was a man of sorrows -and acquainted with grief; and, therefore, the house of mourning is -recommended to all who are wise in heart, for it is the fool’s heart -only that is captivated in the house of mirth. - -My apprenticeship being now expired, I gradually withdrew from the -company of my former associates, became more acquainted with Friends, -and was more frequent in my attendance of meetings; and although this -was in some degree profitable to me, yet I made but slow progress in -my religious improvement, until several years after I had entered -into a married state. The occupation of part of my time in fishing -and fowling had frequently tended to preserve me from falling into -hurtful associations; but through the rising intimations and reproofs -of divine grace in my heart, I now began to feel that the manner in -which I sometimes amused myself with my gun was not without sin; for -although I mostly preferred going alone, and while waiting in stillness -for the coming of the fowl, my mind was at times so taken up in divine -meditations, that the opportunities were seasons of instruction and -comfort to me; yet, on other occasions, when accompanied by some of -my acquaintances, and when no fowls appeared which would be useful to -us after being obtained, we sometimes, from wantonness or for mere -diversion, would destroy the small birds which could be of no service -to us. This cruel procedure affects my heart while penning these lines; -but my gracious Redeemer was drawing my mind from such low amusements, -and I was led to consider conduct like this to be a great breach of -trust, and an infringement of the divine prerogative. It therefore -became a settled principle with me, not to take the life of any -creature, except it was really useful and necessary when dead, or very -noxious and hurtful when living. And, in exercising this privilege, -we ought to be careful to do it in the most mild and tender manner in -our power; for I think every candid mind must be convinced, that the -liberty we have for taking the lives of other creatures, and using -their bodies to support our own, is certainly an unmerited favour, and -ought to be received by us as the bounty of our great benefactor, and -be acknowledged with great humility and gratitude. - -I have likewise from reflection, founded on observation, and from the -nature and reason of things, been led to believe, that we frequently -err by the liberty we take in destroying what we esteem noxious -creatures; and not only abuse the power given us over them by our great -Creator, but likewise act very contrary to our own true interest. -For, as all in the beginning was pronounced good that the good God -had made, we ought not to destroy any thing that has life, for mere -gratification. It is our indispensable duty, as reasonable accountable -beings, wisely to ponder our ways, and consider the consequent effect -of all our conduct; for if we are to give an account of every idle -word, how much more so of every presumptuous act. - -In the twenty-second year of my age, apprehending it right to change -my situation from a single to a married state, and having gained an -intimate acquaintance with Jemima Seaman, daughter of Jonathan and -Elizabeth Seaman, of Jericho, and my affection being drawn towards -her in that relation, I communicated my views to her, and received -from her a corresponding expression of affection; and having the full -unity and concurrence of our parents and friends, we, after some time, -accomplished our marriage at a solemn meeting of Friends, at Westbury, -on the 2d of 1st month, 1771. On this important occasion, we felt the -clear and consoling evidence of divine truth, and it remained with us -as a seal upon our spirits, strengthening us mutually to bear, with -becoming fortitude, the vicissitudes and trials which fell to our lot, -and of which we had a large share in passing through this probationary -state. My wife, although not of a very strong constitution, lived -to be the mother of eleven children, four sons and seven daughters. -Our second daughter, a very lovely promising child, died when young -with the small pox, and the youngest was not living at its birth. The -rest all arrived to years of discretion, and afforded us considerable -comfort, as they proved to be in a good degree dutiful children. All -our sons, however, were of weak constitutions, and were not able to -take care of themselves, being so enfeebled as not to be able to walk -after the ninth or tenth year of their age. The two eldest died in the -fifteenth year of their age, the third in his seventeenth year, and the -youngest was nearly nineteen when he died. But, although thus helpless, -the innocency of their lives, and the resigned cheerfulness of their -dispositions to their allotments, made the labour and toil of taking -care of them agreeable and pleasant; and I trust we were preserved from -murmuring or repining, believing the dispensation to be in wisdom, and -according to the will and gracious disposing of an all-wise providence, -for purposes best known to himself. And when I have observed the great -anxiety and affliction, which many parents have with undutiful children -who are favoured with health, especially their sons, I could perceive -very few whose troubles and exercises, on that account, did not far -exceed ours. The weakness and bodily infirmity of our sons tended -to keep them much out of the way of the troubles and temptations of -the world; and we believed that in their death they were happy, and -admitted into the realms of peace and joy: a reflection, the most -comfortable and joyous that parents can have in regard to their tender -offspring. - -In the spring after our marriage, my wife’s relations gave me an -invitation to come and live with them, and carry on the business of -their farm, they having no other child than her. I accepted this -proposal, and continued with them during their lives, and the place -afterwards became my settled residence. My advantages, in a religious -point of view, were greater than before; as I had the benefit of the -company of several worthy Friends, who were my neighbours, and by whose -example I was frequently incited to seriousness and piety; yet, having -entered pretty closely into business, I was thereby much diverted from -my religious improvement for several years. But, about the twenty-sixth -year of my age, I was again brought, by the operative influence of -divine grace, under deep concern of mind; and was led, through adorable -mercy, to see, that although I had ceased from many sins and vanities -of my youth, yet there were many remaining that I was still guilty of, -which were not yet atoned for, and for which I now felt the judgments -of God to rest upon me. This caused me to cry earnestly to the Most -High for pardon and redemption, and he graciously condescended to hear -my cry, and to open a way before me, wherein I must walk, in order to -experience reconciliation with him; and as I abode in watchfulness -and deep humiliation before him, light broke forth out of obscurity, -and my darkness became as the noonday. I had many deep openings in -the visions of light, greatly strengthening and establishing to my -exercised mind. My spirit was brought under a close and weighty -labour in meetings for discipline, and my understanding much enlarged -therein; and I felt a concern to speak to some of the subjects engaging -the meeting’s attention, which often brought unspeakable comfort to -my mind. About this time, I began to have openings leading to the -ministry, which brought me under close exercise and deep travail of -spirit; for although I had for some time spoken on subjects of business -in monthly and preparative meetings, yet the prospect of opening my -mouth in public meetings was a close trial; but I endeavoured to keep -my mind quiet and resigned to the heavenly call, if it should be -made clear to me to be my duty. Nevertheless, as I was, soon after, -sitting in a meeting, in much weightiness of spirit, a secret, though -clear, intimation accompanied me to speak a few words, which were then -given to me to utter, yet fear so prevailed, that I did not yield to -the intimation. For this omission, I felt close rebuke, and judgment -seemed, for some time, to cover my mind; but as I humbled myself under -the Lord’s mighty hand, he again lifted up the light of his countenance -upon me, and enabled me to renew covenant with him, that if he would -pass by this my offence, I would, in future, be faithful, if he should -again require such a service of me. And it was not long before I -felt an impressive concern to utter a few words, which I yielded to -in great fear and dread; but O the joy and sweet consolation that my -soul experienced, as a reward for this act of faithfulness; and as I -continued persevering in duty and watchfulness, I witnessed an increase -in divine knowledge, and an enlargement in my gift. I was also deeply -engaged for the right administration of discipline and order in the -Church, and that all might be kept sweet and clean, consistent with the -nature and purity of the holy profession we were making; so that all -stumbling blocks might be removed out of the way of honest inquirers, -and that truth’s testimony might be exalted, and the Lord’s name -magnified, “who is over all, God blessed for ever.” - -A war, with all its cruel and destructive effects, having raged for -several years between the British Colonies in North America and the -mother country, Friends, as well as others, were exposed to many -severe trials and sufferings; yet, in the colony of New-York, Friends, -who stood faithful to their principles, and did not meddle in the -controversy, had, after a short period at first, considerable favour -allowed them. The yearly meeting was held steadily, during the war, -on Long Island, where the king’s party had the rule; yet Friends from -the Main, where the American army ruled, had free passage through -both armies to attend it, and any other meetings they were desirous -of attending, except in a few instances. This was a favour which -the parties would not grant to their best friends, who were of a -warlike disposition; which shows what great advantages would redound -to mankind, were they all of this pacific spirit. I passed myself -through the lines of both armies six times during the war, without -molestation, both parties generally receiving me with openness and -civility; and although I had to pass over a tract of country, between -the two armies, sometimes more than thirty miles in extent, and -which was much frequented by robbers, a set, in general, of cruel -unprincipled banditti, issuing out from both parties, yet, excepting -once, I met with no interruption even from them. But although Friends -in general experienced many favours and deliverances, yet those scenes -of war and confusion occasioned many trials and provings in various -ways to the faithful. One circumstance I am willing to mention, as it -caused me considerable exercise and concern. There was a large cellar -under the new meeting-house belonging to Friends in New-York, which -was generally let as a store. When the king’s troops entered the city, -they took possession of it for the purpose of depositing their warlike -stores; and ascertaining what Friends had the care of letting it, -their commissary came forward and offered to pay the rent; and those -Friends, for want of due consideration, accepted it. This caused great -uneasiness to the concerned part of the Society, who apprehended it not -consistent with our peaceable principles to receive payment for the -depositing of military stores in our houses. The subject was brought -before the yearly meeting in 1779, and engaged its careful attention; -but those Friends, who had been active in the reception of the money, -and some few others, were not willing to acknowledge their proceedings -to be inconsistent, nor to return the money to those from whom it was -received; and in order to justify themselves therein, they referred to -the conduct of Friends in Philadelphia in similar cases. Matters thus -appearing very difficult and embarrassing, it was unitedly concluded -to refer the final determination thereof to the yearly meeting of -Pennsylvania; and several Friends were appointed to attend that meeting -in relation thereto, among whom I was one of the number. We accordingly -set out on the 9th day of the 9th month, 1779, and I was accompanied -from home by my beloved friend John Willis, who was likewise on the -appointment. We took a solemn leave of our families, they feeling -much anxiety at parting with us, on account of the dangers we were -exposed to, having to pass not only the lines of the two armies, but -the deserted and almost uninhabited country that lay between them, in -many places the grass being grown up in the streets, and many houses -desolate and empty. Believing it, however, my duty to proceed in the -service, my mind was so settled and trust-fixed in the divine arm of -power, that faith seemed to banish all fear, and cheerfulness and quiet -resignation were, I believe, my constant companions during the journey. -We got permission, with but little difficulty, to pass the outguards -of the king’s army at Kingsbridge, and proceeded to Westchester. We -afterwards attended meetings at Harrison’s Purchase, and Oblong, having -the concurrence of our monthly meeting to take some meetings in our -way, a concern leading thereto having for some time previously attended -my mind. We passed from thence to Nine Partners, and attended their -monthly meeting, and then turned our faces towards Philadelphia, being -joined by several others of the Committee. We attended New Marlborough, -Hardwick, and Kingwood meetings on our journey, and arrived at -Philadelphia on the 7th day of the week, and 25th of 9th month, on -which day we attended the yearly meeting of Ministers and Elders, which -began at the eleventh hour. I also attended all the sittings of the -yearly meeting until the 4th day of the next week, and was then so -indisposed with a fever, which had been increasing on me for several -days, that I was not able to attend after that time. I was therefore -not present when the subject was discussed, which came from our yearly -meeting; but I was informed by my companion, that it was a very -solemn opportunity, and the matter was resulted in advising that the -money should be returned into the office from whence it was received, -accompanied with our reasons for so doing: and this was accordingly -done by the direction of our yearly meeting the next year. - -The yearly meeting closed on the 2d day of the following week; and -feeling my health a little restored, though still very weak, I left -the city, and was taken by my kind friend John Shoemaker to his house. -The next morning being rainy, and being still unwell, I rested here -during the day, but my companion proceeded to attend the monthly -meeting at the Falls. The next day I went to Byberry meeting, after -which I rode with our valuable friend James Thornton to John Watson’s, -at Middletown, where I was again joined by my companion. We attended -their monthly meeting, and found things in but poor order, and -discipline at a low ebb, for want of faithful standard bearers. We then -attended meetings, to some satisfaction, at Wright’s Town, Plumbstead, -and Buckingham. From thence we proceeded to the monthly meeting at -Hardwick, where things appeared very low as to the right exercise of -discipline; but feeling our minds engaged, we laboured, in the ability -received, for their assistance and encouragement. After this we passed -on to the Drowned Lands, and attended a meeting with the few Friends -of that place, and some others who came in; but things, pertaining to -religion, seemed at a very low ebb with them, which makes hard work -for the poor traveller. From thence we went pretty directly to Nine -Partners, and after having two meetings there, we proceeded to Oswego -and Apoquague, and then to the monthly meeting at Oblong, in all which -meetings truth was exalted, and I left them with peace of mind. We then -turned our faces homeward, and after going a few miles on our way, we -were overtaken by a constable, with a warrant from a magistrate to -bring my companion before him, who, after examination, committed him -to a board of commissioners, as a dangerous person to travel at such -a time. We were led to believe, on inquiry, that this interruption -was merely the fruit of envy, and occasioned by two acquaintances -of my companion, who had fled from the Island for refuge. However, -after a short detention, which gave me an opportunity of visiting a -few families of my relations, and of attending a small meeting which -I had passed from in some heaviness before, he was set at liberty, -and we attended the quarterly meeting at Oblong. After this we passed -on, taking meetings at Peachpond, Amawalk, and the monthly meeting -at Purchase, and from thence proceeded home. I found my family well, -which, together with the preservations and favours experienced in our -journey, impressed my mind with thankfulness and gratitude to the great -and blessed author of all our mercies. I was from home in this journey -about nine weeks, and rode about eight hundred and sixty miles. - -After the close of the aforesaid journey, I felt my mind engaged to -make a general visit to Friends on the Main belonging to our yearly -meeting; and with the concurrence of Friends, and in company with -William Valentine, who, under a like concern, had agreed to be my -companion, I left home on the 1st of the week, and 4th of 3d month, -1781, in order to accomplish the same. We sat with Friends in our -own meeting, and then proceeded to Flushing; and the next day, the -commanding officer of the king’s troops at this place permitting us, -we crossed the Sound to Frog’s Neck, and lodged with our friend Joseph -Caustin. On the following day we attended an appointed meeting at -Westchester, and then went forward, taking meetings as they came in -course for fifteen days successively, the last at Little Nine Partners: -and although in many places meetings appeared in a low state, as to -the life of religion, yet, through divine favour, help was afforded, -insomuch that I generally left them with the satisfactory evidence, -that my way had been rightly directed among them. - -After the last mentioned meeting we set forward towards Saratoga, and -lodged that night at an inn. The innkeeper’s wife, in the course of -some conversation, discovered that my companion and I were from Long -Island, where the king’s party bore rule; and she, being a friend to -their cause, seemed to wonder much, that we should leave them, and -come out among the Americans, signifying that if she was there, she -should not be willing to come away; and when I informed her that I -expected we should shortly return thither again, her admiration was -still more excited, and she was surprised how we should dare to act -so: whereupon I took occasion to acquaint her how we stood in regard -to the contending parties; informing her that as we took no part in -the controversy, but were friends to them and to all mankind, and -were principled against all wars and fightings, the contending powers -had such confidence in us, and favour towards us, that they let us -pass freely on religious accounts, through both their armies without -interruption; a privilege, which they would not grant to their own -people. This account made her marvel greatly, having never heard of -the like before. She acknowledged it was very good, and wished for -herself that she could come into the same situation, but said she -could not, unless she first had retaliation for the wrongs she had -received, after which, she said she should be willing to forgive them; -not considering, that there was nothing to be forgiven, where full pay -or satisfaction had been received. Nevertheless, this is the natural -condition and disposition of all worldly-minded men and women, who have -not known, through the powerful influence of the gospel of Christ, the -work of regeneration and the new birth, whereby they might experience -redemption from such a malicious and revengeful spirit. - -On the next day we proceeded to Coeman’s Patent, on the west side of -Hudson river, which we crossed at a place called Claverack landing. We -reached there on 7th day evening, and the following day had a meeting -with the few Friends, who had lately settled at that place, and some of -their neighbours, who were mostly Baptists. It was the first Friends’ -meeting ever held there, and was a satisfactory season. We then rode -that afternoon about twelve miles towards Albany, and lodged at an inn; -and the next day we reached Saratoga, since called Easton, and lodged -with our friend Daniel Cornell. It was late in the night before we -arrived, and the evening snowy; and the country being newly settled, -Friends’ houses were generally but poor, so that several times, while -in these parts, I felt the snow fall on my face when in bed. This -affected me with a heavy cold when I first came here, but afterwards -I was much favoured during the journey, having in good measure become -inured to the hardships we had to go through. We attended the meetings -belonging to this monthly meeting, being four in number; viz. Saratoga -alias Easton, Danby about forty miles further to the north east, White -Creek, and Hoosack. The monthly meeting was held alternately at this -latter place and Saratoga. We also visited nearly all the families -belonging to this monthly meeting, and had good satisfaction, and a -peaceful reward of our labours. From thence we went to New Britain, -and visited three families, in each of which there was but one member -of our Society. We then returned to Nine Partners, and attended their -monthly meeting, also several other meetings in that neighbourhood -which we were not at in our way up. After this we attended Oblong -quarterly meeting, and next the monthly meeting of Shapaqua; and then -taking meetings at Purchase, Mamaroneck and Westchester, we passed the -Sound again, and got safe home the 15th day of 5th month. I was gladly -received by my family and friends, having been absent on this journey -about ten weeks, and rode about eight hundred and fifty miles. We -attended thirty-two meetings, six of which were monthly meetings, and -one quarterly meeting, and visited about ninety families. - -It was in the latter part of this journey, between Mamaroneck and -Westchester, that we met with the interruption, which I before alluded -to, from some of those robbers, who frequented the country between -the two armies. I was a little ahead of my companion and some other -Friends, and was met, and accosted by two of those persons in a very -rough manner. I did not see them until they spoke, and one of them -demanded very rudely to know where we were going. I looked calmly upon -him, and informed him, without the least interruption of mind, where -we were intending to go. He then interrogated me further, as to where -we had been, what our business was, and where we were from, to all of -which I gave true and suitable answers in a mild and pleasant tone. -They seemed thereby to be entirely disarmed of their rage and violence, -although they had just before robbed and beat a man; and the one, who -had hitherto stood silent, being the most overcome, said to his fellow, -“Come, let us go, the Quakers go where they please;” and, then turning -away, they left us to pursue our journey without further interruption. -I considered this as a merciful preservation through the interference -of divine providence, who, by his power, not only sets bounds to the -sea, and saith, “Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further; and here -shall thy proud waves be stayed,” but also limits the rage and will of -wicked men, and turns them from their purpose; and thereby delivers, -from their power and cruelty, those that put their trust in him. - -In the fall of the year 1781, I was taken sick with a fever, which -lasted for several months, in the course of which my strength became -very much exhausted, and some of my friends were ready to conclude, -that I should not continue long with them; yet, through the whole of -my indisposition, I had to believe that I should recover. But through -the exercise and distress both of body and mind which I experienced, -it proved a very humbling dispensation to me. One circumstance in -particular made it peculiarly exercising to my mind, although it was -that on which I principally grounded my belief of recovery. When I -was reduced nearly to the lowest state of bodily weakness, a prospect -opened on my mind to pay a religious visit to some parts of our island -where no Friends lived, and among a people, who, from the acquaintance -I had with them, were more likely to mock, than to receive me, seeing -that I considered myself but a child in such a service. But when the -prospect first presented, it was very impressive on my mind, and an -injunction seemed to attend requiring my assent thereto; and although -I pleaded as an excuse my weakness and inability of body, as well as -my unfitness, even if I was well, for such a service, yet with all my -reasonings and pleadings I could feel no excuse granted me, and the -requisition lay heavy upon me both day and night. By my thus standing -out, I was brought very low both in body and mind; and finding that -I could get no peace in this state of refusal, and that if I did not -yield, my life must be taken for my stubbornness without any prospect -of peace hereafter, I at length yielded to the heavenly call, which -brought immediate peace and comfort to my afflicted soul; and the -Lord was very gracious, opening many things for my encouragement. In -the forepart of the next summer, having fully recovered my health, -and apprehending the right time had arrived to perform this service, -I opened it to the monthly meeting, and obtained its unity and -concurrence, and two Friends agreed to bear me company. We set out -about the middle of the 8th month, 1782, and had a very favoured -meeting at Jamaica, with a considerable number of the inhabitants. -After this we had a meeting at Samuel Doughty’s, on the south side of -the island, and then passed on to a Dutch settlement called Flatlands, -where we had some difficulty to obtain a meeting, in consequence of the -priest of the place being opposed thereto. The people seemed generally -afraid to offend him, but said that if he would consent, they should -be very willing to attend. However his assent could not be obtained, -for he appeared very jealous lest his interest in the people should -be affected. But there was one man, who seemed so much master of his -own house, that he said we were welcome to have a meeting in it, let -others say what they might. A meeting was accordingly appointed, which, -although small, was a satisfactory opportunity. The master of the house -and his wife, in an especial manner, seemed much affected therewith, -and pressed us to come and see them again. From thence we passed on, -and had meetings at Gravesend, New-Utrecht, and Springfield, all to -good satisfaction. From the latter we proceeded home, feeling the -comfortable reward of peace for this service, and very thankful to the -Lord, my gracious helper, for his countenance and support therein. May -his name be praised for ever. - -In the latter part of 1782, I attended, with a committee of the yearly -meeting, the quarterly meeting on the Main, and the monthly meetings -thereunto belonging, on a proposition from the said quarterly meeting -for a division thereof. We were absent about seven weeks, and rode -about six hundred and sixty miles. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - - Visit to Nine Partners, 1783.--Visit on Long Island, 1784.--Visit to - New-York and Staten Island, 1790.--Visit to Vermont, 1790.--Visit - on Long Island, 1791.--General visit to Friends of New-York yearly - Meeting, 1791.--Visit to the Meetings of Ministers and Elders, - 1792.--Visit to Friends in New-England and Vermont, 1793. - - -In the fall of the year 1783, I attended the quarterly meeting at Nine -Partners, also the meeting for sufferings, which was held there at -this time; and, on my return, I was at the meetings held at Oswego and -Perquage. I was from home about eleven days, and rode about one hundred -and seventy miles. The reward of peace which I felt for this little -service, and finding my family well on my return, excited gratitude and -thankfulness of heart to the author of all our mercies and blessings; -who richly rewardeth every labour of his dependent and devoted children. - -A concern having for some time impressed my mind to pay a religious -visit to the inhabitants of some of the adjacent towns, who were not -in profession with us, and having obtained the unity and concurrence -of my friends therein, I left home on the 1st day of the week, and -13th of 6th month, 1784, in order to perform that service. I attended -our own meeting in the forenoon; and, in the afternoon, one appointed -at Hempstead Harbour, to good satisfaction. Our next appointment was -on 2d day, at a village called Herricks, where there was but little -profession as to religion; nevertheless, we had a refreshing season -among them. The power and presence of the Lord were witnessed to -preside amongst us in an eminent manner. Many hearts were tendered; -and the peaceable kingdom and government of the Messiah was exalted: -to Zion’s king may all the praise be ascribed, who only is worthy for -ever. - -From thence we went to the widow Cornell’s at Success, where we lodged, -and had a satisfactory meeting there the next day; many present were -affected by the power of truth, which ran freely over all, to the -comfort and refreshment of the sincere-hearted. After this we rode -to Benjamin Doughty’s and lodged; and the next day we had a meeting -at the Little Plains, about a mile from our lodgings, among a loose -airy people. The Lord’s power was manifest for our help, bringing -things close home to their several conditions. The day following, -we attended two meetings, one at Jamaica, and the other at a place -called the Fresh Meadows, near Flushing. Although the people were -too generally at ease, and in an unconcerned state, with regard to -their religious improvement, yet, through the interposition of divine -goodness and mercy, some hearts were tendered by the convicting power -of truth, and ourselves comforted in the faithful discharge of duty. -After these opportunities, we rode to our friend Isaac Underhill’s at -Flushing, and lodged; and the next day attended a meeting appointed in -Friends’ meeting-house in that town, wherein the Master’s presence was -witnessed, to the comfort and satisfaction of the upright in heart. - -From thence we went to Newtown, and lodged with a man not in profession -with us. We had a meeting at his house the following day, wherein -the spirit of truth favoured with gospel communication, suited to -the states of those present, and relieving to my own mind. The four -following days we attended meetings at the Kilns in Newtown, Bushwick, -Brooklyn, Flatbush, Flatlands, and Gravesend. After the last, we turned -our faces homeward, having a meeting at Samuel Doughty’s, and another -at a wigwam, among the black people and Indians; both satisfactory -seasons. The next meeting was at Springfield, among a people, who -appeared to be in a state of great darkness; but the Lord was pleased, -by his own power, to command the light to shine in many hearts; -insomuch that the meeting ended under divine favour. To Him alone may -all the praise be ascribed, who is worthy for ever. The day following, -attended two meetings; one at Foster’s Meadow, the other at the widow -Keziah Mott’s. - -After this we rode to my father’s at Rockaway, on the south side -of the Island; and the next day attended a meeting there. The day -following attended two meetings at Hempstead South, the latter at -the house of our friend John Smith; all I trust, in a good degree, -profitable and instructive seasons. Our next and last appointment, at -this time, was in the town of Hempstead, the following day. It was a -large satisfactory opportunity; wherein divine help was afforded to -minister suitably to the states of those present, and to the comfort -and edification of many minds. To the Master of our assemblies, be the -praise. Nothing is due to man. From hence I returned home, and found my -family well; having rode, whilst out, about one hundred miles. - -A few weeks after my return from the aforesaid visit to the inhabitants -of some of the adjacent towns, not feeling my mind relieved from the -service, I again left home on the 4th of the 8th month following, in -order to finish the visit. The first meeting I attended was again -at Hempstead; and from thence proceeded along the south side of the -island, having meetings at Thomas Seaman’s near Jerusalem, and Thomas -Sands’ at Huntington South. The next was at Islip, on 7th day; but not -feeling clear, I appointed another the following day, being the 1st -of the week. This proved a satisfactory season. The same afternoon, -I attended another meeting about thirteen miles farther east, at a -place called Blue Point. Thence passing on along the south side of -the island, I attended meetings at Patchogue, the Fire Place, South -Hampton, North Sea, Amaganset and Montauk at the east end of the -island, among the Indian natives. In all of them, strength was afforded -to preach the gospel in a good degree of divine authority, and to the -general satisfaction of those assembled, and the solid peace of my own -mind. - -After the meeting at Montauk among the natives, we returned that -afternoon to a meeting at East Hampton, which we had appointed in our -way down, and was held at the fifth hour. The priest of the town, -and a considerable number of his hearers, attended, and all passed -away quiet. We went from thence to the north part of the island, -having meetings at Sagharbour, Shelter Island, South Hold, Oyster -Pond Point, and Stephen Vail’s, a little back from the Point; thence -back by Riverhead to St. George’s Manor, where we had a meeting, and -all satisfactory seasons. We passed from thence by Wading River to -Setauket, and Stonybrook, holding meetings at the two last places to -good satisfaction. The meeting at Setauket, especially, was a solemn -time; the Lord’s presence was witnessed, to the tendering many hearts. -After this we took meetings at Jonah Wood’s, and James Oakley’s, and -from thence returned home, and found my family well; for which favour, -with the peace and satisfaction I felt in the performance of this tour -of duty, my mind was inspired with gratitude and humble acknowledgments -to the Lord, my gracious helper. - -In the 12th month following, feeling my mind drawn to a few places -eastward, on the north part of the island, I again left home on the -2d of said month, and took meetings at Huntington, Cowharbour, Crab -Meadow, Smithtown, Setauket, Wading River, Quoram, Joshua Smith’s -near the branch; and from thence home. In all those meetings, truth -favoured me with ability to discharge myself faithfully, to the peace -of my own mind; and, I trust, to the edification and instruction of the -honest-minded in the several meetings. - -Having felt drawings on my mind to pay a religious visit to some, not -in profession with us, on the western part of our island, New-York, and -Staten Island, and obtaining the concurrence of our monthly meeting, -I proceeded therein, the 28th of 3d month, 1790, Fry Willis kindly -bearing me company. Our first appointment was at Newtown, at the widow -Smith’s, who received us, and opened her house for a meeting, which was -held to good satisfaction. The next day we had two meetings; the first, -at Friends’ meeting-house at the Kilns, the other, in the evening, at a -neighbouring village, called Juniper Swamp; both favoured seasons, many -hearts being tendered by the prevalence of the spirit of truth, which, -through heavenly help, was exalted over all. The day following, way -opening therefor, we had a meeting at Hurlgate in the afternoon, to the -general satisfaction of those present, and to my own comfort; having -been enabled to discharge myself faithfully, in a plain way among them. -After this we proceeded to New-York, and the evening of the next -day, we had a large, and, I trust, profitable meeting, in a public -building called the City Tavern. Our next appointment was in Friends’ -meeting-house, the evening following; it was a very large collection, -and, through the gracious extendings of divine mercy, the power of -truth was exalted over all, to the comfort and strength of my own mind, -and the solid satisfaction and rejoicing of many present. - -The day following we passed to Staten Island, and the next day, being -the 1st of the week, we had two meetings: the first, at the house of -Peter Prawl, who was favourably inclined towards Friends. It was a -favoured season, wherein the Master’s presence was witnessed eminently -to preside, and in the precious influence thereof, the gospel was -preached in demonstration of the Spirit, and with power, to the -awakening and tendering the hearts of many present: to the Lord only -wise, be the praise and glory of his own work; for he only is worthy -for ever. The meeting in the afternoon, held at the house of the widow -of our friend Thomas Ridgway, proved a trying season, but I trust -ended well. We had two more meetings on the island the next day, and -the solemnity attending gave encouragement to hope, that they were of -some use to those assembled. After this we returned to New-York with -peace of mind, accompanied with the good wishes of many of those we had -visited. - -The day after our arrival in the city, Friends’ monthly meeting was -held, which we attended; and the evening of the next day, we had a -large satisfactory meeting in the suburbs of the town, in a large -building called the Hospital. The next day, at the tenth hour, visited -the poor in the poor house. The visit was comfortable and satisfactory. -At the third hour we had a pretty full meeting, in a house belonging -to the Methodists, which they offered us for that purpose; and in the -evening we had another large meeting in Friends’ meeting house; both -satisfactory seasons, and, I trust, comfortable and edifying to many -who attended. The next day we visited a few families of Friends, as -way opened, which closed our visit for this time to the city. The day -after, being the first of the week, and the 11th of 4th month, we had -a satisfactory meeting at Brooklyn. The two following days we attended -two meetings on our way home, the first at Samuel Doughty’s, at Jamaica -South, the latter in Jamaica town; both favoured seasons, although many -who attended were light and airy; yet the power of truth rising into -dominion, a comfortable solemnity was spread over the assemblies. I -left them in the enjoyment of true peace of mind, and returned to my -family the evening following, and found all well; which, with other -unmerited favours, witnessed in the course of this little engagement, -filled my mind with thankful acknowledgments to the Shepherd of Israel, -who is over all, worthy for ever. - -In the latter part of the summer of this year, I performed a visit, -in company with James Parsons of New-York, to some people favourably -disposed towards Friends, who resided in the towns of Strafford -and Sharon, in the State of Vermont, about fifteen miles west of -Connecticut river. I left home the 28th of 7th month, and attended -Purchase quarterly meeting, and a meeting on first day, at Cornwall -in Connecticut, on our way, and then passed on to Northampton on -Connecticut river; from thence up the east side of the river, through -Massachusetts and part of New Hampshire, as far as Hanover; then -crossing the river, we rode about fifteen miles westerly, to the town -of Strafford, to the house of Timothy Blake, who was principally -instrumental in collecting those people. Their first meeting was at -his house. He appeared convinced of the principle of the inward light, -as held by us; and had gathered a number into the same belief, in a -good degree. They held two meetings when we came among them, one at -his house, and the other at the adjacent town of Sharon; but, for want -of keeping inward enough to the principle of divine light and grace, -they became weak; and those, who apprehended it their duty to teach, -had got too much out into words and speculative preaching and doctrine, -which soon produced discord and a schism among them. They appeared -to have been at times much favoured, and several of them had their -understandings considerably illumined; insomuch that they were joined, -at their request, in membership with Friends, and their meetings came -under Friends’ notice; but being far distant from any other meeting -of the society, and not keeping low and little enough, they mostly -became bewildered and scattered, and their meetings dropped. Yet a -few kept, or regained, their first love; several of whom afterwards -removed nearer to Friends. We passed several days among them; and then, -taking leave, returned homeward by Danby, Saratoga alias Easton, and -Hudson, to Nine Partners, attending meetings as they fell in our way, -and reached Nine Partners in time for their quarterly meeting. After -this we passed pretty directly home, attending a meeting at Shapaqua on -first day. I was from home, on this journey, about three weeks and five -days, attended two quarterly meetings, and seven particular meetings, -and travelled about five hundred and ninety-one miles. - -In the latter part of the winter, and spring of the ensuing year, -in the drawings of gospel love, and with the unity of my friends, I -performed a visit to a number of the adjacent towns and villages on our -island, among those not in profession with us. I was from home about -two weeks, and attended fifteen meetings, and rode about one hundred -and fifteen miles. - -A prospect having for some time impressed my mind to make a general -visit to Friends of our yearly meeting, and to have some meetings -among those not in profession with us, in parts adjacent, with the -concurrence of my brethren at home, I set out on this service, the -23d of 10th month, 1791, and had meetings at Flushing, Newtown and -Brooklyn, on my way to New-York. Our quarterly meeting was held there -at this time; it ended on the sixth day of the week, and was a solemn -season, and graciously owned by the Master’s presence; many weighty -subjects were opened through well qualified instruments, to the -satisfaction and encouragement of the living. We were favoured with the -company of our beloved friend Mary Ridgway, and her companion, from -Ireland. The 29th, I proceeded on my journey, with Andrew Underhill, -who had kindly given up to bear me company. We went by water to Staten -Island, and the next day, being the first of the week, we attended -two appointed meetings, the first at the house of a man inclined to -Friends, whose wife was convinced of our principles; the latter at the -house of a professor among the Methodists. Both were favoured seasons, -many hearts being tendered through gospel communication, which flowed -freely to the people. The 31st, we had another meeting on the island, -at the house of the widow Ridgway; after this, in the evening, we had -a favoured and instructive season with the widow’s family. The next -day we passed over to Rahway, in East Jersey. And on fourth day, the -2d of 11th month, we attended Friends’ meeting at Plainfield, and an -appointed meeting in the evening at Elijah Pound’s, near Brunswick; -both, I trust, profitable seasons to some present.--We returned next -morning to Rahway, and attended Friends’ meeting in that place; and -one in the evening at Woodbridge, and returned to Rahway to lodge. The -next day we passed over again to Staten Island, and had two meetings -in the south-western part, wherein help was afforded to discharge -myself faithfully, in a plain way, suited, as I believe, to the states -of those who attended; they were of different professions, being -Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Baptists, and Methodists. We returned -again on seventh day evening to our lodgings at Rahway, to the house -of our kind friend Joseph Shotwell; and the next day, being the first -of the week, and 6th of the 11th month, we attended their forenoon and -afternoon meetings; both, I trust, instructive edifying seasons, worthy -of remembrance. To the Lord only wise, be the praise and glory of his -own work, for to him it is due. - -The following day we attended an appointed meeting at the eleventh -hour in Elizabethtown, at the house of our friend Joseph Stackhouse; -and, although small, yet it proved a satisfactory season; and in the -evening, one at Newark, held in their court-house, which was large -and much crowded. I was drawn forth among them in a large doctrinal -testimony, I believe to general satisfaction, and greatly to the peace -and relief of my own mind. Our next appointment was on the evening -following, at a place called the English Neighbourhood, on the east -side of Hackensack river, at the house of Thomas Frost, a physician. -Although it was the first meeting appointed by Friends, ever held -at that place, and the people mostly unacquainted with us and our -principles, yet they came freely together, and generally behaved in an -orderly and commendable manner. The meeting was much favoured, being -evidently owned by the Head of the Church; and ability was received to -communicate divers things, relative to the true ground of real religion -and spiritual worship, which appeared to obtain the general assent -of those present. The next day, in the evening, we had a meeting at -the house of our friend Daniel Lawrence, at Tappan, which, although -small, was in the main a satisfactory season. On the three following -days, we had two meetings, by appointment, on our way to Cornwall; -one at Kakiat, at the house of the widow Seaman, the other at William -Thorne’s, at Smith’s Clove. In going to the latter place, we rode over -the western part of the mountains, called the Highlands. We got to the -house of our friend William Titus, at Cornwall, on seventh day evening. -The next day attended Friends’ meeting there, and one, by appointment, -in the evening at New Windsor; and lodged with our friend James Thorne. -The next day crossed the Hudson river, and had a meeting at Fishkill, -in our way to Nine Partners; where we arrived on 3d day, and attended -the quarterly meeting of Ministers and Elders, which opened at the -eleventh hour. The two following days, the meeting for discipline and a -parting meeting for public worship, were held. They were all favoured -seasons, in which the faithful had cause to bless the name of the Lord, -for his mercy in manifesting his gracious presence for the strength and -help of his people and servants; in a sense whereof, we parted from -each other with mutual rejoicing. - -On sixth day, we rode to Sharon in Connecticut, and the day following -held a meeting for the town’s people in a large upper room in their -school-house. A considerable number attended: and, through heavenly -goodness, it proved a memorable time; the testimony of truth went -freely forth among them, powerfully reaching and tendering many hearts. -To the Lord alone, be the praise. - -After this meeting, we rode to the house of Simeon Prague, about three -miles north of the town, and attended a meeting there that evening. -Next day, being the first of the week, we rode to Goshen, and attended -the meeting held there, at the house of Charles Richards; notice -having gone before of our coming, it was a pretty full meeting, and -ended to satisfaction. We passed from thence to Tyringham, in the -state of Massachusetts; and, on third day, attended a meeting in that -neighbourhood. Then travelling on that afternoon and the next day, -we got to Westfield, and lodged at an inn; and the following day, -held a meeting at our lodgings, for the neighbourhood. After this we -rode to Norwich, and attended a meeting that evening at the house of -Phineas Mixer, which proved, through heavenly help, a comfortable -edifying season, although the general part of those who attended -were strangers to us and our principles. The three following days, -we passed on through the towns of Northampton, Hadley, Sunderland, -Montague, Northfield and Walpole, to John Cook’s, in Claremont, -where we appointed a meeting to be held the next day. Our landlord -undertook to give the notice to his neighbours; and having heard that -Friends sometimes sit their meetings in silence, he was afraid, as he -afterwards informed me, to notify any of the meeting, except two or -three of his particular friends; lest, if it should prove silent, they -might laugh him to scorn. In consequence thereof, the meeting was very -small. But such was the kindness of divine Providence, that he did not -fail to manifest his presence powerfully among, as it were, the two -or three, to the conviction and reproof of our unfaithful landlord; -insomuch that he informed me, when I came that way again, that his -folly and blindness had given him much trouble and distress; and he was -now very pressing and desirous I would appoint another meeting, that he -might give all the neighbourhood general notice. But we let him know, -that we were not at our own disposal; and, as no way appeared open in -our minds for such an appointment at present, we could not comply with -his desire. - -After the last mentioned meeting, we passed the next day to Windsor, -the most south-easterly town in the state of Vermont, on the west side -of Connecticut river. Here we had a meeting in their court-house, -which was very commodiously fitted up for the purpose, and proved a -solid satisfactory opportunity. After this we rode to James Willard’s, -in the town of Hartland; who, although brought up without any -particular knowledge of Friends, was yet so far one in principle with -us, that he had maintained, by himself alone, a testimony against a -hireling ministry, against fighting, and oaths, and the superstitious -observance of days; and had, by sound reasoning, so far defeated -all his opponents, that he was permitted to remain quiet; although -his residence had mostly been among those rigid in the Presbyterian -profession. We had a meeting in his house, which appeared always to -be open to Friends, after his gaining an acquaintance with them; -but it being on the day set apart by those in authority as a day of -thanksgiving, the meeting was small. - -We took leave of our kind landlord, and journeyed forward; and got to -the town of Sharon the next day, to the house of Jared Bassett, who, -with some of his neighbours, who were likewise measurably convinced -of our principles, held meetings together, after our manner. Here we -continued some days, visiting those people, and attended their meeting -on first day, the 4th of 12th month; which, through favour, was, I -trust, a profitable, edifying season. - -On third day we rode over to Hanover, a town on the east side of -Connecticut river. And the day following had a meeting in the east -part of said town, among a people mostly of the Baptist profession; it -was, I trust, an instructive season; things, relating to true religion -and spiritual worship, being largely opened. And after the meeting, we -had some free conversation on several material points; viz. election, -falling from grace, water baptism and the right use of the scriptures, -all of which were opened apparently to the satisfaction of most -present. The evening of the next day, we had an appointed meeting near -Dartmouth College, which proved a very disturbed opportunity, by reason -of the attendance of the young students, whose behaviour was very rude -and unbecoming; nevertheless, I hope the season was profitable to some -present. - -We returned the next day to Jared Bassett’s, at Sharon, and the -following day attended two meetings, one at Strafford, and the other in -the evening at a place called the Hollow. After this we returned again -to Jared Bassett’s, and the next day, being the first of the week, and -the 11th of 12th month, we attended the meeting at his house; which, -with the two last, were, to myself at least, satisfactory seasons; -feeling conscious of having discharged my duty faithfully among them, -and having the answer of peace therein. The next day we set out for -Danby, the nearest meeting of Friends to this place; but by reason -of a great fall of snow, and the way being mountainous, we did not -arrive there until the third day after we set out. The next day after -our arrival, their monthly meeting began, which continued two days. -It was a low time, wherein I felt my mind much oppressed with the -apparent careless indifferent way in which Friends there conducted the -weighty affairs of the Church; many of them appearing to act in their -own will, in as light a manner, as they would in their own trivial -outward business. Much labour was bestowed in a plain way, in order to -impress their minds with the necessity of being more weighty in their -spirits, when they presumed to be active in the affairs of truth; and, -I hope, to the encouragement of the honest hearted. We stayed their -first day meeting, which was large, and proved a trying season; but I -was favoured to relieve my mind among them, although they appeared too -generally insensible of the operation of truth. - -After meeting, we rode that afternoon, on our way towards Lake -Champlain, about twelve miles, and attended a meeting at the house -of our friend Joseph Button, that evening, among a people mostly of -the Baptist profession. It was a favoured season, and ability was -received to open many things, in a plain way, relating to the Christian -religion. The strange doctrine of absolute personal election and -reprobation was exposed, also that of the impossibility of falling from -grace; and the true baptism explained, in opposition to that of water. -The next day we pursued our journey towards Lake Champlain, where we -arrived on second day, and were in the neighbourhood of the lake, in -different towns, for about fifteen days, and attended eleven meetings -among Friends and others, to general satisfaction, and the peace of my -mind. - -After this we returned to Danby, and from thence we passed on, through -Queensborough, to Saratoga and Easton; in which neighbourhood we had -divers comfortable and edifying meetings, among Friends and others. -Then we went on through Pittstown, Williamstown, East Hoosack, New -Britain, Kline-Kiln, Coeman’s Patent, crossing the Hudson river on the -ice to the last mentioned place, and from thence to Hudson; most of the -way upon the ice on the river. We had a meeting at each of those places -to good satisfaction, also one at Hudson the next day after our arrival -there. After this we passed on, attending meetings at Little Nine -Partners, and one at the house of our friend Tideman Hull; thence to -the Creek, where we had a precious opportunity on the first day of the -week, in a large meeting of Friends and others. Then having meetings at -Crum-elbow and Oswego, we got in time to Nine Partners, to attend their -preparative meeting the fifth day following, which proved a comfortable -season; and the next day attended a profitable meeting, appointed at -a place called Chesnut Ridge. The two following days we attended two -meetings, one at the Branch, and the other on the hill at Oblong; and -the day after, their monthly meeting; and returned to Nine Partners to -attend the quarterly meeting, which began the next day. - -The quiet and comfort of this meeting seemed much interrupted by the -forwardness and inexperience of some in the ministry, which was cause -of much affliction to my mind. Oh what great need there is for those, -who apprehend themselves called to that great and solemn office, to -know self wholly reduced; for, otherwise, there is danger of their -endeavouring to clothe themselves with the Lord’s jewels, which, -nevertheless, will turn to their own shame and confusion. I had some -close exercise in the meeting of Ministers and Elders on that account. -On sixth day we were at the monthly meeting at the Creek, which was -attended with a degree of divine power, but not without suffering some -hurt, by the forward unskilful workmen before mentioned. - -From this meeting we crossed the Hudson again, and had meetings at -Little Esopus, Marlborough, and Newburgh Valley; and then returned to -Nine Partners, and attended their monthly meeting. After this, taking -leave of Friends there, we turned our faces homewards, having meetings -at Amawalk, Joseph Weeks’ near Salem, Purchase, Apoquague, Mamaroneck, -and Westchester; all favoured seasons, especially the last, which -was mostly composed of those not in membership with Friends. I was -enabled, through divine aid, to open much doctrine to them, suitable -to the occasion, and to the states of those present, to their general -satisfaction; and I felt great peace in my labour, not only for the -service of this meeting, but for all my past labour in this journey; -wherein I had been graciously favoured, to my humbling admiration. To -the Lord only wise, be all the glory. - -The next day we rode to New-York, where I lodged with my kind -companion, and was cordially received by his beloved wife, and many -other near and dear friends. We had been from the city four months -and three days. The next day being the first of the week, I attended -their forenoon and afternoon meetings, which were large; and the day -following rode to my own home, and, with a mind full of peace and solid -satisfaction, the sure reward of obedience, found my dear wife and -children all well: for which favour, also for the manifold unmerited -mercies and preservations I have from time to time received, my spirit -bows in humble adoration before thee, O Lord God of our health and -salvation, and desires to ascribe unto thee greatness, with glory, -thanksgiving, and high renown; for thou art worthy to receive it, -throughout all ages and generations, world without end. Amen. - -I was from home on this journey four months and eleven days; rode about -one thousand five hundred miles, and attended forty-nine particular -meetings among Friends, three quarterly meetings, six monthly meetings, -and forty meetings among other people. - -In the latter end of the 7th month, 1792, I left home, in company with -some other Friends, by appointment from the yearly meeting of Ministers -and Elders, to visit the subordinate meetings throughout the yearly -meeting. I was from home nearly a month, in which time we visited -most of the meetings of Ministers and Elders, and attended many other -meetings; and, I believe, the visit was truly useful. We had many -seasonable and comfortable opportunities among Friends, and, I trust, -the labour was blessed to some, and I felt peace of mind for this -little service. - -A concern having for some time rested on my mind, in the feelings of -gospel love, to pay a religious visit to Friends in New England, in -the spring of 1793, I opened it to my friends, and obtained their -certificate for that purpose. But I did not proceed therein till after -our yearly meeting. I left home the 2d of 6th month, being the first -of the week, and after attending our own meeting, I crossed the Sound -that afternoon, and got to the house of our friends Daniel and Samuel -Titus at Horseneck, that evening. Here I met my companion James Mott -from Mamaroneck, who had kindly given up to be my companion in this -journey. We set forward next morning through the state of Connecticut, -which took near three days, and arrived on fourth day evening at the -house of our friend Amos Collins in Stonington, and the next day -attended Friends’ meeting at Hopkinton, in the state of Rhode Island. -From thence we proceeded on towards Newport, attending meetings in our -way, at Westerly, Richmond, South Kingston, Upper and Lower House, -and Canonnicut Island; all satisfactory opportunities. After this we -crossed the ferry to Newport, and lodged at the house of our kind -and very hospitable friend, the widow Mary Rodman, who, with her two -worthy daughters, Sarah and Hannah, treated us with great kindness -and affection; and where we continued to lodge, during our stay in -that town. The meeting of Ministers and Elders opened the next day at -Portsmouth. After this we lodged that night at our friend Jacob Mott’s, -and the next day attended a meeting for worship at that place, which -was very large; although things appeared very low, as to the life and -virtue of truth, both among Friends and others, and lukewarmness and -indifference seemed to prevail, which made it a laborious time for the -honest travellers, yet ability was afforded to discharge myself among -them to a good degree of satisfaction, and peace to my own mind; and we -returned that evening to Newport. - -The yearly meeting closed on the third day following; and although -strength was afforded me to discharge myself in the several sittings -thereof, both for worship and discipline, in a manner productive of -that true peace, which is the sure reward of a faithful discharge of -duty, yet it was, for the most part, a dull time, and the spring of -life seemed very low; occasioned, in part, as I apprehended, by a very -small number taking upon them the whole management of the business, -and thereby shutting up the way to others, and preventing the free -circulation and spreading of the concern, in a proper manner, on the -minds of Friends; which I have often found to be of very hurtful -tendency. - -On fourth day morning we left Newport, and rode to Portsmouth, and -attended their preparative meeting. The forepart of the meeting for -worship was a heavy season, in which it was my lot to be baptized for -the dead; but, as I patiently abode under suffering with the pure seed, -the Lord was pleased to arise, and give ability to come forth, and -sound an alarm to the lifeless; whereby his power and presence were -experienced, in good measure, to cover the meeting, to the comfort -and encouragement of the living travellers; to the Lord alone be the -praise, who is worthy for ever. - -The next day we passed the ferry, and rode to Tiverton, on the Main, -and attended a meeting, by appointment, which was chiefly made up of -people not of our society. Through the prevalence of divine love, -after a season of close labour, strength was afforded me, largely to -open the truths of the gospel, in a clear manner, greatly to my own -satisfaction, and apparently so to most or all present; for which -my spirit was truly thankful. The next day we attended a meeting at -Little Compton, which was large, and mostly composed of people of -other persuasions. It was a comfortable edifying season; the Lord was -graciously pleased to be near, and to afford wisdom and utterance; many -things were opened in a doctrinal way, suitable to the states of those -present, in the clear demonstration of the spirit, and with power; in -a sense whereof, the living were made to rejoice, and return thankful -acknowledgments for such unmerited mercy. - -The day after, we attended the monthly meeting of Friends of Acoakset, -held at Westport; the meeting for worship was very large, and like the -former, mostly composed of people of other persuasions. Ability was -afforded me largely to open the nature of true worship, and to show the -fruitlessness of mere outward performances in religion, without the -animating, quickening virtue of the word of eternal life, influencing -and assisting the soul in that solemn act. The meeting for discipline -was small, and very few of those present appeared to be under right -qualifications to be active in the affairs of the Church; consequently -their business was conducted in great weakness, and in a way far short -of maintaining the proper dignity of a monthly meeting. No way seemed -to open to afford relief; as the disorder and weakness appeared to -be much in those, who assumed the place of leaders and heads in the -meeting, and great and uncommon rawness in most of the youth. Under the -consideration thereof, my mind was deeply affected with concern for -their own, and the testimony’s, sake. - -Our next appointment was at Centre, on first day; and previous notice -having been given of our coming, the meeting was very large; there were -many more than the house could hold, and it was a precious edifying -season. We then rode to Newtown, taking some refreshment on our way; -and attended a meeting at the fourth hour in the afternoon, which was -large, and proved a satisfactory opportunity, and I felt sweet peace in -this day’s labour. - -The next day we attended the monthly meeting of Aponegansett, alias -Dartmouth, which proved a hard, painful season, things being much out -of order with Friends there. Most of the young people, and some of -those that were older, were very raw and ungoverned; insomuch that the -meeting was much interrupted by an almost continual going in and out, -although frequently reproved for it. It rendered the prospect very -afflicting, to see the professors of truth so regardless of their own -reputation and real good, as well as of the good and reputation of -society. I left this place with a degree of sadness, on account of the -prevailing darkness and ignorance; yet I felt peace to attend my mind, -having faithfully discharged myself among them. - -We rode after meeting to New Bedford, in company with our beloved -friend Thomas Rotch, who met us at this place; and we lodged at his -house, where we found a cordial reception, and kind entertainment from -him and his beloved wife, who appeared to be hopeful young Friends. -The next day we attended their monthly meeting, which proved a very -comfortable, edifying season. This monthly meeting was but newly -settled, and Friends appeared desirous of improvement. There were a -number of promising young Friends in this place, to whom my spirit was -nearly united, and a sympathetic travail experienced for their growth -and preservation. My mind was covered with much sweetness in the course -of this meeting, and it proved a time of revival to my spirit; having -experienced much depression and discouragement in the two foregoing -monthly meetings. - -The next day we rode to Long Plain, and attended a meeting at the -eleventh hour, which proved, through heavenly help, a comfortable, -edifying season. After this we rode back to Accushnet, and attended -a meeting at the fourth hour that afternoon, in which I found it my -business to set the people an example of silence; and returned that -evening to our lodgings at New Bedford. The next day we embarked for -Nantucket, and arrived there before night, having sailed about sixty -miles in our way thither. We took our lodgings at the house of our kind -friend Samuel Rodman, and stayed on the island several days, in which -time we attended their monthly meeting, and a meeting of Ministers and -Elders belonging thereto; and two meetings on the first day of the -week. After this, on second and third day, their quarterly meeting was -held, and on fourth day I was at their meeting held in the middle of -the week, in the north meeting-house. Although things in general were -much out of order with many of the professors of truth in this island, -and the pure seed of the kingdom much oppressed, and gloominess seemed -to spread over the camp, yet the Lord Almighty, in the riches of his -love, was pleased to furnish ability to sound an alarm to the dead, and -to press upon the lukewarm and careless professors, the necessity of -using all diligence to make their calling and election sure, while time -and opportunity were yet graciously afforded; and also to administer -Gilead’s balm, to bind up the broken-hearted, and to encourage the -faithful labourers in the family, to a perseverance in faith and -patience. To a remnant of these, my spirit was nearly united in the -real bond of Christian fellowship, and our hearts were filled with -gratitude to the God and Father of all our sure mercies, that he was -graciously pleased to distil the heavenly dew for refreshing the weary -travellers, and crowning the several meetings with the glorious diadem -of his holy presence; to him alone be the praise, for he is worthy for -ever. - -On fifth day, the 4th of 7th month, we left the island, and crossed -over to Falmouth, about forty miles, by water; after landing, we -travelled about four miles to the house of our friend Richard Lake, and -lodged. The next day we attended their monthly meeting, which proved a -time of deep exercise to my spirit; occasioned, as I believed, by the -dead and lifeless state of the professors of truth in that meeting. I -sat through the meeting for worship in silence, under a great weight of -death and suffering, and saw no way of relief until near the close of -the meeting for discipline, when a prospect opened in my mind, with a -degree of light, to propose to Friends, that the men and women should -sit together again at the close of their business. This proposition -was agreed to by Friends, and way was made to clear my mind, in a -good degree, amongst them, of the burden I had sat under, in a close -searching communication of my prospect respecting their state, as it -opened in the view of my mind. This appeared to have considerable -effect on the minds of some, yet some others appeared too much in that -state, of all others the most to be dreaded, of self-justification, and -of being righteous in their own eyes, which rendered them indisposed to -improvement. - -I left that place the day following, with some weight on my spirit, -under a sense of the low state of things among them, and rode to -Yarmouth, and attended a meeting there the next day, which proved a -satisfactory season. The three following days we passed on through -Sandwich, Pembroke, and Boston, to Salem; having meetings at Sandwich -and Pembroke, both, I trust, profitable edifying seasons to some -present. We reached Salem on fifth day, the 11th of 7th month, just -in time to attend their monthly meeting, having rode diligently -the morning and afternoon before to accomplish it; and had a pretty -satisfactory time with Friends at this meeting. After this we rode back -to Lynn, and the next day attended an appointed meeting there, which -proved a large, favoured, and I trust, profitable meeting to many, not -soon to be forgotten; there were a considerable number of hopeful young -people in this place. In the afternoon, we had a precious opportunity -at a Friend’s house, where there were a number of young people and -others collected; it was a heart-tendering season. For this, with other -favours conferred from time to time, my heart was made truly thankful -to the Father of mercies, and God of all comfort, who is over all, -blessed for ever. - -We proceeded the next day to Almsbury, and lodged with our friend -Ezekiel Jones, and the next morning rode back to Newbury, and attended -Friends’ meeting at the eleventh hour. Although the meeting was small, -Friends being much reduced there, yet some of the neighbouring people -coming in we had a precious opportunity together, to our mutual -comfort; the way of life and salvation being clearly opened to them, -in the demonstration of the spirit, and with power; for which my -spirit was reverently thankful. We rode back and attended a meeting -at Almsbury that afternoon, at the fourth hour; a large number of -those, who were not members of our society, assembled with the few -Friends of that place, insomuch that the house could not contain them. -It proved a painful season, by reason of the prevailing death and -darkness that seemed to spread, not only over Friends, but the assembly -in general. My spirit was brought into a state of deep suffering and -baptism, but as I patiently endured the conflict, way was made, and -ability afforded, to open to them their states and conditions, with -the necessity of being redeemed therefrom, and the way whereby it must -be effected. The people were generally solid, and I trust it was a -profitable season to many minds present. - -We returned that evening to the house of our friend Ezekiel Jones, -and the next day proceeded to Newtown, where we had a meeting, which -proved, I trust, an instructive edifying season to some present; -although the life of religion appeared very low in that place. We -lodged here, and the day following we went to Halestown alias Wear, -and took our lodgings at the house of our friend Ebenezer Breed. We -attended their monthly meeting next day; things in general appeared in -a low state with Friends here, much of which weakness I apprehended -arose from these two causes. First, from a forward spirit, which -appeared very predominant in some members, who were not under a right -qualification to be active in meetings for discipline, not having -their spirits sanctified: and their unseasoned offerings and forward -activity were a great burden to the living concerned members, being -often opposed to the right exercise of discipline, which caused -divisions and parties in the meeting: Secondly, those Friends who -seemed to have the cause of truth at heart, for want of dwelling enough -in the root, and in that perfect love that casts out all fear, were -led from an apprehension of necessity, in order to keep down those -forward spirits, to make use of some undue methods in the exercise of -discipline. This, originating in fear, and being the result of human -contrivance, instead of subjecting, had a tendency to strengthen them, -in their opposition: for nothing can promote the Lord’s work but his -own peaceable spirit and wisdom, and this stands out of all human -consultation and contrivance, which, when given way to, although ever -so well intended, always mar his work. I was much exercised, both in -the meeting for worship, and that for discipline; and I was helped to -administer much counsel and advice for Friends’ improvement in general, -and particularly that those before mentioned difficulties might be -removed; and felt much peace in my labour. - -The next day, being the 5th of the week, and 19th of 7th month, we rode -to Epping, about forty-two miles, and lodged with our friend Joshua -Fulsome, an approved minister, and attended Friends’ meeting there the -following day. In the forepart of this meeting, my mind was reduced -into such a state of great weakness and depression, that my faith was -almost ready to fail, which produced great searchings of heart, so that -I was led to call in question all that I had ever before experienced. -In this state of doubting, I was ready to wish myself at home, from an -apprehension that I should only expose myself to reproach, and wound -the cause I was embarked in; for the heavens seemed like brass, and the -earth as iron; such coldness and hardness, I thought could scarcely -have ever been experienced before by any creature, so great was the -depth of my baptism at this time; nevertheless, as I endeavoured to -quiet my mind, in this conflicting dispensation, and be resigned to -my allotment, however distressing, towards the latter part of the -meeting a ray of light broke through the surrounding darkness, in -which the Shepherd of Israel was pleased to arise, and by the light of -his glorious countenance, to scatter those clouds of opposition. Then -ability was received, and utterance given, to speak of his marvellous -works in the redemption of souls, and to open the way of life and -salvation, and the mysteries of his glorious kingdom, which are hid -from the wise and prudent of this world, and revealed only unto those, -who are reduced into the state of little children and babes in Christ. -It proved a time of renewed strength and consolation to myself, and I -trust it was so to many present. Renowned for ever be the name of the -Lord, who hath his way in the cloud, and in the thick darkness, and who -can cause the light to shine out of obscurity, when he pleaseth, for -the comfort and help of his devoted children, and cause their darkness -to become as the noonday. - -We passed on from thence through Dover to Berwick, where the monthly -meeting for Dover was held the next day. It proved a very exercising -season, great weakness attending the meeting, on account of the same -rending, dividing spirit getting in among Friends there, mentioned at -the foregoing monthly meeting at Wear. It had made great havoc among -them; a great number of members had been separated, and others were -about to be separated, by minutes of denial from the monthly meeting. -I had some close labour with them, not only by endeavouring to stir -up and warn the careless and refractory members; but I also found it -necessary to caution and warn those, who had the chief management of -discipline. I believed they had too much departed from the meek spirit -of Jesus, in ordering the affairs of truth; and instead of giving the -right portion of meat in due season to their fellow members, had given -way to a spirit of impatience, and therefore did not stand wholly clear -of beating and abusing their fellow servants. O how necessary it is for -all those, who think themselves called to be active in the discipline -of the Church, to know their own spirits fully subjected, that nothing -of the unmortified will of the creature may be found acting in the -work of the Lord; or mixing its own forward unsanctified zeal, with -that true and holy fervour of soul, which animates, quickens, and -constrains, by the mere force and influence of the pure love of Christ, -our holy head, and heavenly high priest, from whence it derives all -its power and authority, in putting right discipline in practice, and -laying true judgment on the head of transgressors, and refractory -members. We tarried here the next day, it being the first of the week. -The meeting was pretty large, and was composed of Friends and others, -and favoured with the reachings forth of heavenly regard, consoling -many hearts, and refreshing the weary travellers; of these, there -appeared to be a small remnant preserved in almost every place. The -meeting ended with humble supplication, and praise to the great Author -of every blessing, who is over all, worthy for ever. - -The next day, the 22d of 7th month, we proceeded on towards Falmouth, -at Casco Bay, attending a meeting at Portland, in our way thither. On -fourth day we attended the monthly meeting of Falmouth, and, on sixth -day, the monthly meeting of Durham; they were in general satisfactory -seasons. The next day we rode to Georgetown, and attended a meeting -appointed there at the eleventh hour. After this we proceeded on to the -widow Gardner’s, in a town called Bordingham; in getting to this place, -we had to cross the great river Kennebeck twice. The next day, being -the first of the week, and the 28th of 7th month, a large meeting was -held there by our appointment, there being no meeting in that place. It -was a time of hard labour for a season, by reason of the indifference -and ignorance of many present; nevertheless, ability was afforded -to discharge myself among them, to pretty good satisfaction, and, I -believe, generally so to those present; and, I trust, by some, the -season will not soon be forgotten. - -We went by water that afternoon up the aforesaid river, about seven -miles, to the house of our friend George Ramsdale, having sent -our horses there the night before. The next day we passed on to -Vassalborough, and the day following rode up the river to Fairfield, -and attended a meeting, and returned to Vassalborough that afternoon. -The next day we attended Friends’ meeting there, which proved a heavy -dull season, till near the close, when ability was afforded me to clear -myself among them, in a close searching communication, which appeared -to have a good effect, and the meeting ended well. - -We passed on that afternoon twenty miles to Winthrop, and the next -day had a meeting there. After this we rode to Greene, and from -thence to Lewistown, having a meeting at each place; both precious -heart-tendering seasons, especially the latter, which was attended by a -large number of young people, many of whom were greatly affected by the -power of truth. We left them in a tender loving frame of mind, and rode -that afternoon to Durham. The next day, being the first of the week, -and 4th of 8th month, we attended Friends’ meeting there, in which I -was favoured to open many things in a doctrinal way, there being many -present, who were not in membership with Friends. I was likewise led to -speak largely of the good effects of pure love. - -We passed on from thence through Falmouth to Portland, where we had -a meeting appointed for the town’s people; it was held in their -court-house, and was, through heavenly help, an instructive season. -Many doctrines of the gospel were clearly opened; and the unsound -doctrines of original sin and predestination, also the schemes of the -Universalists, Atheists, and Deists, were confuted from scripture and -reason. And a pressing exhortation was extended to all present, to -attend to the leadings of the spirit of Christ in their own hearts, so -as to be sensible of their fallen condition, and to become acquainted -with the necessity, means, and manner of their salvation. Truth was -over all, and I had great peace in my labour. - -We returned that evening to Falmouth, and the next day went to Windham, -and attended a meeting, wherein I was led to be an example of silence. -After this we rode to the house of our friend John Robinson, and -lodged; and a prospect opening for paying another visit to Friends -at Wear, we accordingly proceeded, attending meetings in our way, at -Gorham, Lymington, New Sandwich, and Gilmantown, all satisfactory -seasons; and reached Wear in time to attend their monthly meeting. -Although the same dividing spirit was still discernible among them, -which produced much weakness, yet we had pretty good satisfaction in -our visit. We proceeded from thence through Pittsfield, and Lee, in -our way to Dover, having a meeting at each place, and reached Dover in -time to attend their monthly meeting, held on seventh day, the 17th -of 8th month. Although discipline is at a low ebb with Friends here, -yet, through divine condescension, I hope the season was profitable -and instructive to many present. We were at their first day meeting -in the forenoon; and, in the afternoon, had a satisfactory meeting at -Kittery; and, on second day, we attended meetings at Madersborough, -and Rochester, both, I trust, profitable seasons. On third day we rode -to Hampton, and the next day had a comfortable meeting with Friends -of that place; and from thence we returned to Salem, and attended a -meeting. Then we proceeded to Lynn, and attended their forenoon and -afternoon meetings on first day. On second day we rode to Boston, -and attended a meeting at the eleventh hour; although the meeting -was but small, there being but very few Friends in that place, and -only a small number of the town’s people came in, yet we had pretty -good satisfaction in giving them this opportunity, and way opened to -clear ourselves among them. After this we passed on, having a meeting -at Taunton, and then attended Providence monthly meeting, held at -Smithfield; things appeared but low with Friends of this monthly -meeting, their attention being too much turned to worldly concerns. We -next attended the monthly meeting held in the upper part of Smithfield, -being about nine miles from the latter; this was in general a -satisfactory season; and the following day we attended Uxbridge monthly -meeting, to good satisfaction. - -Our next appointment was at Freetown, the first of the week, and -the 1st of 9th month, and was a satisfactory opportunity; and, on -second day, we attended the monthly meeting at Swansey; here things -appeared much out of order, and in a low state; but, through divine -favour, ability was given me, to clear my mind among them, in a way, -that I hope, will tend to their profit. From thence we passed on to -Providence, where we had a satisfactory meeting. The four following -days we had meetings at Cranston, Greenwich, Foster and Scituate; all -satisfactory meetings, particularly the last; it was an open edifying -season, many hearts being comforted by the power of truth, which -prevailed over all, and was cause of deep thankfulness to my mind. -Our next meeting was at Wankeg, on first day, the 8th of 9th month; -it was a profitable edifying season. Then passing on, we had meetings -as they were laid out for us, on second day at Gloucester, on third -day at Douglass, and on fourth day at Smithfield. The last was a large -meeting, and many things were opened in a clear manner; confuting that -dark belief in election and reprobation, and the impossibility of -falling from grace. Also showing the necessity of regeneration, through -the operation of the one essential baptism of the Holy Ghost; and that -all were the objects of universal, and saving grace, and how all might -be saved by it, if they did not reject it to their own destruction. - -The next day we attended a meeting at Mendham; it was a comfortable -season to myself, and I believe, to most or all present, and was cause -of thankful remembrance. From thence we passed on, having meetings at -Northbridge, Bolton and Leicester; at this place we also attended a -burial, and had a favoured opportunity with the people. Then we went to -Richmond, and attended their monthly meeting, where things were much -out of order, and the meeting was small, and in a weak situation. I -cleared my mind in a plain way among them, and found peace therein. - -This was the last meeting we attended in the compass of Rhode Island -yearly meeting. Then we passed on into the state of Vermont, in order -to visit Friends of our own yearly meeting, who resided in that state. -We reached Sharon, in time to attend their meeting on first day, the -22d of 9th month; and the next day attended a meeting at Strafford, -which was a dull heavy time, in which I found it my place to be silent. -The next day we crossed Connecticut river to the town of Hanover, and -attended a meeting in a school-house, no Friends living in those parts. -It was a satisfactory season. We lodged with a man attached to Friends, -of the name of John Williams, who with his wife, were convinced of -the principles of truth; yet found it a great trial, faithfully to -take up the cross, as they lived among a people much opposed to them -in that respect. We left them the next day in a tender frame of mind, -and I have a hope they will improve. We returned over the river and -attended a meeting in the town of Norwich, at the fourth hour of the -afternoon, which was a small, but favoured meeting. We lodged that -night with a person who had requested to be joined to Friends, of the -name of Zebulon Huntington. The next morning we returned to Sharon, and -attended a meeting at the eleventh hour, it being their usual meeting -day, which was a favoured season. The next day we attended a meeting -in the northeast part of the town of Strafford, among those not of -our society. After this we set forward for Lake Champlain, and got to -Ferrisburgh just in time to attend their meeting on first day, the 29th -of 9th month, which I sat in silence; and returned after meeting to the -house of our friend Nicholas Holmes and lodged. The next day we rode to -our friend Cornelius Halbert’s, and attended a meeting at the fourth -hour, which proved a comfortable season: it was mostly composed of -those not in membership with us. - -From thence we proceeded to Grand Isle, which is situated nearly in -the middle of Lake Champlain, having a meeting at Wiltston, in our way -thither. We had a comfortable meeting at our lodgings at this place, -and then crossed over by water to the west side of the lake, to the -river Sable. We walked on foot about six miles near this river, to -the house of our friend Richard Keese, where we had a satisfactory -opportunity, in a meeting appointed in his house. It was a newly -settled place, and no meeting of Friends within forty miles. We -returned then to Grand Isle, and the next day, the first of the week, -and the 6th of 10th month, we attended another meeting there, and then -returned to Monkton, to the house of our kind friend Nicholas Holmes, -who had accompanied us in this little tour to the northward. We rested -the next day, and the day following had an appointed meeting at the -house of my kinsman Stephen Haight. On fifth day we had a comfortable -opportunity with Friends here, at their preparative meeting. After this -we took leave of our friends of this place, and rode to Vergennes, and -lodged at our friend Thomas Robinson’s; and the next day proceeded on -our way to Queensbury, where we arrived on seventh day evening. The day -after, the first of the week, and the 13th of 10th month, we attended -two meetings; the first, at Friends’ meeting-house, at the usual time; -and the latter, at a Friend’s house, where a considerable number of -people, who were not in profession with us, assembled. - -On second day we rode to Easton, and lodged at our friend William -Coffin’s; on third day, it being rainy weather, we rested; and on -fourth day, we attended the preparative meeting of Ministers and -Elders for Easton monthly meeting. On fifth day their monthly meeting -began, which held three days, and, in general, was conducted to good -satisfaction. I felt near sympathy with Friends of this place, as their -monthly meeting was bordering on an extensive newly settled country, -to which Friends were moving from various parts. It made the bounds -of their meeting very wide, and the members much scattered from one -another; and caused much labour and exercise to the concerned part of -the meeting, in attending to, and conducting the affairs of truth. It -likewise occasioned them to have, almost continually, a great load of -business before the monthly meeting. The day after, being the first of -the week, we attended a meeting at Saratoga. It was a large comfortable -edifying meeting, and very refreshing to my spirit, which had been much -exhausted by the exercise and labour of the three foregoing days. - -In the course of this week we attended meetings at Greenfield, -Ballstown, Troy, Albany, and Coeman’s Patent; and reached Hudson on -seventh day evening. The next day, the first of the week, and 27th of -10th month, we attended their morning meeting, and then proceeded on, -being desirous of reaching the quarterly meeting at Oblong, which -began on third day. We arrived there on second day evening, where -we met with several beloved friends from near our own homes, to our -mutual comfort. After the close of this meeting, we proceeded directly -home; where I arrived the 2d of 11th month, and found my dear wife -and family in a pretty good state of health, to our mutual rejoicing. -I had renewed cause to bless the name of the Lord for his preserving -providence and mercy, who is over all, worthy for ever. - -I was from home in this journey about five months, and travelled by -land and water about two thousand two hundred and eighty-three miles; -having visited all the meetings of Friends in the New England states, -and many meetings amongst those of other professions; and also visited -many meetings, among Friends and others, in the upper part of our own -yearly meeting; and found real peace in my labours. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - - Visit to the Meetings of Ministers and Elders, 1795.--Visit to - Friends in Pennsylvania, New-Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, and - Virginia, 1798. - - -On the 26th of 7th month, 1795, I left home in order to join a -committee of Friends, appointed by the yearly meeting of Ministers and -Elders this year, to visit the quarterly and preparative meetings, and -Friends individually, in those stations, throughout the yearly meeting. -A concern having arisen in that meeting, occasioned by the many obvious -deficiencies and departures amongst us as a people, from the purity and -simplicity of our holy profession, a minute was issued and recommended -to the inferior meetings, setting forth the ground of this concern, and -for the purpose of stirring up and encouraging Friends to a diligent -search and labour, that the many hurtful disorders might be removed, -and a right reformation, from those prevailing weaknesses, effectually -take place. - -This being the first day of the week, I sat with Friends in their -meeting at Westbury; and although it was a dull time in the forepart, -yet, through the comforting assistance of heavenly help, it was made, -I believe, an edifying season to many minds. I crossed the Sound -that afternoon to New Rochelle, and the next morning met some of the -committee at the house of our friend Hugh Judge. We had an opportunity -with his family, which proved a refreshing season, it being evident -that he, and his wife, joined heartily with the concern. We visited -several other families that day, and had the satisfaction to believe, -that the concern and labour were owned by the Head of the Church, and, -we believe, will be blessed to many. - -The next day the quarterly meeting at Purchase began, and through the -several sittings was made, I trust, a profitable season; it ended on -fifth day. The next day we had opportunities with two families, which, -through the fresh extendings of holy help, proved very instructive and -encouraging. After this we set out for Nine Partners, their quarterly -meeting coming in the ensuing week. I reached there on first day -morning, the 2d of 8th month, and attended their meeting, which proved -a heart searching season, it being too manifest that many professors -had suffered their minds to be captivated by a worldly spirit, which -had introduced great death and darkness into our meetings, to the grief -and trouble of the honest-hearted. But help was graciously afforded me -to set forth, in a plain manner, the danger attending such a departure -from the life and power of religion; and to stir up also the lukewarm -from their supineness and ease, and enforce the necessity of a more -full dedication of their hearts, and their all, to the Lord’s service. - -The next day we attended the preparative meeting of Ministers and -Elders at the Creek, in which much weakness was apparent. The three -following days we attended the quarterly meeting at Nine Partners; on -the last of which, I was favoured to relieve my mind among them, in -a season of close searching labour, by way of communication. After -this we proceeded towards Easton, to attend the quarterly meeting -there, and to visit the families of Ministers and Elders within the -compass of that meeting, which we performed in about a week. Although -weakness seemed to abound with Friends there, yet we were comforted -in believing, that the visit had a profitable effect, and afforded -encouragement, and a renewal of strength, to the sincere-hearted. - -On seventh day, the 15th of 8th month, we rode to East Hoosac, and the -next day attended Friends’ meeting there, which was large, many people -of other societies attending. It proved an open satisfactory time, -and ended under a renewed sense of the merciful extendings of holy -condescending love; for which, I trust, many minds were made humbly -thankful. The afternoon and next morning were passed in visiting the -families of Ministers and Elders; and although things were not all -well among them, yet we had satisfaction and peace in our own minds, -by a faithful discharge of the trust committed to us. The next day we -rode to New Britain, and visited a Friend in the ministry there, he -being the only select member in that meeting. From thence we passed on -to Kline-Kiln, where there was likewise but one member of the select -meeting, an Elder, whom we visited. We then went to Coeman’s Patent, -where there were three select members, to whom we paid a satisfactory -visit, and then proceeded to the city of Hudson. The evening after our -arrival, and the next day, we had opportunities with the Ministers and -Elders of that place. They proved seasons of heart-searching labour, -things appearing much out of order with some of them; and, among these, -there was a disposition apparent, to lay waste good order in the -Church. O the great want of honest, faithful labourers in the vineyard. - -After our services were finished here, we left them with the answer -of peace, and rode that afternoon to Nine Partners. The next day we -attended Friends’ meeting at Stanford, which proved a season of hard -labour. There was a great want of solid weight, and a living travail, -in order to experience the renewals of strength; the power of truth -went forth freely, for the stirring up, and arousing the careless and -supine from their beds of ease. After this we visited two families of -Friends, and, the two following days, finished our visit to the rest -of the families of Ministers and Elders in Creek monthly meeting. The -rest of the week was taken up in visiting those under the notice of our -appointment, in the monthly meeting of Nine Partners; and I may truly -say, it was, in general, a sorrowful affecting time, in beholding the -great departure of many of the Ministers and Elders, in their families, -from that faithful discharge of duty, which their stations require; for -want of this, their children had almost all gone out from plainness. We -endeavoured to lay before them, in sincerity and simplicity of heart, -the great danger attending such a conduct, and the necessity of a -reform in those things; and felt peace of mind in our labour. - -On seventh day afternoon we rode to Marlborough, and attended Friends’ -meeting there the next day; it was an exercising season, on account -of the great rawness and inexperience of the members of the meeting -too generally, and the great lightness manifest, in most of those -of other societies, a number of whom were present. My mind, after a -time of hard labour, and suffering with the seed, was engaged in some -service addressed to the latter class. Afterwards way opened to have -Friends select, to whom my mind was led to communicate some things in -a plain way, with the view of stirring them up to more diligence and -circumspection in their families, the better ordering and disciplining -of their children and household, and keeping things sweet and clean, -agreeably to the simplicity of our holy profession; and I had peace in -my labour. That afternoon, and the two following days, we visited all -the families of Ministers and Elders in that monthly meeting, except -one. After this I returned home, and found my family as well as usual; -which I esteemed as a favour from my great and good Master. For this, -with all his other mercies and preservations dispensed from time to -time, I felt a return of thankfulness and grateful acknowledgment to -Him, who is the author and giver of every good and perfect gift, and -“who is over all, God blessed for ever.” - -Having for several years felt my mind drawn, at times, in gospel love, -to visit Friends of the yearly meetings of Pennsylvania, New-Jersey, -Delaware, Maryland and some parts of Virginia, in the fall of the year -1797, apprehending the time to be nigh for the performance of the -visit, I laid my concern before Friends of the monthly and quarterly -meetings of which I was a member; and received certificates of their -unity and concurrence. I left home the 12th of 12th month, accompanied -by Joseph Cooper, a member of our meeting, in the station of an Elder; -taking leave of my family and friends, we rode to New-York, and the -meeting for sufferings sitting there the next day, I attended it; and -the day following being the meeting day for Friends of that city, -I felt most easy to stay and attend it, which proved a comfortable -strengthening season. After this I took leave of my friends there, -parting from them in near unity and brotherly affection, and passed the -next morning by water to Staten Island. The day following we had two -meetings there, and though small by reason of rain, were, nevertheless, -both attended with a comfortable degree of divine favour. The next day -we left the island and rode to Shrewsbury; and the day after, being -first day, we sat with Friends there, and, I trust, it was a profitable -season to some present, and relieving to my own mind; strength and -utterance being furnished to open divers truths of the gospel, in the -demonstration of the spirit, accompanied with a good degree of the -divine power; to God only wise be the praise, who is over all, worthy -for ever. - -On second day we attended a meeting at a Friend’s house about seven -miles from Shrewsbury, on our way to Squan. On third and fourth days -we were at Squan and Squancum, both small meetings, as there are but -few of our society in those parts; yet they were, for the most part, -satisfactory seasons. We also sat with Friends in their preparative -meeting in the latter place, which appeared in a state of great -weakness; but as way opened, I was led to make some remarks, in order -to stir Friends up to more diligence and circumspection; and to show -the necessity of an inward travail for the arising of truth, which can -only qualify for the right ordering of the affairs of society. The next -day we rode to Barnegat, and after an opportunity with Friends there -the following day, we passed on to Little Eggharbour, where we remained -till first day, the 24th of the month. Notice being spread of our -intention of attending Friends’ meeting there, many of the neighbouring -inhabitants came in, and sat with Friends, and were very attentive; -divers truths of the gospel were opened in the clear demonstration of -the spirit, and I was helped to leave them with a peaceful mind. On -the 25th we rode to Great Eggharbour, and the three following days -attended meetings at the upper and lower meeting-houses of Friends -there, also an appointed meeting near the head of Great Eggharbour -river, at a place called Stephens’ Creek; they were generally small, -yet attended with a good degree of favour; for which my spirit was made -humbly thankful. On sixth day we attended a meeting at Cape May, which, -through the gracious condescension of the Shepherd of Israel, was made -a truly comfortable season, and His great name magnified and praised, -who is worthy for ever. - -From thence we rode to Morris’ river, and attended a meeting appointed -at the house of Isaac Buzby, a man inclining to Friends. The spirit -of truth favoured me with wisdom and utterance, to divide the word -suitably to the states of those present; and apparently to their and to -my own satisfaction and comfort. We rode that afternoon to the house -of a Friend of the name of Henry Rulon, where we had an appointed -meeting the next day. After this we passed on to Greenwich, and the -two following days attended a meeting there, and one at the head of -Cohansy Creek. Then we rode to the house of our kind friend Mark -Miller, at Salem, and rested the next day. The day following, being -the first of the week, and 7th of 1st month, we attended the meeting -there, which was very large, many coming in that were not members; the -power of truth was exalted over all, to the comfort of many hearts, -and to the praise and glory of Him, who is the strength and help -of his dependent children. On second day we attended a meeting at -Woodstown; I was closely engaged among them in a searching testimony, -pointing out the great danger, and hurtful tendency of the want of -unity, and joining in with the spirit of the world, and neglecting a -right conformity to the wholesome order, established among us, as a -religious society; whereby many disorders had crept in, wounding to -many: strength was afforded me, and utterance given, and truth exalted -over all opposition and disorderly spirits. The four following days we -attended meetings at Penn’s Neck, Mullica Hill, Upper Greenwich, and -Woodbury; they were all seasons of favour, especially the last, where -truth was eminently exalted, and the doctrines of the gospel held forth -in the demonstration of the spirit; and the hearts of the faithful were -made to rejoice in a sense of the Lord’s goodness, to whom belongs the -praise of his own work for ever. - -On seventh day we rested with our esteemed friend Joshua Evens; and -on first day attended Newtown meeting, and the day following, that at -Haddonfield, both of which were profitable edifying meetings. In the -afternoon, after the latter meeting, we crossed the river Delaware -to Philadelphia, and the three following days attended the three -meetings in that city; they were all opportunities of favour, and I -had much satisfaction in this short visit to Friends of this place. I -was comforted in the experience of an open door among them, both in -meetings and in families where my lot was cast; and I felt my spirit -nearly united to a living remnant, especially a number of the beloved -youth, who are under the forming hand, preparing for service; some of -whom, I trust and believe, will be as valiants in their day, for the -promotion of the cause of truth and righteousness in the earth. May the -Lord bless, and keep them faithful to himself, and cover their heads in -the day of battle. - -On sixth day, the 19th of 1st month, we left the city in order to -attend a meeting at Darby, notice having gone before of our intention; -it proved an open time, but the meeting was hurt by an indiscreet -appearance towards the end, which clothed my spirit with sorrow, not -only on the Friends’ account, but especially on account of the people, -for whose information and religious instruction, my mind had been -closely engaged. We rode that afternoon to Chester, and the next day -attended a meeting there, which was owned with manifestations of divine -favour; and I was instructed to hand out doctrine, suitable to the -states of the people present. After this we rode to Wilmington; and -the next day, being the first of the week, and the 21st of 1st month, -we attended their forenoon and afternoon meetings. I was silent in the -first; but, through the merciful assistance of the Shepherd of Israel, -the latter proved a comfortable strengthening season; after a time -of close exercise in silent labour, and deep baptism into death and -suffering with the seed, the power of truth went forth with authority -against many things that opened to view, as the cause of that deep -oppression of the seed of life among them; the meeting ended under a -sense of the Lord’s goodness, and many hearts were made to rejoice. - -The six following days we attended meetings at Whiteclay Creek, -Appoquinamink, Duck Creek, Little Creek, Motherkill, and Camden, which -is a village where no meeting of Friends is held; things appeared -low in most of them, as to the life of religion. But, through the -condescending goodness of the Shepherd of Israel, I had an open door -among them, and many gospel truths were held forth, in the clear -demonstration of the spirit, and with power; the last, especially, -was a time thankfully to be remembered by me, and, I believe, by many -others present; thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift, that he is -not leaving himself without a witness in the hearts of the people. -The next day, first of the week, we attended Millford meeting; things -appeared very low, and but few of our society in that part, and those -appeared very indifferent, and several of them were absent. On second -day we attended a meeting at Cool Spring, and the next day attended -an appointed meeting on our way towards Third Haven; it was held in a -Friend’s house, who had lately been received a member, and who before -was a professor with the people called Nicholites; he appeared to be a -pretty solid man. The meeting was in a good degree favoured; the way of -preparation, as held forth in John’s dispensation, for the more full -manifestation of the gospel state, was set forth, with the nature of -true Christian or spiritual baptism; and that John’s baptism was only -a figure thereof, and, therefore, was no part of Christ’s baptism, -and, consequently, had no place in, nor could be of any use under, the -dispensation of the gospel. The people appeared generally satisfied, -and I parted with them in peace of mind. - -The six following days we attended meetings at North West Fork, -Marshy Creek, Centre, Greensborough, Tuckahoe Neck, and Tuckahoe; -and, although these meetings were attended by but few of those who -were joined in fellowship with us, yet they were mostly crowded full -meetings, many of the neighbouring inhabitants coming in, divers -of whom were holders of slaves, and others very raw and ignorant. -My spirit was much exercised in travail among them, being baptized -into their low and uncultivated states; nevertheless, through the -merciful interference of the Shepherd of Israel, their lost and undone -condition, without a Saviour, was clearly laid open before them; also -the way of return, reconciliation, and salvation. Many present were -aroused and reached by the power of truth, which was graciously -prevalent in most of these meetings; their spirits greatly tendered, -and the few faithful among them were made to rejoice; and my spirit was -humbly thankful, in a sense of the Lord’s goodness; to him alone be the -praise; nothing due to man. - -Three of the above meetings were held in meeting-houses belonging to -a people under the denomination of Nicholites; many of them were led -into great self-denial, particularly in regard to dress and household -furniture. They appeared one in principle with us, their faith and -doctrine being founded on the manifestation and influence of the divine -light, inwardly revealed. Most of them, of late, have requested to be -joined in membership with Friends, and have been received. Many of -them appear to be a worthy people; yet, I fear, some were a little -hurt by being too tenacious in their dress, particularly in making it -a point to have all parts of their clothing white. Yet, in general, -they appeared to be a plain innocent upright-hearted people; and I -felt a concern lest they should be hurt by the great and prevailing -deficiencies manifest amongst us, by many turning away from the purity -and simplicity of our holy self-denying profession. This, I believe, -is a subject worthy of the deep consideration of those delinquent -brethren. For if it be a truth, as most certainly it is, that whosoever -offendeth one of the least of those who believe in Christ, it were -better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast -into the sea; what will become of those, who live in the daily practice -of those things, which give continual offence to their brethren, and -are stumbling blocks in the way of honest inquirers. - -After attending the aforesaid meetings, we passed on, having meetings -at Choptank, Third Haven and Bayside, on the eastern shore of Maryland. -The two first were attended by many of other societies, a number of -whom were Methodists, and at each was one of their ministers; both of -whom were very solid, and paid great attention; one of them was much -affected, and wept freely for a considerable time; and, with divers -others, manifested their full satisfaction. My spirit was much humbled, -and made to rejoice in the Lord, that he was graciously near, and made -bare his arm for our help, and carried us through the exercise of -those meetings, to the honour of his own name, who is over all, worthy -for ever. - -After leaving Bayside, we attended a meeting which we had appointed -the day before, on our way thither, at a village called St. Michael’s, -among the Methodists; the people were nearly all of that profession -in this place. It was held in their meeting-house, and was the first -meeting appointed by any Friend in that place, except a small one -by some women Friends some years before. There was, at this time, a -general collection; and, considering their unacquaintance with us, -and our manner of sitting in silence, they behaved pretty well. A -comfortable degree of the divine presence was witnessed, and many minds -tendered and comforted, and divers gospel truths clearly opened to the -apparent satisfaction of most present. - -We left them with peace of mind, and the next day attended a meeting -at Easton, alias Third Haven, among the black people, which we had -appointed some days before. It proved a favoured opportunity, and to -the edification, comfort, and encouragement of this poor, injured, and -too much despised people; many of whom, I believe, have good desires -begotten in their minds after the knowledge of the truth. - -The next day, the first of the week, and the 11th of 2d month, we -attended Friends’ meeting at this place, and information of our -intention of being here having been given before, the neighbouring -inhabitants generally came in, so that the house was much crowded. The -gospel was largely and freely preached among them, to the apparent -satisfaction of all present. How marvellous is thy loving kindness, -O Lord, to the workmanship of thy holy hand; how art thou graciously -holding out, from season to season, offers of reconciliation to thy -revolting and rebellious children, and art calling to them, by thy -servants, now, as formerly, return, return, repent and live; for why -will ye die, O house of Israel, saith your God. We continued here and -attended their meeting of Ministers and Elders; and, on fifth day, -their monthly meeting, which was in some degree favoured; divers things -were opened for the improvement and encouragement of Friends in well -ordering the affairs of truth. - -The day following we rode to Chester, and the next day attended -Friends’ monthly meeting at Cecil, which was small; but truth favoured -me with ability to labour, to stir up Friends to more vigilance, and -careful waiting for the arising of the spring of life; as nothing -short of the divine power, and renewed quickenings of the holy spirit, -can qualify for the promotion of good order and discipline in the -Church. The next day, the first of the week, we attended the meeting -here. Notice having been given to the neighbouring inhabitants, many -came in, most of whom appeared very raw and light; nevertheless, as -Friends kept down to their exercise, towards the close of the meeting, -truth came into dominion; and all that opposed it was made to bow -and acknowledge its power; for which my spirit was made thankful to -the Author of every blessing. On second and third days following, we -attended two meetings; the first, in Friends’ meeting-house at Chester, -and the latter at Chestertown in their court-house; both pretty large -meetings, and overshadowed with the wing of divine power; although, -in the latter meeting, we had to arrive at it through deep baptism, -and suffering with the seed; for those that reign with Christ, must -be willing likewise to suffer. The people, in the forepart, were very -light, often whispering one to the other; a spirit of licentiousness -appeared to be prevalent with many of them; but as truth arose, they -were gradually subjected, until a becoming solemnity appeared in almost -every countenance. I trust some good was effected in some minds; but we -must leave the event to the Lord, to whom alone belongs all the praise; -nothing due to man, but blushing and confusion of face. - -The next day we attended a meeting at the head of Chester; it was -somewhat hurt, in the forepart, for want of room. The house was not -sufficient to contain all who came, and the weather too cold to stand -without; yet, as it settled into quiet, it proved a precious baptizing -season, and many hearts were melted into deep contrition. I had cause -to hope that if the few Friends in that place show forth a good -example, there will be some gathered. The day following we attended the -meeting at Sassafras, to pretty good satisfaction. The next day we rode -to East Nottingham, and attended their monthly meeting the day after; -it proved a very exercising meeting, things being much out of order -among them. I was led forth in a line of close searching labour, both -in testimony in the first part of the meeting, and likewise in that for -discipline; but I got little relief, except from a consciousness, in -myself, of having discharged my duty faithfully among them. The next -day, the first of the week, and 25th of 2d month, we attended their -particular meeting; in which I had to expose, in a close, arousing -testimony, that spirit among Friends, which pleads for joining with -those active in civil government, and taking part therein, and adopting -the maxims and spirit of the world. Truth reigned triumphantly in this -meeting over all opposition and disorderly spirits. The 26th we rested. -The 27th we attended West Nottingham meeting to good satisfaction, -and were made to rejoice in truth’s victory over death and darkness, -for which the honest-hearted were made thankful. The 28th we attended -a meeting, lately established, about five miles distant from the -former, which I sat mostly in silence, feeling no clear commission for -preaching the gospel among them. - -The 1st of 3d month, we attended Little Britain meeting, wherein I -was opened and led into a large doctrinal communication, suited to -the states of many present. The meeting was large and solid, and, I -trust, edifying and instructive to a number present. But too many, -who have ears to hear, and are led to acknowledge the truth of -testimonies delivered, neglect the practical part, which is the most -essential; and are, therefore, in a situation like those, who, seeing -their natural faces in a glass, turn away, and forget what manner of -persons they are. The 2d, we passed over the river Susquehannah, and -lodged at Richard Webb’s, at Fawn, and attended their meeting next -day. It was a solid, and, I believe to many, a profitable season. The -4th, and first of the week, we attended Deer Creek meeting, which was -large, and favoured with the overshadowing wing of heavenly regard. -The condescending goodness and mercy of a gracious God to his sinful -creatures were marvellously displayed. The meeting was composed, in -part, of a number of dark undisciplined spirits, many of whom, it was -thought, had not been at any meeting for several years, and some of -them never at any of ours before. The meeting appeared to be generally -brought under a becoming solemnity, and concluded to our solid comfort. -The 5th, we attended Bush River meeting, and although it was composed -generally of a loose careless-minded people, yet truth favoured me; -and, through divine help, the gospel was preached in the demonstration -of the spirit, and with power. Many present were made sensible of its -baptizing influence; and all contrary spirits appeared subjected, and -brought down, and truth reigned triumphant. - -The 6th and 7th of 3d month, we attended the meetings at Little Falls, -and Gunpowder, both seasons of favour. The 8th we attended Friends’ -monthly meeting at Baltimore. It was, I trust, a profitable season, -both in the meeting for worship, and that for the discipline of the -Church. In the meeting for worship, I was led, in a close searching -testimony, to set forth the great danger, and hurtful effects, of -Friends joining in with the spirit of the world, and taking any part -in the fluctuating governments, customs, and manners thereof. Things -opened clearly to show, that, in days past, the apostacy took place -through that medium, both among the primitive Christians, and also in -our own society; and that the only way, for us as a people to regain -the primitive state, was to return back into ancient simplicity, to -separate from the world, its spirit, governments, manners, and maxims; -and to make no league with those actuated thereby. Truth rose into -dominion, and the faithful among them were strengthened. May praises -for ever be ascribed to the Shepherd of Israel, who is indeed a God -near at hand, and a present helper in every needful time. - -The 9th we rested, and I wrote to my family and friends at home. The -10th, we visited several families in the morning, and in the afternoon, -at the third hour, attended a meeting among the poor, at the alms-house -belonging to this city. It proved a comfortable season, and I was -glad I gave up to the service. The 11th being the first of the week, -we attended Friends’ meeting in the forenoon, and some notice being -given among the town’s people of our being there, it was large; -and after sitting a considerable time in silent labour, wherein my -mind was baptized into the states of those present, I stood up with -a prospect of the hurtful tendency of pride, both in religious and -civil society. Truth opened the way, and gradually rose into a good -degree of dominion, and, I trust, it was a profitable season to many -present. In the afternoon, at the third hour, we had a meeting with the -black people; and, except the hurt received by their long and untimely -gathering, I think it was, in general, a comfortable season; and many -among them appeared to be brought into a becoming solemnity, and we -parted under the savour of truth. - -On the 12th, we attended a meeting at Elk Ridge; it proved, in general, -a heavy season, yet, I trust, a time of profit and favour to some. We -rode that afternoon thirteen miles towards Indian Spring meeting, which -we attended the next day. In this meeting, I was led, in a plain and -full manner, to expose the enormous sin of oppression, and of holding -our fellow creatures in bondage, with the pernicious fruits and effects -of it, to those who are guilty thereof, especially to their children; -who, being supported by the labour and toil of those held in slavery, -and thereby brought up in idleness, were led into pride, and a very -false, and dark idea respecting God, and his superintending providence, -and into many other evils, fatal to their present and eternal well -being, and tending to disqualify them from being useful in almost any -respect, either to themselves or society, and thereby rendering them -unworthy of the respect of wise and good men. Truth rose into dominion, -and some present, who were slave holders, were made sensible of their -conditions, and were much affected. I felt a hope to arise that the -opportunity would prove profitable to some, and I left them with peace -of mind. Since then, I have been informed, that a woman, present at -that season, who possessed a number of slaves, was so fully convinced, -as to set them free, and, not long after, joined in membership with -Friends: which is indeed cause of gratitude and thankfulness of heart, -to the great and blessed Author of every mercy vouchsafed to the -children of men. - -On the 14th we were at Sandy Spring meeting, to satisfaction. The 15th, -we attended Friends’ preparative meeting at Alexandria. It was a small -weak meeting, very few manifesting any real concern for the support of -our Christian testimonies. They gathered there from different parts of -the country, mostly for the advancement of their temporal interest; and -this being uppermost with them, they were disqualified for improvement -in religious experience. O that we, as a people, were more weaned -from the world and its fading enjoyments, and our affections placed -on celestial treasure; then would the light of the Church break forth -out of obscurity, and her darkness become as the noonday; thousands -would then be gathered from the highways and hedges, and flock to the -brightness of her arising, with everlasting joy upon their heads. - -The 16th we rode to Fairfax, about forty-six miles. The 17th we -attended their select quarterly meeting. The 18th, the first of the -week, we attended the meeting at this place, which was large, composed -of Friends and others. I was led to open the great advantages attendant -on a life of righteousness, from that scripture passage, “Righteousness -exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people;” and showing -the difference between a righteousness, founded on the laws, maxims, -and precepts of men, and the righteousness that is witnessed by faith -in the Son of God, as revealed to the hearts and souls of the children -of men through the holy spirit. Although there were many raw, and -uncultivated persons present, yet truth came into a good degree of -dominion and victory, and, I trust, it was a profitable season to some. - -The 19th we attended the quarterly meeting for discipline, in which -I had some service, in opening the nature and end of discipline, -and encouraging Friends to an improvement therein, to the solid -satisfaction of the honest in heart. The next day was the youth’s -meeting for the last time; the quarterly meeting, the day before, -having concluded to discontinue the same thereafter, from a belief -that its usefulness was over; and that it had become more hurtful than -beneficial. A great concourse of idle people came together at that -time, not so much for the sake of the meeting, as to see and be seen, -and to make it a place of diversion. I had considerable to say among -them, but got but little relief; by reason, as I apprehended, of a -spirit of infidelity and licentiousness, too generally prevailing among -the people. I was satisfied the quarterly meeting had done right in -discontinuing that meeting; believing, if continued, it would have been -very prejudicial to the youth, for whose good, in the first institution -thereof, it was intended. - -The 21st we attended the preparative meeting of South Fork, which is a -branch of Goose Creek monthly meeting. I was silent in the meeting for -worship, but had some close labour with Friends in their preparative -meeting. I felt my spirit much oppressed with a sense of the great -lukewarmness, and love of the world, which appeared to prevail in such -a manner, that the business of the preparative meeting was conducted in -a very weak vague manner, and void of a right sense of the dignity of -such a meeting, or a due concern for the preservation of right order. I -felt peace of mind in a faithful discharge of my duty among them. - -The 22d we were at Goose Creek preparative meeting, which was large -in the first sitting, many of other societies coming in. After a -considerable time of silent labour, in deep baptism with the suffering -seed, my mouth was opened in a clear full testimony, directed to the -states of those present. And many were brought under the influence -of that power which “cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon.” Truth came -into dominion, and a good degree of victory over all was witnessed. -Nevertheless, such is the deadness and indifference of some who go -under our name, that, at the close of this very solemn meeting for -worship, they withdrew with those who were not members, and continued -out until the preparative meeting had proceeded considerably in its -business; and then came in one after another, in a very careless -unthinking manner. My heart was grieved, and I have often been -affected with similar conduct in many places in those parts, as also -in some others; a conduct, which appears to me to carry in it great -indignity to our high and holy profession; and, I believe, is greatly -offensive to the great Head of the Church, for the promotion of -whose righteous cause, these meetings for discipline are established. -I believe one great cause of this sorrowful weakness and declension -is owing to a want of due administration of discipline, by those who -are called thereto. By overlooking one little thing after another, -custom establishes those bad habits; and great loss is sustained by -the Church in general, and by some of its members in particular. It -is very observable that meetings, where those things are apparent, -are generally in a declining state. I was exercised in a plain way of -dealing with those delinquents, showing them the hurtful tendency of -such conduct. Truth prevailed, and many hearts were much tendered, and -the hands of the faithful strengthened; to the Lord only wise be the -praise of his own work, who is over all, worthy for ever. - -The 23d we attended a meeting at a place called the Gap, where there -was a small meeting of Friends. It was, however, a large collection, -many of other societies attending, more than the house could hold. Many -of them appeared to be a raw insensible people, void of any right idea -or knowledge of true religion, which made the meeting very trying and -painful; yet not without some degree of favour towards the conclusion, -by truth’s obtaining the victory over death and darkness. - -Whilst in this neighbourhood, my mind was brought into a state of -deep exercise and travail, from a sense of the great turning away of -many among us, from the law and the testimony, and the prevailing of -a spirit of great infidelity and deism among the people, and darkness -spreading over the minds of many as a thick veil. It was a time in -which Thomas Paine’s _Age of Reason_ (falsely so called) was much -attended to in those parts; and some, who were members in our society, -as I was informed, were captivated by his dark insinuating address, and -were ready almost to make shipwreck of faith and a good conscience. -Under a sense thereof, my spirit was deeply humbled before the majesty -of heaven, and in the anguish of my soul, I said, “spare thy people, O -Lord, and give not thy heritage to reproach,” and suffer not thy truth -to fall in the streets. - -The 24th we attended the monthly meeting at Fairfax, which was an -exercising season, things being much out of order, for want of more -faithfulness among the members, and a due attention to discipline. I -laboured among them in the ability received, for their encouragement, -and incitement to their respective duties; but alas for us, most men -mind their own things, and not the things that are Jesus Christ’s. A -worldly spirit too much prevails among the professors of truth, to -their great hurt, and to the great grief of the honest-hearted, who are -in travail for Zion’s prosperity, and Jerusalem’s peace. - -The 25th, we attended their first day meeting, which was large, and -in it strength was graciously afforded to minister to the people in -truth’s authority, which came into dominion over all. This afternoon -we passed over the great river Potomac, in our way to Bush Creek, -in Maryland; this, by reason of rains, was very full, and difficult -to pass. After we had passed over the river Potomac, we had much -difficulty in crossing a creek not far from it. There was a floating -bridge over it; but the water was so high, that we could not approach -the bridge by the road commonly used; and we only succeeded in reaching -it, by proceeding ourselves on the top of a high fence, and leading -our horses by our sides. Mine fell into a deep part of the creek; but -he soon rose, and swam to the shore. A Friend was in company with us, -with a one horse carriage; and there appeared to be no way of getting -his conveyance over, but by the horse swimming with it over the creek. -This we knew would be attended with considerable risk, as the creek was -deep in the middle, and the carriage a heavy one. But as there were -no inhabitants on this neck of land, nor near to it, and as night was -coming on, we pursued that course, and led the horse with the carriage -into the creek; and after violent exertions, being at one time drawn -under water by the weight of the carriage, he took it safe over. We -were thus favoured to surmount this great difficulty, without any -hurt to ourselves, or our horses; which was cause of thankfulness and -gratitude to the great Author of every mercy and blessing. - -We proceeded to a Friend’s house by the name of Richard Richardson, -where we had a meeting the next day, with his family, and a number of -the neighbouring people, who were not Friends. It proved a favoured -season, and I trust will not soon be forgotten by some present; may it -fasten as a nail in a sure place; and to some I have a hope it may be -as bread cast upon the waters, to return after many days. - -The day following we attended Bush Creek meeting, notice having gone -forward some days before, of our intention of being there at this time; -it was large, and greatly favoured with the prevalence of truth, by -way of testimony. Many things, relative to true gospel worship, were -clearly opened, and the fallacy and fruitlessness of all-will worship, -and mere bodily exercise, in matters of religion, manifested to the -view of all present, who had eyes to see, and hearts to understand, -what the spirit saith to the Churches. It was a very solemn time, -worthy of grateful remembrance. - -The 28th we attended Pipe Creek meeting, wherein I was greatly -afflicted with evil thoughts, which would keep arising in my mind, that -I was almost at times taken off from my proper exercise. This very -much grieved my spirit; but, as I endeavoured to keep up the warfare, -I was led to believe it was the case with too many present; and that -by giving way to such thoughts, some had become captivated by their -own lusts, wounding one another; and divers disorders, and a want of -unity, had got in among them, and many hurt thereby. I was led into the -necessity of bearing testimony against these things, as way opened, and -calling the attention of all present, to the light, spirit, grace, and -truth of our Lord Jesus Christ, our holy pattern, as the only place -of refuge and preservation from these, and all other hurtful things. -After this meeting, the Friend, where we lodged, informed me the next -morning, that himself and his wife were uneasy that no Friends had come -in to see us after the meeting, and were afraid they would judge them -of having informed me of their condition, the states of many had been -so exactly described in the meeting; but I told him they need not be -troubled, as they knew themselves to be clear. - -The two following days we attended meetings at Menallen and Huntington; -they were both exercising seasons; nevertheless, truth favoured me -with ability and understanding to communicate in a close searching -manner, suited to the states of those present; and a crumb of -consolation was handed forth to the few honest-hearted, who were in -travail for Zion’s arising, and who went mourning on their way, and -bowed in spirit, from a sense of the great turning away from the -law and testimony, and the prevalence of a spirit of ease and great -indifference, whereby many wrong things had entered. - -From thence we passed on to Warrington and Newberry, in each of which -meetings truth favoured with victory; and the hidden things of Esau, or -the first nature, which are earthly, were brought to light, searched -out, detected, and condemned. The manner and way in which the new -or second birth, which is spiritual, and which has the promise, is -brought forth and effected, was clearly shown and pointed out; with -the blessing attendant thereon, to the comfort of the faithful, and -the few willing minded among them, and to the stirring up and arousing -the lukewarm, careless, and indifferent professors, from their beds of -ease and carnal security. The latter meeting especially was a time to -be remembered; many hearts were greatly affected, and, I trust, the -season will not soon be forgotten by some. I was very thankful for the -relief I felt to my own mind, after many days of deep baptism with the -suffering seed. Religion appeared to be at a very low ebb in those -parts, by the prevalence of a worldly spirit, which makes hard work for -the poor travellers, who have to go up and down among them, as with -their hands upon their loins for very pain. Did those lukewarm careless -professors rightly consider the great distress and exercise they bring -upon their concerned brethren, who are in travail for their redemption -and salvation; and who are going up and down as with their lives in -their hands, through difficulties and dangers, in jeopardy by sea and -by land, and among false brethren, we might reasonably suppose it would -be a means to stir them up to more diligence and circumspection, that -they might thereby comfort them in their exercises, and relieve them -in their tribulations; then they that sow, and they that reap, might -rejoice together, and joy in the God of their salvation. - -Our next meeting was at Yorktown, where we tarried two days, and were -at their monthly meeting, wherein things appeared distressingly low, as -to the right conducting of discipline in truth’s authority: indeed the -meeting seemed sunk so below any proper sight and sense of right order, -that no way opened to administer much or any help; and we left them -without obtaining much relief of mind. We passed on, having a meeting -near Wright’s ferry; and then crossed the great river Susquehannah, and -had meetings at Lancaster and Lampeter. On first day, the 8th of 4th -month, we attended a meeting at Sadsbury, which, through hard labour, -proved a season of enlargement, in a line of close doctrine, suited -to the varied states of those present; some minds appeared to be much -humbled; may it not be in vain, but as seed sown on good ground. - -The 10th of 4th month we attended West Caln meeting, the 11th -Fallowfield, both favoured meetings. The 12th we attended London Grove -meeting, wherein I was led to open the duty and obligation incumbent on -ministers, elders, overseers, and heads of families. I began with this -query of the prophet Isaiah, “Watchman, what of the night;” showing -that for want of keeping up a strict watch, with an eye single to that -inward holy monitor, or spirit of pure unerring wisdom, many hurtful -and destructive things had got in among us. Especially for want of -a godly care in parents and heads of families, over their children -and those under their charge, many pollutions had got in, and spread -among them; particularly the youth, not only in regard to a departure -from the simplicity and purity of our holy, self-denying profession, -in dress and address, but also in many other unseemly and reproachful -practices; which is but the natural consequence of parents indulging -undue liberties in their children. It was a solemn time, worthy of -grateful remembrance. The 13th we were at West Grove meeting, in which -I had to go through a similar exercise; from a sense of the great want -of faithfulness among the members, whereby many deficiencies were -apparent, wounding the faithful. Truth favoured me with ability to -clear myself among them, with plainness of speech; which was cause of -thankfulness to the honest-hearted. - -The 14th we attended New Garden meeting, mostly in silence, in which -I had peace. The 15th, and first of the week, we attended Hockesson -meeting; and, at the fourth hour in the afternoon were at Center; the -16th at Kennet; these were, for the most part, suffering seasons. -Although there is a small remnant preserved, who are in travail for -truth’s arising, yet the greater part are too much captivated by a -worldly spirit; which leads into a neglect of attending meetings, and -great carelessness in respect to the right ordering their families; by -reason whereof, many undue liberties have got in among them, wounding -the faithful and honest-hearted. - -The 17th we attended Chichester meeting; it was a time thankfully to be -remembered; the everlasting gospel of peace and salvation was preached -in truth’s authority; and all contrary spirits were subjected and -brought down. Truth reigned triumphantly over all; magnified for ever -be the name of the Lord, who made bare his arm for our help, and the -strengthening and refreshing of my poor soul. I had been at times, for -days and nights past, ready to sink into discouragement and dismay, -by reason of the deep baptisms I had to pass through, unknown to man, -but in fellowship with the suffering seed, which lies smothered and -pressed down in the hearts of many careless and lukewarm professors, -as a cart under sheaves. Oh how does darkness and death spread itself, -as a curtain, in this once highly favoured land! Alas for the people, -for the professors of truth; what will become of them, unless they -repent and turn to the Lord. Parents and children, in some places, are -so estranged from the law and testimony, that many seem plunged into -the condition of Jerusalem formerly, when this pathetic lamentation -was taken up by the dear Master; “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that -killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how -often would I have gathered thy children even as a hen gathereth her -chickens under her wings, and ye would not. Behold your house is left -unto you desolate.” Oh how is this verified; what great desolations, -in a religious sense, are apparent with many professors; and how are -the poor servants, that are sent forth among them for their recovery, -as with their lives in their hands, as it were stoned, and often so -plunged into death and sufferings, as almost to despair of life! Oh the -pangs that my poor soul has endured of late, in many places; so that -I had often to say in secret, with the holy apostle; “why stand we in -jeopardy every hour?” No tongue can tell, nor is it in the power of -language to communicate, the distress and anguish, which is sometimes -endured by the poor travellers, in filling up their measure of the -afflictions of Christ, for his body’s sake, the Church. But, in this -also, we are sometimes strengthened to rejoice, that we are accounted -worthy to suffer with Him, that when he is pleased to arise in his own -strength, as the light of the morning, we may be permitted to reign -with Him; and rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. - -The three following days, we were at Concord, Birmingham, and Bradford, -all favoured meetings, through fervent labour, and the prevalence of -truth; may the Lord make it effectual, and fasten it as a nail in a -sure place. The 21st we were at East Caln, mostly silent. The 22d, -and first of the week, we were at Uwchlan; the meeting was large, -wherein I had to expose the danger of self-righteousness, or a trust in -natural religion, or mere morality; showing that it was no more than -the religion of Atheists, and was generally the product of pride and -self-will; and, however good it may appear to the natural unregenerate -man, is as offensive in the divine sight, as those more open evils, -which appear so very reproachful to the eyes of men. I was favoured by -the spirit of truth, in a large searching testimony, to the convicting -and humbling many hearts, and comfort of the faithful. - -The 23d we attended the meeting at Nantmill, mostly in silence. The -three following days, we were at Pikeland, Valley, and Willistown -meetings; all in a good degree favoured. The 27th we were at Goshen; -the meeting was large. I had to caution Friends against mixing with -the people in their human policies, and outward forms of government; -showing that, in all ages, those, who were called to be the Lord’s -people, had been ruined, or suffered great loss, by such associations; -and manifesting clearly by scripture testimony, and other records, that -our strength and preservation consisted in standing alone, and not to -be counted among the people or nations; who were setting up party, and -partial interests, one against another, which is the ground of war and -bloodshed: these are actuated by the spirit of pride, and wrath, which -is always opposed to the true Christian spirit, which breathes “peace -on earth, and goodwill to all men.” Those, therefore, who are in the -true Christian spirit, cannot use any coercive force or compulsion by -any means whatever; not being overcome with evil, but overcoming evil -with good. Although there were many opposing spirits present, who, -in their creaturely wisdom and human policy, are pleading for those -kinds of associations, and taking part in those political governments, -yet truth favoured, and came into a good degree of dominion over all, -strengthening and encouraging the true travellers for Zion’s prosperity. - -The 29th, and first of the week, we attended Middletown meeting; and -at the fourth hour in the afternoon, were at Providence; both large -crowded meetings, more than the houses could contain. I was favoured -by the power of truth, in an eminent manner, especially in the former -meeting; where many hearts were deeply bowed, from the sensible -evidence of the prevalence of divine power, which was in dominion over -all, tendering the hearts of most present. It was a precious season, -worthy of thankful remembrance, and humble gratitude to the blessed -Author of all our rich mercies and blessings, “who is over all, God -blessed for ever.” - -The 30th we attended the monthly meeting at Providence, consisting -of the particular meetings of Providence, Middletown, Springfield, -and Chester. Things in this meeting appeared in a low state, as to -the right ordering of the affairs of the Church. Numerous, and great, -were the apparent deviations among them; many of their youth were gone -out into the foolish fashions and vain customs of the world to such -a degree, as not to retain any marks of true primitive plainness. “O -how is the gold become dim; how is the most fine gold changed!” Many -parents, who retain a good degree of outward plainness themselves, -for want of dwelling enough in the pure spring of divine life, have -suffered the eye of their minds to be so far blinded by the god of -this world, as not only to suffer these improper indulgences in their -families, and among their children, but, in some instances, are ready -to plead for them. The sense of this much affected my mind, and under -this exercise I was led forth in a line of close searching labour among -them, to stir up Friends to more diligence, and honest care in those -respects; which, I trust, afforded a degree of comfort and strength -to the honest-hearted, and procured peace to my own mind, which is a -treasure I prefer to all this world’s glory and honour. - -The 1st of 5th month we attended the meetings of Springfield, and -Haverford; both favoured, profitable seasons. The 2d we were at -Newtown, where, in a line of close searching labour, I was led to -show the danger of trusting the salvation of our souls to any thing -short of a full surrender of our wills, and an entire dedication of -our hearts to the Lord, in an humble circumspect walking before Him; -and separating ourselves from the world, its spirit, manners, maxims, -governments, honours and customs; all of which are polluted, and -arising from the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eye and the pride -of life. Truth rose into victory, softening many hearts, and comforting -and strengthening the faithful. Surely God is good to Israel, although -in a state of great revolting; yet he delighteth in showing himself -merciful; praised and magnified be his great and adorable name, over -all for ever. - -The 3d and 4th we attended meetings at Radnor and Merion; and then -passed on to Philadelphia, to attend their quarterly meeting, which -opened on the 5th, with a meeting for Ministers and Elders, and closed -on third day the 8th of the month, with a meeting for the youth, and -one for the black people, in the afternoon. I think, in general, it was -a time of favour, through much hard labour in the several sittings. -Indeed we have no reason to expect to come at the spring any other way, -than by faithfully digging, as with our staves, while there remains so -much rubbish on the well’s mouth. - -The 9th we attended the select quarterly meeting at Abington; and -the day following the quarterly meeting for discipline. I was -engaged among them, in each meeting, and the favour extended was -cause of thankfulness to the honest-hearted. The 11th we returned to -Philadelphia; and, in the afternoon, passed over the river Delaware to -Haddonfield in West Jersey. The 12th we attended a monthly meeting at -Upper Evesham; it was a low time, with not much of that divine life and -power, which only can qualify for the right conducting of discipline, -to be felt among them; and left them without much relief of mind. - -The 13th of the month, and first of the week, we attended meetings at -Evesham, and Cropwell; in the former, I was helped to labour pretty -largely in testimony, to the comfort of a few honest-hearted, and -a number of youth with tender minds; but the greater part of the -meeting appeared to be in a state of great insensibility and ease; a -situation which is generally callous to all the tender invitations, -and entreaty of their friends, who are in travail for their redemption -and salvation; and too much like the deaf adder, which will not listen -to the voice of the charmer, although he charm ever so wisely. In the -latter meeting, I was silent as to ministry. - -The 14th we attended the monthly meeting at Haddonfield, in which I -laboured, in the ability received, for their help and improvement. -But alas, some meetings are so lost to the life of true religion, -and so many, who go under our profession, are sunk into such a state -of indifference and lukewarmness, that the affairs of the Church are -too much conducted in a kind of rotation, and creaturely wisdom, void -of that true weight, and feeling sensibility, which only gives right -qualification for service in the Church; hence great weakness ensues, -and the way of right reformation is closed, and truth prevented from -arising in its primitive splendour and beauty. - -The 15th we were at Moore’s Town and Rancocas; in the former meeting, -the power that “cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon,” manifestly -prevailed to the tendering many hearts. Truth came into victory over -all; praised for ever be the right worthy name of Israel’s King, who, -in holy condescending love, was pleased to make bare his arm for -our help; and once more redeemed my poor soul out of adversity, and -the deep depressing baptisms, which for some days past it had been -plunged into, by suffering with the seed, which lies pressed down -in the hearts of many lukewarm worldly minded professors, as a cart -with sheaves. From thence we passed on, having meetings at Mansfield -Neck, Burlington, Mansfield, and Bordentown; which were all favoured -meetings, truth being near for our help. - -The 20th, and first of the week, we were at Trenton; the meeting was -large, many of the town’s people, of other professions, came in. -Strength was made manifest in the midst of weakness, and, as truth -arose, the gospel was preached in the clear demonstration of the -spirit; many hearts were tendered and comforted, and the few faithful -made to rejoice, in a grateful sense of the Lord’s mercies. - -The 22d we were at Stony Brook meeting, wherein my heart was made glad -through holy help, and I was enabled to labour among them in truth’s -authority, to the comfort of the willing-hearted, and the solid peace -of my own mind. The two following days we were at Plainfield, and -Rahway; in the latter meeting I was wholly silent; but the former was a -time of close labour, in a clear plain way, to stir up the minds of the -people to more diligence, and an inward humble walking with the Lord; -which appeared to be too much wanting among them. - -The 25th we attended an appointed meeting at Newark, a town wherein -no Friends reside. The meeting was small, and those gathered appeared -mostly in a loose uncultivated state of mind; yet, I believe, there -were some thoughtful persons present; and, I trust, the meeting was in -some degree profitable. I left them with peace of mind, and proceeded -that evening to New-York to attend the yearly meeting, which was to -be opened there on the next day, with a meeting for Ministers and -Elders. After the first sitting of the meeting, I rode home, not only -to see my dear wife and family, from whom I had been absent more than -five months, but also to assist them in getting out to the yearly -meeting. Our rejoicing was precious, and mutual, in and under a sense -of the Lord’s mercy and goodness, for whose gracious preservation and -help, in this arduous journey, my spirit was made to bow in humble -adoration and praise, beyond the expression of language. Oh my soul, -what canst thou render unto the Lord for all his benefits! Nothing can -be more acceptable, than an entire surrender of thine all to his holy -disposing; and to endeavour, as at the present time, to continue humbly -to worship at the footstool of his holy throne of grace. Amen. - -I was absent from home in this journey about five months and two weeks, -and rode about sixteen hundred miles, and attended about one hundred -and forty-three meetings. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - - Visit to Connecticut, 1799.--Visit to Oblong and Nine Partners, - 1800.--Visit on Long Island, 1800.--Visit to Friends in New-Jersey, - and Pennsylvania, 1801. - - -Having felt a concern, for some time, to pay a religious visit to -some towns and places in Connecticut, and, in my way, to be with the -few Friends at West Hartford, I laid my prospect before my friends in -the fall of the year 1799, and received a minute of concurrence and -unity from our monthly meeting. I left home the 26th of 10th month, -and proceeded to Oblong, in order to meet a committee of our yearly -meeting, appointed this year, to visit the quarterly meetings of Nine -Partners and Oblong, and the monthly meetings belonging thereto; a -proposition having been made for a new arrangement of those meetings, -so as to establish another quarterly meeting. I accompanied the -committee in the attendance of both quarterly meetings. - -After this, we proceeded into Connecticut, attending meetings in -our way to West Hartford, in the following manner, viz: three in -the town of Sharon, one at Cornwall, one at Goshen, and one at -Litchfield. They were all favoured meetings. Four of them were held -in meeting-houses belonging to the Presbyterians. The latter meeting -was but small, considering the largeness of the town, and the great -openness manifested by their leading members; there were three of their -ministers, and some other leading men present. Truth was prevalently -manifest in this meeting, tendering and comforting the honest-hearted, -a number of whom, I believe, were at the meeting, whose words and -conduct clearly manifested a hearty thankfulness for, and satisfaction -with, the opportunity. Although the great opposition those meet -with, in coming out of their old traditions, may prevent any open and -manifest effects for the present, yet, I believe, it will be as bread -cast upon the waters, which will return after many days; so that his -word which goeth forth, may not return void, but will accomplish the -purpose for which it was sent, to the praise and glory of his own -worthy name, “who is over all, God blessed for ever.” - -After this meeting, we passed directly to West Hartford, and lodged -with our friend Ebenezer Crosby, whose daughter Abigail had come in -company with us from Nine Partners. She was a discreet religious young -woman, whose mind, I apprehended, was under the operation of the -forming hand, for her good; may she be preserved in faith and patience, -under the varied turnings thereof upon her; and then, I have no doubt, -she will become a useful member in the Church. - -The next day we rode to Springfield, about twenty-six miles north -of this place; and attended a meeting there the following day. -Although the people appeared generally raw and ignorant, as to the -internal work of true religion on the heart, being mostly of those -persuasions, whose doctrines lead them to place too much trust and -dependence on the external works of a _Saviour without them_, and an -_imputative righteousness_; and not experiencing the _internal work -of sanctification_, wrought by the spirit and power of a _Saviour -within them_; which is a very dangerous errour; nevertheless, I was -favoured by the Lord’s power to relieve my mind, and divers appeared -to be tenderly affected, and manifested much satisfaction with the -opportunity, as did the auditory in general. - -We rode back that afternoon to West Hartford, and the day following, -the first of the week, and 17th of 11th month, we attended Friends’ -meeting; and another at the house of our friend Ebenezer Crosby, in the -evening. They were full meetings, many of other societies attending, -mostly Presbyterians. Truth favoured, in an eminent degree, in both -opportunities, but especially in the latter, wherein it rose into great -dominion, breaking down, and apparently reducing every contrary spirit. -A remarkable calm, and general solemnity was felt to spread over the -assembly, to the solid rejoicing and comfort of many hearts, and the -exaltation of the cause and testimony of our God; who, for this, and -his multiplied favours and blessings, vouchsafed from time to time, is -worthy of all honour, dominion and glory, both now and for ever. - -The next day, feeling my mind drawn to some of the adjacent towns, we -rode about ten miles, to a place called Perquanock, a thickly settled -village in the west part of the township of West Windsor. We had a -precious opportunity there that evening, in a large school-house. -Although the notice was very short, it being late in the afternoon -when we came there, yet, when we reached the meeting, which began at -the sixth hour, the house was nearly full, and soon after taking our -seats was crowded with as many as it could well contain. A commendable -stillness was maintained during the silent part of the meeting, which -we thought a little uncommon, as the people were generally strangers to -us, and our ways. After a time of solemn waiting, my mouth was opened -in a clear full testimony; wherein the doctrines of the gospel were -largely and plainly held forth, in the demonstration of the spirit, and -with power, tendering many hearts, and to the apparent satisfaction -of the people in general; many expressing their thankfulness for the -favour. We left them with the answer of peace in our own minds, and -in a full persuasion, that the Lord is secretly at work in the minds -of many of the people in these parts, in order to deliver them from -the power of their dark and blind leaders, who, for a long time, by -their carnal and lifeless teachings and doctrines, and many _vain -traditions_, have formed almost a total eclipse between God and their -souls. May the Lord hasten this good work in his own time, that those -merchants of Babylon, who are trafficking in the souls of the people, -those blind guides may be so discovered, that no man may buy their -merchandize any more. - -The day after, we attended a meeting in Windsor town; the people here -seemed to be more under the dark power of their teachers, being much -blinded with the prejudice of education, so that the meeting was -but small. Nevertheless, truth favoured me with ability to preach -the gospel, with a good degree of divine authority, to the comfort -and edification of some seeking minds present. The two following -days we attended Friends’ meeting at Hartford, the latter of which -was appointed by our friend Jervis Johnson, from Ireland. Both were -comfortable seasons. - -The sixth of the week, and 22d of the month, we rode to the city of -Hartford; and way opening for an opportunity with the people, a meeting -was accordingly appointed at the sixth hour in the evening, to be held -in a large meeting-house belonging to the Presbyterians. A great number -of the citizens assembled, supposed to be near a thousand, among whom -were most of the principal inhabitants. The Lord, in whom was our -trust, was graciously near, and furnished us with ability to conduct -the meeting to the satisfaction and peace of our own minds; and to the -edification of many present, and general satisfaction of the assembly. - -We rested on seventh day, and, on first day, we were again at Friends’ -meeting at West Hartford; and notice that we were to be there having -spread, a considerable number of the neighbouring inhabitants and -some from the city came in. It was a season of high favour; many -weighty truths of the gospel were clearly opened, and the way of life -and salvation placed before the minds of the people; and a general -solemnity appeared to reign, which was manifest in almost every -countenance, silencing every opposite spirit. The hearts of Friends, -with my own spirit, were bowed in humble acknowledgment and gratitude -to the Lord our helper, for granting us so great a mercy; and under a -solemn sense thereof we parted, and took leave of each other in great -nearness of spirit. - -On second day we turned our faces homeward, attending meetings in our -way at Cambridge and Woodbury; at the latter place we had two meetings; -we also had meetings at Middlesex, and Stamford, and again at Middlesex -on first day; these were generally seasons of divine favour, edifying -and instructive. After this we passed on into the state of New-York, -and had meetings the six following days, at Rye, White Plains, North -Castle, Shapaqua, Amawalk, and Croton. As my mind was led, in faith -and patience, to close in with the baptismal influence of the spirit -of truth, it was reduced into a state of suffering with the precious -seed in the hearts of the people, and their divers states were felt, -and way made to divide the word aright to those assembled; who were a -mixed number of Friends and others. Truth was exalted, and set over -every contrary spirit, and the honest-hearted comforted and encouraged -to persevere in the “work of righteousness,” which “shall be peace; and -the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance for ever.” - -The following first day we attended Friends’ meeting at West Chester; -and in the afternoon we had an appointed meeting at East Chester, -principally among those not of our society. We had cause, in both these -meetings, to magnify and adore the name of the Lord, who deigned to be -near with his saving help, and furnished with ability to preach the -gospel of life and salvation, in the clear demonstration of the spirit; -the power attending, convicting and tendering many hearts. The few -Friends, who dwell in that place, were strengthened and encouraged, -and my spirit refreshed and made to rejoice, in those closing -opportunities. After this I returned home, and found my dear wife and -tender children all well, to our mutual rejoicing. I was out about six -weeks, and attended about thirty meetings, and two quarterly meetings. - -On my return from my late visit in Connecticut, I felt my mind not -fully clear of a prospect I then had of a few other places; and the -way opening with greater clearness, and feeling a motion of love to -draw towards again attending the ensuing quarterly meetings of Oblong -and Nine Partners, after attending our quarterly meeting at Westbury, -in 1st month, 1800, I set out with Amos Whitson as my companion. We -attended Purchase meeting on first day, which I sat in silence, and -passed from thence to Oblong, and attended their quarterly meeting. -After this we had a meeting at Kent, in our way to Nine Partners. -The people of this place are mostly of the Presbyterian society, and -a considerable number assembled, and behaved in an orderly manner. -I trust the opportunity was a season of profit, and that the labour -bestowed may be, to some of those present, as bread cast upon the -waters. After attending the quarterly meeting of Nine Partners, we had -two meetings in our way to Cornwall and Goshen, among those not of our -society, though nothing very remarkable occurred in either. We had -a comfortable meeting at Cornwall, and visited Charles Richards and -some others, who appeared to be going into a separation from Friends, -having already set up a separate meeting, for which they were not long -after disowned. They had given way to some very inconsistent notions, -in which they became so hardened as not to take the tender counsel -and advice of their friends, who laboured much with them for their -recovery. From thence we returned home, having a few meetings in our -way, mostly among people of other persuasions. We got well home on -first day evening, the 16th of 2d month, after attending the morning -meeting at New-York. As I took this little journey in part to fill up -what seemed lacking in the other, I now felt clear, and my mind was -accompanied with true peace, which raised in me humble acknowledgments -and gratitude to the great and blessed Author of all our mercies. - -Soon after my return from the above little journey, I felt my mind -drawn, in the renewed feelings of gospel love, to pay a religious -visit to some of the inhabitants of our island, not of our profession. -After having opened my prospect to Friends and obtained the unity and -concurrence of our monthly meeting, I performed that service, in the -latter part of the fall, and beginning of the winter following. I was -out from home twenty-seven days, rode about one hundred and ninety -miles, and attended thirty-five meetings; only two of which were held -in our meeting-houses. They were generally seasons of great favour, -in which my mind was deeply bowed, under a humiliating sense of the -Lord’s mercy, extended from day to day, not only in opening the hearts -of the people to receive us and our testimony with manifestation of -much love and good will; but also in furnishing matter suitably adapted -to the states of those assembled. Truth was raised into victory, in -a remarkable manner, in almost every meeting; and in several, to a -very eminent degree, even beyond, as I thought, what I had ever before -experienced. It ran over like oil. All appeared broken down by its -precious and embalming influence, in which the Lord was worshipped, and -his great and glorious name praised and exalted over all, who is worthy -for ever. - -In the spring of 1801, feeling my mind engaged, in the love of the -gospel, to proceed in a visit to Friends, in some parts of Jersey -and Pennsylvania, and some places adjacent thereto, I left home the -11th of 4th month, with the concurrence and unity of my friends; and -with Edmund Willis as a companion. We rode to New-York, and attended -Friends’ forenoon and afternoon meetings there, on first day. Although -the life of religion appeared at a low ebb with Friends of that city, -in too general a manner; yet a number of the younger class, and some -more advanced in life, gave some hope of improvement. My mind was -deeply engaged among them. And, through the condescending goodness of -the Shepherd of Israel, strength was witnessed to preach the gospel in -the demonstration of the spirit, and with power; insomuch that a fresh -visitation was extended to many present. May it rest, and be fastened -by the Master of assemblies, as a nail in a sure place, to the honour -of his great and glorious name, who is the blessed Author and finisher -of every good word and work. - -On second day we left the city, and passed to Elizabethtown Point, -Woodbridge and upper Freehold. And on fourth day, we attended a meeting -in the neighbourhood, called Robbins’ meeting, at the usual time; -and in the afternoon attended Upper Freehold meeting. The former was -usually a small, weak meeting; but information of our intention to be -there, being generally spread, many came in who were not members; and -it proved a profitable edifying season, worthy of grateful remembrance. -The latter was rather a season of suffering with the seed. I was mostly -shut up as to any ministerial communication. The next day we attended -the meetings of Crosswicks, and Upper Springfield; at both of which -strength was afforded to communicate what opened in the line of duty, -in such a manner as to find relief of mind, which I account a great -favour. - -We rode to Philadelphia on sixth day, and the next day the yearly -meeting of Ministers and Elders opened; and on the ensuing second day, -the yearly meeting for discipline, which was very large, and continued, -by adjournments, through the week, and closed on seventh day. Many -weighty subjects were opened for deliberation. But through the -prevalence and mixture of unsubjected spirits, who were too forward and -active in their own unmortified wills, much weakness was apparent. This -greatly increased the burden of the living, and truly baptized members, -of which class there were a very considerable number, who were deeply -engaged for the promotion of the cause of truth, and that the family -at large might be kept in decent and commendable order, consistent -with the gospel of Christ; and become established on the ancient -foundation of our holy profession. These were nearly united in spirit -and in travail for Zion’s arising, and the Lord was graciously pleased -to water them together, at seasons, with the descendings of heavenly -dew; by which, encouragement was witnessed, to persevere in patience, -and in thankful acknowledgment, for his continued mercy; and they were -favoured to return from their annual solemnity with rejoicing, for all -the good the Lord had been pleased to favour them with. - -We remained in the city over first day, and attended the forenoon -meeting at Market-street, which was very large. My spirit was set at -liberty, and ability afforded to divide the word among them, according -to their varied conditions, in a large searching and effectual -testimony; whereby a holy solemnity was witnessed to spread over the -meeting, to the great rejoicing of the honest-hearted. But alas, -how oft are those seasons of comfort interrupted and hurt, by the -indiscreet forwardness of some who have been called to publish the -gospel; but, for want of dwelling enough in the root, have branched -out in the fertility of their own natural abilities, and become too -active in their own spirits; and are thereby not only in danger of -losing their gifts, and falling into a bewildered state, but often -hurt the service, and take off the savour of many of our most favoured -solemnities. This was affectingly the case at this time, by the -addition of a long, but very lifeless testimony; and although delivered -in sound words, yet being destitute of the life and power, tended -greatly to burden the living, and grieve the upright in heart. Great -advantage would redound to the Church in general, and to this class -of its members in particular, if those, who stand in the station of -Elders, were more deeply centered in their minds to the well-spring -of eternal life; waiting for, and feeling after a spirit of right -discernment, that so they might be enabled to judge righteous judgment, -and distinguish rightly between the living and the dead. Then would the -hand be seasonably laid upon the head of this _transforming spirit_, -and those, in danger of being deceived thereby, witness preservation. - -On second day, the 27th of 4th month, we left the city, and passed over -into West Jersey, in order to take some meetings which I had not been -at. We were at five in the course of the week; and although the life -and virtue of true religion appeared to be at a low ebb, among those -professing with us, in too general a manner, in those meetings; yet as -public notice was given of our attendance, many of the neighbouring -inhabitants came in. There were, I believe, some seeking minds among -them, and these generally add life to meetings, and draw down the -compassion, and tender regard of the heavenly parent, who, in his -condescending goodness, made way for the gospel to be preached among -them, in those several meetings, in a good degree of divine authority. -Many minds were tenderly affected, and the assemblies solemnized; the -lukewarm aroused, and the hypocritical, worldly-minded professors -forewarned of the danger their situations exposed them to. My spirit -was made thankful for the relief I obtained, although through a line of -deep inward travail and baptism with the oppressed seed; but the Lord’s -power rose in victory over all, to the honour of his right worthy name, -who will be glorified in his saints, and sanctified in all those who -come near him. - -We returned to the city on seventh day, and attended the quarterly -meeting of Ministers and Elders; in which I was led, in a short, but -relieving testimony, to call Friends’ attention back to primitive -simplicity and integrity; the great need there is of being more -separated from the world, its spirit, manners, maxims, and customs; -and to live daily under an exercise and travail, for the arising of -that life and power, which only can enable us to separate from those -things, that have a tendency to hurt and defile; and through which life -and power, Ministers and Elders can only be rightly qualified to lead -and feed the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made them overseers, -consistent with divine appointment. For want of this fervent labour and -travail, great weakness is apparent amongst us as a people, in many -places; and the great and worthy name by which we are called, ofttimes -dishonoured, to the grief of the upright in heart, who are exercised -for Israel’s prosperity, and Jerusalem’s peace; and who go almost -daily, as with their hands on their loins for very pain. - -On first day, we attended the north meeting, in the morning, and that -in Market-street in the afternoon. They were both instructive edifying -seasons; wherein I had full opportunity to relieve my mind, being, -through gracious assistance, led in the clear openings of the divine -light, to set forth the great danger of mixing in with the spirit of -the world, which leads to strife and contention, and the promotion of -parties and party animosities in civil governments: all of which have -a direct tendency to engender war and bloodshed, and are therefore -inconsistent for us, as a people, to touch or take part with, or to -suffer our minds to be agitated thereby; as it always has led, and -always will lead those, who are leavened therewith, out of the meek -spirit of the gospel, which breathes “peace on earth, and good will to -all men.” This was the Lord’s doing and marvellous in our eyes. Friends -were much comforted and united in this day’s exercise, and my spirit -made joyful in the saving help, and continued mercy of Israel’s true -Shepherd, who is over all, worthy, and blessed for ever. - -The quarterly meeting was held on second day, which was likewise a time -of favour. Divers communications were made, tending to unite Friends -in an exercise for the advancement of the testimony, that the numerous -causes of weakness, which brought pain, and many deep baptisms on the -living part of the body, might be done away, and the camp cleansed. - -I left the city on third day morning, with a peaceful mind, and rode -to Frankford; and attended a meeting there in the forenoon, and one -at Germantown in the afternoon, in both of which I laboured in the -ability received. The first was a very searching season; things were -laid open in such a manner, that the dead, in some instances, seemed to -be raised, and that power felt, which opened the graves formerly; and -some of those, who were settled down in their polluted rests, had their -heavens shaken, and their rocks made to melt, by the fervent heat of -the _divine word_, which was as a fire and a hammer. Truth prevailed, -and was eminently in dominion over all. - -On fourth and fifth days, we attended the quarterly meeting of -Abington; in which I was exercised in a line of close fervent labour, -both in the meeting for Ministers and Elders, and the quarterly meeting -at large. It was a season which gave hope of some improvement in many, -but others appeared too much in a state of _self-sufficiency_, a most -deplorable condition, sickly and wounded, and which refuses to be -healed. For these, my mind felt pained. O, that they might, ere the -day of their visitation pass over, witness their eyes anointed with -the eyesalve of the gospel, that so they might be brought to see the -precipice on which they stand, and be thereby reduced into the valley -of humiliation; where alone true honour and right exaltation are -known, and where they might experience a being washed from all their -pollutions, and healed of all their wounds. - -We attended a meeting at Byberry on sixth day, and, through the Lord’s -presiding presence, it proved a day of signal favour. The doctrines of -full and complete redemption from sin and death were clearly opened, -and truth exalted over all the dark tenets, and carnal reasonings of -men, which lead to unbelief and infidelity. - -On seventh day we returned to Abington, where we had another large -favoured meeting, wherein many things were opened in a plain way, -tending to gather the minds of the people out of the spirit of the -world, which leads to strife and contention, from whence party -animosities arise, often a prelude to war; and calling their attention -home to the great gospel privilege, the holy _unction_ and _anointing -within_: so that they need not that any man teach them, but as the -same anointing teacheth; which, as they come to believe in and obey, -would qualify them to judge of all ministry, and from whence it had its -rise and spring; and thereby be delivered from all false glosses and -mixtures in religion, and become established in that which never fell, -the immoveable rock Christ Jesus, against which the gates of hell will -never be able to prevail. - -On first day, the 10th of 5th month, we attended Horsham meeting, and -in the afternoon, the meeting at North Wales. It was a day of high -favour, the Lord’s arm was graciously made bare for our help; and -the meetings were very large, many not of our society attended. The -gospel was freely preached among them, in the clear demonstration of -the spirit. They were truly humbling seasons, especially the former, -wherein a great number were much contrited, and wept freely. The rocks -seemed to melt at the presence of the mighty God of Jacob, whose power -was prevalently witnessed in that large assembly, to the praise and -exaltation of his great and glorious name. - -We attended the meeting at Plymouth on second day. Although there was -an evident want, affectingly manifest, of that primitive zeal and -integrity which distinguished our worthy predecessors, with too many -of those, who fill up their places in outward profession; yet it was -comforting to find, that the Shepherd of Israel was still graciously -pleased to continue his merciful visitations, and renew his gracious -calls to these, to return, and renew covenant with him. This was -the substance of this day’s testimony and labour; may the Master -of assemblies make it effectual, to all that were present of this -description, is my sincere prayer. On third day we were at Providence -meeting, which was small; nevertheless, through gracious regard, it -proved an edifying, heart-tendering season. The states of the people -were opened and spoken to, in the authority of truth, to their great -humiliation; many hearts were much broken and reduced, and the Lord’s -power exalted over all. - -After this meeting, my mind was turned towards the quarterly meeting of -Caln, to be held this time at Sadsbury, a newly established quarterly -meeting, in the county of Chester. Finding it necessary to comply with -the motion, believing my peace consisted in it, we set out immediately -after dinner, having thirty miles, or upwards, to ride to it. The -journey proved very wearisome to my infirm body, being much troubled at -this time with a painful complaint, with which I was greatly afflicted -during the time of this quarterly meeting, especially in the forepart -of the public meeting, preceding the meeting for discipline. I was -ready to conclude that I should be obliged to leave the meeting, my -distress of body was so great; but feeling my mind drawn to the people, -there being a large congregation present, I continued, and way opening, -I was enlarged in clear, pertinent doctrine. Truth rose into dominion, -in an eminent manner, and ran over all as oil, comforting and breaking -many hearts, and reducing, and silencing every opposite spirit. A -very precious solemnity was spread over the meeting, rejoicing the -upright in heart, relieving to my own mind, and alleviating my bodily -affliction. These are high favours; may an humbling and grateful sense -thereof rest continually upon thee, O my soul, and mayest thou never -forget how much thou owest to thy Lord, how deep and solemn are thy -obligations to the God of thy salvation; how hath he often taken thee -out of the horrible pit, and out of the miry clay, and set thee upon a -rock, and put a new song into thy mouth, even praises, high praises to -him. - -From this meeting we returned to Caln, and attended their monthly -meeting, held the sixth of the week. I was enabled to labour among them -in much plainness, both in the meeting for worship, and for discipline; -and left them with a peaceful mind. The three following days we -attended meetings at Robinson, Exeter, and Reading. The number of -members which constituted these meetings was small, but a considerable -number of the neighbouring inhabitants attended. Ability was graciously -afforded to preach the gospel freely in each, and the power attending -broke and tendered many hearts, and an excellent savour and solemnity -was felt to spread over the meetings, in an eminent manner; for which I -was made humbly thankful to the bountiful Author of all our blessings. -These favours were more than an adequate reward for all my toil and -exercise; although I had been, for some days past, under the pressure -of much bodily infirmity, accompanied with seasons of great uneasiness -and pain; but the Lord’s power was over all, and kept my mind in -patience, and sweet peace from day to day; blessed for ever, be his -right worthy name. - -The fourth of the week, and the 20th of 5th month, we attended the -meeting at Maiden Creek. The same afternoon, and the next day, we -crossed the Blue Mountains to Roaring Creek; and the day after, -attended a meeting there. Both of these meetings were crowned with the -Lord’s presence, and were edifying and instructive seasons. The morning -following we rode to Catawissa, and attended their monthly meeting; and -continued there until after their first day meeting. I was enabled, -through the Lord’s good presence attending, to labour among them, -both in the meeting for discipline, and those for worship, in much -plainness; divers matters relative to the well-ordering of the affairs -of truth were opened, which proved instructive and edifying. - -After the latter meeting, we passed on that afternoon fifteen miles to -Berwick, crossing the river Susquehannah in our way. The day following, -the 25th of 5th month, although my bodily indisposition still -continued, we had a meeting there, among the town’s people, and the -few Friends of that place. It was a comfortable season, edifying and -strengthening to Friends; and confirming to a number who were looking -towards us with desires for further information. After this meeting, -we rode to Fishing Creek, about eighteen miles; and the day following -had a very satisfactory meeting at that place. Although in this -journey, for a considerable time past, I have experienced much bodily -infirmity; yet the Lord, in his abundant mercy, hath been graciously -pleased to keep my mind stayed upon him. My trust and confidence have -not at any time failed, not even when I have been reduced into a state -of great distress and suffering; and my poor soul plunged into the -mighty abyss of surrounding darkness, and sunk, as it were, to the -bottom of the mountains: for as I patiently abode under those trying -baptisms, and was made willing to endure my portion thereof, my spirit -was raised out of this horrible pit; wherein I had been a partaker with -the suffering seed in the hearts of those, who, through supineness, -ease, forgetfulness, unbelief and a worldly spirit, had become like a -bottomless abyss of corruption, darkness and errour: and I was enabled, -through a real feeling of their deplorable states, to administer to -their several wants, and open to them their condition. Many were -reached in heart, and convinced of the errour of their ways, and were -led to give God the glory of his own work. And, O, saith my soul, may -all those who are sent out on this solemn embassy and most important -service, dwell low in their minds, and keep a single eye to the Lord’s -honour, that so self may be thoroughly abased: otherwise, there is -great danger, in those trying and most afflictive dispensations, of -the mind getting into a state of impatience, and therein be led to -judge the people of hardness, and a spirit of opposition. This will not -fail, if given way to, of centering the minds of such, either into a -state of silent sadness and discouragement, that, like the disciples -formerly, they will be for sending the people away fasting, and empty; -or else raise in them a hot fiery zeal, in which they will throw out -some hard censures, or harsh reproof, untempered with that charity, -requisite and necessary always to attend every gospel communication: -for want of which, both speaker and hearers will be wounded, much hurt -done, and many opportunities, I believe, have been entirely lost by -these means, which might have been crowned with the Lord’s presence, -and his truth exalted. Nay I have no doubt, but some meetings have -been held to the dishonour of truth, and wounding many tender minds. -And I have sometimes been afraid, that some, who are rightly called, -and sent on this greatest of errands, have so far missed their way, -while under some of those excruciating baptisms, which they have been -led into, in order to qualify them rightly to administer to the states -of the people, as to suffer an impatient spirit to rise up; and have -thus brought a gloom of darkness over their minds, which has continued -with them from day to day, greatly to their distress. Although they -have continued to attend meetings, they have been so shut up in total -darkness, as not to see any way of relief, except in uttering their -complaints, similar to the murmurings of Israel in the wilderness. -Where I have found such things left on record, I have thought they -always tended to discouragement and dismay, when coming from the -leaders of the people. Although the Lord was graciously pleased to -condescend to the weakness of Israel, and deliver them out of the -distress which their impatience had brought upon them; yet he very -clearly manifested his displeasure thereat. And if only one instance -of impatience and improper zeal in Moses drew upon him such severe -censure, as we read it did, how ought all those, who are now called -forth as leaders of the people, to stand always on their guard against -every motion of impatience, and impure zeal, lest they also fall under -the displeasure of the Captain of their salvation. - -Although, after those gloomy dispensations, we may be again favoured, -in renewed mercy, and helped out of this horrible pit, and witness the -lifting up of the light of the Lord’s glorious countenance upon us; yet -this is no proof of the rectitude of our conduct, any more than his -showing mercy to Israel, after their murmurings, was a justification -thereof. Yet I have been afraid, that some have considered those -renewed favours, as a consequence of their own sufferings; which, -to me, carries too much of selfishness, and savours of a desire of -clothing ourselves with the Lord’s jewels, instead of rendering to him, -with heart-felt gratitude, the glory of all his works; and receiving -this act of unmerited redemption from the gloom, our own impatience, -and the want of a thorough reduction of self, had cast us into, as -flowing purely from his forbearing mercy, condescending goodness and -free love. - -After the aforesaid meeting, we rode to Muncy, and lodged with our kind -friend William Ellis. The next day, the fourth of the week, and the -27th of 5th month, their meeting was held; and notice being spread that -we were there, it was large. Although I had to sit some time in the -forepart of the meeting, in much weakness and depression, both of body -and mind; yet as I abode in patience and resignation to my allotment, -willing to be any thing, or nothing, and to do, or to suffer, according -to the Master’s will; after a time of solemn waiting, a little opening -presented, attended with some glimmering of light; and as my eye was -kept steadily to it, I felt a necessity to stand up; and as I proceeded -in guarded care, it opened to a large field of doctrine, suitably -adapted, I believe, to the states of those present. A very comfortable -solemnity was felt to spread over the meeting, rejoicing the hearts of -the faithful. - -We rested for a day or two after this meeting, with our aforesaid -friend, in order to recruit, feeling myself very unwell with a cold, -which had attended me for some time; and being much worn down by -constant travelling under such bodily infirmities. The 30th of the -month, and seventh day of the week, we attended a meeting at a place -called Pine Grove; a small meeting of Friends being held there. On -first day we had a large meeting, by appointment, at a town called -Williamsport, which was held in their court-house; but the room was not -large enough to contain the people, and although very much crowded, and -many standing, they behaved soberly, and a blessed meeting we had. I -was led forth among them, in a large affecting testimony, wherein the -truths of the gospel were clearly opened and explained to the weakest -capacities, and the Lord’s power was in dominion, in a very eminent -manner. It was a season thankfully to be remembered, and greatly -refreshing to my drooping spirit, making up every deficiency for the -want of bodily health. I could with heart-felt gratitude cheerfully -acknowledge, it was the Lord’s doing. - -After this meeting we set forward on our journey towards Redstone, -having meetings in our way, at Job Packers, Milesburgh, Half-moon -Valley, and Downing’s Creek. Then we passed directly over the Alleghany -mountains, into the compass of Redstone quarterly meeting. On fourth -day, the 10th of 6th month, we attended a meeting at Sewickly, on the -western side of the mountains, a branch of Redstone monthly meeting. -After this, we were at Providence on fifth day, Center on sixth, and -Fallowfield on seventh day. Although these were seasons of close -exercise, accompanied with some painful labour, and deep baptisms, in -suffering with the seed; yet my mind was favoured in the openings of -gospel light, so to discharge myself in those meetings, as to leave -them with solid peace of mind. I believe they were seasons of renewed -visitation to many who attended, that will not soon be forgotten by -them. - -On first day we attended the meeting at Pike Run, and the two following -days were at Westland, and Redstone meetings. My mind was under a -very great pressure of distress, in passing along through those six -last mentioned meetings; both from an inward sense, and an outward -discovery, of great weakness prevailing among them; occasioned by an -unwarrantable credulity, and letting out their minds to listen to, and -believe in, the vulgar, and shamefully ridiculous notion of witchcraft. -Some of their leading members openly acknowledged, they believed that -a family of their near kindred, several of whom were troubled with a -kind of periodical fits, were actually thus affected by one of their -neighbours. My spirit was exceedingly grieved by their asserting their -belief in those abominable reports, and by discovering how their minds -were led away thereby; and my grief was also much increased by their -confidence in a certain boy in the neighbourhood, who pretended to tell -secrets, saying, that he could see persons whom any should inquire -after, although in a very distant part of the world, and would tell -those who came to see him, notwithstanding they lived on the other side -of the Atlantic, that he could see the very place of their residence, -and of what materials their houses were made, as if he was present at -the place; and would pretend to tell the conditions and dispositions -of persons, whom he had never before seen, and what they were guilty -of, as to their private sins, and who was a witch, and who not; and he -had so far got the ascendency in the minds of those who had given way -to the absurd notion of witchcraft, that whatever he said, in these -respects, obtained their implicit belief. And if he impeached the most -unblemished character of being a witch, or charged such with being -guilty of any baneful sin, they were ready to believe it; by which -means great hurt was done. I was exceedingly burthened therewith, and -had conversation with divers on the subject; but they were so carried -away with these notions, that reasoning seemed to have no weight with -them. While any man or woman can give way to believe in such things, -and go to dark, undisciplined, and irreligious men, to be healed of -those infirmities, which they are told are the effect of witchcraft, it -is certainly denying the God that made them, who only hath all power -in heaven and in earth, and can wound and heal, kill and make alive at -his pleasure. God forbid, saith my soul, that any, professing the name -of a Friend, should ever thus desert the God of his salvation; for if -he doth, it will no doubt tend to his confusion, and in which state, -he will be given over to strange delusions, even to believe a lie; a -most wretched state for any poor soul to be in. I was enabled, through -condescending goodness, to clear my mind among them, by divers large -full testimonies to the truth, and the excellency of its power, to -deliver from every thing that tends to hurt or defile. - -I left them with peace of mind, and proceeded to Connelstown, where we -had a very comfortable heart-tendering season, among a few Friends, -and the town’s people. Next we attended Sandy Hill meeting; and the -day following were at Sandy Creek Glades, both comfortable seasons. -These closed our visit to Redstone quarterly meeting. We then returned -across the Alleghany mountains, with a view to attend the meetings -belonging to Hopewell, in the compass of Fairfax Quarterly meeting. -We reached Bear Garden particular meeting on first day, having rode -diligently the day before, for that purpose; not having much prospect -thereof when we left Sandy Creek. The distance between the two places -was about ninety-two miles, and the way very mountainous, and having -had but little more than a day and a half to ride it. This meeting, in -the forepart, was heavy, but ended well; and we left them with solid -satisfaction, and passed on to Back Creek meeting that afternoon; -held near a small town, or village, called Penn’s Town. Many of the -neighbouring people came in, so that the meeting was pretty large, and -I had considerable to communicate among them, but without obtaining -much relief of mind. - -In the course of this week we attended meetings at the Ridge, Centre, -Crooked Run, Mount Pleasant, Hopewell, and Lower Ridge; and on the -first and second days, of the following week, we were at Middle Creek, -and Berkly meetings. These were, most of them, favoured seasons, -particularly that at Middle Creek, wherein the Lord’s presence was -powerfully manifest. Truth rose into great dominion, preciously uniting -and edifying the honest-hearted, and breaking down all opposition, -affecting and mollifying the hearts of, almost, the whole assembly. It -was indeed a precious solemnity, not soon to be forgotten, but to be -held in grateful remembrance. - -After those meetings, we turned our faces homewards, attending meetings -in our way, at Little York, Columbia, Pottstown, and the Great Swamp, -alias Richland; these were through divine favour, instructive seasons. -The next meeting was at Plumbstead, in the compass of Buck’s quarterly -meeting, which we attended on third day, the 7th of 7th month: and -on the two following days, we were at Buckingham, and Wright’s Town -meetings. My mind, in those meetings, was brought under a close -exercise, from a prospect of Friends being too much leavened into the -spirit of the world, its customs and maxims; by which, many appeared -to be greatly wounded, and had become as dwarfs in our Israel. And I -believe, nothing contributed more to this, than their becoming parties -in the civil government, and taking offices therein; for here, the -spirit of contention gets in, and a striving to be uppermost, and fill -the principal seats: then party animosities take place, from whence -are derived envy and jealousy, one against another; and then reviling, -and neighbours speaking evil of each other; hence wars and fightings -arise, as from their natural ground. As any give way to these things, -it leavens their minds into the spirit of the world, which is a spirit -of darkness, that blinds the understanding and hardens the heart, and -draws into many hurtful and pernicious practices, such as dealing in -ardent spirits, drinking strong drink, and handing it out in their -fields to their workmen, to stimulate them to an excess of labour; -hence an excess of drinking strong drink is gradually introduced among -the poor labourers, by means of which many families are ruined. - -My spirit was deeply exercised on those accounts, but as I patiently -endured the baptisms I had to go through, and submitted to communicate -what appeared clearly to open; I was enlarged in setting forth the -dangerous and hurtful tendency of such conduct, and its great -inconsistency with our holy profession, and to exhort Friends to a more -frequent recurrence to the first principle of our profession, the light -within; whereby deliverance and preservation could only be experienced. -The Lord was graciously with us in those meetings, and the faithful -were encouraged and edified, and many hearts greatly tendered, under a -sense of the Lord’s mercy and goodness extended to us in these seasons. - -On sixth day we attended a meeting at Makefield, and in the afternoon, -had a large meeting at Newtown. It was held in their court-house, -and mostly composed of those not professing with us. I felt in this -meeting, the pressure and prevalence of a spirit of darkness and -unbelief; and was led to open the ground thereof, and to show its -inconsistency with the self-evident experience of every rational mind. -For although men in the ignorance and darkness of their own hearts, may -strive to settle themselves in unbelief, in order to live quietly in -the gratification of their own wills and creaturely appetites, without -any controul; yet, they never can fully come to this; for that just -witness, placed in every bosom as a reprover for sin, will continue to -disturb all those false rests, and shake every heaven of man’s making. -For although men, through the hardness of their hearts, may not submit -to the guidance of this just principle, so as to have a saving belief -therein; yet they will thereby be compelled into a belief, similar to -that of the devils, and which they will never be able fully to divest -themselves of by all their carnal reasonings and fleshly wisdom; but -it will continue, at times, to make them fear and tremble, and by its -tremendous power will cause the very top of their Sinai to shake, and -blast all their false hopes. For it is the determinate counsel of -unerring wisdom, that the hope of the hypocrite shall perish: therefore -let all prize the day of their visitation, while the Lord is graciously -striving with them, by the clear, self-evident touches of his light -in their hearts; in order that the wicked may turn from his wicked -way, and the unrighteous from his unrighteous thoughts, and turn unto -the Lord who will have mercy upon him, and unto our God, who will -abundantly pardon. - -The meeting at Makefield was likewise a precious opportunity. The Lord -being mightily with us in our passing along, from season to season, to -our humbling admiration, furnishing with strength for every service; -so that we indeed found him to be strength in weakness, and riches in -poverty. For I never felt greater weakness and nothingness, as to self, -than in this journey; and could truly say, that our sufficiency was not -of ourselves, but of God; and that the Lord was our strength from day -to day, who is over all, blessed for ever. - -The three following days we attended meetings at Middletown, Bristol, -and the Falls. I was led forth in these meetings to show wherein real -Christianity consists; and although the people of christendom had the -name of Christians, yet, so long as they lived in the gratification of -their own wills and carnal lusts, from whence discord, animosities, -envyings, strife and every evil work originated, they were only -heathens in disguise. For true Christianity is nothing else than a -real and complete mortification of our own wills, and a full and final -annihilation of all self-exaltation: and the contrary is the true -antichrist, that sitteth in the seat of God, who opposeth and exalteth -himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped. Therefore, -none are any further Christians, than as they come to experience the -self-denial, meekness, humility and gentleness of Christ, ruling and -reigning in them, so as to become their real life; and in, and by -which, they become partakers of the divine nature, and know the _life -of God_ raised up in the immortal soul; which is the new birth, or -_Christ formed in us_, and without which, as our Lord told Nicodemus, -no man can see the kingdom of God. - -After these meetings we crossed the river Delaware into New Jersey, -attending meetings on our way, at Kingwood, Hardwick, Mendham, and one -near Paulingskiln. From thence we passed to Cornwall, in the state of -New-York. We reached there seventh day evening, the 18th of 7th month, -and the next day were at their first day meeting. I was much worn -down by constant travelling and hard labour, and felt much fatigue -when we came here; and in going to this meeting, I felt a desire to -rise in my mind, that I might have a good silent meeting. The prayer -of my spirit was answered, for I had not sat long before a perfect, -sweet calm ensued, wherein my whole man was swallowed up in divine -seraphic enjoyment; so that not only my mind, but also my wearied body -forgot all its toil; and my soul was so inflamed with gratitude, to -the all-bountiful Author of all our rich mercies and blessings, that -praises and thanksgiving ascended as incense from the altar of my heart -to his great and glorious name, who remains to be God over all, blessed -for ever, world without end. Amen. - -In the course of this week we attended meetings at Newburgh Valley, the -Paltz, Marlborough, and on fifth day were at Cornwall monthly meeting. -The meeting for worship which preceded the business, was large. I was -led among them in a line of close searching labour, which, for some -time, seemed to have but little entrance among them; mankind being too -generally disposed, while in a state of unsoundness, to shut themselves -against _that_, which they know, if they are open to receive, would -find out all their secret lurking places, where _self-love_ and -_self-will_ lie shrouded under a mask _of doing good_, while it is -gratified in the full enjoyment of all its beloveds, and with whom it -is daily committing adultery and fornication: but as I continued to -persevere in faithfulness to the opening, although the prospect for a -time seemed discouraging, truth began to make way by its own power, -and gradually spread over the meeting, breaking down all opposition, -and tendering and mollifying many hearts. The meeting for discipline -appeared to be pretty well conducted, there being, I believe, a remnant -honestly engaged for the promotion of the cause of truth; and these the -Lord delights to favour, and furnish with strength to carry on his own -work of truth and righteousness in the earth; and he will continue to -reward these with the real enjoyment of his life-giving presence; while -those who sit as mere idle spectators, will be sent empty away. - -On sixth day we had an appointed meeting at the house of our friend -Thomas Jones at Walkiln; on seventh day, one at Goshen, and on first -day, we were at Smith’s Clove. All satisfactory seasons, especially the -last, wherein truth was powerfully manifest, tendering the hearts of -the people in a remarkable manner; so that a very precious solemnity -was witnessed to spread over the meeting. After these meetings we -turned homewards, attending meetings in our way at Kakiat, Tappan and -New-York. We reached home on fourth day evening, the 29th of 7th month. -I found my family in usual health, which, together with an endeared -and cordial reception in the feelings of mutual love, and flowings of -that peace of mind attendant on a faithful discharge of manifested -duty, filled my heart with thankful acknowledgments to the great and -bountiful Author of every blessing. - -I was from home in this journey three months and eighteen days, and -travelled about sixteen hundred and thirty miles. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - - Visit to Friends in Canada, and some of the northern parts of the - yearly meeting of New-York, 1803.--Visit on Long Island, Staten - Island, and New-York, 1806.--Visit to Purchase, Nine Partners, - and Stanford, and some adjacent parts, 1806.--Visit to Nine - Partners, 1807.--Visit to Purchase, Nine Partners, and Stanford, - 1808.--Visit to the subordinate meetings, 1808.--Visit to Purchase, - 1809.--Visits on Long Island, 1812 and 1813.--Visit to Purchase in - 1813. - - -In the fall of the year 1803, I performed a visit to Friends of Upper -Canada, and some other of the northwestern parts of our yearly meeting. -Daniel Titus was my companion in this journey. We left home the 20th of -9th month, and proceeded directly to Canada, in company with two other -Friends, who, with us, were appointed to attend the monthly meeting -of Adolphustown on a particular concern relative to that meeting. We -were at but three meetings in our way thither, two at Hudson on first -day, and one at Black River. We got well to Adolphustown on third day -evening, the 3d of 10th month, having rode about four hundred and ten -miles, and crossed the great river St. Lawrence, which appeared to -be a dangerous passage. We crossed its two branches, an island lying -in the middle. Each branch was nearly five miles over. We passed the -latter in the middle of the night, by the light of the moon, in two -small flat-bottomed boats, one of them so small as to carry only one -horse. This latter passage lay open to Lake Ontario, and the wind being -from that quarter, caused the swell frequently to wash into our boats, -so that we had considerable labour to throw out the water as fast as -it came in; but my confidence was in Him, who hath the winds and the -waves at his command. This kept out fear, and we got safe over about -one o’clock in the morning. - -On fourth day we attended Friends’ meeting at Adolphustown, as it came -in course, which proved an instructive favoured season. On fifth day -we rode to Green Point, in the township of Sophiasburgh, to the house -of our friend Daniel Way; and had an appointed meeting there that -afternoon, at the third hour. In this meeting I was favoured; and by -the prevalence of the power of truth, attending the communication, -many minds were much bowed, and their hearts tendered by its secret -mollifying influence. Our next appointment was in the neighbourhood of -our friend Robert Hubbs, on seventh day, composed mostly of people not -of our society, which was a comfortable, edifying season. After this -we proceeded to the township of Hallowell, to the house of our friend -Thomas Boorman near West Lake; and on first day attended Friends’ -meeting there. On second day, we had an opportunity with the people at -the east end of the lake, which was held at the house of a professor -among the Methodists. These two last meetings were eminently favoured; -truth rose into dominion, and ran as oil over all opposition, to the -instruction and comfort of many minds; and the Lord was praised for his -goodness, and for his merciful, loving kindness to the children of men. -We returned that evening to the west end of said lake, to the house of -our friend Jacob Cronk, and lodged. - -On third day the 11th of 10th month, we returned to the house of -Cornelius Blount, where the meeting for Friends of West Lake was -held. It was the time of their preparative meeting, and many of the -neighbouring inhabitants came in, and sat with Friends, during the time -of worship; the forepart of which, was rather low and depressing; but -as patience was abode in, and right attention given to a small opening -which presented, and as I moved therein with care, truth gradually rose -into dominion, powerfully breaking down all that stood in its way. Many -hearts were comforted and refreshed, and a general solemnity spread -over the meeting, so that we could truly say, hitherto hath the Lord -helped us. - -After the preparative meeting was over, which was held in an orderly -manner, we returned that evening to the house of our friend John -Dorland, in Adolphustown, he having kindly accompanied us since we left -that place. On fourth day we attended the preparative meeting there. -The meeting for worship was large, many of those who were not members -came in, and manifested great willingness to hear the truths of the -gospel declared; yet too many appeared careless and unconcerned, with -regard to the practical part, so that in them was fulfilled the saying -of the apostle: “For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, -he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he -beholdeth himself and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what -manner of man he was.” And this, it is to be feared, is too much the -case with many amongst us, as a people, who are pleasing themselves -with hearing the truth declared, and rejoice in the privilege of -sitting under a free, living, gospel ministry, through the labour and -exercise of the faithful; but suffer the cumbering cares and pleasures -of this life, so to divert them from a right improvement of their own -gifts, that they, in a religious sense, may justly be compared to -idle drones, who live on the labour of the industrious bee, and are -contenting themselves in a situation like the foolish virgins, who, -although they have lamps, yet, are without oil in their vessels; but -alas, what will these do, when the awful midnight cry is heard, “behold -the bridegroom cometh;” then fear and dismay, with an utter exclusion -from the marriage chamber, will be the woful doom of all careless, and -lifeless professors. O that all might lay these things to heart, and -endeavour, in awful fear, to have their day’s work done in the day -time; for behold the night cometh, wherein none can work. - -On sixth day we attended Friends’ preparative meeting at Kingston; -and on seventh day, we had a meeting in the town of Kingston, in the -court-house, the first Friends’ meeting ever held in that place. The -people appeared much unacquainted with the order of our meetings, and -some of the principal men seemed at a loss how to behave themselves in -the time of silence; but during the communication, they were generally -quiet and solemn, and truth rose into victory, furnishing doctrine, -clothed with divine power, and carrying conviction to the minds of most -present. - -The next day, the first of the week, we again attended Friends’ -meeting held at the house of the widow Brewer; they not having any -meeting-house in this place. In the afternoon we had an appointed -meeting in the west part of this township, on the bay, which was held -at the house of John Everit, a man not in strict profession with any -religious society. These were both seasons of heavenly refreshment; the -life ran as oil over all; many hearts were much broken and contrited, -under the precious mollifying influence thereof; praised and magnified -for ever, be the name of the Lord, for his mercy and loving kindness to -the children of men. - -The 17th we returned towards Adolphustown, and attended a meeting -appointed at an inn on our way, in the town of Earnest. This also -proved, through the condescending mercy and goodness of the Lord our -gracious helper, a blessed season; and through the efficacious power -attending the word preached, many hearts were pierced, and the whole -assembly solemnized. We parted from each other with thankful hearts, -and rode to Adolphustown, and lodged with our friend Daniel Haight. -The day following we had an appointed meeting at his house, for the -neighbouring inhabitants, who were, many of them, professors among the -Methodists. This, through divine goodness, was to me a season of great -refreshment, and the assembly were generally broken and contrited by -the convicting power of divine love, which was mercifully vouchsafed to -us at this season. - -We then proceeded again to our friend John Dorland’s, and rested the -next day, as I was somewhat unwell, and considerably wearied by such -constant travelling. - -On fifth day, the 20th of the month, we attended Friends’ monthly -meeting for the lower part of the Province of Upper Canada, held -at Adolphustown. This closed our visit in these parts; and we took -leave of our friends in much brotherly affection; their hearts were -contrited, and their cheeks bedewed with tears, when we closed our -farewell addresses. After this we rode directly to Kingston about -thirty-five miles, and there took boat immediately, and crossed one -branch of the river St. Lawrence that evening. We likewise crossed the -island, which lies between, before dark, it being about five miles -over; but as the wind was unfavourable, we did not cross the other -branch till next morning. We lodged in a small house, being the only -one on that side of the island. Our accommodations were very poor, -having to lie on the floor, and on benches; but having the best of -company, peace of mind, and a firm trust in the divine blessing, it -kept us comfortable and pleasant. - -The next day, the 22d of the month, we crossed early in the morning, -and rode that day, to our friend Samuel Brown’s, at Black River. The -day after, being the first of the week, we tarried there, and had two -meetings with his family, and the neighbours; divers of whom were sober -religious Baptists. They were both favoured seasons; may the Lord -bless his own work, and seal it to the lasting advantage of those who -attended. - -The 24th and 25th, we rode eighty-five miles to Utica, on the upper -part of the Mohawk river. The 26th, 27th and 28th, we rode about one -hundred and eighteen miles to Palmyra, in Ontario county, to the house -of our friend Abraham Lapham. The 29th we rested. The 30th, being the -first of the week, we attended Friends’ meeting in that neighbourhood, -and one in the evening, appointed at a man’s house whose wife was -a member, about six miles distant from the former. They were both, -I believe, profitable and edifying seasons. The 31st we attended a -meeting in the town of Palmyra, appointed principally for those not of -our society. It was a large solemn meeting, wherein the truths of the -gospel were largely opened, affecting, solemnizing and comforting many -hearts. - -On the 1st of the 11th month, we rode to Bristol about eighteen miles, -and attended a meeting at the third hour in the afternoon. It was held -in a Baptist meeting-house, and was a hard exercising season. Those who -attended appeared to be mostly, very insensible of any right religious -concern and exercise; nevertheless, through ability received, after a -considerable time of hard silent labour, the power of truth was exalted -among them, and some hearts were reached and tendered thereby, and I -left them with peace of mind. - -We then rode back thirty-seven miles to Cayuga Lake, and lodged at an -inn. On the 3d, we rode to a town called Scipio, where a few Friends -resided, who were indulged with holding a meeting under the care of the -monthly meeting of Farmington. Here we had a meeting at the eleventh -hour, it being their usual meeting day. It was very small and low in -the silent part, but as a right exercise in waiting, was patiently -maintained, truth gradually rose into dominion, in a very instructive -manner, refreshing and comforting our minds, in the sweet enjoyment of -the divine presence, who manifested himself to be graciously near for -our help in the needful time. - -After dining with our friends we took leave, and turned our faces -homeward; and in four days got to Galloway, to the house of our friend -Philip Macomber. The next day we rested. The three following days -we attended the meetings of Galloway, Ballstown, and Newtown; which -were all comfortable edifying seasons. The 12th we rode to Troy. The -13th, and first of the week, we attended two meetings, the first, at -the eleventh hour, at the house of Zachariah Garnrick, about four -miles from Troy, where the few Friends of that place and the adjacent -neighbourhood, hold a little meeting. It was enlarged at this time by -others coming in, who were not of our society; and the Lord rewarded us -bountifully, and gave us a heavenly season together, wherein his name -was gloriously exalted over all; and we parted with thankful hearts. -The latter meeting was held at Troy, in their court-house. It was a -large gathering, but hard and heavy. - -The 14th we rode to Pittstown, and attended a meeting at the second -hour, which was a satisfactory season, and, I hope, profitable to -some; although others appeared to be too much at ease. The 15th we -rode to Easton, and attended the quarterly meeting of Ministers and -Elders; and the two following days we attended the quarterly meeting -for discipline, and the parting meeting for worship. The latter was -a heavenly baptizing season, wherein truth was raised into dominion -in a very eminent manner, the hearts of many were much broken and -contrited, and a general solemnity spread over the meeting; and the -Lord’s name praised, and exalted over all, who is worthy for ever. - -After this, we rode that afternoon to Saratoga, crossing the river -Hudson in our way; and the next day went to South Greenfield, and -attended a meeting at the second hour in the afternoon. The 19th we -rode to Providence, and after a meeting there, went back again that -afternoon to North Greenfield. The day following, being the first of -the week, we attended a meeting there, which was large and favoured, as -were the two former. The 21st, we had an appointed meeting at Saratoga -Springs, amongst a people not very unlike those, whom the scribes, -among the Jews, called publicans and sinners. It was a profitable -edifying season, most of those present appearing to receive the word -with readiness, and apparent good will; so that it might have been said -of some of them, as our Lord said concerning some of this description -in his day, that they were more likely to enter the kingdom, than many -of the high professors of religion, who make a great outward show of -godliness, but are void of the power. - -The 23d and 24th, we attended the monthly meetings of Saratoga and -Easton; and the day following had an appointed meeting at White Creek, -and the next day we rode to East Hoosack. The 27th, and first of the -week, we attended Friends’ meeting there. It was a very comfortable -season; the Lord was with us, and by his power made way in the hearts -of the people, for the reception of the testimony given us to bear -among them. We left them with thankful hearts, and rode that evening to -our friend David Lapham’s, in the township of Hancock; and the next day -had a meeting at his house, at the second hour, for the neighbouring -inhabitants, who were mostly professors among the Baptists, and who -behaved very orderly; and the Lord, in his never failing mercy, -favoured us together with a solemn instructive season. - -The next day we passed on to New Britain, and rested the following -day. The fifth of the week, and the 1st of 12th month, we attended the -meeting there, at its usual time; which was very large, occasioned, -in part, by our being there; and there was likewise a marriage -accomplished thereat. I think, for the most part, it was a favoured, -comfortable season. On sixth day we attended a meeting at Kline Kiln; -and on first day were at Hudson, where we had, with Friends and others, -at their meeting, a refreshing opportunity; the Lord was graciously -near, furnishing with strength and utterance, and an evidence of the -divine power attending, rejoicing the faithful, confirming the weak and -wavering, and convicting the indolent, the disobedient, and gainsayers. -On second day we rode to Little Nine Partners; and the four following -days, we attended meetings at that place, Pine Plains, Stanford, and -Creek; these were comfortable meetings, wherein, through the prevalence -of truth, many were convicted, their hearts tendered, and the faithful -few encouraged, and made to rejoice; and the Lord’s name praised and -exalted over all. On seventh day evening we had an appointed meeting -at the house of Thomas Wilbur, about four miles from the latter; and -although hard and low, yet I trust in a good degree profitable and -instructive. - -On first day we went to Crum-elbow meeting, which was very much -crowded, and the house not sufficient to hold the people. The season -appeared somewhat to represent the time, when the miracle of the loaves -and fishes was performed. For the people’s attention appeared to be -generally outward, many having come together out of curiosity, to see -and hear with their outward senses; which makes hard work for the -travellers, who are faithfully engaged in Zion’s cause. I sat long in -silence in great poverty and want, for the people appeared to be void -of any spiritual food, and no offering prepared; but as I abode in -patience, and in the faith, the query ran through my mind, is there not -a lad present, who may have a few barley loaves and fishes. A young man -soon after stood up, who, I believed, had for some time, something on -his mind to offer; and by a short but pertinent communication opened -my way. Soon after he sat down I stood up, and the Lord made way among -the people, while I was led to open, in a very enlarged manner, what -the young Friend had dropped; and the Lord’s power was extended in a -marvellous manner over the whole assembly, so that it might be said -indeed, that all did eat and were filled, and many fragments remained -to be gathered up. It was the Lord’s doing, and marvellous in our eyes. - -Our two next appointments were at Pleasant Valley, and the Branch, on -second and third days. These were comfortable, and I trust, profitable -seasons. The four successive days we attended the monthly meetings -of Oswego, Nine Partners, Creek, and Stanford. They were all seasons -of great favour, wherein I was largely opened in the line of gospel -ministry, in four several searching testimonies, greatly to the comfort -of the honest faithful travellers, and to the rebuke and warning of -the careless, hypocritical, and worldly-minded professors. On first -day we attended the meeting at Nine Partners, and notice having been -previously given of our intention of being there, the meeting was -very large; and the Lord’s power was present with us, enabling me to -discharge myself faithfully among them, and instructingly to divide the -word, suited to their several conditions. The season concluded with -prayer and thanksgiving, to his great and adorable name, who is over -all, God blessed for ever. - -After this, apprehending I felt liberty to turn my face homeward, and -having for the two successive days meetings, appointed at Chesnut -Ridge, and Poughquague, we proceeded accordingly. Although I was under -considerable infirmity of body, and travelled in much pain, yet through -gracious aid, furnished from the adorable fountain of all wisdom and -strength, I was enabled to attend them to my own satisfaction, and -the comfort and encouragement of my friends. I was led forth in both -of these meetings in large affecting testimonies; the minds of many -present were baptized and humbled, and the faithful few refreshed, whom -the Lord delights to honour. - -On fourth day we crossed the Highlands, and rode down to the mouth of -Croton River, about forty-two miles. It was wearisome to my afflicted -body, but believing it right for us so to proceed, and having faith -in the divine sufficiency, I was sustained even beyond rational -expectation. The day following being Friends’ meeting day in that -place, we had a comfortable opportunity with them, together with some -of their neighbours; and it was, I believe, an instructive edifying -season to many. May it fasten as a nail in a sure place. - -After this we passed on to New-York, where we tarried over first day, -and attended their forenoon and afternoon meetings; also an appointed -meeting in the evening, at their new meeting-house. They were large -and very exercising, yet, I trust, in the main, profitable meetings. -On second day the 26th of 12th month, we rode home, and I found my -family well, which, together with the Lord’s mercies and preservations, -vouchsafed to me in this arduous journey, caused my heart to be filled -with gratitude and thanksgiving to His great and worthy name, to whom -belongs all praise, adoration and worship, from the rising of the sun -to the going down of the same, throughout all ages, world without end. -Amen. - -I was out in this journey about three months, and rode about fifteen -hundred and seventy-five miles. - -In the spring of the year 1806, feeling my mind drawn in gospel -love, to pay a religious visit to some of the neighbouring towns and -villages on our island, Staten Island and New-York, among those not in -profession with us; and opening my concern to our monthly meeting, I -received the concurrence and unity of my friends therein. I was from -home in this service about twenty days, and had about thirty meetings -among those not of our society, generally to good satisfaction, and -to the peace of my own mind. Many, in most places, appeared convinced -of the truth and propriety of our doctrine and principles, as they -were communicated, and divers feelingly expressed their satisfaction -therewith, and the heart-felt comfort they witnessed in those -opportunities; and I had cause to hope that light was breaking forth -in some places, which had long been under the power of great darkness, -through the undue force of wrong customs, and a false education, -principally propagated by a mercenary, anti-christian ministry. My -mind was often affected, in considering the emptiness and fruitless -state of many of those professors under different names, who had a -form of godliness, and were very zealous in attending to the outside -ceremonials, of what they called religion and worship; but in their -lives and conduct denied the power thereof, being persuaded by their -blind guides, to believe they might be saints, while they were sinners, -and stand in a state of justification, without sanctification. But -this is a false and very dangerous doctrine. O, saith my spirit, may -the light of Israel arise and come forth, and by the brightness of its -arising, dispel all those mists and fogs, those works of darkness, -which those blind guides have raised up between God and the souls of -the people; and deliver the nations out of the hands of all oppressors, -that so none, at the awful closing period, may witness verified in -themselves, that solemn truth, that “if the blind lead the blind, both -shall fall into the ditch.” - -In the fall of the year 1806, feeling my mind drawn to visit some parts -of the quarterly meetings of Purchase, Nine Partners, and Stanford, -with some adjacent places, not among Friends, and obtaining the unity -and concurrence of our monthly meeting therein, I set forward the -8th of 12th month; Thomas Willis kindly joining me as a companion in -this journey. On third day we attended the meeting for sufferings in -New-York, and in the evening we had an appointed meeting at Brooklyn, -which was a solemn, comfortable season. Fourth day, being the day on -which Friends’ meeting was held in the city, notice was given of our -intention of being there. It was a pretty large meeting, and in a good -degree favoured with the spreading of the divine canopy, and strength -was afforded to communicate to the various situations of those present; -to the honest-hearted and truly exercised travellers, comfort and -encouragement, and of this number, I trust, there are a few preserved -in this city of great stir and commotion; and to the careless, the -unguarded and refractory, caution and rebuke. - -After this we passed on to Mamaroneck, and lodged with our kind friend -Richard Mott. The three following days of this week, we attended the -monthly meetings of Purchase, Shapaqua and Amawalk. We stayed over -their first day meeting at Amawalk, which was large, many of other -societies coming in; and had an appointed meeting in the evening at -Peekskill. These were all seasons of favour, comforting and refreshing -to my mind. - -On second day, the 15th of the month, we proceeded on our journey, and -reached, seasonably in the evening, the house of our kind friend Enoch -Dorland, at or near Oswego. On third day we rode to Nine Partners. On -fourth day we attended the monthly meeting of Oswego; both the meeting -for worship, and that for discipline, were well conducted, and truth -reigned; which made them comfortable and instructive. On fifth, sixth -and seventh days, we attended the monthly meetings of Nine Partners, -Creek, and Stanford. Nothing transpired in either of these unusual. -We attended Friends’ meeting at Northeast, on first day, and also a -meeting in the evening at Little Nine Partners; both seasons of favour. -On second day we rode to Hudson, and the next day attended their -monthly meeting, and likewise had a large public meeting in the evening -with Friends and others. I have cause to acknowledge the goodness and -mercy of the Shepherd of Israel, who has been pleased graciously to -manifest his presence and power for our help and encouragement, from -season to season, enabling us to labour, to the comfort and refreshment -of the honest-hearted and faithful among the brethren and sisters, and -to impart counsel and caution to the varied states of those amongst -whom our lots were cast, and stirring up the pure mind in many. So that -in many places it appeared to be a renewed visitation of divine love to -the people, for which many hearts with our own were made thankful. - -On fourth and fifth days we had meetings with Friends at Kline Kiln, -and New Britain; and on sixth day we had an opportunity with those -not in profession with us, at a place called Philipstown. The meeting -was held in a meeting-house belonging to the Presbyterians, and a -precious season it proved, tendering the hearts of most present; truth -prevailing over all, to the praise and glory of His grace, who hath -called us to labour in his vineyard. - -We went from this place to Troy and attended Friends’ meeting on first -day; and had a large public meeting in the evening with the inhabitants -of the town. On second and third day evenings, we had meetings in -the towns of Waterford and Lansingburgh; the former was held in a -meeting-house belonging to the Methodist society; and the latter, -by their voluntary permission, in the Episcopal meeting-house. These -were all seasons of favour, especially the last, in which truth was -powerfully manifest, solemnizing the assembly, tendering and melting -many hearts into contrition, and raising an acknowledgment to its -divine power. - -On fourth day we attended Friends’ preparative meeting at Troy, and -also an appointed meeting for the inhabitants of the town in the -evening. The next morning previous to our leaving there, we had a -precious opportunity with three or four families of Friends, the heads -of which were all brethren and sisters of each other, by blood, or -marriage. It was a season wherein the Lord was pleased to magnify his -power, and cause every heart to bow and acknowledge to its blessed and -mollifying influence, which prevailed over all to our mutual rejoicing. - -The visit being over we took leave of our friends, and rode that -afternoon to Albany, and attended a pretty large meeting, held that -evening in their court-house. It was, I believe, to many, a profitable -edifying season. On sixth day morning feeling my mind drawn to have -a select opportunity, with the few members of our society resident -in this city, they were notified thereof, and came together early in -the forenoon. We had a satisfactory season with them, in which I was -favoured to clear myself of a burden I felt on their account, in a -plain tender manner, comforting the sincere-hearted, and stirring up -the careless and lukewarm. After this we took our leave in brotherly -affection, with quiet and peaceful minds, and with an evidence of -having faithfully discharged our duty, which made our journeying -forward pleasant, as we passed on to Duanesburgh, where we arrived that -evening. On seventh day we rested. On first day the 4th of 1st month, -1807, we attended the meeting there, and notice being given of our -attendance, it was a very large meeting, wherein truth reigned. Many -doctrinal truths were opened to the people, and the gospel preached in -the clear demonstration of the spirit; to the Lord only wise, gracious -and merciful, be the praise, who is the blessed author thereof; nothing -due to man. - -The next day we had a meeting in our way to Otego, near a village -called Charlestown, at the house of a man inclining to Friends, in -which I was enabled to communicate, in gospel authority, to the -tendering and contriting of many hearts. - -We reached Otego on fourth day, a little before meeting time, it being -Friends’ usual meeting day, which, therefore, afforded but little -opportunity of notifying their neighbours; but some hearing thereof, -attended. It was a glorious meeting, which richly paid us for all our -toil in getting there, yea an hundred fold; magnified for ever be the -name of the Lord, who graciously manifested his power for our help, -comforting many hearts, and causing the faithful to rejoice together, -in the sweet incomes of his love and life. On fifth day, we attended -Friends’ meeting held at Burlington in the middle of the week. The -neighbouring inhabitants having notice of our coming, generally -attended, and although the life did not appear to rise so high as in -the foregoing meeting, yet, for the most part, I believe, it was a -profitable edifying season. We rode to Deruyter on sixth day, and on -seventh day rested, and mended our carriage, which was much injured and -broken by our journey to this place. On first day, we attended Friends’ -meeting there, which was much crowded, the house being but small. The -Lord was with us, and magnified his power, reaching and tendering many -hearts; the gospel was freely preached, and appeared to be freely -received by the auditory in general. - -On second day, we had a meeting at a town called Woodstock, at the -eleventh hour, and one in the evening at Cazenovia. There were no -Friends living in either of these places, and the people in general -appeared dark and ignorant, yet, they were attentive to what was -communicated; and many of them appeared thankful for the opportunities, -and desired our longer continuance among them; but we took our leave, -and left them with our minds clothed with peace. We then turned our -faces homeward, being desirous of getting back in time to attend the -ensuing quarterly meeting of Nine Partners, to be held in the forepart -of 2d month. We felt our minds drawn to return by Burlington, and had -meetings in our way there, at Hamilton, Brookfield, Bridgewater, -and one in the evening between Bridgewater and Burlington, held in a -school-house, at a village in the township of Brookfield. These were -all favoured meetings, comfortable and instructive, many hearts were -reached and affected with the power of truth, which was prevalently -manifest for our help. - -We were at Burlington on first day, and notice being generally spread -that we were there, it proved the largest meeting ever held in that -place; and through the Lord’s goodness and mercy to us, it was made a -season gratefully to be remembered, by, I believe, the greater part of -the meeting. - -This being over, we had another meeting in the evening, in a -neighbouring town called Pittsfield, which was held in a large -school-house, there being no member of our society there; this was -likewise an edifying opportunity. The next day we proceeded to Otego, -and attended a meeting there at the eleventh hour, appointed previously -by our request. It was a large meeting, and graciously favoured with -the overshadowing wing of divine kindness. On third day we had an -appointed meeting in the township of Heartwick. - -From this place we returned to Duanesburgh, and attended their monthly -meeting held on sixth day. This meeting was composed of the preparative -meetings of Duanesburgh, Otego, Burlington, and Deruyter. The latter -meeting was near ninety miles from the place where the monthly meeting -was held at this time. Friends are much scattered in this new country, -by reason of which, but few, in some meetings, have much opportunity -of attending their monthly meetings; this is a great loss to many -families, especially the children, many of whom are thus deprived of -the improving company of experienced Friends in meetings for discipline -or otherwise. I have often thought it a very weighty matter for a -Friend to move with a family of children so far from meetings, and -especially meetings for discipline, which, I have often considered as -schools of very profitable instruction to well-minded youth. This is -a new monthly meeting, made up of Friends of but small experience, -many of them newly received members. The business of the meeting -was of course but weakly conducted. We laboured among them in the -ability received, for their instruction and help, and there appeared -a readiness in some to receive, who, I trust, will become useful -members, as they abide in humility, and are faithful to the measure of -grace received. On seventh day we rode to Oakhill, and on first day -attended Friends’ meeting there; it was a very full meeting, and proved -satisfactory and instructive. - -The four following days we were at meetings at Scott’s Patent, Bern, -Rensselaerville, one in a Friend’s house between the last mentioned -place and Coeman’s Patent, and one at Coeman’s Patent. They were -seasons of general satisfaction, especially the last, which was a very -large precious meeting, in which the truths of the gospel were largely -declared, in the demonstration of the spirit. Many hearts were tendered -and contrited, and the Lord’s name praised and magnified, who is over -all, worthy for ever. - -The sixth, we rode to Hudson, and passed most of the way upon the ice, -on the river, the weather having been, for some days past, extremely -cold. On seventh day evening we had an appointed meeting at Lunenburgh, -which lies on the west side of the river Hudson, and opposite to that -city. On first day we attended Friends’ meeting at Hudson. Both these -meetings were held, I believe, to general satisfaction, and I trust, -were profitable and instructive to many who attended. - -From hence we passed on to Nine Partners, and reached there -seasonably to meet with the committee who have the oversight of the -boarding-school, held there by the direction of our yearly meeting, -we being members of that committee. By the accounts now rendered, the -school appears in a prosperous state; but a considerable difficulty -attends procuring suitable tutors and caretakers in the family. On -third day, the select quarterly meeting of this place was held, and -on fourth day, that for discipline; and although there was a degree -of favour experienced, yet, in general, it was a trying exercising -season. This is a large quarterly meeting; and many who attend are -mere birthright members, and having never known the baptizing power of -truth, to sanctify and prepare for right and useful membership, are but -as dead weights in our religious meetings; and some others, who have -joined the society by convincement, for want of faithfully attending -to that which first convinced them, have lost their first love, and -suffered their minds too much to centre back again into the world, and -the love of it; and have thereby become stumbling blocks in the way of -others. These bring much exercise and concern to the living, who are -daily engaged for Zion’s cause, and that truth may prosper and prevail -in the earth. - -On fifth day, we had an appointed meeting at Pleasant Valley, which was -a comfortable instructive season; and another seasonable opportunity in -the evening at Poughkeepsie, composed mostly of those not in membership -with us. On sixth day, we were at West Branch meeting, which was pretty -full, wherein I had to go down into deep baptism with the dead, being -plunged into the feeling of a state of great ignorance and unbelief; -but as I patiently sat under the burden, light sprang up, and life -came into dominion; and I was led, in a clear manner, to show the -ground from whence all this darkness and unbelief proceeded; that it -was from a want of due attention to, and right belief in, the _inward -manifestation of divine light_, which reveals itself in the heart of -man against sin and uncleanness; and at the same time shows what is -right, and justifies for right doing. Therefore while men disregard -this inward divine principle, of grace and truth, and do not believe in -it, as _essential_ and _sufficient to salvation_; they are in danger -of becoming either Atheists, or Deists--these are also in danger of -becoming so blinded as not to believe in that necessary and very -essential doctrine of perfection, as contained in that clear, rational, -and positive injunction of our dear Lord: “Be ye therefore perfect, -even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” And we cannot -rationally suppose they can ever be otherwise, while they continue in -this situation; as _nothing but this light_ is sufficient to produce -the knowledge, on which this belief is founded. My mind was likewise -largely opened to communicate, how we all might, by faithful attention -and adherence to the aforesaid divine principle, _the light within_, -come to know and believe the certainty of those excellent scripture -doctrines; of the coming, life, righteous works, sufferings, death, -and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our blessed pattern: and that _it -is by obedience to this inward light only_, that we are prepared for -an admittance into the heavenly kingdom. It was a day of high favour, -wherein the Lord’s arm was made bare for our help, and the exaltation -of his own glorious and holy name, who is over all, blessed for ever. - -This favoured opportunity being over, we rode that afternoon to Samuel -Dorland’s, and attended a meeting there appointed for us that evening: -and lodged with our worthy friend Enoch Dorland. On seventh day we -crossed the mountains called the Highlands, in our way homeward, -and got well to our friend Abraham Underhill’s, at Croton River, -that evening. The next day, being the first of the week, we attended -Friends’ meeting there, and notice being given of our attendance, -the meeting was pretty full, and graciously attended with the divine -presence, in which strength was received to preach the gospel in -the demonstration of the spirit. It was a season thankfully to be -remembered. - -On second day, the 9th of 2d month, 1807, we rode to New-York, where -I was gladly received by my beloved daughter Abigail, and her kind -companion; we being mutually glad to see each other. The next day we -attended our meeting for sufferings. I then rode home, that evening, -and found my dear wife and children well, to our mutual rejoicing; and -we greeted each other with thankful hearts. - -I was from home in this journey about two months, and attended -forty-five particular meetings, nine monthly meetings, one quarterly, -and our meeting for sufferings twice; and travelled upwards of seven -hundred miles. - -After returning from the aforesaid journey, I continued mostly at -and about home, for several months, attending our several meetings -as they came in course; and also at different times, some appointed -meetings among those not in profession with us, in some adjacent -neighbourhoods, to which I could go and return in a few days. In all -these seasons, I have thankfully to acknowledge the Lord was near, and -graciously manifested himself to be a present helper in every needful -time, furnishing with ability to labour in the work of the gospel, -convincing, and comforting many hearts; and to the solid relief and -peace of my own mind. - -In the ensuing fall, having felt my mind renewedly engaged in gospel -love to visit a few of the meetings of Friends, in the three lower -quarterly meetings belonging to our yearly meeting; and to have -some meetings in divers places in those parts, among those of other -professions, I left home, with the unity of my friends, the 31st -of 10th month, 1807, and the seventh day of the week, and went to -New-York, having my beloved wife with me; who proposed to be my -companion in part of this journey. We also took our two youngest -daughters with us, in order to place them in the boarding-school at -Nine Partners. We remained in New-York over first day, and attended -Friends’ meetings there; that at Pearl-street in the morning, and at -Liberty-street in the afternoon. They were both, I trust, profitable -meetings, more especially the former; in which truth prevailed, and -came into dominion, solemnizing and comforting many hearts; and was -very strengthening to my mind, in the prospect before me. - -On second day we set out for Nine Partners, and reached there -seasonably to attend the quarterly meeting for discipline, the ensuing -fourth day; and the latter part of the week, we spent in attending -the quarterly meeting of Stanford. After this we returned to the -boarding-school and placed our daughters there; and, as I was one of -the committee, who have the superintendence of the institution, I -remained there about ten days. Then way opening to proceed, I went as -far as Hartford in Connecticut; accompanied by two Friends who reside -at Nine Partners. As the weather was cold and unsettled, my wife -remained at the school, assisting the managers, until I returned. We -had several meetings in our way thither, and one as we returned; and -were at several in and about Hartford, mostly among those of other -professions. And the Lord, magnified for ever be his right worthy -name, was graciously pleased to be with us, and manifested his power -for our help; giving wisdom and strength, tongue and utterance, and -teaching to divide the word aright, to the states of the people; -whereby his righteous cause was exalted in many minds, and his glorious -holy truth raised into dominion over all, in divers of those favoured -opportunities; to the praise of his grace, “who is over all, God -blessed for ever.” - -On my return to the school, I again spent some days with the family, -assisting them in the management thereof; and then, my wife and myself -took leave of our children and friends, in much mutual affection; -and turned our faces homeward. We attended Oswego monthly meeting in -our way, on fourth day, the 16th of 12th month; and the next day had -an appointed meeting at Apoquague. On sixth day we rode through the -mountains to Peekskill, and lodged with our kind friend Nathaniel -Brown. We attended their meeting on first day, and on second day, we -had an appointed meeting at a place called Crompond; which was held in -a meeting-house belonging to the Presbyterians, by their proposal. On -fourth day we were at Amawalk, on fifth day at Shapaqua, and on sixth -day we had an appointed meeting at Mount Pleasant; this was likewise -held in a place of worship belonging to the Presbyterians. We rode to -New-York on seventh day, and on first day attended Friends’ meeting -there. The third day following we left the city on our way home, but a -storm came on soon after we left, and increased to that degree, that -when we came to the ferry at Hurlgate, where we intended to cross, we -found it impassable. We then turned our course and rode to our friend -Joseph Byrd’s at Harlem, and lodged. I felt my mind drawn towards -having a meeting at that place when passing down to the city, but -admitting some doubts to arise, as to the clearness of the prospect, -I omitted it; but now, way opening with more clearness, we had one -appointed the next day, which proved a favoured season. After this we -crossed the ferry that afternoon, and rode to Flushing, and the next -day being the fifth of the week, and 31st of 12th month, we attended -Friends’ meeting there; and then rode home that afternoon, and were -gladly received by our friends. My spirit was made humbly joyful, in -believing that the Lord Almighty had graciously condescended to be with -us, to lead us in the way, manifesting his loving kindness and mercy, -in a greater or lesser degree, in all those opportunities, convicting, -convincing, edifying and comforting many hearts; and encouraging the -honest travellers Zion-ward. May his right worthy name be praised and -exalted above all for ever. - -As our return home at this time was hastened by the inclemency of -the season, we being out with a carriage, and likely to be prevented -from travelling by the snow, my mind was not relieved of the prospect -before me. Therefore, after remaining at and about home a few weeks, I -again set out, with the unity of my friends, in order to finish what -was left behind of my former concern. Charles Willets a friend and -neighbour accompanied me. We set out the 24th of 1st month, 1808, and -attended the three quarterly meetings of Purchase, Nine Partners, and -Stanford, as they came in course: and likewise five particular meetings -in the intermediate space, between Purchase and Nine Partners. We were -from home at this time about five weeks; and attended three quarterly -meetings, one monthly, and twenty-three particular meetings. And I have -abundant cause, with humble gratitude, to admire the adorable loving -kindness, and condescending goodness, of a gracious God to me a poor -creature; in enabling me to surrender all up to his heavenly disposal, -to be any thing or nothing, as he would have me to be; leading me from -place to place, as a weaned child, by the guiding of his power, and -the influence of his precious love: and teaching me, not only how to -suffer want, but likewise, how to abound; and in every situation and -dispensation which he is pleased to lead into, to be therewith content. -Under a renewed sense whereof, my spirit is led to acknowledge, that -“great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true -are thy ways, thou King of saints.” Even so. Amen. - -In the spring of the year 1808, our yearly meeting, from an exercise -in observing the many deficiencies, brought up in the reports from the -several quarterly meetings, issued an epistle, or minute of advice -and caution, to its subordinate meetings. And in order to strengthen -and enforce the same, and to make it the more effectual to promote a -reformation, appointed a committee to attend therewith. And I, being -one appointed with divers other brethren and sisters, willingly engaged -therein; as a concern, of a similar nature, had for some time previous -thereto attended my mind. - -Accordingly, at the close of the yearly meeting, we agreed to enter -upon the service at the succeeding quarterly meeting at Nine Partners; -and to attend in succession the quarterly meetings of Stanford and -Easton, as they came in course. Two men, and three women Friends, -joined me in this northern tour; and several others of the committee -attended at the quarterly meetings. After those meetings, we proceeded -to attend with the minute, all the monthly meetings constituting them; -except the three distant ones, of Adolphustown in Upper Canada, and -Farmington and Scipio, in the western part of the state of New-York: -also a considerable number of the preparative meetings, as way opened -therefor. Although great and many were the apparent deviations and -departures of many of our members, in the varied classes of society, -from that ancient simplicity and integrity, which marked the conduct -of our worthy predecessors, in the dawn of this latter gospel day; -and by this declension, those noble testimonies given us to bear, -for the prince of peace, and the promotion of the cause of truth and -righteousness in the earth, were by many, but weakly supported; and by -others, almost wholly neglected; grieving and wounding the hearts of -the faithful, and reproaching our Christian profession: nevertheless, -we had abundant cause gratefully to acknowledge the condescending -goodness and mercy of the great Head of the Church, in uniting us -together in the work, and in owning the concern from place to place; -giving full evidence thereto in a general manner, by the manifestations -of his love and power; and thereby enabling and qualifying his weak -and unworthy though devoted servants, who were very sensible they had -no might nor ability of their own, to perform the service they were -engaged in, to his honour, or the promotion of his righteous cause; -and to communicate counsel and encouragement, reproof and caution, as -occasion required, and opportunity offered; by which the faithful were -strengthened, and made at times to rejoice together, the hearts of -Friends being in a very general manner, opened cordially to receive us -and the concern, with much unanimity. - -We had many precious opportunities as we passed along, in public -meetings, (many of which were much crowded, by those coming in who -were not in membership with us,) and also in meetings for discipline; -truth being often raised powerfully into dominion over all. So that -in many of those favoured seasons, we were strengthened to set up our -Ebenezer, and to say, in the heart-felt language of filial and grateful -acknowledgments, “hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” And, I believe, it -was a season of renewed powerful visitation, and manifestation of the -Lord’s mercy to many; not only to the members of our society, but also, -to others that are without, who were favoured with the privilege of -attending the public meetings. - -After getting through this part of the service, which took us -between nine and ten weeks, in which time we travelled upwards of -one thousand miles, and attended three quarterly meetings, seventeen -monthly meetings, sixteen preparative meetings, and forty public -meetings for worship, including those that preceded the monthly and -preparative meetings, we returned home, and remained until the time -of the next quarterly meetings’ coming on when I again joined some -of the committee, and attended the quarterly meetings of Westbury -and Purchase, and all the monthly meetings constituting them; except -Purchase monthly meeting. And I may say with gratitude of heart, that -the same divine power that attended in the foregoing part of the visit, -was again manifested for our help, in going through, and finishing the -service, to the humble admiration and solid peace of my own mind, and -the praise of his own right worthy name, “who is over all, God blessed -for ever.” How great and wonderful is his goodness and loving kindness -to the children of men; his mercies are present every moment; and as -saith the prophet, “they are new every morning:” therefore saith my -soul let all praise and exalt him above all, for his mercy endureth for -ever. - -In the latter part of the winter, and spring of the year 1809, with -the concurrence of our monthly meeting, I made a pretty general visit -to the meetings of Friends, within the quarterly meeting of Purchase; -and attended some meetings belonging to Nine Partners quarterly -meeting; and also appointed a considerable number among others, in the -adjacent parts. I found great openness generally among the people, to -hear the truths of the gospel; and a number, I believe, received them -with sincerity of heart; and I was made glad in believing, that the -Lord was graciously near, and accompanied the word preached, with his -heart-tendering power, comforting and refreshing the broken hearted, -reviving the spirit of the contrite ones, and stopping the mouths of -gainsayers. For these favours my soul was often bowed, in deep humility -and contrition of spirit, accompanied with grateful acknowledgments and -thanksgiving, for his wonderful works to the children of men. - -The year 1810, I spent mostly at home, except performing a visit to -some of the neighbouring inhabitants, not in membership with us. I -was from home in this service a few weeks in the spring; and in the -summer I performed a visit to the half year’s meeting at Canada, by -appointment from our yearly meeting. - -I passed the year 1811 at and near home, in attending our own and some -adjacent meetings; also some meetings in divers neighbourhoods among -other societies. I had frequent cause to rejoice in a living hope, that -truth was gradually rising, and the true light shining more and more -in the hearts of the people; and that in the Lord’s time, it would be -exalted and become a great mountain, and fill the whole earth. - -In the winter and spring of the year 1812, with the concurrence of -my friends, I passed about four weeks in visiting the neighbouring -inhabitants, not of our society. I had twenty-eight meetings, all -held in private houses; many of them were very large and crowded, -and the Lord was graciously near, comforting and refreshing the -sincere-hearted, and opening counsel to those who wanted information, -and sealing his testimony on the minds of the people, to the exaltation -of his own righteous cause, and to the glory of his excellent name, -“who is over all, God blessed for ever.” - -In the forepart of the winter of 1813, feeling a renewed concern toward -the neighbouring inhabitants of our island, and New-York, not in -profession with us; many of whom are as sheep without a shepherd, and -appeared to be under exercise and concern, to be rightly instructed in -the way of peace and salvation, in gospel love, and with the unity of -my friends, I paid them a visit. I had upwards of twenty meetings in -the different parts, much to my own satisfaction, and, I trust, to the -edification and comfort of many who attended. The Lord, our gracious -helper, was near, and covered the assemblies with his solemnizing -presence and power; and instructed to divide the word to the several -states, in the demonstration of the spirit. For these unmerited -favours, I was made at seasons to rejoice, and in deep humiliation and -thankfulness of heart, to joy in the God of my salvation, who does -wondrous things in mercy, for the children of men, in order to hide -pride from man, and turn him from his unrighteous purposes, and save -his soul from the pit, that so he may know, and seek after God. - -Before I had got fully through this little tour of duty, a further -prospect opened, toward a visit to Friends and others in the compass of -Purchase quarterly meeting, and some of the neighbouring parts of the -state of Connecticut, where none of our society reside: and under the -impression of duty I laid the concern before our monthly meeting held -in 1st month, 1813, and received its concurrence, in a short minute -for that purpose. I left home the 6th of 2d month following, my kind -friend Gideon Seaman, an Elder, and member of Westbury monthly meeting, -accompanied me in this visit. - -We passed to New-York on our way, and on first day attended the -forenoon meeting at Pearl-street, and the afternoon meeting at -Liberty-street; and had an appointed meeting on second day evening in -the northeast part of the town, in a large room in a public house. -It was a favoured season, and largely attended; many more came than -the room could contain. The two foregoing meetings were also favoured -strengthening opportunities, affording encouragement in my first -setting out in the weighty and solemn service before me, which I always -esteem that of appointing meetings to be, more especially those among -strangers; many of whom know but little of us, or of the manner in -which we hold our meetings, and therefore are apt to get restless, -and sometimes much disquieted at our sitting so long in silence, as -we often have to do; that it requires, in Friends, at such seasons, a -very deep indwelling with the seed of life, to prevent being jostled, -or interrupted in our inward travail and waiting, for the pure motion -of life; lest, by their eagerness to hear words, Friends on those -occasions, might be led to venture on too small an intimation and -without sufficiently turning the fleece again and again, and to feel -clearly, that, “wo is unto me, if I preach not the gospel.” For want of -this care, there is danger sometimes of our running in vain, and so not -profit the people at all, nor procure peace to our own minds. - -I was from home in this journey about four weeks, and rode upwards of -three hundred miles; and attended twenty-five meetings, and our meeting -for sufferings twice. Twelve of these meetings were among people not of -our society; and where there are no meetings of Friends. Among these I -found great openness to receive us, and our testimony; many expressed -their satisfaction with the opportunities, and manifested a desire -in most places, that we would stay longer with them, and have more -meetings. Indeed truth was so prevalent in those meetings, as not only -to silence, at least for the present, all opposition, but in many of -them to reign triumphantly over all; whereby many minds were comforted -and instructed, and the power of truth exalted; and our hearts made -glad in believing, that the Shepherd of Israel is still availingly -stretching forth the crook of his love, and will gather many from -the highways and hedges; whom, as they attend to his call, and abide -faithful to the end, he will clothe with the wedding garment, and admit -into the marriage chamber of the Lamb; while many of those, who have -been long and often invited, but are nevertheless making excuses, in -order to attend to their farms, their merchandize, their oxen, &c., -will not be able to enter. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - - Engagements at and about home, 1813.--Visit to Friends in the middle - and southern states, 1813. - - -Sixth day, 26th of 3d month, 1813. My worldly concerns engrossed much -of my time to-day. How true is that saying, “No man can serve two -masters.” O, how hard a master the world is; and from whose servitude I -often feel strong desires to be fully redeemed; so that all my time may -be more fully dedicated to the service of my heavenly master, whom, I -often feel, I sincerely love. - -Seventh day. Part of this day I spent in repairing a vehicle, in which -I have travelled several thousand miles, in my religious engagements. -Most of the evening was occupied in reading the excellent doctrine -of our Lord relative to the Comforter, and the union and communion -between himself and his faithful followers, as recorded by John the -Evangelist. If it is sweet and pleasant to read, how much more precious -and excellent is it to know and witness it in our own experience. - -First day. Our meeting this day passed in silent labour. The cloud -rested on the tabernacle: and, although it was a day of much rain -outwardly, yet very little of the dew of Hermon appeared to distil -among us. Nevertheless, a comfortable calm was witnessed towards the -close; which we must render to the account of unmerited mercy and love. - -Second day. Most of this day was occupied in a visit to a sick friend, -who appeared comforted therewith. Spent part of the evening in reading -part of Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. - -Third day. I was busied most of this day in my common vocations. -Spent the evening principally in reading Paul. Found considerable -satisfaction in his first epistle to the Corinthians; 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 truth, without -looking through and beyond the instrument, to the great first cause and -Author of every blessing, to whom all the praise and honour are due. - -Fifth day, 1st of 4th month. At our meeting to-day found it, as usual, -a very close steady exercise to keep the mind centered where it ought -to be. What a multitude of intruding thoughts imperceptibly, as it -were, steal into the mind, and turn it from its proper object, whenever -it relaxes its vigilance in watching against them. Felt a little -strength, just at the close, to remind Friends of the necessity of a -steady perseverance, by a recapitulation of the parable of the unjust -judge, showing how men ought always to pray, and not to faint. - -Sixth day. Nothing material occurred, but a fear lest the cares of the -world should engross too much of my time. - -Seventh day. Had an agreeable visit from two ancient friends, whom -I have long loved. The rest of the day I employed in manual labour, -mostly in gardening. - -First day. Felt my mind drawn to attend to-day a meeting, a few -miles from home, held, for the present, by indulgence of Friends. I -was led forth in a line of encouragement and caution to a seeking -travailing remnant; and in warning to the indolent and self-righteous, -endeavouring to show them the danger of resting in such a polluted -state; many hearts were contrited, and a comfortable solemnity clothed -the meeting, for which we were made thankful to the gracious Author of -all our blessings. - -Second day. This day spent in manual labour, a less proportion of which -would suffice for me, if every other man was disposed to do his part: -but the poor and the indolent must and will be helped. - -Third and fourth days. Mostly occupied in my temporal concerns, with -attendant poverty of spirit, and a longing after spiritual food, free -from condemnation. - -Fifth day. Attended our preparative meeting, at which our queries were -read, and answers prepared to be sent to the yearly meeting; but too -much, I fear, in a formal way, and may, if not well guarded against, -become a snare to us, as the brazen serpent was to Israel. - -Sixth day. I can say little more than that I wearied myself with hard -labour in assisting my workmen to build stone fences. In the evening -read Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians, in which I think he has fully -shown the final end and abolishment of all outward ordinances and -observations in matters of religion. - -Seventh day. This day I spent mostly in manual labour. Some little -interruption of mind by the improper conduct of one of my labourers. -How hard a thing it is to find, in such persons, honesty, industry, and -a suitable deportment, united in the same individual; and yet it is no -more than ought to be in every man, and it is always their duty and -interest to be so. - -First day. At our meeting to-day the fire seemed very low on the altar. -Dulness, and a spirit of heaviness were too predominant with many; -occasioned, no doubt, by a too near attachment to the world, and the -things of it, with some, and by too much lightness and vanity with -others. Alas, how much good seed is lost by the wayside, in stony -places, and on thorny ground. Just at the close, I was engaged to call -the attention of the people to the necessity of having always a proper -point, or object to aim at, a right centre to all their hopes and -desires; and that God was the only proper object for man to set his -heart upon, as the doing his will is the whole sum and substance of all -true religion and worship. - -Second, third and fourth days. Spent in usual labour, with a peaceful -mind. - -Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting to-day at which I received a -certificate of their unity and concurrence with a prospect, which I had -previously opened to them, of performing a religious visit to Friends -and others, in some parts of the yearly meetings of Pennsylvania and -Baltimore, and the adjacent parts of Virginia. How humbling it is to -the natural man to be called to the performance of those duties, for -which he feels himself destitute of every right means and capacity: he -is therefore brought under the necessity of trusting in, and depending -upon, that invisible arm of power, which is beyond the reach of all -mortals to command or controul. - -Sixth day. Felt much poverty of spirit at our preparative meeting -of Ministers and Elders. How necessary it is for such as fill those -stations in society, to dig faithfully with their staves, like the -princes and nobles of Israel formerly, by the direction of the -lawgiver, saying, “spring up, O well, sing ye unto it;” that so -they may be favoured both with the upper and the nether spring: for -how otherwise can they be good waymarks and ensamples to the flock, -over whom the Holy Ghost has made all the rightly qualified of this -description overseers, and who will have to give an account of the -flock under their charge. - -Seventh day. Spent in my usual vocation as a farmer or husbandman, in -which I need incessantly to watch against the intrusions of worldly -cares. - -First day. Had close exercise, through the greatest part of our meeting -to-day in opposing a dull drowsy spirit, which, through unmerited -mercy and help, I vanquished towards the close: soon after which, I -was unexpectedly called upon to sound an alarm to the youth, and to -show them the danger of suffering the intruding vanities and follies of -the world to steal away their affections from their supreme good, and -blessed Author of their being and well-being, in and on whom they ought -to fix their only best hope and trust, who is the true and only source -of all felicity and blessedness in time and in eternity. - -Second day. My temporal concerns necessarily engaged my attention -to-day; in pursuing of which, nothing transpired to interrupt or turn -the mind from its proper centre. - -The four following days were principally occupied in attending our -quarterly meeting, held, at this time, in New-York. I think it was, on -the whole, a favoured season. The canopy of the heavenly Father’s care -was sensibly felt to overshadow the meeting in its several sittings. -I spread before the meeting for discipline my prospect of a religious -visit to Friends and others in some of the southern states, with the -certificate of concurrence from our last monthly meeting. The meeting -fully united therewith, and I was left at liberty to pursue the journey -as way should open therefor. What deep obligations devolve upon us, -when thus liberated by our friends, and separated to travel in the -service of the gospel, that we are careful, in no case, to make the -gospel chargeable to any, nor abuse our power in it; but that, in deep -humility and reverential fear, we wait for the putting forth of the -Shepherd of Israel, and know him to go before: then will the Lord’s -cause prosper in our hands, and his people be edified and instructed, -and we comforted in our labours of love, to the glory and praise of his -right excellent name, who is over all, God blessed for ever. - -Seventh day. Was busied to-day in my farming business, endeavouring -to get all my temporal concerns properly arranged, expecting soon to -proceed on the visit already mentioned; as I consider it my especial -duty, as much as in me lies, to leave all in a state of order and -quiet, so that nothing may remain on the mind that would tend to -interrupt or disturb it, while travelling in this weighty service, nor -that any should have cause to complain, whom I leave behind. - -First day. Having felt my mind inclined to see Friends in their meeting -at Bethpage before I left home, I went there to day, accompanied by -my wife, our two youngest daughters, and a sober young woman of our -neighbourhood. Their company was pleasant, and, after a time of deep -inward travail and suffering, I trust the season was profitable and -edifying to a number present. How often are the living baptized for -the dead, in order for their arising; for if the dead are not raised, -preaching is vain. - -Second and third days. Spent in preparing my business, looking for the -time of setting out on my intended journey. May I be ready and willing -when the time comes, without murmuring or complaining; for, as I trust -and believe a dispensation of the gospel is committed to me, wo is unto -me if I preach not the gospel. - -Fourth day. Alas, how the cares of the world intrude on the mind and -engross its attention, if they are not carefully watched against with -fervent prayer! - -Fifth day. Attended our usual meeting. Found it necessary to engage -against a dull heavy spirit, that seemed very prevalent in the meeting: -but, as I maintained the struggle, I was favoured with a good degree of -victory towards the close, when a ray of light broke forth, attended -with peace and quietude of mind, an ample reward for all my toil. - -Sixth day. I endeavoured to spend this day as I ought to do. Met -with some interruption from a careless neighbour, by the trespass -of his unruly cattle. How much more comfort and satisfaction would -neighbourhoods enjoy, if all honestly endeavoured to walk uprightly, -agreeably to that excellent rule left us by Jesus Christ: “all things -whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; -for this is the law and the prophets.” - -Seventh day, 1st of 5th month. Still pressing after a more full release -from the world and its cares, endeavouring to redeem the time, because -the days are still evil, or attended in many respects, with much evil. -The alarm of war is heard in the land, and much contention is among the -people. Flee, O my soul, to thy rock, the name of the Lord; for, in it -is safety, and a sure refuge from all the storms and tempests, that -assail poor mortals in passing through this vale of tears, and state of -trial and probation. - -First day. Had to suffer through the meeting to-day. Alas, how oft have -the poor ministers to be baptized for, and with, the dead! - -Second day. Still pressing after a release from my worldly cares; as -the time is near at hand, when I shall proceed on my proposed journey -to the south and west on my good Master’s business, I hope, in the way -he is pleased to lead. - -Third day. Felt much poverty of spirit to-day, although nothing -particular has occurred either on the right hand or the left; -therefore I feel, in a good degree, a peaceful mind which is worthy of -thanksgiving. - -Fourth day. Still pressing after a full settlement of my temporal -concerns that I may be in a state of readiness to pursue my journey, as -soon as the way opens. - -Fifth day. Was favoured, towards the close of our meeting to-day, to -discharge another debt of love and care to my friends, as it was likely -to be the last opportunity I should have with them before I proceeded -on my intended journey; and, through the prevalence of gospel love, it -was made a tendering baptizing season to some, and we parted under a -degree of the uniting influence of it. - -Sixth day. Still aiming at the same mark of readiness and preparation -for my journey, expecting to leave home to-morrow, and proceed therein, -if the cloud is removed from the tabernacle, and the light should lead -the way. - -Seventh day, 8th of 5th month, 1813. I commenced the journey on this -day, after a precious solemn season with my family, in which I was -favoured, in fervent supplication, to recommend them to the divine -protection and preserving care of the Shepherd of Israel. Under a -thankful sense of his loving kindness we took leave of each other in -much affectionate sympathy and brokenness of spirit, I rode to New-York -with a peaceful and quiet mind. My kinsman Isaac Hicks, of Westbury, -kindly accompanied me in this journey. - -First day. Attended Friends’ meetings there, in the morning at -Pearl-street, and in the afternoon at Liberty-street. They were both -exercising seasons, and I hope profitable to some, as in all right -exercise we are encouraged to believe there is profit. After these -opportunities, and a favoured season in a family of Friends, the heads -of which were Elders, I felt a pretty full release from the city at -present. - -Second day. Proceeded on our journey to Newark, where we attended a -meeting appointed for us at the third hour. It was on the whole, I -think, a favoured season; many truths of the gospel were opened to the -people, and appeared to have a good degree of entrance to the minds of -some present; although others appeared to be too much fettered by the -prejudice of education to be profited by them. The meeting closed in -solemn quiet; and I left them with a peaceful mind. We then rode to -Rahway and lodged. - -Third day. This afternoon at the third hour we attended a meeting -previously appointed at Elizabethtown. Many of the most respectable -inhabitants attended, among whom were the governour of the state of -New-Jersey and his wife; and a very considerable number of young -people. The Lord, who is a never-failing helper to those that trust in -him, was near, furnishing with ability to preach the gospel of life and -salvation to the people, in the clear demonstration of the spirit; and -with a power attending, that produced great brokenness of heart and -contrition of spirit among them; and the power of his divine love was -felt to spread over the meeting as a precious canopy. We parted with -them in humiliation and deep thankfulness of heart, rejoicing that his -loving kindness was still extended to his backsliding and offending -creature man. - -Fourth and fifth days. We attended Friends’ meetings at Plainfield and -Rahway. - -Sixth day. We had a favoured meeting at New Brunswick among the -inhabitants of the town. Many truths of the gospel were opened to their -consideration; and a comfortable solemnity was witnessed to spread over -the meeting. - -Seventh day. We rode to Upper Freehold, intending to be at Friends’ -meeting at East Branch in that township on first day. We lodged at -the house of our friend George Frost, where I had lodged before in my -way through these parts, about twelve years prior to this time. We -met a very kind reception from our said friend and his family; and it -seemed like a fresh renewal of friendship and affection between us. How -consoling it is for the weary traveller to meet with kind friends! it -is as a brook by the way in a time of drought. - -First day. We attended East Branch meeting as proposed. The forepart -was exercising, for want of a lively travail among the members; too -many of whom seemed in a dead, lifeless state, as to a right religious -concern. This makes hard labour for the living exercised members, and -is very trying to those who visit them in the service of truth; yet as -we kept up the travail for truth’s arising, and patiently abode under -suffering, a degree of light broke forth, and led to a seasonable, and -I trust, instructive communication; in which I found relief and peace -in the labour, which I consider a great favour. - -Second day. Were at Upper Freehold meeting. It was a season of deep -suffering in the forepart, in which my spirit was deeply baptized -with, and for the dead; but as I patiently submitted to the crucifying -operation of the present dispensation, a degree of light sprang up, -and in it I was led to view the declaration of the apostle Paul, that -“death reigned from Adam to Moses,” and to show to the people, that all -the unregenerate were under the influence and power of the same death. -For in Adam, that is, in the transgressing state, all die. And that it -is only by and through our attention being turned to the inward divine -law, which the apostle calls, “the law of the spirit of life in Christ -Jesus,” and our yielding full obedience thereunto, that we can be set -free and delivered from this law of sin and death, which was typified -by Israel’s deliverance, from the bondage of Pharaoh, by a full and -implicit obedience to the outward commands of God, through his servant -Moses. As I attended carefully to the opening, truth rose into victory, -and administered cause of thanksgiving, under a grateful sense of the -continued mercy and loving kindness of our gracious Creator to his -backsliding creature man. - -The three following days we attended meetings at Crosswicks, alias -Chesterfield, Upper Springfield, and a meeting called the Mount. -These were all favoured meetings, wherein the Lord’s presence and -power were manifested, tendering and contriting many hearts, giving -tongue and utterance; and through which the gospel was preached in -the demonstration of the spirit, and with a power attending, which -carried sharp reproof to the disobedient and unfaithful, strength -to the weak and feeble minded, confirmation and encouragement to -the honest-hearted, humble traveller; and mutually rejoicing the -sincere-hearted. For all these favours my spirit was made humbly -thankful to the Shepherd of Israel, to whom all the glory and praise is -due, for his mercy endureth for ever. - -Sixth day. Attended Friends’ meeting at Old Springfield. It was a -precious baptizing season, the Lord’s presence and power were felt to -spread over the meeting, affecting and contriting many present; and -comforting and encouraging the honest travellers Zion-ward. The meeting -closed under a thankful sense of divine favour, with prayer and praise. - -Seventh day. We were at Mansfield. On first day were at Bordentown in -the morning, and at Lower Mansfield in the afternoon. These meetings -were well attended and very solemn. The two last, Friends informed -me were unusually large. Oh how good is the Lord, and greatly to be -praised for his marvellous works, and his never failing loving kindness -to the children of men. - -Second day. We were at Burlington. In this meeting my mind was opened -largely to set forth the nature and design of the gospel dispensation; -and to show, that as none had ever been perfect in it, but the man -Jesus Christ, we had not a right, as his professed followers, to take -the example of any but his own, for our real perfect rule of life. For -all who have gone before us have in a greater or less degree, through -the undue force and prejudice of education, fallen short of the perfect -rule left us in his example and precepts. - -I also showed them that the Christian professors in the varied ages of -the Church had very much marred and obstructed the work of reformation, -by suffering themselves to be too closely attached to their several -particular leaders; and have therefore justly thrown themselves -open to the censure of the apostle; wherein he blames some of the -primitive Christians for setting themselves one against another, by the -partiality each had for the minister, by whom he had been brought over -to the Christian faith, one crying, I am of Paul, and I of Apollos, -and I of Cephas, and some more wise, I of Christ; to whose example all -ought to have looked, and not turned their attention so much to the -instruments, by whom they were brought to believe in him. Although -many of our worthy predecessors according to their measure of light -endeavoured faithfully to do the work of their day, yet few, if any -of them, had been so entirely emancipated from the undue force of -education, as to see clearly through the cloud of prejudice produced -thereby; and therefore were in the practice of divers things, not -consistent with that perfect justice which the example and precepts -of our Lord call for, and which are in full unison with the perfect -righteousness of the gospel. The word was preached in a large searching -testimony, I trust through divine assistance, in the demonstration of -the spirit, to the comfort and encouragement of the sincere in heart, -and the peace of my own mind. - -Third day. Were at Rancocas. The meeting was solemn, and the Lord’s -presence was felt to preside, humbling many minds; and many truths of -the gospel were in an instructive manner spread before the people. - -Fourth and fifth days. We attended meetings at Mount Holly, Upper -Evesham, and were at Easton on fifth day afternoon; these were all -favoured meetings. In the two former, my mind was largely opened in two -doctrinal testimonies, wherein the design and end of all the shadows -of the law were clearly opened; and the necessity of their entire -abolishment at the death and resurrection of Christ clearly shown. I -also opened to them, that, by the primitive Christians retaining many -of the shadows of the law, the apostacy broke in upon the Church, and -that by the retention of some of the same shadows, the reformation had -been, and is still greatly retarded: and will never advance on its -right foundation, until those shadows are all discarded and done away. -My mind was deeply humbled, under a sense of the Lord’s mercy. - -The three following days we were at Lower Evesham, Cropwell, Chester, -Westfield, Haddonfield, and at Newtown, attending two meetings each -day. After the latter meeting, on first day evening, we crossed the -river Delaware to Philadelphia. In those meetings my mind was deeply -humbled, under a grateful sense of the Lord’s continued mercy to -an unworthy people; rendered so by the continued disobedience and -revolting of great numbers, who go under our name, not only among -the youth, but with many of riper age, whose experience and daily -observation we might reasonably suppose, had they endeavoured to -improve by it, would, ere now, have taught them better. But how true is -that saying of the great Master: “If therefore the light that is in -thee be darkness, how great is that darkness.” This has fallen to the -lot of those, by turning their backs upon the true light, and adhering -to their own carnal reasonings and fleshly consultations, whereby -they have been left like Balaam, through his covetousness, to justify -themselves in many things, which the true light in them, had they been -obedient to its manifestations, would not have approved. Therefore -these are left as a reward of their disobedience to believe a lie to -their own confusion. - -My mind was largely opened in these meetings, not only to commemorate -the Lord’s gracious dealings with the children of men; but likewise -to set forth and open to the several auditories the subtle workings -and varied transformations of that diabolical spirit, which lies in -wait to deceive and counteract the gracious designs of heaven among -the children of men. And under a renewed sense of the Lord’s continued -mercy, my spirit was led to exclaim, as did one formerly: “Great and -marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are all thy -ways, thou King of saints.” - -The following week we spent in the city, except on seventh day we rode -out and attended two meetings; one in the morning at Frankford, and the -other at Germantown, at five in the afternoon. These were both favoured -seasons. We then returned in the evening to Philadelphia; and the -next day being the first of the week, and the 6th of 6th month, were -at Friends’ meeting at Arch-street in the morning, and at the North -meeting in the afternoon. Some previous notice having been given of my -intention of attending them, they were unusually large; and many had -to go away for want of room. It was supposed there were three thousand -people at the beginning of the meeting, and toward the close many more -than the rooms could contain. Through the marvellous condescension -and loving kindness of our gracious God, my mind was strengthened and -qualified to preach the gospel of peace and salvation to the people, -in the demonstration of the spirit, and with a power attending, that -brought home the doctrine, to the humbling conviction of many minds. In -the first I was engaged to bear testimony to the excellency of a life -of strict and impartial justice and righteousness, as the only right -foundation of every real religious and moral virtue; and without which -no true virtue could possibly exist. The communication comprehended -much salutary caution, reproof and encouragement, suited to the varied -states present; under a sense of which my mind was deeply humbled, -and had gratefully to acknowledge, “this is the Lord’s doings, and -marvellous in mine eyes.” The latter was likewise a favoured season, -wherein many truths of the gospel were opened to the people, tending -to lead their minds off from all dependence on traditional religion -and worship; and to gather them home to the eternal substance in -themselves, Christ, the hope of glory and light of the world; by the -influence of whose light and spirit, we only can be enabled to obtain -victory over the world and its spirit, and become qualified to worship -the Father in spirit and in truth. - -The 7th we left Philadelphia. In the course of this week and the -next first day, we attended eleven meetings in the following order, -previous notice having gone forward. On second day at Darby; third -day at Haverford in the morning, and at Merion at the fifth hour in -the afternoon; fourth day at the Valley; fifth day at Radnor, which -was their monthly meeting; sixth day at Newtown in the morning, and -at Springfield in the afternoon; seventh day at Middletown in the -morning, and at Providence in the afternoon; first day at Chester in -the morning, and at Chichester in the afternoon. And although I was -taken very unwell on third day afternoon, before the third meeting -as above arranged, and continued so through the week, and until the -last meeting; insomuch that for several days I could take scarcely -any nourishment, my stomach loathing all food; yet to my humbling -admiration, I was strengthened to go through the service of these -meetings, which in each was arduous and extensive. At the close of -some of them my strength was so exhausted, being wet from head to foot -with extreme sweating, that it seemed to me after divers of those -exercising seasons, almost impossible for me to reach the next; but -that which is impossible to man, we often find easy to the great Helper -of his people. As my care was wholly cast upon Him, he graciously -accompanied, by his holy presence, from meeting to meeting. When I -first sat down in many of those meetings, the force of my complaint -seemed to absorb all my strength both of body and mind; yet as I -endeavoured to centre in quiet, I seldom sat long before the light -sprang up, and dispelled all the darkness, and opened doctrine new and -old; and strengthened to communicate in a way of clear demonstration. -The honest-hearted were strengthened and instructed, and conviction and -reproof brought home to the delinquent, and a visitation of entreaty -and love extended to the beloved young people, whose minds were not yet -hardened in vice; showing them, what great and everlasting benefits and -blessings would redound to them, by an early dedication of their hearts -to the Lord. My mind at the close of these large solemn meetings, -(for many were very large, more than the houses could contain,) was -generally centered in perfect peace, wherein I was led to contemplate -the Lord’s marvellous loving kindness to me a poor unworthy creature, -and his wonderful works in mercy to the children of men; waiting in -long forbearance for their return, and continuing his call to them by -his spirit, through his servants and messengers, rising up early and -sending them, that no means should be left untried for their recovery -and reconciliation. O, what shall we render to the Lord for all his -benefits! - -Having been very unwell, as before observed, most of the last week, I -found it necessary to lay by a day or two, which we did at the house of -our friend John Talbot. With a little rest I soon found myself better, -and being desirous to improve the time, we again proceeded. On fourth -day, the 16th of the month, we were at Concord meeting, at Wilmington -on fifth day, Centre on sixth day, Hockesson on seventh day, and at -Kennet on first day. I was helped to get through the service of these -meetings to my own satisfaction and peace of mind; although some of -them were very trying and exercising, by the unfaithfulness and great -want of a right concern and zeal, for the support and maintenance -of our Christian testimonies, which in some families were very much -neglected and let fall. I was led forth generally in those meetings, -in close searching testimonies, tending to arouse friends from their -bed of ease and carnal security; brought upon them by an inordinate -love of the world, and an increase of temporal blessings; in which -their principal enjoyments were too much centered, loving the gifts -and forgetting the Giver. I laboured fervently among them, especially -in the last meeting, wherein my mind was largely opened to unfold to -the audience many of the deep mysteries of the gospel state, making -them plain and easy to be understood by the most ignorant, whose -minds were in any degree turned to inquire the way to Zion. It was a -season in which the Lord’s power was manifested in an eminent degree, -breaking down and contriting many hearts, and truth appeared to reign -triumphantly over all, to the praise of _his_ grace who is God, blessed -for ever. - -The following week we attended meetings at Birmingham, Willistown, -Goshen, Westchester, Bradford and Marlborough. These were mostly -pretty full meetings, and generally favoured and satisfactory. In some -of them, as in many foregoing opportunities, the Lord’s power was -eminently exalted, and set above, and over, all errour and untruth. - -On first day, the 27th of the month, we attended two very large -meetings. One in the morning at London Grove, and the other in the -afternoon at New Garden. In both of these meetings, my mind, I trust, -was opened by that divine key, which, when it opens, none can shut, and -when it shuts, none can open. I was strengthened to declare largely of -the things of God, and the way to eternal life; to the satisfaction and -peace of my own mind; and I trust to the edification and instruction, -as well as conviction and reproof, of many present; the spirit -assisting to divide the word severally to every one, according to the -necessity of their different states. It was a day thankfully to be -remembered. - -In the course of this week we attended meetings at West Grove, East -and West Nottingham, Eastland, and Little Britain. These were all -satisfactory seasons; that at East Nottingham particularly, was a -heart-searching opportunity, wherein truth was raised powerfully -into dominion over all. Many were broken and contrited, and a number -wept freely for a considerable time: surely it was the Lord’s doing, -and marvellous in our eyes. On seventh day we crossed the river -Susquehannah, and rode into the neighbourhood of Deer Creek; and -attended the meeting there on first day. This also proved a very -precious meeting, wherein the Lord’s power was eminently manifested; -and every mind appeared to be humbled by its blessed influence. The -meeting ended with solemn supplication. The two following days, we -attended meetings at Little Falls and Gunpowder. After the latter -meeting, we rode to Baltimore; and the two following days, attended -Friends’ meetings there for the Western and Eastern Districts, as they -came in course. At the close of each, their monthly meetings were held, -which were exercising seasons, but ended to pretty good satisfaction. -There appeared to be a concerned remnant in each meeting, through whose -care the discipline appeared to be pretty well supported. After the -latter, we left the city and rode to Elk Ridge, to attend a meeting -appointed for us there the next day, the sixth of the week; which was -a satisfactory opportunity. The day after, we attended Indian Spring -meeting. It was a solemn, and I trust profitable season to some: may it -remain with them as bread cast upon the waters, that may be found after -many days. - -After this meeting, we rode to the city of Washington; and the next -day, being the first of the week, and the 11th of 7th month, we -attended a meeting there in the morning; and in the afternoon one at -Alexandria. These were both very hard trying meetings; the people -appeared very destitute of real religious engagement, their minds being -so swallowed up in their political controversies, and other worldly -concerns, that there seemed to be very little room in their thoughts -for any thing else. I felt but little satisfaction in these meetings, -except a consciousness of having done my duty, in laying before them, -in a plain manner, divers truths necessary for them to be in the -practice of, and without which they could not be real Christians, nor -obtain an inheritance in the kingdom of heaven. - -The three following days we attended meetings at Georgetown, Sandy -Spring, and Elk Ridge. We had been at the latter place the week before -on sixth day. These were seasons of favour: many truths of the gospel -were, I trust, clearly opened to the people, accompanied with right -authority, humbling many minds, and truth reigned over all. After the -last meeting, we rode to Baltimore that afternoon, and attended a -meeting previously appointed for us at the fifth hour; and the next -day Friends’ meeting in the Eastern District was held, and public -notice was given of our intention of attending it. These were both full -meetings, in which I was led forth in two large doctrinal testimonies, -I trust, to the edification and comfort of many minds. - -After this I felt easy and clear to leave the city. We proceeded that -afternoon about fourteen miles on our way towards Little York, in -Pennsylvania; where we arrived the next day a little before evening. -On seventh day we had a comfortable instructive meeting there. We then -rode to Columbia, crossing the river Susquehannah in our way. The -next day being first day, we attended Friends’ meeting there. It was -large for that place, more came than the house could contain; and was -a favoured season; the Lord’s power was manifest, and truth reigned -over all; and I was made to rejoice, under an humbling sense of his -continued mercy and gracious assistance from day to day; wherein we had -cause often to set up our Ebenezer, and say, in the language of one -formerly, “hitherto hath the Lord helped us.” - -The three following days, we attended meetings at Lampeter, Sadsbury, -and Doe Run. In these, our gracious helper, whom we waited upon, and -trusted in, manifested himself to be a God near at hand, and a present -helper in every needful time; and was not only mouth and wisdom, -tongue and utterance; but likewise sealed the truths communicated by -the attendant evidence of his own power, humbling and contriting many -hearts and bringing all under subjection to the authority of truth; so -that I had often in deep thankfulness of heart, to query like David: -“What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me.” - -We then proceeded, attending meetings at Fallowfield, East Caln, -Downingstown; and on first day, the 25th of 7th month, were at Uwchlan -meeting. It was, I trust, a profitable instructive season, as were -also the three foregoing; and I found peace in my labours, which I -esteem above all. - -On second day we crossed the river Schuylkill, in our way to Plymouth; -where, by previous notice, we had a meeting appointed at the fourth -hour in the afternoon, which we accordingly attended. The next day we -had an appointed meeting at Abington. These were both large meetings, -in which the Lord’s power was felt to preside. The latter especially -was a very comfortable satisfactory meeting, wherein many truths of the -gospel were opened to the people’s consideration, and they pressed to -an engagement of mind to realize them in their own experience; and were -shown the great and singular advantage and benefits, that would most -certainly result to them and to society, in their so doing. The Lord’s -power was manifest, and truth reigned over all opposition. - -The four following days we were at Byberry, Middletown, Bristol, -and the Falls. These were large meetings, wherein, through gracious -assistance, my mind was strengthened to labour largely in the gospel; -endeavouring, by plain and conclusive arguments, drawn from scripture -testimony and their own experience, to gather the minds and attention -of the people, from every non-essential and false trust, home to the -sure foundation, the elect precious corner stone, which is Christ -in them, the hope of glory. These were solemn seasons, wherein the -people’s minds were generally humbled, the honest-hearted comforted, -the youth encouraged and instructed, and the lukewarm and refractory -cautioned and reproved. The Lord’s power was exalted over all, -rejoicing the sincere-hearted, and giving peace to my own mind. - -The next day being first day, and 1st of 8th month, we attended -Trenton meeting in the morning, and were at Stony Brook at five in the -afternoon. The meeting at Trenton was considered to be the largest that -had ever been held in that place. It was a favoured precious meeting, -wherein the Lord’s power was eminently manifest; and my spirit was -made to rejoice and joy in the God of my salvation, who had made bare -his arm of divine sufficiency; and as I trusted in him, carried me -through, and over, every trial and tribulation, that attended in the -course of this journey; enabling me to labour faithfully in the work of -the gospel, I trust to the exaltation of his own righteous cause, and -to the peace and comfort of my own mind. - -These meetings closed my visit in those parts. We then proceeded -directly to New-York, where we arrived on third day; and as Friends’ -monthly meeting there was to be held the next day, we concluded to -stay and attend it. I then rode home and found my family well, for -which favour, together with the Lord’s other multiplied mercies and -blessings, conferred in the course of my pilgrimage through this vale -of tears, inspire my heart with gratitude and thanksgiving to the great -and blessed Author of my being and well-being, “who is over all, God -blessed for ever.” - -Fifth day, 5th of 8th month, 1813. On this, and the two following days, -I made preparations for again entering into the necessary cares of my -family. - -First day. After a pretty close exercise in silence in our meeting -to-day, I was led to call Friends’ attention to more strict -watchfulness and circumspection, and to show the necessity of advancing -in the work of righteousness, and not to continue any longer at ease -in a formal customary way, which is sure to produce dwarfishness -and death, not only to individuals, but also languor and dulness in -meetings, greatly distressing to the living exercised members. - -The following week was spent in my common vocation as a farmer; except -that on seventh day, I went to Setauket, about thirty miles, to visit -a sick Friend, who had lately been received a member. We had a meeting -with her and some of her neighbours on first day, after which I -returned home that evening. - -Second, third, and fourth days, passed, as usual, in a peaceful -attention to my ordinary vocations. - -Fifth day. 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 hand, especially to his revolting and -backsliding creature man; whom, in great mercy, he is visiting and -revisiting in the midst of his iniquities, inviting him in loving -kindness to repent and return, that he may bring back his soul from the -pit, and be enlightened with the light of the living. - -Sixth and seventh days. Was occupied with my temporal concerns, which -were trying, through indisposition of body, and much poverty of mind. - -First day. I attended our meeting to-day, not so much with an -expectation of comfort, as from a sense of real duty, as my bodily -indisposition and poverty of spirit still continued; nevertheless, my -mind, soon after I took my seat, was opened into a view of the great -hurt man has sustained by suffering himself to be led and governed by -his external senses. It is through these avenues that he is principally -exposed to temptation in this probationary state. And had he watchfully -attended to the internal sense and voice of God to his soul, which his -dependent state justly required of him, the tempter would have found no -more place in him, than he did in the blessed Jesus. Hence the way of -our return lies open before us, through the grace of God or Comforter, -by which the internal sense of the soul is again arrested, and strict -obedience to its dictates required; and if yielded to in uprightness -and faithful submission, the external senses are thereby subjected and -regulated, and every undue desire and passion subdued, and the creature -returns a willing subject to the Creator, and primitive harmony is -restored. I had largely to communicate on this subject, and to show to -the auditory how wonderfully gracious and merciful the Lord is, who -in longsuffering and loving kindness is dispensing to every state, -according to its necessities, not suffering even a sparrow to fall -without his heavenly notice. - -The rest of this week was spent in my ordinary vocations. My farming -business was very pressing, and it being difficult to procure suitable -assistance, my mind was over-burdened with care, which seldom fails of -producing leanness of spirit in a lesser or greater degree. - -First day, the 29th of 8th month. Attended our meeting in silence. Oh! -what a precious enjoyment to know both soul and body in humble silence, -prostrated at the throne of grace. - -Second day. Had invitations to attend the funerals of two deceased -women Friends on the day following. One of them had been lately, at -her request, received into membership by our monthly meeting, but was -never able to attend, she living in the town of Setauket, far distant -from Friends. We had a meeting at her funeral agreeably to her request. -It was a large solemn one. A number of the inhabitants of the town -attended, and many, although generally strangers to us, were glad of -the opportunity, and appeared well affected therewith. The rest of this -week was spent about home in my usual avocations. - -First day, the 5th of 9th month. Attended the indulged meeting at -Jerusalem, which, in the main, I think was a favoured season, although -somewhat hurt in the forepart by an unsavoury appearance in the -ministry. - -Second, third, and fourth days. Was occupied in attending to my farming -business, which, for want of suitable, faithful labourers, is often -attended with much care, and too much bodily labour for my time of -life, but which cannot well be avoided without my business suffering. - -Fifth day. Attended our preparative meeting, 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 mind, given way repeatedly to use strong drink to excess. -This information affected my mind in degree, both with joy and sorrow. -I was glad, because from my knowledge of the case, I fully believed -it had been too long procrastinated, not only to the hurt and loss of -the individual; but also, had brought reproach upon the society, and -wounded the noble cause we are engaged to espouse. And it was cause of -real sorrow, when I was brought to reflect on the distressed state of -the individual, and the great affliction it must necessarily produce to -his wife and children, and near connexions. O how necessary to keep up -a steady watch and warfare, against this sore evil which destroys so -many tens of thousands of the children of men, both in soul and body. - -A few following days were spent in much bodily pain from a supposed -rheumatic complaint in one of my limbs. O how needful a virtue -is patience in seasons of affliction, to keep us from ungrateful -murmurings: by which men and women often greatly offend their gracious -and beneficent Creator, who designs nothing but good to his creature -man in all the varied dispensations of his divine providence. - -First day. At our meeting to-day, I was led to show to the people -the great harm and loss neighbourhoods, as well as the community at -large, sustain for want of a careful submission to the laws, in all -points where they do not interfere with conscience; and that those who -from their licentious and immoral pursuits, were often transgressing -against the moral precepts of the law, were not worthy of living in -a free country, while violating the civil policy thereof merely to -gratify their own creaturely and selfish inclinations. An honest and -faithful attention to the moral law of the country we live in, will, -in a certain degree, (as the apostle expressed in allusion to the law -of Moses,) be as a schoolmaster to lead to Christ. He only who is -faithful in the unrighteous mammon, is likely to make any proficiency -in obtaining the true riches. - -Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting; at the first sitting of which, -my mind was opened into a clear view of the necessity of our coming to -experience a resurrection from a state of spiritual death, to a renewal -of spiritual life, through the resurrection of Christ, by his life and -power in us; as nothing short of that can give full and satisfactory -evidence of his, and our resurrection, from the dead. On this internal -testimony our whole salvation depends; and we know and feel, that -because he lives we live also; and the life that we now live, is by -faith in the Son of God, hence we come to know in our own experience -what Paul meant when he thus expressed himself: “my little children, of -whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.” _Christ -formed in us_ is the sum and substance of the gospel state. - -Sixth and seventh days. Spent in manual labour, a reasonable portion of -which I consider my duty and delight; and the more my delight, because -I esteem it my reasonable and Christian service: and as I also abhor -idleness and sloth. - -First day. Sat our meeting in silence under a pretty long testimony of -a ministering Friend on a visit to us, who introduced his communication -with the following saying of Christ: “Except ye eat my flesh and drink -my blood, ye have no life in you; for my flesh is meat indeed, and -my blood is drink indeed:” and to show that it was to be spiritually -understood and internally received, he further added: “The words that I -say unto you, they are spirit and they are life.” An excellent subject -indeed, and while he kept to his text and the subject, it seemed -lively; but he after a time departed from it, and the life, I thought, -very much departed with it. How very necessary it is for ministers -to keep a steady eye to the openings of truth, and not suffer any -premature birth to rise up and get in and scatter their attention. For -want of this care, I have often thought many good openings have been -much lost, and the work thereby marred. - -First day, the 10th of 10th month. Alas! how fleeting is time: three -weeks have elapsed since my last note; in the course of which I have -attended two funerals. Take care, oh my soul! and do not grow careless -and forgetful when drawing near to the eve of life; lest the world -and its cares get in and choke the bubblings of the celestial spring, -through the abundant cumber that seems necessarily attendant on my -present state in striving to help and comfort others. - -First day, the 17th of 10th month. Passed the last week principally in -attending to my outward avocations, except attending the funeral of a -young man, where we had a solemn opportunity. I was exercised publicly -to set forth the necessity and great propriety of an early and timely -preparation for death; and to show to the people the way and means -by which it only can be effected; founded on the declaration of the -apostle Paul, where he asserts that, “not by works of righteousness -which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by -the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” The -opportunity closed with comfort and peace of mind, which is the true -crown of all. - -I sat our meeting to-day in silence, feeling nothing to exercise my -mind in a communicative way. - -Seventh day. Spent this week mostly in the busy round of outward cares, -in my temporal concerns; except attending our monthly meeting on fifth -day, and our select meeting for Ministers and Elders on sixth day. 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 discipline, even in Ministers and Elders; by which reason the -society were very much enveloped in a state of weakness. - -First day. Felt my mind clothed with great weakness, and a feeling -sense of my own insufficiency, while sitting in our meeting to-day; -nevertheless, I was led to view in prospect and contemplation, the -great and essential advantages which result to individuals, and society -in general, by a strict and steady attendance of religious meetings, -from a real sense of duty; as there is scarcely any thing in the -outward conduct of men and women, which more fully denotes a mind fixed -on God its maker for support and countenance, while passing through -the changes and vicissitudes of this mortal life. The subject spread -and led to communication, and opened to a large field of doctrine, in -which the gospel was preached in the authority of truth, and a very -comfortable solemnity covered the meeting. - -Third day. Attended the funeral of an acquaintance, a convinced person; -it being his request on his death-bed; and also that a meeting might -be held at his funeral. It was accordingly so ordered, and proved a -very solemn affecting season, particularly so to the near connexions -of the deceased. The Lord was graciously near, furnishing ability to -bear ample testimony to many truths of the gospel. The people were very -attentive, and many hearts were broken and contrited, and the Lord’s -name and power exalted over all. - -Seventh day. The three preceding days I attended our quarterly meeting, -which was held at this time at Flushing. The meeting of Ministers and -Elders, and the meeting for discipline were very trying heart-searching -seasons. The meeting for worship was a quiet favoured meeting. We had -great cause to acknowledge the goodness and continued mercy of Israel’s -Shepherd, who not only furnished wisdom and ability to search out the -hidden things of Esau, or the first nature; and to set judgment upon -the head of the transgressing nature, in those meetings set apart for -the well-ordering of the affairs of the church: but also graciously -condescended in the closing meeting held for worship, to gladden -our hearts by the effusions of his love, causing the light of his -countenance to shine upon us. The minds of the faithful were influenced -to return thanksgiving and praise to his ever adorable name, who -remains to be “God over all, blessed for ever.” - -First day. Sat our meeting in silence, and was much interrupted by the -intrusion of unprofitable thoughts, against which I had to struggle -through most part of the meeting. - -Second and third days. Spent in my necessary avocations; but not -without considerable fear attending, lest my temporal concerns too -much intrude and indispose my mind for heavenly meditations. Nothing -material occurred the rest of the week. - -First day. Silence as to words sealed my lips through the meeting again -to-day; and may they remain shut in all our solemn meetings, unless -opened by the key of David. - -In the course of this week I attended the funerals of two Friends; at -both of which meetings were held. In the first, my mind was largely -opened on the subject of religion; wherein I was led to show to the -auditory, that a right consideration and frequent remembrance of our -latter end, tended to lead into the realities thereof; which consist -in nothing but acts of real obedience and humble submission to the -manifested will of our heavenly Father, through the inspiration of his -grace and light in our own hearts. As we are careful to have this in -our daily experience, it qualifies to answer the great end for which -we were created, to glorify God and enjoy him; and be thereby prepared -to meet death with an even and tranquil mind, having known its sting, -which is sin, taken away by the death of the cross. I was also led to -expose the doctrine of personal and unconditional predestination and -election; and to show the fallacy and inconsistency thereof with the -divine character. - -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 others, without a strict and careful examination thereof; -and bringing them to the test of the light in our own conscience. For -although the frequency of a thing, and an habitual conformity to that -which is not right, often blunts the edge of conviction, and reconciles -us to that which is contrary to truth, and derogatory to our true -interest; yet the custom of sinning will not lessen its guilt. For -in the awful day of final decision, all our fig-leaf coverings will -be torn off, and things will then appear as they really are; and we -shall all stand in need of that substantial covering, represented by -the coats of skins, which the Lord made for our first parents, and -gave them in lieu of their fig-leaves; that is, something of their own -inventing, that so their nakedness might no longer be exposed. - -My mind was also opened to set forth the design and end of the shadowy -or law dispensation; and that by its consistency and harmony in all its -parts, it was a just figure and representation of the gospel state and -dispensation. Many of its precepts were not good, nor consistent with -the justice and mercy of the all-beneficent and gracious Jehovah; but -were only so, as they stood in relation to the very low, degraded and -wicked state of mankind at that time; and were therefore justly suited -to Israel’s state, and the states and conditions of the surrounding -nations concerned therein, as saith Ezekiel: “Wherefore I gave them -also statutes that were not good, and judgments whereby they should not -live.” - -First day, the 14th of 11th month. Attended Cow Neck meeting to -satisfaction. - -The rest of this week I spent at home, being closely engaged in -business, and in making preparation for the more comfortable -accommodation of my stock through the inclemency of the approaching -winter; considering that a merciful man is merciful to his beast; and -as I consider it not right to keep in my possession, and under my -immediate notice, any more of the animal creation than I can render -reasonably comfortable. - -Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, in which my mind was engaged -to show the great benefit that would result to society, and to its -members as individuals, by a right exercise and faithful execution -of our discipline, without fear or favour; and that some cases of -disorder in an individual might turn up, which, with its attendant -circumstances, might render it not only necessary to disown the person, -but would also prove more to his true interest, and the advancement -of the cause and testimonies that we as a people are engaged in, than -the reception of any untimely or unseasonable acknowledgment could -possibly be. For I have always considered it required, not only deep -and solid consideration, but suitable time of waiting, in order rightly -to qualify a person to make an acknowledgment for an offence committed -against a religious society. - -First day. My mind was closely engaged, and largely opened, to show -the inconsistency and unrighteousness of a conformity to the vain -and foolish customs of the world; demonstrating from the scriptures, -that in all ages since the fall of our first parents, the customs of -men and women in their natural estate, were vain, and that there was -a certain degree of wickedness attached to every vanity; hence the -necessity of our carefully guarding against the conformity to any -custom or tradition, until we have first brought it to the test of the -light in our own consciences, and the reason of things; and also to its -consistency with the precepts and example of our Lord Jesus Christ: and -if relating to our duty towards our fellow creatures, examine whether -it comports with that most excellent rule given by him as a criterion -of conduct: “All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, -do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets.” - -Second, third, and fourth days. Nothing particular occurred. On fifth -day I was invited to the funeral of a friend who was a member of -Bethpage particular meeting, which I attended. After the interment -a solemn meeting was held, in which my mind was largely opened to -set forth to the people, the great necessity, as well as wisdom and -propriety, of an early preparation for death; and showing them the way -whereby it could only be rightly effected. It was a season of renewed -visitation to a remnant, and many hearts were broken and contrited. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - - Engagements at and about home, 1813 and 1814. - - -First day, the 28th of 11th month, 1813. Feeling my mind drawn last -evening and this morning to attend Friends’ meeting at Martinicock, I -submitted thereto and went alone. In the forepart of the meeting, I -had to combat a spirit of ease and stupefaction, which is generally -prevalent among the worldly-minded, although they may be pretty -steady in attending meetings; yet it is to be feared with little or -no profit, if it be true what the beloved apostle has affirmed, that: -“If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” -In the latter part of the meeting I was led to view the excellency -of the pacific principles of the gospel, as promulgated by Jesus -Christ and his apostles; and to show to the people, the very great and -essential benefit and blessing which would result to the professors -of Christianity by a strict adherence and submission thereunto; as -they stand in direct opposition to the spirit of violence and war, -and breathe forth nothing but peace on earth and good will to men. It -proved through mercy a season of favour; many hearts were contrited, -and the faithful and poor in spirit comforted and strengthened; and my -own mind inspired with gratitude and thankfulness for such unmerited -mercy. - -First day, the 5th of 12th month. The six working days of last week -were principally spent in my worldly concerns, except attending our -fifth day meeting, and the Charity Society meeting yesterday; an -institution of Friends for educating the children of poor black people. -Our funds, agreeably to the last report of a settlement with the -Treasurer, amount to upwards of thirteen hundred dollars; the interest -of which is yearly expended for the above purpose, by a committee -of the Society, who superintend the educating of said children. The -directors of the Society are limited to thirty members, who meet -quarterly for the promotion and oversight of the institution. I -attended our fifth day meeting in silence, and sat our meeting in like -manner to-day, in poverty of spirit, which terminated in a peaceful -close. - -First day, the 12th of 12th month. At our meeting to-day, my mind was -largely opened to set forth before the people the difference between -the law state and that of the gospel. It was, I trust, an instructive -edifying season, worthy of grateful remembrance. - -Second day afternoon I rode to New-York, in order to attend the meeting -for sufferings to be held there the next day. It opened at the ninth -hour. We got through the business at two sittings, and closed in the -evening. Fourth day afternoon I rode home. Fifth day was our monthly -meeting. The meeting for worship was, I think, a favoured comfortable -season; and the testimonies communicated instructive and edifying: such -repeated favoured seasons make it evident beyond controversy, that we -are still a highly favoured people, and shall be accountable according -to the manifold mercies and blessings bestowed upon us: and we have -great cause often to query, like the psalmist formerly, “What shall I -render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me;” for his mercies -are new every morning; great is his faithfulness. - -Sixth and seventh days. Spent in my ordinary concerns; yet, I trust, my -mind was preserved in a state of watchfulness and care, that what I do, -even in my temporal business, may all be done to the glory of God, and -be useful to myself and to my fellow creatures. - -First day, the 19th of 12th month. While silently musing in our meeting -towards the latter part, a subject opened which led to the necessity -of communication, wherein that petition in the prayer our Lord taught -his disciples, viz: “Thy kingdom come; thy will be done in earth as it -is in heaven;” was opened to the audience; and the necessity of our -individually witnessing it fulfilled in us, as the only medium through -which we can obtain salvation, and a preparation for the kingdom of -heaven. This was pressed upon the people, showing from the analogy of -things, that as there is nothing but the Lord’s will done in heaven, a -soul that is not reconciled thereto, cannot enter therein, nor partake -of its celestial enjoyment. - -The rest of the week was carefully employed in my household concerns, -with the attendance of our fifth day meeting, agreeably to my -invariable practice when at home, if not prevented by indisposition. It -was a quiet comfortable meeting. - -Sixth day. Attended the funeral of our honest friend Richard Townsend. -There was a large collection of Friends and neighbours, he being -generally esteemed. A meeting was held on the occasion, which proved a -very solemn season. The people’s attention was called to the necessity -of a timely preparation for death, in a large arousing testimony; -setting forth the great and singular advantages which would redound to -the children of men, by their obtaining right ideas and apprehensions -of God. The want of these left them to be led away into a belief of -many strange and ideal notions concerning him, particularly that of -foreordination; the inconsistency of which, my mind was led to unfold -to the auditory, by this and other undeniable arguments;--that, as -God’s ordination, and God’s creation, and God’s will, are always in -perfect unison, and cannot be diverse one from the other; and as all -that he wills and creates is immutably good, agreeably to his own -declaration in the work of creation; hence, whatever he ordains must -likewise be immutably good: therefore, if there is any such thing as -sin and iniquity in the world, then God has neither willed it, nor -ordained it; as it is impossible for him to will contradictions. And -secondly, if he has, previous to man’s creation, willed and determined -all his actions, then certainly every man stands in the same state of -acceptance with him, and a universal salvation must certainly take -place; which I conceive the favourers of foreordination would be as -unwilling as myself to believe. And moreover, if man was not vested -with the power of free agency, and a liberty of determining his own -will, in relation to a choice of good or evil, he could not be an -accountable creature; neither would it be in his power to commit sin. -It was a time of favour, and the Lord’s blessing on the labours of the -day was reverently supplicated. O, saith my soul, may they have the -desired effect. - -First day, the 26th of 12th month. Sat the greater part of our meeting -in much weakness and poverty of spirit, to which I felt perfectly -resigned, believing it to be agreeable to the Lord’s will. But towards -the close an honest elderly Friend, though young and small in such -service, expressed a sentence or two accompanied with a degree of -life, which seemed to give spring to a concern on my mind, which led -to communication. The subject which opened was to show, that plainness -and simplicity were the true marks and badges of the Lord’s people and -children in every age of the world, witnessed to by the true nature and -analogy of all things in the universe; and confirmed by the testimony -of the grace and good spirit of God through his servants in all the -generations of mankind. The youth were exhorted and tenderly invited -to submit to the _cross of Christ_, with the assurance assented to by -the experience of all the faithful; that if they bowed willingly to -his yoke, it would become not only easy but delightful. But alas! how -true is that declaration of the prophet: “who hath believed our report, -and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?” Certainly to none but -the obedient, which number, if we are to judge by their fruits, is -doubtless very small. - -Second, third, and fourth days. Spent mostly in my temporal business, -but not without a watchful care lest it should engage too much of my -attention. The evenings were partly spent in reading the scriptures, -in which I greatly delight. How excellent are those records! although -old, yet they seem ever new. The prophecy of Micah was a part of my -present reading; what a dignified sense and clear view he had of the -gospel state and worship; and how exceedingly it lessened the service -and worship of the law in his view, in the clear sense given him of -its full and complete abolishment, with all its shadowy rituals; when -he was led to set forth its insufficiency, in this exalted language: -“Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the -high God? Shall I come before him with burnt-offerings, with calves -of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or -with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my first-born for -my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” No, -none, nor all of these were sufficient to give access to the divine -presence, or to the divine law under the gospel; they being only -shadows, and therefore could only give access to the outward law and -outward lawgiver Moses, and the law and ordinances given by him; which -were also shadows of the true substance. For Moses, and his outward law -and ordinances, stood in the same relation to outward Israel, under the -shadowy dispensation, as Christ the spiritual Moses, with his spiritual -law written in the heart, does to his spiritual Israel under the -gospel; “which is a dispensation not” of shadow, but of substance; as -is clearly shown by the sequel of the testimony of Micah above alluded -to, where he goes on as follows: “He hath showed thee, O man, what is -good;” then certainly not shadow nor sign, but real substance, “and -what doth the Lord require of thee,” not only by an outward, but by -his inward, divine law, “but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to -walk humbly with thy God.” This is the sum and substance of all true -religion and worship, and needs not the continuance of any outward -elementary washings or eatings or drinkings; but opens to the necessity -of our drinking at that spiritual river, the streams whereof make glad -the whole heritage of God. For those that drink thereof will never -thirst again, at least for the water of any other stream. - -Fifth day. Sat our meeting to-day in silence. It is not unpleasant to -feel ourselves sometimes circumstanced as Mordecai formerly, sitting at -the king’s gate, and, in its season, is as grateful to the truly humble -and submissive mind, as riding on the king’s horse, and all bowing -before us. - -First day, the 2d of 1st month, 1814. Another year is ended. Oh my -soul, how hast thou improved it, and what progress hast thou made in -thy heavenly journey? As I sat in our meeting to-day, my mind was -led to contrast the law and gospel, or shadow and substance. “While -I was musing the fire burned,” and my heart became warmed within me; -“then spake I with my tongue,” and endeavoured in a zeal for the -Lord’s cause, to open to the people, the superiour excellency of the -gospel, above and beyond that of the law, as set forth by the precepts, -doctrines, example and commands of our great and gracious lawgiver -Jesus Christ. The life rose towards the close of the meeting into -a good degree of dominion, through hard labour and toil. For many -professors lie so securely in their graves, that nothing short of the -powerful voice that raised Lazarus formerly, is sufficient to quicken -and raise them therefrom. - -Second day. This day principally spent in making provision more -favourably to meet the inclemency of the ensuing winter. - -Third day. Spent as yesterday. In the evening read Thomas Ellwood’s -relation of his sufferings and cruel usage from his father, because, -for conscience’ sake, he could not pull off his hat and stand bare -before him; and for using the plain language of thou and thee, instead -of the plural you. Alas! what a spirit of pride, arrogance and cruelty -governs the children of men, while living in the lusts of their -fallen nature, estranged from God and from his true nature and image. -And it is to be feared that many in this day, who profess to be the -successors of those primitive sufferers, our worthy predecessors, who -stood faithful, and patiently bore the burden and heat of the day, -through many years of cruel persecution, are now turning back like a -broken bow; and through the fear or favour of men, are disregarding -the testimonies which their forefathers in the truth purchased at so -dear a rate; and are ready to account many of them but small, or as -indifferent things, which may, or may not, be attended to at their own -pleasure. But alas for these, it is to be feared they will never have a -view, much less be permitted to enter the promised land, the heavenly -Canaan: but will fall in the wilderness as did the unbelieving and -rebellious in former ages. I often mourn and take up a lamentation, -when I behold the children of believing parents, turning aside, -disobedient to their parents, and disregarding the travail and exercise -of their concerned Friends, who are labouring for their return: but -those who are faithful to give the watchword in season, will be clear -of their blood, and the Lord will be clear. For he will have a people, -and, as formerly, will send his servants into the highways and hedges, -and gather from thence, that his house may be filled: but those -children of the kingdom, who are making excuses, and will not come when -they are bidden, will be cast out into outer darkness, where will be -weeping and gnashing of teeth. - -Fourth day. I was occupied as a carpenter, in making some conveniences -for my stock. I felt wearied at evening with the labour of the day, but -was comforted with a peaceful mind, feeling myself at peace with all -men. A blessed privilege; it is the Lord’s doing, and marvellous in -mine eyes. - -Seventh day. Attended the funeral of an ancient Friend. A meeting was -held on the occasion, wherein I was exercised in a large arousing -testimony suited to the occasion. May it be to the honest inquirers, as -a nail fastened in a sure place; and to those who yet remain unwilling -to surrender, as bread cast upon the waters, found after many days. - -First day, the 9th of 1st month. At our meeting to-day I was led -to reflect on my frequent appearances in the ministry at home, and -ready to wonder why I was led so often to communicate to almost -the same assembly. But these meditations were soon superseded by a -renewed living concern, which opened again to communication, in a -deep searching testimony; wherein I was led to show the fallacy and -weakness of all man’s creaturely and carnal reasoning, that it was -all estranged from God, and stood in the ignorance and corruption of -his fallen nature; and that man never had, nor could have, consistent -with his nature as a dependent being, a right to assume a power to use -his reason at his own discretion and will; but only in submission and -subservience to the dictates of the light and spirit of his Creator, -as paramount both to his reason and animal senses. For his reason is -given him as an agent under his Creator, to govern and keep in due -order the animal senses; not according to his own discretion and will, -but agreeable to the manifestations of the divine spirit, or inward -law and will, of his heavenly Father. It was an humbling season, and -many hearts with mine own were bowed in reverence, under the sensible -impress of the divine power. - -The rest of the week I passed in my usual engagements, and in visiting -some of my friends. - -First day, the 16th of 1st month. Sat our meeting in silence to-day. -The three following days I spent in attending to my usual avocations, -and in visiting two of my sick neighbours. One of them was a young man, -who was convinced of the truth, as held by us, in his young years. He -spoke very sensibly of the work of truth on his mind in the early part -of his convincement, and of the awe that covered his spirit, through -the sensible impressions of the divine power; and recapitulated the -precious seasons he had witnessed in the fields, sitting on rocks, -and stumps of trees; and that he now felt his love to reach forth and -embrace the whole human family. He appeared to be in a sweet and quiet -frame of mind, though so weak, as not to be able to speak louder than a -whisper. What a precious thing it is when the youth submit willingly to -the visitations of divine love in their tender years; how amiable they -appear, and how peaceful their close; a pearl to be valued above all -temporal enjoyments. - -Fifth day. This being the time of our monthly meeting, we had the -company of two Friends on a visit to us. One of them appeared largely -in the line of the ministry, but a fear attended my mind, lest he had -not sufficiently attended to that command, which forbids sowing our -ground with mingled seed; or suffering a garment of linen and woollen -to come upon us: Oh how necessary it is for all those who apprehend -they are called to the work of the ministry, to know self fully -reduced; otherwise they may be in danger of endeavouring to cover the -harlot, with the Lord’s jewels; and with fair words, and fine speeches, -deceive the hearts of the simple. - -Sixth day. Attended our preparative meeting of Ministers and Elders. -I had to drop a caution, founded on the failure of Moses and Aaron at -the rock; when instead of speaking to it, as commanded, Moses smote -it with his rod, with the addition of, “hear now, ye rebels; must we -fetch you water out of this rock?” This act, being the effect of mere -creaturely zeal and warmth of natural passions, lost them much; as it -prevented their entering into the promised land. Oh how needful it -is for those who are called to stand as a medium between God and the -people, to be deeply attentive to the word of command, and not add -thereto, nor diminish therefrom, under the penalty of his displeasure. -For if he spared not Moses who was only guilty of this one fault in his -administration, how much less can we expect that he will spare us, if -we should add to, or diminish from, the word of prophecy. - -Seventh day. Assisted a sick neighbour to settle his outward business -by writing his will and seeing it executed. 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 grave; that so he -might be prepared to meet death with a peaceful and tranquil mind. - -First day, the 23d of 1st month, 1814. Attended Westbury meeting, at -which there was a funeral of a deceased ancient woman Friend. It was -a large meeting. Many Friends and neighbours came from a distance to -attend the funeral. I had good service among them in the line of the -ministry, by way of caution, encouragement and reproof; and was led -to press upon the auditory the necessity of a submission of our wills -to the divine will, as the only medium through which we could become -qualified to answer the great end of our creation; which is to glorify -God and enjoy him. - -Second day. Attended the funeral of a pious young Friend of our meeting -who departed this life by a consumption, after lingering a few months. -His corpse was carried into our meeting-house at Jericho. There was a -large meeting on the occasion, and through the prevalence of the divine -power that presided over the assembly, it proved a very solemn time. -Many hearts were broken and contrited by the force of the testimony, -which went forth powerfully clothed with the demonstration of the -spirit, and the Lord’s name was exalted over all. - -Seventh day. This being the time of our quarterly meeting, I was -mostly employed through the week in attention thereto. It was, I -think, through the several sittings a solemn searching time. My mind -was closely engaged on several subjects appertaining to our Christian -testimonies; but more particularly that against war, which was now -in the land. Friends, with others, were called upon for supplies by -way of taxes to carry it on, which were levied various ways on the -inhabitants. I felt my mind deeply engaged to lay before Friends -the inconsistency of our actively complying with any such military -requisitions, believing that if we did, we should not only become -accessaries in the war, but should have to bear a part of the guilt of -shedding the blood of our fellow creatures. The Lord’s power was felt -to preside, and the testimonies borne on the occasion were evidently -clothed with divine authority, keeping down all opposition. The minds -of the faithful were inspired with humble gratitude and thanksgiving to -the Lord our gracious helper, under a renewed sense of his continued -mercy to us as a people; and to all the workmanship of his holy hand. - -First day, the 30th of 1st month, 1814. 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 to, by placing -their dependence for justification and salvation on the _imputative -righteousness of Christ which he performed without them_, without -coming to know a complete remission of their sins, and living a life of -righteousness through faith in the operation of God, and a submission -to the work of _his spirit in their minds_; by which, according to -the apostle’s exhortation, they can only be enabled to work out their -own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God that worketh -in the willing and obedient soul, both to will and to do of his own -good pleasure; 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 revealed, whereby the true spiritual atonement is made. I was -largely opened to communicate on some of these subjects; and to show -to the people wherein the true harmony between the law dispensation, -and that of the gospel consisted. It was a season worthy of grateful -remembrance; the meeting closed with thanksgiving and prayer, under a -renewed sense of the continued mercy of our gracious God, who is over -all, blessed for ever. - -Second day. Being unwell with a cold I kept house and read. - -Third day. Having the evening before received an invitation to attend -the funeral of a deceased neighbour about four miles distant from my -dwelling, and understanding it was the desire of the deceased on her -death-bed that I would attend; I felt inclined to go, although still -unwell. I was glad I gave up thereto, as it proved, through heavenly -help, a solemn instructive season, 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 truth. The assembly in general -were bowed and humbled, and many hearts contrited; to the Lord alone be -the praise, for to him only it is due. - -Fourth day. Still unwell: mostly kept house. - -Fifth day. Ventured out to our meeting, but was considerably afflicted -with my cold and cough. The meeting was held in silence. - -The two following days, and the forepart of the next week, I employed, -mostly, in preparing for the press a small treatise on slavery; and -on the use of the produce of the labour of slaves. I laid it before -our meeting for sufferings which met this week; and obtained their -concurrence for printing it. As I was in the city, I attended Friends’ -meetings as they came in course on fourth and fifth days, and returned -home on sixth day. Nothing particular transpired on seventh day. - -First day, the 13th of 2d month. Was largely opened in communication on -divers subjects in a very searching testimony, which brought a covering -of great solemnity over the meeting. The honest-hearted were comforted: -but it was a season of sharp reproof to the unfaithful and lukewarm. - -Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, at which nothing opened worthy -of particular notice. - -Seventh day. I attended the funeral of the wife of John Wine, a Friend -of Flushing. We had a very solemn meeting on the occasion, in which I -was exercised in a large affecting testimony, tendering and contriting -the hearts of the assembly in general. The truth was raised into -dominion, breaking down all before its influential searching power; -which was cause of deep gratitude and thanksgiving to the Lord our -gracious helper, for his unmerited mercy, still dispensed in his -longsuffering loving kindness to the children of men. - -Feeling my mind inclined to sit with Friends here the next day, which -was first day, the people were notified thereof at the close of the -foregoing opportunity. It was a full meeting, in which truth favoured -and furnished with matter suited to the states of those present; which -made it an instructive edifying season. The canopy of love was felt to -spread sweetly and very comfortably over the assembly, and I parted -with them in the fresh feeling thereof; and with a peaceful mind, and a -thankful sense of the Lord’s mercy. - -Nothing particular occurred in the course of the next week; but -the precious savour that was witnessed in the two forementioned -opportunities, remained as a canopy over my mind, and was cause of -humble gratitude and thankfulness to the blessed Author of all our rich -mercies and blessings. - -First day, the 27th of 2d month. My mind, in our meeting to-day, -after a considerable time of humble quiet waiting, and seeking to be -gathered to Shiloh, 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 Lord; and by continually looking to him, and -relying on him, as the primary and only object of their faith and hope. -The prospect enlarged and opened to a communication, and the truth -was raised into a comfortable degree of dominion, and spread a solemn -covering over the assembly; and many hearts were contrited and made -glad from a feeling sense of the Lord’s mercy vouchsafed to us at this -season. O how good is the Lord, and how greatly to be praised, for his -mercy endureth for ever. - -The rest of this week I was occupied in my temporal concerns. Sat our -fifth day meeting in silence, in which I had to maintain a steady -warfare against the intrusion of unprofitable thoughts. O how precious -it is to be favoured to gain a complete victory over these, and to have -the mind brought to witness a profound stillness, where nothing reigns -but Jesus, in his inward spiritual government. - -First day, the 6th of 3d month. In our meeting to-day I had again to -bear testimony against the prevailing evils of the day; some of which -I had to expose, and to show how we must enter the church militant, if -ever we enter right, and become useful members thereof, and be truly -comforted and profited thereby. The communication was introduced by the -parable of the supper, which shows that those who have something of the -pleasures and treasures of this world to gratify and comfort themselves -with, will not come in, although invited: but those who are brought to -a full sense of their wretched and forlorn condition, without God and -without a Saviour, compared, in the parable, to those who are poor and -destitute of every comfort, and scattered in the highways and hedges, -will seek a place of refuge; and having tried every means they had in -their power, and every invention that man has sought out in the way of -salvation, and after all finding themselves still left in a state of -disappointment, are made willing to surrender all up, and sell all; -that so they may be enabled to purchase the field wherein the pearl of -great price lies. The word went forth with power, and struck home to -many minds, and a very solemn weight appeared to cover the assembly in -general. - -Second, third, and fourth days. Spent in a quiet attention to my -temporal concerns with the attendant blessing of peace of mind; yet not -without some intervals of interruption from the loose and the vain, -with which this neighbourhood is too much disturbed. Alas, what has so -gained the ascendency in and over the mind of man, as to cause him to -delight and take pleasure in wickedness. - -Fifth day. Was our preparative meeting, in which the overseers brought -forward information against one of our members, a young man, for -deviations from plainness, and being guilty of attending horse races, -and suffering his horse to run for a wager; all which manifest a very -thoughtless disposition, and much vanity of mind, very unworthy the -least member in our community. The meeting felt tenderly for him, as -he had not had a guarded education; he being left an orphan, when -small, by the death of his father. In considering his condition, I -was induced to enlist myself voluntarily in the meeting’s service, -to pay him a visit; and the meeting added another Friend to join me -therein. I was likewise engaged in the meeting for worship, to call -Friends’ attention to the necessity of greater purification both in -body, soul, and spirit; as the only medium through which we could gain -an inheritance in the kingdom of heaven. I showed by the analogy of -reason, that a purified soul could not be content to inhabit a polluted -body; and that if the inside was made clean, the outside would be clean -also; and that true and genuine Christianity will lead to cleanliness -in our persons, in our houses, and in all our concerns. All this will -proceed from real love and duty to our Creator, and not from any germ -of pride, or vainly to make a show, but from a real desire of effecting -holiness in the fear of the Lord. - -First day, the 13th. A comfortable meeting to-day, mostly in silence, -but closed with solemn supplication, wherein I was led to set forth how -our gracious and beneficent Creator, although he sees all our wants, -and stands always disposed, before we ask him, to redress all our real -grievances, and dispense good to us whenever he finds us in a condition -fit to receive: yet as he is a God of justice and truth, he delights -to see his people and children grateful and humbly sensible of their -dependence on him for every blessing; therefore, he permits them, at -times, when he sees meet to influence their minds thereto, to approach -his sacred presence in humble and devout prayer, and which also affords -to those who are thus devoted, sweet and heavenly consolation and joy. - -I passed this week mostly at home overseeing my temporal concerns. -Attended our monthly meeting on fifth day, at which we received -information, from the women’s meeting, of the departure of one of our -members, a young woman, who had gone out in her marriage with one not -a member, whom they concluded ought to be disowned; with which the -men’s meeting concurred. This is a weakness among our young members, -which is, in general, very pernicious in its consequences, and too -often happens through the neglect of care and right concern in parents -and guardians, who, for want of living near the truth, and under -right religious engagements themselves, are too often led away to seek -after riches for their children, and are more desirous that their -children should obtain companions who are wealthy and rich in this -world’s treasure, than such as are truly religious and virtuous. Thus -a foundation is often laid, by such indiscreet parents, for many very -unhappy connexions, by which the religious improvement and advancement -of their tender offspring is often entirely intercepted and prevented, -and their prospects of temporal comfort and joy rendered abortive; and -they have to drag out a miserable existence until death dissolves their -obligations. - -First day, the 20th. As I sat in our meeting my mind was brought under -exercise in taking a view of the life of Solomon, that wise king of -Israel, as delineated by his own pen; and from which we learn the -insignificance of all consolation and joy which have their source in -temporal and mortal things, as they must and will end, in vanity and -vexation of spirit: and that to fear God and keep his commandments, -is not only the whole duty of man, but likewise the only blessed and -eternal source of all true joy and never ending felicity. The subject -spread on my mind and led to communication, in which I endeavoured, in -the ability afforded, by persuasive arguments, to engage the minds of -the auditory, both old and young, in the pursuit of that invaluable -treasure that waxeth not old, but endureth for ever, which will bring -true joy to the immortal soul and adds no sorrow. - -Nothing particular occurred in the course of this week, except that a -care and fear attended my mind, lest the cares of this world and the -increase of temporal things might too much interrupt, and intrude, -upon my spiritual concerns; for riches are ever deceitful, and always -promise more than they have in their power to perform. - -First day, the 27th. Feeling my mind inclined to sit with Friends at -Bethpage to-day, I yielded to the motion and attended their meeting; -and although I had not a great deal to communicate, yet what I had, -appeared to reach home to many minds, and rendered it a comfortable -meeting, not only to myself, but to the assembly in general. The -subject which opened for communication was the necessity and excellency -of integrity; and that although we might be so wise and knowing as to -comprehend all knowledge, yet if we were destitute of integrity and -sincerity of heart, we should but share the fate of fools at last, and -be not a whit better for all our wisdom and knowledge. - -Second, third, and fourth days. Spent in close attention to my -temporal concerns, the care for which, and for their right ordering, -is constantly necessary; insomuch that I often wonder how it is, that -I sometimes hear people say, they seem at a loss how to spend their -time; when not only my temporal, but in an especial manner my spiritual -concerns, are always urgent and pressing; so that I find not a moment -to be idle: so true is that declaration of the Most High verified: -“In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto -the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art and unto -dust shalt thou return.” The wise man also saith: “All things are full -of labour” therefore we ought not to repine or murmur at our lot, but -receive all, as at the hand of the Lord with thanksgiving. - -Fifth, sixth, and seventh days. I attended three funerals, one on each -day successively. The first was a very ancient female, upwards of -ninety years of age, belonging to Westbury meeting. We had a solemn -meeting on the occasion, in which truth favoured, opening suitable -doctrine, and bringing it home to the states of those present, who -were mostly Friends. The hidden things of Esau, or the first nature, -and the secret lurking places of self, were searched out and exposed; -for which my mind, with the honest-hearted present, was made glad in -the Lord, and in the apparent working of his power and wisdom. The two -last were not members of our society, but were favourably disposed to -Friends. They were seasons of favour. A meeting, was held at each, and -both largely attended by the neighbouring inhabitants. The doctrines -delivered were well adapted to the conditions of the hearers, and were -brought home to many minds in the demonstration of truth, breaking and -contriting many hearts; and thanksgiving and praises were returned to -the Shepherd of Israel, as a tribute of gratitude for such unmerited -mercies. - -First day, the 3d of 4th month. Our meeting to-day was favoured with -the overshadowing wing of divine truth, and its power exalted over all, -contriting and comforting many minds. But alas, what small advancements -are made by many of those who are often dug about and watered by the -compassionate Shepherd of Israel, whose mercy is still eminently -dispensed to man, the workmanship of his holy hand. - -I attended two funerals in the course of this week, one on fifth day, -after the sitting of our preparative meeting, and the other on sixth -day. Both were young men in the prime of life. The latter unmarried, -and was a relation to my wife. His parents had a healthful family -of children, and had never met with the like trial before. It was -therefore a very affecting scene both to them and their children; they -having been before favoured with almost an unbroken scene of worldly -prosperity, which made the wound sink deeper. We had a very solemn -meeting on the occasion, wherein I was largely opened to preach the -gospel in the demonstration of truth; and among other things to show -to the people, the necessity and sure felicity of an early preparation -for death; and that God was the alone proper object for man to set his -heart and affections upon. The auditory were mostly not in membership -with Friends. Many of them were much broken and contrited, and a -general, and very precious solemnity was spread over the meeting. The -hearts of many were made glad, from a sense of the Lord’s continued and -unmerited goodness and mercy to the children of men; still showing his -unwillingness that any should die in their sins, and that all might -repent, turn to him and live. - -First day, the 10th. I had a hard suffering meeting to-day, in which -I witnessed not only deep inward poverty, but had to struggle with -unprofitable thoughts, with very little ability to maintain the -warfare; yet, under the consideration that it was altogether as good, -if not better, than my deserts could justly require, I was preserved -from murmuring or complaining at my lot, being willing to receive evil -as well as good, at the hand of my gracious and compassionate Lord, -when he sees meet to permit or dispense it. “Shall we receive good at -the hand of God, and shall we not evil?” - -The rest of this week was principally occupied in a close application -to my temporal concerns, except attending our monthly and select -preparative meetings, which came at this time. My belief was similar to -the apostle’s, that he who is not carefully industrious to labour for -his own and household’s comfortable support, may be considered to have -denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel; as they are generally -careful on those accounts. - -First day, the 17th. The meeting to-day was pretty open and -comfortable. The rest of the week was mostly taken up in attending our -quarterly meeting, held at New-York at this time. - -First day, the 24th. Sat our meeting mostly in silence. - -Second, third, and fourth days. Were taken up principally in caring for -my temporal concerns. Alas, how much precious time is expended for the -accommodation of those houses of clay, which must shortly return to -the dust from whence they were taken; and which often burden, and too -much indispose the mind for heavenly and spiritual meditations, unless -carefully watched and strongly guarded against. - -Fifth day. I was wholly silent in our meeting to-day; in the course -of which I had full evidence of the truth of that saying of the great -Master, that of ourselves, without him, we can do nothing. - -Sixth and seventh days. Were accompanied with heart searchings, -discouragement, and dismay; in which I witnessed the truth of that -saying, that vain is the help of man, whose efforts often tend more to -sully and weaken, than to brighten and strengthen the minds of those -they strive to help. This is principally owing to their dwelling on the -surface, and judging from the outward appearance, instead of digging -deep in search of the mind of truth, which only can enable to judge -with righteous judgment. - -First day, the 1st of 5th month. Sat our meeting in silence, and in -much poverty of spirit; and when the season for closing the meeting -seemed near at hand, I looked over the assembly, which was pretty -large, with a degree of sympathy and commiseration, which brought to my -remembrance the compassionate saying of our Lord to his disciples, on, -as I apprehended, a similar occasion, viz: “If I send them away fasting -to their own houses, they will faint by the way.” This put a stop to my -mind with regard to closing the meeting; and as I knew I had nothing to -give, I looked around to see what was to be done. A friend then stood -up with something comparable to the five loaves and the two fishes, -which were found formerly in the lad’s basket. As they were broken, she -handed them to the company, until all appeared satisfied; for which I -was thankful. - -Seventh day. The week hath passed away. Oh time, precious time, how -swift thou passest on, by us almost unenjoyed and unimproved! How soon -thou wilt land thy travelling pilgrim in the house appointed for all -living; where, oh my soul, thou knowest there is no repentance nor -amendment known! Prepare then, oh prepare, for thy final change! - -First day, the 8th of 5th month. A poor silent meeting until near the -close, when a little light sprang up and dispelled the darkness, and -sweetened all the bitter. By such things we are instructed, and learn -to know our dependent state, and that it is the Lord’s doings, and -marvellous in our eyes. - -Nothing uncommon transpired in the course of this week, save as -usual, bonds and afflictions for the gospel’s sake, spiritually and -inwardly experienced, await me; from a view and sense of the spread -of evil, and the great want of faithful testimony-bearers in society; -and the languor and weakness which abound; that I am sometimes almost -involuntarily led to cry, alas for the day. - -First day, the 15th. My mind was deeply exercised in our meeting to-day -on divers important subjects, and largely led forth in communication: -but for want of a more full openness and preparation in the auditory to -receive, the labour was arduous and exercising, yet I trust profitable -to some. - -The rest of the week was employed in my usual attention to my necessary -temporal concerns, and an unfailing attention to those of a religious -nature. Our monthly meeting was held this week. The meeting for -Ministers and Elders belonging to the yearly meeting was held on -seventh day, at the tenth hour, which my wife and myself attended. -It was, I think, in a good degree a favoured time; as were the public -meetings on first day, both forenoon and afternoon. On second day the -yearly meeting for discipline opened at the tenth hour, and continued -by adjournments until fifth day evening. It was for the most part a -comfortable profitable season, evidencing in the several sittings, -that the Lord had not forsaken his people, but was still graciously -manifesting his presence and power for our comfort and help, in -ordering the affairs of the Church. On sixth day Friends turned their -faces towards home, where I arrived at evening with my wife and two -youngest daughters, who constitute my present family, except servants. - -The next day I felt myself in a cheerful readiness to put my hands to -whatever they found to do, as right to be done. - -First day, the 29th. Felt myself so much indisposed with a cold and -considerable pain of body, as to be prevented from attending our -meeting to-day; in reflecting thereon, and how very seldom I had been -thus prevented for many years past, my mind was filled with gratitude -and thankfulness to our gracious Helper and Preserver, for the portion -of bodily health allotted me in the course of his divine providence; -whereby, I have been almost invariably of ability of body for a number -of years, to attend all our religious meetings, which I consider and -number among our chiefest blessings and benefits. - -The latter end of this week I joined our friend William Flanner, who -was here on a religious visit from Ohio; and attended a number of -meetings in divers places, where no meetings of our society were held. -I had had a prospect of visiting those places some time before. We were -out three days and attended five meetings. The first was with Friends -at Bethpage, the rest among people inclining to Friends, and those of -other professions. They were, I think, all favoured seasons. The Lord’s -presence and power were manifested for our help, furnishing ability -to minister suitably to the different states of the people, in the -demonstration of the spirit. Many hearts were humbled and contrited, -and the assemblies solemnized, and truth raised into dominion over -all; and our hearts were made glad under an humbling sense of the -continuation of the Lord’s mercy and compassion, still extended to the -children of men. We returned home on first day evening, the 5th of 6th -month. - -The three following days I was about home, mostly employed in my -temporal concerns. - -On sixth day attended the funeral of a friend of Westbury meeting. -It was a solemn time, in which I found it my place to be an example -of silence. Seventh day spent at home. On first day, the 12th of 6th -month, I attended two meetings, by appointment, among those not of -our society. One in the morning at Cold Spring, and the other at four -o’clock in the afternoon at Huntington. They were both seasons of -extensive labour, and I hope profitable to some; and productive of -peace to my own mind. - -On second day I went to New-York in order to attend the meeting for -sufferings, which I accordingly attended the next day, and returned -home at evening. On fourth day attended to my temporal concerns with -usual industry. - -Fifth day attended our monthly meeting, at which several matters -occurred producing exercise to my mind, which led to a communication of -prospects; and although some diversity of sentiment was expressed, yet -I was favoured so to unfold the subjects, that they were concluded in a -general unity. - -Sixth and seventh days. Spent in attending to my usual affairs. - -First day, the 19th of 6th month. I was led in our meeting to-day, to -set forth the excellency of real poverty of spirit; as it is that only, -which can produce that truly humble state, to which the blessing is -annexed. - -Fifth day. As I was sitting in our meeting enjoying the especial -advantages which are attached to silent meetings, when the mind -is silently prostrated at the throne of grace, and helped to be -sequestered from all intruding thoughts, and wholly centered in and -upon Jehovah, the alone object of worship and adoration; a subject -opened and spread in a way which led to communication; in which I had -to show, that there were but two proper motives or inducements for -our rightly attending religious meetings. The first related to such -as were unbelievers, or those who were ignorant of the right way of -worshipping God in and under the dispensation of the gospel, which -according to our Lord’s declaration to the woman of Samaria, is only to -be performed in spirit and in truth. The principal benefit to these, -is to be informed and instructed; for which more especially, the Lord -hath ordained a ministry in his Church, by means of instruments rightly -qualified therefor, by the baptismal influence of the Holy Ghost. The -second relates to such as are already instructed and informed, whose -judgments are convinced, and whose motive as it relates to themselves -is, to meet together to wait upon and worship God in spirit and in -truth, without any regard or consideration to any external ministry -or means whatever: as it is only in a state of entire sequestration -from every thing of an outward or external nature, that the soul is -permitted to enter into the holy place, not made with hands; and -admitted into the immediate presence of Jehovah, and rendered capable -of worshipping him, in spirit and in truth, as the gospel requires. - -Sixth and seventh days. Spent in my usual vocation as a farmer. - -First day, the 26th of 6th month. Attended two meetings by appointment, -among those principally not of our society. The first was held in a -Friend’s house at a place called the Half Hollow Hills. The latter at -the fourth hour in the afternoon, at a village called New Babylon, in -the township of Huntington. It was held in a school-house, and was -a large meeting, mostly of the Presbyterian persuasion. The people -behaved very soberly, becoming the occasion. It was a very solemn -favoured season; many hearts were contrited and made thankful for the -opportunity; and my heart was much enlarged in love to the assembly. -I trust I felt a mutual return of the same feeling from most present, -for which I was made thankful to the Shepherd of Israel; and for the -continuation of his gracious regard in manifesting his presence, and -making bare his arm, for the help of his devoted servants; showing -himself indeed to be a God near at hand, and a present helper in the -needful time, worthy to be praised and adored by the children of men, -throughout all ages, world without end. - -The rest of this week I spent mostly about home, being closely engaged -in making hay, which for want of suitable help, made it necessary for -me to labour myself, beyond what seemed suitable for one of my age; -but I felt peace of mind in so doing, although I suffered some pain of -body, as the result of my exertion. - -First day, the 3d of 7th month. Sat our meeting in silence. At the -third hour in the afternoon attended the funeral of a deceased -neighbour. Although my mind was brought under some exercise, which -led to communication; yet I found very little relief, owing, as I -apprehended, to the prevalence of a libertine spirit in many present. -For these are generally disposed to mock at, and ridicule every -thing serious, or that has the appearance of religion and godliness: -rebellious children who hate the light, because their deeds are evil, -and who take more delight in revelling and drunkenness than in the -fear of the Lord. I often feel sad for such as these, and my mind goes -clothed as it were with sackcloth, unseen by the world. O, when will -they be awakened to a right sense of their miserable condition! I often -fear that some of them have nearly sinned out their day; and to whom -the scripture declaration will apply: “He that, being often reproved, -hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without -remedy.” - -Second, third and fourth days. Busily employed in my husbandry -concerns, with my mind clothed with peace towards all men, and with -hope towards God my Saviour: and comforted at times in the remembrance -of that apostolic declaration, where it is asserted: “We know that we -have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.” - -Fifth day. Attended our meeting in silence, the fire being low on the -altar. - -Sixth and seventh days. Closely engaged in making and securing hay for -the accommodation of my stock the ensuing winter; as I consider it a -duty to provide plenty of good provender for them, so as to render -their lives as comfortable as may be, whilst under my care. - -First day, the 10th. As I sat in our meeting to-day, my mind was led -into a consideration and prospect of the excellency and amiableness -of justice, and of the vast advantage which would accrue to the -children of men by a strict adherence thereto; as it would greatly -tend to regulate our conduct, both as it relates to our duty to God -our creator, and also to man, our fellow creature: and therefore ought -to be the governing principle and main spring of all our conduct, as -well in our temporal, as in our spiritual concerns. The subject spread -and enlarged and opened to communication; and, I trust, proved an -instructive comfortable season to some present; and I felt a reward of -peace in my labour. - -Second day. Attended the funeral of a deceased neighbour, who was not -a member of our society, but being convinced of our principles, and -inclined to Friends, the family desired a meeting might be held, which -was accordingly agreed to. It was a large collection of people of -various denominations, and a considerable number of the looser sort. -I had an open favoured time among them, in which the power of truth -rose into dominion over all, humbling and contriting many hearts, and a -general solemnity was felt to cover the meeting to the praise of Him, -who is over all, God blessed for ever. - -Third and fourth days. Occupied in my usual concerns, but did not -feel that full peace of mind with my fourth day’s exercise that is -generally my experience, owing, as I apprehended, to a want of a more -full attention to a small intimation respecting that day’s employment. -Remember, oh my soul! that all thy success in temporals, as well as all -thy sweet inward heavenly consolations, depend upon thy faithfulness -and ready submission to those inward divine intimations; although -sometimes small, they ought to be considered by thee, binding and -obligatory, as the only source from whence all thy true peace and joy -are derived. - -Fifth day. This was our preparative meeting, and as it was the one -preceding the quarterly meeting, the queries were read and answered; -but I apprehended in a way not tending to much profit, either by reason -of one or two improper questions being added to the queries of late, -which to many Friends appeared inconsistent to be answered; or from -the want of a more lively spiritual exercise with the members; or -both might have had a share in producing a dull distressing season. -No way seemed to open for any relief, so we had patiently to bear it. -And indeed I thought it required a large share of patience to sit the -meeting through without murmuring; the chariot wheels seemed to go very -heavily on, as though almost sunk in the slough of despond; but we did -what we could, and so left the matter; and I returned home with a heavy -heart, and was preserved, I trust, from murmuring at my lot. - -Sixth day. Spent in gathering in my harvest and some other small -exercises. The day closed with a quiet and peaceful mind. What a -paradise it is when this is our lot. - -Seventh day. Visited two Friends who were under some bodily infirmity. -The visits were mutually comfortable. Such opportunities, when rightly -conducted, tend to the increase of friendship and mutual love. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - - Visit to Purchase, and engagements at and about home, 1814. - - -First day, the 17th of 7th month, 1814. Feeling my mind drawn to sit -with Friends in their meeting at Westbury, I yielded to the motion. It -proved an exercising meeting--but little life to be felt: nevertheless, -way opened for a short communication, pointing particularly to the -state of the meeting, which I hope was profitable to some. At the -third hour in the afternoon, I attended the funeral of a very ancient -woman of this neighbourhood, not a member of our society; but the -family desiring the company of Friends, a number collected with -others. It proved a pretty solemn time. My mind was led to open to the -assembly, the especial advantages which would result to us, as rational -accountable beings, by a timely preparation for death; and that it was -our especial duty, as well as our best interest, to make it, at all -times, the primary object of our concern. - -Second, third, and fourth days. Spent principally in family cares and -my husbandry concerns. What a favour it is for such an active creature -as man, possessed of such powers of body and mind, always to have some -employment, and something for those powers to act upon: for otherwise -they would be useless and dormant, and afford neither profit nor -delight. - -Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting. It was an exercising season, -especially the meeting for worship, which I think was much hurt by the -communication of a Friend in the ministry, who was this day with us. It -was attended with so much mere creaturely warmth and animation, as to -render it unacceptable, and, as I apprehended, hurtful to the meeting, -and the cause it was intended to advance. What a pity it is that any -who apprehend themselves called to this very important work, should -make such grievous mistakes, and wound the minds of the living sensible -members. - -Sixth day. Attended our select preparative meeting of Ministers and -Elders. It was, I think, a season of profitable exercise, in which some -of the hidden things of Esau, or the first nature, were searched out -and exposed. - -Seventh day. Laboured hard in my harvest field; and, although sixty-six -years of age, I found I could wield the scythe nearly as in the days -of my youth. It was a day of thankful and delightful contemplation. My -heart was filled with thankfulness and gratitude to the blessed Author -of my existence, in a consideration of his providential care over me, -in preserving me in health, and in the possession of my bodily powers; -the exercise of which were still affording me both profit and delight: -and I was doubly thankful for the continued exercise of my mental -faculties, not only in instructing me how to exert and rightly employ -my bodily powers, in the most useful and advantageous manner, but also -in contemplating the works of nature and Providence, in the blessings -and beauties of the field; a volume containing more delightful and -profitable instruction, than all the volumes of mere learning and -science in the world. - -What a vast portion of the joys and comforts of life do the idle and -slothful deprive themselves of, by running into cities and towns, to -avoid labouring in the field; not considering that this is one of -the principal sources, that the gracious Creator of the universe has -appointed to his creature man, from whence he may derive great temporal -happiness and delight. It also opens the largest and best field of -exercise to the contemplative mind, by which it may be prepared to -meet, when this mortal puts on immortality, those immortal joys that -will ever be the lot of the faithful and industrious. - -First day, the 24th of 7th month. I went to our meeting to-day in -much poverty of spirit, and in full expectation of passing it in -silence; but I had not sat long before my mind was led into a view -of the singular benefit derived to the children of men, by the -denial of self, and a daily and faithfully taking up, and bearing the -cross; as it is the only way by which we can come to experience real -sanctification and justification. The subject spread and opened to -communication, in which things were laid home to the states of many -present, in a clear manner; and the danger of their situations exposed. -It brought a solemn covering over the meeting, for which I was thankful. - -Second and third days. I spent in securing my harvest. This week -being the time of our quarterly meeting, the meeting for Ministers -and Elders opened on fourth day at the tenth hour. It was a season of -close search; the deficiencies of Ministers and Elders were laid open; -and the hurtful tendency thereof exposed. A number appeared deeply -concerned, on account of the prevailing weakness of some in those -exalted stations in society. On fifth day the meeting for discipline -was held. It was also a very searching time, a season of deep exercise -to my mind; in which the hurtful tendency of many apparent deficiencies -was laid open and exposed; and Friends exhorted to greater faithfulness -and diligence, in the right support of those noble testimonies, given -us to bear, for the promotion of righteousness and peace on the earth. -On sixth day was a general public meeting, in which my mind was -enlarged in gospel communication, wherein truth was exalted and raised -into dominion, to the comfort and edification of many minds; and to the -sweet peace of my own. After this Friends separated to their several -homes in much nearness of affection, and mutual love. - -Seventh day. Spent in my temporal concerns. - -First day, the 31st of 7th month. A silent meeting to-day, for which -I was thankful. Although faithfully labouring in the Lord’s vineyard -produceth peace and joy to the willing mind, even should it have to -bear the burden and heat of the day; yet when permitted, a season of -rest is also sweet and grateful. - -Having for some days past felt my mind inclined to attend the ensuing -quarterly meeting at Purchase, I spent most of this week in that -service. On second day I left home, and returned on the following sixth -day at evening. I felt but little satisfaction in this short tour of -duty, except in one or two visits in Friends’ families. Most of the -sittings of the quarterly meeting seemed to be clothed with great -weakness, and some of them distressingly so. - -Seventh day. Exercised in my husbandry business; and the evening closed -with a peaceful mind. - -First day, the 7th of 8th month. Felt so much bodily indisposition as -to prevent my attending meeting; but even this induced thankfulness and -gratitude, in recollecting how very seldom this had been my lot for -many years. Oh what shall I, a poor worm, render unto the Lord for all -his benefits! - -Second, third, and fourth days. Spent principally in looking to, and -overseeing, my temporal business; and still feeling some slight touches -of bodily indisposition, which seemed to announce this language, in -unison with every thing that is mortal, _remember to die_. - -Fifth day. Attended our preparative meeting: what a privilege! the very -name points to care, as saying, “Be ye therefore ready.” - -Sixth day. Did as Peter and some of his fellow disciples, when not -directly employed by their Master, but waiting and watching for his -coming. - -Seventh day. Laboured in the field; and the day closed with a quiet and -peaceful mind, which I esteem the greatest treasure. - -First day, the 14th of 8th month. As I sat in our meeting to-day, -my mind was impressed with the remembrance of the declaration of -the prophet Isaiah, when reproving the house of Israel, under the -similitude of a vineyard, for their backsliding and breach of covenant -and great wickedness, which he closes with this notable saying: -“Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without -measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and -he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.” He showed them thereby -the natural tendency of evil, and certain destruction of evil doers, -who harden themselves in sin. The subject opened and led to a large -exhortatory and cautionary communication; also setting forth the great -obligations of parents and guardians to their tender offspring and -children under their charge; and the incalculable loss that children -sustain where parents and guardians neglect their duty in timely -care for their right instruction. It was a solemn time, and I hope -profitable to some, by stirring them up to more diligence. - -The rest of this week, except attending our monthly meeting on fifth -day, was spent in close attention to my temporal concerns. The urgent -necessity attending my present business induced me to labour beyond -what my judgment approved; which, though somewhat painful to the body, -was nevertheless, I trust, free from sin. - -First day, the 21st of 8th month. A silent meeting to-day, which closed -with a peaceful mind. - -Second, third, and fourth days. Passed without any thing transpiring -worthy of particular notice. - -Fifth day. A silent meeting, as it respects myself. - -Sixth and seventh days. Spent in my salt-meadows, about ten miles from -home; assisting my men in making and securing hay. On my return visited -a poor widow, with the surplus of our provisions, for which she was -very thankful. - -First day, the 28th. My lips, at our meeting to-day, were closed in -solemn silence. - -Second, third, and fourth days. Diligently employed in what my hands -found to do: for I see no time when it would be right to indulge in -idleness. - -Fifth day. Sat our meeting in much weakness and poverty of spirit, but -felt peace at the close. - -Sixth and seventh days. Closely engaged in my temporal business; but -did not forget my accountability to my great Lord and Master, for the -right use of every portion of precious time, he is pleased to dispense -to me. - -First day, the 4th of 9th month. My mind, while sitting in our meeting -to-day, was led into a contemplation of the great and excellent -advantages resulting to those, who have placed their supreme trust -in the arm of divine sufficiency; and while musing thereon, and the -manifold blessings attendant on such a state, there was brought to my -remembrance the exhortation of Solomon: “Trust in the Lord with all thy -heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” The subject spread, -and opened to a communication, in which the audience were pressingly -invited and encouraged to lay hold and make choice of this only sure -rock of refuge, an entire trust and confidence in God, and in the arm -of his salvation. For those who trust in the name of the Lord, have -never been confounded. - -The rest of this week was spent in my usual vocations, except attending -our preparative meeting on fifth day. Nothing transpired worthy of -particular notice. - -First day, the 11th. As I was sitting in our meeting to-day, my mind -was led into a train of solemn reflection, from the revival of these -expressions of Christ to his disciples: “In the world ye shall have -tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” An -enlightened view was opened to me of the especial advantages, and deep -consolation, derived to the true Christian, by a firm belief therein: -as the expressions evidently carry in them an earnest to the true -believer, of his being likewise enabled to overcome, as he is faithful -in treading in the path of self-denial, agreeably to his heavenly -pattern. The subject opened to communication, in which the audience -were pressingly invited and encouraged to enter earnestly into this -most necessary and interesting warfare; as nothing short of overcoming -the world, the flesh, and the devil, can restore to us an uninterrupted -peace, and entitle us to the white stone in which the new name is -written; which none can read, but he who hath it. - -The succeeding days of this week were attended to as they passed; but -nothing transpired unusual. Our monthly meeting was on fifth day; and -although we had a pretty trying case before us, yet we got through -without interruption, or any breach of Christian harmony. - -First day, the 18th of 9th month. A satisfactory meeting to-day, -more so than for several weeks past; the testimony of truth went -forth freely, and, I think, clothed with a good degree of power and -demonstration of the spirit, which produced a peaceful and thankful -mind. The rest of this week I was closely engaged in preparing my -fallow ground, and sowing my wheat and rye. I am willing to do my part -carefully and industriously; and then I can with more confidence, place -my trust and dependence on a gracious and beneficent Providence, for -a blessing on my labour: for if care and industry be wanting, there is -nothing for him to bless. - -First day, the 25th. A silent meeting to-day, as to any vocal -communication; but my mind was too much intruded upon by unprofitable -thoughts, and interrupted by the unchristian commotions and din of -war, which are at present mightily prevailing in our land, and by the -frequent reports of blood and slaughter witnessed among professed human -rational beings: but alas! how inhuman and irrational do they prove -and proclaim themselves to be, who can deliberately imbrue their hands -in each other’s blood for this world’s honours and profits; and dare -at the same time to call themselves Christians, although so utterly -estranged from the real Christian spirit and life. - -The remaining part of this week spent in my usual vocations. - -First day, the 2d of 10th month. I was led, in my communication -to-day, to show the unreasonableness of some people, in looking to, -and depending on, being made Christians, by the ministration of men, -and information derived from books and writings; when, alas, the -ministration of angels would be entirely insufficient for that purpose. -The ministration of the _Son and sent of God_, even the _divine word_ -that was in the beginning with God, and was God, is only sufficient to -effect that great and blessed end: and that, not by any thing which he -has _spoken, commanded, or done without us_, but by what he _speaks, -commands, and does within us_; we yielding and submitting thereto by -faithful obedience. For there is no other way by which any have been, -or can be, made real Christians, or true, sincere, sensible followers -of Christ, in spirit and life. - -Nothing unusual transpired in the course of the remaining part of this -week. - -First day, the 9th. Whilst sitting in our meeting to-day, there was -brought to my remembrance the following portion of Paul’s exhortation -to his son Timothy, as recorded in his first epistle: “For bodily -exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, -having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. -This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. For therefore -we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living -God, who is the Saviour of all men, especially of those that believe.” -The subject spread, and my mind was opened to take an enlightened, and -enlarged view thereof; so as to be induced to believe that a necessity -was laid upon me to communicate it to the assembly; and as I yielded -thereto, it still enlarged, and led to an open field of doctrine. I was -clothed with gospel authority, which produced a most precious solemnity -and calm over the meeting. It was evidently the Lord’s doing, and it -was marvellous in my eyes; and my spirit was made thankful for the -renewed, and unmerited mercy and favour. - -Second and third days. Were spent in attending our meeting for -sufferings, at which information was received, through one of its -corresponding members, that the Legislature of our state, now sitting, -were about forming a bill to lay a heavy tax on the members of our -society, to be paid in lieu of personal military service; which, if -passed into a law, would be likely to expose many of our members to -severe suffering. The subject brought considerable exercise over the -meeting, which led into a discussion of our testimony against war; in -which it appeared manifest, that the deficiency of many of our members, -in regard to a right support thereof, tended to obstruct, in a very -considerable degree, our stepping forward, consistently with the nature -of our appointment, to seek redress therein: nevertheless, after a -considerable time spent thereon, and many different prospects opened, -the meeting so far agreed, as to separate a committee of six Friends, -to pay especial attention to the subject: who were directed to proceed -therein, as the necessity of the case might require, and way should -open for. - -Fourth day. Spent in assisting two of my neighbours to settle their -business; and wrote a _will_ for each of them. This is a business that -every man ought to attend to, and complete, in time of health. - -Fifth day. Attended our preparative meeting, and it being the one -preceding our quarterly meeting, the queries were to be answered. -As one of the overseers was likely to be necessarily absent from -the preparative meeting, they met a day or two previous thereto, and -prepared essays of answers; and the one who attended, produced them -to the meeting at the time of entering upon reading and answering the -queries. As I had long believed, from observation and experience, that -this method was inconsistent with the nature of our profession, and -right order of our discipline, as well as in its tendency very hurtful -and weakening to the meeting, my mind was very much exercised on the -occasion; and the more so, in finding several Friends willing to adopt -the practice: but, after the matter had been pretty fully spoken to, -under a weight of concern, Friends agreed to lay the essays aside, and -not notice them; which was a considerable relief to my mind. - -Sixth and seventh days. Passed without any thing particular to notice. - -First day, the 16th. My mind was brought under a renewed exercise -in our meeting, from a view and consideration of the very small -improvement and progress made by a great portion of our society in -religious experience, when compared with the opportunities they -were so abundantly favoured with from time to time. It led to a -communication on the subject, which was introduced by a revival of -Paul’s reprehension of the Hebrews: “For when for the time ye ought to -be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first -principles of the oracles of God: and are become such as have need of -milk, and not of strong meat.” The subject spread, and brought a solemn -weight over the meeting, and Friends were pressingly excited to greater -diligence in the right improvement of their precious time; that so when -the day of solemn inquisition comes, they may be prepared to give in -their account with joy, and receive the desired and peaceful answer of: -“well done thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over -a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into -the joy of thy Lord.” - -Our monthly meeting was held on fifth day; and, I think, the business -was well and harmoniously conducted. The rest of the week I was busily -employed in my usual vocations; and divers things occurred, which -induced gratitude and thankfulness of heart to the blessed Author of -all our mercies. - -First day, the 23d. A silent meeting to-day. What a precious thing it -is, to be taught to know when to speak, and when to be silent. - -Our quarterly meeting was held this week at Flushing. It was, I think, -through the several sittings, a searching, instructive, favoured -season. In the meeting of Ministers and Elders, and meeting for -discipline, many of the hidden things of Esau, or the first nature, -were searched out and made manifest; and their inconsistency with -the gospel dispensation, and hurtful tendency, exposed; particularly -that of coveting and grasping after riches; to obtain which, many of -the members of our society had launched into extensive business, more -particularly in the line of commerce, and, in order to carry it on, -had involved themselves in debt beyond their ability to pay; and, to -keep up a false credit, had, by a show of friendship, and a deceptive -appearance of having great possessions, drawn in others to lend them -money, and become their sureties for large sums; until both the -borrower and lender were involved in utter ruin, to the great scandal -of themselves, the distress of their families, and reproach of our -holy profession. Others there were, who, for want of keeping close to -the foundation principle of our profession, the inward divine light, -and faithful testimony-bearer in the heart and conscience, had given -way to busy themselves, and take a part in, the political disputes and -controversies among the people, relative to the governments of this -world; which at this time ran high, and had produced war and distress -in the land; by which, they not only grieved their concerned Friends, -but brought much reproach upon themselves and their profession. My mind -was deeply exercised on account of these things; and I was constrained -to bear a full and faithful testimony against all such inconsistent and -unchristian conduct; and to call Friends’ attention to the necessity of -a more close adherence to the internal principle of divine light and -truth, as the only sure Director and Preserver, in times of trial. - -The closing meeting, held for worship, was eminently favoured with the -Divine presence; and the concurring testimonies borne, gave evidence -of his presiding power; and his great name was supplicated, and -gratitude and thanksgiving were rendered to him for his continued mercy. - -First day, the 30th. In the forepart of our meeting to-day, my mind -seemed clothed with great weakness, and much interrupted by the -continued succession of unnecessary and unprofitable thoughts: but -as I continued to endeavour to draw my attention from them, although -to little effect, till towards the close of the meeting, my mind was -unexpectedly arrested with a subject very interesting to every immortal -soul, that of coming to believe in, and become settled on, the eternal -and unchangeable rock of salvation, _Christ the divine light_, as -prophesied of, not only as “a light to lighten the Gentiles,” but -to be God’s salvation to the ends of the earth. The subject spread, -accompanied with life; which, as communicated under the influence -thereof, spread over the meeting, and it became a comfortable -refreshing season. It was evidently the Lord’s doing, and worthy of -thankful acknowledgment, for the unmerited mercy. - -Second, third, and fourth days. Busily employed with my workmen, -assisting them in securing our corn, &c. It was a bountiful crop, which -made the labour pleasant, and the heart thankful. - -Fifth day. At our meeting to-day, which was larger than usual, -occasioned by the marriage of one of my daughters, I was led to set -forth, by public testimony, the excellency of the divine fear, and its -blessed and salutary effects on the minds of those, who live daily -under an humbling sense thereof; and, by the persuasive language of -entreaty, endeavoured to arrest the minds of the tender and beloved -youth present, with a sense of the necessity of having it to dwell -richly in their hearts, as the only sure means of preservation, from -the many evils and temptations which abound in the world. A comfortable -calm was brought over the meeting, a fit preparative for the quiet -and orderly accomplishment of the intended marriage. It was cause of -thankfulness to my mind, having been favoured to have four daughters, -out of five, agreeably married, in the comely order of Friends: the -other, yet single, a tender precious young woman, observing with pious -submission her parents’ counsel. But this is a blessing which few -parents enjoy, except those who live under a daily concern, with timely -and continued care, to watch over and nurture their tender offspring in -the fear of the Lord. - -Sixth day. Accompanied our daughter with her husband to his father’s -house, and returned in the evening. - -Seventh day. Spent in my family cares, and ended the week with a -peaceful mind. - -First day, the 6th of 11th month. My lot was silence to-day. A pleasant -lot indeed, when the Master wills it so. - -Second, third, and fourth days. Employed diligently in my ordinary -affairs. The rest of the week was devoted to religious concerns. We -had the company of a ministering Friend from West Jersey on fifth -day at our meeting, through whose fervent labour the life was raised -into dominion; which made it a comfortable and instructive season. -Accompanied him the two following days to Bethpage and Jerusalem, -having a meeting at each place; both of which were seasons of favour. - -First day, 13th. Passed our meeting again in silence, under the -comfortable feelings of a mind resigned either to speak or to be silent. - -Second, third, and fourth days. Spent in my usual concerns. - -Fifth day. Was our monthly meeting, at which we had the company of the -same Friend, who attended our meeting the fifth day preceding. I had -near unity with him in his exercise; and had to bear a corresponding -testimony, both in the men’s and women’s meeting. It was a season -of favour; and much suitable counsel was administered, tending to -excite Friends to greater faithfulness and circumspection in the right -ordering of their families, and in bringing up and educating their -children, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, consistent with -our holy profession. - -Sixth and seventh days. Returned, as respects the mind, like Mordecai -to the king’s gate; while my hands were busily employed in my family -affairs. - -First day, the 20th. Having felt my mind for some time increasingly -inclined to sit with Friends in their meeting at Martinicock, I -thought it right at this time to attend thereto; but when I came there, -my mind felt so vacant and void of concern, that for some time I was -ready to conclude, that if my coming was of any use, it would all be -included in my personal presence, as an example of silence: but after a -time of quiet waiting, a subject presented, and the life rose with it, -and opened to a large communication, in which the gospel was preached -in the demonstration of the spirit, and with such power attending as -produced a very solemn covering over the meeting; and many hearts -present were broken and contrited. For this favour my mind was clothed -with gratitude and thanksgiving to the bountiful Author of all our -mercies and blessings, “who is over all, God blessed for ever.” - -The rest of this week I spent about home, mostly employed in my -temporal concerns. Passed our fifth day meeting in silence; and the -week ended with a peaceful mind, which I account an unmerited favour. - -First day, the 27th. Feeling my mind drawn to sit with Friends at -Westbury, I accordingly attended their meeting, in which I was led to -set forth the excellency of the state described by the apostle Paul, -which is freed from condemnation, and is effected by a full submission -and obedience to the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, which -sets free from the law of sin and death. It was an open, and, I trust, -a profitable opportunity to some present; and I felt peace in my labour. - -Second day. Attended the funeral of a neighbour, whose wife was a -member of our society; and, although he had been a very intemperate -man, yet, towards his close, he signified a desire to be laid in -Friends’ burial ground, which was allowed. His widow being desirous -I should attend the funeral, I went accordingly with several other -Friends. The neighbourhood was chiefly Dutch people, and a considerable -number attended. We had a solemn opportunity among them: the testimony -borne had a very reaching effect on many, especially among the youth; -and I was made thankful for the opportunity. - -Third and fourth days. Occupied in laying in my winter store of -provisions. - -Fifth day. Attended our meeting. It was a quiet encouraging season. -Towards the latter part, I was concerned to show to Friends the hurtful -tendency of evil thinking, which I introduced by that short saying: -Evil be to him, that evil thinks. The subject enlarged, and spread -increased weight over the meeting; and many minds were humbled and -contrited; and we parted under the solemn covering. - -Sixth and seventh days. Occupied in my usual concerns, with attendant -peace of mind. - -First day, the 4th of 12th month. A quiet silent meeting to-day. - -Second, third, and fourth days. Diversely engaged. Part of the time -occupied with many other Friends, in collecting some relief for the -poor in the city of New-York; the present tumultuous state of public -affairs having reduced many of the labouring part of the citizens to a -suffering state, for want of the necessaries of life. - -Fifth day. In the meeting for worship which preceded our preparative -meeting, I felt my mind renewedly engaged to call Friends’ attention -to a faithful support of our Christian testimonies; particularly those -against war and injustice; and that all might with firmness maintain -our Christian liberties, without fear, favour, or affection, against -every encroachment of the secular powers; as, in the present disturbed -state of public affairs, laws had recently been enacted, levying taxes -and other requisitions for the support of war; which was now spreading -and making its destructive ravages in our once peaceful land. A solemn -weight covered the meeting during the communication; and I was favoured -to relieve my mind for the present, from the weight of concern and -exercise it lay under on those accounts. - -Sixth and seventh days. Busily engaged in my family concerns; believing -with the apostle, that he who doth not take the necessary care for -his own, and families’ comfortable support, may be considered to have -denied the faith, and in that respect is worse than an infidel. - -First day, the 11th. Being invited to attend the funeral of a woman -attached to Friends, though not a member; a widow of my acquaintance -in our neighbouring town of Hempstead; and feeling an inclination -thereto, I attended accordingly. There was a considerable collection, -mostly made up of Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and Methodists; among -whom my mind was enlarged in gospel love, and led to sound forth the -glad tidings of life and salvation, through Jesus Christ the second -Adam, the Lord from heaven, a quickening spirit; showing that by a full -submission to the inward operation of this spirit, a manifestation of -which is given to every man to profit withal, we experience the truth -of that remarkable saying of the apostle Paul: For as in Adam, or the -first fallen nature, all die; so in Christ, the second Adam, or the -renewed and quickened state, all are made alive; and therefore born -again, not of corruptible seed, but of the incorruptible seed and word -of God, that liveth and abideth for ever. It was a highly favoured -season, in which the Lord’s power was exalted, and the truth reigned -over all, bowing the assembly generally; and many hearts were broken -and contrited. It was evidently the Lord’s doing, and marvellous in -mine eyes; and engaged renewed gratitude and thankfulness of heart for -the unmerited mercy. - -Second and third days. Spent in attending our meeting for sufferings -in New-York, in which an opportunity opened to relieve my mind of a -concern I had been for some time exercised under, on account of some -recent laws enacted by the general government of this country, and the -legislature of the state of New-York; which, in their tendency, were -opposite to our testimony against war and injustice; and were likely -to produce much suffering to the faithful in our society, who saw they -could not yield to the requisition of those laws, without balking their -Christian testimonies in these respects. I was led to excite Friends to -unity in this concern; as the want of uniformity would very much tend -to lay waste those precious testimonies, and increase the sufferings of -the society. - -Fourth day. Attended our neighbouring monthly meeting of Westbury. -My mind was engaged to call Friends’ attention to a more close -adherence to discipline; the right management of which could not be -profitably effected, without keeping to a right and sound form. I felt -satisfaction in my labour, in a belief that the honest-hearted were -strengthened and encouraged. - -Fifth day. Attended our own monthly meeting, at which we had the -company of our friend John Winslow, from the district of Maine, in -New England. His gospel labours, in the line of the ministry, were -acceptable and edifying. At this meeting, I opened to my friends a -prospect, which had for some time attended my mind to make a visit to -some scattered families of our society, who resided in the outskirts -of our quarterly meeting; some of whom, being distant from meeting, -but seldom attended. I had also a view of visiting some families who -were not members, and of appointing some meetings, among some of the -neighbouring inhabitants of other societies. The meeting united with -the prospect, and left me at liberty to pursue it, as way might open. - -On sixth and seventh days, I accompanied our friend John Winslow to -Bethpage and Jerusalem; attending a meeting in each place. The Lord our -gracious helper was near, strengthening and qualifying to preach the -gospel of life and salvation in the clear demonstration of the spirit, -and with power; humbling and contriting many present, and rejoicing the -minds of the honest-hearted. - -First day, the 18th. I attended our own meeting; and was favoured -therein with a lively impressive testimony which produced a very -comfortable solemnity over the meeting, and rendered it an instructive -edifying season. - -On second day, by appointment, I met our friend John Winslow at a -meeting in the town of Oysterbay; where we again witnessed the Shepherd -of Israel to be near, enabling us to discharge ourselves faithfully -to the people; setting the truth above errour, and left it upon them, -whether they will hear, or forbear. - -On third day evening, had an appointed meeting for the black people -in our meeting-house at Jericho. It appeared to be owned in a very -especial manner by the Master of our assemblies, who furnished doctrine -suited to their states and conditions; and the truth reigned over all, -fully evidencing that the Lord our God is no respecter of persons, but -is gracious and merciful unto all; and that in every nation, kindred, -tongue, and people, those that fear him, and work righteousness, are -accepted of him. - -Fourth day. Attended an appointed meeting, about four miles easterly -from Jericho. It was a highly favoured season; most present were -affected by the prevalence of truth, that ran as oil. Surely it was the -Lord’s doing, and worthy of grateful acknowledgments and thanksgiving, -for the unmerited favour. - -In the evening we attended another meeting at Cold Spring; and although -not so open as the former, yet we were favoured to clear ourselves -among them; and left them with the reward of peace in our labour. - -Fifth day. Attended a meeting in the morning at the house of a man not -a member, at Huntington West Neck; and in the evening one at the west -end of the town of Huntington, at Peleg Woods’. The first was a very -precious season to the visiters, and, I trust also, to most or all of -the visited: the latter a stripping time in the forepart, but ended -well. - -Sixth day. Visited some families on our way home, which visits, I -believe, were mutually comfortable. - -Seventh day. Spent partly in repairing the travelling vehicle of our -friend aforenamed, who had accompanied me in the above tour. - -First day, the 25th. My mind, while sitting in our meeting, was opened -on the subject of faith, in the revival of that Scripture passage, viz: -“All men have not faith.” I was led, in a clear full testimony, to show -to the auditory, why all men have not faith; although the means of -obtaining it are freely offered to the acceptance of all; yet it is not -to be obtained by man’s natural wisdom or acquirements, but only by and -through the operation and inspiration of the grace and spirit of God, -as man yields in obedience and submission thereunto: hence he comes -to know God, by the inward experimental touches of his own life and -power in his soul; and hence springs up in him, as he patiently submits -thereunto, that living operative faith, that works by love to the -purifying of the heart; but such as are exercising themselves in their -own speculative wisdom, and refuse submission to the manifestations of -divine grace, have not faith, because they reject the only means by -which it can be obtained. The truth was raised into dominion, to the -praise of him who is over all, God blessed for ever. - -Second and third days. Busily employed in my husbandry and family -affairs; each day closing with a peaceful mind. - -Fourth and fifth days. I attended the meetings at Westbury and Cowneck; -and previous notice being given of my intention of attending them, they -were larger than usual at that time in the week. Through the gracious -condescension of Israel’s never-failing Helper, my mind was opened to -declare to the people of the things concerning the kingdom of God, -in two large doctrinal testimonies, one at each place, suited to the -states of the auditories. The doctrines delivered distilled as the dew -on the minds of many who were present; causing tears of contrition to -trickle down their cheeks. Surely such seasons are as a brook by the -way to the honest exercised traveller Zion-ward; as they tend to an -increase of faith, and inspire with fresh courage to persevere in the -heavenly journey. - -I also attended an appointed meeting in the intermediate evening at -Hempstead Harbour. Although I was led in my communication to treat in -a full clear manner divers particular doctrines of the gospel: yet -it seemed to have but little entrance in the minds of those present, -which made the exercise arduous, and afforded but little satisfaction -in the end. This I have found mostly to be the case, in neighbourhoods -where the minds of the people are led to adhere to outward, formal -and ceremonial performances in religion; and especially where much -self-activity and bodily exercise is superadded, which is very much -the case with the principal part of this neighbourhood: and those not -of this description are, except a few, in a state of lukewarmness and -almost entire indifferency, respecting those things which belong to -their soul’s salvation. - -On sixth day, I attended the funeral of a person who died in a -Friend’s family, wherein he had been a labourer for many years, in -the neighbourhood last mentioned. Although but few collected, yet the -opportunity was solemn; and the testimony borne had a reaching effect -on the minds of divers present especially on several of the youth. May -it be fastened by the Master of assemblies, as a nail in a sure place. - -Seventh day. Occupied in my temporal concerns; and the week, and the -year, ended with a peaceful mind. - -First day, the 1st of 1st month, 1815. My mind, while silently -waiting in our meeting, was opened to view in prospect the beauty -and excellency of order. As it spread on my mind, I felt constrained -to communicate on the subject; and to show, that all things, which -continued in full subjection to the divine will, were preserved in the -same beautiful order they were arranged in from the beginning; and -that all disorder sprang from, and was the effect of, a will separate -and distinct from the divine will. For as God is a God of order, and -is also the creator of all things, of course there can be no order -and right harmony in his creation, but what he is the sole author of: -hence the necessity of every created being becoming wholly subject to -his heavenly and divine will, as nothing else can possibly restore the -creation to its primitive order and harmony: and when this is effected, -there will be a perfect subjection of every distinct and separate will, -to the will of our heavenly Father. Then the whole creation will stand -in a state of subservience to the divine will; then will the morning -stars again resume their song, and all the sons of God shout for joy. -O! happy day, may the Lord hasten it in his own time. - -Second day. I attended the funeral of a young man, who was killed by -the falling of his horse. He was in company with a number of loose -young men at a tavern, where they had been running horses; and his -horse threw him off in a fearful manner; nevertheless he escaped -unhurt: but shortly after, as he was riding from the tavern, his horse -fell with him, and he died with the hurt he received by the fall, in -about a week after. The accident had considerable effect on his young -companions; and impressed their minds with sadness and alarm. They -were generally present at his funeral; as also were most of the youth -in the neighbourhood, for a considerable distance round; who, with -others of riper years, made a large collection. The Lord, who is always -graciously near, and ready to help in every needful time, opened my -mouth among them in a large affecting testimony, suiting the occasion. -It was a very humbling solemn season, not soon to be forgotten by many -present; and my spirit was made thankful for the unmerited favour. - -After the funeral, I went, with my wife and daughter Elizabeth, to -Islip, to see our grandson, who is in a weakly declining state. We -returned home the next evening. - -Fourth day. Engaged in my family concerns. - -Fifth day. Attended our meeting to-day in silence. We had the company -of our friend Phebe I. Merritt, from New-York, who also sat most of -the meeting in silence; but appeared towards the close in a short -testimony, which spread a good degree of life over the meeting; which -was truly gladdening. - -Sixth and seventh days. Part of the time occupied in temporal concerns; -and part in assisting an ancient Friend, upwards of ninety years of -age, in settling his business, and writing his will. He appeared -competent to the purpose, both as to memory and understanding. - -First day, the 8th. My mind was in unison with the exercise and -testimony of our friend Phebe I. Merritt, who was again with us at our -meeting to-day; and I found it my duty towards the close of the meeting -to set my seal thereto, in a short impressive testimony: and, I trust, -the meeting closed under a sensible degree of divine favour, worthy of -our thankfulness and gratitude. - -Second and third days. While my hands were busily employed in my -temporal business, my mind was often led to rise above all temporal -enjoyments; and to contemplate on things of an eternal nature. In the -course of my meditations I was led to contrast those who are _led and -influenced_ by the wisdom and will of man, with those who are _led -and influenced_ by the wisdom and will of God; and it was opened to -me that, of necessity, the former must be _ruled and governed_ by the -wisdom and power of man: hence the necessity of coercion, and hence the -necessity of war; as every government of coercion, must of necessity -be set up and maintained by the force and fear of the sword, as that -is the last alternative, in every government, set up in the wisdom and -will of man. But those, who are _led and influenced_ by the wisdom and -will of God, have no necessity of being governed by any thing else -than the divine wisdom and will, through the power of persuasive love; -and no other coercion can ever be necessary in the kingdom of heaven, -where nothing reigns but love, peace, and joy undefiled, without -intermission. And O! that every rational being was so inspired with -a real soul-craving desire, after the enjoyment of this heavenly and -peaceful kingdom, as not to rest until he had gained a satisfactory -assurance, that his name was enrolled in that city, which hath -foundations whose builder and maker the Lord is. - -Fourth day. I rode to New-York, in order to attend the funeral of our -beloved friend, Matthew Franklin, to take place the next day. He was -taken with an apoplectic fit while speaking in the morning meeting -in Pearl-street, on the preceding first day. He appeared lively in -testimony, but was suddenly stopped by indisposition, and sat quietly -down: but soon arose and withdrew, and was followed by some of his -friends, and would have fallen as soon as he got out, had he not been -upheld by them. In a few minutes he fell into an almost senseless -state, as to the body, not being able to speak afterwards; and quietly -expired at about half past seven in the evening of the following day: -and, we trust, has safely landed in that celestial port, where the -wicked cease from troubling, and the weary soul is at rest. - -He appeared amiable in his life and conversation, and was generally -beloved by his friends and acquaintance, especially the youth; for -whose improvement and preservation, he often appeared very solicitous. -The unusually large attendance at his funeral, and the solemnity -that appeared in the countenances of the multitude assembled, (the -meeting-house though large not containing perhaps more than two-thirds -of those that gathered,) carried full evidence of the correctness of -the foregoing representation, as did also the testimonies borne on that -solemn occasion. - -I attended, besides the funeral on fifth day, two other meetings; one -at Liberty-street in the morning, it being Friends’ meeting day at that -place, and a meeting for the people of colour in Pearl-street. The -latter was very large. My mouth was opened in each assembly to speak -of those things which relate to the kingdom of God, especially at -the funeral; and in the meeting for the people of colour, my mind was -largely opened to preach the gospel in the demonstration of the spirit, -and the Lord’s power attended, humbling and solemnizing the assemblies. -It was evidently the Lord’s doing. May all the honour and praise be -ascribed to him, for he only is worthy, both now and for ever. Lie -low, O my soul! and be humbled in the dust, from a due sense of such -unmerited mercy. - -On sixth day, I rode to Manhattanville, and attended a meeting there in -the evening. It was for the most part, I think, a favoured season. The -truth was largely declared, and appeared to have a reaching effect upon -most present. - -Seventh day. Returned to the city, and attended a meeting in the -evening in the Bowery; which I had appointed the day before I left -town. It was a very solemn quiet meeting, the power of truth flowed -freely, and I hope had a profitable entrance with some. May it prove as -a nail, fastened in a sure place. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - - Visit to families of Friends in New-York, and engagements at and - about home, 1815. - - -First day, the 15th of 1st month, 1815. I attended Friends’ meetings -in New-York. Was at Pearl-street in the morning, and the other in -the afternoon. My mind was opened to communicate largely in both -meetings; and was led, in the course of the testimonies, to open divers -particular doctrines of the gospel; and to distinguish between the -law state, and that of the gospel; and to show to the people, that as -all the shadows of the law stood in, and consisted of, outward and -elementary things, they must end in the gospel, which is the substance -of all shadows; and of course supercedes them all. It was a day of -favour, in which the Lord’s power was exalted; and his name and truth -set above all errour and untruth. - -On second day evening I attended the meeting for sufferings, which was -adjourned to that time on a particular occasion. We sat again the next -day, when we finished the business before us. In the evening I attended -a meeting I had appointed for the labouring class of the community, -and for those in low circumstances. The weather was very inclement; it -being a snow storm; which prevented most of the women from attending: -but there was a considerable number of men, who behaved with great -order and solemnity. They received, with much attention, the truths -delivered: which inspired a hope, that the opportunity would be blest, -and a real benefit experienced by many of them. - -Fourth day. I attended Friends’ meeting in Pearl-street, which proved -a comfortable, and, I believe, instructive season to some, especially -among the youth. After this, I returned home with peace of mind, and a -thankful sense of the continued mercy of a gracious God to his creature -man, amidst all his backslidings and transgressions. - -Fifth day. Attended our own monthly meeting; in which I had to lay -before Friends the great advantage that would result, not only to us -as individuals, but also to society, by individual faithfulness, and -a full belief and trust in the divine providence; and a strict and -undeviating adherence to the order and discipline of the Church, for -which labour I had peace. - -Sixth day. I attended the funeral of Charles Valentine, son of David -Valentine, at Moscheto Cove. It was very largely attended by Friends -and others. I had an open time among them; which was introduced with -this scripture exhortation: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty -wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with -the yoke of bondage.” The subject was largely opened, showing that -all the works of the flesh did in a lesser or greater degree bring -the mind under a yoke of bondage; and that the fear of death was a -principal one, out of which many others originated; such as every -means of self defence, that consisted in war and warlike preparations. -Every ceremonial performance in matters of a religious nature; such -as water baptism, and what is called the ordinance of the supper, in -the use of outward bread and wine, not being essential bring a yoke -and burden on the believer in Christ; as _he_ came purposely to set -his followers free from all signs and shadows, and bring them into the -possession and enjoyment of the substance; whereby we come to know all -the shadows to flee away and come to an end; as _Christ manifested_, -is the _substance_ and end of all shadows. It was a highly favoured -season. The truth was raised into dominion and ran freely, humbling -and contriting many hearts. May the praise, the honour, and the glory -be all ascribed to Him, who opens and none can shut, and who shuts and -none can open; and who remains to be “God over all, blessed for ever.” - -Seventh day. Attended to some necessary repairs about my farm and -tenements. For as I am much from home attending to my religious -engagements, when I feel a liberty to be at home, I find it needful to -be industriously employed, to keep my temporal concerns in order; so -that when I leave home on truth’s account, my mind may be at liberty, -without thinking much about them. - -First day. Attended our own meeting, mostly in silence. The rest of -this week was principally taken up in preparing for and attending -our quarterly meeting, which was held at Westbury. It was pretty -largely attended, both the meeting for discipline, and that for public -worship; the latter was somewhat hurt by an unskilful appearance in -the ministry, in the forepart, but ended well. In the meeting of -Ministers and Elders, as also in that for discipline, a living exercise -and concern were prevalent with divers Friends, not only in searching -out the causes of the numerous weaknesses and deficiencies that were -manifest in society, but also endeavouring for their removal, by much -tender and pressing advice and counsel, suited to the states of those -who were delinquent. Many minds were brought under an humbling exercise -and travail of spirit in those solemn opportunities; and divers young -Friends, who were under the forming hand, preparing for usefulness in -the Church, came forth at this time, and publicly espoused the cause -of truth and righteousness, uniting with their elder brethren in the -exercise and travail which were felt to prevail in those favoured -meetings. My spirit was led into near sympathy with these, and fervent -was the desire and prayer of my mind for their preservation in the path -of duty; that so they might grow up and become useful in society, and -faithful labourers and pillars in the Lord’s house, that should go no -more out. - -First day, the 29th. We had a comfortable meeting to-day, mostly in -quiet silent retirement; except towards the close my mind was quickened -and opened to a short communication, in the remembrance of the case -of Joseph and his brethren; wherein I was led to recapitulate their -envy and hatred towards him, and to show that their wicked intentions -in selling him, to prevent his rising to the power and dignity which -his dreams appeared to forbode, were the very means in the ordering of -divine providence of accomplishing their fulfilment; 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 brotherhood, and had he been raised to the dignity -and power he was, by some other way. But herein was the true proverb -verified: Let envy alone, and it will punish itself. I was led further -to open the malignity and baneful effects of those hateful, and very -evil propensities. A solemn weight covered the meeting; and we parted -under a thankful sense of the favour. - -The rest of this week I spent in my ordinary vocations, and in visiting -some friends under bodily affliction. - -First day, the 5th of 2d month. I left home in order to proceed again -in the concern I had engaged in, to visit some of the inhabitants -in some of our neighbouring towns, and some scattered families of -Friends and others. I spent the week in this service, and attended -nine meetings, all by appointment in places where no meetings are -held except one; and visited eleven families of Friends, and persons -not members. Although I left home under much depression of spirit, -attended with great discouragement, insomuch that I was brought near -to a conclusion that it would be safest to tarry at home, and wait for -a more full manifestation; yet, as I brought the subject to the test -in my own mind, and patiently waited for an answer in much abasedness -and humiliation, a small degree of light sprang up, in which the -voice said, go and trust in the Lord to open the way. My mind was -then centered in a state of perfect acquiescence; and I proceeded -accordingly, seeing nothing further when I left home, than to attend -the meeting of Friends at Bethpage. This was the first I attended; -but before the close of that meeting, light sprang up, and the way in -which I should advance clearly opened; and as my trust and dependence -were fixed in the arm of divine sufficiency, strength and ability -were furnished from season to season, faithfully to espouse the cause -of truth and righteousness, and to preach the gospel in the clear -demonstration of the spirit, and with power; convincing and contriting -many minds, and relieving and comforting my own. My heart was inspired -with continual thankfulness and gratitude to the blessed Author of all -our mercies. I returned home on seventh day evening, accompanied with -true peace of mind. - -First day, 12th. Attended our own meeting; and after a pretty long -season of solemn silence, my mind was opened to communication, in the -revival of the following declaration of the apostle James: “For as -the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead -also.” The subject was largely and impressively opened, which brought a -solemn covering over the meeting, and made it a season of comfort and -edification. Surely such seasons administer cause for all the humble -and contrite in heart to thank God and take courage; and press forward -in the holy and heavenly way. - -Second day. I found liberty to occupy this day in my temporal concerns. - -Third day. I attended the funeral of a man, not a member, at Jerusalem. -There was a very large collection of people, composed of the different -classes of civil society; and although it was a time of extreme cold, -and the means for rendering the rooms, wherein the people assembled, -comfortable, very inadequate for that end, yet they were generally very -quiet and orderly, and appeared to pay great attention to the doctrines -delivered. My heart and mouth were opened among them, to speak of -the things concerning the kingdom of heaven, and to set forth, in a -clear and forcible manner, the way and means of man’s salvation; and -that nothing short of a freedom from sin, and the experience of real -righteousness, would be sufficient to effect that great and happy end. - -Fourth day. I attended the monthly meeting at Westbury; and had some -close searching exercise, both in the meeting for worship and that for -discipline, tending to quicken Friends’ minds to a more lively concern -for the arising of the divine life in their meetings; that so their -faith might be productive of good works; and they qualified to serve -the Lord in newness of life, and not in the oldness of the letter. - -Fifth day. I attended our own monthly meeting. We had but little -business to attend to at this time. I found it incumbent, before the -meeting closed, to submit a prospect that attended my mind to the -consideration of the meeting, to visit the families of Friends of the -monthly meeting of New-York; and received Friends’ united concurrence -therein. - -Sixth day. I spent with my family, and in my family concerns; and in -the evening attended a meeting I had appointed at Woolver Hollow, a -neighbourhood consisting mostly of Dutch people. It was a very solemn -quiet meeting, and I had good service among them, to the mutual comfort -and edification of most present. - -Seventh day. I left home again on my former concern in visiting some -more of the scattered families of Friends and others, in the suburbs -of our quarterly meeting; having not fully accomplished that service. -Our first meeting was the next day at Rockaway, among my relatives -and acquaintance, this having been the place of my former residence. -Although the meeting at this time was small, partly occasioned by the -inclemency of the weather, yet, through the gracious extendings of -divine love, it proved a favoured season. - -After this, we proceeded eastward on the southern part of the island, -and had five more meetings among those not in membership with us, -except here and there a scattered family, or part of a family; yet -numbers of them appear to be convinced of the truth of the doctrines -and principles of Friends; and many of them, I believe, if they -continue faithful to their convincement, will in time become members -with us. We also had some edifying seasons in the few scattered -families of Friends in this quarter, and in a number of families of -those inclining to Friends. We returned home on fifth day evening; and -I found sweet peace in thus dedicating myself to the promotion of the -cause of truth and righteousness in the earth. - -Sixth and seventh days. Devoted to the care of my family and household -concerns; which I find to be my incumbent duty, when at liberty from my -religious engagements and gospel services. - -First day, the 26th. Attended our own meeting to-day. - -Second day. Attended the funeral of a woman not a member; and the -family being inclined to Friends, a meeting was held on the occasion, -which proved a profitable edifying opportunity. - -Third day. I proceeded to New-York, in order to attend the monthly -meeting the next day; in which I opened my prospect of visiting the -families belonging thereto, with which the meeting united. But feeling -a concern to attend the monthly meeting to be held at Flushing the -following day, before entering on the family visit, I accordingly -went. The meeting for worship, which preceded that for discipline, -was a favoured season, in which truth reigned. I likewise had a large -favoured meeting with the inhabitants of the town in the evening; and -the next day returned to New-York. - -Seventh day, the 4th of 3d month. I began the family visit. Sat with -twelve families, in some of which I felt the renewed visitation of -the heavenly Father’s love, in which the visited and visiters were -united in the bond of Christian fellowship; which tended to inspire -with strength to persevere and trust in the Lord, who hath graciously -promised, that they who trust in him shall not be confounded: but in -others, things were much out of order, and darkness spread over us at -times as a curtain, when we found it needful to be clothed with faith -and patience; and as these were abode in, after a time of suffering -with the seed, way was mostly made to set the testimony of truth over -darkness and errour. Many were convicted and instructed; and peace -afforded to my own mind. Samuel Parsons kindly accompanied me in the -greater part of the visit; and cordially united and sympathized with me -therein. - -First day. I attended the meetings at Liberty-street, both forenoon and -afternoon, and sat with four families; and, in the course of the week, -seventy more. In these we met with a variety of states and conditions, -which renders such services truly arduous and exercising, requiring -great inward attention to the divine gift; as nothing else can open -to the diverse states of the people, and qualify to speak suitably to -their several conditions, to their improvement and help; and give the -answer of peace to those under such exercises. I also attended Friends’ -meetings, held in the middle of the week, at Pearl and Liberty streets. -At the former was a marriage. It was a time of unusual favour, in -which the descendings of the heavenly Father’s love were felt to cover -the very large assembly, in an eminent manner. My mouth was opened in -a large impressive testimony, in which, in a clear instructive manner, -I had to set forth the great difference between a believer and an -unbeliever; showing that the former was, by faithfulness and obedience -to the inward divine gift of grace, daily improving and advancing in -divine wisdom and knowledge, and in the enjoyments and consolations -always attendant thereon; while the latter was sinking deeper and -deeper into a state of darkness and errour, and the distresses and -vexations, which naturally result from unbelief. It was a day of high -favour, in which the truth was exalted over all opposition and errour, -rejoicing many minds; and bowing my heart in deep thankfulness and -gratitude to the Author of every blessing. Surely it was the Lord’s -doing; therefore let all the praise be ascribed to Him who is over all, -blessed for ever. - -First day, the 12th. Attended Pearl-street meeting in the forenoon -and afternoon. Both meetings were much hurt by a long, tedious and -lifeless communication in each, by a Friend, not a resident here, who -attended those meetings at this time. It very much shut up my way, -and was, I apprehend, a great loss to the meetings; as it very much -hurt the solemnity. In the course of this week I sat with twenty-nine -families; and attended Pearl-street meeting on fourth day. After this I -rode home, in order to attend our own monthly meeting, and returned on -seventh day to New-York. On first day, I attended Pearl-street meeting -in the forenoon, and Liberty-street in the afternoon, both comfortable -seasons. In the course of this week, I sat with seventy-seven families. - -First day, the 26th. Attended Pearl-street meeting in the forenoon and -afternoon, and an appointed meeting at Liberty-street in the evening. -They were large full meetings; and through the condescending goodness -of Israel’s Shepherd, they were eminently favoured. My mouth was opened -in each, to preach the gospel in the demonstration of truth, to the -comfort, edification and instruction of many who attended, as appeared -by their solemn and satisfactory deportment; and I was truly thankful -that I had been enabled to get through this day’s exercise, to the -peace of my own mind, which I esteem the best treasure. - -Second day. Sat with five families in the city, and in the afternoon -crossed the ferry to Brooklyn, and visited three families of Friends -in that neighbourhood, they being members of Liberty-street meeting. -I also had an appointed meeting in the evening, for the inhabitants -of Brooklyn. It was well attended, and proved an instructive favoured -season, gratefully to be remembered. - -Third day. Rode to Manhattanville, and visited the families of Friends -in that place, and three families on the way; and returned to the -city next morning, and attended Friends’ preparative meeting in -Pearl-street. It was the time for answering the queries; and it proved -an exercising meeting, Friends having too generally got in the habit -of making use of words which rendered their answers evasive, and not -giving a direct one to the question; by which the deficient members -were very much covered; and which tended rather to set them at ease, -than to stir them up to more diligence and care. My mind was deeply -exercised, things appearing very much out of order with many in this -city; and the number of the faithful very small. I endeavoured to -discharge myself faithfully among them, and found peace in my labour. - -In the afternoon, I had a select opportunity with the Ministers, Elders -and Overseers. In this opportunity, I, in a good measure, relieved my -mind from a burden I had been under for some time, respecting Friends -in those stations. In the evening I had an appointed meeting in the -east part of the town, principally among those not in membership -with us. It was held in a large, commodious building, erected for -the purpose of educating the children of such poor people as did not -belong to any society of professed Christians. There was at this time -a school held in it, consisting of nearly four hundred such children. -The expenses were defrayed by the charitable donations of the citizens -at large. It is a benevolent institution, and well conducted. The -meeting was large, consisting, as was supposed, of a thousand people; -to whom the truths of the gospel were largely opened, comforting and -instructing many minds, and administering reproof to the lukewarm, the -licentious, and immoral. A general solemnity spread over the meeting; -and we parted under a deep and humbling sense of the unmerited favour. - -Fifth day. Attended the preparative meeting at Liberty-street, which -was a comfortable meeting. The queries appeared to be answered with -much more consistency than at the other. The afternoon and evening -spent in the family visit; as also the two following days. - -First day, the 2d of 4th month. I attended Pearl-street meeting in -the morning, and that at Liberty-street in the afternoon; and public -notice being given of my intention of attending the latter, it was -large. I also had an appointed meeting in the evening at Pearl-street, -which was also very large. They were all seasons of favour, especially -those at Pearl-street, wherein truth reigned, and the people’s minds -were solemnized, and the faithful comforted and made glad together, -under a grateful sense of the continued mercy, and longsuffering loving -kindness of Israel’s Shepherd to the workmanship of his holy hand. - -Second day. Sat with four families in the forenoon; and, in the -afternoon, had an appointed meeting at Flatbush, near the west end of -Long Island, where no Friends live. The inhabitants were mostly Dutch -people, the descendants of the ancient Hollanders: they had but little -acquaintance with us or our principles. The meeting was held in their -court-house. A respectable number collected, and behaved quietly, -becoming the occasion. Our gracious Helper was near, furnishing -doctrine suited to their states and conditions; which had a reaching -and salutary effect upon many minds; and through the prevalence of the -power of truth, which rose into dominion, divers hearts were broken and -contrited. We parted from them with thankful hearts, and returned to -the city that evening. - -Third day. Attended the meeting of Ministers and Elders, composed of -the select members of the monthly meetings of New-York and Flushing. It -was a solemn, and, I hope, a profitable time. The next day the monthly -meeting of New-York was held, in which I was favoured to close my -visit to Friends there, in an opportunity with the members generally -together, both male and female, select from others. At this meeting -I discharged myself fully to the peace of my own mind, and, I trust, -to the comfort and encouragement of the faithful; and at the same -time administered reproof and correction to the lukewarm, and unsound -members, and strength to the weak and feeble-minded. The Lord was -supplicated in behalf of his people, that he would still strive with -them, both in mercy and judgment, as he may see meet, in his matchless -wisdom and loving kindness, and not give his heritage to reproach, lest -the people without be led to inquire, where is their God. - -Fifth day. I turned my face homeward, having a meeting at Newtown -Kilns, at the eleventh hour, and another in the town at evening. They -were favoured seasons; although the latter was somewhat interrupted -at the close, by a hireling minister, of the Presbyterian persuasion, -who took some exceptions to the doctrines delivered respecting water -baptism, imputative righteousness, and the hire of ministers. The -arguments he advanced in support of these appeared very weak, being -unfounded and fallacious; and the scripture passages which he quoted to -prove his positions, were in direct opposition thereto. For his proof -of water baptism, he made use of the doctrine of the apostle Paul; and -especially that part wherein he thanks God that he had baptized but a -very small number, positively asserting, that Christ sent him not to -baptize; therefore, if so great a minister as Paul had no commission or -authority to baptize, that is with water, who had converted so many to -the Christian faith, and set up and established many churches, in parts -where no other of the primitive ministers had yet travelled, surely he -could not think it needful, or otherwise he must have fallen very far -short of fulfilling his ministry; but if we conclude, as I apprehend -we are all bound to do, that Paul, as he himself asserts, was not a -whit behind the chiefest of the primitive apostles, we may then safely -conclude that water baptism has no part in the commission of a gospel -minister, and consequently is no part of the gospel dispensation, but -was only made use of in condescension to the weak state of the Jewish -believers, in the same way as circumcision was made use of by Paul. -Indeed it is abundantly evident, that the rituals of the law were -continued for many years by many of the Jewish Christians. It is clear, -however, that it was all in condescension to the weak state that the -believers were in, through the force of tradition and custom. Having -been long in the use of outward shadows and types, the way did not -open to shake them all off at once; but as the light of the glorious -gospel should arise, they would gradually recede and give place to -the substance, just as when the sun rises above the horizon, all the -shadows of the night flee away. - -And with regard to imputative righteousness, some Christians affirm -that the righteousness of Christ, wrought without us, being imputed -to believers, they are thereby justified, without any works of -righteousness carried on in us, by and through the operation of the -grace of God, we yielding thereunto, and co-operating therewith. -But the apostle Paul asserts that “the grace of God, that bringeth -salvation, hath appeared to all men, teaching us, that denying -ungodliness, and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, -and godly in this present world.” Now will any be so inconsistent with -truth and righteousness, as to assert, that a man is justified merely -by the righteousness that Christ wrought in the outward manifestation, -without his coming to know in his own experience, those works of -righteousness wrought in him, as above expressed by the apostle; and -which he must be a party to and in, or they cannot be wrought. For -a mere belief in grace does not do the work of righteousness; but -faith in the sufficiency of the grace is the first previous work of -the mind of man; but if that belief is not carried into effect, such -faith cannot save him; for faith without works is dead, being alone, -as a body without the spirit. I think the conclusive arguments of the -apostle James are quite sufficient to prove these things to every -judicious mind. For although the harlot Rahab had, from what appears, a -full belief that Israel’s armies would conquer the land of Canaan, and -it is likely many thousands more of the Canaanites had the same belief; -yet as none of them added good works to their faith but her, none -others were saved. Abraham also believed he was required to sacrifice -his son, as the scripture assures us; but had he not gone forward to -put it in execution, his faith, instead of being imputed to him for -righteousness, would have greatly administered to his condemnation; and -instead of becoming the friend of God, he would have been cast out of -his favour; so that by his works only was his faith made perfect. - -But the great errour, of the generality of professed Christians, lies -in not making a right distinction between the works that men do in -their own will, and by the leadings of their own carnal wisdom, and -those works that the true believer does, in the will and wisdom of -God. For although the former, let them consist in what they will, -whether in prayers, or preaching, or any other devotional exercises, -are altogether evil: so on the contrary, those of the latter, let them -consist in what they may, whether in ploughing, in reaping, or in any -handicraft labour, or in any other service, temporal or spiritual, -as they will in all be accompanied with the peace and presence of -their heavenly Father, so all they do, will be righteous, and will be -imputed to them as such. And these, and these only, will witness the -blessing pronounced by the royal psalmist, where he saith: “Blessed is -he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is -the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit -there is no guile.” And who are those whom the royal prophet here -designates; why none but such as have carefully and strictly adhered to -the teaching of the grace of God; and who by its teaching and aid have -denied themselves of all ungodliness, and worldly lusts; and have come -to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. - -And in order to prove the consistency of Christian ministers taking -pay, and making contracts with the people for their preaching, and -letting themselves out to the highest bidders, he brought forward -quotations from the same Paul, who is so very severe against hirelings; -showing, both by his example and precepts, that it is more blessed to -give than to receive; and that parents or leaders ought to care for the -children, and not the children for the parents. - -The quotations he brought forward were founded principally on these -two passages from the epistle to the Corinthians: “Do ye not know that -they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple, -and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Even so -hath the Lord ordained, that they which preach the gospel should live -of the gospel.” - -In order to understand correctly how far proof will arise from these -passages of scripture, it will be necessary to consider the ground upon -which the priesthood was established under the law; and likewise the -reason and ground, upon which their maintenance was instituted: for it -was all a work of perfect wisdom. And first, the dispensation of the -law was outward and local; so likewise was the priesthood: none being -eligible to that office but the family of Levi: and in consequence of -their being appointed to that office, they were deprived of having -their portion or allotment in the land; but the Lord was to be their -portion: except that they were to have room for residence, and some -suburbs about their dwellings, for their convenience. Their office -was to kill and prepare the sacrifices which the people brought of -their holy things, as offerings to the Lord; so that they were under -the necessity of doing a great deal of manual labour for the people. -Therefore, in order that they might have a livelihood among their -brethren, the Lord had let one-twelfth, that is Levi’s lot, to farm -among his brethren; and they were bound to return to their brethren, -the Levites, one-tenth of their increase; to reward them not only for -the abundant manual labour they were bound to do for them, but also in -consideration of their having the improvement and profits arising from -Levi’s portion of the promised land. - -Now to make a right bearing between the shadow and substance, and -render it eligible under the gospel for its ministers to take pay, they -must be such as are immediately called, as was the house of Levi; and -be deprived of any allotment in the land, except room for residence, -and some small suburbs: they must likewise be under the unavoidable -obligation of doing a great deal of manual labour in outward things, -or otherwise they are not entitled to any outward pay: and all this -only as their duty to him, who hath called and appointed them, without -making any contract with the people at all for their service; for -this was not admissible under that dispensation: and all that did were -reproached by the Lord’s prophets as hirelings. An instance to the -point is the case of Micah, who had a house of idol gods; and he hired -a Levite to be his priest, and gave him for his service ten shekels of -silver by the year, and a suit of apparel, and his victuals. Indeed we -have in this Levite a true specimen of a hireling; for when the Danites -proposed to his consideration, which would be best for him, whether -to be a priest to the house of one man, or to a tribe and family in -Israel, he soon solved the question; and it made his heart glad, and -he took Micah’s ephod, teraphim, and graven image, and added theft to -covetousness; and went with the Danites, and became their idol priest. - -Secondly, we are next to consider the perfect analogy between the -service of the priesthood under the law, and their wages, agreeable -to Paul’s expressions: “Do ye not know that they which minister about -holy things, live of the things of the temple, and they which wait -at the altar, are partakers with the altar?” Now the things of the -temple and of the altar were all the Lord’s things; and as the priests -and ministers were also the Lord’s, he rewarded them out of his own -holy things, and justice required that it should be so. Therefore -the priests under the law had no right to call on the people for any -pay, because there was no contract between them: so likewise under -the gospel, the Lord’s true ministers must be such as are immediately -called of God, as was Aaron: but as there is no outward holy land -under the gospel, so neither is there any outward holy offerings or -sacrifices, nor any outward holy temple or altar of man’s building; -so likewise no outward victims to be slain or consecrated, hence no -outward reward: but the Lord’s ministers under the gospel are all -called and commissioned by his spirit, and clothed with his power and -authority to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the -cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of -the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but unto such as are -saved it is the power of God. Hence those who preach the gospel live -of the gospel; that is, as the gospel is the power of God, which is -communicated to the people by gospel ministry, by which they are fed -and comforted spiritually, as the Israelites were outwardly, by their -outward sacrifices, of which the priests who ministered took their -share with the people: so likewise the ministers of the gospel, who -minister to the people spiritually in holy things; they also take their -share, and are made to rejoice together spiritually and mutually. And -herein consists the true analogy between the shadow and substance; -the first being the type, which consisted in outward things, and the -latter the antitype, consisting in spiritual things. For if the reward -of the Lord’s ministers under the gospel for their gospel labours is -to consist in outward temporal things, and likewise the reward of the -Lord’s ministers under the law was of the same kind, then it would no -longer hold as is generally agreed by Christians, that the first is -type, and the latter its antitype: but it will be only type for type, -and shadow for shadow; of course we must look for another dispensation -in order to do away the shadow, and make way for the substance. “But -thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus -Christ.” He is the end of the law to all those who believe, and are -witnesses of his spiritual appearance in their hearts, to take away sin -and finish transgression, and fulfil all righteousness, in those who -willingly deny themselves, and take up their cross daily, and follow -him in the way of regeneration. Even so let it be, saith my spirit, -with the spirits of the faithful. Amen for ever. - -Sixth day. I had an appointed meeting in the town of Jamaica, at the -third hour in the afternoon. It was for the most part a favoured -meeting, although long in gathering. The truths delivered had an -affecting reach on many minds, and I was made thankful for the precious -solemnity which prevailed over the meeting, and we parted under a -comfortable sense thereof. After this I returned home, and found my -family well; and my mind was clothed with peace, which favour inspires -grateful acknowledgments to the bountiful Author of every blessing. - -Seventh day. Rested with my family. - -First day. Attended our meeting to good satisfaction. The three -following days spent with my family, and in my family concerns. - -Fifth day. Attended our preparative meeting, previous to the sitting of -which, I attended a funeral of one of our neighbours. The corpse was -laid in our burial-ground, and the people, after the interment, came -into the meeting. It was a large collection, to whom the truths of the -gospel were largely opened, and the humbling power of truth spread over -the assembly, contriting many hearts. - -Sixth and seventh days. Spent in my family concerns. - -First day, the 16th. Attended our own meeting, sat it through in -silence. It was exercising in the forepart, in which I felt reduced -into a state of baptism, with and for the dead: but as I abode in the -patience, toward the close light sprang up and I was relieved from the -burden. - -Second day. I spent in my temporal concerns. What a strict and -continual guard and watch it requires, when engaged in any worldly -business, to keep the mind free and loose from every thing of a -terrestrial nature; so that, at the first beck or motion of the divine -intelligence, we may be ready to obey, and submit willingly to its holy -requiring, without consulting with flesh and blood. - -Third day. I attended the funeral of a deceased Friend. A meeting was -held on the occasion at the place of her residence. The neighbourhood -were mostly of the Presbyterian order, many of whom attended. I had -an open time among them, to declare of the things pertaining to the -kingdom of heaven; and many gospel truths were plainly set forth and -exalted over all untruth and errour. It was indeed a season thankfully -to be remembered, and my heart was bowed in grateful acknowledgments to -the great and blessed Author of all our mercies. - -Fourth day. At the funeral yesterday, I was requested by several of my -friends to attend the funeral of an individual who had been a professor -among the Methodists, but whom I had for some time believed was pretty -fully convinced of the principles of our profession; but the trial of -parting with his fellow professors, and making a full surrender, had -kept him back, until being brought on a bed of languishing, he yielded -and acknowledged to the truth, and desired that in future his family -would attend Friends’ meetings: and towards his close, in order to -give full testimony to his belief, requested in a solemn manner that -after his decease his body might be taken into Friends’ meeting-house -at Bethpage, which was not far from his dwelling, and a meeting held -there at his funeral, and desired that I might be requested to attend. -On consideration of the subject, Friends were easy to comply with his -request, and a meeting was held accordingly. It proved a very solemn -affecting time; many hearts were tendered, and much brokenness and -contrition were manifest in the meeting, through the prevalence of -the divine power which accompanied the word preached. Surely it was -the Lord’s doing, and truly marvellous in the eyes of his people. And -oh! saith my spirit, what shall we render unto the Lord for all his -benefits, for his mercies are new every morning. - -Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, and on sixth day our -preparative meeting of Ministers and Elders. In both of these, my mind -was engaged to stir up Friends to more watchfulness and circumspection, -for the right ordering of the concerns of the society, and maintenance -of our Christian discipline. - -Seventh day. Spent in my family concerns, and ended the week with a -quiet mind. - -First day, the 23d. Attended our meeting in silence. It was rather an -exercising dull time; but we ought not to murmur, for if we had had our -deserts, it might have been more so. - -The rest of this week principally taken up in attending our quarterly -meeting in New-York. It was in general rather an exercising time; for -not only the answers to the queries from the several monthly meetings, -manifested many deficiencies as to the right support of our Christian -testimonies and discipline, but the diversity of sentiment among the -active members respecting the full support of our testimony against -war, also produced much exercise to the faithful; especially with -regard to the active compliance in the payment of a tax, levied by the -general government of the United States, for carrying on war, and other -purposes of the government, which many Friends believed could not be -actively complied with, consistently with our testimony on that head. -For refusing the payment of this tax, a number of Friends had suffered -in their property by distraint, to a considerable amount more than the -tax demanded, some even three or four fold; whilst some others actively -complied and paid the tax, and justified themselves in so doing, -which caused considerable altercation in the meeting: nevertheless, I -believe, Friends were generally preserved in a good degree of harmony -with each other. - -My mind was deeply baptized into the weak state of society, and I -laboured in the ability received to stimulate and encourage Friends to -faithfulness and perseverance, that so all our precious testimonies for -the Prince of Peace might be held up and exalted as a standard to the -nations. - -First day, the 30th. A silent meeting. The rest of this week spent in -my family cares, except attending our fifth day meeting, which I sat in -silence. - -First day, the 7th of 5th month. I sat our meeting again in silence. -The repeated seasons of rest that I have witnessed, since returning -from my arduous labour in New-York, have brought to my remembrance the -saying of the dear Master to his disciples, when they returned from the -service they had been sent about, in visiting and preaching repentance -to the Israelites, and healing their sick, &c.: “Come ye yourselves -apart into a desert place, and rest awhile.” I accounted it a favour, -for which I was thankful to the bountiful Author of all our blessings. - -No particular call to any religious service during this week, except in -attention to our preparative meeting. Silent in the meeting for worship. - -First day, the 14th. Indisposition of body prevented my attending -meeting. I therefore spent the day quietly at home; and in reading a -portion of Moshiem’s Ecclesiastical History of the Fifth Century, and -which is indeed enough to astonish any sensible, considerate man, to -think how the professors of that day could be hardy enough to call -themselves Christians, while using every artifice that their human -wisdom could invent to raise themselves to power and opulence, and -endeavouring to crush down their opposers by almost every cruelty -that power, envy and malice could inflict, to the entire scandal -of the Christian name; and changing the pure, meek, merciful, and -undefiled religion of Jesus, into an impure, unmerciful, cruel, -bloody, and persecuting religion. For each of those varied sects of -professed Christians, in their turn, as they got the power of the -civil magistrate on their side, would endeavour, by the sword, and -severe edicts, followed by banishment, to reduce and destroy all those -who dissented from them, although their opinions were not a whit -more friendly to real genuine Christianity, than the tenets of their -opposers; for all were, in great measure, if not entirely, adulterated -and apostatized from the true spirit of Christianity, which breathes -peace on earth, and good will to man. - -The rest of the week I spent in my family cares, except fifth day, -which was the time of our monthly meeting; in which the women’s meeting -brought forward, for our consideration and concurrence, requests to be -joined in membership for eight individuals. Six of these were children, -at the request of their father; another, a minor of about ten years of -age, who appeared very desirous of membership: she sent forward her -request, joined by her parents. The other was an adult of a promising -aspect, the mother of several children. She had been brought up and -educated in the Episcopal profession; but being favoured with an -opportunity of attending Friends’ meetings, she was convinced of the -truth as held by us; and cheerfully submitted to the cross, accounting -the reproaches of Christ a greater treasure, than all the comfort and -delights that could be found among her former associates in an outside -pompous profession. Their requests were all admitted by the meeting; -and it was, I think, a comfortable instructive season. - -First day, the 21st. While sitting in our meeting my mind was led -into a consideration of the testimony of the apostle John, where he -assures us, agreeably to truth and right reason, that God is love, and -that they who dwell in love, dwell in God, and God in them. My mind -was opened to set forth to the people the excellency of this state -and the certainty of its attainment, by all such as sincerely desire -salvation; and in order therefor, are willing, through and by the -leading and teaching of divine grace, which the apostle Paul assures -us, agreeably to our own sensible experience, has appeared to all men, -to forego all our selfish and creaturely inclinations, and to deny -self; and by bearing our cross daily, come to a full crucifixion of -the old man, with all his corrupt and ungodly deeds. We thereby come -to know a putting on the new man, even Christ, or a salvation state, -agreeably to another declaration of the same apostle, where he asserts: -“Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things -are passed away, behold all things are become new, and all things are -of God.” I was likewise led to show the good fruits that would be the -natural result of such a state, as certain as good fruit is produced -by a good tree; for we should no longer love as man loves in his -fallen state, from a selfish motive, self being slain; but we should -love as God loves, with a disinterested love, and then we should love, -not our friends and neighbours only, but our greatest enemies also; -and we should become qualified sincerely to pray to God for them. We -should then be brought to discover, that all such among Christians -as pray for the downfall, or overcoming of their enemies by force of -war, or by any other means than pure disinterested love, pray not in -a Christian spirit, nor by the leading and influence of the spirit of -God; but in their own spirit, and by the leading and influence of the -spirit of antichrist. Therefore, such prayers are not heard, but are -an abomination in the sight of a pure and holy God, who cannot behold -iniquity with approbation. My mind was largely and impressively opened -on the subject; and with solemn weight I left it upon the auditory, -which was larger than usual: may it have its desired effect, is the -sincere desire of my spirit. - -Second day. I attended the funerals of two elderly men of Bethpage -meeting. They were neighbours; and were both interred in the meeting’s -burial-ground at the same time. One of them was a member; and the other -was educated among Friends, but had lost his right. A meeting was held -on the occasion, and there was a large collection of people. It proved -a solemn, and, I trust, an instructive time to some present: may it -fasten as a nail in a sure place. - -The rest of this week, except the usual weekly attendance of our -meeting, was spent in family cares, and in preparation for the -attendance of our approaching yearly meeting. Indisposition in a -branch of my family, prevented my attending the meeting for Ministers -and Elders; but got to the city in time to attend the first day -meetings. In the morning I was at Pearl-street, and in the afternoon at -Liberty-street; and although the latter was pretty large, and in a good -degree solemn, yet it was an exercising season to the living sensible -members. - -In those large meetings, where Friends are collected from various -parts, the weak and the strong together, and especially in those -for worship, it is essentially necessary that Friends get inward, -and wait in their proper gifts, keeping in view their standing and -place in society, especially those in the ministry. For otherwise -there is danger, even from a desire to do good, of being caught -with the enemies’ transformations, particularly with those that are -young, and inexperienced; for we seldom sit in meetings but some -prospect presents, which has a likeness, in its first impression, to -the right thing; and as these feel naturally fearful of speaking in -large meetings, and in the presence of their elderly friends, and -apprehending they are likely to have something to offer, they are -suddenly struck with the fear of man, and thereby prevented from -centering down to their gifts, so as to discover whether it is a right -motion or not; and the accuser of the brethren, who is always ready -with his transformations to deceive, charges with unfaithfulness -and disobedience, by which they are driven to act without any clear -prospect, and find little to say, except making an apology for their -thus standing; by which they often disturb the meeting, and prevent -others, who are rightly called to the work, and thereby wound the minds -of the living baptized members. - -On second day the meeting for discipline opened, and continued by -adjournments until sixth day. Although divers weaknesses were manifest, -in transacting the business, for want of a deep indwelling with the -pure spring of life, and each patiently abiding in his own proper gift, -without envying others, yet, I think, in the main it was a favoured -meeting. Divers brethren were largely opened to speak to subjects -of concern, which came before us, in the life, and in the clear -demonstration of the spirit, as scribes well instructed, bringing out -of the heavenly treasury things new and old. - -First day, the 4th of 6th month. Being invited to the funeral of a -young woman within the compass of Westbury meeting, I attended that -meeting, which was very large, much more so than usual, occasioned in -part by the funeral. Although the forepart of the meeting was dull -and exercising, yet, as my mind centered under a patient exercise and -travail, way gradually opened to communication, in which I was enabled, -through adorable condescension, largely and livingly to declare to -the people of the things concerning the kingdom of heaven, and their -own present and everlasting peace. It was a season of great favour, -thankfully to be remembered. - -The rest of this week I spent at home, in peace of mind. - -First day, the 11th. My mind was brought under exercise, as I sat in -our meeting, in remembrance of Paul’s declaration, where he says, -“For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.” As -I continued under the exercise, way opened to communication, which -brought a comfortable solemnity over the meeting. - -Second and third days. I spent in attending our meeting for sufferings -in New-York; an appointment which I have been under for nearly forty -years. - -Fourth day. Most of this day spent in some necessary repairs about my -house. Much is saved by timely and prudent care. - -Fifth day. Was our monthly meeting, at which we had the acceptable -company of our friend John Comly, a fellow-labourer in the gospel, with -whom I felt near sympathy and unity in travail. I accompanied him the -next day to a meeting he had appointed at Martinicock; in which he was -favoured with a pretty large testimony, in the plainness and simplicity -of the gospel. I took my leave of him and his companion Stephen Comfort -that afternoon, and returned home. - -Seventh day. Spent in my common avocations, and the week closed with a -peaceful mind. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - - Engagements at and about home, 1815.--Visit to the monthly meetings - within the circuit of Nine Partners quarterly meeting, 1815. - - -First day, the 18th of 6th month, 1815. My mind towards the close of -our meeting, was opened into a view of the excellency and advantage -of having our minds actuated invariably, by a principle of strict and -impartial justice, and of having just ideas and apprehensions of the -divine character. For nothing short of this, is able to establish our -faith in God on its right basis, and to give us an unshaken hope and -trust in his divine sufficiency, and bring us to experience that love -of our benevolent Creator, and of our fellow creatures which casteth -out all fear. As I communicated, the prospect enlarged and brought a -solemn weight over the meeting, and we parted under a sense of the -favour. - -The rest of the week was spent in close attention to my temporal -concerns, except attending our fifth day meeting. - -First day, the 25th. Sat our meeting to-day in solemn silence, being -much depressed in mind on account of the improper conduct of some of my -friends, fellow members in society, by which I apprehended the noble -cause we had espoused was in danger of being hurt, and the unity of the -Church broken, which to me was a cause of real sorrow of heart. - -Except attending our fifth day meeting, which I sat in silence, the -rest of this week was occupied in my common avocations, and ended with -a peaceful mind, which is a hidden treasure of more value than the -golden wedge of Ophir. - -First day, the 2d of 7th month. As I sat in our meeting, my mind was -early impressed with that important scripture passage of the psalmist: -“Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered.” It led to communication, -in which I was largely opened to set forth the very necessary truths it -comprehended, especially as it regards man’s salvation. For it shows -clearly that man may prevent his thus arising, and thereby hinder his -own salvation: and it also shows, that unless we know him to arise and -become supreme and chief ruler in our hearts, agreeably to his own good -will and pleasure, we cannot be saved nor come to know his enemies -to be scattered. Therefore it becomes us as poor helpless creatures, -patiently to wait, and quietly to hope for his arising, with penitent -hearts and willing minds, ready to receive him in the way of his -coming; although it may be “as a refiner with fire, or as a fuller with -soap.” It is also necessary for us to know this arising to be within -us and not without us; and to be with power, binding the man of sin -and son of perdition, which is self, or the strong man armed; whose -goods, while he rules, are at peace: but when we permit a stronger than -he, who only is God, to come in or arise with power, “he will bind -the strong man armed, and cast him out; and then he will spoil his -goods,” that is, cleanse the heart from all the old rubbish of sin and -uncleanness, and purify his temple and make it a fit receptacle for his -holiness to dwell in. It was a season of favour. Many gospel truths -were clearly opened to the auditory who gave solid attention; may they -fix as a nail in a sure place. - -I was under considerable bodily indisposition most of this week. On -fifth day, so much so, as almost to give up the prospect of getting -to meeting; but I put on my usual resolution and went, and was glad -in so doing, as there I met with that peace of God that passeth all -understanding, which is only known by being felt. I had to declare to -my friends how good it is to trust in the Lord with all the heart, and -lean not to our own understandings, lest they fail us. - -On sixth day I attended the funeral of a kinsman, a neighbour, who had -spent much of his life in a careless irreligious manner, very seldom -attending any religious meetings, and was very ignorant as it respected -the things of God and his own salvation; but for a year or more before -his death, he was greatly afflicted with bodily indisposition, from -which he suffered long and very deeply. It brought him to a solemn -consideration respecting his latter end, and I had a hope it worked -for his good, as he manifested a state of resignation; so that he -bore his affliction with much patience and quietude of mind. My heart -and my mouth were opened on the occasion, to warn the people, and to -call their attention to the necessity of an early preparation for -death; showing them that it bordered even on presumption, for such -poor impotent helpless creatures as we are, whose time is dealt to us -by moments, even to dare to close our eyes to sleep, without first -being well assured that our peace was made with our great and gracious -Creator. Many minds were considerably humbled, and I hope the labour -will not be lost, but be as bread cast upon the waters, that some may -gather after many days. - -First day, the 9th. We had a comfortable favoured meeting to-day. My -mind was set at liberty to preach the gospel in the clear demonstration -of the spirit; and to show unto the people that the reason why they -were not healed of their many infirmities, was not because there was -not “balm in Gilead,” and “a Physician there;” but because they were -not willing to seek him in the right way, and receive him in the way -of his coming, which is inwardly, as a refiner with fire, or a fuller -with soap; to purify from all the old leaven of self, and to cleanse -the heart from all self-righteousness, and self-sufficiency; that a -thorough crucifixion of the old man, with all his unrighteous deeds -may be witnessed; and the creature set at liberty to serve the Lord -in newness of life. The meeting closed with solemn supplication and -thanksgiving to the Lord for his continued mercy. - -Second, third, and fourth days. Spent in my family affairs, mostly -attended with sweet peace of mind; although accompanied with much -bodily pain, which is more or less my common lot. But what a great -portion of severe bodily pain may be endured without a murmuring -thought, while accompanied with true peace of mind, and a conscience -void of offence toward God and man: a rich consoling treasure. - -Fifth day. This being the time of our preparative meeting, at which -our queries were answered, I had to admonish Friends to feel deeply -after their own states. For as it is by individuals that meetings are -composed, so every individual ought to know how far his particular -state corresponds with what is queried after; that so by a united -labour, and an inward investigation of our own particular states, we -may be enabled to form true and righteous answers to the superiour -meetings. For if they are false, it will be accounted lying and that -not unto men, but unto God; and thereby our queries be rendered very -hurtful to us, instead of being helpful. - -Sixth and seventh days. I occupied myself in my usual business, not -feeling any particular religious draft; except the necessity of keeping -up the daily watch, that no intruding thoughts lead into temptation, or -prevent my daily converse with the God of my salvation; whose presiding -fear, I have long experienced to be the only sure antidote against all -evil. - -First day, the 16th. My mind was led forth in our meeting to-day -in a large clear testimony, clothed with gospel authority, which -was introduced with the following apostolic exhortation: “Let love -be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that -which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly -love; in honour preferring one another.” I was led to show that this -undissembling love was not to be known by man in his fallen nature; but -only by the regenerated soul, the new man in Christ, who had come to -know, in degree, a partaking of the divine nature, as no other nature -is congenial with this love; a love, which the beloved apostle tells -us, casteth out all fear. It was a season of favour, thankfully to be -remembered. - -The remaining part of this week was principally employed in helping to -gather in our harvest, except attending our monthly meeting on fifth -day, and preparative meeting of Ministers and Elders on sixth day: -both of which were rather dull, poor meetings. Alas! how the cares and -cumbers of this world, like thorns and briars, choke the good seed and -prevent its bringing forth fruit. Be watchful, O my soul! that so thou -mayest know thy seed time and harvest not to fail. - -First day, the 23d. My present allotment is a state of depression and -poverty of spirit: but considering myself deserving thereof, I do not -complain. In this condition I accompanied my family to meeting as the -best thing I could do, not feeling the least qualification to be in any -degree useful to myself or to others; except in a voluntary surrender -of myself to be any thing or nothing, as He, who has a right to dispose -of his own workmanship at his own pleasure, should see meet. But I had -not sat long in this submissive state, before a prospect presented to -my mind, that opened to a field of labour, in which I had to espouse -the Master’s cause, and demonstrate to the people present the just and -indubitable right he had to them and all their labours, without the -promise of any reward: and that our true and real felicity, in time -and in a future state, solely depended on this complete and willing -surrender of ourselves and all we have, to his holy and gracious will; -as nothing short thereof can produce our real sanctification and -adoption. - -Second and third days. Nothing occurred worthy of particular notice. - -Fourth day. Was our quarterly meeting of Ministers and Elders, held -at Westbury. I attended under great depression and poverty of spirit, -which sealed my lips, as to any communication, the greater part of -the meeting. I sat resigned to my lot, and heard my friends, or some -of them, express their exercise, which was principally directed to -Ministers and Elders, especially in regard to an honest, careful -exercise of their gifts as such; and also alluding to the dulness and -want of life that too generally attended those meetings. I felt very -little effect wrought in the meeting from their labour, and could -take no part in it; but as I sat patiently waiting, and endeavoured -quietly to endure the cloud that was spread as a veil over the -meeting; it clearly opened on my mind, that it was not brought over -us in consequence of a deficiency in ministers, as it respects their -ministerial gifts, nor from a want of care in elders in watching over -them; but from a much more deep and melancholy cause, viz: the love and -cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches; which, springing -up and gaining the ascendency in the mind, choke the good seed like the -briars and thorns, and render it fruitless; and produce such great -dearth and barrenness in our meetings. As the matter spread with a -degree of animation on my mind, I found it my place, near the close of -the meeting, to open the prospect and sound an alarm to Friends, which -appeared to have a quickening effect on many minds, and enabled us at -parting, to renew our trust in the Almighty arm of divine sufficiency, -and still to believe that the Lord had not altogether forsaken his -people, but was mindful of the seeking remnant of his heritage, and -continued his gracious calls to his backsliding children. - -Fifth day. Was the meeting for discipline. It was likewise rather an -exercising season, but I hope attended with some profit. - -Sixth day. Was the parting meeting held for public worship. It was -a large crowded meeting, but was somewhat hurt in the forepart, by -the appearance of one young in the ministry standing too long, and -manifesting too much animation: yet, I believed, he was under the -preparing hand, fitting for service in the Church, if he only keeps -low and humble, and does not aspire above his gift, into the animation -of the creature. For there is great danger, if such are not deeply -watchful, of the transformer getting in and raising the mind into too -much creaturely zeal, and warmth of the animal spirit, whereby they may -be deceived, and attribute that to the divine power, which only arises -from a heated imagination, and the natural warmth of their own spirits; -and so mar the work of the divine spirit on their minds, run before -their gift and lose it, or have it taken away from them. They thereby -fall into the condition of some formerly, as mentioned by the prophet, -who, in their creaturely zeal, kindle a fire of their own, and walk in -the light thereof; but these, in the end, have to lie down in sorrow. - -Towards the close of the meeting, as Friends kept quiet and solid, way -opened for further communication, which brought a comfortable solemnity -over the meeting; and we parted from each other with gladdened hearts, -under a grateful sense of the Lord’s mercy to his unworthy creatures. - -Seventh day. I turned my hand again to my usual industry in my family -affairs, with a peaceful mind. - -First day, the 30th. Devoted this day, as usual, to the attendance of -our own meeting, in which I had not sat long, silently musing, before -my mind was opened into a view of the divine attributes, especially -that of God’s unchangeableness, and with which I had to contrast the -changeable and unstable state of man. I was led, in the view thereof, -to show to the people, that all our infelicity arose out of our -unsettled state, and for want of being established, or fixed on some -steadfast and invariable principle; and as there is no other but God, -consequently all our true felicity and salvation depends on our being -entirely settled and fixed in and upon him, by which we are brought to -witness an unchangeable state, having the feet of the mind established -on the immoveable rock, _Christ, the light of the world_, and the -real spiritual life of all true believers. For nothing short of this -experience ought to satisfy, or give rest to any seeking, panting soul -after God its redeemer. - -The rest of this week I attended to my family avocations with, -generally, peace of mind, attending our fifth day meeting, as it came -in course; nothing unusual occurring, but having daily and continual -cause of thankfulness to the bountiful Author of every blessing, both -temporal and spiritual. - -First day, the 6th of 8th month. My lot was to suffer the greater -part of our meeting to-day, until near the close, when I found it my -place to unite in a short testimony with a female fellow labourer, in -calling the attention of the people to an inward exercise and faithful -improvement of the gift or talent committed to them, while time and -opportunity are afforded, that so when called, they might be prepared -to render up their accounts with joy. - -Spent the remainder of this week as usual, at and about home, feeling -no call abroad to any religious service; but felt it my incumbent duty -simply to wait, and to watch at the King’s gate. - -First day, the 13th. Towards the close of our meeting, my mind was -led to view the great and singular advantages which would result to -mankind, by a full surrender of their wills to the divine will, not -only in religious concerns, but also in things of a temporal nature, -and indeed in every thing they do. The subject became very impressive, -insomuch that I found it my place to spread it before the auditory; and -to set forth the inconsistency of people, in first acknowledging the -entire supremacy of the divine Being, and their own dependant state, -as tenants at will of the sovereign Lord of the universe; and at the -same time presumptuously exercising an independent will and judgment -in their temporal, and, mostly so, even in their religious concerns. -Therefore, without breach of charity, we may safely conclude, that -the generality, even of professed Christians, serve and worship the -creature, more than they do the Creator. To this we may refer the -source of all the misery and wretchedness of man; and that to rise out -of his fallen state, he must come to know a complete sinking down into -a state of nothingness of self, and a full surrender of his will to the -divine will, and not to move in any thing without being conscientiously -satisfied it is in correspondence therewith; then should we move on -safely, and peace of mind would be our daily attendant. - -In the course of this week I was indisposed, being afflicted with -much bodily pain; but was enabled to attend our monthly meeting on -fifth day, at which we received extracts from our yearly and quarterly -meetings, with the printed epistle from London. They furnished suitable -advice on several subjects, particularly relative to a right attendance -of our religious meetings. I was impressed also with a similar concern, -to call the careful attention of Friends thereto, as that upon which -our religious advancement greatly depends. - -First day, the 20th. Feeling a draft on my mind to sit with Friends -of Bethpage, I yielded thereto. I sat the meeting mostly in silence, -it being rather a dull, low time, and but little life discoverable -in the meeting; yet near the close, I felt a small motion leading -to communication, and as I gave way thereto, a small stream of life -arose, and ran through the meeting, and we parted under a sense of its -comforting influence, with thankful hearts. - -First day, the 27th. My mind was solemnly exercised during the greater -part of our meeting, and deeply impressed with the spirit of prayer and -supplication. Oh, how awful is the prospect of approaching the Majesty -of heaven in solemn prayer! How it reduces the creature, and shows him -his entire unworthiness and helpless state. Well might the prophet -thus exclaim: “When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at -the voice; rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, -that I might rest in the day of trouble.” As I sat under the humbling -prospect, I was strengthened, towards the close of the meeting, with -a bowed down mind and bended knees, to address my humble petition, on -behalf of myself and my friends, to the throne of grace, expressive of -the desire of my soul, that we might be kept, both old and young, at -all times, under an humbling sense of the divine fear, as that on which -all our safety and preservation depends. - -Second and third days. I spent with a family of my friends some -distance from home, my wife accompanying me. I had been for some time -under considerable exercise and concern on account of some uneasiness -and disunity which subsisted among them, greatly to their hurt. I -entered fully into the subject, and was favoured, through patient -perseverance, to bring matters to a peaceful close, for which I was -thankful, as the harmony of the family had been for several years very -much interrupted. - -Fourth day. We returned home. - -Fifth day. Attended our meeting held this day, in which I was silent. - -Sixth day. I spent principally in assisting a friend, who was somewhat -straitened in getting along with his husbandry concerns; he having been -indisposed. - -Seventh day. Attended the funeral of a very ancient woman Friend, -an elder in society. She lived to the age of ninety-seven years, -an example of prudence and plainness; of an innocent life and -conversation, and generally beloved by her acquaintance. A large -collection of Friends and others attended it. I was led to set forth -the great advantages the true believer has over the unbeliever; and to -show to the people the great necessity of care that we did not place -any confidence in a mere traditional or historical belief, without -coming to a real experimental knowledge of God and Christ. It was a -solemn time; many hearts were tendered with the savour of truth, that -spread over the meeting. - -First day, the 3d of 9th month. Feeling a small draft of love and -concern to sit with Friends of Westbury meeting to-day, I yielded -thereto. It proved rather a low dull season, very little life felt to -be stirring in the meeting; but a little before the close, 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 -prisoner, and carried before Pilate; but, in a particular manner, -my mind was impressed with the proceedings of Judas the traitor. It -opened on my mind that he was a true figure of self in man, which is -the son of perdition, and man of sin. I was led, in the opening, to -warn Friends to beware of him, each one in themselves, for otherwise -he would deceive, and betray them, as Judas did his Master; and who -will as certainly destroy the precious life in us, as he brought Christ -to his crucifixion; his delight is to scatter and expose to trial and -temptation. It spread with weight over the meeting, and many minds were -solemnly affected. Surely the Lord’s mercy is still great towards his -backsliding people, as he continues striving to gather and preserve -them from all evil. - -The rest of the week I spent as usual, nothing particular occurring. - -First day, the 10th. This day I was pretty closely engaged. Attended -our own meeting in the morning, and an appointed meeting at Jerusalem -in the afternoon. Both were meetings of favour, and comforting seasons -to the upright in heart. - -Second day. Visited a sick brother. Found him very ill, his case being -such as to render his recovery very doubtful. It caused much distress -in the family. Oh! how wise it is for such dependant creatures as we -are, and whose stay here is so uncertain, to be always in a state of -readiness to meet every event. What consolation it affords in such -trying seasons, when we can come to say, Lord, thy servant is ready. - -I returned home on third day evening. Fourth and fifth days employed as -usual. On sixth day paid him another visit, and found him much better, -and the family cheerful. Oh, how unstable a creature is man! full and -empty, joyful and sorrowful, as things go well or ill. All this is for -want of having the mind centered in and on God, its alone proper object -and sure balance. - -I tarried until first day, and had an appointed meeting in the -neighbourhood; and although not so large as I have sometimes had in -that place, yet it was in the main an open favoured season, exciting -thankfulness to the blessed Author of all our mercies. I returned home -that evening, leaving my brother in a favourable way of recovery, with -a hope that the visitation will be profitable to him and his family, if -they rightly improve it. - -The rest of the week I spent at and about home. Attended our monthly -meeting on fifth day, and the funeral of a female relative on sixth -day, who was taken off very suddenly with an apoplectic fit. Such -instances speak a language to survivors very urgent and expressive: “Be -ye therefore ready also.” - -First day, the 24th. After a considerable time of silent waiting in -our meeting, my mind was quickened in the remembrance of the following -declaration of the apostle Paul: “For by grace are ye saved, through -faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, -lest any man should boast.” The subject opened to communication, -wherein I had to unfold to the people the utter incapacity of man, in -his fallen or natural state, doing any thing that would, in the least -degree, further his salvation, or be acceptable to God, as a part of -his necessary duty or service to him. For it would be very unwise and -dangerous to presume or attempt any such thing: unwise, because it -is impossible for him to effect it, and dangerous, lest he should do -something that might warm or stir up his own passions, or those of -others, in such manner as to apprehend that a degree of the divine -power attended. For this would tend to lead to a very fatal errour, -a continuance in the presumption; which can produce no other, than -darkness and death to the soul. In this state he could not possibly -avoid boasting, and thereby counteract the apostle’s doctrine; and -indeed it would be justifiable to boast, if we could do the least -thing of ourselves, without the immediate aid of divine grace. For -strict justice cannot deny the ascription of merit to any cause that -produces a real good work; but as no mere man can possibly ever be -such a cause, so he can never merit any good from his own works, and -therefore he never can have a right to boast. All this the truly humble -are abundantly sensible of, and therefore dare not attempt any thing -in a religious way, in their own time and will, but wait patiently for -the immediate inspiring of divine grace, to whose power only, as the -procuring cause of our salvation, all merit is due. - -The rest of the week I spent in my usual avocations, not omitting my -religious duties as they opened on my mind. - -First day, the 1st of 10th month. My mind, while sitting in our meeting -to-day, was led into the consideration of the real necessity there -was for each individual to know God, before he could worship him -acceptably, in spirit and in truth. For if we are ignorant of him, -our worship would be no better than the worship of the Athenians to -an unknown God. The subject enlarged and opened to the communication -of divers gospel truths, and gave cause gratefully to acknowledge the -mercy and goodness of our heavenly Father to his backsliding children. - -The six following days I was occupied at and about home, with a -grieved mind most of the time, on account of the conduct of some of my -neighbours, particularly one of my tenants, and one other, who spent -the week principally attending horse races; a most pernicious practice, -leading to more evil than almost any other wicked custom that the loose -and the vain are so foolishly addicted to; for it is not only spending -our precious time in a vain and wanton manner, but likewise manifests -great ingratitude to the Author of all our blessings, if not a total -disbelief in him: for how can it be supposed that a rational mind, -that has a real belief in God, could have hardiness enough to drive a -horse in a race, to gratify a number of idle and vain spectators; and -if for a bribe or a wager, it adds greatly to the sin, as it is then -accompanied with covetousness and dishonesty. When we consider that -the horse is one of the great temporal blessings conferred on man, by -a gracious and beneficent providence, to abuse him without cause, by -driving him in a race, is both cruel and wicked; for his life, and the -life of his rider are both at stake, as it sometimes happens that both -are killed. And not one single real good ever has arisen, or ever can -be looked for, from it: for the truth of which, I dare appeal to any -rational man who was ever in the practice, that it has never produced -one hour of real peace to the mind. - -First day, the 8th. As I sat in our meeting, the declaration of Paul, -introductory to his epistle to the Hebrews, presented to my mind, and -opened to a very interesting communication, showing that “God, who at -sundry times and in divers manners, spake in time past unto the fathers -[in Israel] by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by -his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things.” This renders it -necessary for every true follower of him, to hear him in all things, as -now, under the gospel dispensation, we have no other sufficient teacher -but the Lord Jesus Christ, by his spirit in our hearts; therefore, they -who do not hear and obey him, cannot be saved, but, agreeably to the -testimony of Moses, “the wrath of God abideth on them.” - -Second and third days. Were taken up in attending our meeting for -sufferings. The rest of the week I was occupied in my temporal -concerns, except attending our preparative meeting on fifth day. - -First day, the 15th. Although in going to meeting to-day my mind was -under the impression of poverty and spiritual want, yet I had not sat -long, ere light sprang up, and opened to the communication of divers -weighty gospel truths. In the unfolding of these, I was led to open -to the people, that every birth was clothed in its own proper nature, -and which must be congenial to the spring or source from whence the -birth derived its existence. Hence, agreeably to the apostle Paul’s -declaration, “The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is -the Lord from heaven; and as we have borne the image of the earthy, we -shall also bear the image of the heavenly.” Therefore, as the earthy -or animal part in man, must draw all its succour and support from -the earth, and cannot be comforted nor subsist without earthly food; -so neither can the spiritual part, or the immortal soul of man, be -comforted or subsist in its true life, without spiritual food. - -This, and much more, I was led to open in the light of truth, at this -solemn time; for the Lord’s power spread over the meeting in a very -weighty and sensible manner, and we parted under the precious covering. -Oh that our hearts might be continually warmed with gratitude for such -unmerited mercy! - -Fifth day. Since first day, I have been busily employed in putting -my family affairs in order, so as to leave home in company with a -committee appointed by the yearly meeting, to visit the quarterly -meeting of Nine Partners, with the monthly meetings constituting it, -this being the time to set out. I also attended the funeral of a -deceased neighbour, on fourth day, where I had a favourable opportunity -of expostulating with a large assembly, on the fallen, weak, and -helpless state of man, and the necessity of his witnessing, through the -aid of divine grace or spirit of his Creator, a redemption therefrom, -as the only means whereby he can be saved, and be again renewed into -his divine image and become a partaker of his real nature, as no other -nature can be happy in the enjoyment of him. - -I accordingly left home on sixth day, the 20th of 10th month. My wife -and daughter Elizabeth set out with me, with a view of bearing me -company in part of the visit. We rode through New-York to Westchester, -and lodged with our kind friends Thomas and Elizabeth Underhill, in -our way to West Hartford, in Connecticut, that being the first monthly -meeting we were to attend, in the arrangement made by the committee. On -seventh day we continued our journey to Middlesex, and lodged with our -friends Samuel and Phebe Bishop. On first day attended Friends’ meeting -there; and some notice being given to the neighbouring inhabitants, -of our intention of attending it, the meeting was large, and through -the condescending goodness of the Shepherd of Israel, it proved a -comfortable edifying season. The doctrines of the gospel were freely -and largely communicated, and the truth raised into dominion above all, -to the glory of him who is over all, God blessed for ever. On second -day we proceeded on our journey, going by way of Bridgeport, in order -to visit a female Friend of our acquaintance who lived in that town, -far separated from her friends and relatives; and whose husband being a -seafaring man, was from home on a voyage. She was comforted, and glad -of the visit, although short. After dining with her, and staying as -long as our time would admit, we proceeded that afternoon to Woodbury, -and lodged with Elijah Sherman, a person of the Methodist persuasion, -and an old acquaintance, where we were hospitably entertained. The -next day we rode to West Hartford, and put up with our kind Friend -Ruth Gilbert, widow of Charles Gilbert. Fourth day, being the day -their usual meeting was held, we attended it; and although small, was -nevertheless a precious favoured season. The states of those present -were spoken to in the fresh flowings of gospel love, tendering and -contriting the hearts of most present. Surely it was the Lord’s doing, -and worthy of deep thankfulness to him, as the alone author of every -blessing. - -Fifth day. Was their monthly meeting, held at this time out of its -usual course to accommodate the yearly meeting’s committee. It proved -a satisfactory season. The few Friends constituting it, appeared to -conduct the business which came before them, in a good degree of -propriety and harmony. - -On sixth day we took leave of our friends there, and rode to Oblong; -a long journey of about fifty-five miles, and the way rough and -hilly. We lodged with our friend Azariah Howland, and the next day -attended Oblong monthly meeting, which proved, through heavenly help, -particularly the part for worship, a comfortable edifying meeting. -Near the close, feeling a draft on my mind to be there the next day at -their first day meeting, I informed Friends thereof before we parted; -and notice being given to the neighbouring people of my intention, -the meeting was large; and through the unmerited condescension of our -gracious Helper, ability was given to preach the gospel in the clear -demonstration of the spirit, and with power. The spirits of most -present were humbled and contrited, and the truth raised into dominion, -to the praise of Him, who calleth us to glory and virtue. - -After this favoured meeting, we parted with our friends, under a lively -sense of the Lord’s goodness, and rode that evening to Nine Partners -and took quarters with our kind relations Isaac and Anne Thorne. - -The two following days we attended the monthly meetings of Nine -Partners and Oswego, which were, in the main, solemn edifying seasons. - -On fourth day we rode to Cornwall, leaving my wife and daughter with -our relations at Nine Partners. The three following days, attended -the monthly meetings of Cornwall, Marlborough, and Rosendale Plains. -With grateful hearts, we had abundant cause to acknowledge the -goodness, and never-failing loving kindness of our heavenly Father, in -condescending to be with us from day to day, making bare his arm for -our help and furnishing with ability for the work we were engaged in, -both in meetings for worship, and those for the right ordering of the -affairs of the Church. The several opportunities were crowned with His -gracious presence, solemnizing and tendering the hearts of the people, -and comforting and gladdening the sincere in heart, who prefer the -prosperity of Zion to their chiefest joy. - -First day. We attended Marlborough meeting; and some notice having been -given to those of other societies, of our intention of being there, the -meeting was large, and the house much crowded. Through divine favour -extended to us, it proved an awakening precious season; the testimony -to the power of truth went forth and reigned victoriously over all. We -tarried here until the next day, and then returned to Nine Partners, -in order to attend the quarterly meeting, which opened the next day -with a meeting for Ministers and Elders. Here I again met my wife and -daughter. The quarterly meeting closed on fourth day afternoon, and -was in the main an instructive favoured season, although considerably -interrupted by the imprudence of a Friend, in his unwarrantable -opposition to a concern, which was opened to draw Friends off from the -too free and unnecessary use of articles, which were the produce of -the labour of the poor enslaved black people; and which was wrung from -them, while in a state of cruel bondage, by their hard-hearted task -masters. For the sufferings of those oppressed people, my mind was -deeply exercised. - -Fifth day. Rode to Stanford, and attended the quarterly meeting of -Ministers and Elders, which through condescending goodness proved -a comfortable edifying opportunity, as was that for discipline. -The following day the quarterly meeting closed, with a meeting for -worship on seventh day. It was a season thankfully to be remembered -by every sensible mind present; for he that opens and none can shut, -and shuts and none can open, was graciously near, and condescended to -open many deep doctrines of the gospel, in a full and clear manner, -in the demonstration of the spirit, attended with power; humbling and -solemnizing the minds of most present, and exalting the truth, which -was raised into dominion, and ran sweetly over all. - -We returned that evening to Nine Partners, intending to sit with -Friends there the next day; and some public notice being given that -we were there, the meeting was large. Although it proved rather an -exercising season, and the labour hard, yet, I trust, it was a season -of profit and instruction to many. - -After this meeting, feeling myself released from any further service, -the committee having fulfilled their appointment, and my wife feeling -anxious to return home, we took leave of our friends on second day -afternoon and rode to our friend Enoch Dorland’s at Beekman. The next -day we rode to Croton, and lodged with our friend James Jordan. On -fourth day we proceeded on our journey to Manhattanville, and lodged -with our friend Joseph Byrd; and the following day, attended the -little meeting of our friends at that place. After this we rode down -to New-York, and took up our quarters at the house of our friend and -kinsman Whitehead Hicks. We tarried in town until seventh day morning, -and then took leave of our friends and rode home, where we arrived just -before evening. - -We were from home about four weeks, in which time I travelled four -hundred and eighty-four miles, and attended two quarterly meetings -which held five days; seven monthly meetings, and five particular -meetings. We had especial cause of gratitude and thankfulness of heart, -to the great and beneficent Author of every blessing, in that our -journey was prosperous, and ourselves preserved in a comfortable degree -of bodily health during the time, although a season of very general -indisposition with those among whom we travelled. - -First day, the 19th of 11th month. I sat with our friends again in our -own meeting, and found it my place to set them an example of silence, -feeling my situation like Mordecai’s when sitting at the king’s gate: -a state as grateful to an humble mind as riding the king’s horse, and -more safe, as there is less danger of falling. - -Fifth day. Another silent meeting. - -Seventh day. Attended the funeral of a deceased neighbour. My mind -was largely opened, to set forth to a large auditory assembled on -this solemn occasion, the great and blessed effects of a firm belief -and faith in the living God; as it has proved an antidote to all evil -in every age of the world, and to every individual who has had this -true and living faith. For it is that by which the just live, and -this the apostle saith, is our victory, even our faith; and without -it, it is impossible to please God. The Lord’s power accompanied -the communication, and many hearts were broken and contrited by its -heavenly influence; may it not pass away as the morning dew, but fasten -as a nail in a sure place, driven by the Master of our assemblies, is -the fervent desire and prayer of my mind. - -First day, the 26th. I passed our meeting to-day mostly in silence, -except just before the close, I found it my place to remind the meeting -of the complaint of the apostle Paul in his epistle to his beloved -Timothy, concerning some in that day, who were ever learning, and -never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. The occasion of this -was, as it opened on my mind, their neglect of practical duty, and -unfaithfulness in what they styled little things; and thereby rendered -themselves unfit and unworthy of being made rulers over more; and yet -were continually seeking after knowledge in greater things, through -the medium of the outward ear, and creaturely comprehension; loving -to hear the truth declared and doctrines communicated, but unwilling -and neglectful of putting them in practice; and therefore made no -advancement in true learning. I had to warn my friends to be careful -not to render themselves liable to the same reprehension, and found -sweet peace in this small portion of duty. - -The rest of the week I spent about home, being somewhat indisposed. Sat -our fifth day meeting in silence, quietly waiting, as at the king’s -gate, for renewed instruction. - -First day, the 3d of 12th month. My mind has been much shut up since -I returned home. Sat our meeting again to-day in silence; but felt -a daily exercise and concern relative to a religious visit in New -England, which has for months past, been ripening on my mind; but have -a prospect of some services about home, ere I engage therein. Lay low, -oh my soul! that thou mayest be rightly and wisely directed therein; -for thou well knowest the greatness, and vast importance of the work -thou art called to; and that of thyself, thou art utterly destitute of -any right ability to perform it to thy own good, or to the glory and -honour of thy chiefest good, who is the Lord alone, thy gracious and -all-sufficient helper. - -Second and third days. Attended to some necessary concerns about home, -preparatory to the approaching winter. On fourth day afternoon rode -to Flushing, in order to attend the monthly meeting the following -day, with a further prospect of having two other meetings on sixth -and seventh days, one at Newtown, and the other at the Kilns, in my -way to New-York, where I felt drawings on my mind to be on first day. -Accordingly after attending the monthly meeting, having the company -of my kind kinsman Isaac Hicks from Westbury, with the assistance of -some Friends of Flushing, we procured the appointment of a meeting the -next evening at Newtown at the sixth hour, principally for those not in -membership with us. As there were no Friends residing in the village, -the meeting was held in a large upper room at an inn, which was nearly -filled with sober and orderly behaved people. Through heavenly help, it -proved a comfortable edifying season; the doctrines of the gospel were -freely and largely opened, apparently to the general satisfaction of -those present, and many hearts were humbled and contrited. - -The next day we attended an appointed meeting in Friends’ -meeting-house at the Kilns. Although not large, yet it proved a -precious tendering opportunity to most present, worthy to be remembered -with thankfulness and gratitude to the blessed Author of all our -multiplied favours and blessings. After this we dined with our kind -friend Jane Betts, and then proceeded to the city. - -First day. We attended Pearl-street meeting in the morning, and that at -Liberty-street in the afternoon. In the former, the testimony of truth -went forth with power, and its dignity and excellency were exalted over -all opposition, to the praise of Him who is calling and leading all -his devoted and obedient children out of darkness into his marvellous -light, wherein they are brought to witness a full remission of their -sins, and an inheritance among all those that are sanctified. The -latter meeting I sat mostly in silence; but towards the close, I was -led forth in a short searching testimony, which brought a solemnity -over the meeting, under which covering the meeting closed. - -Second day. I attended a committee of the meeting for sufferings, and -in the afternoon a funeral of one not a member, but whose parents were -inclined to Friends, and frequently attended Friends’ meetings. They -hearing of my being in town, requested my attendance at the funeral; -and being disposed thereto, I attended accordingly, and had an open -time to declare the truth to those present, suited to the occasion, and -many minds were humbled. - -Third day. I attended the meeting for sufferings, and on fourth day the -meeting held in the middle of the week at Pearl-street, at which there -was a marriage; which occasioned the meeting to be quite large, and in -which my mind was exercised in an unusual manner. For the subject which -first presented, after my mind had become silenced, was the remembrance -of the manner in which the temporal courts among men are called to -order; and it became so impressive, as to apprehend it right to make -use of it as a simile, much in the way the prophet was led to make use -of some of the Rechabites, to convict Israel of their disobedience and -want of attention to their law and lawgiver. I accordingly was led to -cry audibly three times, “O yes, O yes, O yes; silence all persons, -under the pain and penalty of the displeasure of the court.” This -unusual address had a powerful tendency to arrest the attention of all -present, and from which I took occasion, as truth opened the way, to -reason with the assembly, that if such a confused mass of people as are -generally collected together on such occasions, and from very different -motives, and many from mere curiosity to hear and see the transactions -of the court, should all in an instant so honour and respect the -court, as immediately to be still and silent at the simple call of the -crier: how much more reasonable is it, for a collection of people, -promiscuously gathered to the place appointed in a religious way, to -wait upon, and worship the Judge of heaven and earth, to be still, and -strive to silence every selfish and creaturely thought and cogitation -of the mind. For such thoughts and cogitations would as certainly -prevent our hearing the inward divine voice of the King of heaven, and -as effectually hinder our worshipping him in spirit and in truth, as -the talking of the multitude at a court of moral law, would interrupt -the business thereof. As I proceeded with this simile, the subject -enlarged and spread, accompanied with gospel power and the evident -demonstration of the spirit, whereby truth was raised into victory, and -ran as oil over all. The meeting closed with solemn supplication and -thanksgiving to the Lord our gracious Helper, to whom all the honour -and glory belong, both now and for ever. - -We left the city that afternoon, under a grateful sense of the Lord’s -goodness, and rode to Flushing, where we had a large public meeting -that evening, mostly of those not in membership with us. It was a -solemn season, instructive and edifying. I returned home the next day, -and found my family in a reasonable state of health; surely may I not, -with propriety and humility of heart, exclaim with one formerly: “What -shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me?” Are not -his mercies new every morning? his faithfulness faileth not. - -Sixth and seventh days. I was industriously occupied in my family -affairs, and the week ended with peace of mind. - -First day, the 17th. I was led in our meeting to-day, to call Friends’ -attention to the cross; assuring them, that if we lived without the -cross, we must expect to die without the crown. For as the cross -consisted only in doing right, and doing right only in a conformity to -the will of our heavenly Father, and doing all our works agreeable to -his good pleasure and not our own, therefore, doing right is always a -cross to our fallen nature, as nothing can do right in the sight of -God, but a birth or child of God. For although a man in his fallen -state may do a moral act, that in itself is a right work, yet, doing it -for his own pleasure and will, and not because it is agreeable to the -will and pleasure of his Creator, it cannot be accepted as a good act, -because the motive and principle were evil, being selfish and not of -God. - -Second day. Busily employed about home and in home affairs. - -Third day. Visited a sick friend at his request. Assisted him in -settling his business and wrote his _will_. Surely this is a work which -requires sound judgment and discretion, therefore ought always to be -done in time of health, with proper deliberation, and not in haste. - -Fourth day. Attended Westbury monthly meeting, to my own, and I trust, -my friends’ comfort and satisfaction. I believe it was a season of -instruction and profit to many who were present; may it fasten as a -nail in a sure place. - -Fifth day. Attended our own monthly meeting. The meeting for worship, -through close labour, proved a quickening tendering season to many -present. In the meeting for discipline, I found it my duty to spread -before my Friends, a concern which had for many months been, at times, -very impressive on my mind, to pay a visit in gospel love, to Friends -and others in some parts of the yearly meeting of Rhode Island. After -due deliberation thereon, they united with it and gave me their -certificate, leaving me at liberty to pursue the prospect, as truth -might open the way. This brought me under serious reflections, in a -view and consideration of the great responsibility which naturally -attaches to those who thus go out on this solemn embassy, with the -concurrence of their Friends. For not only their own reputation as -ministers of the gospel, must rise or fall, according to their good -or ill conduct, but likewise that of their Friends, and the society -they profess to be ministers of; and also, the truth which they seem -to espouse, instead of being advanced, may be retarded thereby. Lay -prostrate, O my soul, at the throne of grace, and seek that wisdom -which is only profitable to direct, that thou mayest be thereby -strengthened to endure hardness, as a good soldier and servant of the -Prince of Peace. - -Sixth and seventh days. Busily employed in so arranging matters at -home, as to leave it with a peaceful mind. - -First day, the 24th. A profitable edifying meeting with my Friends -at home. I was led to sound forth a gospel message among them, in an -arousing searching testimony, by which many minds were humbled and -contrited. - -Second and third days. Employed in making preparation for my proposed -journey. - -Fourth day. Attended Friends’ meeting at Westbury, at which there were -two marriages accomplished; which occasioned the meeting to be very -large. Many of other societies came out of curiosity to see the manner -of our marriages, amongst whom, I was largely opened in communication, -to set forth many gospel truths necessary to be believed and witnessed -in our own experience, in order to our salvation. It was a season of -favour, and a very solemn time; may it be blessed and sanctified to -the lasting benefit of all who were present, is the fervent desire and -travail of my spirit. - -Fifth day. Attended our meeting in silence. The two following days -busily engaged in arranging my temporal concerns, and putting them in -order, that I may leave home with a peaceful mind. - -First day, the 31st. A solemn meeting to-day, in which my mind was -led forth in humble supplication for support and preservation in -my proposed journey; and that the Lord our gracious helper, in his -guardian care, would be pleased to be near my dear family and friends -at home, and be their comfort and strength in every needful time; and -that all those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, might be -redeemed therefrom, and translated into the kingdom of God, that so his -truth might prosper and spread from sea to sea, and from the rivers -to the ends of the earth; that his great and excellent name might be -praised and magnified by all the nations of the earth, from the rising -of the sun, to the going down thereof, world without end. Amen. - -Second and third days. Still busily engaged preparatory to leaving -home, with a prospect of setting out on fourth day morning, if way -should open. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - - General visit to Friends in New England, 1816. - - -Fourth day, the 3d of 1st month, 1816. After taking a solemn and -affecting opportunity with my dear wife and children, I took leave of -them under a sense of the Lord’s goodness and gracious regard, and -proceeded on my intended journey. Called on my kind kinsman Isaac -Hicks, of Westbury, who had previously concluded to go with me as a -companion. We proceeded that afternoon to New-York, where we tarried -over the next day. On sixth day morning we left the city, and arrived -at Bridgeport, in Connecticut, on seventh day evening, where we had -a small though comfortable meeting, the next day, at the house of -Thomas Woodward, whose wife was a member of our society. After this we -proceeded to New Haven, and lodged. On second day we rode to Hartford, -and lodged. - -On third and fourth days, rode to Leicester, and lodged with our -friend Pliny Earle. On fifth day had an appointed meeting there, at -the eleventh hour. A number of the neighbouring people, not of our -society, attended with Friends, among whom was their priest. It was, -I think, a season of favour, in which my heart and mouth were opened, -under, I trust, the influence of gospel love, to declare the way of -life and salvation to the people; proving from the scriptures, and -clear rational demonstration, that nothing short of the inspiring -spirit of truth, could enable any rational creature to make the least -progress in a real Christian life, or qualify to worship the Father -of spirits, in spirit and in truth; and that a confession to all, or -any creeds or forms of religion, however specious in their appearance, -without the immediate aid of this inspiring spirit, would, in the end, -leave the soul in utter disappointment. I was also led to show the -unreasonableness and inconsistency of the doctrine of unconditional -election and reprobation, and that it was impossible to be drawn from a -right and enlightened view of the divine character. - -There occurred one circumstance in the meeting, which, as it was in -itself improper, and gave some interruption to my mind, I am willing to -mention as a caution. When the meeting had got pretty quietly settled, -and my mind opened with a prospect to stand up, just before I was about -to rise, there came in a stranger, in appearance; and a Friend who sat -near me spoke to him to come forward, and called him _parson_, meaning -a priest, which I was very sorry to be informed of: for I think that -Friends ought to be exceedingly careful, never to inform travelling -ministers the state or condition of those who attend their meetings, -as it not only has a tendency to close up the way very much, of real -gospel ministers, but when close and plain things are delivered, they -often are judged of having outward information of the condition of -those to whom it applies; which, if it be the case, it would most -likely be the means of rendering their labour useless; but if from -inquiry such find that the speaker was utterly ignorant of them, from -any outward discovery, it is then much more likely to fix on their -minds and become useful. - -After dining with our friends, we proceeded on our journey about -thirteen miles that evening, with a view of endeavouring to get -an opportunity with Friends at Bolton, the next day; but the -morning opened with a pretty severe snow storm, which rendered it -impracticable. However, we proceeded in the morning through the snow, -and with much difficulty reached that place, where we tarried until -first day. We had then a very comfortable edifying meeting with -Friends; and continued there, at the house of our kind friend John Fry, -until second day morning, and then proceeded to Lynn. - -On third day, the 16th, we proceeded to Seabrook, in order to attend -the quarterly meeting, which opened the next day with a meeting of -Ministers and Elders. On fifth day was the quarterly meeting for -discipline, preceded by a meeting for worship. It was a season of -favour, especially the meeting for worship, wherein my mind was largely -opened to preach the gospel in the demonstration of the spirit, to the -comfort and edification of the upright in heart; many being reduced -into a state of humble contrition and thankfulness for the unmerited -mercy. - -On sixth day we proceeded to Epping, where, by previous notice, we -had a meeting in the evening, in which the Lord’s power and presence -presided in a very eminent manner; and his truth raised into victory -over all, and ran as oil, quieting and solemnizing every thing that -stood in opposition to its pure holy influence. I scarcely ever was at -a meeting, wherein all were so swallowed up in a profound solemnity, -that when the meeting closed, it was sometime before any removed from -their seats. Surely it was the Lord’s doing. - -From thence we went the next day to Lee, and had a small comfortable -meeting at the eleventh hour, and then proceeded to Dover. On first -day attended Friends’ meeting there at the eleventh hour, at the close -of which, feeling a draft of love towards the inhabitants of the town -at large, with the unity of Friends, there was a meeting appointed in -the evening, and general invitation given; at which there was a very -large collection of the various sects, amongst whom my mind was largely -opened, and my tongue loosed, I trust, by Him who opens, and none can -shut, and shuts and none can open, to declare of the things concerning -the kingdom of God, and to point out to the people, in a very clear -manner, the way of life and salvation, unfolding many important -doctrines of the gospel, in the clear demonstration of the spirit, -bowing and humbling many minds present, and rejoicing the hearts of the -faithful; under a sense whereof my mind was bowed in deep abasedness -for the favour. - -Next morning we proceeded to Berwick, and had an instructive edifying -meeting there in the evening, wherein many hearts, with mine own, -were made thankful. The next day we proceeded to Portland, a town on -Casco Bay. The following day, being the fourth of the week, we rode -to Falmouth, and attended their select meeting, constituted of the -Ministers and Elders belonging to Falmouth meeting. It was small, -and the business conducted in a very weak, and, in my view, a very -improper manner; for, previous to the meeting, it appeared that the -clerk had, at his leisure, entered the business of the meeting, as -though at meeting, and made answers to all the queries; so that when -the meeting collected, they had nothing to do, but to hear him read -over what he had before written, and which, without any alteration, -was approved; some representatives to the quarterly meeting appointed, -and the meeting closed. On taking a view of the subject, I was led to -believe that meetings, held in such a way, brought no honour to the -cause, nor strength nor profit, to those who attend them. - -At the close of the meeting, we rode to our friend John Winslow’s, and -lodged; and the next day attended Falmouth monthly meeting. The two -following days we attended the select meeting at Windham, and their -monthly meeting. First day attended Windham meeting; and on second day, -an appointed meeting at Gorham. On third day we rested, and wrote. On -fourth day their quarterly meeting opened at Windham, which closed on -fifth day. Sixth day, had an appointed meeting at Falmouth. On seventh -day rode to Durham; and on first day attended their meeting, which was -large, notice having been given to the neighbouring inhabitants of -our coming. Second day, rode back to Portland, and had an appointed -meeting with Friends and others that evening. On third day attended an -appointed meeting at Cape Elizabeth, and then returned to Portland, and -had a large public meeting in the evening. On fourth day we were at -Scarborough. - -I then felt my mind released from any further service in this quarter; -but before I proceed, am led in humble gratitude and thankfulness of -heart, to acknowledge the goodness and mercy of Israel’s Shepherd, who, -in his never-failing love, was graciously near from place to place, -and clothed the assemblies with his presence and power, opening my -mind in every meeting for worship, to preach the gospel, humbling and -contriting many minds, and comforting and edifying the willing and -upright in heart. Surely it is the Lord that worketh in us and for us; -magnified and adored be his right worthy name, both now and for ever, -to whom all the praise belongs: nothing due to man. - -After the meeting at Scarborough, I went with my kind friend William -Cobb to his house at Gorham, he having taken me in his chaise from -Portland to Scarborough; for our way of travelling was with a sled: -but the snow on the seacoast was so wasted as to render it difficult -getting along with it. It was therefore concluded that my companion -should go back into the country to Gorham, where the snow was more -abundant; and William accompanied me as aforesaid. We met again in the -evening at his house, and the next day returned to Berwick, and the day -following to Dover. - -On seventh day I proceeded to Rochester, accompanied by Thomas -Stackpole. My companion being unwell, it was thought best for him to -rest until our return. We attended the upper meeting in that town -in the evening; and the next day, at the eleventh hour, were at the -lower meeting. After this we returned to Dover, to attend a meeting in -the evening, which had been concluded to be appointed previous to my -going out; and general notice having been given, it was very large. -They were all seasons of favour, in which the Lord’s presence was felt -to preside, and truth raised into dominion; particularly the last, -wherein my heart and mouth were largely opened, and the gospel preached -in the demonstration of the spirit, attended with power, solemnizing -this large assembly. Truth reigned, and the meeting closed with humble -supplication and prayer to the Lord. - -Second day, the 12th of 2d month. We returned to Seabrook, to the house -of our kind friend Joseph Phillbrick, and had an appointed meeting -there that evening. The next day proceeded to Almsbury and Newbury, and -had a meeting at each place, the latter in the evening. They were open -favoured seasons, particularly the meeting at Almsbury, in which truth -prevailed, and ran as oil over all. A ministering friend observed, -after the meeting, that he believed the witness was raised in every -mind present. It was indeed a precious strengthening opportunity to -my own mind: may the honour and praise be all ascribed to Israel’s -Shepherd, to whom it is altogether due. How deeply humbling are such -continued mercies, dispensed to us poor unworthy creatures. Lay low, -O my soul! for thou well knowest that it is the Lord’s power only, -clothed in righteous judgment and never-failing mercy, that has raised -thee from the dunghill, where thou hadst plunged thyself by thy own -follies; yea, it is he who has plucked thy feet out of the mire and -clay of sin, and set them on a rock, and strengthened thee in faith to -believe, that as thou dwellest in deep humiliation before him, resting -on his mercy, until self is fully mortified, and the old man with his -deeds is utterly crucified, he will establish thy going, and put a new -song into thy mouth, even eternal praises to thy God. Even so be it. -Amen. - -We left Newbury on fourth day morning, and returned to Salem, and -attended their meeting, the next day, as it came in course, at which -there was a marriage accomplished between two worthy Friends, elders -in society. It was a comfortable edifying season, 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 fulfilled, so as to render the -parties truly happy together, unless they are of one mind and one -heart, in all matters of importance, but more especially in regard -to their principles of religion and faith; for if these are diverse, -it will most likely imbitter their enjoyments, and produce discord -in their family, and tend to wound and distract the minds of their -children, should they be favoured with any. It therefore bespeaks great -presumption and folly in young people to risk the attempt, especially -on such slender reasons as are commonly brought forward as a plea, that -one of the parties may change their opinion, and come to unite with the -other. This, however, is very fallacious, as such change is uncertain; -and no man of reason will trust thereto in the most trivial matters, -for each generally suppose themselves in the right, and look for the -other to condescend and conform; and therefore the breach often becomes -greater. - -On sixth day evening, we had an appointed meeting for the inhabitants -of the town in general. It was very large, consisting of the various -religious sects, and some of almost every description of people, who -commonly reside in such populous towns. I was largely opened among -them in the line of the ministry, in which I was led to set forth the -excellency of man’s primitive state, before the fall, in which he -was placed by the wisdom and goodness of his all-wise and gracious -Creator, and furnished with sufficient light and understanding to -know that he was altogether the work of his almighty power, and that -he derived his life and existence, with every other blessing he had, -or could have, from his bountiful hand; under a just sense whereof, -while he stood in this happy state, every desire of his soul flowed -with a continual ascent to him, as his only comforter and preserver. -In this state he realized the condition the apostle reminds us of in -this exhortation: “Rejoice evermore; pray without ceasing; and in every -thing give thanks:” this being the only true delineation of a faithful -servant of God. But from this happy state man fell, by a wrong use and -abuse of those powers and capacities conferred on him as a free agent, -and without which he neither could have known nor served his God: -therefore, man’s fall was altogether an act of his own choice, contrary -to known duty; and had it not been so, he could not possibly have felt -guilt and condemnation for what he had done. - -I was also led to open to the people that the great end of Christ’s -coming was to introduce the gospel, which is the last and most blessed -dispensation of God to the children of men, as by it only can man be -restored to this primitive state, and without which restoration he -cannot effectually serve God in spirit. This gospel our Lord told his -disciples his Father would send them in his name, and which is the -Holy Ghost or power of God sent down from heaven, which well agrees -with the doctrine of the apostle Paul, where he tells us, that the -gospel of Christ “is the power of God unto salvation, to every one that -believeth.” This therefore supposes, that those who do not obey the -spirit of truth, or Holy Ghost, which convinces them of sin, do not -believe the gospel, and therefore are not benefitted by it: of course -they remain under the power and dominion of sin. - -After this favoured meeting, I felt myself much indisposed with a very -severe cold and fever, and had to keep house until the next third day, -when we proceeded to Lynn. The following day we attended their meeting -held in the middle of the week; and notice being given of our intention -of being there, it was large. The power of truth went forth freely, -tendering many minds, and comforting the faithful and upright in heart. - -The next day we proceeded on our way to Long Plain, where we arrived -the day following, about noon. Had a meeting there that evening. The -day after had a meeting at the eleventh hour, at Accushnet. They were -both favoured meetings. - -We then proceeded to New Bedford; and the next day, the first of the -week, and 25th of 2d month, we attended their forenoon and afternoon -meetings. In these my mind was largely opened in gospel communication, -tending to expose the man of sin and son of perdition, manifesting that -he was nothing but self in man, and showing that, in his mysterious -workings, in leading man to endeavour to imitate God, in doing good -and performing acts under the show of religion and religious worship, -but all done in his own will and time, the whole mystery of iniquity -is comprehended. For in man’s thus turning away from God and the -inspirings of his holy spirit, consists his fall, as he takes upon -himself an independent state, and assumes the right of self-government, -and becomes his own director; therefore, his salvation wholly consists -in surrendering up this self-ability, letting it die on the cross, -and returning into a state of full submission to the leading and sole -guidance of the inspiring spirit of God. My mind was largely opened on -these and other truths of the gospel in those meetings, whereby truth -was raised into dominion over all, to the comfort and peace of my own -mind, and to the apparent satisfaction, instruction, and edification of -the rightly exercised and seeking minds present. - -The three following days we attended meetings at Newtown, Centre, and -the monthly meeting of Dartmouth, or Aponegansett. In each of these I -was largely opened in gospel communication, particularly in the last. -The truth was powerfully raised into dominion over all, spreading a -precious solemnity over the meeting, and much contrition of spirit was -manifested. It was the Lord’s doing, and to him belongs all the praise -of his own work, nothing due to the creature but blushing and confusion -of face. - -Fifth and sixth days. We had meetings at Acoaksett, alias West Port, -and Little Compton. In both the gospel was preached in truth’s -authority; the latter especially was a powerful melting season to most -present, inspiring the mind with deep thankfulness and gratitude to the -bountiful Author of every blessing. - -On seventh day we proceeded to Newport, on Rhode Island, and attended -Friends’ forenoon and afternoon meetings on first day. On second day, -had an appointed meeting at Portsmouth. After this, with peace of -mind, we left the island that afternoon, and went to Tiverton, and -lodged with our kind friend Joseph Barker. We had an appointed meeting -there the next day, and the day following were at Swansey. Truth was -eminently exalted in these meetings, especially the latter, which was a -powerful baptizing season, in which the Lord’s presence was witnessed, -and much brokenness and contrition of spirit was spread over the -meeting. This was witnessed, not only by Friends, but by many others -not in profession with us, encouraging and gladdening every sincere -mind for the unmerited favour. After this solemn meeting, we took leave -of our Friends, and rode that afternoon to Providence. - -The next day we attended Friends’ meeting there, as it came in course, -in which my mind was led to exemplify and set forth, the excellency -and blessed effects of true and strict justice in all our dealings -and commerce between man and man, as rational social beings; which -was introduced into my mind by the remembrance of this saying of the -wisest of men, viz. Solomon: “Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin -is a reproach to any people.” My mind was opened to show the great -and essential difference there is, between the righteousness of man, -as comprehended in, and tolerated by the laws, customs, edicts and -traditions of men, and the righteousness of God, which is altogether -comprehended in pure, equal, impartial and unchangeable justice: -showing that every act of man, which is not in conformity to this -pure and impartial justice, is sin; and that whatever we do that has -a tendency, either directly or indirectly, to counteract this pure, -simple, impartial justice, cannot be considered as any part of that -righteousness which exalts a nation, as it cannot bring glory to God; -for no righteousness, but God’s righteousness, wrought in man by this -pure principle of justice, can possibly glorify him, as this must be -the foundation of every virtue in man. - -It was a season of close searching labour, by which the hidden things -of Esau, or the first nature, in which the serpentine wisdom works, -deceiving multitudes; was brought to light and exposed: especially that -cunning sophistical reasoning in the wisdom of this world, which many -people are making use of to justify themselves, and thereby stifle -and put to silence the convictions of conscience, while acting in -direct opposition to this pure principle of justice; by continuing a -traffic in, and making themselves rich, by a commerce in the produce -of the labour of the poor, afflicted and deeply oppressed Africans and -their descendants, held in a state of slavery by the mere force of -war, and which is wrested from them without their consent. Truth was -exalted over all, and unrighteousness exposed, and its evil effects on -societies and individuals manifested. - -After this arduous meeting, not feeling myself clear of the town, I -appointed another meeting in the evening. Public notice being given, -it was large, not only of the white inhabitants, but a large number -of the people of colour also attended. It was a season of favour, and -much doctrine was communicated, suited to the states of those present; -tending to the edification and instruction of the seeking minds of the -varied sects, many of whom were collected in this solemn assembly. I -closed with a peaceful mind, and the next day we proceeded to Scituate, -and had a very edifying tendering meeting there. - -The day following, being the first of the week, we were at Friends’ -meeting at Foster. It was a small meeting of Friends, but a very -considerable number of the neighbouring people came in of different -persuasions. I was led to open and explain among them many essential -doctrines of Christianity, which, crossing the carnal views of these -outside professors, and striking at their creaturely activity in -their religious services, I felt as I proceeded a strong spirit of -opposition in some of this description, but truth favoured so that -no outward opposition was manifested, and the meeting closed under a -covering of solemn quiet. - -On second day evening we attended an appointed meeting in Friends’ -meeting-house at Plainfield. There are but few Friends belonging -to this meeting, the whole consisting of but three families; but a -considerable number of their neighbours came in and sat with us. We -likewise appointed another meeting the next day at a Friend’s house in -the northern part of this town, at the second hour in the afternoon, -which was well attended by the neighbouring people. These two last -meetings closed my visit to Friends and others, in the compass of Rhode -Island yearly meeting. They were opportunities of favour, in which -much gospel instruction was communicated, to the general edification, -comfort and satisfaction of the people, and which was acknowledged by -many of them. In parting with them I felt the incomes of sweet peace, -as a crown to all my deep exercises and ardent gospel labours, in this -visit to Friends and others in the compass of that yearly meeting: a -sense of which humbles my mind in deep thankfulness and gratitude, to -the bountiful Author of all our mercies and blessings, who is over all, -God blessed for ever. - -We proceeded from thence on fourth day, directly to the city of -Hartford; and on fifth day evening had a large meeting there, held in a -meeting-house belonging to the Baptists. I was led forth among them in -a large doctrinal testimony, showing that Christ’s coming in the flesh, -was designed to supersede the dispensation of Moses, which stood in -mere legal righteousness, consisting of carnal ordinances, and relating -only to the outward or animal body, made up of circumcision, outward -sacrifices, elementary washings and cleansings, and the blood of slain -beasts, &c.: all which were only outward, and therefore could not -effect the soul, nor make the comers thereunto perfect, as pertaining -to the conscience. - -I was likewise led to open the nature of the true Christian Sabbath, -which is the antitype of the typical one, and does not consist in a -rest to the body merely for a day, but in a perpetual rest to the -soul by its coming into Christ, and submitting to the government of -his spirit, and entirely ceasing from its own willings and runnings, -by which reconciliation is witnessed, and peace made with our heavenly -Father. These things and much more, I had to open to the people, in the -fresh feelings of the love and life of truth, which was exalted over -all. The next day we rode to Woodbury, with a prospect of obtaining -a religious opportunity with the people; but way not opening for it, -we proceeded the day after to New Milford, and the next day being the -first of the week, we had a comfortable edifying meeting with Friends, -and a large collection of their neighbours with them. - -After this, we rode that afternoon to Oblong, and the next day attended -the monthly meeting there. In the meeting for worship, the Lord’s power -was eminently exalted, and truth was raised into dominion; the season -was deeply instructive and edifying. The day after we had an appointed -meeting in the town of Patterson, where no Friend resides. It was held -in a school-house, and proved, through divine favour, an instructive -baptizing season. From thence we proceeded to the Valley, and the -following day had a precious strengthening opportunity with Friends and -others, in Friends’ meeting-house there. - -We then rode to North Salem, and the next day being their meeting day -in the middle of the week, we attended it: and notice being given -that we were there, it was considerably enlarged by a number of the -neighbouring inhabitants coming in. The forepart of the meeting was -exercising: my mind, in silent waiting, was dipped into a deep sense -of poverty and darkness, and as I sat patiently under the impression, -I was led gradually into a view of the cause, which appeared to be -too much creaturely activity and a froward will. As light began to -arise and expel the darkness, there was brought to remembrance these -expressions of Solomon: “Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of -God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: -for they consider not that they do evil:” and also, “But the talk of -the lips tendeth only to penury.” These were opened in a way that led -to communication, in which I had to show the very hurtful tendency of -creaturely activity in matters of religion and religious worship, and -the absolute necessity of a complete redemption from self, and all self -motives, in the great work of our salvation. As I proceeded, the life -rose, and truth prevailed and spread over the meeting in an eminent -manner. After this favoured meeting, I found there was sufficient cause -for my exercise; and I was glad that I was altogether ignorant of it -from any outward information. - -The next day we had an appointed meeting at Amawalk. It was favoured -with the Lord’s presence and power; and many hearts were contrited and -made thankful, under a sense of his continued mercy. - -We proceeded from thence to Peekskill, where, by previous appointment, -we had a meeting the following day, which was crowned with the Lord’s -blessing. Surely the Lord is good and gracious, and his mercy endureth -for ever; for did he deal with us according to our deserts, surely -we might ere now all have been consumed: for as I passed along from -place to place, I discovered great unfaithfulness, and want of right -submission to the divine will, with many Friends as well as others; -under a feeling sense whereof, I was often led in a line of close -searching doctrine, by which the hidden things of Esau, or the works -of the first birth or fallen nature were brought to light and exposed, -in a way that showed it was the Lord’s doing: and my heart, with -the hearts of the faithful few were made glad in his power, and his -everlasting loving kindness to the children of men. - -The next day being the first of the week, we attended Croton meeting. -The number of Friends there is small, but the meeting was large for -that place, for many of other societies came in. The doctrines of the -gospel were freely and largely preached among them, to the instruction -and edification, I believe, of most present, and to the peace and -comfort of my own mind. - -Our next meeting was at Shapaqua, which was large, and a favoured -season. The two following days we had meetings at Croton Valley and -North Castle, in both of which I was helped to clear myself among the -people in a line of plain doctrine. The next day and the fifth of -the week, we had an appointed meeting at Purchase, which was a large -satisfactory meeting. The two following days we attended meetings at -Mamaroneck and Westchester; in both of which, the Lord’s power was -manifested for our help, and the gospel preached in the demonstration -thereof, and its divine influence tendered and contrited many hearts; -especially in the latter, which being the last meeting I had in this -journey, it proved a crowning season, in which truth was raised into -victory over all, and the Lord’s name praised and magnified for his -goodness and marvellous loving kindness to the children of men. After -this solemn meeting I felt myself at liberty to return home, where I -arrived safe that evening, and found most of my family in usual health. - -I was from home nearly three months in this journey, travelled upwards -of one thousand miles, and attended fifty-nine particular, three -monthly, and two quarterly meetings. - -First day, the 31st of 3d month, 1816. Having returned from my -aforesaid journey last evening, sat with Friends in our own meeting -to-day. I felt things to be very low in a religious sense, and my mind -clothed with much poverty, which appeared to me in the openings of -truth, to be occasioned by Friends suffering their minds to be too much -overwhelmed with the surfeiting cares of this life, which I was led to -open to them in a plain though tender manner. It had a reaching effect -on the meeting, and contrited many hearts; may it fasten as a nail in a -sure place, is the fervent desire of my mind. - -Fifth day. Since first day I have been somewhat circumstanced as -Mordecai formerly at the king’s gate, waiting and watching in much -poverty of spirit, against intervening temptations, while making some -necessary arrangements respecting my temporal affairs; being desirous -that they may all be so conducted, under the ordering and limitation of -truth, as to accord with the will of my heavenly Father, and thereby -bring glory to his excellent name. Sat our meeting to-day in silence. - -Sixth and seventh days. Nothing transpired requiring particular notice. - -First day. I was led in our meeting to-day, under a sense of the great -want among mankind in general of a right concern to become acquainted -with their Creator, to set forth the great loss and suffering which -must necessarily result to them from this state of ignorance, and want -of the true knowledge of God, and of his will concerning them. - -Seventh day, the 13th of 4th month. This week has passed since first -day, without feeling sufficient to warrant making a short note; but -being at present musing on the past time, and feeling no condemnation, -although I had passed the present week mostly in caring for my temporal -concerns; yet not so much, I trust, from the love I have for the world -or the things of it, but more especially from a sense of duty, that -I may honestly provide for the outward welfare of myself and family, -and have, through the blessing of a kind and benevolent Providence on -my frugal industry, a sufficiency when called from my home and from -every temporal enjoyment there, for the gospel’s sake, to keep the -gospel free from charge, and that I abuse not my power in the gospel. -For this care, I often fear is too much wanting by some who go out on -that solemn embassy; which, if not guarded against, may not only tend -to frustrate the end of their labours, but prove a stone of stumbling -to many seeking minds. For how inconsistent it must appear in those -who profess to have taken up their cross to self and the world, to -follow their self-denying Saviour in the plain path of duty, to be -anxious about what they shall eat or drink, or what they shall wear; -or manifest a desire after praise or applause from their Friends or -others, or have their hands and hearts open to receive the gratuities -of the rich. For all these may be considered when sought after, as -bribes to the receivers, and it places such under the appellation of -hirelings; for although there may not have been any previous contract, -yet, receiving benefits in that way, I conceive, will bring the -receiver under obligations to the giver, and place the individual in a -situation not fit for a free minister of the gospel. - -First day. Sat our meeting to-day mostly in silence, and in suffering -with the seed, that lies oppressed as a cart under sheaves, in the -minds of most of the professors of Christianity; but towards the close -a gleam of light broke forth, in the remembrance of that saying of -Christ, where he tells us, that the kingdom of God is within, and that -it doth not come through outward observation. The subject opened in a -lively manner on my mind, which led to communication, and brought a -solemn weight over the meeting, and we parted under the favour. - -The three following days I kept much within, being under very -considerable bodily affliction, although, at intervals, so as to pay -some necessary attention to my family affairs, not being willing to let -any portion of precious time pass away unimproved, as I cannot suppose -that any part of our time is dispensed to us for nought. - -Fifth day. This was the time of our monthly meeting, at which the -queries were answered, and accounts prepared to go up to the yearly -meeting. How deep and solemn our deliberations are on such occasions, -not only that our answers may be consistent with truth, without -any false colouring or evasion, but that all may be done under the -influence of that divine power, which humbles and abases the creature, -and which only can qualify for the Lord’s work and service, whether in -ministry or discipline. At this time I returned the minute I had from -the meeting, to perform my late visit to Friends in New England, with a -short account of my journey. - -Sixth day. Attended our meeting for Ministers and Elders, at which -nothing unusual occurred. - -Seventh day. Quietly spent in my temporal concerns. - -First day, the 21st. My mind, in our meeting to-day, was brought -under a deep feeling exercise, in sympathy with backsliders, and such -as, having been often reproved, continue still to revolt. The power -of truth went forth to these in a searching arousing manner: may it -prove effectual to produce in such more stability and faithfulness to -the convictions of divine grace, which, as they become fully obedient -thereunto, will work their salvation; otherwise these may share the -fate described by one formerly: “He that, being often reproved, -hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without -remedy.” - -The rest of this week I spent principally in attending our quarterly -meeting, held at this time in New-York. It was for the most part a -favoured season, but would have been more so, had not some in the -ministry quite exceeded the mark by unnecessary communication. For very -great care ought to rest on the minds of ministers, lest they become -burthensome, and take away the life from the meeting, and bring over it -a gloom of death and darkness, that may be sensibly felt. - -First day, the 28th. A silent meeting to-day. - -Second day. In the afternoon of this day I accompanied a friend to -a meeting he had appointed at Jerusalem. There was a considerable -collection; but the meeting proved trying, not only in the silent part, -but when our friend was communicating, there seemed to be a great -weight of death over the meeting, and the people appeared generally -very dull and lifeless. I was very much borne down under a feeling -sense of it, so that I had not the least prospect that I should have -any thing to communicate, as I felt nothing in myself to offer, nor did -there appear any disposition or fitness in the people to receive; but -just before the close, some time after the Friend had sat down, there -was a small presentation opened on my mind, attended with a degree of -life, which, as I yielded thereto, it spread a comfortable calm over -the meeting generally, insomuch that I thought that the fragments which -were left, after each had had their portion, were more than the whole -stock in the beginning, like the fragments of the loaves and fishes, -when the multitude were fed formerly. - -I accompanied the aforesaid Friend on fourth day to Bethpage, but sat -the meeting in silence. He appeared in a pretty long testimony, but it -was rather a dull heavy season, and but little life to be felt, so true -is that saying, that, “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in -vain that build it; except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh -but in vain.” He returned with me and attended our meeting the next -day, and had a pretty favoured time in the meeting, and was led to open -divers passages of scripture in a pretty clear manner, which rendered -the season instructive and satisfactory. - -Sixth and seventh days. Passed without any thing transpiring worthy of -remark. - -First day, the 5th of 5th month. Being invited to attend the funeral -of one of my wife’s cousins, on Cowneck, I accompanied her thereto. -There was a large collection of people; but by their untimely and -irregular gathering, the opportunity was much interrupted; yet, through -the condescending goodness of Israel’s Shepherd, the power of truth -went forth freely to the people, tendering and contriting many hearts, -particularly among the youth: may it fix on their minds as a nail, -driven by the Master of assemblies, in a sure place. - -The rest of this week I spent about home, being somewhat unwell; yet -not so much so, but that I attended our preparative meeting on fifth -day. - -First day, the 12th. Feeling considerably indisposed, I did not get -out to meeting to-day; yet had to reflect how very seldom I had been -prevented by indisposition for many years past, being generally -preserved in health, a favour worthy of grateful acknowledgments. - -Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting. It was a low dull season, -through the greater part of the first meeting; but just before -the close, a small gleam of light appeared, which, with a short -communication from a female, brought the meeting to a pretty -comfortable conclusion. - -Sixth and seventh days. Spent in my family avocations, clothed with -poverty of spirit, yet not altogether cast down, being encouraged at -times with the remembrance of the divine promise succeeding the flood, -that, “While the earth remaineth, seed-time and harvest, and cold and -heat, and summer and winter, and day and night, shall not cease.” As -in my past winter journey, I witnessed summer and harvest, so now I -may rest patiently in the divine promise, with the assurance, that as -winter in due course has succeeded summer, so likewise summer by and -by, in its turn, will succeed winter, and the time of the singing of -birds will come, and the drooping spirit will again rejoice in the -Lord, and joy in the God of its salvation. - -Nothing requiring a note the following week, except, that on seventh -day, the 25th of the month, I proceeded to New-York, in order to -attend our approaching yearly meeting, which opened for Ministers and -Elders at the tenth hour this morning; but the morning being rainy, -we did not arrive in season to attend the first sitting. The meeting -continued by adjournments until the following sixth day, and was in -the main, I think, a favoured meeting, the Lord graciously manifesting -himself to be near, suppressing forward spirits, that would now and -then start up to the hurt of the meeting, and uniting the living -baptized members in a joint travail for the promotion of right order, -and the increase of the Messiah’s kingdom in the earth. We returned -home on seventh day. - -First day, the 2d of 6th month. Attended our meeting in the morning -in silence; but in the afternoon meeting, appointed by a friend from -Pennsylvania, I had a pretty full opportunity, after the Friend who -appointed the meeting had relieved his mind, to call the people’s -attention to the only sure guide, the light of God’s spirit in their -own hearts and minds, which reveals to every man and woman all things -that they had ever done, as Jesus did to the woman of Samaria, -reproving for the evil, and justifying for the good: and were men and -women all as faithful to themselves, as this divine reprover is to -them, they would all witness the blessing of peace; and if they held -out in faithfulness and obedience to the end, the answer of “well done, -thou good and faithful servant”, would be the happy portion of them all. - -Fifth day. Attended our meeting in silence. - -First day, the 9th. Had the company of two female Friends from -Philadelphia, who were travelling in the ministry, at our meeting. -It proved a hard trying season: one of them was exercised in public -testimony, and although she appeared to labour fervently, yet but -little life was felt to arise during the meeting. This makes the work -hard for the poor exercised ministers, who feel the necessity publicly -to advocate the cause of truth and righteousness, and yet obtain but -little relief, by reason of the deadness and indifference of those -to whom they are constrained to minister. I found it my place to sit -silent, and suffer with the seed. - -Second day. Went to New-York, in order to attend our meeting for -sufferings, which was held the next day at the ninth hour in the -morning. I accordingly attended, and returned home that afternoon. - -The rest of the week I spent about home. Attended our preparative -meeting on fifth day. The meeting for worship was held in silence, and -was a hard trying meeting. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - - Engagements at and about home, and within Westbury quarterly meeting, - 1816 and 1817. - - -First day, the 16th of 6th month, 1816. My wife being under an -appointment to meet some women Friends at Bethpage meeting, I -accompanied her thither. It proved an exercising meeting, especially in -the forepart; but as I submitted cheerfully and patiently to endure the -present baptism, which, indeed, as the experienced Paul well observes, -is being baptized for the dead, towards the latter part of the meeting, -that all-quickening and vivifying power that raises the dead to life, -was felt gradually to arise, by which my mind was quickened and led to -minister to the states of many present. Life spread over the meeting -tendering many hearts, and we parted under a grateful sense of the -Lord’s mercies; so that indeed the query of the royal Psalmist is -worthy to be had in continual remembrance: “What shall I render unto -the Lord for all his benefits towards me?” - -Spent the rest of this week about home. Attended our monthly meeting on -fifth day, but nothing unusual transpired. - -First day, the 23d. Had the company of our friend Mary Post from -Westbury, she being engaged in a visit to the families of Friends in -our monthly meeting, a very useful service when rightly entered into. -My mind in this meeting, was brought under exercise, in the remembrance -of the following exhortation of the wise king Solomon, viz: “Keep thy -heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.” From -a consideration of which, I was led to believe there was a very great -want of care among people generally, in duly guarding their rising -cogitations and thoughts, as it is the avenue by which all temptations -enter, and get place in the mind; and, if suited to our natural -propensities, too often overcome and lead to undue conduct. The subject -spread on my mind, and led to an impressive, and, I trust, to some, -an instructive communication; for which my mind was made gratefully -thankful to the Author of every blessing. - -Fifth day. Had the company of our aforesaid Friend at our meeting -to-day, whose simple and plain communication, tended to quicken. A -comfortable degree of life accompanied my mind during the meeting, -which I accounted a favour, having for some time past witnessed much -poverty of spirit in our meetings. The rest of the week I attended to -my temporal concerns, as much as my state of health permitted; but -being much indisposed with bodily pain, it was but little I could do, -except to take some oversight of my business. This I consider one, -among many other such like mementos, to remind me of the approach of -my bodily dissolution. Be attentive, O my soul! that so thou mayest be -in a state of readiness when the midnight cry is heard: “Behold the -bridegroom cometh.” - -First day, the 30th. My mind was led into close exercise and travail, -in the prospect of the very great apparent want of truth and justice -among the generality of the professors of Christianity, even of the -foremost classes of the different sects. The subject spread and -opened to communication, in which the attention of the auditory was -impressively called to the subject, as one of the greatest moment, -both in respect to our temporal, and, in a very especial manner, our -spiritual good; as every other virtue must fail, and prove abortive, -where truth and justice are wanting. - -The rest of this week passed away without any thing worthy of remark, -except great poverty of spirit being almost continually my attendant. - -First day, the 7th of 7th month. My mind was opened and enlarged in -communication in our meeting to-day, on the subject of the universal -love of God to the children of men. For he not only extends his -gracious call to all, but causes them to hear it; yet, agreeably to -that scripture testimony, “all have not obeyed the gospel.” There are -also many other plain testimonies in the scriptures of the same import; -clearly showing, that man’s destruction and misery is altogether the -result of his own misconduct, and disobedience to divine requisition, -without any necessity laid upon him by his gracious Creator to err, or -to swerve from the path of rectitude; so that the Lord will be clear -of the blood of all his rational creation, as saith the prophet: “O -Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself, but in me is thy help;” and there -are many other passages which express the same. My mind was led to open -these subjects in a clear manner to the people, and to show that the -want of a right faith in God and Christ, as inwardly revealed, was one -of the greatest obstacles to their living a just and righteous life -in the sight of their Creator, as the just can only live by faith. -The meeting was large, and many hearts were convicted, comforted and -contrited; to the Lord only belongs all the praise, nothing due to man -but blushing and confusion of face. - -In the course of this week I was much unwell, forewarning me that -my glass is almost run, and my day of labour drawing to a close. My -indisposition prevented my attending our preparative meeting on fifth -day. These things all unitedly conspire to sound forth this language, -_remember to die_. Oh that I might witness with the worthy Paul, more -and more a daily death, to every thing that tends to hinder my steady -walking in the path of duty, that so my day’s work may be finished in -the day time. - -First day, the 14th. Having so far recovered from my indisposition as -to get to our meeting to-day, my mind was opened in a living powerful -testimony to the excellency of the gospel dispensation, in which -Christ by his light and spirit was come to teach his people himself; -a Teacher not to be removed into a corner, a Shepherd ever present to -lead and feed all his sheep that hear his voice and follow him; and -do not follow the stranger, nor listen to the voice of any outward -hireling teachers, although they charm ever so wisely. It was a season -of favour, and many hearts were warmed and contrited by the prevalence -of truth, and the Lord’s name was praised, who is over all worthy for -ever. - -Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, at which the queries were -read and answers prepared to go to the quarterly meeting. To judge -from these, it would appear that we were generally an upright people; -but I fear our answers are becoming too much like many of us, more -in show and outside appearance, than in spirit and substance. For by -this formal way of answering them, unless great care is taken, our -queries may do us much more harm than good; and this fear often attends -my mind, and induces me to call the attention of my friends from the -letter of discipline, to the spirit and substance; without which all -letter and outward order, however beautiful in the outward appearance, -is but as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal, and will in the end only -deceive and disappoint us, and unveil our nakedness. - -Sixth day. Was our preparative meeting of Ministers and Elders, in -which our answers made a similar appearance; insomuch, that there was -but little to find fault with. I hope it may stand the test in the day -of trial; this we ought carefully to consider, otherwise, in the end, -we may fall short when it may be too late to retrieve the loss. - -The rest of the week I attended to my temporal business as far as my -bodily infirmity would permit, although at times my exercise produced -very acute pains. I find it needful however, to keep up a continual -watch, that I do nothing to promote or encourage idleness, that bane -to every Christian virtue; and especially at such a time as this, when -most of our capable well-looking young men are running into cities -and populous towns to engage in merchandise, or some other calling by -which they may live by their wits, being unwilling to labour with their -hands: although it is the most sure way marked out by divine wisdom for -our truest comfort and peace here, and a right preparation for eternal -joy hereafter. And, although many fatal consequences have befallen -many of those who have thus run out in trade and mercantile business, -apparently to the ruin of both body and soul, and the great injury and -distress of their families: yet, because some few have made themselves -rich in temporal things by those pursuits, it has so blinded the minds -of many that they will not take warning, but go on in their wilful way -to their own utter ruin. - -First day, the 21st. This day at our meeting, my mouth was opened in a -full testimony introduced by this scripture passage: “Wherewithal shall -a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy -word.” I was led in my communication to show to the people, that in -this word was comprehended the great gospel privilege, the word nigh in -the heart and in the mouth; and that it was not a _literal or outward -word_, nor any created thing, but the _uncreated word_, _Christ_, by -whom all things were created, or at first spoke into existence and -order. For nothing else could enable us to cleanse our way, or live a -righteous holy life; and that it was only by a living faith in this -inward, operative, powerful word, that any could please God or be -acceptable to him, and was the only means by which we could be saved: -and that it was offered to the acceptance of all, and therefore all -were encouraged to lay hold of the offered mercy, and not slight the -day of their visitation. - -Second and third days. I was busied in overseeing my temporal business, -attended, at times, by much bodily pain; and which, I trust and hope, -I endured without improperly complaining or murmuring. The three -following days, I attended our quarterly meeting, held this time at -Westbury. I think, in the main, it was a favoured season. The meeting -was large and solemn: the divine presence and power were evidently felt -to preside, humbling many minds and producing contrition of spirit, and -the gospel labours were instructive and edifying. - -First day, the 28th. A quiet day. Sat our meeting in silence. - -Fifth day. A silent meeting. The rest of the week, as to bodily -exercise, mostly occupied in my temporal affairs. - -First day, the 4th of 8th month. My mind settled in quiet with the -exercise of this day. Besides the usual care and industry necessary -in my temporal concerns, that all things might be rightly arranged, I -attended, in the course of this week, our preparative meeting on fifth -day, and the funeral of a deceased neighbour on sixth day. At the -funeral was a large promiscuous assembly, amongst whom my mouth was -opened in a large searching testimony, suiting the occasion; whereby -many hearts were tendered, and much brokenness appeared in the meeting. -The truth delivered being brought home to the consciences of many, by -the prevalence of the divine power, which was eminently in dominion -over all. - -First day, the 11th. I trust the exercise and travail of our meeting -to-day tended to profit. - -Second day. I attended the funeral of our friend Edmund Pearsall, of -Flushing. His corpse was carried into the meeting-house there; and a -large solid meeting was held on the occasion. - -Third day. I attended our meeting for sufferings in New-York, which, I -think, was an instructive season. - -Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, in which I opened to Friends -a prospect, which had for several months attended my mind, to pay a -religious visit to the bordering inhabitants of our quarterly meeting; -and had their unity therein. - -Sixth and seventh days. I spent in my usual avocations. - -First day, the 18th. My mind, as I sat in our meeting, was opened -into a view of the great benefits, and supreme felicity, which man -derives, and only can derive, from the true knowledge and right fear -of his Creator; and which knowledge and fear no man can witness or -have experience of, but by the revelation of the spirit of God, or -by the aid of that light, which Jesus Christ told the Jews was the -condemnation of the world, or of all those who did not believe in and -obey it; and which is an _inward_ and not an _outward light_; and all -its manifestations are in the mind or heart of man. I was led to show -to the people, that this doctrine was altogether the most rational, -and such as no man of right reason could doubt or dispute. I hope the -season was instructive to some, and might tend to remove doubts from -some doubting minds, as, from the sensations which I had, I was led to -believe there were some such present. - -Second, third, and fourth days. I attended to my temporal concerns, -clothed with much poverty of spirit; yet, not altogether cast down nor -discouraged, respecting my spiritual welfare. - -Fifth day. A silent quiet meeting. - -Sixth and seventh days. Paid some attention to my temporal business, -although, at times, in much bodily pain, which, more or less, attends -me daily, and has for several months past. - -First day, the 25th. According to the prospect opened at our last -monthly meeting, I attended two appointed meetings in the neighbouring -town of Hempstead; one in the morning, at the eleventh hour, at the -house of Samuel Carman, a person inclining to Friends, and the other at -the fourth hour in the afternoon, at John Raynor’s, about four miles -distant from the former, he also being kind and well disposed towards -Friends. - -These were both pretty full meetings, there being as many people as -the rooms could well accommodate. Through the gracious condescension -of the Shepherd of Israel, the word went forth freely among them, in -a full impressive testimony at each place, tendering and contriting -many hearts, and to the increase of love to the truth, and to the -promoters of it. I took my leave of them in the fresh feelings of -mutual Christian affection, and returned home that evening with a quiet -peaceful mind, the assured reward of faithfulness. - -The rest of the week I spent in my usual avocations, not omitting the -attendance of our meeting on fifth day, which I sat in silence. - -First day, the 1st of 9th month. I attended an appointed meeting among -my relatives and acquaintance at Rockaway, the place of my former -residence, when young, while living in my father’s house. The meeting -was not large, but proved a precious tendering season. Many hearts -were much broken and contrited by the prevalence of divine love and -power that accompanied the testimony borne, and spread generally over -the meeting, to the praise of His grace who is calling us to glory and -virtue. - -A concern for the guarded education of the youth among Friends has -for many years past exercised our yearly meeting; and many advices -and recommendations have been issued therefrom to the quarterly and -other subordinate meetings, in order to stir up Friends to vigilance -and care therein, that proper schools might be established among -them, under the care of pious tutors, that so Friends’ children, -while getting their necessary school learning, might be religiously -instructed, and preserved from evil examples, and the company of such -children as are viciously inclined; by which their tender minds might -be wounded, and led from the simplicity of truth. In order further -to stir up Friends to this concern, our last yearly meeting directed -the quarterly meetings to appoint committees to visit the monthly and -preparative meetings, to encourage Friends therein. As I was one among -other Friends appointed by our quarterly meeting for that purpose, we -attended the monthly meetings of New-York and Flushing, in the course -of this week. And I am thankful in believing that the service was owned -by the Head of the Church, who was graciously near, and furnished with -matter suited to the occasion; insomuch, that I have cause to believe -that the opportunities at each place were instructive and edifying, -affording encouragement to the willing-minded. - -First day, the 8th of 9th month. I found it my place to be at home -to-day, and of course attended our own meeting. Although most of the -forepart of the meeting, I apprehended I should be permitted to sit -it in silence; yet about the middle thereof, my mind was quickened in -the remembrance of the testimony of Solomon, where he tells us, that -“Wisdom is the principal thing.” As the subject spread on my mind, I -was led to consider how it is that all men speak highly of it, and -yet, at the same time, are not at all rightly acquainted with its -beginning; and are therefore mostly living all their days without the -right knowledge of, and acquaintance with it. For it is not to be -derived through any other medium than the true fear of the Lord, which -we are told is the beginning of wisdom; and as it is only begun in man -by this true fear, so likewise it is the middle and the end; as every -advancement in true wisdom is only by the fear of the Lord: surely, -then, it is the most precious of any thing to the children of men. - -I spent the rest of the week about home. Attended our preparative -meeting on fifth day. The meeting for worship was held in silence. Our -yearly meeting’s minute of advice on the subject of schools was at -this time received; but as it was expected that the quarterly meeting’s -committee, on that subject, would shortly attend the preparative -meeting, the consideration thereof was deferred to the time of their -attendance. - -First day, the 15th. By appointment I attended two meetings; one at -Cold Spring at ten o’clock in the morning, and the other in Friends’ -meeting-house at Oysterbay, at the third hour in the afternoon. Both -were pretty well attended by the neighbouring inhabitants, among whom -I was helped to preach the gospel in the demonstration of the spirit, -accompanied with such a degree of the Lord’s power and presence, as -to produce a precious solemnity over the assemblies, especially the -latter, wherein many truths of the gospel were largely opened, humbling -and contriting the hearts of a number present. Surely it was the Lord’s -doing, to whom all the praise and glory are, and ought to be ascribed, -both now and for ever. - -In the course of this week, I attended our own and Westbury monthly -meeting, in company with the quarterly meeting’s committee, on the -subject of schools. These were both favoured opportunities. The concern -was opened in a very impressive manner, and spread weightily over -the meetings, the men and women sitting together while this subject -was before them. And I have a hope that Friends will be strengthened -and encouraged to persevere in the concern, and keep it on its right -basis, that is, a concern for the religious and moral instruction -of our youth, while at school, by placing them under the care of -pious tutors, who may co-operate with the endeavours of religiously -concerned parents, who are more desirous that their children may be -brought up and educated in the fear of the Lord, and in his nurture and -admonition, than that they should make great advancements in scholastic -science, or obtain the riches and popularity of the world; all of -which are of momentary duration, and unworthy of much of the care of a -rational immortal being, especially when compared with the blessings -attendant on a truly moral and religious life, and walking in the fear -of the Lord. - -First day, the 22d. In prosecution of the concern I had engaged in to -visit the neighbouring inhabitants, notice was sent to Friends of -Martinicock, that I proposed to attend their meeting at this time; and -desiring that public notice might be given to their neighbours who were -not members, it was accordingly done. By this means the meeting was -very large, more so than I had ever seen it before; among whom I was -helped to labour in the cause of the gospel, opening many important -scripture passages, tending to elucidate and confirm many points of -our doctrine and principles, to my own, and apparently to the general -satisfaction of the assembly. At three o’clock in the afternoon I -attended another meeting at Moscheto Cove, held in the house of the -widow Hannah Valentine. This was also a large favoured meeting, in -which many truths of the gospel were clearly and satisfactorily opened. -I returned home that evening with peace of mind, from an inward sense -that I had faithfully discharged myself among the people, concerning -the things which relate to their salvation. - -The rest of the week I was at and about home, attending to my usual -occupations. Sat our fifth day meeting in silence. - -First day, the 29th. I attended Friends’ meeting at Cowneck; and -previous notice having been sent of my intention to be there, -the meeting was large, and favoured in a good degree with the -overshadowing of the divine presence, enabling to preach the gospel -in the demonstration of the spirit, and with power; breaking and -contriting many hearts. At the third hour in the afternoon, by previous -appointment, had a meeting at Hempstead Harbour, at the house of Daniel -Robbins. This was rather a hard exercising meeting, yet, I trust, in -the main a profitable season. - -The following part of the week I spent mostly in the oversight of my -farming business. Sat our fifth day meeting again in silence, at which -we had the company of our Friends Isaac Martin and Henry Shotwell, from -Jersey. - -First day, the 6th of 10th month. Attended our meeting in silence. It -was in the main, I think, a weighty, solemn season. At three o’clock in -the afternoon, I had an appointed meeting in the neighbourhood for the -people of colour. It was held in one of their houses, and was a season -of favour. I hope it may prove profitable to them. For this portion of -dedication to duty in the cause of righteousness, I felt peace in my -own mind. - -Second day. A Friend from the western part of this state, being on a -religious visit among us, had an appointed meeting at our place at the -eleventh hour. It proved a comfortable edifying season. After this I -rode to New-York in order to attend our meeting for sufferings, held -the next day at the ninth hour. In the course of the business that -came before us, the meeting was led into an exercise, on behalf of -that portion of the descendants of the Africans who are still held -in bondage in our state. A proposition was made for addressing our -state legislature on their account, in order, if possible, to obtain -a law for their emancipation; apprehending, that as the greater part -of these long-oppressed people had now obtained their freedom, those -who were still held, felt their condition much more aggravating, and -their bondage more intolerable; insomuch, that it appeared to us -altogether just and consistent with the duty of the legislature, to -restore to them the just right of freedom. After due consideration, the -proposition was acceded to, and a committee named to draft an essay of -an address accordingly. - -Fifth day. This being our preparative meeting, in which our queries -were read, and answers prepared to go to the quarterly meeting. I -felt my mind exercised on account of the many deficiencies apparent, -particularly in the non-attendance of our religious meetings, as a -failure in that often leads to greater deficiencies in other respects. - -First day, the 13th. My mind was pretty largely opened in testimony to -the sufficiency of the divine light. The season was solemn, and I hope -instructive and profitable to many present. - -At three o’clock in the afternoon, I attended an appointed meeting in -Woolver Hollow, a neighbourhood composed mostly of the descendants of -the Dutch. The season was instructive, and tending to edification; and -I parted with them under an humbling sense of the favour. - -Fifth day. Our monthly meeting being held at this time, answers were -received from our preparative meetings, to the five queries usually -answered, in which divers deficiencies were stated; but this being -frequently the case, it produced little or no concern to the greater -portion of the members; and I have been afraid at times, that the -queries would become a snare to us, and prove rather hurtful than -helpful. - -First day, the 20th. Had a conflicting season in the forepart of our -meeting to-day with a worldly spirit, and the benumbing consequences -of a desire after riches. And while labouring under a feeling of these -states, with their stupifying effects, which were even intolerable to -bear, it often ran through my mind, that “the cares of the world, the -deceitfulness of riches,” and the lust of other things, like briars and -thorns, choke the good seed and prevent its growth. And as I continued -patiently under the labour, towards the close of the meeting light -sprang up and dispelled the darkness; in which strength and ability -were dispensed to communicate in a lively and clear manner, showing -the pernicious effects of those things, wherever they obtained the -ascendency in the minds of men and women; elucidating the subject -by the parable of our Lord, concerning the rich man and Lazarus the -beggar. It was, I believe, a season of real instruction to some -present, which I hope may not be soon forgotten. - -At three o’clock in the afternoon, I attended a meeting I had -previously appointed in a neighbouring village. It proved a -satisfactory season to my own mind, and generally so, I believe, to all -who attended. These favours are not to be lightly esteemed, but held in -grateful remembrance. - -In the course of this week was our quarterly meeting, held at this -time at Flushing. Although some of the sittings were exercising and -arduous, yet in the main, I think, it was a favoured edifying season; -and we parted at the close of the public meeting on sixth day, under a -thankful sense that the Shepherd of Israel had not forsaken his people, -but was still graciously near, a present helper to all his faithful -and devoted children. In the course of this meeting, on the evening of -fifth day, I had an appointed meeting in the town of Jamaica, among -those not in profession with us, which proved a very satisfactory -season. The people’s minds appeared to be gathered into true stillness, -a situation most suitable to be taught and instructed. - -First day, the 27th. Sat our meeting mostly in silence, but towards the -close my mind was opened and led to communicate a short, but lively -testimony, which was introduced by the greatest part of the first psalm -of David: in the opening of which, the meeting appeared generally to -be gathered into a sweet, comfortable solemnity, and we parted under a -solemn sense of the unmerited favour. - -In the course of this week, I attended, in company with most of the -committee of the quarterly meeting on the concern relative to schools, -the two preparative meetings in New-York, and that at Flushing; also an -appointed meeting at Brooklyn on third day evening, and one at Newtown -on fifth day evening. The last was a very instructive favoured meeting. - -First day, the 3d of 11th month. Sat our meeting to-day altogether in -silence. Spent the rest of the week principally in attention to my -temporal concerns, which I believe to be a Christian’s reasonable duty; -except that I attended in company with some of the quarterly meeting’s -committee on fifth day, the preparative meeting at Cowneck. I sat the -meeting for worship in silent suffering; but was led in the preparative -meeting, pretty largely to open the nature and design of the concern -of the yearly meeting, with regard to the pious and guarded education -of the youth of our society, particularly while young and at school, -in getting their necessary school learning; that they might as much -as possible, be kept out of harm’s way, by being placed at schools -under the care of pious religiously concerned persons, members in -society; who would be likely to co-operate with the religious concern -of their parents, in endeavouring, as much as might be, to bring them -up agreeably to apostolic exhortation: “In the nurture and admonition -of the Lord.” For there is nothing that can more nearly and necessarily -engage the minds of rightly exercised parents, next to their own souls, -than the religious welfare of their children: for parents who can live -in the neglect of this great and incumbent duty, must be dead to every -right exercise and concern for the preservation and everlasting welfare -of their tender offspring. - -First day, the 10th. Sat our meeting in silence: then rode several -miles to visit a person who was sick, and returned the next day. - -I had to reflect on the great and serious loss sustained by a large -portion of mankind, from the want of due attention and a right -perseverance in the way of known duty while young in years; that when -they are advanced in age, and bodily infirmities interfere and increase -upon them, they are tossed up and down in their minds, and can find no -sure place of refuge for their souls; like a ship in the midst of the -ocean without a helm, and which can find no safe anchoring ground. - -On fourth day attended the funeral of a young woman on Cowneck, who was -taken away very suddenly, with about three hour’s illness. I had an -open time among the people that were assembled on this solemn occasion, -and was led to call their attention to the propriety and necessity -of an early preparation for death; and to show that it manifested -great presumption in such a poor impotent creature as man, who was so -sensible of the uncertainty of time, to dare to lay his head down at -night to take his natural rest, without knowing his peace made with his -God. - -Fifth and sixth days. Attended, in company with some of the committee -of the quarterly meeting on the subject of schools, the preparative -meetings of Martinicock and Bethpage; both of which were open favoured -seasons, while the subject of our appointment was under consideration. - -On seventh day I attended the funeral of a very aged man of my -acquaintance, being upwards of ninety years old, who lived in the town -of Hempstead. There was a pretty large collection of the neighbouring -inhabitants present, among whom I was led and strengthened to open -divers necessary and important doctrines of the gospel, in the clear -demonstration of the spirit; and, I trust and hope, to the edification -and religious instruction of many present. Surely it was the Lord’s -doing, and to him belongs all the praise and honour of his own works, -and nothing due to man. - -First day, the 17th. Sat our meeting in silence. It was a quiet solid -season. The rest of the week I was occupied in my husbandry business, -except attending our monthly meeting on fifth day. - -First day, the 24th. My mind in our meeting to-day, was led into an -humbling exercise, under a sensible view of the great ascendency of -evil over the good among mankind in general, not excepting the best -regulated society among men. I was also led, under the saddening -prospect, to communicate to the meeting the feeling impressions of my -mind thereon, together with the causes of this great degeneracy from -the simplicity of the gospel of Christ; and that it was the effect of a -spirit of ease and carnal security, and being led and governed in our -conduct and works by custom and tradition, without taking the pains -to examine whether they were founded in truth and righteousness or -not; and when at times they are awakened by the convicting evidence of -truth on the mind, instead of willingly submitting thereto, they call -to their aid all the powers of their reasoning faculties to drown the -reprover’s voice, that so they may rest secure in their ceiled houses. -Alas for these in the trying hour of final decision! how dreadfully -saddening will be their prospects in a dying hour! - -First day, the 1st of 12th month. I sat with Friends at Westbury. The -meeting was for the most part a dull exercising season; but towards the -close I had a short testimony given me to communicate, in which the -state of the meeting was so opened as to have a very reaching effect on -most present; which spread life over the meeting, and much tenderness -and contrition were apparent. Surely have we not cause for these -favours, often to say with one formerly: “What shall I render unto the -Lord for all his benefits towards me.” - -Second day. I attended the funeral of a near kinsman at Far Rockaway, -at which I had a very open time amongst the people collected on that -solemn occasion. - -I returned home on third day, and the weather being cold and inclement -I was indisposed for several days after, which prevented my attending -our meeting on fifth day; a circumstance which very seldom happens, as -I am generally preserved in the enjoyment of such a state of health, -as to attend meetings when at home without much omission: and which I -consider as one among many especial blessings and favours, dispensed by -a kind and beneficent Providence to me, a poor unworthy creature. - -First day, the 8th. I left home this morning and rode to New-York, and -attended Friends’ meeting at Pearl-street in the afternoon, in which -I had to suffer, being dipped into a state of death. I felt as though -baptized for the dead, but as I patiently endured I was helped towards -the close to spread my exercise before the meeting, and a degree of -life was felt to arise, and some were quickened, but with too many -there appeared to be a great want of a right inward engagement and -travail of spirit, and these were sent empty away. - -I tarried in town until fourth day, it being the time of our meeting -for sufferings. In the course of this meeting, we prepared a memorial -to lay before the legislature of our state, on behalf of the black -people still held in bondage among us. A committee was separated to -attend therewith, and we have a hope that it may prove effectual for -their relief. - -Fifth day. Attended our preparative meeting, and had to spread before -my Friends the exercise of my mind, on account of the neglect of too -many among us in respect to the due observance of discipline; which is -a source of great weakness to society, and especially so to those who -are delinquent. - -Sixth and seventh days. Spent in my usual vocations, accompanied with -quietness and peace of mind. - -First day, the 15th. Almost as soon as I had taken my seat in our -meeting to-day, there was brought to my remembrance the following -exhortation of the apostle, accompanied with a degree of life: “To do -good, and to communicate, forget not.” As I quietly attended to the -impression, it led to communication and opened to a field of doctrine, -tending to show the indispensable obligation every real Christian -lies under, let his allotment in the Church or in the world at large -be what it may, to comply therewith, it being a divine requisition. -It is therefore reasonable to suppose that by a life of steady and -uniform industry, and from which man derives great earthly felicity, -and through the divine blessing, most individuals would be enabled to -fulfil the obligation; by which means all the misery and distress -that arise from poverty and want would be done away from the Church -of Christ, and agreeably to the prophecy of Isaiah, no wasting or -destruction be found within her borders; and Christians would witness -in their own experience, that it is more blessed to give than to -receive; as we should thereby approach nearer to our divine original, -from whom we receive every blessing both spiritual and temporal. - -The following part of the week I spent in my usual occupations, except -attending our monthly meeting on fifth day. - -First day, the 22d. This day I attended the funeral of my brother -Stephen Hicks at Rockaway. There was a pretty large collection of -people on the occasion, among whom I was led to labour fervently in the -gospel, and largely to declare of the things concerning the kingdom of -God. The season was solemn, and by the prevalence of the divine power -that attended, many hearts were contrited and a precious solemnity -was spread over the assembly, worthy of our deepest gratitude and -thankfulness of heart. I returned home that evening with sweet peace of -mind. - -Having for some time felt a draft on my mind to appoint a few meetings -in some adjacent neighbourhoods, to the south and east of us, I left -home on the seventh day of this week, accompanied by my neighbour Jacob -Willits, jr. We rode that afternoon to our friend James Rushmore’s, -at the Half-way Hollow Hills; where, by previous notice, we had a -comfortable satisfactory meeting in the evening, mostly made up of -those not in membership with us. The next day, the first of the week, -we had two meetings; one in the town of Islip in the morning, at the -residence of my son-in-law Joshua Willits, the other at the third hour -in the afternoon, in the school-house at the village of Babylon. These -were very solemn affecting meetings, wherein many truths of the gospel -were largely and livingly opened, in the demonstration of the spirit, -attended with a power that humbled and contrited many hearts, and -brought a general solemnity over the meetings. - -The next day we rode to our friend Thomas Whitson’s, on the south -side of our township. Had an appointed meeting there that evening, -which was also favoured with attendant gospel power; whereby my mind -was opened and led to sound forth an arousing testimony, in order to -stir up many present, who, for want of faithfulness and obedience to -manifested duty, were much behind in their day’s work: and which, as it -opened on my mind, I expressed to them to be not only a cause of great -loss and disadvantage in a religious sense to themselves, but also -to their families and their tender offspring. Things were laid close -home to these, and they excited to more faithfulness and religious -engagement. - -At this place I was informed of the death of our Friend and neighbour -Elizabeth Jones, wife of Samuel Jones, whose funeral was to be the next -day. This information induced us to return home early in the morning in -order to attend the same. As she had many connexions, there was a very -large collection of people on the occasion, many of whom were of divers -persuasions. My heart and mouth were opened to preach the gospel among -them, and to explain to the people the principles of the Christian -religion, in a full and clear manner, in the authority of truth. It was -a highly favoured season, in which truth reigned triumphant; and the -Lord’s name and power were praised and exalted over all. - -Fifth day, the 2d of 1st month, 1817. I attended our meeting as usual. -It was quiet and comfortable. Near the close I had a short testimony to -communicate, to the excellency and exalted privileges of the Christian -state, which brought a precious covering over the meeting. - -First day, the 5th. Very soon after I took my seat in meeting to-day, -my mind was brought into a feeling sense and view of the superiour -excellency of the true Christian religion; and this can only be known -and possessed by a full and entire subjugation of our wills to the -divine will, and living in the practical part of that reasonable -injunction of our blessed Lord, to seek first the kingdom of God -and his righteousness; then every other blessing that is needful -and comfortable for us will be added, in the openings of the divine -counsel. But alas, how few there are who pay any right attention -to this excellent requisition, but on the contrary go on in their -own wills, and in the prosecution of their own schemes of profit -and pleasure, most generally at least until they marry, and settle -themselves in the care and concerns of a family. In all this time, -scarcely one in ten thousand of the human family even think of seeking -first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, or even asking counsel -of him in the weighty concern of marriage; upon a right procedure -in which, their present and future happiness greatly depend, and -for want of this previous care, they are often very unequally yoked -together; and when these have a family of children about them, without -any right ability and qualification to instruct them, confusion and -disorder ensue; and the poor children are left to grow up without -right cultivation, as brambles in the wilderness, a lamentable case -indeed: a view of which has often clothed my mind with mourning. I was -led largely to open these subjects to the meeting under the influence -of gospel love, and found peace in my labour, the sure reward of -faithfulness to manifested duty; and whether the people will hear or -forbear, it is not the business of the instrument to be careful about, -as the word that goeth forth will not return void, but will accomplish -the thing whereto it is sent; either to instruct and comfort, or to -reprove and condemn. - -The rest of the week I was mostly employed in my temporal concerns, -except attending our preparative meeting on fifth day. The meeting for -worship was, I think, a favoured season. - -First day the 12th. A silent meeting to-day. - -Fourth day. Feeling my mind drawn to attend the monthly meeting -of Westbury, which was held to-day, I proceeded accordingly. In -the meeting for worship, I was led to show to Friends, under the -similitude of Israel’s travel, that it was not enough to be delivered -from our former sins, nor from the red sea of trials and obstructing -temptations, so as to rejoice on the banks of deliverance, and be fed -with heavenly manna, even angels’ food; nor to journey on towards the -promised Canaan, as far as Korah and his company; and to see like -them, the wonder-working power of Jehovah in the wilderness, unless -they also came to witness a complete death to their own wills, so as -to be entirely submissive to the will of our heavenly Father; for -otherwise they would be left to encompass as it were, a mountain in -the wilderness, until the old man, that is, self-will, is entirely -worn out and dies there, on this side Jordan: for nothing short of -that will open Jordan’s streams, and enable us to go through on dry -land. I had largely to open to Friends the mystery of our redemption, -in the demonstration of the spirit, showing the necessity of continual -perseverance and making progress in our heavenly journey, otherwise we -shall be liable to fall into a state of ease and carnal security; and -thereby make shipwreck of faith and a good conscience, and our latter -end be worse than the beginning; like those of Israel, who fell in the -wilderness and never obtained the promised land. - -Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting. As it was the time of -answering our queries, I was engaged to stir up Friends to more -diligence, by faithfully scrutinizing their own individual states -through the medium of the queries, by which means they would be truly -useful to us; for otherwise the reading and answering them would become -a dead lifeless form. - -First day, the 19th. A silent meeting to-day, in which my spirit was -grieved, as is too often the case in our meetings, from a sense of -the great want of real spiritual life, and the apparent deadness and -formality which too generally prevail; whereby it often happens that a -number appear drowsy and nodding, and some falling asleep, to the great -trouble and exercise of the living concerned members, who are often led -to mourn in secret on these accounts. - -In the course of this week I attended our quarterly meeting held at -this time at Westbury. It was a season of close solemn searching, and -through the animating influence of the divine light and life, the -hidden things of Esau or the first nature, were brought to light and -judged. Although some, who had long covered themselves as with thick -clay, and were solacing themselves in their ceiled houses, kicked like -Jeshurun of old, when they were made to feel the piercing edge of that -sword which divides between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and is -a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart; yet the truth had -its way over all their opposition, and in the closing meeting reigned -triumphant over all. Blessed be the Lord for his unspeakable gifts -dispensed to his faithful children. - -First day, the 26th. My mind in our meeting to-day, was led to reflect -on the excellency and powerful effect of true faith. As the subject -opened, I found it my place to spread the prospect before the meeting; -in the communication whereof, life sprang up and the truth was raised -into dominion over all, and my heart was made thankful for the -unmerited favour. - -The rest of the week I was busily employed in my domestic affairs, -and in taking the oversight and care of my stock; the weather being -very cold and frosty, and the earth covered with snow. Attended our -meeting on fifth day, at which there was a funeral of a deceased -Friend, an ancient maiden. I sat the greater part of the meeting in -silence, in which time there were two short testimonies delivered, but -without much apparent effect, as the seed of immortal life was too -much pressed down, as a cart with sheaves; and nothing is sufficient -to raise a meeting from such a state of death and stupor, but the -life-giving presence and powerful word of Him, who raised Lazarus from -the grave. As I patiently endured the necessary baptism for the dead, -towards the close of the meeting a little gleam of light appeared, in -which was brought to my remembrance that passage of the wise man, that -“Righteousness exalteth a nation.” And as my inward eye was kept to -the opening, it spread, and light sprang up, in which I felt the truth -of that saying, that “the Lord’s people are willing in the day of his -power;” and as I yielded to communication, the life was raised into -dominion, and ran as oil over all. Surely it was the Lord’s doing and -marvellous in mine eyes. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - - Engagements at and near home, 1817.--Visit to some parts of the - yearly meetings of Philadelphia and Baltimore, 1817. - - -First day, the 2d of 2d month, 1817. I was largely led forth in our -meeting to-day, on the different dispensations communicated to man -by his gracious Creator, in order for his recovery out of the fall, -and pointing out to the people the difference between the law state -and that of the gospel: showing that the former was a mere figure or -prelude to the latter, and that the first, with all its elementary -rituals, ceased where the latter begun; the first only affecting the -body, the latter principally the soul; the first only the shadow of -good things, the latter the substance of all good to man; by which he -is altogether redeemed from sin and death, as he submits willingly -and fully to the power of the gospel, and is thereby prepared for an -inheritance in eternal life. - -In the course of this week, besides giving the necessary attention to -my temporal affairs, I made several friendly visits to the families -of some particular friends, in company with my wife and daughter -Elizabeth. Although I met with some occurrences, one in particular, -which produced considerable exercise on my mind, yet I had satisfaction -in the visits; believing that when they are properly made, they often -prove mutually comfortable and encouraging. Sat our meeting on fifth -day in silence. - -First day, the 9th. Had a silent meeting to-day. This week afforded -occasion of deep inward exercise, and seasons of heart-searching, in -a view of the manifest declension of many among us from that honest -simplicity and faithfulness which so eminently characterized our worthy -predecessors, as also the increase of vanity and immorality among the -people without; and which I fear may have been increased by the want of -faithfulness among us, in the right and full support of our Christian -testimonies. - -First day, the 16th. Soon after I took my seat in our meeting to-day, -my mind was quickened and led into a sympathetic feeling with the state -of Elijah, when he fled from the wrath and persecution of Ahab and -Jezebel, and when under great discouragement and dismay he bemoaned his -condition; saying, that they had pulled down the Lord’s altars, slain -his servants, and he only was left and they sought his life; but the -Lord told him for his encouragement, that there were seven thousand -yet left in Israel, who had not bowed their knee to the image of Baal. -But these no doubt were so scattered and dispersed among the people, -that Elijah could scarcely find one to whom he might open his mind, and -therefore felt himself as one alone. This no doubt is the lot of some -of the Lord’s most faithful servants in the present day, and was it not -for the same divine help and succour that Elijah experienced, some of -these at times would be altogether cast down and discouraged. - -The subject spread and enlarged, and opened to a field of doctrine; -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 transformations, and always resembling as much as -may be, an angel of light; by which it lies in wait to deceive, and has -generally deceived, and still deceives, the greater part of the people -of all the nations under heaven; setting up its post by God’s post, and -leading its votaries to perform their worship and works just like the -Lord’s servants, with only this difference, that it is done in a way -and time of their own heart’s devising. But the Lord’s children are all -taught of the Lord, and they are made to know it; for in righteousness -they are established, and great is the peace of these children; and -there is no peace to the wicked, to such as walk in their own wills, -and in the way of their own heart’s devising. - -On fifth day of this week, was our monthly meeting, at which we had the -company of a Friend in the ministry from one of our upper quarterly -meetings. He preached the truth to us in a pretty correct manner; -but I thought I never saw, with greater clearness than at this time, -that ministers might preach the literal truth, and yet not preach the -real gospel: and herein is witnessed the truth of that saying of the -apostle, that “the _letter_,” however true, “_killeth_;” “but the -_spirit_,” and the spirit only, “_giveth life_.” And it is a great -thing when ministers keep in remembrance that necessary caution of the -divine Master, not to premeditate what they shall say; but carefully to -wait in the nothingness and emptiness of self, that what they speak may -be only what the Holy Spirit speaketh in them; then will they not only -speak the truth, but the truth, accompanied with power, and thereby -profit the hearers. - -First day, 23d. A silent meeting to-day. Nothing transpired in the -course of this week, which required particular notice. Sat our meeting -on fifth day in silence. - -First day, the 2d of 3d month. Having felt my mind for several weeks -past drawn to visit Bethpage meeting, I rode thither to-day in company -with my wife. It was rather a low dull time, but as I continued in the -patience, a small prospect opened on the excellency of justice, and the -right bringing up of children. It led to a communication instructive -and edifying, for which I was made thankful. - -First day, the 9th. This day as I sat in our meeting, my mind was -led to view the exalted and precious state those enjoyed, who were -brought by their faithfulness to witness in themselves the fulfilment -of the first and great commandment, that of loving God above all; -as they would thereby likewise know the fulfilment of the second, -that of loving their neighbour as themselves. As the subject spread -on my mind I believed it right to express it to the assembly, which -brought a precious solemnity over the meeting, and, I trust, it was an -instructive season to some present. - -This week principally spent in the care of my temporal concerns and in -lending assistance to the needy, and in the course of which my mind -was often attended with comforting ejaculations after this manner. -“The Lord is my strength and my song, the lifter up of mine head and -my salvation; therefore I will not fear what man can do unto me. He -leadeth me about and instructeth me, and preserveth me from the snare -of the fowler, and from the strife of tongues.” - -First day, the 16th. Our meeting to-day was large and solemn, and -mostly silent. A little before the close, an exhortation of the apostle -Peter was brought before the view of my mind: “Be sober, be vigilant; -because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about -seeking whom he may devour.” As the subject opened I found it my duty -to spread it before the meeting, with some observations thereon, -tending to excite the people to diligence, inasmuch as there could -be no doubt of the truth of the apostle’s testimony; hence it was -necessary for each one to keep the watch, resisting him steadfast in -the faith. The communication though short, was so attended with the -quickening power of the gospel, as to reach, affect, and tender many -minds, and brought a solemn awe over the meeting. Such seasons are -worthy of grateful acknowledgments to the blessed Author of all our -rich mercies. - -Spent this week mostly at and about home, enjoying sweet peace of mind, -and the solace of heart-felt thankfulness to the Shepherd of Israel -for the unmerited favour. Attended the funeral of a deceased neighbour -on fourth day and our monthly meeting on fifth day. The funeral was -largely attended by the neighbouring inhabitants, among whom I was led -forth vocally to espouse the cause of the gospel, in a large impressive -testimony. Many hearts were humbled, and the assembly in general -solemnized; may it be to these as bread cast upon the waters, gathered -after many days. - -First day, the 23d. Our meeting to-day was a season thankfully to be -remembered. The subject that arrested my mind and led to communication, -was a comparative view of man with the rest of the animal creation; -showing that man, although endued with a rational understanding, and -blessed with a measure and manifestation of the spirit of God, to guide -him infallibly in the way of his duty, had nevertheless swerved much -further from the state of rectitude in which he was created, than any -other creature; and was much more changeable and unstable than they. -This is a sure mark of his fall: and although continually liable and -willing to change, to gratify his own will and the humour of others, -in following the changeable customs and manners of a vain world; yet -averse to that necessary and laudable change, whereby he might regain -paradise and renew communion with his Maker. This and much more I -was led to open to the auditory, in the demonstration of the spirit, -showing the way of man’s return; whereby many minds present were -humbled and contrited, and solid satisfaction and comfort afforded to -my own. - -On fourth day, I attended a marriage at Bethpage. It was, I think, a -solid instructive season. On fifth day attended our own meeting which -was held in silence. The rest of the week I was busily attentive to my -usual avocations. - -First day, the 30th. I attended Westbury meeting, wherein my mind was -opened into a view of man’s primitive state, the manner and means of -his fall, and the way whereby he only can be restored, all which I -had largely to spread before the meeting. In addition to this, I had -also to caution Friends, particularly the youth, against letting their -minds out in their own will and wisdom, into a search and pursuit after -forbidden knowledge, particularly that of the _origin of evil_, which -in the present day is a subject of much conversation and inquiry. For -man in the beginning was forbidden the knowledge of good and evil, and -that command is as binding and obligatory in the present day as it was -in the primitive state; therefore all those who presume in their own -wills and creaturely wisdom, independent of the teaching of the spirit -of God, to know good and evil, do thereby desert God, and so become -dead to the divine life; and this is man’s fall, and leads to Deism and -Atheism. - -I was much engaged in the course of this week in endeavouring to -arrange and settle some difficulties in the neighbourhood, and in -regulating some of my own temporal affairs. Sat our meeting on fifth -day in silence. - -First day, the 6th of 4th month. Sat our meeting to-day in silence. -In the afternoon at the fourth hour, we had a meeting appointed by -a Friend from abroad, who was accompanied by another Friend in the -ministry, both of whom appeared in public testimony. - -Most of this week I was occupied about home. Attended our preparative -meeting on fifth day, which being the time of answering our queries to -go forward to the yearly meeting, I was led to make several remarks -to Friends to stir them up to more faithfulness, in order that we -might profit by the queries, and be prepared to answer them with more -clearness and propriety, according to truth and justice. - -First day, the 13th. Sat our meeting to-day in silence. This week our -monthly meeting was held, at which the state of society as represented -by the answers to the queries from our preparative meetings was -attended to, and a summary thereof forwarded to the quarterly meeting -to be held the following week. This order of reading and answering the -queries quarterly, if rightly attended to, and Friends were generally -kept lively in spirit, and were zealously engaged for the promotion of -truth, would, I believe, be productive of much good to the society: but -alas! there are so many who seem lulled asleep in the lap of the world, -and their minds clothed with so much indifferency, that it is to them -but a dead lifeless form. Surely these reap little or no advantage from -their right of membership among us. - -Sixth day. Was our preparative meeting of Ministers and Elders, in -which nothing transpired worthy of notice. - -First day, the 20th. Our meeting to-day, as well as at some former -times, has been rather heavy and dull. In the course of this week I -attended our quarterly meeting, held at this time at New-York. It was -in general rather a low time, although not without some manifestations -of divine favour: therefore we had no cause for murmuring but rather of -rejoicing, in that we were not cast off and forgotten. - -First day, the 27th. Sat our meeting again in silence. My present -allotment is to be mostly at home, generally engaged in temporal -concerns for myself and others. But, I trust, instead of increasing -my love to the world and the things of it, I am fast weaning from it, -and my love continually increasing and strengthening to higher and -better objects; as my attention to the world and its cares arises -from necessity and duty, and not from love, except that I love to do -my duty in all respects to God my Creator, and man my fellow creature, -believing that there is no real Christianity without it. - -Our fifth day meeting was quiet and solemn, wherein I had to remind -Friends that it was not enough to say with Peter, when queried of by -his Master whether he loved him, “yea Lord,” for this is no more than -every professor is ready to say, although they may be quite void of any -true sense thereof; but we must come to know him and love him in such -manner, as when brought to a full trial of our faith and love, we can -say as Peter did in his third answer: “Lord thou knowest all things, -thou knowest that I love thee.” For this is the situation of mind which -prepares to be at his disposal, and to endure hardness for his sake in -the Christian warfare. - -First day, the 4th of 5th month. My mind was led into an interesting -view and reflection on the following gracious invitation of our Lord: -“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give -you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me: for I am meek and -lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” As the subject -spread on my mind attended with a degree of life, I was constrained -to communicate the prospect, showing that Christ’s yoke was nothing -less nor more than the revealed will of his, and our, heavenly Father; -which, as it is faithfully submitted to, yokes down and keeps in -subjection every desire and propensity of the human mind which stands -in opposition thereto. So that the creature hereby knows God’s kingdom -to be come, and his will to be done, in earth as it is done in heaven; -and the reward of rest and peace promised in the closing part of the -invitation is experienced. - -The following part of this week spent principally in my usual -vocations, except attending our preparative meeting on fifth day; and -at the third hour in the afternoon, the funeral of our Friend Joshua -Powell of Westbury, who was taken from us after a short illness, by a -sudden inflammation and mortification in one of his arms. How true is -that saying of the prophet: “All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness -thereof is as the flower of the field; the grass withereth, the -flower fadeth;” just such is man, alive to-day, to-morrow is dead. -This subject very sensibly impressed my mind at the funeral, and led -to an awakening communication, which had a very reaching effect on the -assembly. I hope the word that went forth will not return void, but -prove a blessing to some who were present. - -First day, the 11th. Our meeting to-day was a trying season, but little -felt of the real virtue and life of religion. It seemed as though we -were in a worse condition than the multitude formerly; for there was a -lad found among them with five barley loaves and a few fishes, which -served for the blessing to operate upon and enlarge, so as to suffice -the multitude and leave fragments remaining; but we were almost, or -altogether destitute of any thing for the blessing of heaven to act -upon. Therefore we ought not to murmur, although we were sent empty -away. - -Except attending our monthly meeting on fifth day, and assisting some -of my neighbours to settle their business in which a dispute had -arisen, I was principally occupied in my temporal concerns through the -week. - -First day, the 18th. A silent meeting to-day. The rest of this week -busily employed preparatory to leaving home to attend our approaching -yearly meeting. Left home early on seventh day morning, and got into -the city seasonably to attend the opening of the yearly meeting of -Ministers and Elders at the tenth hour. On second day at the same -hour, the meeting for discipline opened, and continued by adjournments -until the seventh day following. In the forenoon of that day at about -eleven o’clock it closed, under a comfortable evidence that the divine -presence presided; and which, with thankfulness and gratitude we have -humbly to acknowledge, has, in gracious condescension, been vouchsafed -to us in the several sittings of our large solemn assembly, in as -great, if not greater degree, than has been witnessed in any previous -season: tending to unite all the rightly concerned members in a living -travail, for the promotion of the cause of truth and righteousness, and -the spreading and exaltation of those precious testimonies given us as -a people to bear for the Prince of Peace. - -First day, the 1st of 6th month. Attended our own meeting to-day in -humbling silence. Spent the week at and about home, except attending -the funeral of our ancient Friend Isaac Underhill of Flushing, on sixth -day; on which occasion a meeting was held in Friends’ meeting-house at -that place. It was a very solemn, and, I trust, a profitable season to -some present. My mouth was opened among them to testify of the things -concerning the kingdom of God, in a large affecting testimony, whereby -many hearts were contrited and made humbly thankful for the present -favour, and I was glad in believing that the Lord is still mindful of -his people, and is graciously disposed to strengthen and support them -in the needful time; as their eye is kept single to him, looking to him -only for help and salvation. - -First day, the 8th. Had a comfortable meeting to-day. The testimony -to the power of truth went forth freely to the people, comforting and -contriting many minds present. This is the Lord’s doing and is worthy -of grateful acknowledgments from his people, for such continued yet -unmerited mercy. - -On third day I attended a meeting at Bethpage, appointed by our friends -Elizabeth Coggeshall and Ann Shipley of New-York, who were now among us -on a religious visit. It was, I think, a season of great favour; not -only the two women appeared in seasonable and appropriate testimonies, -tending to gather the minds of the people into a very comfortable -solemnity, but also, my heart and mouth were opened in a large -affecting testimony, which found a ready entrance into the minds of -most present, breaking down all opposition and contriting many hearts -by the prevalence of truth, which ran as oil over all. After this, our -friend Elizabeth closed the service in solemn supplication. It was a -day of favour, worthy of grateful remembrance. - -On fifth day I attended our preparative meeting, in which I had some -service for the promotion of truth’s cause. The four other days of this -week, I spent in my usual necessary avocations. - -First day, the 15th. Nothing in particular to remark respecting the -exercise of this day. - -On the fourth day of this week, our monthly meeting was held, in which -I was led into some close searching exercise, in order to stir up -Friends to more diligence and circumspection, that so their light -might shine forth to the help of others, and their conduct appear -consonant with their profession. In this meeting I found it expedient -and consistent with my duty, to open to Friends a prospect and concern -which had for a considerable time rested on my mind, to pay a visit in -gospel love, to Friends and others in some parts of the yearly meetings -of Philadelphia and Baltimore. The subject obtained the solid attention -of the meeting, and some Friends were appointed to confer with me on -the subject, and, as way opened, prepare an essay of a certificate for -that purpose, and produce it to our next meeting. - -First day, the 22d. Whilst sitting in our meeting to-day, my mind was -led into a view of the great and singular advantages that would accrue -to the children of men, from their having right and just ideas of -religion, the want of which was the principal cause of all the distress -and misery that fell to their lot, both here and hereafter. The subject -spread, and, as I communicated, opened to a large field of doctrine, -which had a very reaching effect upon the assembly, and a very precious -solemnity was spread over the meeting; for which my heart was made -truly glad, with that gladness that hath no sorrow with it. - -The rest of the week I was busily employed in the care of my temporal -concerns, which nevertheless has no tendency, if kept within right -bounds, to prevent internal religious exercises, and spiritual -meditations and soliloquies. Sat our fifth day meeting in silence. - -First day, the 29th. I sat our meeting to-day in a sense of great -weakness, in which I realized the truth of David’s testimony: “Verily -every man at his best estate is altogether vanity.” - -Except attending in silent meditation our fifth day meeting, and the -funeral of the only daughter of my brother Samuel, on seventh day, I -was engaged as usual during the week, in my family cares; which indeed -is an arduous task, if rightly performed, and every department duly -cared for in its right season, consistent with our moral and religious -duty. The funeral mentioned above was a solemn one, in which I was -largely led forth to testify of the things concerning the kingdom -of God; opening the way of life and salvation to the people, in the -demonstration of the spirit. The assembly were generally solemnized by -the efficacy of the power which attended, and truth raised into victory -over all. Such favours are truly worthy of deep heart-felt gratitude -and thanksgiving to the God and Father of all our sure mercies, who is -over all, worthy for ever. - -First day, the 6th of 7th month. Soon after I took my seat in our -meeting to-day, my mind was opened into a view of the great need man -stands in of a Saviour, and that nothing can give him so full and -lively a sense thereof, as a true sight and sense of his own real -condition; by which he is not only brought to see the real want of a -Saviour, but is also shown thereby, what kind of a Saviour he needs. -For it must not only be one, who is continually present, but who is -possessed of a prescience sufficient to see, at all times, all man’s -enemies, and every temptation that may or can await him; and have power -sufficient to defend him from all, and at all times. Therefore, such a -Saviour as man wants, cannot be one without him, but must be one that -is always present, just in the very place man’s enemies assault him, -which is _within_, in the very temple of the heart: as no other Saviour -but such an one, who takes his residence in the very centre of the soul -of man, can possibly produce salvation to him: hence, for man to look -for a Saviour or salvation any where else, than in the very centre of -his own soul, is a fatal mistake, and must consequently land him in -disappointment and errour. - -I was led forth to communicate largely to the people on the subject; -and on the blessed effects that do, and will result to all those who -find such a Saviour, and who, in humility and sincerity of heart, -follow him faithfully in the way of his leadings. It was a solemn -season, and a day thankfully to be remembered. - -I was taken up principally the rest of this week, except attending our -preparative meeting on fifth day, in my hay harvest. It is a laborious -season; and is made much more so by reason of there being so few -faithful labourers, among those who offer themselves as such. Most of -them are more anxiously careful how they may obtain the highest wages, -than to be engaged honestly to strive justly to earn them. This makes -the care and oversight of such business rather irksome and unpleasant, -which otherwise would be agreeable and often delightful. - -First day, the 13th. I sat our meeting in silence. This week I was -mostly taken up in caring for and assisting in, my hay harvest. For by -the fertility of the season, our fields have brought forth plenteously. -On fifth day our monthly meeting was held, in which Friends united with -the concern I had laid before them at the preceding monthly meeting, -to pay a visit in gospel love to Friends and others, in some parts of -the yearly meetings of Philadelphia and Baltimore. A certificate was -prepared for the purpose, leaving me at liberty to proceed therein, as -way should open. - -First day, the 20th. A solemn, and, I trust, a profitable meeting -to-day, in which the gospel was preached freely in the demonstration of -truth, and a precious covering was felt to spread over the assembly; -and sweet peace clothed my mind at the conclusion. Surely the Lord is -a bountiful and rich rewarder of all his faithful servants, who serve -him, not for reward, but for the sake of that love wherewith he loveth -them, and which he so abundantly sheddeth abroad in their hearts, that -they are thereby drawn to love him above all; and in and under the -influence of this precious love, they are led and constrained to serve -and worship him freely for his own sake, because he is worthy, and not -for any reward to themselves, because they are altogether unworthy; and -because that precious love wherewith he hath loved them, and with which -he hath filled their hearts, hath banished and dispelled therefrom -every germ of self-love, and all kind of selfishness. Nevertheless, -of his own rich bounty and free will, without any real merit on our -part, he abundantly and plenteously bestoweth his blessings upon -all his faithful servants and children, whereby their love to him -is continually increased, until he becomes their all in all, their -alpha and omega, and they are brought into the possession of that -perfect love that casteth out all fear; and in which they are enabled -continually to worship and adore Him who liveth for ever, and who only -is everlastingly worthy of all blessing and praise. - -In the course of this week was our quarterly meeting, which was held -at this time at Westbury. It was a season of exercise to all who were -concerned for the promotion of right order in the Church; and much -counsel, reproof, and admonition, were communicated, under right -influence, to stir up the negligent and refractory members to more -faithfulness and attention to their several duties, and a more full -submission to the manifestations of divine grace in their own minds, -that they may be thereby strengthened to arise, and shake themselves -from the dust of the earth, and separate themselves from those -hindering and annoying things, which divert and turn them aside from -their Christian duty, and those things in which their best interest -consists. The meeting for worship was likewise a favoured season. -Many very important truths of the gospel were clearly opened in the -demonstration of the spirit; and the meeting closed under a thankful -sense of the unmerited mercy; and the living among us separated to -their several homes with grateful hearts. - -I laid before this meeting my prospect of a religious visit as -aforementioned, and received the unity and concurrence of the men’s -and women’s meetings; and an endorsement thereof was made on my -certificate. Being now left at liberty, and separated to the work -whereunto I believed myself called by the Holy Spirit, and knowing -my own insufficiency, and that of myself I can do nothing, all that -remains for me is to cast my care wholly on him, in full faith, -who hath called me; and, as I abide in the patience and in a full -submission to his heavenly will, he that putteth his servants forth, -will in his own right time go before them and make way for them, -without which there is no way; and will make darkness light before -them, and not forsake, but safely carry them through and over all the -opposition and discouragements, that either men or devils may or can -cast in the way, to the exceeding praise of his grace, and to the glory -and exaltation of his great and excellent name, who is over all, God -blessed for ever. - -First day, the 27th. My mind while sitting in our meeting to-day, was -led into a view of the great necessity there was of more faithfulness -and attention to the inward principle of divine truth, or inward -teacher in the mind, as professed by us as a people. For want of this, -many were led into divers errours and deficiencies, which in their -tendency not only led to great weakness, but to the encouragement of -evil doers in their evil practices; a sight and sense of which had -for some time been a cause of much exercise to my mind. The subject -became very impressive, insomuch that I found it necessary to spread -it before the meeting in a large arousing testimony; laying before the -auditory the great danger many were in for want of a living concern to -work out, through the assistance of divine grace, their salvation while -the day of visitation was lengthened out. 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 season, when the pale-faced -messenger shall arraign us before the judgment seat of Him, whom we -can neither awe nor bribe, to give an account of the deeds done in the -body, whether good or evil. A solemn weight spread over the meeting and -many minds appeared to be deeply humbled. May the exhortation be fixed -in their remembrance, as a nail in a sure place that may not be moved, -is the fervent desire of my mind. - -The rest of this week I was busily employed in endeavouring so to -arrange my temporal matters, that when I leave home on the prospect -before me, I may feel my mind at full liberty therefrom, and that -no occasion may be given, through the medium of any of my temporal -engagements, for the enemies of truth to gainsay or find fault, to the -disadvantage or reproach of the great and dignified cause I was about -to embark in. For I have been led to believe some who have gone out on -this solemn embassy, for want of this care have given too much occasion -for censure, and have thereby wounded the cause they have proposed to -promote, and brought much exercise on the minds of the faithful. - -On fifth day at our meeting, my mind was deeply bowed in commemoration -of the Lord’s continued mercies, and that indeed it might be said of -us as it was of Israel formerly, that it was of the Lord’s mercies we -were not consumed; and I was made thankful in believing, that there was -a small remnant who were preserved faithful to his name and cause, -and who were the salt of the society, and for whose sake he would not -utterly cast us off nor forsake us. Surely it is of his unmerited mercy -that we are not swallowed up in the mass of the people, and numbered -among the unstable multitude who have no sure and solid foundation to -rest their hopes upon, but are trusting in a ceremonial religion, of -man’s invention; all which in the day of trial will fail them, and -afford no succour to the soul. - -First day, the 3d of 8th month. My mind was brought under exercise in -our meeting to-day, in a view of the great want of diligent attention -to the light within, or that measure of the spirit given to every one -of God’s rational creatures to profit withal; even those who were -so far convinced as to acknowledge its excellence, yet were almost -daily neglecting its reproofs, and turning aside from its teachings; -by which their understandings became darkened, and they were left in -a dwarfish unstable condition, without any solid ground of hope. The -subject spread, and my mind was led into a large arousing testimony, -setting forth the danger of such a state, and the fatal consequences -that would naturally and certainly follow such delinquency if continued -in. Truth prevailed, and many minds were sensibly bowed and affected by -its power, and a very general solemnity spread over the meeting, to the -praise of Him who is calling all his faithful and obedient children out -of darkness into his marvellous light. The rest of the week spent as -usual without occasion for any remark. - -First day, the 10th. A peaceful quiet meeting to-day in silent waiting. -The rest of the week, except attending our meeting for sufferings and -preparative meeting on fifth day, was taken up in my outward business; -with a steady view to my religious engagement, that with all readiness -I might be prepared to embark therein when the full time arrived. - -First day, the 17th. A silent meeting. This week was taken up -preparatory to my journey. Attended our monthly meeting on fifth day, -and feeling my mind drawn towards an opportunity with the people of -colour before I left home, I mentioned it to the meeting; and with the -unity of Friends, a meeting was appointed for them on the following -first day at the fourth hour in the afternoon. I also gave Friends of -Bethpage meeting information, that I felt my mind drawn to sit with -them in their meeting the next first day, and left them at liberty to -inform their neighbours thereof. - -First day, the 24th. Agreeably to my prospect I attended Bethpage -meeting in the forenoon. It was large, and I think, greatly favoured -with the overshadowing wing of divine kindness. Truth rose into -dominion, and bowed the assembly by the prevalence of its power, for -which my spirit was made deeply thankful. - -The meeting for the coloured people was held at the fourth hour, and -I was enabled to clear my mind among them, although it was a season -of hard labour. After this I felt my mind clear to set forward on my -intended journey. - -Fourth day, the 27th of 8th month. I left home in the afternoon in -order to accomplish my contemplated visit to Friends and others, in -some parts of the yearly meetings of Philadelphia and Baltimore. My -son-in-law Valentine Hicks, accompanied me in the journey. Feeling my -mind drawn to attend the meeting of Friends at Flushing the next day, -we rode there and lodged. Notice being given in the neighbourhood of my -intention to be there, the meeting was large, and the Lord graciously -manifested himself to be near, and enabled me to discharge myself -faithfully among them under the feeling influence of gospel love. Many -hearts were contrited and truth appeared in dominion over all, for -which favour I was made reverently thankful, not only on my own account -and the account of those present, but especially so on account of my -dear family and friends at home, who gave me up with great reluctance -on account of my present bodily indisposition, being under the pressure -of a heavy cold and very hard cough, which, in their apprehensions, -rendered me unable to travel in so arduous a service until I might be -recovered therefrom. But the time appearing to be come for my setting -out, and the way appearing open, I considered it safest to cast my care -wholly upon Him in faith, who, I believed, had called me to the work; -and that as I continued to go forward, as he was graciously pleased to -open the way and make it clear before me, all would be well, whether it -terminated in life or in death. - -The next day, being the sixth of the week, we had an appointed meeting -in Friends’ meeting-house, at the Kilns, in Newtown. The meeting there, -had been discontinued for a number of years, and now there was but one -member of our society left in the neighbourhood. There was, however, a -considerable number of people of other persuasions collected; and the -Lord graciously condescended to enable me to preach the gospel among -them, and to open divers doctrines of the Christian religion, suited -to their several conditions, in the demonstration of truth, for their -consideration and instruction. The people were very solemn and quiet; -and, I hope, the labour will not prove in vain, but be to some of them, -as bread cast upon the waters, gathered after many days. We rode, after -this meeting, to New-York, and rested on seventh day. - -First day, the 31st. We attended Pearl-street meeting in the morning, -and that at Liberty-street, in the afternoon. They were both full -meetings; and, although I was still under considerable bodily -indisposition, yet, through condescending goodness, I was strengthened -to discharge myself faithfully in both opportunities, and felt peace -in my labours of love among them; being led in each meeting to declare -largely of the things concerning the kingdom of God, and to point out -to the people, in a clear manner, the way to peace and salvation. - -On second day afternoon, we proceeded on our journey to Newark, a town -in New Jersey, where we attended a meeting at the fourth hour, previous -notice having been given in the town, of our coming. I had had several -meetings there before; but this was larger than usual for the place. -There is no member of our society residing in the town; the inhabitants -being principally of the Presbyterian order. All was quiet, and a -general solemnity spread over the meeting; and truth and its testimony -were raised into dominion. Surely, it is the Lord’s doing, and my -spirit was made gratefully thankful for the unmerited favour. - -The next day we attended a meeting appointed for us in Elizabethtown. -Here, likewise, there is no member of our society. The meeting was -small, yet through condescending goodness it proved, I trust, a -comfortable instructive season to some present; and I parted with them -in peace of mind, the sure reward of faithfulness. - -From this place, we rode home with our kind friend Henry Shotwell, of -Rahway, who met us here. The next day we attended Friends’ meeting at -Plainfield. Notice having been given that we intended to be there, -the meeting was large, in which the Lord’s power was manifested, and -his arm made bare for our help; and through which, way was made and -utterance given, to preach the glad tidings of life and salvation -to the people, in the demonstration of the spirit. Many hearts were -broken and contrited by the prevalence of its power. May the glory and -the praise be all ascribed to our gracious Helper, for such continued -mercy; for he only is worthy thereof, as nothing is due to the -creature, but blushing and confusion of face. - -After this favoured meeting, we rode back, towards evening, to Rahway. -The next day, being the fifth of the week, we attended Friends’ meeting -there. The meeting was much enlarged by many of the neighbouring -inhabitants coming in, who were not members. Many gospel truths were -opened to their consideration, and its power ran as oil over the -assembly, silencing all opposition, and a perfect calm was witnessed -to spread over all. I have not often beheld such a perfect quiet; such -seasons are truly encouraging, and worthy of thanksgiving and praise to -the blessed Author of such unmerited favours. - -On sixth day morning, we took leave of our kind friends at Rahway, and -rode to Mendham, alias, Randolph. The next day we had an appointed -meeting there, at the tenth hour, which proved a solemn, instructive -season. I left them with peace of mind, and proceeded that afternoon to -Hardwick. The following day being the first of the week, we attended -Friends’ meeting there. It was large for the place, as notice had -been given that we expected to be there. And, through heavenly help, -the gospel was preached in the demonstration of the spirit; and, by -the influence of its power, a general solemnity was spread over the -assembly, and many hearts were broken and contrited. - -On second day we proceeded to Stroudsburgh, in Pennsylvania, where we -arrived about three o’clock in the afternoon. Here we had a meeting, by -appointment, the next day, at the third hour. It was well attended by -the Friends of that place, and many of the neighbouring inhabitants; -and was a very solid, instructive season. Surely, such unmerited -favours greatly enhance our obligations to our all-gracious Benefactor, -and tend to inspire the minds of his humble dependant children with -gratitude and thanksgiving. - -From this place we proceeded to Richland, and attended Friends’ meeting -on fifth day. It was much enlarged by many who were not members -coming in. From thence we went to Plumbstead, where, by previous -appointment, we had a meeting the next day. Both these meetings were -seasons of favour. Surely, it is cause of deep humiliation, when we -consider the many sorrowful deviations which are obvious among us -from the simplicity and purity of our holy profession, and the great -want of faithfulness in the support of those noble testimonies given -us to bear, for the Prince of peace: yet, nevertheless, in the midst -of all our backslidings, the condescending goodness of our heavenly -Father is such, as to break the bread and distil the water of life, -often, on our gathered assemblies; satisfying the hungry and thirsty -soul, and causing his heavenly rain to descend on the thoughtless and -worldly-minded professors, whose hearts are like the dry and barren -ground, in order that they may be softened and rendered fit for the -seed of his heavenly kingdom to take root in and grow, to the praise of -his grace, and the glory of his great and excellent name. - -From Plumbstead we proceeded to Buckingham, and rested on seventh day, -as I was still unwell with a cough, although much better than when I -left home. On first day we attended Friends’ meeting here, which was -large, and favoured with the overshadowings of the heavenly Father’s -regard, which caused the faithful to rejoice. On second day we rested -with our ancient and worthy friend, Oliver Paxton, who was under deep -bodily affliction, and appeared drawing fast towards his close. He -was lively in spirit, and cheerfully and patiently resigned to his -heavenly Master’s will. It was comfortable and instructive to be in -his company. - -On third day we were at Solebury meeting, of which our aforesaid friend -was a member; and, although in much weakness and affliction of body, -he accompanied us thereto, and a blessed meeting we had. After this, -I parted with him in near unity of spirit, which was a final parting -to us, as to the body: for he lived but a short time after. He was an -elder and judge in Israel; and his memory will be precious to all the -living, who were acquainted with him, and knew his worth. - -The three following days we attended meetings at Wright’s Town, -Makefield, and Newtown. These were all large, favoured meetings, in -which the power of truth was exalted over all opposition. - -On seventh day we rested, and wrote to our families. - -On first day, the 21st of 9th month, we attended Horsham meeting, -which was very large. Strength was afforded me to communicate to the -people, and open many gospel truths, to the relief of my own mind, -and, I trust, to the general satisfaction, comfort and instruction of -the assembly, which was composed of various denominations of professed -Christians, besides Friends. - -Second and third days. We attended meetings at Upper Dublin and North -Wales. In both of these meetings the heavenly Father’s power and -presence were felt to preside, in an eminent degree, breaking down and -reducing by its blessed influence all opposing and contrary spirits, -and covering the assemblies with a precious solemnity, especially the -latter, in which, truth reigned triumphantly over all. - -On fourth day we had an appointed meeting in a village called -Norristown. It was held in their court-house, there being only a few -scattered members of our society living in the place. The meeting was -pretty large, principally of people of other professions; among whom -was the chief judge, and several lawyers and priests. All were quiet, -and through the condescending goodness of the Shepherd of Israel, it -was, I trust and believe, to most present, a very instructive and -precious season. - -Fifth and sixth days. We were at Friends’ meetings as they came in -course, at Plymouth and Providence. Notice having been given of our -coming, they were much enlarged by the attendance of the neighbours -who were not members. These were precious opportunities, in which -help was afforded to preach the gospel of life and salvation to the -people, accompanied with a power which broke down and subjected all -to its blessed influence; for which unmerited favour, the hearts of -the faithful were made to rejoice, and in deep humiliation, to return -thanksgiving and praise to the benevolent and gracious Author of all -our blessings. - -On seventh day we rested at Charlestown. On first day attended the -meeting at that place, which was large, many more attending than the -house could contain. The three following days we attended meetings at -the Valley, Pikeland, and Nantmill. These were all precious meetings, -in which the Lord’s presence and power were manifested for our help. - -On fifth day we proceeded to Columbia, a town situated on the east side -of the river Susquehannah. We had an appointed meeting there the next -day, in which truth prevailed; nevertheless, a hireling priest who -attended the meeting, afterwards made some objection to the doctrine -delivered, as it counteracted his traditional belief concerning the -atonement, the carnal ordinances of water baptism, and the outward -bread and wine, and preaching for hire, and the scriptures being the -only rule of faith and practice; the fallacy and inutility of all which -had been laid open and exposed. This roused his opposition; and indeed, -it is not to be wondered at, as it goes to overthrow all their craft, -by which they have their wealth. - -We proceeded from thence to Little York, and rested on seventh day. -On first day, attended Friends’ meeting there. It was a pretty large, -favoured meeting, but not feeling my mind fully clear, I proposed -another meeting in the evening; and, notice being given accordingly, -it was very large, more than the house could contain. It was a blessed -meeting, in which the Lord’s presence and power were manifested, and -truth raised into dominion over all. - -The four following days, we had meetings at Newbury, Warrington, -Huntington and Menallen. In these opportunities my mind was much -engaged to turn the attention of the people from man, and from all -dependance on any thing without them, to the inward principle of divine -light and truth, the great gospel minister; which, as it is heeded and -obeyed, leadeth into all truth, and out of all errour; and without -whose teaching, the true and saving knowledge of God and Christ, which -only brings eternal life to the soul, can never be obtained, although -we may be favoured to sit under the most powerful gospel ministry, -through the instrumentality of man, however divinely qualified to that -end, from youth to old age. For all that the best outward instrumental -help, either from reading the scriptures, or hearing the gospel -preached in the clear demonstration of the spirit, can do for any man, -is only to point to, and lead the minds of the children of men home to -this divine inward principle, manifested in their own hearts and minds. - -These were all favoured, instructive seasons, worthy of grateful -remembrance. - -From Menallen we rode to Baltimore, in order to attend the yearly -meeting at that place, where we arrived on sixth day evening, the -10th of 10th month. The yearly meeting of Ministers and Elders opened -the next day at the tenth hour, and the yearly meeting for discipline -at the tenth hour, on the following second day; and continued by -adjournments until the next sixth day at evening, when the meeting -closed under an evident sense of divine favour, and which had been -graciously extended through the several sittings of the meeting. I had -much general and particular service in the course of the meetings, -both in those for worship, and those for discipline; tending to gather -Friends’ minds, to an inward, faithful exercise for the support and -promotion of those noble testimonies, that we, as a people, are called -to bear for the Prince of Peace; and for the exaltation of truth and -righteousness in the earth. The Lord our gracious helper, by his -presence and power, manifested himself to be near, setting home the -doctrines delivered to his witness in the hearts of most present; -whereby Friends appeared generally to be united in spirit, and -comforted together under a renewed sense of the Lord’s goodness; and we -parted from each other with thankful hearts. - -The meeting being ended, we left the city the next morning, in order -to take a few meetings which lay westerly, or southwesterly from this -place. We were out from the city about two weeks, and attended the -following meetings, viz: Pipe Creek, Bush Creek, Fairfax, Goose Creek, -South Fork, Alexandria, Washington, Sandy Spring, Indian Spring, -and Elk-Ridge. All favoured meetings, in which the Lord’s power and -presence were manifested for our help, enabling to preach the gospel in -the authority of truth, to the comfort and instruction of the honest -seekers, and rejoicing the hearts of the faithful, and administering -reproof and caution to the disobedient and ungodly, and to such as -are living at ease without God in the world. I felt sweet peace in my -labours of love among them. - -After the latter meeting, we returned again to Baltimore on sixth day -afternoon, the 31st of 10th month. Here we continued until the 11th of -11th month, not only attending Friends’ usual meetings as they came in -course in the city, but likewise their monthly meetings, and quarterly -meeting, which were held during the time. In all of these I was led -into much exercise and religious labour, both in the ministry and in -the discipline and order of the Church. We had, likewise, during our -stay in the city, three very large, satisfactory evening meetings with -the citizens at large. Two were for the white people, and one for the -people of colour. I was led forth among them, and strengthened largely -to declare of the things concerning the kingdom of God, and to open -to their consideration divers important doctrines of the gospel, in -the authority and demonstration of truth, apparently to their general -satisfaction, and to the comfort and edification of my friends, and -the solid peace of my own mind. I then took leave of them, under the -precious uniting influence of the heavenly Father’s love, and the -covering of deep thankfulness and gratitude for the unmerited favour. - -On third day, the 11th of the month, we left the city and proceeded to -a place called the Bush, where there is a small meeting of Friends. -The three following days we attended meetings at that place, at Deer -Creek, and East Nottingham, all favoured seasons. After the latter -meeting on seventh day, we proceeded to Wilmington, and attended -Friends’ meetings there the next day, both forenoon and afternoon, -in which truth favoured with ability to preach the gospel in the -demonstration of the spirit, suited, I trust, to the states of many, or -most, of the people which composed those large assemblies, and I left -them with peace of mind. - -On second day I rode to London Grove, accompanied by my kind friend -William Poole of Brandywine, my companion being disposed to tarry a day -longer at Wilmington. On third day the quarterly meeting opened there -with a meeting of Ministers and Elders; in which I was led to open to -Friends of that meeting, the great obligations and accountability which -attached to those who consented to take seats in such meetings. For it -placed us in the front of society, and consequently we were looked to -as the leaders of the people; and therefore if we should fall short in -faithfully holding up those precious testimonies we are called to bear -for the Prince of Peace, and in leading forward the flock by advancing -the reformation as truth opens the way, we shall become stumbling -blocks in the way of the honest travellers, and thereby shut up their -way to improvement, by which they may be discouraged and fall back and -be lost; in consequence whereof it is to be feared, their blood might -be required at the hands of such unfaithful and dilatory shepherds. It -was an instructive searching opportunity, in which truth prevailed in -an humbling degree. - -The next day was the meeting for discipline. It was also a very -favoured searching season, in which many of the hidden things of Esau -or the first nature were brought to light and exposed, and the careless -worldly-minded professors reproved, and the honest-hearted comforted -and encouraged. - -After this, feeling a draft of love to those not in membership with -us, I proposed an opportunity for them the next day; and Friends -uniting therewith, a meeting was accordingly appointed. It was a -large gathering and mercifully owned by the Head of the Church, by -the gracious manifestation of his divine presence; under the blessed -influence of which, the gospel was preached in the demonstration of the -spirit, and I parted with them under a thankful sense of the Lord’s -mercy, accompanied with a peaceful mind, and rode that afternoon to -Concord. - -On sixth day we rode to Darby and lodged with our kind friend Edward -Garrigues, who accompanied us the next morning to Philadelphia. Here -we continued about a week, attending Friends’ meetings in the city as -they came in course. As information of our coming had spread in the -town the meetings were greatly thronged, and at some places many more -than the houses could contain; people of varied professions, and some -of almost every description, high and low, appeared eager to attend. -It seemed a renewed visitation to the people in general, Friends and -others; and not only at meetings but in Friends’ families where we -visited, large numbers, especially of the younger classes, would soon -collect; so that those opportunities were made seasons of instruction -and edification. For the Lord, I believe, beheld them with a gracious -eye, and opened my heart and mouth in converse and communication, to -the comfort and satisfaction of their inquiring minds, and enabled -me in each meeting to communicate in the line of the gospel in large -impressive testimonies, affording instruction, comfort and edification -to the assemblies in general; and I felt a great power of love to flow -freely towards them, which caused my heart to rejoice, and I was made -glad in believing that it was the Lord’s doing, and it was marvellous -in mine eyes. - -After I had got through Friends’ meetings, I felt my mind drawn to -have a public opportunity for those not of our society; and Friends -uniting therewith, it was concluded to be held on the evening of sixth -day. Friends apprehending that the numbers who would be desirous of -attending would be very great, it was appointed at Mulberry-street, -their largest house. As the notice was given at the monthly meeting -at that house, Friends likewise appointed a large committee of men -and women to have the oversight of its gathering, and to keep Friends -out until their neighbours should first have seats: but the number -that collected of other people was so great, that it was supposed as -many went away after the house was filled, and the yard around the -house as far as they could hear, as there was in the house. Every -avenue in the house was filled with people, standing as close as they -could crowd together. Such a collection of people I never saw together -before on any such occasion. It was with great difficulty that I got -into the meeting, and when I had taken my seat, in viewing the crowded -state of the multitude, I was ready to fear that the pressure of the -people upon one another would destroy the solemnity of the meeting; -but as I centered down to the gift, life and strength sprang up, and -faith was increased; and the Lord made bare his arm for our help, and -soon opened my mouth among them, which brought a precious calm over -the assembly. Indeed I could scarcely have thought it possible had I -not seen it, that such a large promiscuous multitude, made up almost -of every description of people, should in a few moments be brought -into such a perfect state of quiet and remain so for hours, until the -meeting closed; especially as in the midst of the meeting while I -was communicating, some ill advised persons, in order to disturb the -meeting, made a great cry of fire, rattling their engines along the -street near the house, but it had no tendency to break the solemnity -of the meeting. My heart and all that was alive within me, was bowed -in humble thankfulness to the Lord our gracious helper, for such a -marvellous and unmerited favour. As my whole man was filled with a flow -of heavenly love to the multitude, it was likewise very comfortable -to feel a mutual return from them, for all that could come near me -manifested it, both by conduct and converse; such a time I never -witnessed before: surely it was the Lord’s doing, and to him belongs -all the praise and glory of his own work, nothing due to the creature -but blushing and confusion of face. So let it be. Amen, saith my spirit. - -After having got thus favourably through my service in the city, the -next morning I took an affectionate farewell of my friends there, in -much unity of spirit, and passed over the Delaware to Newtown, in -Jersey: where by previous appointment I had a meeting at the eleventh -hour. A considerable number of Friends accompanied me thither from -the city. Here we had another precious instructive meeting. The next -day being the first of the week, we attended Friends’ meeting at -Woodbury; and notice being spread of our intention of being there it -was unusually large; and through the condescending goodness of Him who -opens and none can shut, my heart and mouth were opened in a large -effective testimony, in which was opened to the people divers of the -most essential doctrines of Christianity, I trust, to the general -instruction and edification of those present, and to the comfort and -peace of my own mind. - -The seven following days we attended meetings at Mullica Hill, Upper -Greenwich, Penn’s Neck, Piles Grove, Salem, Alloway’s Creek, and Lower -Greenwich. These were all large favoured meetings, particularly the -one at Salem; at which place the county court was then sitting, which -was adjourned by the judge in order to give the people generally an -opportunity to attend the meeting, which they did; the judge and -lawyers with the rest of the court also attended. The gospel was -preached to them and the doctrines of Christianity largely opened, -apparently to the satisfaction of all; and truth was raised into -dominion over all that was contrary to its blessed influence. - -From the latter place we proceeded on second day, the 8th of 12th -month, to Morris River, alias Port Elizabeth, where we had a very -instructive edifying meeting the next day. The day following we rode -to Little Eggharbour; and the next day being the fifth of the week, -we attended Friends’ monthly meeting there. The meeting for worship -was favoured, and truth prevailed by way of testimony; and many gospel -truths were opened to the consideration of the people, whereby many -hearts were humbled and contrited. - -The meeting for discipline was very weakly conducted. The order of -truth being at a low ebb with Friends of this place, and but little -hope of improvement, unless the younger classes in society come forward -in more faithfulness than their elder brethren have done. For most of -the few that are left appeared to be settling on their lees, without -any thought or prospect of advancing the noble testimonies we are -called to bear. - -Our next meeting was at Barnegat: the day being rainy it was small, -yet a precious favoured season. The next day being the seventh of the -week we rode to Squan, and the two following days attended the meeting -at that place and at Squancum; but the weather being still rainy, these -were also small meetings: but the power of truth being present for our -help, rendered the opportunities instructive and edifying. After the -latter meeting we proceeded to Shrewsbury, and on third day, the 16th -of 12th month, we had an appointed meeting there which was large and -satisfactory. Many gospel truths were fully and clearly opened to the -apparent satisfaction, and, I trust, to the instruction and edification -of the assembly in general. It was a very solemn meeting, in which -truth was raised into dominion, humbling and contriting many hearts; -and which brought my religious labours in this journey to a peaceful -close. - -After this, the three following days I passed directly home, and -found my dear wife, children, and grand-children in usual health, to -our mutual rejoicing. For this favour, together with the continued -evidence of the divine favour which had accompanied me in this journey, -strengthening and enabling me from day to day, faithfully to perform -the work and service the Lord had appointed me, my mind was impressed -with deep thankfulness and gratitude for the unmerited mercy. - -Praise the Lord, O my soul! and forget not any of his benefits, for he -hath dealt bountifully with thee, and set thee above all thine enemies, -to the exaltation of his own glorious name and power; and who is God -over all, blessed for ever. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - - Engagements at and near home, and within the limits of Westbury - quarterly meeting--Visit to some parts of the yearly meeting of - New-York, 1818. - - -First day, the 21st of 12th month, 1817. I again met with my friends at -home, in our own meeting, and was glad to see them; having been absent -nearly four months, in which time I travelled about eleven hundred -miles, and attended eighty-five meetings for worship, and eleven for -discipline. And now, at home, I find no time to be idle; for in this -first meeting, my mind was brought under exercise, and I had to tell my -friends, that if we would be Christians, we must be united to Christ, -and learn by his example to do good for evil; as it is no certain -mark of a real Christian, to be in the practice of mutual returns of -good offices to one another. For sinners give and lend to sinners, to -receive as much again. I found afterwards that there was just occasion -for my exercise, as some of my neighbours, members of society, had been -disputing and differing about trivial matters of property. Alas for -such! what peace can they have on earth, and much less can they hope -for any in heaven, when done with time. For such dispositions cannot -possibly be happy in the presence of a just, holy, and merciful Being, -who is love ineffable. - -I sat our meeting on fifth day in silence, and nothing unusual occurred -the rest of the week. - -First day, the 28th. I was led, while sitting in our meeting to-day, -into a view of the great want generally manifested by the people, of -living in the fear of the Lord, and of seeking to be initiated into his -kingdom of peace and love; as nothing short of it can administer to -any the joys of salvation, or produce a real redemption from the power -of evil. The subject spread on my mind, and opened to a pretty full -communication, in the line of close caution and warning to the indolent -and unconcerned, respecting the necessary preparation for our final -change. A solemn weight spread over the assembly, and I have a hope the -labour will not be all lost, but sink deep and remain on some minds. - -In the course of this week my case seemed to resemble Mordecai’s of -old; after riding the king’s horse, he had to retire to the king’s -gate, and there wait for fresh direction. I also felt my mind brought -into a waiting quiet state, in poverty of spirit. Attended our fifth -day meeting mostly in silence, except just before the close I had to -remark to Friends the great advantage that accrued to us by being -embodied together in religious society, under the influence of truth, -as our duties and religious obligations became more binding upon us, -especially the diligent attendance of meetings for worship, which gave -us frequent opportunity of inquiring into our own states, and how far -we stood accepted in the divine sight, and were at peace with Him and -with all men; for this is a very requisite care which ought not to be -neglected, but always be first in our minds. - -First day, the 4th of 1st month, 1818. Having felt my mind for several -days drawn to sit with my friends at Martinicock, I accordingly went -on this day, accompanied by my wife and daughter Elizabeth. Although -the meeting was not altogether so large as at some other times on this -day of the week, the weather being cold, yet the opportunity, through -the manifestation of divine regard, by which I was enabled to preach -the gospel in the demonstration of truth, was rendered an instructive -edifying season, and we were comforted together under a renewed sense -of the Lord’s goodness. - -Second day. I attended the funeral of a neighbour. It was a promiscuous -gathering of different societies of professed Christians. I was largely -led forth among them to declare of the things concerning the kingdom of -God, and to open to the people in a clear and impressive manner, the -way and means by which we may come to have an inheritance therein, and -that nothing short of our coming into a passive state without a will -of our own, as a little child, agreeably to the doctrine of our Lord, -will ever qualify us for that blessed inheritance, where nothing that -worketh an abomination or maketh a lie can ever enter. It was a season -of favour, in which truth had the victory, and I felt peace in my -labour of love among them. - -On third day I went to New-York, accompanied by my son-in-law Valentine -Hicks, in order to attend the monthly meeting of Friends there, -which came the next day. I attended it accordingly. It was a pretty -full meeting, in which I was led in a close, searching line in my -testimony, which agitated some of the worshippers in the outer court, -and made them fretful. Alas for such professors! what will they do -in the end, when the winds blow and the rains descend? Surely their -sandy foundation will fail them; then will they be made to call to the -rocks and mountains of their own exalted self-righteousness, to cover -them from the prevailing indignation which they have brought upon -themselves, by their own neglect of a right improvement of the talent -with which they had been entrusted, and which they had buried in an -earthly mind; but their cries will be in vain, as the hypocrite’s hope -will perish. - -Fifth day. I attended Friends’ meeting held in the middle of the week -at Flushing, at which there was a marriage, which caused it to be much -enlarged, by many of the neighbouring inhabitants coming in who do -not usually attend. It was a favoured season, in which I was led to -communicate divers important doctrines of the Christian religion, and -to open the true ground of the marriage covenant, whereby male and -female may be rightly joined together, so as to become true helpers and -blessings to each other. After this, I returned home that evening with -the blessing of peace, the sure reward of faithfulness, and retired -willingly to the waiting gate of inward trust, and poverty of spirit. - -First day, the 11th. My mind was led into a view of the necessity of -doing all our works to please God, and not to please ourselves, or one -another; and the only way to please our neighbours to edification, was -to do all to please the Lord, who hath promised that if our ways please -him he will make our enemies to be at peace with us. The subject spread -and led to communication, in which the people were invited to acquaint -themselves with God, and be at peace with him by doing his will, and -not our own, whereby good would come unto us; hence we should please -one another to our mutual edification and comfort. - -On fifth day our monthly meeting was held. It was a season of exercise, -occasioned by a case of difficulty being improperly introduced into the -meeting. - -I saw clearly the meeting could not get along with it in its present -form, as it had taken ground which was not tenable. It was therefore -agreed to dismiss the subject for the present, and let it be taken up -anew, unless on a further investigation by the overseers, it should be -settled. - -How necessary it is for those who take an active part in the discipline -of the Church, to wait for a right qualification, and not to put a -hand to the work until they are rightly called and furnished, with -that wisdom which is profitable to direct; for otherwise, instead of -advancing the cause of righteousness, they may retard its progress, -and do harm to themselves, like Uzza of old, when he put forth an -unsanctified hand to steady the ark. - -I opened in this meeting to my friends, a prospect I had of paying -a religious visit to some of the neighbouring inhabitants not in -membership with us, within the borders of our quarterly meeting; with -which the meeting united, and left me at liberty to pursue the prospect -as way might open for it. - -The rest of this week was spent in the care of my necessary temporal -concerns, and the week ended with peace of mind and a thankful heart, -for the continued blessings of a gracious Providence. - -First day, the 18th. Our meeting to-day was favoured, and the power -of truth exalted, and the gospel preached in its own authority, and a -precious solemnity spread over the meeting, which ended in thanksgiving -for the mercy, and solemn supplication for the continuance of divine -regard. - -In the course of this week our quarterly meeting was held at Westbury. -It was a favoured season, particularly the last day or closing meeting -for public worship, in which the Lord’s presence and power were -manifested in an eminent degree, and truth was exalted and a precious -solemnity spread over the assembly, convicting, contriting, and -comforting many hearts; to the praise of Him who is calling us out of -darkness into his marvellous light. - -First day, the 25th. A silent meeting on my part to-day. How -comfortable it is to sit silently under the shadow of our own vine and -our own fig-tree, where none can make afraid. - -Second day. I attended the funeral of my eldest and last surviving -brother. I am now the last and only survivor of six brethren, and am -myself arrived nearly to the age of three score and ten; therefore -cannot expect many more days, as I continually feel time making -its ravages on the animal system, and which, as a faithful herald, -exclaims repeatedly to the inward ear, “prepare to die.” There was a -large promiscuous collection of people of different societies attended -the funeral. I was largely led forth among them to declare the way -of life and salvation, and to open many very important doctrines -of the Christian religion. The assembly were generally very quiet -and attentive, and, I believe, to many, it was a season of solid -instruction and edification. I left them with peace of mind and a -thankful heart. - -I attended our fifth day meeting as usual, and mostly in silence. On -sixth day I attended the funeral of a person not in membership. It was -principally made up of the poorer kind of people, who made little or no -profession of religion, except a few Friends and some of the Methodist -society. I was deeply baptized into a feeling of their weak state, in -which I was led to communicate according to their capacity to receive; -which brought a comfortable solemnity over the assembly to their -general satisfaction, and I felt peace in my labour of love among them. - -First day, the 1st of 2d month. As I sat musing in silence in our -meeting, my mind was led into a view of the great mischief and harm -which result to mankind, by their giving way to harbour and indulge -vain and evil thoughts. The subject spread and led to communication, in -which I had to show to the assembly that our redemption and salvation -principally depended on a right government of our thoughts, and that -if men and women were as fearful of evil thinking as they are of evil -doing, and as desirous of avoiding one as the other, they would soon -find themselves empowered as fully to avoid evil thinking as to avoid -evil doing; and this would be a suppression of sin in its first rise: -and there is no other way for any man or woman to become righteous -and holy in the sight of God, who as certainly at all times sees our -evil thoughts, and more so than man can see our evil actions: yet -nevertheless poor blind forgetful man will please and entertain himself -with abundance of evil thoughts in the open view of his Maker, while at -the same time he would dread to expose them by overt acts, in the view -of men. This shows how much more predominant the fear of man is with -the most of mankind, than the fear of God their Creator. I hope the -opportunity was profitable and instructive to some present. - -Second day, the 9th. I rode to New-York in order to attend the -meeting for sufferings which came the next day, and which I attended -accordingly. After this I spent several days in the city and -neighbourhood, in prosecuting the concern I opened before our last -monthly meeting. My kinsman Isaac Hicks accompanied me. - -I attended Pearl-street meeting as it came in course on fourth day, -and had an appointed meeting at the same place in the evening, for the -inhabitants of the town at large. It was a very full meeting, many -more collected than the house could contain. The next day I attended -Friends’ meeting at Manhattanville, and in the evening had a public -meeting in the city, at Friends’ meeting-house in Liberty-street. These -were all full favoured meetings, in which truth reigned and subjected, -at least for the present, all contrary spirits, which was cause of -humble thankfulness to my mind. - -We left the city on sixth day and had an appointed meeting at Brooklyn -in the evening. On seventh day we had two meetings in Newtown, the -first at Friends’ meeting-house at the Kilns, and the latter at the -town in the evening. These three last meetings were principally made up -of people of other societies, who behaved very commendably and appeared -well affected with the meetings; and truth’s testimonies were largely -and satisfactorily opened in each meeting, comforting and contriting -many hearts, and to the solid peace of my own mind. - -On first day, the 15th, I attended Friends’ meeting at Flushing, and -some notice having been spread of my coming, it was large; and was -added to by a number from Newtown, of other societies who had attended -the two meetings held there the day before. This was also an open -instructive meeting, in which divers doctrines of the gospel were -communicated in the life, to the edification of the people. The next -day I returned home and found my family well, which, with the peace of -mind that accompanied, produced thankfulness of heart to the blessed -Author of all our mercies and blessings. - -Fifth day. I attended our monthly meeting. It was rather a dull -exercising season, in which I was led into some painful labour. - -On sixth day, I proceeded again on the visit to some of the -neighbouring inhabitants. Had an appointed meeting in the evening at -Hempstead Harbour, and the next evening at the lower part of Cowneck. -Both were full meetings. In the former I was largely opened by way of -testimony, and many important doctrines of the gospel were communicated -for the instruction and edification of the people, and I left them -with peace of mind. In the latter I was mostly silent. On first day I -attended Friends’ meeting at Cowneck, which was well attended; many -of the neighbouring inhabitants coming in that were not members, who -behaved soberly. It was a favoured satisfactory season, in which truth -reigned. - -In the evening I had a pretty large instructive meeting in the village -of Herricks. It was a solemn time, in which many truths of the gospel -were clearly opened, apparently to the satisfaction and edification of -the assembly in general, and I returned home next morning with peace of -mind. - -On fourth day I attended Bethpage meeting, at which there was a -marriage, which occasioned the meeting to be very large. I think it -was much the largest I had ever seen in that place. There was a large -number of young people, and although many of them appeared raw and -undisciplined, yet they generally behaved orderly during the meeting, -and I had a pretty open time among them. I was led to set forth the -nature and dignity of the marriage covenant when rightly entered -into, and the sad reverse, when rashly and unadvisedly undertaken; -and especially so when unequally yoked together, and of different -persuasions as to religion: for being disunited in the main point, it -most certainly must tend to disturb their quiet and imbitter their -enjoyments. And the offspring of such connexions are greatly to be -pitied; attached by nature to both parents, how confused must be their -ideas with regard to which they shall follow; and as it often happens, -the boys going with their father, and the daughters with their mother; -hence, children which ought to be bound together in the strongest ties -of natural affection and consanguinity, are in early life divided in -principle and in conduct, by which they become alienated from each -other. To avoid which the youth were earnestly and affectionately -invited and admonished to put in practice the exhortation of Jesus -Christ to his immediate followers, and the people which resorted to -hear him, viz: To seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, -in a full belief that as we comply therewith, all other things needful -and consolatory will be added. - -I attended our own meeting the next day in silence, and feeling a stop -in my mind as to proceeding further at present in the visit before me, -I turned my attention to my family concerns, not being willing to spend -any of my precious time in idleness. - -First day. Sat our meeting in silence. It is a precious thing and very -consoling, to all Zion’s exercised travellers in the path of duty, to -be instructed how and when to speak, and when to keep silence. - -Fifth day. A silent meeting. Spent the rest of the week in attention to -my family concerns. - -First day, the 8th of 3d month. A favoured open time in our meeting -to-day, in which the gospel was preached in its own authority, and in -which the excellency and reality of the divine principle of grace and -truth was opened and explained; showing it to be the same breath of -life which was breathed into man on the day of his creation, and which -constituted the divine image in man, and is the Lamb or innocent life -of God, and which innocent life was slain in our first parents by -their first transgression. Hence it is called the Lamb slain from the -foundation of the world, agreeably to the scriptures; but no otherwise -slain than by man’s rejecting it, and turning away from it, into the -serpentine wisdom; by which man became dead to this divine life, and -that dead to him. Hence the denunciation was fulfilled on man, in the -day thou eatest thereof, that is, in the day thou turnest away from -this divine life, and presumest to know good and evil for thyself, -thou shalt, or wilt, surely die; which was accordingly fulfilled on -our first parents in the day of their transgression, and consequently -on all their offspring who have followed their example. Agreeably to -the apostle Paul’s doctrine, it then follows, that as in Adam all -die, that is, as in our transgressing like Adam, we take upon us -Adam’s nature in the fall, which nature is a state of death; so on the -contrary, as we turn inward to the divine light and law, and repent -of our transgressions, and become sincerely obedient thereunto, by -denying ourselves and taking up our cross daily, we then come into -the obedience of Christ; not doing our own will, but the will of our -heavenly Father. We then put on Christ and become partakers of his -divine nature, and thereby come to witness in our own experience, not -only that in Adam, that is, in Adam’s nature in the fall, which we -have taken upon us by our own transgression, and not by Adam’s, we die -or witness a state of death to the divine nature: so likewise in our -coming into the obedience of Christ, we take upon us his divine nature; -and are thereby made alive and come to witness the Lamb which was slain -in us, while we remained in Adam’s nature, to rise from the dead and -become Christ in us the hope of glory, or the Lamb of God which taketh -away the sin of the world. Therefore all the varied names given in -scripture to this divine light and life, such as Emmanuel, Jesus, sent -of God, great Prophet, Christ our Lord, Grace, Unction, Anointed, &c. -mean one and the same thing; and are nothing less nor more, than the -spirit and power of God in the soul of man, as his Creator, Preserver, -Condemner, Redeemer, Saviour, Sanctifier and Justifier. - -Spent the rest of the week at and about home. Attended our preparative -meeting on fifth day. The meeting for worship I sat mostly in silence. - -First day, the 15th. In the course of our meeting I felt constrained -to communicate some plain truths in doctrine and in caution, to the -unguarded and refractory; but which seemed too much to rebound, for -want of a disposition in such to receive the word preached, as they are -apt to kick against the truth when it is plainly told them; this causes -hard labour to the messengers, who, although they feel the woe and are -constrained to labour, yet find little satisfaction therein, except -in the consciousness of having faithfully done their duty to their -careless and deficient brethren and fellow creatures. - -In the afternoon I proceeded in the concern before expressed, in -visiting some of the neighbouring inhabitants. Had an appointed meeting -at Jerusalem in the evening, and on second day, a meeting about four -miles westerly from thence. On third day I had one further on, in a -southwesterly direction, among a people in moderate circumstances as -to this world, but whose minds seemed generally open to receive the -doctrines of truth. I also had a meeting in the evening of this day -in the town of Hempstead. These were all large favoured meetings, -especially the last, which was unusually so, and in which the truths of -the gospel were largely communicated, apparently to the satisfaction -and edification of the assembly, and to the peace of my own mind. We -returned home the next day, attending Westbury monthly meeting in our -way. - -Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting. 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 Jehovah. -For thereby we come to witness all those great and precious promises -fulfilled which the scriptures mention, and know in our own experience -that they who trust in the Lord are never confounded. - -The rest of the week I was busily employed in a variety of temporal -concerns, as I find no time to be idle, either in body or mind, for -nothing affords so much true peace as a consciousness of the right -improvement and employment of precious time. - -First day, the 22d. By previous appointment I attended a meeting at the -house of our friend James Rushmore, at the Halfway Hollow Hills, at the -eleventh hour, and in the evening at a place called Babylon, on the -south side of the Island. These meetings, by the extreme inclemency of -the weather, were small, especially the first, where it was like the -two or three as to number, yet I found a good degree of satisfaction -in faithfully attending to the appointment, although I had to ride -a dozen miles or more through the storm, which was so extreme as to -prevent nearly all the neighbours from attending the meeting, and in -our passing from one meeting to the other, the wind blew with such -violence, that our carriage seemed several times near blowing over; but -we got along safe, and had a comfortable meeting at the latter place -in the evening. After this I rode to my son-in-law Joshua Willits’, at -Islip, and lodged. I spent most of the next day at his house, and on -third day at the eleventh hour had a pretty large favoured meeting at -the house of our friend Thomas Whitson, at Oysterbay South. After this -I returned home. - -In our fifth day meeting I was made an example of silence. - -First day, the 29th. In our meeting to-day I was led into an -enlightened view of the excellency of faith, and its blessed effects on -the minds of those who come to witness its lively operation. - -The subject opened to communication in a large affecting testimony, -recapitulating its wonder-working power in the holy ancients, and -showing that its efficacy was the same now as in former days, to those -who become rightly initiated into it through faithful obedience to -divine requiring, as nothing else will establish us in that living -faith which works by love, and gives victory over the world. - -Fifth day. Attended Friends’ meeting at Martinicock, in which I was an -example of silence. At the second hour in the afternoon, I attended -the funeral of Charles Thorne, a person inclining to Friends, in -the neighbourhood of Moscheto Cove. There was a large collection of -the neighbours, among whom I was led to communicate and open divers -essential doctrines of the gospel, and to set forth the design and end -of the types and shadows of the law dispensation given to Israel, and -to Israel only; and to show that they were finished and abolished by -the introduction of the gospel state, or the diffusion of the spirit -of truth, or Holy Ghost, in the minds of the believers, by which only -we can come to have a living faith made perfect by good works, because -faith without works is dead. - -First day, the 5th of 4th month. A silent meeting to-day. This week -busily employed in my temporal concerns, even so as to occasion -wearisomeness at times. What a comfortable state would even this world -afford, if men and women were all honest enough to do their light -portion of labour, for want of which thousands in every country are -inventing pitiful and unrighteous schemes to obtain a livelihood from -the labours of others. These, let them be high or low, learned or -unlearned, rich or poor, make up that class of mankind, who grievously -oppress and grind the faces of the poor. - -First day, the 12th. I had a precious open time in our meeting to-day, -in which I was led largely to open many truths of the gospel, in a -clear instructive manner, which brought a precious solemnity over the -meeting, and which closed under the sensible covering of divine favour. - -Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting. It was the time for preparing -answers to the queries to go up to the yearly meeting, and was, I -believe, a season of profitable exercise. - -First day, the 19th. I had good service in our meeting to-day, and -through the overshadowing wing of divine kindness, it proved a precious -opportunity. In the course of this week I attended our quarterly -meeting, held at this time in New-York. It was a favoured season in the -several sittings of it, affording encouragement to the honest-hearted, -to persevere on in their heavenly way without turning aside to the -right hand or the left, through fear, favour or affection. The labour -in the line of communication fell mostly to my lot. - -First day, the 26th. I was made an example of silence through our -meeting to-day. Nothing of particular notice occurred in the course of -this week. - -First day, the 3d of 5th month. I attended the funeral of our ancient -worthy friend Jacob Underhill, of Cedar Swamp. There was a very large -collection of Friends and neighbours assembled on the occasion, he -being very generally beloved and esteemed by his acquaintance and -Friends. A very solemn meeting was held at the meeting-house at -Martinicock, on the occasion, in which I was largely led forth in -ministry and doctrine, so that many hearts were contrited, to the -general satisfaction and edification of the assembly, and to the peace -of my own mind. - -In the afternoon I had an appointed meeting at the house of Amos -Cheshire, about four miles easterly from our village. Through divine -favour it was made an instructive, profitable season, in which truth -was exalted over all opposition. - -Fifth day. I attended the funeral of my kinswoman the widow Sarah -Albertson. A solemn meeting was held on the occasion, at Friends’ -meeting-house at Westbury, in which I had good service. I was led -to open in a clear manner, the superiour excellence of the divine -principle of light and truth, borne testimony to by the society -ever since we have been a people, and showing that, where that is -wanting, or is not given heed to, every thing else will and must fail -of effecting the great work of our salvation, as no other means are -adequate to that end. It was a season of favour, in which I was largely -opened to declare of the things concerning the kingdom of heaven, and -to open to the people many truths of the gospel, in the demonstration -of the spirit, accompanied with power; which solemnized and tendered -many minds. Surely it was the Lord’s doing, and to him belongs all the -praise: nothing due to man. - -First day, the 10th. A hard trying meeting, mostly silent. - -Fifth day. Had the acceptable company of our friend Mary Naftel, -from England. She laboured in the ability afforded for our help and -encouragement, which honest travail does not fail of meeting its own -reward, true peace of mind, the richest treasure. - -First day, the 17th. Silent in our meeting to-day. - -Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, at which we had the company -of our esteemed friend Phebe Field from Scipio. Her company, together -with her lively, simple, plain testimony, corresponding with our -profession, were truly acceptable and refreshing. - -Seventh day, the 23d. I left home early in the morning in order -to attend our yearly meeting, accompanied by my wife and daughter -Elizabeth. We arrived in New-York in time to attend the first sitting -of the meeting of Ministers and Elders, which opened at the tenth -hour. The meeting for discipline opened the following second day at -ten o’clock, and closed on fifth day evening. It was shorter as to -time than usual; but I think, in the main, it was a favoured meeting, -and closed well, under an humbling sense of divine condescension and -regard, and Friends separated to their several homes, under a feeling -sense of brotherly love. - -First day, the 31st. Attended our meeting in silence, and in much -poverty of spirit, and although we had the company of a Friend who was -travelling in the ministry, and who appeared pretty large in testimony; -yet it seemed void of life to me, which I was willing to conclude was -my own fault. We had another meeting appointed at the fourth hour in -the afternoon, by two women Friends from West Jersey. This was also a -meeting of exercise to me, without laying any thing to the charge of my -friends. - -Fifth day. A silent meeting. The rest of the week laboriously exercised -in my temporal concerns. Oh how killing too much bodily labour is to -our best spiritual life, and although it may be no more than is our -duty to do, in order comfortably to accommodate our families, and the -timely payment of our just debts, and the punctual performance of -all our contracts, yet even then divine wisdom has so wisely ordered -the events of things, as to impress caution on our minds, by not -suffering us to reap much spiritual content or inward enjoyment from -bodily exercise, or worldly care, lest as man is naturally prone to -seek earthly things, he might become so swallowed up in his temporal -enjoyments, as to neglect the one thing needful, that of laying up -treasure in heaven. - -First day, the 7th of 6th month. We had a large meeting to-day, and -having been made an example of silence for a number of meeting days -past, I also looked for the same at this time, till nearly half the -time of our meeting was expired. I sat clothed in darkness, a darkness -which could be felt; but after wrestling for about an hour a gleam of -light sprang up, and a prospect revived, which had presented at the -opening of the meeting, and enlarged with increasing weight until it -led to communication. In the course thereof, the original state of man -was considered, and presented to the view of the audience; and the -state of rectitude in which he was placed by his gracious Creator; -also the way shown, by and through which he fell, in a way clearly to -discharge and exculpate the all-equitable and perfect Jehovah from any -blame, as having any part or hand in man’s fall and ruin, and placing -it wholly on his own turpitude, by making a wrong use of his liberty, -and by making his election to evil instead of good, when both lay open -before him, at his own choice. Therefore, if he would pursue evil -instead of good, he had none to blame but himself: the Lord would be -clear, and his faithful servants would be clear; his blood will be upon -his own head. - -Fifth day. Attended our preparative meeting. My exercise and testimony -led to show the excellency and necessity of silence to man, in all his -attempts to approach the divine Being in solemn spiritual worship; not -only the body but also the mind must be silenced, according to that -saying of the prophet, “Be still and know that I am God;” with which -the testimony of Christ well agrees, where he assures his disciples, -“That he is the vine, and they are the branches; and except the branch -abide in the vine it withereth,” and that “without him they can do -nothing.” As it is the sap from the vine that can only quicken and -vivify the branch; so nothing short of the will, life and power of -the Creator, spiritually dispensed to the creature, can enable him to -perform worship in spirit and in truth. For nothing but man’s assuming -an independent will, in opposition to the divine will, and becoming -active therein, occasioned his fall and separation from his Maker; so -likewise nothing but a renunciation of that will, and a cessation from -all self-activity as an independent creature, can unite and restore him -again, or enable him to worship in spirit and in truth. - -First day, the 14th. Having not fully performed my contemplated visit -to our neighbouring towns and villages, and way opening for a further -procedure, I attended two appointed meetings to-day, one in the morning -at Cold Spring, and the other at the fourth hour in the afternoon at -Huntington. Both these were pretty full meetings, in which my exercise -was laborious, but I had a hope they were profitable meetings to some -present. I returned home in the evening. - -Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, at which we had the company of -a Friend from Pennsylvania. His plain lively testimony, together with -his company and solid deportment, did my heart good, as it brought to -my remembrance some of our primitive worthies. - -Sixth day. I attended the funeral of our friend Jacob Smith of -Westbury. His death was very sudden and unexpected, which made it the -more trying to his family. A meeting was held on the occasion, which -was largely attended by his friends and the neighbouring inhabitants. -The opportunity was solemn and instructive, and the gospel was preached -in the demonstration of the spirit, and many hearts were humbled and -contrited. Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift. - -First day, the 21st. I proceeded again in order to accomplish my -aforesaid visit to the neighbouring towns and villages. By previous -notice, a meeting was appointed at Cow Harbour, about twelve miles to -the eastward, at the fourth hour in the afternoon, at the house of a -person by the name of Henry Scudder, which was large and favoured. The -five following days, I attended meetings appointed at the following -places, viz: at Elias Smith’s, in the west part of Smithtown, on second -day, at the fourth hour in the afternoon; at the Branch on third day, -at the eleventh hour; at Stony Brook, on fourth day at eleven o’clock; -at Setauket on the same day, at the fourth hour in the afternoon; on -fifth day had one at a place called the Hopfrogs, at the fourth hour -in the afternoon; on sixth day at the eleventh hour, one near Commack, -at the house of our friend Jacob Harnad, and at the fourth hour, had -our last meeting in this town, at the house of Jonah Wood, at Dixhills. -This is a grandson of Jonah Wood deceased, who resided in the same -place, where I often had meetings while he was living. He was a man -convinced of the principles of Friends, but never came forward to join -the society, which I apprehended was a loss to himself and family. -These meetings were all owned by the Master of our assemblies, although -great weakness and ignorance were manifest in many who attended, -nevertheless the Lord was graciously pleased to condescend to their low -estates, and opened my mouth in doctrine suited to their states and -conditions. I returned home on seventh day, with a thankful heart and a -peaceful mind, the result of faithfulness in the Lord’s work. - -First day, the 28th. Attended our own meeting, which I sat the greater -part in silence; but towards the close had a short testimony to -deliver, which was introduced by the remembrance of the account given -by the evangelist of the pool of Bethesda, and our Lord’s healing the -impotent man who had long waited there to be healed, but was not; -therefore our Lord had compassion on him, and healed him. This shows -how good it is to have a steady persevering faith and hope in the means -God appoints for our salvation. - -Fifth day. A silent meeting. The rest of the week I was busily employed -in the oversight of my hay harvest, and in assisting in getting it into -the barn; the fields having brought forth bountifully, which greatly -enhances our obligations to the benevolent Giver. - -First day, the 5th of 7th month. My mind in our meeting to-day, was -humbled under an awakened sense of my own imperfections, and the -impotency of our common nature. In this humiliated state, my mind -became clothed with the spirit of prayer and supplication, which gave -utterance vocally to present a petition to our heavenly Father for the -continuance of his mercy; and that he would increase our faith and -confident dependance on him, as our only source of help and salvation. - -Fifth day. Attended our preparative meeting. The meeting for worship -was a lively meeting, although silent or nearly so. The diffusion of -real friendship and brotherly love was warmly felt. - -First day, the 12th. I sat our meeting in silence, endeavouring to be -edified by a communication from a young minister from Cowneck, which -was sensible and in a good degree lively. How much more comfortable -it is to sit under a testimony that comprehends good sense, and by -which the understanding of the people is spoken to, than such as are -delivered in a high sound of many words, and yet so unconnected, as -to render it difficult to comprehend the subject matter the speaker -really aims at; or such as are delivered in a kind of prophetic strain, -without power, which some speakers are too apt to fall into; so that we -are sometimes ready to doubt their call to that highly important and -dignified office. These often cause deep exercise and concern to the -living baptized members. - -Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, at which the queries were read -and the usual number answered, in order to represent our state to the -quarterly meeting. Things appeared well with us, if the answers given -in, were a true representation of our state. - -First day, the 19th. I was again made an example of silence. In the -course of this week our quarterly meeting was held. It was, I think, -in the main a favoured season, in which divine goodness manifested a -renewed extension of unmerited mercy to us poor, helpless and unworthy -creatures. We had at this quarterly meeting the company of our esteemed -friend Gerard T. Hopkins from Baltimore. He appeared lively in his -gift, to our mutual edification. - -It fell to my lot in the meeting for discipline, to revive the concern -for the melioration of the condition of the Africans and their -descendants; not only as it respected those who are still held in a -state of abject bondage and oppression, but also on behalf of those -who have been set free, but who, nevertheless continue, in a very -general manner, in a degraded and helpless state, for want of being -placed upon the ground of equality with the rest of the inhabitants, -as strict justice would dictate, if rightly adhered to by the people -and government. And I am fully in the belief, that divine justice will -not be satisfied, nor the black stain of shedding innocent blood and -cruelly oppressing this people, ever be taken from the inhabitants of -this land, until strict justice is done them, and they placed by the -laws of our country, in the same state of equality in every respect as -the rest of its inhabitants, and in the enjoyment of the full right -of civilized man. This is their just and righteous due, and these -privileges, if duly and rightly administered to them, would bring them -to be as good and useful citizens as those of any other nation. - -I was also led to call upon my Friends to persevere in this noble and -righteous concern, that nothing might be left undone on our part, in -restoring strict justice and right to this deeply oppressed part of -our fellow creatures; not only on their account and for their relief, -but on our own account also. For, I believe, we are in a very peculiar -manner called upon, agreeably to our profession, of being led and -guided by an unerring principle of perfect righteousness, to exalt the -standard of truth and righteousness in the earth: and believing, as -I do, that it is not in the power and wisdom of man to effect this, -by all the coercive laws which can be enacted, nor by all the force -of the arm of flesh. For nothing can destroy and put an end to sin -and wickedness, but a principle in man of perfect righteousness and -justice; and this adhered to by man in so full and complete a manner, -as to have no fellowship or communion, either immediately or remotely, -directly or indirectly, with any acts of injustice or oppression. -Hence, I believe, that if we as a people were faithful and obedient to -this first principle of our profession, we should be led thereby to -abstain from all kinds of commerce or dealings in the produce of our -country or elsewhere, which we had cause to believe originated out of, -or through the medium of, the labour of slaves, wrung from them and -sold by their tyrannical masters. 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 injustice; and, I believe, He who -called our worthy predecessors to exalt the testimony of truth in the -earth, and who is still calling us to advocate this noble cause, is -looking for this testimony of strict justice and righteousness at our -hands. - -O, saith my soul! that we as a people, called as we are to be a light -to the world, might so persevere in faithfulness and obedience to the -teachings and inspirings of light and truth in our hearts, by which -we should be enabled to unite together for the exaltation of this -noble testimony, and the increase of the Messiah’s kingdom of truth, -righteousness, and peace in the earth; and which in its progression -will break down and dissolve all the kingdoms of this world, until they -become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ, and he comes to -reign whose right it is. - -The subject spread with unusual weight over the meeting, and many -brethren appeared deeply affected therewith, and divers came forward -by expression to encourage its progress, and to stimulate each other -therein; so that my heart was truly gladdened under a sense of the -prevalence of truth, which was felt to preside in the meeting, clearly -manifesting that the concern was owned by the Head of the Church. - -First day, the 26th. A silent meeting to-day. Passed this week in much -poverty of spirit, accompanied with a peaceful mind. Sat our fifth day -meeting in solemn silence. - -First day, the 2d of 8th month. Feeling my mind disposed to sit with -Friends in their meeting at Bethpage, I went thither to-day accompanied -by my wife. Although my mind felt rather depressed from a sense of the -low state of things among them, yet I was led to communicate some plain -things; showing that true religion did not consist in going to meetings -and making a profession of it, but in works of real righteousness, -and in a strict and daily conformity and submission to the cross, and -a steady obedience to the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, -which only can set free from the law of sin and death. - -Fifth day. A silent meeting on my part. The rest of the week I was -taken up in temporal matters, having workmen of various kinds to -overlook and assist, even at times to a degree of wearisomeness; -insomuch that was it not from the calls of necessity and duty, I -should endeavour to quit them all and be free from their cumber and -interruption; as they do often interfere with better concerns, and -those of a higher and more excellent nature. - -First day, the 9th. A silent meeting. - -Fifth day. Was our preparative meeting. Silence was my lot in the -meeting for worship. - -First day, the 16th. Our meeting was larger than usual by the -attendance of strangers, who did not usually attend. Very soon after -taking my seat, my mind was impressed with a view of the baneful -tendency of pride, and its hurtful effects on the children of men -universally. The prospect led to communication, and opened into a -pretty full testimony, tendering and humbling many minds. May it fasten -as a nail in a sure place, that so it may continue in remembrance for -many days and bring forth fruit, is my fervent prayer. - -Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting. In the meeting for worship I -renewed the example to silence. - -First day, the 23d. In the course of our meeting, my mind was led into -a view of the necessity of the cross, consistent with that saying of -the lip of truth: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself -and take up his cross and follow me.” The subject spread and led to the -necessity of communication, in which the way and work, and its effect -upon the man of sin or self, was opened; showing that when the cross is -submitted to and borne, the transgressing nature in us is reduced and -subjected by the operation of its power, through which true liberty is -known, and the captive soul set free, and made to rejoice on the banks -of deliverance. - -Fifth day. Attended our meeting in silence. In the afternoon attended -the funeral of a man inclined to Friends, at which there was a large -collection of people of various professions. My mouth was opened to -testify among them of the things concerning the kingdom of heaven, -and to open the way of life and salvation to the people, and the only -means by which it ever was or can be effected, viz: by the grace of -God or light of truth, revealed in the hearts and consciences of men -and women, as a swift witness against all manner of sin and iniquity. -Life sprang up and the gospel was preached in the demonstration of the -spirit, wherewith many were affected and edified. - -First day, the 30th. The consideration of the great advantages which -would result to the children of men, were they possessed of right -ideas, and a right understanding of the divine character opened to -an exercise and concern, from an impressive belief that there was a -great shortness in that respect, even among professing Christians in -a general way; and a great want of a right improvement of the talent -or talents dispensed by our gracious Creator to his creature man, or -that manifestation of the spirit given to every man to profit withal. -For this, if rightly improved, would bring us to know and witness the -true and saving knowledge of God, and give us right ideas of the divine -character; and by which, if rightly adhered to, our salvation would be -effected. I was led to communicate on the subject, which brought a very -comfortable solemnity over the meeting. - -Fifth day, the 3d of 9th month. A silent meeting to-day. - -First day, the 6th. Having for some days past felt drawings on my -mind to attend Friends’ meeting at Westbury, and way opening for it -to-day, I went thither accompanied by my wife. It was rather a trying -exercising season in the forepart, but towards the close my spirit was -set at liberty, and an opening presented, attended with life; in which -I was led to open and show to those present, the necessity of an entire -renunciation of self, in order to come to a saving knowledge of God, -and a qualification to worship him in spirit and in truth; and of an -entire cessation from all our own willings and runnings, both in body -and spirit and in thought. Although this is an attainment which man -cannot arrive at by the dint of his own sufficiency, yet, nevertheless -he may, by a right faith in God and in the sufficiency of his power. -Therefore we ought not to let in discouragement from a sense of our -own impotent state, but continue to strive to enter in at the straight -gate of self-abasement and renunciation, and persevere therein, leaving -the rest to the Lord; and then, no doubt, we may be brought to the -experience of one formerly who exclaimed: “Thou wilt ordain peace for -us, for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.” - -Fifth day. Attended our meeting as usual when at home. I was much -cumbered in the forepart of the meeting with unprofitable thoughts, -such as relate to our temporal concerns. For these produce poverty of -spirit in religious meetings, and ought to be strove against in order -to obtain a release from them: and, although it is what we cannot do -in our own time and strength, yet as we continue to strive and do not -give over the struggle, but persevere in faith and patience to obtain -the blessing, as Jacob did when he wrestled with the angel, we shall -witness an overcoming in the Lord’s time and strength, and know our -light to rise out of obscurity, and our darkness to be as noonday. Then -are we qualified to worship the Father in spirit and in truth, in the -beauty of holiness, and nothing can hinder or let. Then can we do the -Lord’s work with a willing heart agreeably to his will, without the -fear or favour of mortals. We can then minister, if called thereto, in -the demonstration of the spirit, accompanied with power, which causes -it to be instructive and edifying to the hearers. - -First day, the 13th. My mind, as I sat in our meeting to-day, was led -under exercise from the remembrance of the following passage of Isaiah: -“Look unto me and be ye saved, all ye ends of the earth; for I am God, -and there is none else.” I was largely opened on the subject, and as -I communicated, truth was raised into dominion; whereby the minds of -many were humbled and contrited, the meeting generally solemnized and -edified, and sweet peace afforded me in the labour. - -Fifth day. This was the time of our monthly meeting. We had the company -of our friend William Rickman from England, now on a religious visit -in this country. Having felt my mind drawn for some considerable -time past, to make a visit in the love of the gospel, to Friends -in the compass of our yearly meeting, with a view also to appoint -some meetings among those of other persuasions, it appeared right to -spread the concern before my Friends at this time; who, after due -consideration, united with me therein, and directed the clerk to -furnish me with a minute of concurrence with my prospect, leaving me at -liberty to pursue it as truth might open the way. - -Fifth day, the 24th. A quiet silent meeting. On seventh day I attended -the funeral of a young Friend, a kinsman, who, for more than a year -previous to his dissolution, had been in a declining state of health. -There was a large collection of Friends and neighbours on the -occasion. The corpse was taken into the meeting-house, and a meeting -held before it was interred, which is mostly the case among Friends -in this part of the society. It proved a very exercising season in -the forepart, and although divers ministers were present, yet all -seemed shut from any communication, until the meeting seemed drawing -to a conclusion, when my mind was set at liberty from its bonds, and -a degree of light arose and dispelled the darkness, in which I was -led to open the cause and ground of the prevailing darkness which had -been so generally spread over us; and to show that it was owing to the -people’s living too much to self, and serving self, when they ought -more faithfully to serve the Lord and live unto him. I was led, in a -brief way, in a close, searching testimony, which I hope will have its -use, at least with some present. - -First day, the 27th. In our meeting to-day, my mind was largely opened -into the substance of things referred to by the shadows and symbols of -the law, or outward dispensation. As the prospect spread and enlarged, -I found it necessary to spread it before the assembly, and to show -the difference between the law state and that of the gospel, and that -as the shadows and symbols of the outward law dispensation, stood and -consisted in real essential and substantial things, suited to our -outward nature and life; so likewise the substance of those shadows, -as they were intended to point to spiritual things, must also consist -in real, essential and substantial things, suited to our inward and -spiritual nature and life, and therefore of course all the shadows of -the law are at an end, where the gospel state is known and experienced. -It was a season of favour, and renewedly strengthening to my mind, and -I believe, instructive and edifying to many present. Thanks be given to -Israel’s Shepherd, for his continued mercy. - -Fifth day. Attended our preparative meeting, at which the queries were -read, and answers given to the usual five, to go to the quarterly -meeting; and I thought, from the tenour of the answers, if correct, we -were a favoured people. - -First day, the 11th. Our meeting was large, in which the gospel axe was -laid close to the root of the corrupt tree; showing that every tree -which did not bring forth good fruit must be hewn down, let it have -ever so specious an outward appearance. - -Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, at which answers to the -queries were produced from the preparative meetings. Although I feared -the answers from our preparative meeting made us appear more correct -than we really were, yet those from the other branch of the monthly -meeting were still more perfect, and although I felt some doubting, yet -a degree of gladness attended in a hope that we were improving. - -After this meeting, nothing in particular transpired, until I proceeded -on my intended journey, which was on the 21st of 10th month, 1818, -and fourth day of the week. Samuel Willis, a member of our meeting, -and an elder, joined me as a companion. We proceeded to Flushing, in -order to attend our quarterly meeting, which opened with a meeting of -Ministers and Elders at the tenth hour. The next day was the meeting -for discipline, and the day following a public meeting for worship. -Through the condescending goodness of the Shepherd of Israel, the -several seasons were truly comfortable, instructive and edifying, in -which the power of truth was exalted over all opposition, to the praise -of Him who is calling us to glory and virtue. - -From Flushing we proceeded to Newtown, on sixth day afternoon, and -attended a public meeting in the evening, of those belonging to other -societies. - -The next day we had an appointed meeting in Friends’ meeting-house at -the Kilns, and another in the evening at Brooklyn, generally composed -of those not in membership with us, and many not in strict fellowship -with any religious society. And we had thankfully to acknowledge, that -He who opens and none can shut, was graciously near for our help, and -opened doctrine suited to the states of those who attended in the -several opportunities, to the peace and comfort of my own mind, and, I -trust, to the instruction and edification of the people. - -From thence we proceeded to New-York, and attended the meetings in -the city, on first day. They were large: many not in profession with -us came in, as previous information had been given of our intention -to be there. The gospel was freely preached among them in both -opportunities, particularly that at Pearl-street, wherein truth was -raised into dominion over all. - -On second day we attended a meeting by appointment at West Chester, -which was also a precious edifying opportunity. After this we proceeded -to Purchase, in order to attend the quarterly meeting at that place, -which opened the next day at the eleventh hour, and continued three -days. The meeting for discipline was well conducted, in which I was led -to call upon Friends, to rally to our standard, the _light within_, -which is a principle of perfect rectitude and justice, and if rightly -attended to, will lead us to withdraw from all kind of conduct and -commerce, which is in the least degree tinged with injustice and -oppression. And in a particular manner from a commerce in, and the -use of, articles which are the product of the labour of slaves; the -injustice of which was clearly opened and brought home to Friends’ -minds, showing them that nothing short of a principle of immutable -justice, which may so pervade the minds of mankind, as not to have any -intercourse with the oppressor, in the produce of the labour of the -oppressed, will ever be sufficient fully to suppress that monstrous -evil, and put a final end thereto. It was a very solemn season. The -meeting for worship was likewise favoured, in which the divine presence -was witnessed for our help and comfort. - -The four following days we attended meetings at North Castle, Salem, -Oblong and the Branch. These were all large for the places, and -favoured with the overshadowing of heavenly regard, in which ability -was received to preach the gospel, in the demonstration of the spirit, -and wisdom afforded to divide the word to the different states of those -present. Each meeting was composed of a variety of professions and -conditions; and such was the gracious condescension of the Shepherd -of Israel, as not to send any away empty, if they were willing to -receive the portion justly allotted them; and if they refuse, because -it is not agreeable to their own inclinations, the Lord will be clear, -and his faithful servants will be clear; and if they are not saved, -their blood will be upon their own heads. These several seasons were -comfortable and encouraging to the honest-hearted, and strengthening -to my exercised mind; a sense of which filled my heart with gratitude -and thanksgiving to the blessed Author of all our mercies. - -After these meetings we proceeded to Nine Partners. On third day, -the 3d of 11th month, their quarterly meeting came on. The meeting -of Ministers and Elders opened at the tenth hour, and the meeting -for discipline the next day. These were both profitable instructive -meetings to many present, in which way opened fully to relieve my own -mind; and I felt sweet peace in my labours of love among them. - -The three following days we attended the quarterly meeting at Stanford. -I had but little active service in the meeting of Ministers and Elders, -yet I found it my place to remind Friends of the danger and bad effects -of covering or hiding, and of the advantage of laying ourselves open -to the just witness, and of entering into an individual investigation, -when answering the queries, lest we overlook some things even in -ourselves, and so make our answers more clear than truth and equity -will warrant. And when the answers to the queries came to be read, -I thought there was occasion for the caution, as their answers were -generally full and clear. - -In the meeting for discipline, I was led to call Friends’ attention to -the fundamental principle of our profession; and to show the drift and -design of those precious testimonies, as good fruit naturally emanated -from a good tree; especially those two, the most noble and dignified, -viz: against war and slavery. And whether while we were actively -paying taxes to civil government for the purpose of promoting war or -warlike purposes in any degree, we were not balking our testimony in -that respect; and pulling down with one hand, what we are pretending -to build with the other. And in like manner with regard to slavery. -For although we had freed our own hands from holding, by active force, -any of this oppressed people, the Africans and their descendants, in -unconditional slavery; yet, whether so long as we voluntarily and of -choice, are engaged in a commerce in, and the free use of the fruits of -their labour, wrested from them by the iron hand of oppression, through -the medium of their cruel and unjust masters, we are not accessary -thereto, and are partakers in the unrighteous traffic of dealing in -our fellow creatures, and in a great measure lay waste our testimony -against slavery and oppression. These subjects were largely opened, and -the inconsistency of such conduct placed before the minds of Friends; -accompanied with strong desires, that they might have their proper -effect, in convincing them of the unrighteousness of such conduct. - -The meeting for worship, or closing meeting, was mostly made up of -such as were not members. It was a favoured, solemn meeting, and, I -trust, instructive and comfortable to many present; as it was to the -satisfaction and peace of my own mind. - -First day, the 8th of 11th month. We returned and attended the meeting -at Nine Partners. As notice was given of our intention of attending it, -it was very large; the house was filled with a mixed company of various -professions, besides Friends. I was largely led forth among them, to -declare of the things concerning the kingdom of God. Truth was raised -into dominion, and a precious solemnity spread over the assembly. May -all the praise be ascribed to the Shepherd of Israel, for the unmerited -favour. - -In the course of this week, after resting on second and third days, -in which time I visited some of my relatives, we attended meetings at -Chestnut Ridge, Apoquague, Beekman, and Oswego. These meetings were -generally well attended, and were, I trust, profitable and instructive -to many who attended them. - -First day, the 15th. I attended West Branch meeting in the morning, and -that at Pleasant Valley in the evening. They were both very crowded -gatherings. At the latter meeting, there were many more than the house -could contain, composed, principally of such as were not in membership -with Friends, being of the varied religious professions common among -us; and many who were not in strict fellowship with any. At such -seasons, where, of course, there must be a great variety of states and -conditions, I have found it necessary to dwell deep, and wait patiently -for the arising of the pure spring of gospel ministry, which alone can -enable and qualify to divide the word aright, so that each may have -his due portion, and be spoken to in his own language; a language -which sets home the truth to every mind, as was the case on the day of -Pentecost. - -On second day evening, we had a very large meeting in Poughkeepsie. It -was held in their court-house, which was a very commodious room for the -purpose, being well seated, and was thought sufficient to hold nearly a -thousand people. It was much crowded, and proved a very solemn, quiet -opportunity, in which truth had the dominion. - -The five succeeding days, we attended a large meeting by appointment -at Crum-elbow, the monthly meetings of Oswego, Nine Partners, Creek, -and Stanford. In all these meetings I had good service; the several -opportunities being favoured with the overshadowings of heavenly regard. - -First day, the 22d. We had a very crowded meeting at Little Nine -Partners. The next day we were at an appointed meeting, in Friends’ -meeting-house, in the town of Northeast, which was likewise a very -full meeting. In both of these the gospel was freely preached, and its -doctrines largely opened, and set home to the minds of the people; and -the fallacy and and emptiness of all formal and ceremonial religion -exposed, and the people pressingly invited to gather inward, to the -immutable principle of _light_ and _truth_ in their own souls, as the -_sure rock of ages_, and the _only means_ whereby we can be enabled to -work out our salvation. The Lord’s power was felt eminently to preside -in those solemn assemblies, to the praise of his great and excellent -name, who is over all worthy for ever; and I parted with them in true -peace of mind, the sure result of faithfulness. - -On third day we rode to Canaan, a town in Connecticut, and the next -day had an appointed meeting there, with the few Friends at that -place, and some of their neighbours. It was a comfortable, instructive -season. The following day we had another meeting by appointment, in an -adjacent neighbourhood which was held in a school-house. This was also -a favoured meeting. Divers present were much broken and contrited, and -truth reigned over all. - -On sixth day we proceeded to Hartford, and on seventh day evening had -an appointed meeting in the city. It was held in a meeting-house, -belonging to the Presbyterians; as there were only two or three members -of our society in the place. The meeting was small, occasioned, as I -supposed, by the inclemency of the weather, and want of proper notice; -nevertheless the divine presence was felt to preside, and truth was -declared among them in the demonstration of the spirit; and I parted -with them, under a thankful sense of the Lord’s mercy. - -The next day, being the first of the week, we attended Friends’ meeting -at West Hartford. This was likewise very small, Friends being but -few in number in that place, and those mostly appeared in a lukewarm -state; and I apprehended they had taken but little care to inform their -neighbours of our intention to be there, although we had seasonably -requested them so to do. Such conduct manifests great insensibility, -and want of regard for their friends who have left all their outward -enjoyments, for the promotion of the gospel, and the religious -improvement of the people; and are going up and down in travail and -labour, as with their lives in their hands, as truth leads the way; and -yet, Friends whom they visit in some places, either think it too much -trouble, or are so unconcerned as to take little or no care to give -their neighbours notice; a sense of which caused me to take leave of my -Friends at this place with a heavy heart. - -From thence, on second day, we proceeded to Woodbury, and put up at -the house of a person of the Methodist society, where we had a large -meeting the next evening with the neighbouring inhabitants, composed of -Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians and some others, not in strict -fellowship with any religious society. It was a very solemn, favoured -meeting, in which the Lord’s presence and power were felt eminently -to preside; and many hearts were broken and contrited, and manifested -much satisfaction with the opportunity, especially the man at whose -house we were, who in much brokenness of spirit, and with gratitude and -thankfulness of heart, acknowledged the favour. - -The next morning, after a tendering opportunity in the family, we took -leave of them in mutual affection, and rode to Middlesex, upwards of -forty miles. Here we lodged with our kind friend Samuel Whiting, who, -with his affectionate wife and children, received us with marks of -true friendship, which is a brook by the way to the weary traveller; -and which was our case at this time. What added further to our comfort, -was the readiness of mind and concern they manifested, in giving their -neighbours information of our intention to attend their meeting the -next day, which we accordingly did. The Lord graciously condescended to -open my mouth among them, in a living, powerful testimony to the truths -of the gospel. It was a season of great favour. May the word preached -not return void, but accomplish that to which it was sent, is the -fervent desire of my spirit. - -After this solemn meeting we proceeded on our journey, and rode that -afternoon to our friend Charles Field’s, at a place called the Saw -Pits. Here we had a meeting the next day at the eleventh hour. There is -but one family of Friends in this village, the Friend and his family -above named, and one other member. The inhabitants consist of the -various professions common among us, and some others not in communion -with any religious society. A considerable number assembled, with whom -we had a very solemn instructive opportunity, to the comfort and peace -of my own mind. - -The evening of the next day, we had a precious favoured meeting at -Manhattanville on New-York Island, with Friends of that place. It was -attended by a considerable number of the neighbouring inhabitants, -who conducted themselves very soberly, suiting the occasion. Many -hearts were broken and contrited, and we parted with them under an -humbling sense of the Lord’s goodness, and with grateful hearts for the -unmerited favour. - -First day, the 6th of 12th month. We rode to the city. As Friends of -the monthly meeting there had recently opened a new meeting in the -eastern part of the town, we attended it both forenoon and afternoon. -And as notice was given at the close of the forenoon meeting of our -intention to attend in the afternoon, it was a full meeting, more than -the house could well contain. These were both memorable meetings, in -which the Lord’s presence and power were manifested in an eminent -degree, breaking and contriting many hearts, and truth reigned over -all. It was the Lord’s doing, and marvellous in our eyes, that he -should thus condescend, in matchless mercy, to notice us poor unworthy -creatures. - -At evening, we had a very large meeting by appointment, in Friends’ -meeting-house in Pearl-street. Although I was much worn down by arduous -labour in the three foregoing meetings, yet I was strengthened to -communicate in this, in a full plain testimony, opening to the people -the danger and disadvantage of resting in the forms and empty shadows -of the law state; and continuing in the traditions and ceremonies -introduced into the professed Christian Churches, in the time of -the apostacy from primitive simplicity; and the hurtful tendency of -observing days and times, like the carnally-minded in the Galatian -Church; for which they were sharply reprehended by the apostle Paul, in -his epistle to that Church. The people were very quiet and attentive, -and a precious solemnity was spread over the meeting, which closed in -a solemn manner. Thanks be given to Israel’s unslumbering Shepherd for -the unmerited favour. - -We tarried in town until third day, in order to attend the meeting -for sufferings which came in the course at that time. We also had -an appointed meeting in Liberty-street, on second day evening. It -was pretty well attended, in which I was led to open to the people -the way of redemption by Christ, the only Mediator between God and -man; and the way of his working in man, in the accomplishment of his -salvation. I also opened to them the emptiness of all shadows and -outward ordinances, under the Christian dispensation; such as water -baptism, and the ordinance called the supper or communion; also the -hurtful tendency of observing days and times, such as a seventh day -sabbath, days of thanksgiving, and fast days of man’s appointing. -They were shown that all these were of Jewish or Heathenish original, -being a part of the law dispensation, and of course ended with it, and -therefore the continuance of them under the gospel dispensation was -irrational, non-essential, and contrary to truth; tending to keep the -minds of Christian professors under the veil of carnal ordinances, -and greatly retarded the progress of reformation, and the advancement -of real Christianity. I was led to use great plainness of speech, -and the people sat very quiet and attentive, and the word preached -appeared to have free course. It was a highly favoured season, and the -honest-hearted were made to rejoice, under an humbling sense of the -Lord’s mercy, and I parted with them in true peace of mind. The next -day, after attending the meeting for sufferings, we rode home and found -our families well, which I considered as an additional favour from my -heavenly Father, whose mercy is over all his works. - -I was from home at this time about forty-nine days, and attended -forty-nine meetings, and travelled about four hundred and fifty miles. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - - General visit to Friends of the yearly meeting of New-York, 1819. - - -I continued at and about home, until the commencement of the year 1819, -attending our meetings as they came in course. I also attended two -funerals, at which I had good service; and the meeting at Westbury, on -a first day, in which I was led to open to Friends the three principal -requisites to the being, and well-being, of a Christian. The first -being a real belief in _God_ and _Christ_, _as one undivided essence_, -known and believed in, _inwardly_ and _spiritually_. The second, a -complete passive obedience and submission to the divine will and -power inwardly and spiritually manifested; which, when known, brings -to the Christian state, through a crucifixion of the old man, with -all his ungodly deeds. The third, in order for the preservation and -well-being of a Christian, it is necessary that they often meet and -assemble together, for the promotion of love and good works, and as -good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 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 him. Of these times, all -being apprized, and living within a reasonable distance of the place -so appointed, it becomes their bounden duty to attend, in order to -wait upon, and thereby become qualified to worship God, in spirit and -in truth; and no temporal concern of the greatest magnitude ought be -considered as a sufficient excuse for omitting this great and necessary -duty. For the experience of many ages has shown, that those who suffer -their temporal business to divert them from a steady attendance on -their religious meetings, never make any real proficiency in religion, -or the true spiritual life. The communication was impressive, and -reached the witness in many minds, and truth was exalted, and the -honest-hearted comforted, and I was made glad in believing that my -labour had not been in vain. Such seasons are truly worthy of grateful -remembrance. - -As, on my return home, I did not feel myself released from a further -prosecution of my concern, and visit to Friends of our yearly meeting, -with the concurrence of my friends, I retained the minute I had -received for that purpose, and on the 2d of 1st month, 1819, I again -left home, and proceeded in the engagement. My son-in-law Valentine -Hicks joined me as companion in the journey. We proceeded to New-York; -and, the next day being the first of the week, we attended Friends’ -meeting at Pearl-street in the morning. After this, in the afternoon, -we proceeded on our journey as far as our friend Thomas Walker’s, at -West Farms, near West Chester, where we had a meeting, at the sixth -hour in the evening. On second day, we had an appointed meeting at -Mamaroneck. These meetings were in a good degree favoured, in which the -presence and love of our heavenly Father were felt to preside. - -On third day we had another opportunity, by appointment, at White -Plains, in the court-house. It was rather a season of hard labour, -as the truths communicated did not appear to have free course, in -any general way; but, I trust, some were instructed and edified. On -fourth and fifth days, we attended Friends’ meetings at Purchase, and -Shapaqua. As notice was given of our intention to attend them, they -were large; and through divine condescension, they proved seasons of -favour, in which the truths of the gospel were largely declared in the -demonstration of the spirit, to the edification of the assemblies, and -peace of my own mind. - -The two following days we attended meetings at Croton Valley, and -Amawalk. They were well attended by Friends, and some others. I was -led to open among them many essential doctrines of the Christian -religion; and to show to the people, in the openings of truth, the way -and means by which, and by which only, our redemption and salvation -can be effected. The testimonies had a very reaching effect upon the -auditories: many present were much broken and contrited, and truth -was raised into victory, and a precious solemnity was spread over the -meetings, to the comfort and edification of the honest-hearted, which -was cause of thankfulness and gratitude to the beneficent Author of all -our mercies. - -First day the 10th. We attended Friends’ meeting at Croton in the -morning, and at Peekskill in the evening. Both were full meetings, in -which the power of the gospel was felt to preside, furnishing with -wisdom and strength to divide the word, to the several states present, -in a way which seemed to give each his due portion, and none sent empty -away, but those who refused to take their own part. Many hearts were -broken and contrited, and the honest-hearted comforted; and the Lord’s -name and power praised and exalted over all, who is worthy for ever. - -On second day we rode to Nine Partners; and on third day evening had an -appointed meeting at Dover. It was held in a pretty large school-house, -there being no other place so convenient in the neighbourhood; but it -was too small to contain the people who assembled, some being obliged -to stand without, for want of room. It was a very solemn, instructive -meeting. - -On fourth day we attended Pleasant Valley meeting; and notice being -given of our expectation to attend it, the meeting was large. A -considerable number of other societies were present who behaved -soberly, consistent with the occasion. It was a season of great favour, -under a sense of which the honest-hearted were made to rejoice. - -After this, we proceeded to Poughkeepsie, and attended an appointed -meeting in the evening, at the sixth hour. It was held in their -court-house, a large convenient room, but not sufficient to contain -the people who assembled; many were obliged to withdraw for want of -room. It proved, through the condescending goodness of our heavenly -Father, a blessed meeting to myself, and, we had cause to believe, to -the assembly in general. Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift: -yet we have reason to believe there were some present watching for -evil, as carpers and opposers, if we may judge from the conduct of -the hireling priests, since I was there a few weeks before, as I was -informed at this time, that they had joined together to calumniate me, -an endeavour to lay waste the testimony I then had to bear. We tarried -here most of the next day, visiting some of our friends. - -On sixth day we proceeded to Hudson, where we arrived at evening. -The following evening, we had an appointed meeting in the town of -Claverack, about four miles distant from Hudson. The inhabitants were -mostly Dutch; a considerable number attended, and behaved pretty -soberly; and way opened to communicate divers truths of the gospel, -in a clear and impressive manner among them, to which they paid good -attention, and appeared to be generally well satisfied. The next -day, being first day, we attended Friends’ meeting in Hudson, and an -appointed meeting in the evening. The latter was very large, more than -the house could contain. These were favoured meetings, in which I was -largely led forth in testimony to the truths of the Christian religion, -setting forth, in a clear manner, the ground and source from whence all -true religion and true worship have their spring and origin. A general -solemnity prevailed, and truth was raised into dominion over all. - -On second day, we proceeded to Kinderhook, and had a meeting in the -evening in a school-house, and on third day afternoon, we had an -appointed meeting in Spencertown. These were both crowded meetings, -mostly made up of the different societies common among us; many of them -were the descendants of the old Dutch inhabitants, not much acquainted -with our customs and order; yet they generally behaved soberly, and -gave good attention to the testimonies borne. Many gospel truths were -opened to their consideration, and the Lord’s presence and power were -felt to crown these solemn assemblies; and I parted from them in true -peace and thankfulness of heart. - -On fourth and fifth days, we attended Friends’ meetings at Kline Kiln, -and New Britain. In both of these meetings, I had good service for -truth and its blessed cause, and the hurtful tendency of a dependance -on forms, and outward ordinances and ceremonies in religion and -worship, was laid open and exposed. - -On sixth day, we proceeded to Troy, where we rested on seventh day, and -wrote to our families. On first day, we attended Friends’ meetings at -Troy, both forenoon and afternoon, and, information being given that we -were there, they were large. At the forenoon meeting, more assembled -than the house could contain; and that gracious Being, who never leaves -nor forsakes his dependant children, whose trust is fixed on him, was -near for our help; and opened my heart and mouth in both meetings, to -declare largely of the things concerning the kingdom of God, and to -open many gospel truths to the people, and to show the fallacy and -hurtful tendency of all ceremonial religion, which consists in the -observance of days and times, and outward ordinances. The people were -generally attentive; and I found solid peace in my labours of love -among them. - -On second day, we proceeded to Pittstown, and the next day had a -meeting appointed there, at the eleventh hour, which was a large, -favoured meeting. After this we proceeded to White Creek, and attended -Friends’ meeting as it came in course the next day; and, information -being given that we were there, it was largely attended. The Lord’s -presence was felt to preside, and truth was raised into victory. Oh -my soul! what wilt thou, or canst thou render unto the Lord, for all -his benefits; “for his mercies are new every morning, and great is his -faithfulness.” - -On fifth day we attended an appointed meeting in the town of -Shaftsbury, on our way to Danby. In this place, none of our society -reside, except one female member, the wife of a well-disposed man, -at whose house we put up, and were very hospitably entertained. The -meeting, although small, was attended by the governor of the state, and -divers of the judges and magistrates. It was a season of favour; many -essential doctrines of the Christian religion were opened to them, in -the demonstration of truth, and I parted with them in thankfulness of -heart, and with a peaceful mind; and the next day rode to Danby. - -On seventh day, we attended an appointed meeting near a village called -the Borough, in the east part of the town; and on first day, attended -Friends’ meeting on the Hill. Both were fully attended by Friends, and -the neighbouring inhabitants; and were both solemn instructive seasons, -in which the power of truth was felt to preside, enabling to preach -the gospel in the demonstration of the spirit, to the comfort and -encouragement of the living, faithful few, and to the instruction and -edification of the honest inquirers, whose faces were turned Zion-ward; -likewise spreading caution and reproof to the indolent and careless. - -On second day we proceeded towards Ferrisburgh, where we arrived on -third day afternoon, and the next day attended the monthly meeting -at that place. The four following days, we attended meetings in the -following order: On fifth day we had an appointed meeting at Monkton. -It was large, and proved a very solemn, favoured meeting, in which the -power of truth prevailed, silencing all opposition, and ran as oil, to -the comfort, encouragement and instruction of the honest-hearted. Bless -the Lord, O my soul, and forget not any of his benefits! On sixth day -we attended Friends’ monthly meeting at Starksborough. On seventh day -had an appointed meeting in a school-house, in the southeast part of -the town, where Friends hold a small meeting; and on first day was at -Friends’ meeting at Lincoln. These were all favoured meetings, in which -I had good service for truth and its cause. - -On second day, we returned into the south part of Monkton, and had an -evening meeting in a kinsman’s house, by the name of Stephen Haight. -He was convinced of the principles of Friends, but failed in the -practical part. This proved a pretty exercising season, by reason of -the unsettled state of some who attended; especially in the silent -part of the meeting: for being brought up and educated in the belief -that, unless they are engaged in some bodily exercise, such as outward -and vocal singing, praying, preaching, and the like, there is no -meeting; being so instructed by their teachers, it is very difficult -to get them into stillness, or into any right condition to hear. -This makes hard work for the true gospel minister, whose labour and -travail is to get into, and bring others into, a state of true solemn -silence; that he may therefore become baptized into the state of the -people, and be qualified to administer to their real conditions; for -otherwise preaching is vain. But as I continued patient in travail, -my mouth was opened in a large searching testimony, showing the -fallacy and emptiness of all outward ceremonial worship; and that it -must inevitably land all those who trust therein, in a state of sad -disappointment, in the end. I was led also to open, in a clear manner -to the people, the most essential doctrines of the Christian religion, -to the information and satisfaction of the honest inquiring minds. - -The next day we returned to Ferrisburgh, in order to attend the -quarterly meeting which opened on fourth day, with the meeting of -Ministers and Elders, which I attended, and had good service among -them. I was led to open in the life the order of true gospel ministry, -and the necessity all are under, who are called to that solemn and -important office, of keeping their vessels clean, not only from sin -and every pollution of flesh and spirit, but also in their ministry -from all the dregs or remains of former offerings. For if, through the -strength of memory, any act upon former offerings, such communications -tend to produce death, rather than life. We find, under the law, that -the vessels in the Lord’s house were not only at first made pure and -holy, but when they were made use of in the Lord’s offerings, and had -been filled with the Lord’s holy things, when that season of offering -was over, they were then cleansed from all the remains and dregs of -such offering, and put up in their places clean and empty. This also -agrees with the doctrine of Christ to his apostles: “Every branch in -me,” he says, “that beareth fruit, my heavenly Father purgeth it, that -it may bring forth more fruit.” It was, I trust, an instructive season, -there being a number present who were young in the ministry. - -After this meeting we rode to Vergennes, and attended an appointed -meeting at six in the evening. It was pretty well attended by the -inhabitants of the town, who generally behaved soberly. I was led to -open divers important doctrines of the gospel for their consideration, -and to caution them against having any fellowship with, or affording -any support to the dark, and what I esteem, pernicious system of Free -Masonry. They were generally attentive, and withdrew quietly. - -The two following days, we attended the quarterly meeting for -discipline; and the parting meeting for worship. These, I trust, were -profitable opportunities. The latter was a highly favoured meeting, -in which truth reigned over all; and I took leave of my friends in the -sensible feeling of true gospel fellowship. - -We rode, that afternoon and evening, to Shoram, and lodged with our -kind friends Zebulon and Elizabeth Frost. The next day at evening, had -an appointed meeting there, which many of the neighbouring inhabitants -attended. It was a solemn time, in which many doctrines of the -Christian religion were opened for their instruction and consideration; -and I parted with them with a peaceful mind. - -The next day we rode to Granville; and the following day had an -appointed meeting there, at one o’clock in the afternoon. This was a -greatly favoured opportunity, the power of truth breaking down and -dispelling every opposite spirit, humbling and contriting many hearts, -and comforting and strengthening the honest-hearted. Surely it was the -Lord’s doing; a sense of which inspires gratitude and thankfulness of -heart, for the unmerited favour. - -On third day we rode to Easton. On fourth and fifth days we attended -their quarterly meeting for discipline, and public meeting for worship. -Their meeting of Ministers and Elders was held on third day previous -to our arrival. On sixth day we had an appointed meeting at Cambridge. -These meetings were all comfortable instructive seasons, in which -the doctrines of truth were largely opened, for the information and -edification of the people. - -We rested on seventh day, feeling myself pretty much worn out with such -continual and almost incessant labour in travelling and in meetings. -On first day I again attended Easton meeting which was also a large -favoured meeting, in which the power of truth was exalted. - -On second day we proceeded on our way to Queensbury, and attended a -meeting in our way, which I had previously appointed at a large village -called Whipple City. It was largely attended by the neighbouring -inhabitants. There were no members of our society in the place. It was, -I think, a favoured opportunity, in which I was enabled to declare the -truth among them, in a large, effective testimony. Many present were -humbled and contrited, and I parted with them in true peace of mind. - -After this we proceeded to Queensbury, where we arrived in the evening. -The three following days we attended the quarterly meeting held -there at this time for Saratoga and Queensbury. I also attended two -evening meetings in two neighbouring villages, which I had appointed -for the benefit of those of other societies, who pretty generally -attended. I think the quarterly meeting in general was an instructive -favoured time. The two other meetings were exercising seasons; the -minds of the people appeared to be very much veiled, and in a state -of much ignorance; being generally too much swallowed up in worldly -pursuits, and self-gratifications. This makes hard work for the -devoted traveller, who is engaged for the advancement of the cause of -truth and righteousness in the earth. But as I waited, and patiently -endured the baptisms necessary to be brought into a feeling of their -real conditions, way opened to communicate doctrine suitable for their -instruction and help; and, although there did not appear much effect -wrought for the present, yet I had reason to hope, that the labour -would not be all lost; nor the word return void, but would, in the -end, accomplish the thing whereunto it was sent, and be as bread cast -upon the waters to return after many days. My hope in this respect was -strengthened from the satisfaction and true peace I felt in the ardent -labour I passed through, in these seasons of exercise. - -The quarterly meeting being over, we proceeded to Saratoga, and -on sixth day had an appointed meeting there at two o’clock in the -afternoon. This was a large favoured meeting, in which truth was raised -into victory over all, and under its precious influence the gospel was -preached in the clear demonstration of the spirit. Thanks be to God for -his unspeakable gift. - -From thence we proceeded to Milton, and on first day, the 28th of 2d -month, we attended Friends’ meeting there. It was largely attended by -Friends and others, and through the condescending goodness of Israel’s -unslumbering Shepherd it proved an instructive edifying season. - -The five following days, we attended meetings at Greenfield, Galloway, -Providence, Mayfield, and Northampton. Although things in most -places, as it regards the life of religion, appeared rather low, and -considerable rawness was apparent in many in that respect, yet such -is the unmerited kindness of the heavenly Father, that he graciously -condescended to break the bread, and caused it to be distributed to the -people, in these several opportunities, so that none were sent empty -away, except those who either neglected or refused to take the portion -allotted them; and my spirit was comforted, under an evident sense that -I had faithfully discharged my duty among them. - -From Northampton we proceeded to Newtown, and on first day the 7th of -3d month, we attended Friends’ meeting at that place; and, information -being given that we were there, it was large. A very considerable -number more assembled, than the house could contain, who were obliged -to stand without. For these I felt much sympathy and concern, as the -weather was very cold, and those without, not willing to lose the -opportunity, continued until the meeting ended, which held nearly three -hours. But I had cause to hope they did not go away unrewarded, as the -season proved a very favoured one, in which the divine presence was -felt to preside, enabling to preach the gospel of the grace of God to -the people, in the demonstration of truth, and to the comfort and peace -of my own mind. - -On the evenings of the two following days, I attended meetings by -appointment, at Waterford and Troy. Both were largely attended by those -not in membership with us. On fourth day, attended Friends’ monthly -meeting at Troy. On fifth day evening, had a very large meeting in -Albany, which was held in the state-house, a large, commodious room -for the purpose. In these several meetings truth was felt to arise -into dominion, and ability afforded to discharge myself faithfully in -communication to the people who assembled, I trust, to their general -satisfaction and edification; may it instructively fasten on their -minds, as a nail in a sure place, driven by the Master of assemblies, -that so the word preached may tend to real profit, and not return void, -but accomplish the end to which it was sent. - -From thence we proceeded to Bern, within the compass of Duanesburgh -quarterly meeting, where we arrived on sixth day evening, and lodged -with our kind friend Samuel Cary, who, with his affectionate wife and -children, treated us with great hospitality. The next evening we had -an appointed meeting at a village about four miles distant, where -no member of our society resides. We intended to return and attend -Friends’ meeting at Bern, on first day; but a snow storm coming on -seventh day, and increasing towards evening and all next day with such -violence, that, although we got to the evening meeting, which was -small, by reason of the storm, we were not able to return until the -following second day, and then it was with great difficulty that we got -along, the snow was so deep, and the roads drifted full. We however -made the attempt to return on first day morning, and got on our way -about half a mile, but could proceed no farther. We then called at a -house on the way, a good looking mansion belonging to a professor among -the Presbyterians. Here we tarried over first day, not being able to -proceed. We held a little meeting there with this family, and three -of their friends, who were with them on a visit, in which my mind was -opened to communicate to them the grounds of our profession, and the -doctrines of the Christian religion, as held by us. This had a very -considerable effect on the man’s wife, so that she openly acknowledged -to the truths, delivered, and assured all present that she should -vindicate them, as certain undeniable truths, which she felt to be so, -in her own experience. - -On the following fifth day, we attended Friends’ meeting at Bern. The -weather being again stormy and inclement, it was small. The roads -were blocked up, so as to prevent many from attending. The next day -we proceeded to Duanesburgh, and had a meeting there on seventh day, -which was a large favoured season. On first day we attended meetings -at Charlestown in the morning, and at Carlisle in the evening. On -second day we proceeded to Middleburgh, and the next day had a meeting -there. The day following, had meetings at Oakhill in the morning, and -at Rensselaerville in the afternoon. After this we returned with our -friend Samuel Cary to his house, who had kindly accompanied us in this -little tour. I felt true peace of mind, from a consciousness that I -had faithfully discharged myself in the service allotted me, in those -several meetings, void of any influence from the fear or favour of man. - -On fifth day, we attended Friends’ monthly meeting at Bern. The -meeting for worship was attended by a very considerable number of -the neighbouring inhabitants, not in membership with us, who behaved -themselves soberly, and were very attentive to what was communicated. -Many were broken and contrited by the prevalence of truth, which was -raised into dominion in this favoured meeting. Not only the meeting for -worship, but likewise that for discipline was a comfortable instructive -season. - -The two following days, we had meetings at New Baltimore, and a village -where several families of Friends reside, by the name of Dickenson, -from whom they call the meeting “Dickenson’s meeting;” and at Coeman’s, -alias, Stanton Hill. I had good service in those several meetings, in -which Friends appeared to be brought near together, in the feeling -influence of the truth, and in the oneness of the spirit. In a sense of -this, we had gratefully to acknowledge that the Lord is still mindful -of his people, fulfilling all his promises to those who seek him with -sincerity of heart; and they that seek him early will find him to be -near at hand, a present helper in every needful time. - -After the latter meeting, we proceeded to Athens; and, the next day -being the first of the week, and the 28th of 3d month, we attended -Friends’ meeting there in the morning, and had another meeting -by appointment in the afternoon. These were exercising meetings, -particularly so in the forepart of the latter. A great power of -darkness seemed so to prevail, as entirely for a considerable time, to -close up the way to any public service; but as I patiently submitted -to the baptism and willingly became baptized, with and for the dead, -for it is only through death, that the resurrection from death can be -witnessed, a little glimmering of light appeared, in which I felt the -necessity of standing up; and as I proceeded, keeping my eye single -to the light that led the way, the light more and more arose, and the -darkness vanished; and He that opens and none can shut, and shuts and -none but himself can open, made way for the promotion of his own -righteous cause, and the exaltation of truth’s testimonies. It was the -Lord’s doing, and marvellous in mine eyes. - -We left here on second day morning, and proceeded to Alexander Young’s -at the east part of Esopus, about forty miles. This was a day of very -hard travel, both for man and horse, the roads being bad, as the winter -was just breaking up; but we arrived safe in the evening, and were -kindly received by our friends, which made up in part for the toil of -the day. - -At this place we had an appointed meeting the next day. The five -following days we had meetings at Rosendale Plains, Paltz, Plattekill, -Newburgh Valley and Marlborough. Attending these meetings, with -the exercise of travelling on the heavy, rough roads, produced a -large portion of exercise, both to body and mind. But the Lord’s -strengthening and consoling presence, vouchsafed from season to season -for our help, carried us through and over all, to the praise of his -grace, and to the comfort and peace of our own minds. - -On second day, the 5th of 4th month, we proceeded to Cornwall, and -attended a meeting by previous appointment, at the eleventh hour. -The next day, had an appointed meeting at Smith’s Clove, and the day -following were at a place called the Upper Clove, alias Blooming Grove. -In these several meetings I was led largely to open to the people the -law state, or dispensation of figure, as comprehensively set forth -in the Old Testament, and to show the difference between that and -the gospel, and that the first ends where the latter begins, and are -as distinct from each other, as the body is from the soul. The first -comprehends the salvation of bodies from outward servitude, the latter -the salvation of the soul from sin, and the death consequent on it. I -also set forth the use and necessity of the rituals, or shadows of that -dispensation, during its continuance; and that they were all abolished -under the gospel, and have no part nor lot under that dispensation. I -had much service in these meetings, and great cause of gratitude and -thankfulness to the bountiful Author of all our multiplied favours. - -The next day, we attended Friends’ meeting at Kakiat, alias Hempstead. -We had a tedious time in getting there, the road, part of the way, -being deep with mud and wet, and much cut up. But the Lord richly -rewarded us for all our toil, in giving us a precious meeting with our -friends, and a considerable number of the neighbouring inhabitants. It -was truly a season of grateful remembrance, both by us and our friends; -we were made to rejoice together for the unmerited favour. - -After this we proceeded to Tappan, to the house of our friend John -Lawrence. Here is not any meeting of Friends; but feeling the way open, -we appointed a meeting there at two o’clock next day. Although it was -not large, yet, I trust, it was a comfortable instructive season to -some present. - -This meeting closed our visit, and the next morning we proceeded to -New-York, where we heard of the decease of my kinsman Benjamin Hicks, -with information that he was to be interred the next day. - -This induced us to proceed home that afternoon, where we arrived -between eight and nine at night, much wearied, having travelled in -the course of the day upwards of fifty miles, and some of the way but -indifferent travelling. Finding, however, our dear families well, -accompanied with sweet peace of mind, it made rich amends for all our -toil, and my heart was inspired with gratitude and thankfulness to the -great and gracious Author of all our blessings. - -I was from home in this journey fourteen weeks, attended seventy-three -meetings, three quarterly meetings, four monthly meetings, and -travelled one thousand and eighty-four miles. - -The next day I attended the funeral of the aforesaid Friend, which was -on first day the 11th of 4th month, 1819. It was largely attended by -Friends and others, he being a man much esteemed by his friends and -neighbours, and a useful member of society, both in a religious and -moral relation, and his memory will be blessed. It was a very solemn -time, in which my heart and mouth were largely opened to declare to the -people of the things concerning the kingdom of God; and to point out -to them in a full and clear manner, the only way and means by which an -entrance therein is attainable by the children of men. It was a season -of favour, and many hearts were made to rejoice under an humbling -sense of the gracious extending of heavenly regard to the workmanship -of His holy hand. - -After this my lot seemed similar to Mordecai’s of old, when sitting -at the king’s gate; I had but little public service when at and about -home. This brought to my remembrance, the saying of our Lord to his -disciples, on their return from the service he had sent them out to -perform in the land of Israel. When they had given him an account how -well they had succeeded, he invited them to retire awhile and rest. -I was mostly silent in our meetings at home, and was not from home, -except to attend a funeral in a neighbouring town, and our quarterly -meeting at New-York, until our yearly meeting. - -This opened on seventh day, the 22d of 5th month, with a meeting of -Ministers and Elders. The yearly meeting for discipline opened on -the following second day, and closed near evening, on the fifth day -following. It was, I think, in general, a favoured meeting, although -the weaknesses and deficiencies still among us, as manifested by the -accounts from our quarterly meetings, 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 earth; yet the condescending -goodness of the Shepherd of Israel, in manifesting his life-giving -presence for our encouragement and support, inspired the hearts of the -living with thanksgiving and gratitude for his unmerited mercies. We -returned home the next day. - -I now found it my duty to pay some attention to my temporal concerns, -and to see that all accounts between myself and others were truly -adjusted and settled, as is my general rule from year to year. A rule -which every honest man will be led to pursue, to prevent trouble and -preserve harmony; as a contrary course often leads to vexation and -litigation, by which both parties are often hurt and wounded. - -First day the 30th of 5th month. I attended our meeting as usual, -when at home. Had a short communication, tending to excite Friends to -faithfulness, and an inward labour, that the true end of our meeting -together might be answered. I was busily employed in the course of this -week, in my temporal concerns. Attended our fifth day meeting; and -closed the week in quiet. - -First day, the 6th of 6th month. I was led, in our meeting, to show -Friends the fallacy of trusting in the outside appearance of things, -without coming to possess the real substance, as the day is hastening -when every foundation will be tried, and all will receive according as -their works have been. I was considerably enlarged, and the power of -truth was exalted over all. - -I found it my place at this time, to keep close at home, both in an -inward and outward sense, to arrange my temporal concerns, and set -things in order; not knowing how soon I may be called to leave them -all, and surrender them, with myself, to the guardian care and disposal -of a gracious Providence, who doth not suffer a sparrow to fall to the -ground, without his heavenly notice. I attended our preparative meeting -on fifth day, and the meeting of the Charity Society, for educating the -children of the poor black people, on seventh day; in both of which I -felt satisfaction and peace of mind. - -First day, the 13th of 6th month. Towards the close of our meeting -to-day, I had to open to Friends the necessity of our individually -coming to know what life we are living; whether it be a life after -the flesh, which worketh death to the immortal soul; or a life of the -spirit, by which we become spiritually-minded. For if we live after the -flesh, it will prove in the world to come an eternal death to the soul; -but if it be a life in the spirit, and in the things of heaven, it will -prove an everlasting life to the soul, in the world to come; and will -crown it with joy unspeakable, and full of glory, at God’s right hand -for evermore. - -From this time to our monthly meeting in 7th month, I was pretty -steadily at home. Attended our meetings as they came in course; and was -very busily and necessarily engaged in my temporal concerns, having a -prospect before me of attending the ensuing yearly meeting of Ohio, and -also some other meetings in that, and in the compass of Baltimore and -Philadelphia yearly meeting. This concern I spread before my Friends, -at our monthly meeting the 15th of 7th month; and obtained their unity -and concurrence. - -First day, the 18th of 7th month. Attended our meeting. We had the -company of our ancient honest friend Thomas Titus. He communicated for -our consideration, some plain truths, in order to stir up and encourage -Friends to industry and faithfulness in those things which belong to -their everlasting peace and welfare. I felt unity with him in his -exercise, and found it my place and duty to make some addition, to -bring the matter close home to the minds of Friends. It was a favoured -solemn meeting, and most minds seemed well affected with the heavenly -power which was felt to preside. - -In the course of this week our quarterly meeting was held at Westbury. -It was well attended by Friends; and the public meeting was very -large. It was in the main a favoured meeting. I likewise opened to -this meeting, my prospect of attending the yearly meeting of Ohio; and -produced the minute of unity and concurrence from our monthly meeting. -It was fully united with by the quarterly meeting, and an endorsement -thereof made on my certificate. - -First day the 25th. A silent meeting to-day. When such meetings are -attended with full acquiescence, and entire peace of mind, how precious -they are. Thus are the Lord’s dedicated children led and instructed; -taught how to suffer want, and how to abound; being content in every -dispensation of his divine will and pleasure: and in this condition, -all things work together for good to these. Hence we are led to -“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks.” - -The rest of this week I was diligently employed in preparing for my -intended journey; and in arranging my temporal concerns, that no -occasion might be given to the adversaries of truth, to reproach -the truth, or its cause, by any neglect or omission on my part; and -endeavouring that all things might be left sweet and quiet at home, -that so I might leave it with peace of mind, freed from every burden -and care on that account; and be fully at liberty to devote myself -wholly to the service of my great and good Master, until the allotted -portion is accomplished, which he hath called me forth to fulfil. For -to him belong obedience and worship, who is over all, God blessed for -ever. Amen. - -First day the 1st of 8th month. At our meeting to-day, my mind was led -into a view of the excellence and necessity of a right faith in God -and Christ; it being that by which the just live. For nothing else -can qualify to live a life of true righteousness and justice, but a -true and living faith in God and Christ; and without this faith, it is -impossible to please God. The subject spread and led to communication -in a large testimony, by which many minds were reached and comforted, -and a precious solemnity spread over the meeting; and we parted from -each other with grateful hearts for the unmerited favour. - -On fifth day I was led to call the attention of my friends to -first principles, and to recur to the uprightness, simplicity, and -faithfulness of our worthy predecessors, and to recount the great -and sorrowful deviations therefrom by those who are making the same -profession in the present day, in departing from a full reliance and -dependance on the power and spirit that actuated and governed them. -Hence weakness and darkness pervade their minds, by which great -reproach is brought upon the society, and occasion given for many to -speak evil of the truth, and the principle we hold out to the world, -as the only sure guide to blessedness; to the wounding of the faithful -few, who are yet preserved in a good degree of gospel simplicity, and -who live under a daily exercise for the promotion and advancement of -the Messiah’s kingdom here on earth, and that it may arise and become -the peace and glory of all nations. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - - Journey to Ohio in 1819.--Visit to the neighbouring inhabitants in - 1819.--Visit to Farmington and Duanesburgh quarterly meetings in - 1820.--Visit to some parts of Pennsylvania, and to Baltimore, in - 1822. Visit to some of the lower quarterly meetings in 1823. - - -Having, as before noted, had it on my mind to attend the next yearly -meeting of Friends in the state of Ohio, and some other meetings in -going there and returning home; and having obtained a minute of unity -and concurrence from our monthly and quarterly meeting, I left home -in order to accomplish the service, the 17th of 8th month, 1819, and -proceeded to New-York. The next day, being first day, I attended -Friends’ meeting in Pearl-street in the morning, which proved a -favoured season, in which I witnessed a renewal of strength, and a -satisfactory evidence that my procedure was under right direction; -for which my mind was reduced into a state of humble gratitude for -the unmerited mercy; having left my home in weakness and poverty of -spirit, and nothing to lean on in crossing this Jordan, but my slender -staff of faith. I attended the meeting at Liberty-street in the -afternoon, which, although small, was in a good degree comfortable, and -encouraging to my much exercised mind. As our meeting for sufferings -was the succeeding third day, I staid in town and attended that meeting. - -After this I proceeded on my journey, accompanied by my kind friend -and neighbour Willet Robbins, who had joined me as a companion in this -journey. We attended the quarterly meeting at Rahway on our way, which -opened the next day with the meeting of Ministers and Elders. The -meeting for discipline was held the day after; and a meeting for public -worship, as a parting meeting, the succeeding day. In these several -opportunities, way opened to discharge myself faithfully in the -exercise of gospel communication to my friends and others who attended, -fully to the relief of my own mind, and, I trust, to the instruction -and encouragement of many who attended; the Lord having been graciously -pleased to manifest his presence and power for our help, to the glory -and praise of his own excellent name, who is over all, God blessed for -ever. - -After these solemn opportunities were closed, we took leave of our -friends, and proceeded on our journey; and arrived at Easton on seventh -day evening. This is a town on the west side of the river Delaware, -in the state of Pennsylvania. Having felt my mind led to pass through -this town, attended with a concern to have a religious opportunity with -the inhabitants, we tarried with them the next day, and had a meeting -appointed, which was held in their school-house, at the fourth hour in -the afternoon. It proved, through heavenly help, a favoured, and, I -trust, an instructive season to many; several of their ministers and -most of the principal people attended, and appeared all to go away -satisfied; and many apparently with thankful hearts for the present -favour; and I parted with them in true peace of mind. - -The next morning we proceeded on our journey, and rode to Maiden Creek, -and lodged with our kind friend Isaac Penrose. The day following being -third day, we had an appointed meeting at Reading, about eight miles -farther on our way. It was held in their court-house. Many of the -inhabitants of the town attended, and behaved soberly; and the gospel -was preached among them in the plain demonstration of truth, and, I -trust, was as a sword or hammer to some present, who were not prepared -to meet sound doctrine; but was comfortable and instructive to others, -such as were tender in spirit, and were honestly seeking the way to -peace. It was a solemn, and, I trust, profitable opportunity. - -After the meeting I made a short visit to a sick woman, who appeared -to be drawing fast toward her close. She was comforted in the visit, -and when I parted with her, appeared in a quiet resigned state of mind. -Her bodily affliction, which had attended her for a considerable time, -had, I believe, wrought a good work in her. After this opportunity -we proceeded immediately on our journey, which we continued the four -following days, through a number of towns and villages, where no -Friends live. - -We arrived on seventh day evening at Dunning’s Creek, where there is a -monthly meeting of Friends. They lie very much detached from the body -of society; the nearest meeting to them is about sixty miles distant. -We attended their meeting on first day, which proved, through heavenly -help, a comfortable, strengthening opportunity. We lodged with our kind -friend Thomas Penrose. - -The next morning we proceeded on our journey, having the Alleghany, -and several other mountains and high and rough ridges of land to pass -over, in our way to the settlements of Friends in the Redstone country. -The roads were excessively bad, and in some places almost impassable; -but with two days hard travelling we got safe to Connelsville, on the -west side of the mountains, on third day evening. We put up with a man -by the name of John Gibson, who had once a right of membership in our -society, but by some means had lost it; yet he appeared to retain his -love to Friends, and was very kind and benevolent, and appeared very -glad of the opportunity of entertaining Friends. His family likewise -appeared very kind and friendly, and signified it as a matter of -considerable regret, that they were so far distant from Friends, as not -to have the privilege of attending their meetings. There was one family -of Friends in the town; and one of their children, an infant of about -eight months old, had died a little before our arrival; and the funeral -being the next day, we attended it. It was a very solemn opportunity, -in which many hearts were contrited by the tendering power of truth, -which was felt to cover the assembly in a very general manner. Such -seasons are as a brook by the way, to the poor exercised travellers, -who often go mourning on their way, from a sense of the prevalence of -sin and iniquity in the land. - -After this solemn opportunity we proceeded on our journey, and the -next day attended Friends’ monthly meeting at Westland, in Redstone -quarterly meeting. I had some service, both in the meeting for worship, -and that for discipline; but things appeared rather low as to the right -order of the gospel, in both meetings. It being a day of ease and -outward tranquillity; and this hath a tendency to produce lukewarmness, -if not watchfully and diligently guarded against. - -From this place we proceeded directly to Mount Pleasant, in Ohio, -where the yearly meeting is held; where we arrived on seventh day, the -28th of 8th month. On first day, the 29th, attended Friends’ meeting -at Short Creek in the morning, and had an appointed meeting at Mount -Pleasant in the afternoon. They were both largely attended, and proved -very instructive satisfactory meetings, in which I had good service; -and found sweet peace as the result of my labours of love amongst them. - -The five following days, meetings were appointed for us at Concord, St. -Clairsville, Plainfield, Flushing, and Harrisville. These were all full -meetings; generally more collected than the houses could contain; but -Friends were industrious, and provided seats out of doors, about the -house, by which the people were generally accommodated. - -On seventh day the yearly meeting of Ministers and Elders opened; -and continued by adjournments until fifth day. I think they were -generally favoured opportunities. The Head of the Church graciously -condescending to manifest his presence for the help of his devoted, -dedicated children; and this is the crown and diadem of all our -religious assemblies. On first day public meetings for worship were -held, both forenoon and afternoon, in both Friends’ meeting-houses in -the neighbourhood; that in the town of Mount Pleasant, held in their -new meeting-house, which is one of the largest I ever saw belonging -to Friends, was very large. I attended that meeting both forenoon and -afternoon, in which I had much service by way of testimony; which -appeared to be much to the comfort and general edification of the -assemblies, and resulted in the solid peace of my own mind. - -On second day, the yearly meeting for discipline opened, and continued -by adjournments until seventh day toward evening. It was a season of -much travail and exercise to the rightly concerned active members; -having before them, in addition to their usual business, the revisal of -their discipline. I was led under close exercise on the account, and a -very considerable portion of active service fell to my lot, with other -Friends. It was thought, I believe, by Friends generally, to have been -the most favoured yearly meeting they had had since its institution, -and was worthy of grateful remembrance. - -I tarried here over first day, and attended their meeting at the old -meeting-house. It was a season of deep travail in the forepart of the -meeting, in which my spirit was led into deep baptism with, and for, -the dead; and I was brought into sympathy and fellowship with the -suffering seed, which appeared to me to be pressed down in the hearts -of the formal professors, as a cart under sheaves. This, I believed, -was too much the situation of a considerable number in that assembly; -but as I continued patiently to endure the exercise, and kept up the -inward travail, light sprang up and dispelled the darkness, accompanied -with a motion of life to stand up; and my mouth was opened in a large -searching and effective testimony, whereby the dead were raised, the -lukewarm stirred up, the honest seekers encouraged, and the rightly -exercised minds comforted and edified. It was the Lord’s doing, and -marvellous in mine eyes. - -The six succeeding days, meetings were appointed at the following -places, which we attended. On second day, at a little village called -York, where a few Friends were privileged with an indulged meeting; a -meeting not being established. On third day at Smithfield; on fourth -day at Cross Creek; on fifth day at Franklin, where was also only a -small indulged meeting. On sixth day, at Augusta, at the tenth hour in -the morning, and at Sandy Spring, at the third hour in the afternoon; -on seventh day at New Garden. These were all seasons of favour, wherein -I was strengthened to labour in the work of the gospel, and to declare -largely to these several assemblies, of the things concerning the -kingdom of God; endeavouring, by persuasive arguments, founded in the -clear demonstration of the spirit, accompanied with a lively evidence -of divine power to gather the minds of the people to the _light -of Christ_, or _Christ the light, in their own hearts; as the only -sure guide to blessedness_, and _foundation rock on which to build -all our hopes of redemption and salvation_. A precious solemnity was -felt to prevail in those several meetings, most of which were crowded -gatherings, many more often collecting than their meeting-houses could -contain; and truth was exalted over all, to the praise of Him who is -over all, God blessed for ever. - -After the latter meeting we proceeded to Salem, intending to be at -Friends’ meeting there the next day, which was first day, the 19th of -9th month. We attended the meeting in the forenoon, but not feeling -myself clear, I was led to appoint an afternoon meeting; which was -accordingly held at the third hour, and was largely attended by Friends -and others; among whom way opened fully to discharge and clear myself, -and I found peace in my labour of love among them. - -On second and third days, I attended meetings by appointment at -Springfield and Goshen, two neighbouring villages. These were likewise -very solemn instructive seasons, wherein I was largely led forth in -ministerial labour, apparently to the comfort and edification of most -present. From Goshen we returned back to Salem, intending to be at -their monthly meeting to be held the next day, which we accordingly -attended. I had good service among my Friends, both in the meeting for -worship and that for discipline. - -After this we took a final leave of them, in the fresh feelings of -mutual love and Christian fellowship, and proceeded on our journey that -afternoon to Fairfield, where we had a meeting the next day. On sixth -day, was at Columbiana. On seventh day, at Middleton. And on first -day, the 26th, had two meetings; one in the morning at Elk Run, and -the other at the third hour in the afternoon at Carmel. These meetings -were all well attended; wherein I was led forth largely in testimony, -apparently to the general satisfaction and edification of the people, -and to the comfort and peace of my own mind. - -On second day we proceeded to New Lisbon, and attended a meeting in -their court-house at the eleventh hour. It was a large collection, -mostly made up of other societies, there being but few Friends residing -in that place. I was led to open several doctrinal points of our -profession, and to show the great difference between profession and -possession; and that no profession of religion was worth esteeming as -any thing, unless it was the effect of the real possession of the thing -professed; as no profession of a thing, could of itself give any a -possession thereof; but a real possession, will manifest itself by its -fruits. It was a day of great favour, in which truth reigned over all. - -On third day, we proceeded to Beaver Falls. Had a meeting there the -next day to good satisfaction. After this we travelled on our way -to Pittsburg, where we arrived the next day about noon, and had an -appointed meeting there in the evening in their court-house. It was -a large spacious building, but more collected than the house could -contain. I had much service among them, and the Lord’s power was felt -to preside, quieting and solemnizing the assembly; and many hearts were -humbled and contrited, and truth raised into dominion over all. - -On sixth day afternoon, we left Pittsburg on our way to Brownsville, -where we arrived in the afternoon of the next day. On first day we -attended Friends’ meeting there; and notice being spread among the -people at large that we were there, it was a very crowded assembly, -more than the house could well contain. Through the condescending -goodness of the Shepherd of Israel, I was helped to discharge myself -faithfully among them, in an effective testimony to the truths of -the gospel; proving from clear scripture testimony, accompanied with -the demonstration of the spirit, in harmony with right reason, that -nothing short of a full belief in, and obedience to, the revelation of -the spirit of truth, (a manifestation of which is given to every man -and woman to profit withal,) as the only rule of faith and practice, -can make a real Christian, and produce redemption and salvation to -an immortal soul. It was a very solemn instructive season, worthy of -grateful remembrance. - -On second day we had an appointed meeting at Sandy Hill, at the -tenth hour; and another in the evening at Uniontown, held in their -court-house. These were both seasons of favour, producing solid peace -to my own mind, and, I trust, instructive and edifying to the people in -general who attended. These meetings closed my labours among Friends -and others, in the compass of the yearly meeting of Ohio. - -On third day we set out on our journey over the mountains, towards -Winchester in Virginia; in order to attend the meetings of Friends -in that neighbourhood, on our way to Baltimore. The distance was -about one hundred and sixteen miles. It took three days to accomplish -the journey, with hard travelling; a considerable part of the way -being very rocky, as well as mountainous. We arrived among Friends -at Pughtown, on fifth day evening; and had a meeting appointed there -the next day, at two o’clock in the afternoon, which we attended -accordingly. On seventh day had a meeting at the Ridge. On first day -at Centre, near Winchester; and the two following days had meetings at -Hopewell and Berkley. I was largely led forth in these meetings, to -show to the people the inconsistency and unrighteousness of holding -our fellow creatures in bondage, and the evil tendency of bringing -up our children and families on the fruits of their labour, wrested -from them by violence, without paying them an adequate reward for the -same. I likewise opened to them the folly and deception of all their -profession of worshipping that Being, who is perfect in justice, purity -and holiness, while their hands are full of violence and oppression, -and they living in luxury and idleness on their unrighteous gain. The -Lord’s power was exalted in these meetings, and truth reigned. - -After the latter meeting we proceeded on our way towards Baltimore, -where we arrived on seventh day evening; attending meetings at -Fredericktown and New Market, on our way thither. On first day, the -17th of 10th month, I attended Friends’ meetings in that city; the -Western District in the morning, and the Eastern District in the -afternoon. I was silent in the former, but in the latter, I was largely -led forth in gospel communication. As notice had been spread among the -citizens of other professions, the meeting was large, and the divine -power was felt to preside, which brought a precious solemnity over the -meeting, and truth was raised into dominion. - -Here we met with our friend Elizabeth Coggeshall from New-York, with -her companion Judith Coffin, from Nantucket; also our ancient friend -William Rickman, from England. We were mutually glad in seeing each -other. Elizabeth felt a concern to see the members of our society, -select from those of other societies in each meeting, accordingly a -Friend, at her request, in the morning meeting when the service of the -first meeting was over, proposed the same to the assembly; when those -who were not members quietly withdrew, and our dear friend had good -service among them. This also opened an opportunity for me to throw -in my mite, and set a seal to the service. A similar opportunity was -likewise had with Friends at the close of the afternoon meeting in the -Eastern District, which was also a favoured time. - -And as I had felt my mind somewhat similarly engaged in coming into the -city, it opened the way to spread my exercise before Friends; which -was that of the more select service of seeing the active members and -heads of families of both sexes together. I had an opportunity with -those of this description in the Western District, and afterwards with -those of the Eastern; and was glad in believing that divine love was -near, favouring with His enlivening, reconciling presence; which raised -a hope, that through the divine blessing, the opportunities would not -prove altogether unfruitful, for some disunity and jealousies had -prevailed among the members of society in this city. - -The next day being Friends’ meeting day, I felt most easy to stay and -attend it. I also found my mind led to some further service among the -citizens at large: for although I had had a public opportunity on -first day evening, which seemed for the present to ease my mind, yet a -renewed exercise on that account induced a belief it would be right to -give the citizens generally another invitation; which Friends readily -agreed to, and spread the notice accordingly. It was a very large -meeting, and through gracious condescension a highly favoured season; -the Lord’s power was felt to preside, and a precious solemnity spread -over the assembly, and I took my leave of them in much peace of mind. - -This closed my service among them. The two following days we rode -to Wilmington, where we arrived on sixth day evening. On seventh -day evening we had a large meeting by appointment, with Friends and -the inhabitants of the town. This was a solemn instructive season, -worthy of grateful remembrance. We also attended the morning meeting -of Friends the next day, and then proceeded to Chester, parting with -my Friends in much sweet peace and unity. Here we had a large solemn -meeting in the evening, among the few Friends of that place and the -inhabitants of the town. I trust, through heavenly goodness, it proved -an instructive edifying season to many. - -The two following days, I attended the monthly meetings of Providence -and Darby. On fourth day morning we proceeded to Philadelphia. We -staid in the city until the following third day, and attended all the -meetings of Friends there; some by appointment, and the others as they -came in course. We were at two of their monthly meetings, and their -quarterly meeting. The meetings were generally crowded, and at several -many of the people were obliged to stand outside of the doors, for want -of room. Through unmerited mercy the Lord’s power was felt to preside, -producing a precious solemnity over those large promiscuous gatherings, -and by which truth was raised into dominion. Surely it was the Lord’s -doing, and marvellous in mine eyes. It was, I trust, a time of renewed -visitation to many, especially to the beloved youth. - -We left the city on third day morning, and proceeded to Germantown, -where by previous appointment we had a large meeting at the eleventh -hour. The two following days we attended Friends’ quarterly meeting at -Horsham; and on sixth day, had a large public meeting at Byberry. These -were all favoured instructive seasons, in which the Lord’s presence was -manifested for our help, and were worthy of grateful remembrance. - -On seventh day we attended a meeting at Bristol; and at evening crossed -the river Delaware to Burlington, and attended Friends’ forenoon and -afternoon meetings on first day. These were large favoured meetings, in -which truth reigned. - -On second day, the 8th of 11th month we proceeded to Trenton and had a -large meeting there in the evening, with the few Friends of that place, -and the inhabitants of the town, in which divers essential doctrines -of the gospel were opened to the consideration of the assembly. It was -a solemn meeting, and I parted with them in true peace of mind, which -is the certain and consolatory result of disinterested obedience, and -faithfulness to manifested duty. - -We proceeded on third day, on our way to New-York, where we arrived the -next day in season to attend Friends’ meeting in Pearl-street; it being -their usual meeting day. The meeting was generally gathered when I got -in, having had some distance to travel to reach there, which occasioned -my being a few minutes after the time. My mind, soon after taking my -seat, was brought under a renewed exercise, on account of the members -of our society mixing in with the associations of other people, in -their governments and politics, their Bible and Missionary societies, -and pretended charity associations; which had a very hurtful tendency, -by leavening the minds of Friends, and leading them to assimilate with -the spirit of the world; and turning them away from the simplicity, -of our profession, thereby neglecting to support our Christian -testimonies, as it regards plainness of speech, deportment, and -apparel. Such conduct is particularly wounding to some of the beloved -youth, for they seeing their elder brethren, and especially some who -were sometimes active in our meetings for discipline, join with such -associations, it leads them into a free familiarity and friendship -with such as are light and vain in their conversation and deportment, -by which their tender minds are greatly wounded; and they led off from -the cross, and a strict regard to that sobriety of conduct, which truth -requires of all its professors. I was led to communicate largely on -those subjects, in a close searching testimony; and the Lord’s power -was felt to prevail, and the meeting generally brought under a solemn -covering. It proved a season of favour, and the right-minded were made -to rejoice. - -Feeling my mind impressed with a concern to appoint a meeting for -the citizens at large, the appointment was accordingly made at seven -o’clock the ensuing evening. It was a very large collection, more than -the house could contain; and was a highly favoured season. A very -precious solemnity was spread over the assembly in general; and when -I sat down, after standing nearly two hours, I turned my eyes over -the congregation, and all was quiet and still, and every countenance -seemed expressive of the solemnity felt, which united us together and -clothed us as with a mantle of love. Surely it was the Lord’s doing, -and marvellous in our eyes. - -The next day I attended Friends’ meeting near the Bowery, as it came in -course; and some notice being given of my intending to be there, we had -the company of a number of their neighbours of other societies. This -was also a very instructive favoured season. - -The ensuing evening I had another appointed meeting for the citizens at -large, in Friends’ meeting-house at Liberty-street. This was rather a -trying meeting; as many who attended were such as had settled down in -a form, and were difficult to reach, which makes hard labour for the -truly exercised ministers. However I had a hope the season would prove -profitable to some, and I left them with peace of mind. - -This meeting closed my labours in this journey, and the next morning -we rode home, the 12th of the 11th month, 1819. I found my family and -friends in usual health, and glad to see me, which rendered it a cause -of mutual joy, and filled my heart with gratitude and thanksgiving -to the God and Father of all our sure mercies, who had led about, -instructed and preserved me, through all, to the praise of his great -and excellent name. - -I was from home in this journey about three months, and travelled -nearly twelve hundred miles, and attended eighty-seven meetings. - -First day, 14th. I sat with my Friends in our own meeting, in which I -was largely led forth in ministry, setting forth, as it opened on my -mind, the cause why so little progress was made in reformation, and -the true spiritual or real Christian life; and showing that it was -principally, as it then appeared in the openings of truth, occasioned -by the visited children of our heavenly Father, not keeping close to -that which first visited them, and opened their understanding; but -letting their minds out to worldly things, and that by opening the -way to a free and familiar converse with the people of the world, -many were led and induced thereby to join with them in their manners, -maxims, interests and worldly policies, by which means they were so -yoked together in a free and open friendship, as thereby to become -weakened and brought into bondage to them; so as to be ashamed and -afraid to stand upright, and bear a faithful testimony against this -worldly spirit and its fruits; by which the testimonies of truth -were in a great measure let fall, for fear of offending these their -worldly-minded associates, by which the promotion of the cause of truth -was greatly obstructed, and its faithful testimony-bearers grieved, and -made to go mourning on their way. - -Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, in which I also had some close -searching labour to stir up Friends to more diligence and faithfulness -in the support of our Christian testimonies; and cautioning them -against a worldly spirit, which would lead to extortion and grinding -the faces of the poor; for this is very reproachful for any Christian -professor, and more so for us, who are making a more exalted profession -than any others who go under the Christian name. - -First day, the 21st. My mind to-day was led into a near feeling -sympathy with such as had been visited with the day-spring from on -high, but who had not so fully given up to the pointing of truth, in -what are generally termed little things, as they ought; the natural -tendency of which is to lead the mind into a doubting state. For -when the creature, in his own will, takes the liberty of judging for -himself, of what is little, or what is great, he departs from the true -standard, and has no certain evidence to walk by; for if he has a -right to judge for himself in one case, why not in every other. Here -doubting will arise in his mind, of what is, or is not, agreeable to -the divine will; as nothing can give the mind certain evidence, but -faithfully complying with the evident sensations which the light of -truth opens upon it, let them be what the creature may judge to be -small or great; for we have no more reason or right to refuse complying -with a small requisition, than we have a great one, if the requisition -proceeds from the same source. The subject was so opened as to affect -many minds with tenderness and contrition; and had an humbling, -solemnizing effect on the meeting in general, and was, I believe, -gladdening to many minds. - -Fifth day. Attended our meeting in silence, which was very acceptable -to me. - -First day, the 28th. Mostly silent in meeting to-day. - -On my return home from my late journey, I felt my mind drawn in -sympathy, attended with a concern to pay a religious visit to the -neighbouring inhabitants in the compass of our quarterly meeting. -This concern I opened to my friends the first monthly meeting after -my return, and received their full unity therein; but taking a severe -cold soon after I came home, I continued indisposed for some weeks, -which with some necessary concerns, prevented my entering on the visit, -until after our succeeding monthly meeting. The fourth day following, -the 22d of 12th month, I proceeded therein, accompanied by my wife and -my kinsman, Isaac Hicks, of Westbury. We were from home five days, and -attended six meetings, mostly among those of other societies. It was a -time of deep exercise to me, being led in the line of searching labour, -pointing to a reform in manners and conduct; and showing the fallacy of -all ceremonial religion in the observation of days, and complying with -outward ordinances; which do not in the least tend to make the comers -thereunto a whit the better, as it respects the conscience, but lead -the observers thereof into a form, without the power. - -We returned home the following second day. I tarried at home until -the beginning of the next week, when feeling my mind drawn to attend -the monthly meeting of Friends in New-York, I again left home, -accompanied by the aforesaid friend. We were at the monthly meeting -on fourth day, in which I had some close exercise, the meeting having -much business before it, and one case in particular was very trying, in -which Friends were divided, and two or three unqualified individuals -seemed determined, for a considerable time, to compel the meeting to -comply with their unsanctified wills; but as Friends who were rightly -exercised, patiently kept up the travail, and withstood them, truth was -raised into dominion, and by its power silenced all their cavilling, -and united the meeting in a right conclusion. The meeting for worship -and that for discipline continued upwards of six hours. - -We left the city soon after the close of this long meeting, and -passed over the river to Brooklyn, where by previous appointment we -had a meeting that evening, composed of the different professions of -the inhabitants of that place, very few Friends residing there. The -meeting was pretty large, and in the main satisfactory. The next day -we proceeded to Flushing, and attended their monthly meeting. I was -silent in the meeting for worship, but had some good service in that -for discipline. We also had an appointed meeting in the evening for the -inhabitants of the town, which was large and solemn. The next day we -returned to Newtown, and had a meeting at Friends’ meeting-house at the -Kilns in that place, at the eleventh hour; and another in the evening -at the sixth hour, in the village. They were both favoured meetings. -We returned to Flushing after the latter meeting, and lodged with our -kind friend Walter Farrington, and the next day rode home and found my -family well. - -First day, the 9th of 1st month, 1820. I sat with my friends at home in -our own meeting to-day, which I considered as no small privilege. - -On second day morning I was early informed, that my kinsman and kind -fellow traveller Isaac Hicks, was taken with a severe illness, about -ten o’clock the preceding evening, and lay at the point of death. I -hastened to see him, and found him nearly breathing his last, being -past noticing any thing by his external senses. It was a sudden and -unexpected trial to me, to be thus almost instantaneously separated -from such a kind and valued friend, who had for a number of years -devoted himself in divers ways, to promote the cause of truth and -righteousness in the earth; and in particular, by encouraging and -accompanying Friends in the ministry, when travelling in truth’s -service, especially myself, having been with me in several long -journeys, as well as divers short ones. I parted with him at the close -of one of the latter, on the seventh day afternoon before his death, -at his own house, and apparently in usual health: although he had been -for a considerable time previous thereto, much afflicted, at times, -with severe pain in his breast and shortness of breath, which created -great suffering during their continuance. He had a return thereof the -evening before I last parted with him, which occasioned him to observe -to me, that he thought he should ere long be taken off in one of those -attacks; but I then thought quite otherwise, as in other respects he -appeared to be in very good health, and had a very healthy countenance. - -Such sudden attacks prove with indubitable evidence, that mortality is -so closely interwoven in the very constitution of these animal bodies, -that the present moment is the only time we can call our own; and which -continually announce the impressive language: “Be ye therefore ready.” - -Such sudden and unexpected separations from our endeared friends make -the loss seem greater, not only to their families and near connexions, -but to their friends in general, and particularly so to those who knew -their real worth. But it ever affords a soothing consolation, and -induces to acquiesce in the divine will, when we have evident cause to -hope that our loss, which is but for a short time, is their eternal -gain. - -I attended the funeral of my beloved friend, which was large and -solemn; and I was led forth in an impressive testimony to the truths -of the gospel; inviting the people to inquire, and see, and taste for -themselves, that the Lord is good. - -I continued at home until the following seventh day, when I again -proceeded on my visit to the neighbouring towns and villages. I -was from home about thirteen days and attended fifteen meetings, -returning home on sixth day, the 11th of 2d month, 1820. My service -in many of those opportunities was very arduous; the lukewarmness and -insensibility of the people, as to any right religious concern, make -hard work for the honest labourers, in this day of ease and carnal -security. But true peace of mind, the sure result of faithfulness, -crowns the attempts at doing good, as it makes hard things easy and -bitter things sweet. - -I tarried at home until the latter end of the next week, in the course -of which I had a very severe attack of bodily indisposition, occasioned -by the gravel, with which I have been afflicted at times, for near -twenty years. These warnings are designed to spur us on to our duty, -as they continually announce to the enlightened mind this very useful -memento: “Remember to die.” - -In the latter end of the week, there came to my house my much esteemed -friend and kinsman Edward Hicks, from Newtown, in Bucks county, -Pennsylvania, on a religious visit to our parts, with his companion -James Walton, an elder. I accompanied them the next day to a meeting -they had appointed at Westbury. It was very large, in which Edward had -very good service, being largely led forth to open to the people many -important doctrines of the Christian religion. I accompanied him to -all the meetings he had among us except one; and in some of them had -a portion of the service laid upon me, particularly in the meeting at -Bethpage. - -I accompanied my friend to four meetings after this, in which he was -generally favoured to open things suitable to the states of the people; -his gift being searching and lively. After his service was over in the -meeting at Cowneck, on first day, I was led forth in a short testimony; -and the meeting closed under an evident sense that truth reigned. Our -next meeting was the day following at Rockaway, on second day, the 28th -of 2d month. It was in the main a favoured opportunity. My part was to -sit in silence. After this meeting I parted with my beloved friend and -his companion, in the fellowship of the gospel; they proceeded towards -New-York, and I returned home that evening, and found my family well. - -First day, the 5th of 3d month. I attended our own meeting, which -through heavenly help proved a very precious instructive season. It was -larger than usual, many coming in who did not often attend, to whom the -gospel was preached in the demonstration of the spirit, through which -truth was raised into dominion, causing the hearts of many to be warmed -within them by the influence of its power, and manifesting itself by -much brokenness and contrition of spirit. - -Second day, the 13th. Attended the funeral of our friend Charles Frost, -at which there was a large collection of friends and neighbours. A -meeting was held on the occasion, which was a favoured one, and, I -trust, a profitable opportunity to some present, and worthy of grateful -remembrance. - -In the fall of 1820, being, with several other friends, on an -appointment from the yearly meeting, requiring our care and attention -in the northern quarters, and having for some time previously felt -my mind drawn to visit some of the meetings of Friends, within the -compass of Farmington and Duanesburgh quarterly meetings, I obtained -the unity and concurrence of my Friends at home to attend thereto, -after accomplishing the service of the yearly meeting. I accordingly -set out in the 9th month, and was favoured to go through the visit -with peace to my own mind; for He, who is the alone sure helper of -all his dependant children, graciously manifested himself to be near, -for my help and encouragement in the travail and exercise that I -was engaged in, for the promotion of his noble cause of truth and -righteousness in the earth; and in a way, that was often marvellous in -mine eyes, tending to inspire my soul with deep and humble gratitude -and thanksgiving, for the unmerited favour. - -In the summer of 1822, I opened to my Friends a prospect, which for -a considerable time had been impressive on my mind, to make a visit -in the love of the gospel, to Friends and others in some parts of the -yearly meeting of Philadelphia; and, if way should open for it, to -visit some of the families of Friends in that city, and also to attend -the yearly meeting at Baltimore. They united with me in the concern, -and left me at liberty to proceed therein. I set out in the 7th month, -with David Seaman as my companion. We had a large favoured meeting at -Flushing, which was strengthening and comforting to my mind, in first -setting out in this arduous engagement, and excited gratitude for the -unmerited mercy. After leaving Flushing on our way to New-York, my -prospect of a meeting at Hester-street, which I had a view of several -weeks before I left home, revived with renewed weight; and although -from the consternation and interrupted state of the citizens, owing -to the prevalence of fever in the city, I had given up the prospect -on leaving home, yet I now saw that I could not depart from the city -with a quiet mind, unless I had a meeting agreeably to my former view. -Accordingly, when I got into town I opened my concern to some of my -friends there, who readily united therewith, and notice was given; -and one of the Friends who attended about the door at the gathering -of the meeting, said there were more people collected than had ever -been at any former time in that place; several hundreds, he said, went -away, who could not get into the house for want of room. I had a full -opportunity to clear my mind among the people, most of whom were very -solid and attentive. Thus we have great cause of gratitude to the -gracious Care-taker of his faithfully devoted children, who opens a way -for them, when some are ready to conclude there is no way. But he opens -a way for those, which none but himself can shut, to the praise of his -own great and adorable name, who is over all, blessed for ever. - -We then proceeded to Newark, and had a meeting in the court-house. -There was a pretty large collection of the inhabitants, among whom -I had strength and utterance given to open many important doctrines -of the Christian religion, in a clear and impressive manner, which -appeared sensibly to affect and impress the minds of the sober and well -inclined; but many appeared very ignorant and inexperienced as to the -real truths of the gospel. But having fully cleared my mind among them, -I left them with the answer of peace, and proceeded to Plainfield. We -attended the meeting there, which was large for the place; and it was -favoured in an eminent manner, to our mutual comfort. We then rode to -Kingwood, and had a full and comfortable meeting there; after which we -went to Solebury, in Pennsylvania, and had a meeting at the sixth hour -in the evening. It was a large meeting, in which I was led to discharge -myself faithfully in a close searching testimony. It was a very solemn -quiet opportunity, and I parted with them in peace of mind. - -We afterwards attended meetings at Buckingham, Plumbstead, Wrightstown, -Makefield, and Newtown: and we have abundant cause to bless the name -of Israel’s unslumbering Shepherd, who hath graciously condescended to -manifest his presence and power for our help and support, opening my -way in a marvellous manner in all the meetings I have attended since -I left home, uniting my friends in a joint travail for the promotion -of his blessed cause; truth prevailing in every meeting, and running -as precious ointment over the assemblies, bearing down all opposition, -and spreading, by its power, a sweet and precious solemnity over all. -Surely it is the Lord’s doing, and marvellous in our eyes: and what -is the greatest cause of gratitude and thanksgiving to the benevolent -Author of all our richest blessings, is, that he causes all these -favours to bow my spirit in deep humiliation and fear before him, as -unworthy of the least of his mercies. To the sufficiency of his grace, -may all the praise and glory be ascribed, nothing due to man. - -We then attended meetings at Horsham, Upper Dublin, North Wales, -Plymouth, Providence, Pikeland, Westchester, London Grove, and Deer -Creek; and my spirit is humbled in a deep feeling sense of the Lord’s -goodness vouchsafed for our help, opening a way in the minds of my -friends generally to receive the testimonies given me to bear, for -the promotion of his righteous cause, with marks of apparent joy and -satisfaction, and to our mutual comfort. We reached Baltimore on the -25th of 10th month; and the meeting of Ministers and Elders was opened -on the next day at the tenth hour. The yearly meeting continued till -sixth day evening, and was acknowledged to be the largest and the most -favoured meeting they had known for several years past. The unity of -Friends with my exercises in the public meetings, and in those for -discipline, was truly grateful, and tended to humble and inspire my -mind with gratitude and thanksgiving to my heavenly Father. - -I did not feel myself at liberty to leave the city at the close of -the yearly meeting, believing that some more public service among the -people was required of me. I had accordingly a public meeting in the -Eastern District, on seventh day evening. It was very large; and among -the various subjects that opened for communication to those assembled, -I was led to expose the iniquity and deformity of the cruel practice -of holding our fellow creatures in bondage, and the injustice and -inconsistency of Friends doing any act where the right of slavery -was acknowledged and supported; and, I think, I was enabled to do it -in a more full and impressive manner than ever before. We had a very -interesting and solemn meeting; truth appeared to gain the victory, and -reigned over all. On first day I attended Friends’ meetings for the -Western District, both in the forenoon and afternoon. They were very -large; and I had a full opportunity in the morning of clearing myself -among them. We had a precious, powerful meeting; and among the divers -states addressed, the slave-holders were peculiarly the objects of my -exercise and concern. The afternoon meeting I sat in silence, except -the expression of a few words just at the close, in taking leave of -them, and bidding all farewell. - -In the evening I had a precious interesting opportunity with the -coloured people, in Friends’ meeting-house in the Western District. -It was said by Friends to be much the largest known in that place. It -was a very quiet, solemn meeting; and the minds of all, both white -and coloured, seemed animated with gladness and joy for the favour -dispensed, and gave manifestations of their thankfulness and gratitude -for the opportunity. - -We then proceeded towards Philadelphia, attending several meetings -on our way, which were greatly favoured, and crowned with the divine -presence and power, in such a manner as to be marvellous in our eyes. - -We arrived in Philadelphia in the early part of 12th month; and I -immediately entered on the arduous concern which I had had in prospect, -and which I was favoured soon comfortably to accomplish. We visited -the families composing Green-street monthly meeting, being in number -about one hundred and forty; and we also attended that monthly meeting, -and the monthly meeting for the Northern District. This closed my -visit there, and set me at liberty to turn my face homeward. We left -Philadelphia on the 25th of 12th month, and attended several meetings -in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, on our way home, which were large and -solemn opportunities. We were favoured to reach our homes with feelings -of thanksgiving to our gracious Preserver, and with the enjoyment of -that precious peace, which is experienced by those whose minds are -stayed on God; as the prophet declared in his appeal to Jehovah: “Thou -wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because -he trusteth in thee.” And he subjoins, for our encouragement: “Trust in -the Lord for ever; for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.” -May we all dwell here; then nothing can hurt or harm us; for the Lord -our Preserver will turn all the designs and cunning devices of those -that rise up against us upon their own heads, and cause them to fall -into their own pit. - -In the latter part of 1823, I felt myself engaged to make a religious -visit to Friends and others in several of the lower quarterly meetings; -and having obtained the unity of my friends, I set out in the 10th -month, with Samuel Willis as my companion. After having meetings at -Westchester and Mamaroneck, we attended the select quarterly meeting -at Purchase, which was small, many of the members being absent. They -appeared to be clothed with much weakness: I was led into a feeling -sympathy with them, and way was opened to communicate to their states, -in a way that was comforting and encouraging to the honest-hearted. The -next day was the quarterly meeting of discipline. It was large; and, -I think, in the main it was a favoured instructive season, although -considerably hurt by a long tedious communication from a Friend, not -sufficiently clothed with life to make it useful. But the society is in -such a mixed and unstable state, and many who presume to be teachers -in it are so far from keeping on the original foundation, _the light -and spirit of truth_, and are so built up in mere tradition, that I -fear a great portion of the ministry amongst us is doing more harm than -good, and is leading back to the weak and beggarly elements to which -some seem desirous to be again in bondage. - -After leaving Purchase, we had a pretty large and favoured meeting -at North Castle; and next day we went to Oblong, and attended their -meeting on first day. It was large, and I had an open time among them, -through the prevalence of that power which opens and none can shut, and -when he shuts none can open. Truth reigned, and the people generally, -I believe, were instructed, comforted, and edified. I parted with them -in true peace of mind, which leads my heart into deep humility, and -inspires it with gratitude and thanksgiving to the great and blessed -Author of all our mercies. We had a meeting at the Branch, and then -proceeded to Nine Partners, and attended the select quarterly meeting. -It was much like some other meetings of this kind, hard and not very -fruitful. The members of those meetings are too generally falling -more short of coming up faithfully, according to their stations, -than most of the other departments of our society. We attended the -quarterly meeting for discipline, also that at Stanford, and soon -after turned our faces homeward; where we arrived, accompanied with -the fresh feelings of that love that many waters cannot quench; even -that powerful love that is stronger than death, and binds together -in an indissoluble bond, all the new-born children of the heavenly -Father. May we all seek for it, and dwell in it. It will cast out all -fear, and clothe with that innocent boldness, which will enable us to -withstand all the dark powers of antichrist and his agents, and all -their deceivableness of unrighteousness; and will raise above the fear -of death, with all his mis-shapen and ugly forms, and clothe with the -joys of God’s salvation here and for ever, as we continue steadfast in -the faith that overcomes the world. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - - Visit to Baltimore to attend the yearly meeting in 1824.--Visit to - the inhabitants of the eastern part of Long Island in 1825.--Visit - to Scipio quarterly meeting in 1825.--Visit to Southern and Concord - quarterly meetings in Pennsylvania in 1826.--Visit to the families - of Friends in Jericho and Westbury monthly meetings in 1827.--Visit - to Friends in some parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Ohio in - 1828. - - -In the summer of 1824, I had the concurrence of my friends to attend -the quarterly meeting of Cornwall and Stanford, which I accomplished -to my own peace and comfort. And in the fall of the same year, they -also united with a concern which had impressed my mind, to attend the -ensuing yearly meeting in Baltimore. This engagement, through the -mercy of Him who has hitherto helped me, I was favoured to accomplish -to the peace and satisfaction of my own mind. The yearly meeting for -discipline opened on second day, and continued by adjournments until -the following fifth day, in the afternoon of which it closed, under a -comfortable evidence of divine favour attending. I think it was, in its -several sittings, one of the most satisfactory yearly meetings I ever -attended, and the business was conducted in much harmony and brotherly -love. - -In Philadelphia, on my return, I had a severe attack of bodily -indisposition; so that, for some time, there seemed but little prospect -of my recovery. I lodged at the house of my very kind friend Samuel -R. Fisher, who, with his worthy children, extended to me the most -affectionate care and attention; and I had also the kind sympathy of a -large portion of Friends in that city. - -In the summer of 1825, I obtained the concurrence of my friends to -make a visit, in gospel love, to the inhabitants of the eastern part -of Long Island, and I proceeded therein, with Samuel Willis as my -companion. The people appeared open to receive us, and the meetings at -the several places we visited, were pretty fully attended. Many minds -were humbled and contrited, and truth’s testimonies exalted, and the -people generally comforted, and, I trust, edified. - -In the fall of 1825, being on an appointment of the yearly meeting to -attend the opening of Scipio quarterly meeting, I obtained the unity -of my friends to attend some meetings among Friends and others, on my -way going and returning. The quarterly meeting in its several sittings, -was conducted in much apparent harmony and condescension; the truth -was so effectually raised into dominion over all, that if there were -any discordant spirits present, they were all kept down and subdued -by the prevalence of its power; and Friends were united in the bond -of brotherly affection, and the faithful were made to rejoice for the -unmerited favour. The meeting closed on the 30th of 9th month, with a -very large solemn public meeting; the public service therein fell to -the lot of Thankful Merritt and myself, and Thankful closed the meeting -in sweet solemn supplication. In returning home, I attended several -meetings which were large, and, through the condescending goodness of -the Shepherd of Israel, were favoured satisfactory seasons, in which -truth was raised into dominion, and a precious solemnity prevailed. - -In the latter part of 1826, my friends united with a concern, which had -been for a considerable time impressive on my mind, to make a visit in -the love of the gospel, to Southern and Concord quarterly meetings, -in the yearly meeting of Philadelphia. I accordingly set out in the -11th month, with Jesse Merritt as my companion. In passing through -Philadelphia, we attended Mulberry-street meeting in the forenoon, and -Green-street in the afternoon. They were both very large meetings, -many more coming together than the houses could contain. Truth was -powerfully raised into dominion, and at the close of each meeting, -many Friends manifested, in an affectionate manner, their unity and -satisfaction with my labours amongst them. We then proceeded on the -further service on which we had set out, taking several meetings on -the way, which were large and solemn opportunities, and favoured with -the overshadowing wing of divine kindness; and having accomplished the -prospects in view, we turned our faces homewards, having thankfully -to acknowledge that best help had been near, enabling me to discharge -myself faithfully in the various meetings, to the comfort and peace of -my own mind. - -In the early part of 1827, with the unity of my friends, I entered into -the engagement of making a religious visit to the families of Friends -within our own and Westbury monthly meeting, and I was favoured to go -through this arduous service to the satisfaction and peace of my own -mind. - -Having felt an exercise and travail of spirit in the course of last -year, to make a religious visit in the love of the gospel, to Friends -and others in some parts of our own yearly meeting, and in the compass -of the yearly meetings of Philadelphia, Baltimore, Ohio, Indiana, -and a few meetings in Virginia; and apprehending the time had come -to move therein, I spread the concern before my friends at Jericho -monthly meeting, held the 20th of 3d month, 1828, and obtained their -unity and concurrence therein. This concern, with the certificate -from our monthly meeting, I laid before our quarterly meeting held at -Westbury, the 24th of 4th month following; and obtained their unity and -concurrence, with an endorsement thereof on my certificate from the -monthly meeting. - -I left home the 28th of 4th month, the week after our quarterly -meeting, in order to accomplish the service above alluded to; and -attended the three quarterly meetings of Purchase, Nine Partners, -and Stanford, as they came in their usual course. On my way home, I -attended Oblong monthly meeting, also four particular meetings, three -of which were appointed at my request. In all these meetings the Lord, -our gracious helper, manifested himself to be near for our support, -making way for us at times where there seemed to be no way, to our -humbling admiration. I was from home in the prosecution of this little -tour of duty, two weeks and two days. After this I tarried at and about -home until after our yearly meeting. - -Soon after this I again left home, on the 14th of 6th month, and -rode to New-York. The day following being the first of the week, we -attended the morning and afternoon meetings of Friends in the city, -which, through the gracious extendings of heavenly help, proved to -be comfortable edifying seasons. My esteemed friend Jesse Merritt, -an elder of our monthly meeting, accompanied me in this journey. We -left New-York on second day, after taking a sympathetic farewell of -our friends in the city, and proceeded on our journey to Rahway in -New Jersey, and lodged with our kind friend William Shotwell, and -the next day had an appointed meeting in that village. It was truly -a comfortable edifying opportunity; many truths of the gospel were -clearly opened to the audience, humbling and contriting many who -were present; a sense of which inspired our minds with gratitude and -thanksgiving to the blessed Author of all our mercies. - -The next day being the fourth of the week, we attended Friends’ monthly -meeting held at Plainfield, for Rahway and Plainfield. The meeting for -worship was large, many of the neighbouring people of other societies -coming in, to whom the gospel was freely preached in the demonstration -of the spirit, solemnizing the assembly, and truth was raised into -victory over all. My mind was also comforted in the meeting for -discipline, in observing the harmony and brotherly condescension of -Friends, in the orderly conducting the affairs of the Church. - -The next day we proceeded on our journey to Kingwood, and put up with -our kind friend Henry Clifton. We had an appointed meeting here the day -after at the tenth hour, and although the number of Friends was small -that constituted this meeting, yet Friends being careful to give their -neighbours of other societies information thereof, we had a very full -meeting; and it proved a very solemn impressive opportunity in which -truth reigned, comforting and contriting many minds. - -After this we passed on to Solebury in Pennsylvania, and lodged with -our kind friend Watson Fell, who met us at Kingwood and kindly took -us to his house. The next day we had an appointed meeting here at -the fourth hour in the afternoon. It was a solemn opportunity, and -I parted with them under a thankful sense of the unmerited favour. -We then rode home with our kind friend Moses Eastburn; and the next -day being first day, and the 22d of 6th month, we attended Buckingham -meeting in the morning, and had an appointed meeting at Plumbstead -at four o’clock in the afternoon. After this we rode home with our -worthy friend Israel Lancaster, and on second day had a meeting at -Wrightstown; on third day in the forenoon, we attended Newtown meeting; -and at the fourth hour in the afternoon had an appointed meeting at -Makefield. These were all large favoured meetings, in which the gospel -was preached in the demonstration of the spirit, and many hearts -were humbled and contrited, and a precious solemnity spread over the -meetings, comforting and rejoicing the honest-hearted, and to the -praise of Him, who is calling us to glory and virtue. - -On fourth day, the 25th, we attended a meeting at the Falls; on fifth -day were at Middletown; on sixth day at Byberry; and on seventh day -at Abington. These meetings were all large and very solemn, and the -canopy of love, in a very comforting manner, was felt to spread over -the assemblies; and much kindness and friendly regard were manifested -towards us, not only by our friends, but by the people in general of -other societies, who attended the meetings. - -We attended Horsham meeting in the morning, on first day, the 29th, -and had an appointed meeting at Upper Dublin at the fourth hour in the -afternoon. They were very large; more attended than the houses could -contain. As the last meeting was assembling there came on a heavy -shower of rain, accompanied with an uncommon time of lightning, and -very heavy peals of thunder: many flashes of the lightning appeared -to strike down to the earth within a very small distance of the -meeting-house, which brought a great solemnity over the meeting, and -I was thankful in observing the stillness and quiet which prevailed -generally among the people. These meetings were very solemn seasons, in -which truth reigned, and I parted with them in peace of mind, and the -fresh feelings of gospel love. - -Our kind friend Joseph Foulke met us at Horsham; and after the latter -meeting conducted us to his house, where we met a very cordial welcome, -and were favoured with the company and conversation of his ancient and -very worthy father Hugh Foulke. The two following days we attended -meetings at North Wales and Plymouth. These were large favoured -meetings, in which many truths of the gospel were largely opened to -the edification, comfort, and apparent satisfaction, of those large -assemblies, and to the peace of my own mind. It was the Lord’s doing, -and to him belongs all the praise, nothing due to man. - -From thence we proceeded to Charlestown, and lodged with our kind -friend James Wood; and the next day, being the fourth day of the week, -we attended their meeting. After this we rode to Pikeland, where we -were very kindly entertained by our friends Emmor Kimber and wife, and -had an appointed meeting there the next day. We tarried here until the -next morning; and then proceeded on to Uwchlan, where we had a meeting, -by previous appointment, at the eleventh hour; and although it was in -the midst of their harvest, and the care necessary for getting it in, -very urgent, as many of their fields of grain appeared to be over-ripe, -yet to our own and our friends’ admiration, the meetings were unusually -large, frequently many more assembled than the houses could contain. -The people were generally very solid and quiet, and very attentive -to hear what was communicated; and many minds were humbled and -contrited, and truth’s testimonies exalted, to the mutual comfort and -encouragement of the honest-hearted, and to the general satisfaction -of the assembled multitudes; and my mind was deeply humbled and made -thankful for the continuance of those unmerited favours. - -On seventh day, the 5th of 7th month, we attended a meeting at -Downing’s Town, held in an orchard, under the shade of the apple trees; -which was a large, solemn, satisfactory meeting. A division having -taken place in the Society of Friends, and the meeting-house in this -place being in possession of the party termed Orthodox, they refused to -permit Friends to occupy it on this occasion. There were, however, more -attended the meeting, than could have got into the house, if we had -been permitted to use it. The next day we attended Friends’ meeting at -East Caln; and notice having been given of our intention of attending -it, the house, although very large, did not contain more than three -quarters of the people that assembled. It was a season to be remembered -with gratitude, in which the Lord’s presence was felt to preside, -humbling and contriting many hearts, and truth was raised into victory -over all. - -On second day we attended a meeting, by appointment, at Sadsbury; and -on third day their monthly meeting. On fourth day we had an appointed -meeting at Lampeter. These were all favoured opportunities, wherein the -Lord’s power was manifested for our help, rejoicing and encouraging -the honest-hearted, and settling and confirming the wavering, who -were halting between two opinions, but were now satisfied, and openly -declared themselves on the side of Friends, some of whom had previously -gone with our opposers, but were now convinced of the impropriety of -their conduct, and cheerfully united with Friends. - -After the latter meeting, we dined with our friend Thomas Peart. We -then took leave of our friends in near unity, and proceeded on our -journey to Columbia, and lodged with our kind friend William Wright, -who, with his worthy and affectionate wife, entertained us with great -hospitality. We had an appointed meeting at this place the next day. -The two following days we attended meetings at Little York and Newbury. -All of these were favoured opportunities, in which truth was raised -into dominion, and many hearts were humbled and contrited, and the -faithful comforted and made to rejoice together in the unity of the one -spirit, _Christ_, the only sure foundation, on which the true Church -has been built in all the varied ages of mankind, from the beginning -down to the present time; and on which all future generations must -build, or their building must and will fall. - -On first day, the 13th of 7th month, we attended Friends’ meeting at -Warrington, and the two following days the meetings of Huntington and -Menallen. These were all favoured opportunities, in which ability -was vouchsafed, by the blessed Author of all our sure mercies, to -preach the gospel to the people in the simplicity, plainness, and -demonstration of the spirit, which brought a precious solemnity over -the assemblies; and I parted with them with the satisfactory evidence -of having faithfully discharged myself among them, feeling that true -peace of mind, which the world, with all its fading enjoyments, cannot -give nor take away. The next day, the 16th, we proceeded on our journey -through the mountains to Redstone, about one hundred and sixty-one -miles; and arrived there on first day, the 20th, about eight o’clock -in the morning, at the house of our kind friend Jesse Townsend. We -attended their meeting at the eleventh hour, which was large and -favoured. We lodged with our aforesaid friend, during the time we spent -in this place. - -On second day we rested. On third and fourth days we attended meetings -at Providence and Centre. On fifth day we attended Westland monthly -meeting; and the neighbourhood being informed of our coming, there -were more people assembled than the house could contain; and I had a -full opportunity to discharge myself among them in a large effective -testimony, which brought a precious solemnity over the meeting, and -many minds were humbled and contrited. - -A Friend from abroad attended this meeting, and after I sat down he -rose and made opposition, which greatly disturbed the meeting. - -On sixth day we attended an appointed meeting at Pike Run. It was held -in the side of a wood, the meeting-house having been burnt. There being -but few Friends in this place, they met in a small private room: this -induced them to make seats out of doors, as the house would not have -held half the people that met. It was an unusually favoured season. In -the silent part of the meeting, the divine presence was felt to spread -over the assembly, producing such a sweet and precious solemnity, -as I scarcely ever before witnessed in the same fullness, and which -continued through the course of my communication. Surely it was the -Lord’s doing, and it was marvellous in our eyes. - -After this meeting we dined with our kind friend John Grave, and then -proceeded on our way about three miles towards Brownsville, and lodged -with our friend Isaac Walker. On seventh day night we lodged at the -house of our friend Solomon Philips, near Brownsville; and the next -morning crossed the river Monongahela into the town. Here we put up -again with our kind friends Jesse and Edith Townsend, where we had -the company of many Friends, and many of the inhabitants of the town -not members of our society, also came in to see us; as the unfounded -reports of those who style themselves Orthodox, having been generally -spread over the country, it created such a great excitement in the -minds of the people at large, that multitudes flocked to the meetings -where we were, to hear for themselves; and many came to see us, and -acknowledged their satisfaction. - -At this place we again fell in with the Friend from abroad, who -attended the meeting with us; he rose in the early part of the meeting, -and continued his communication so long, that a number left the -meeting, by which it became very much unsettled: however, when he sat -down I felt an opening to stand up; and the people returned and crowded -into the house, and those that could not get in stood about the doors -and windows, and a precious solemnity soon spread over the meeting, -which has been the case in every meeting, where our opposers did not -make disturbance by their disorderly conduct. The meeting closed in a -quiet and orderly manner, and I was very thankful for the favour. - -On second day we rested and wrote to our friends. On third day we -attended their preparative meeting for Ministers and Elders, and on -fourth day their monthly meeting. Here the Friend who had before made -opposition opposed me publicly and personally in the meeting for -worship; but I nevertheless had a favoured opportunity, to the general -satisfaction of the meeting, and to the peace of my own mind. - -We attended Westland meeting again on fifth day as it came in course. -It was pretty large, many of the neighbouring inhabitants coming in. -We had a very favoured meeting; Friends were comforted together, and -the people went away satisfied; and my mind was fully relieved, and -inspired with thankfulness and gratitude. - -On sixth day we attended the quarterly meeting of Ministers and Elders -held at Westland, where we met with but little opposition; and the -next day we attended the quarterly meeting of discipline. I had good -service in the meeting for worship, which preceded that for discipline. -It was very large, a great number of those not in membership with -Friends came in, and behaved very orderly. Here we met with some -opposition, more particularly in the meeting for discipline from the -Friend above mentioned. And Friends were so disturbed with the conduct -of this Friend and his companion, that they proposed that the Elders -and Overseers should take an opportunity with them, and see if they -could not put a stop to such disorderly conduct; accordingly they -had an interview with them, in which Friends relieved their minds -pretty fully; but the few termed Orthodox, used their influence in -their favour, which greatly prevented their being benefited by the -opportunity. - -Public notice was given at the close of the meeting on seventh day, -that my companion and myself intended to be at their meeting the next -day. A great number more assembled than the house could contain; and -although the Friend above alluded to, had so fully discovered that not -only Friends, but the people generally, had no unity with him, yet -soon after the meeting was settled, he rose and stood a considerable -time. After he sat down, I was favoured to clear myself among them in a -large impressive testimony, that soon brought a precious solemnity over -the meeting; and many hearts were broken and contrited, and I took an -affectionate farewell of the assembly in the fresh feelings of gospel -love. As I was about to close the meeting, the same individual again -rose, and began to oppose what had been said by me; this so offended -the people, Friends and others, that they rose up and went out in great -numbers, he at the same time begging them to stay; but they refused and -continued going out until he was discouraged and sat down. Soon after -I closed the meeting, feeling very sorry for the people to see them so -imposed upon. - -After this meeting we proceeded that afternoon about seven miles, on -our way to Pittsburg. On second day we rode to Pittsburg, and lodged -with Robert Townsend; who, although not in membership with Friends, -entertained us with much kindness and hospitality. The day following -at evening, we had a large satisfactory meeting in their court-house, -Friends having no meeting in that town. On fourth day we proceeded on -our journey, crossing the Alleghany river at Pittsburg, and arrived -that evening at a village, at the great falls of the river Beaver. The -next day we had an appointed meeting there, held in a field under some -trees, which made a comfortable shade, the weather being very warm, -and Friends meeting-house much too small to contain the people who -assembled. It was a very solemn opportunity, in which truth was raised -into victory over all, and the people appeared thankful for the favour; -and I witnessed the consoling evidence of true peace, in faithfully -discharging my duty among them. - -After this favoured meeting, we went forward that afternoon towards -Salem, in order to attend the quarterly meeting at that place, which -opened the next day at the eleventh hour, with a meeting of Ministers -and Elders. Friends met in a school-house which one of them had built -on his own premises, with which, and a temporary shed that Friends -put up adjoining to it, the meeting was pretty well accommodated. -They conducted the business of the quarterly meeting in much unity -and concord, and the Lord’s presence was evidently felt to cover the -assembly. The next day being first day, and as notice was spread of -our being there, the meeting was very large. It was judged by Friends -that upwards of two thousand people attended. It was a highly favoured -season, in which I was enabled by Him, who when he opens none can shut, -and when he shuts none can open, to declare the truth to the people -in the demonstration of the spirit, and with a power attending which -brought a precious solemnity over the meeting, and many hearts were -humbled and contrited. - -The next day we had a meeting by appointment at Fairfield. This was -also a very large meeting, many more assembled than the house could -contain. I had a favoured time among them, and was made thankful for -the opportunity, and had cause to believe my labour was not in vain. - -The day following we attended New Garden quarterly meeting. Here -Friends had a trying time, as those called Orthodox, although they were -but a small part of the meeting, had undertaken to disown a number -of Friends; but Friends did not acknowledge their authority, nor -consider their disownments of any effect, and they all came together -as usual in the quarterly meeting. The Orthodox strove hard to get -Friends to withdraw, but they refused, and proceeded with the business -of the meeting, which those called Orthodox interrupted for a time; -but finding that Friends would not give way, they finally left the -meeting, and retired to a school-house, and Friends had a comfortable -season together, and conducted their business in much harmony and -condescension, and were evidently owned by the Head of the Church. - -I appointed a meeting on fourth day for the public at large, Friends, -and others. A large number assembled; many more than the house could -contain. We had a precious meeting: the Lord’s power prevailed in an -eminent manner. It was a season thankfully to be remembered, and was -truly an humbling time among the people. - -After this we proceeded to New Lisbon, to attend a meeting there the -next day, which we had previously appointed. It was held out of doors, -there being no house in the town sufficient to hold the people that -Friends apprehended would assemble. Being aware of this, they erected -a booth or shed, by setting up posts, on which they laid long poles, -and covered them with branches of trees to make a shade, as the weather -was very warm. Under this we had a very large favoured meeting, to the -general satisfaction of the people, and peace of my own mind. - -The two following days we attended meetings, by appointment, at -Springfield and Goshen. Those called Orthodox had possession of the -meeting-houses at those places, and refused to admit us; but although -they could shut us out of the meeting-houses, yet they could not shut -us out from the divine presence, for this was felt eminently to preside -in both these highly favoured meetings. - -The next day, being first day and 17th of 8th month, we attended -Marlborough meeting. It was very large, notice having been previously -given of our intention to be there, so that hundreds assembled who -could not get into the house. I had an open opportunity among them, to -proclaim the everlasting gospel in the demonstration of the spirit, -to the comfort and satisfaction of this large assembly, except those -called Orthodox, who, when I sat down, made great opposition, which -greatly offended the people. - -We then proceeded to Canton, a pretty large country town, and attended -a meeting at the fourth hour in the afternoon, and notice was publicly -given that we were to be there. As there were no members of our society -in the town, the meeting was held in their court-house. Many of the -respectable inhabitants attended, and information being given to -Friends of Kendal, a small meeting about seven miles distant, most of -them attended, and many other inhabitants of that place came also to -the meeting. We had a favoured opportunity with them, and left them -with peace. - -After this we returned to New Garden, and put up with our kind friend -Nathan Galbreath. The next day being the fourth of the week, we rode -to Salem, and attended Friends’ monthly meeting, in which I was led -to stir up Friends to faithfulness, in support of our religious -testimonies, as the eyes of the people were upon us, watching our -movements in this time of trial, Friends separating from each other, -and setting up separate meetings, which caused a great breach of unity -and confusion in most of our meetings, which a few years previous -thereto had been united together in the bonds of Christian fellowship; -but a few individuals who had gained some influence in society, letting -in the spirit of jealousy, began to accuse some of their friends of -promulgating unsound doctrines, without any just cause for so doing, by -which they greatly disturbed the peace and quiet of society; and being -encouraged therein by several Friends from England, who as ministers, -had obtained liberty from their friends at home, to come over on a -visit to Friends in this country, they blew up the fire of discord, -until they brought about a division in our once peaceful society; a -small minority of which, in many places, separated themselves from the -body, and set up separate meetings, assuming the names of the yearly, -quarterly, and monthly meetings; and these, in their presumption, have -taken upon them to deal with and disown the great body of the society. - -The next day we returned to New Garden and attended Friends’ monthly -meeting there; and the neighbouring inhabitants being apprized of our -return, a great number came in, and greatly enlarged the meeting; and -He that openeth, and none can shut, graciously condescended to open my -mouth among them, in a large effective testimony to the truths of the -gospel; and many hearts were humbled and contrited. It appeared as a -renewed visitation of the heavenly Father’s love to Friends and others; -and it was a season gratefully to be remembered by all present; for -surely it was the Lord’s doing, and marvellous in our eyes. - -The day following we had an appointed meeting at Sandy Spring, at -the fourth hour in the afternoon. The meeting was very large, and -favoured with the overshadowing wing of divine kindness; and a precious -solemnity pervaded the assembly, and my mind was opened to declare -the truth to them, to the apparent satisfaction and comfort of the -assembled multitude; and I took leave of them with thankfulness and -peace of mind. We remained here until the next morning, and then -proceeded on our journey to Richmond, about thirty-five miles, where -we took up our lodging at an inn. The next day being first day, and -24th of 8th month, we had an appointed meeting in the town. The -inhabitants were mostly Presbyterians and Methodists. It was held in -their school-house, a large convenient room. The people came in freely, -and behaved with great propriety and order, and appeared to go away -satisfied; and I felt true peace in having faithfully, in gospel love, -discharged myself among them. - -After this we proceeded about five miles on our way to Smithfield, and -the next morning rode to that place; but being somewhat unwell, we -rested there through the day, and the next day had an appointed meeting -there, at the fourth hour in the afternoon. Those called Orthodox, -shut the meeting-house against us; but Friends provided seats under -the shade of trees, in an adjacent wood, where we had a very solemn, -favoured meeting, in which the Lord’s power prevailed over all in an -eminent degree, and broke down all opposition, and many hearts were -broken and contrited; and we parted with them under a grateful sense of -the Lord’s mercy for the unmerited favour. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - - Continuation of his visit to Friends in some parts of Ohio, - Indiana, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey in 1828.--Decease - of his wife in 1829.--Visit to Friends in the yearly meeting of - New-York in 1829.--Letter to Hugh Judge in 1830.--His decease in - 1830.--Memorial of the monthly meeting of Jericho in 1830. - - -On the 27th of 8th month, 1828, we proceeded on our journey to Mount -Pleasant, and attended on that day, their meeting in the middle of -the week; it was large, by the attendance of many of the inhabitants -who were not members of our society, and was, in the forepart, a -solemn, quiet meeting; but the latter part of it was disturbed and its -usefulness marred, by a long, tedious communication from a minister -among those called Orthodox, who, after I sat down, publicly opposed -and endeavoured to lay waste what I had said. - -The next day we attended Short Creek meeting. Here also the meeting -in the forepart, was truly a solemn season, in which I was favoured -to open and declare many important truths of the gospel to the -people, which brought a precious solemnity over the assembly, and -many minds were contrited; but an opposition from the same person who -caused the disturbance the day before, again took place, much to the -dissatisfaction of the principal part of those assembled. - -The next day being the sixth of the week, we attended an appointed -meeting at Harrisville. Here we met with no interruption. This was a -large crowded meeting, and very solemn and quiet. I had an open time -among the people to declare many things, both old and new; setting -forth the great declension of the professed Christian Churches, from -the simplicity and integrity of the primitive disciples; and showing -that it was all brought about by a departure from the only sure -foundation of true and real Christianity, the _light within_, or -_spirit of truth_, _the immediate revelation of the spirit of God_, in -the immortal souls of men and women; the only and alone true teacher -of the things of God under the gospel. And as a departure from this -only sure guide, and turning back to the letter and external evidence, -and building up, from these outward materials, many diverse systems of -religion, in their own creaturely wisdom, brought confusion and anarchy -into the Church, which enveloped it in a state of midnight darkness -and death, as to the life and spirit of real Christianity; by which -the worst of persecution, and the most cruel and sanguinary wars were -introduced among Christians: so nothing short of a full and entire -return to this only sure foundation and first principle, and placing an -entire dependance thereon for our salvation, can ever produce a real -restoration from the apostate state in which Christendom is at present -involved. I was also led to lay before the people the inconsistency -and hurtful tendency of Bible and Missionary societies; as believing -them all to be set up and associated together in the will and wisdom of -man, which never did, nor ever can, produce the righteousness of God, -but tend to lead the mind down to a state of darkness and death, as a -dependance on the letter and external evidence ever has, and ever will -kill, as to the real spiritual life, agreeably to Paul’s doctrine: “The -letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” - -The next day we had an appointed meeting at Westgrove. The day -following being the first of the week, and 31st of 8th month, we -attended Concord meeting; and the three following days attended -meetings at St. Clairsville, Plainfield, and Wrightstown. These were -all large satisfactory meetings, in which the gospel was preached to -the people, and by the power attending, many hearts were broken and -contrited; and a precious sense of the divine presence was felt to -preside, to the comfort and encouragement of the honest-hearted; a -sense of which inspired my mind with thanksgiving and gratitude, to the -blessed Author of all our sure mercies. - -On fifth day, the 4th of 9th month, we had an appointed meeting at -a place called Stillwater. It was a very large comfortable meeting, -and I had a full opportunity in an effective testimony, to ease my -exercised mind among them, to the comfort and apparent satisfaction of -the people, both Friends and others. The next day we rode back to Mount -Pleasant, and the day following being the seventh day of the week, and -6th of 9th month, the yearly meeting opened with a meeting of Ministers -and Elders. When the time came for meeting, Friends gathered to the -gate which led into the yard where the meeting-house stood, and found -it guarded by a number of men of the opposing party, who refused to let -us in; and Friends had to hold their meeting in the open air, outside -of the yard; but after the first sitting, adjourned to a school-house -near by, and afterwards held the remaining sittings in a private room, -in Israel French’s house. - -The next day and first of the week, we attended Mount Pleasant meeting -in the morning, and that held at Short Creek in the afternoon. In -the morning meeting Elisha Bates and Anna Braithwaite made great -opposition, endeavouring by long and tedious communications to lay -waste what I had previously communicated, which very much disturbed -many present. But the afternoon meeting was not interrupted, as none of -those opposers attended. - -On second day morning, the yearly meeting for discipline opened at the -tenth hour. Not being present at this sitting, I was informed that -great confusion and disorder took place; both Friends and those called -Orthodox wished to retain possession of the meeting-house, and both -parties went on with their business with separate clerks, for some -little time, when the Orthodox adjourned their meeting to ten o’clock -the next day, and left the house in the possession of Friends, who then -proceeded quietly on with the business of the meeting until some time -in the afternoon, and then adjourned to nine o’clock the next day; when -they again met, and near the tenth hour a deputation from our opposing -Friends came and demanded the use of the house, in the name of the -yearly meeting of Ohio. Friends informed them that the yearly meeting -was now sitting, and the doors were open, and they might come in; and -after some further requisition for Friends to withdraw, and give them -the entire use of the house, which Friends could not think right to -do, as being entirely unreasonable, they then went away and did not -give Friends any more interruption in that way. But they had recourse -to the law and prosecuted a number of Friends, some in an action for a -pretended trespass, for going into their own meeting-house, and some -as rioters; and compelled them to leave their meeting and go before -the magistrates, to answer for crimes they, without a just cause, had -accused them of having committed. And a considerable number, it was -said about thirty of their own principal members, such as Ministers and -Elders, and other active members, left the sittings of their yearly -meeting, and went to a town twenty miles distant, where they had -compelled a number of Friends to attend, to be tried by the court then -sitting, and were two days absent from the sittings of their meeting. -After this they interrupted Friends no further, and Friends quietly -proceeded with their business, and closed on sixth day. - -We proceeded on our journey next day to Flushing, and the day after -being the first of the week, we attended Friends’ meeting there; and -as notice had been given of our intention to be there, the meeting -was very large, more than the house could contain. At this meeting -those styled Orthodox made great opposition; for as soon as I came -near the meeting-house several of them met me, and desired I would not -interrupt the meeting: and soon after the meeting was gathered, before -it became fully settled, Charles Osborn, an Orthodox minister, kneeled -in supplication and continued on his knees, I believe, more than an -hour. It was truly a distressing scene, and it greatly disturbed the -meeting; and very soon after he took his seat, he rose and began to -preach, and continued for more than an hour. However, when he sat -down, although the meeting was much wearied with his long and tedious -communications, I felt the necessity of standing up and addressing -the people, which brought a precious solemnity over the meeting; but -as soon as I sat down, he rose again to contradict, and tried to lay -waste my communication, by asserting that I had not the unity of my -friends at home; which being untrue, I therefore informed the meeting -that I had certificates with me to prove the incorrectness of his -assertions, which I then produced, but he and his party would not stay -to hear them, but in a disorderly manner arose and left the meeting; -but the people generally stayed and heard them read, to their general -satisfaction. - -The next day we went to Cambridge, about thirty-seven miles; and -the day following rode to Zanesville, twenty-four miles, and had an -appointed meeting there in the evening, held in their court-house, a -large room, but not sufficient to contain all the people who assembled. -It was a very solemn instructive opportunity, and I parted with them -under a thankful sense of the favour, and with peace of mind. The two -following days we rode to Wilmington, and put up with our friend Warren -Sabin, where we lodged the two next nights. - -On seventh day the 20th of 9th month, we rode to Centre, and attended -Friends’ monthly meeting, composed of the preparative meetings of -Centre and Wilmington. It was the first monthly meeting they had held -since the separation; and notice being given of our attendance, the -meeting for worship was very large, more than the house could contain; -and the Lord, our never-failing helper manifested his presence, -solemnizing the assembly and opening the minds of the people to -receive the word preached; breaking down all opposition, and humbling -and contriting the assembly in a very general manner; and we parted -from each other with grateful hearts, from an humbling sense of the -unmerited favour. - -We returned that evening to Wilmington, and the next day attended -Friends’ meeting in that town; and as their meeting-house was small, -Friends procured the court-house in that place to hold the meeting in. -The meeting was very large, and we had a very favoured opportunity to -declare the truth among them, to their general satisfaction; and the -honest-hearted were comforted and edified, and Friends were made to -rejoice for the unmerited favour. At the fourth hour in the afternoon, -we had an appointed meeting at a place called Lital’s Creek, a short -distance from Wilmington. Here we had a favoured opportunity with the -people, greatly to their satisfaction. - -The next day being the second of the week, and 22d of the month, we -proceeded on to Springfield. Here those called Orthodox shut the -meeting-house and set guards at the doors to keep us out, and we held -our meeting under some trees near by. It was a precious season, wherein -the Lord’s power and love were exalted over all opposition, and many -minds were humbled and contrited; and thanksgiving and praise were -ascribed to His great and adorable name, who is over all, blessed for -ever. - -We had a favoured meeting the day after, at a place called the Grove. -Friends’ meeting-house there being small, we had to hold the meeting -out of doors to accommodate the people. It was a very satisfactory -opportunity. The following day we had an appointed meeting at Lebanon, -a pretty large country town, where there were no members of our -society, but many sober people. It was held in the court-house, but it -was not sufficient to contain the people; about one third of those who -assembled had to stand out of doors. It was an instructive opportunity; -many gospel truths were opened to the people, and they appeared to go -away well satisfied; and I parted from them with true peace of mind. - -On seventh day, the 27th of the month, we attended the opening of -Indiana yearly meeting, with the first sitting of the meeting of -Ministers and Elders; and although small, it was a favoured encouraging -opportunity to the few who assembled. The next day, being first day, -a large concourse assembled with Friends. A great number had to stand -without, although the house was very large. And he that openeth and -none can shut, and when he shutteth none can open, opened my mouth -among them in a large effective testimony to the truths of the gospel; -in which, through adorable condescension, I was enabled to bring -forth, out of the Lord’s treasury, things new and old; and truth was -raised into dominion over all, to the comfort and rejoicing of the -honest-hearted, and to the apparent satisfaction and edification of -the people in general. Surely it was the Lord’s doing, and it was -marvellous in our eyes. The next day the meeting for discipline opened, -and continued by adjournments until sixth day evening; and Friends were -favoured, through the several sittings, to conduct the business in much -harmony and brotherly condescension. - -The day after, we proceeded on our journey towards Richmond, in -Indiana; attending meetings on our way, at Springborough, Elk, -Westfield, and Eaton. All these were seasons of favour, the Lord -graciously manifesting his presence for our help. Blessed be his great -and excellent name, for his mercy endureth for ever. - -From Eaton we rode home with our kind friends John and Elizabeth -Barnes, and lodged. The next day, being the fourth of the week, and 8th -of 10th month, we rode to Richmond, where those called Orthodox were -holding their yearly meeting; and as this day was the time for holding -a meeting for worship, notice was given of our intention of being -there. It was very large, and proved, through adorable condescension, a -solemn heart-tendering season, in which truth reigned over all. - -The three following days we attended meetings by our appointment, at -Centreville, West Union and Milford. After this we returned again to -Richmond, in order, agreeably to appointment, to attend their first day -meeting. It was large like the former; a multitude of people assembled; -and was a precious meeting, in which truth was triumphant, and ran as -oil over the assembly, breaking down all opposition, and melting a -great portion of the assembly into tears of contrition. Surely it was -the Lord’s doing, and marvellous in our eyes; and to him belongeth all -the praise, who is over all, blessed for ever. - -We parted from them with solid satisfaction, and peace of mind; and -after dinner took a solemn and very affectionate leave of our friends, -and rode on our journey about four miles, and spent the evening at the -house of our esteemed friend Benjamin Stokes. We returned and lodged -with our kind friend John Barnes; and the following day attended a -meeting, by our appointment, at a place called the Ridge; it was a -comfortable opportunity. The next day we attended a meeting at Orange. -Here those called Orthodox made great disturbance, and hurt the meeting -very considerably. The day after, we had a meeting at a place called -Silver Creek. This was a precious meeting, in which truth reigned over -all. - -We then proceeded on our journey towards Cincinnati, and arrived there -on seventh day, the 18th of 10th month. The next day being first day, -we attended Friends’ meeting at that place, at the usual time, which -was very large, many more attending than the house could contain: and -at three o’clock in the afternoon, we appointed a meeting to be held in -the court-house. Both these meetings were highly favoured seasons, in -which truth was raised into dominion over all opposition, to the praise -of Him, who is calling us to glory and to virtue. - -On second day morning we proceeded on our journey, towards home; and -attending meetings in our way, in the course of the week, at Salt -Creek, Salem, alias Rochester, Newberry, and Clear Creek. All these -meetings were composed of people of varied professions, to whom the -gospel was preached in the demonstration of the spirit, attended with -a power which silenced all opposition, humbling and contriting many -hearts, without respect of persons or sects; and Friends were comforted -together, and made to rejoice for the unmerited favour; and we parted -from them under a thankful sense of the Lord’s mercy, and with peace of -mind. - -The next day being first day, and 26th of 10th month, we attended -Fairfield meeting; and notice being given of our intention of attending -it, the meeting was very large. Here those called Orthodox made public -opposition in the early part of the meeting; one of them informing the -assembly that I was travelling without having the unity of my Friends, -and other incorrect declarations, which I passed over without notice -at the time. The meeting was soon gathered into a solemn quiet, and -I had a favoured opportunity to declare the truth among them, which -was raised into dominion, and many hearts were humbled and contrited. -Before, however, I had concluded my communication, those called -Orthodox, to manifest further disunity, rose and left the meeting; but -Friends and others kept their seats, and we had a very solemn close, -and great brokenness and contrition were manifest among the people; -and to do away the false reports spread by the Orthodox, I had my -certificates read, which gave full satisfaction to the assembly; and we -took an affectionate farewell of our friends and others present. - -We then proceeded on our journey to Wheeling in Virginia, a town -situated on the east side of Ohio river. We arrived here on sixth day, -the 31st, a little before noon, and had an appointed meeting in the -evening. As Friends have no meeting-house in this place, it was held -in the Methodist meeting-house, which they kindly offered of their own -accord. It was a pretty large collection of people, mostly made up of -other societies, the number of Friends there being very small, insomuch -that they have no steady meeting in the place. It was a comfortable, -favoured opportunity. - -We left them with peace of mind, and proceeded on our journey to -Westland, in the limits of Redstone quarterly meeting, where we arrived -on first day, the 2d of 11th month, in time to attend their meeting. It -was a very solemn edifying opportunity, in which the power of truth was -exalted over all opposition. After this we proceeded on to Redstone, -about seven miles, crossing the Monongahela river in the way; and the -next day had an appointed meeting in that town, at two o’clock in the -afternoon. - -The day after we passed on towards Waterford, alias Fairfax, in -Virginia, where we arrived on first day the 9th of 11th month, and -attended their meeting at the usual hour. At two o’clock in the -afternoon, we had an appointed meeting for the inhabitants of the -town in general; and the two following days attended meetings, by -appointment, at Goose Creek and Southwest Fork. These were all large -favoured meetings, particularly the two last, wherein I was led to -expose the great evil of oppression, especially that enormous sin of -holding our fellow creatures in slavery. Although in my communication -I was led to lay judgment to the line, and justice to the plumb line; -yet the slave-holders, divers of whom were present, were so brought -down and humbled with the force and correctness of the testimony, -that they frankly acknowledged the truth and propriety of it; and we -parted from them with true peace of mind, and the honest-hearted were -made to rejoice for the favour dispensed from the hand of the gracious -Benefactor of every blessing. - -The next day we rode to Alexandria, forty-three miles, and lodged -with our kind friend Phineas Janney, and the day after attended their -meeting as it came in course, and in the evening had another meeting -for the inhabitants of the town in general. These were opportunities -of favour: many truths of the gospel were set forth before the people, -in the demonstration of the spirit, which brought a solemnity over the -assembly, to the comfort and edification of the upright in heart. The -next day we rode to Washington, and attended a meeting there in the -evening. This was rather a trying season in the forepart, but, I trust, -it ended well. - -We then proceeded to Sandy Spring, in Maryland, and on first day, -the 16th of 11th month, attended Friends’ meeting there; and notice -being given of our expectation of attending it, the meeting was large; -and through condescending goodness, it proved to be a very favoured -instructive season, and I parted with them with a thankful heart, and -true peace of mind. The next day we proceeded on our journey to Elk -Ridge, and lodged with our kind friend George Ellicot; and the day -following being third day, we had, by appointment, a very comfortable, -favoured meeting with Friends: many of the neighbouring inhabitants -likewise attended, and appeared well satisfied with the opportunity. -Many minds were humbled and contrited, and a precious solemnity -prevailed over the meeting. - -After this meeting we dined at our lodgings, and that afternoon -proceeded in company with our kind friend John Marsh, who met us at -this meeting, six miles on our way to Baltimore, and lodged at his -house. In the morning we rode into the city, and on that and the -following day attended Friends’ meetings held in the middle of the -week, at the upper and lower houses; and not feeling fully clear, on -sixth day evening, we had an appointed meeting for the inhabitants -of the town in general, at the upper house. This was a very large -meeting, made up of almost every class of the people, among whom, as -to religious profession, were Romanists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, -Baptists, Methodists, Unitarians, and others of divers descriptions, -and some slave-holders. These meetings were seasons of favour, -particularly the last, in which truth in a very extraordinary manner -was raised into victory over all, bowing and breaking down all under -its baptizing influence, so that it appeared as though the whole -assembly were baptized into one body; and when the meeting closed, all -seemed desirous to take me by the hand. Surely it was the Lord’s doing, -and marvellous in mine eyes; and I parted with them with gratitude and -thankfulness of heart. - -The day following we rode to Gunpowder Falls; and the next day being -first day, and 23d of the 11th month, we attended Friends’ meeting -there; and information being given of our intention of attending it, -the meeting was large, and through the condescending goodness of -Israel’s unslumbering Shepherd, whose mercy is over all his works, -it proved a precious favoured opportunity, in which many hearts were -humbled and contrited, and truth was raised into dominion. The day -following we went to the Little Falls, and on third day, the 25th, -attended Friends’ meeting in that place, and the day after attended -Deer Creek meeting. These were very large favoured opportunities. After -this we proceeded on our journey, crossing the river Susquehannah on -our way to Little Britain; and on the three following days we attended -meetings at Little Britain, West and East Nottingham. These were -seasons to be remembered, in which the Lord’s power was eminently -manifested by its solemnizing influence. Surely it was the Lord’s doing. - -On second day, the 1st of 12th month, we proceeded to West Grove, in -Chester county. Here our opposing brethren shut the meeting-house -against us, and the care-taker of it refused to open it. However, -when the people assembled, which they did in great numbers, many -more than the house could contain, it was opened; and we had a very -favoured, solemn opportunity with them, in which truth reigned over -all. The three following days we attended the monthly meetings of -London Grove, New Garden, and Fallowfield, as they came in their -usual course; and notice being given, of our attending them, to the -neighbouring inhabitants, great numbers of the varied classes of the -people assembled with Friends; insomuch that none of the houses were -large enough to contain the multitude, and in some instances there were -nearly as many standing without as the houses contained. These were -all highly favoured seasons, the Lord’s power evidently presiding over -these large assemblies, solemnizing and humbling with its overshadowing -influence, and causing a profound silence to prevail over all, to the -praise of him who is over all, God blessed for ever. - -On the two following days we attended meetings at Marlborough and West -Chester. The first was by our appointment, the latter on first day. -These meetings were like the former; great numbers attended more than -the houses could contain: nevertheless, order and stillness prevailed -in a remarkable manner in and without the houses, in every place, -to the comfort and rejoicing of Friends, and to the instruction and -edification, I trust, of the assembled multitudes. We took leave of -them under an humbling sense of the unmerited favour, and with true -peace of mind. - -On second day, the 8th of the month, we attended Kennet meeting, and -on third and fourth days we had meetings at Kennet Square and Centre. -These were all crowded meetings, and in them all the divine presence -was felt to preside, solemnizing the assemblies, and comforting and -rejoicing the honest-hearted. - -On fifth and sixth days we attended meetings at Hockesson and Stanton. -Both were crowded, solemn meetings, and, I trust, instructive and -profitable to many who were present. After the latter, we rode that -afternoon to Wilmington, and rested on seventh day with our friend -William Poole, who was in a weak state from bodily indisposition, but -was so far recovered as to walk about. On first day, the 14th, we -attended Friends’ meetings in Wilmington, both forenoon and afternoon. -They were both very large. In the forenoon meeting I had good service, -but in the afternoon I was mostly silent, as the people appeared to -be too much hungering for words, and too indifferent and careless in -putting in practice what they had already heard and knew to be their -duty. Hence I was led to set them an example of silence. - -We left Wilmington on second day morning, and proceeded to Concord, and -attended a meeting there by previous appointment. The four following -days we attended meetings at Middletown, Providence, Chester, and -Darby. These were all very large favoured opportunities, in which the -Lord’s power was felt to preside, causing a precious solemnity to -spread over the assemblies, and humbling and contriting many minds. To -the Lord be the praise and glory of his own work; nothing due to man. - -Leaving Darby, we proceeded on to Philadelphia; and on first day, the -21st of 12th month, we attended Friends’ meetings in the city, that at -Cherry-street in the morning, and at Green-street in the afternoon. -At both these meetings hundreds more assembled than the houses could -contain. On second day we left the city, and attended meetings, in the -course of the week, at Haverford, Radnor, Newtown, Willistown, and -the Valley. All these meetings were unusually large; the houses were -generally too small to contain the people; many had to stand out of -doors for want of room; nevertheless, the people behaved orderly, and -the Lord’s presence was felt to preside, solemnizing those crowded -assemblies, in all of which my mind was opened, and ability afforded, -to preach the gospel to the people in the demonstration of the spirit -and with power, and many hearts were broken and contrited, and went -away rejoicing, under a thankful sense of the unmerited favour. - -After this we returned to the city, and on first day, the 28th of the -month, we again attended Friends’ meetings there, in the same order as -before. On second day we attended Frankfort meeting by appointment. -These were all large favoured meetings; many had to leave those in -the city for want of room. My opposing brethren had, by their public -opposition and erroneous reports, created such excitement in the minds -of the people generally of every profession, that it induced multitudes -to assemble to hear for themselves; and they generally went away -satisfied and comforted. - -On third day we took leave of our friends in Philadelphia, and passed -over into New Jersey; and the four following days attended meetings at -Mullica Hill, Piles Grove, Salem, and Woodbury. These were very large -favoured meetings; and I felt true peace of mind as a rich reward for -my labour and exercise among them. - -We attended Haddonfield meeting on first day, the 4th of 1st month, -1829. Here Friends, and those who styled themselves Orthodox, met -together in the same house. As notice was given of my attendance, the -people assembled in great numbers; and as soon as the meeting was fully -gathered, a precious solemnity was felt to spread over the assembly; -and the Lord, our gracious helper, was near for our support and -strength, and the truth was raised triumphantly over all opposition. - -The four following days we attended meetings at Moore’s Town, Evesham, -Cropwell, Mount Holly, and Upper Evesham. These were very large -meetings, in which the Lord our gracious helper made bare his arm for -our support, enabling to hand forth out of the treasury things new and -old, to the comfort and edification of the honest-hearted, and solid -peace of my own mind; to Him be all the praise, nothing due to man. - -On first day the 11th, we attended Friends’ meeting at Rancocas. This -was said to be the largest meeting ever known in that place; in which -the Lord’s presence was felt to preside, humbling and contriting many -minds, and baptizing the whole assembly into a very precious solemnity; -and causing the upright in heart to rejoice, under a thankful sense of -the unmerited favour. - -In the course of this week we attended meetings at Old Springfield on -second day, Mansfield on third day, Upper Springfield on fourth day, -Arney’s Town on fifth day, Crosswicks, alias Chesterfield on sixth day, -Bordentown on seventh day, and Trenton on first day. All these were -favoured opportunities, and in them all, although under considerable -indisposition of body, I was favoured with strength, and way opened -to labour in the Lord’s cause in which I was engaged, and which -produced that true peace of mind, that the world with all its perishing -enjoyments cannot give, nor all its frowns and opposition take away. - -On second day we proceeded on our journey towards New-York, being -desirous of reaching our quarterly meeting to be held there on the -following fifth day. We arrived in the city on third day afternoon, -where I met my beloved wife and daughter Elizabeth, and several other -branches of my family, and a number more of my near and intimate -friends. It was truly a season of mutual rejoicing, and my spirit was -deeply humbled under a thankful sense of the Lord’s preserving power -and adorable mercy, in carrying me through and over all opposition, -both within and without. He caused all to work together for good, and -the promotion of his own glorious cause of truth and righteousness -in the earth, and landed me safe in the bosom of my dear family and -friends at home, and clothed my spirit with the reward of sweet peace -for all my labour and travail. Praises, everlasting high praises, be -ascribed unto our God, for his mercy endureth for ever. - -On seventh day, after the quarterly meeting we returned home, having -been out on this journey seven months and ten days, and travelled -nearly twenty-four hundred miles. - -Soon after my return from the aforesaid journey, I had to experience a -very severe trial and affliction in the removal of my dearly beloved -wife. She was taken down with a cold, and although, for a number of -days, we had no anticipation of danger from her complaint, yet about -five days after she was taken, the disorder appeared to settle on -her lungs, and it brought on an inflammation which terminated in a -dissolution of her precious life, on the ninth day from the time she -was taken ill. She had but little bodily pain, yet as she became -weaker, she suffered from shortness of breathing; but before her close, -she became perfectly tranquil and easy, and passed away like a lamb, -as though entering into a sweet sleep, without sigh or groan, or the -least bodily pain, on the 17th of 3d month, 1829: And her precious -spirit, I trust and believe, has landed safely on the angelic shore, -“where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest.” To -myself, to whom she was a truly affectionate wife, and to our children, -whom she endeavoured, by precept and example, to train up in the paths -of virtue, and to guard and keep out of harm’s way, her removal is a -great and irreparable loss: and nothing is left to us in that behalf, -but a confident belief, and an unshaken hope, that our great loss is -her still greater gain; and although the loss and trial as to all my -external blessings, are the greatest I have ever met with, or ever -expect to have to endure, yet I have a hope, that, though separated, -I may be preserved from mourning or complaining; and that I may -continually keep in view the unmerited favour dispensed to us, by being -preserved together fifty-eight years in one unbroken bond of endeared -affection, which seemed if possible to increase with time to the last -moment of her life; and which neither time nor distance can lessen or -dissolve; but in the spiritual relation I trust it will endure for -ever, where all the Lord’s redeemed children are one in him, who is God -over all, in all, and through all, blessed for ever. She was buried -on the 19th, and on this solemn occasion, the Lord, who is strength -in weakness, enabled me to bear a public, and I trust a profitable -testimony, to the virtues and excellences of her long and consistent -life. - -On the 24th of 6th month, 1829, I again left home with Cornwell Willis -for my companion, to complete the visit to Friends and others in the -compass of our yearly meeting, agreeably to a certificate I received -from our monthly and quarterly meetings, expressive of their unity -with me therein. This certificate I received in the spring of the year -1828, expressive of my concern to pay a religious visit to Friends and -others, in parts of the yearly meetings of Philadelphia, Baltimore, -Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and New-York. I accomplished my visit to the -first four last season; that is, I visited parts of them, but found my -mind released without going into the yearly meeting of Virginia. - -Since I left home, we have attended meetings at Flushing, Newtown, -Brooklyn, and two at New-York last first day. These were favoured -comforting opportunities, affording encouragement to persevere in the -path of duty. - -We left New-York on second day the 29th, after taking an affectionate -farewell of our friends there, and proceeded to West Chester, and -attended a meeting at that place at the eleventh hour; and on the two -following days, attended meetings at Mamaroneck and Purchase. On fifth -day we attended Friends’ meeting at Middlesex; and on sixth and seventh -days, had meetings appointed for us at a place called the Saw Pits, -and at Friends’ meeting-house at North Castle. All these meetings were -seasons of favour, in which the divine presence was felt to preside, -solemnizing the assemblies, and affording ability to minister to the -people in gospel authority, and tendering and contriting many hearts. -To the Lord be all the praise, nothing due to man. - -On first day, the 5th of 7th month, we attended Shapaqua meeting in -the morning, and had an appointed meeting at Croton Valley, at the -fourth hour in the afternoon. The three following days we attended -meetings by appointment at Amawalk, Salem, and at the Valley, called -Haviland’s Hollow. These were all unusually large meetings, in which -truth reigned over all, to the praise of His great name, who giveth us -the victory. From the latter meeting we proceeded to Oblong, and put up -with our kind friend Daniel Merritt, and the next day attended their -meeting. The two following days we had meetings by our appointment at -the Branch, and Poughquague; and on first day attended Nine Partners -meeting. Those four meetings were unusually large, and very solemn -opportunities; in which truth’s testimony went forth freely, tendering -and contriting many hearts, and rejoicing the faithful travellers -Zion-ward. - -The two following days, we had meetings at Chestnut Ridge and Oswego. -These were likewise large satisfactory meetings. We then proceeded by -the way of Poughkeepsie, to Marlborough, in order to attend Cornwall -quarterly meeting, held at Marlborough at this time. It opened on -fourth day, the 15th of 7th month, with a meeting of Ministers and -Elders. The next day the meeting for discipline was held. Both were -very favoured seasons. As I did not feel easy to leave the place -without having a public opportunity with the people at large in that -neighbourhood, a meeting was appointed the next day. This was likewise -a large favoured opportunity. The following day being seventh day, we -returned to Poughkeepsie, in order to attend Friends’ meeting on first -day; and having also appointed a meeting to be held there, at the fifth -hour in the afternoon, for the inhabitants of the town at large. These -meetings were largely attended, in which the power of truth was exalted -over all. - -The four following days we attended meetings at West Branch, Pleasant -Valley, Creek, and Crum-elbow. Although it was in the midst of harvest, -such was the excitement produced amongst the people by the opposition -made by those of our members who had gone off from us, and set up -separate meetings, that the people at large of other societies flocked -to those meetings in such numbers, that our meeting-houses were seldom -large enough to contain the assembled multitude; and we had abundant -cause for thanksgiving and gratitude to the blessed Author of all our -mercies, in condescending to manifest his holy presence, and causing -it so to preside as to produce a general solemnity, tendering and -contriting many minds, and comforting and rejoicing the upright in -heart. - -After the last mentioned meeting we proceeded on our journey, attending -meetings at Stanford, Milan, and on first day the 26th of 7th month, -the forenoon and afternoon meetings at Hudson. On second day we rested, -on third day attended a meeting at Athens, on fourth day at Ghent, -on fifth day at Chatham, on sixth day at Nassau, and on seventh day -evening we had a large meeting in Albany, held in their state-house, -generally composed of people of other professions and inhabitants of -the town, who behaved themselves very soberly, becoming the occasion. -It was a solemn, and, I trust, a profitable opportunity, in which truth -was raised into dominion; and which in like manner was witnessed in all -the foregoing meetings, the people coming together very freely and in -great numbers, and a general solemnity prevailed over the assemblies -from meeting to meeting. Surely it was the Lord’s doing, and it was -marvellous in our eyes; witnessing that he had not left himself without -an evidence of the truth in each mind, by which their understandings -were opened to receive, and many of them to bear testimony to the -doctrines delivered in those large solemn meetings. - -From Albany we proceeded on first day morning, the 2d of 8th month, to -Troy, and attended their forenoon and afternoon meetings. These were -very large meetings. The first was held in Friends’ meeting-house, but -great numbers collected more than the house could contain: this induced -Friends to accept the offer of a house belonging to the Episcopalians, -which was not occupied, for the accommodation of the afternoon -meeting. They gave the citizens an invitation to attend; and although -it was a very large building, yet it did not contain the people who -assembled, many had to go away for want of room. This was likewise a -highly favoured opportunity, in which truth reigned to the comfort and -edification of the upright in heart, and to the general satisfaction -of the assembled multitude. It was, in the estimation of Friends, the -largest meeting which had ever been assembled on any occasion before in -that city. - -On second day we had an appointed meeting at Greenbush, a village on -the east side of the river, opposite Albany. After this we proceeded on -our journey about eleven miles to the town of Bethlehem, southwesterly -from Albany. Here we lodged with our kind friend Thomas Rushmore, and -attended a meeting in his house by appointment, on third day; the -few Friends of that place were privileged with holding a meeting for -worship in this Friend’s house. On fourth day we attended Friends’ -meeting at Stanton Hill; and the three following days attended meetings -at New Baltimore, Rensselaerville, and Oak Hill. These were all large -satisfactory meetings. - -On first day we were at Bern meeting in the morning; and at the fourth -hour in the afternoon had an appointed meeting at a village called -Rensselaerville City, which was held in a large meeting-house belonging -to the Methodist society. These were very large favoured meetings, -in which the truths of the gospel went forth freely to the people, -and appeared to be gladly and satisfactorily received by them; and I -took leave of them with true peace of mind. On second day we had an -appointed meeting at Middleburgh, much to our satisfaction. It was a -very solemn instructive opportunity, and the people appeared to receive -the word preached with much readiness of mind, and we left them with -thankful hearts. - -We proceeded on third day to Duanesburgh, in order to attend their -quarterly meeting, which opened there the next day with a meeting of -Ministers and Elders, and was a favoured opportunity. The meeting for -discipline was large, and the business conducted in much harmony and -condescension; and the public meeting the next day was very large; -hundreds had to stand out of doors for want of room; and it was a -highly favoured season, worthy of grateful remembrance. - -From thence we proceeded to Charleston, and attended Friends’ meeting -there on first day, the 16th of 8th month. This was likewise a very -large meeting, the largest, Friends said, that had ever been known -there before. It was judged, that as many stood without for want of -room, as the house contained; and it was a very solemn time, both -within and without the doors. The divine canopy was felt to spread over -the whole assembly, and we took leave of them with true peace of mind -and thankfulness of heart, under a grateful sense of the unmerited -favour. - -On second day we rode to Utica; and the next day had an appointed -meeting there at the eleventh hour. After this we proceeded to -Bridgewater, and attended their fourth day meeting. These were not so -large as in some other places, neither was there as much openness to -receive our testimony as had generally been the case elsewhere. Our -opposing Friends had filled their heads with so many strange reports, -to which they had given credit without examination, by which their -minds were so strongly prejudiced against me, that many in the compass -of these two last meetings, were not willing to see me, nor hear any -reasons given to show them their mistakes, and that the reports they -had heard were altogether unfounded: however, I was favoured to -communicate the truth to those who attended, so that they generally -went away fully satisfied, and I left them with peace of mind. - -From this place we proceeded to Deruyter, having a meeting at Smyrna, -on sixth day, in our way. On first day we attended Friends’ meeting at -Deruyter in the morning, and at the fifth hour in the afternoon had an -appointed meeting in Deruyter village for the inhabitants generally, -which was held in the Baptist meeting-house. These two meetings were -very large, and they were highly favoured opportunities, in which truth -was raised into dominion over all opposition; and we parted from them -with true peace of mind, a rich reward for a faithful discharge of duty. - -The next day, the 24th of 8th month, we proceeded to Sempronius, having -a meeting by previous appointment on our way, in the town of Homer, at -the eleventh hour. It was held in a large meeting-house belonging to -the Methodist society, which they freely offered for the accommodation -of the people, there being no Friends in the place. A very considerable -number of the inhabitants attended, and behaved soberly, giving good -attention to what was communicated, and went away apparently satisfied; -and we parted with them under an humbling sense that the appointment, -and our labour and service in this meeting, were owned by the Head of -the Church. We arrived at Sempronius about sunset, and had an appointed -meeting there the next day, held in Friends’ meeting-house at the third -hour in the afternoon. This was likewise a favoured opportunity, in -which the power of truth went forth freely, humbling and contriting -many minds. - -After this we proceeded to Skeneateles, and put up with our kind friend -William Willets, and rested here the next day. On fifth day we attended -Friends’ meeting at this place, as it came in course; and notice -being given of our intention of attending it, the meeting was large. -This was a very comforting satisfactory opportunity, apparently so to -all present, although composed of many of the members of the varied -societies of professed Christians common in our land, and divers of -their ministers. - -On sixth day we had an appointed meeting in the town of Auburn, at the -third hour in the afternoon; and on seventh day, an appointed meeting -at North-street, in Scipio. These meetings were largely attended, and, -I trust, instructive profitable opportunities to many who were there. -After the latter meeting, we visited several families of Friends, and -took lodgings with our kind friend John Merritt. - -The next day being the first of the week, and 30th of 8th month, we -attended the meeting at South-street. The three following days we had -meetings, by appointment, at Salmon Creek, Aurora, and Union Springs. -These were all very large favoured meetings, in which the power of -truth went forth freely, and appeared to have a ready entrance into -the minds of the people in a very general manner, bringing a very -comfortable solemnity over these large assemblies; and we took leave of -them with thankful hearts and in true peace of mind. - -We then proceeded on our journey to Junius, crossing Cayuga lake on the -way. Here we had a meeting the next day, the fifth of the week, and 3d -of 9th month; and the day following had an appointed meeting at Galen. -These were highly favoured opportunities, in which the Lord’s presence -was felt to preside, reducing the assemblies into a very solemn state, -and truth was raised into dominion over all, to the comfort and -establishment of Friends on the ancient foundation, _the light within_; -by the power and efficacy of which, our primitive worthies were -gathered to be a people, from among the varied societies of professed -Christians. For they were settled on that unshaken rock, which Jesus -told his disciples he would build his Church upon, viz: the revelation -of his heavenly Father, against which the gates of hell should never be -able to prevail; and although the powers of the earth rose up against -them, and used all their power and policy, both priests and people, -to overthrow them, yet they were never permitted to prevail; for the -Lord Jehovah, on whose almighty arm they had placed their entire trust -and confidence for support and defence, delivered them from all their -tribulations, and set them above their persecutors, and caused them to -rejoice on the banks of deliverance. And he is the same God of power -that he ever was, and a present helper in every needful time; and -although many in the present day, who have left their first love, are -rising up, and charging their fellow-professors with holding unsound -doctrines, and are endeavouring, by unfounded and reproachful epithets, -to destroy and undermine their religious and moral character among men, -and have separated from their brethren, and set up separate meetings, -giving them the names of the meetings of Friends; and in their usurped -authority undertake to disown their fellow-members, who could not -submit to their usurpation: yet all their formal disownments being -altogether out of the order of the gospel, our meetings consider them -of no effect. - -From Galen we proceeded to South Farmington, and attended a meeting -there on seventh day, at the third hour in the afternoon; and the next -day being first day, we attended North Farmington meeting. The three -following days we had meetings at Macedon, Palmyra, and Williamson. -These were likewise large favoured meetings, in which truth was exalted -over all, and we parted with them in true peace of mind, and proceeded -on our journey to Rochester, and had a meeting on sixth day, by -appointment: we also staid and attended their meeting on first day. - -After this we proceeded to Wheatland, and had an appointed meeting -there on second day, the 14th of 9th month; on third day we were -at Henrietta, and on fourth day at Mendon. These were all favoured -opportunities; the people’s minds seemed to be open to receive us and -our testimony with gladness. From this place we turned back through -Farmington and Scipio, to Skeneateles, and attended a meeting by -our appointment at a village about five miles from the village of -Skeneateles, on the east side of the lake. On first day we attended -Friends’ meeting at Skeneateles; on second day we proceeded to Verona; -and the next day had a meeting there, held in a meeting-house occupied -by the Baptists, Friends’ meeting-house being too small to contain the -people who assembled. - -The next day being fourth day, we proceeded to Utica, and had an -appointed meeting in the evening. Here we remained over the next day, -and attended Friends’ meeting as it came in course. From this place -we proceeded to Charleston, and attended their meeting on first day. -These meetings, in like manner, were all solemn seasons; and, I trust, -profitable and comfortable to many; and I left them with peace of mind. -After the last meeting, we rode about thirteen miles, and lodged with -our kind friend Zacheus Mead. The following day we proceeded on our -journey to Newtown; and the next day attended Friends’ meeting there. -After this we proceeded to Saratoga, and attended Friends’ preparative -meeting at that place; and not feeling clear to leave it, we had an -appointed meeting there the day after, of which public notice was -given. It was very large; and it proved a highly favoured season; the -Lord’s presence was manifested for our help, and truth was raised into -dominion, and ran like oil over the assembly. Many hearts were broken -and contrited, and the upright in heart were made to rejoice for the -unmerited favour. - -The following day we had an appointed meeting at Milton. After this -we proceeded to Galway, and lodged with our ancient friend Philip -Macomber, who was in the ninety-first year of his age. Here we had -a meeting on seventh day. The next day, the 4th of 10th month, we -attended Providence meeting, which was very large. On second day we had -an appointed meeting at Mayfield. These were all seasons of favour, -particularly that at Providence, in which truth was exalted over all -opposition, and many hearts were contrited; from a sense of which, our -minds were bowed in reverence and humiliation before Him, who is the -author of all our sure mercies. - -We proceeded from Mayfield to Greenfield, and on fourth day attended -Friends’ monthly meeting at that place, which was composed of that and -Milton preparative meetings. We had good satisfaction in sitting with -our Friends, and in observing their commendable order, and the harmony -and condescension manifest in conducting the affairs of the Church. - -From thence we proceeded to Easton, and had an appointed meeting there -on sixth day. On seventh day we were at Cambridge, on first day at -White Creek, and on second day we rode to Danby, and the next day had -a meeting there. These were all large and very solemn seasons, in -which the great Head of the Church manifested his gracious presence, -convicting and contriting many minds, and the upright in heart were -edified. From Danby we proceeded to Granville, and had an appointed -meeting there the next day, which was a large solemn opportunity. The -day after we proceeded on our journey to Shoram, a town on the eastern -shore of Lake Champlain. Here we had a meeting the next day with the -few Friends of that place, and some of the neighbouring inhabitants. -It was a comfortable opportunity, and we left them with peace of mind. -We then rode to Ferrisburgh, and on first day, the 18th of 10th month, -had a very large favoured meeting at that place. On second day we had -an appointed meeting at Monkton. This was likewise a large favoured -opportunity, in which truth reigned over all opposition, to the praise -of his own excellent name, who is over all, God blessed for ever. - -As I was somewhat unwell, we rested on third day with our kind friends -Thomas and Rowland T. Robinson; and feeling my mind now clear from -any further service in these parts, on fourth day we turned our faces -homewards, and proceeded back to Shoram. On fifth day we had an -appointed meeting in that village, principally for those not members of -our society. Although the people came together in a negligent manner -as respected the appointed time, yet they generally behaved orderly, -and appeared to give good attention to what they heard; and my mouth -was opened by Him who opens and none can shut, in a large effective -testimony to the truths of the gospel; which brought a precious -solemnity over the assembly, and they appeared to go away satisfied, -and we left them with the answer of peace in our own minds. - -The next day we proceeded on our journey to Granville, and from thence -the following day to Queensbury. On first day, the 25th of 10th month, -we attended Friends’ meeting there; and notice being given to the -neighbouring inhabitants of our attendance, they came in until the -house was filled, and a number had to stand without for want of room; -and a blessed meeting we had, in which the power of truth ran as oil -over the assembly, tendering and contriting many minds, and to the -comfort and rejoicing of the upright in heart. - -We had an appointed meeting on the following day at Moreau, which was -a large favoured meeting. From thence we proceeded to Saratoga, and -lodged with our kind friend Thomas Wilbur, and the next day Thomas -accompanied us to Pittstown, where we had an appointed meeting on -fourth day. This was truly an humbling season, in which truth was -exalted over all; great brokenness and contrition of spirit were -manifested among the people, and we were edified together in love, -which inspired our minds with thanksgiving and gratitude for the -unmerited favour. - -From this place we proceeded to Troy, and as I was somewhat unwell, we -rested the following day with our kind friend Isaac Merritt. On sixth -day we proceeded on our journey to the neighbourhood of Hudson, and put -up with our kind friend Thomas Wright; and seventh day being very rainy -and inclement we continued here, and attended Hudson meeting on first -day, which was a large satisfactory meeting. - -On second day we proceeded on our journey to Stanford, and lodged with -our kind friend John Hull. The two following days we attended the -quarterly meeting at Nine Partners. At this place there is a very large -body of Friends united together in gospel fellowship, and they were -favoured to conduct the business of the quarterly meeting in harmony -and condescension. The public meeting was very large. It was attended -by a great number who were not in membership with us, and who behaved -orderly, and it was indeed a very solemn edifying season. - -After the close of this meeting, we returned that evening to Stanford, -in order to attend the quarterly meeting at that place, which opened -the next day with a meeting of Ministers and Elders. I attended -this, and the following day, the meeting for discipline. A large -number of the neighbouring inhabitants attended this meeting, and -sat with Friends, until the partition between the men and women was -closed. They behaved very orderly, and a precious solemnity spread -over the assembly, and many essential doctrines of the gospel were -opened to the people in the demonstration of the spirit, truth was -raised into victory over all, and the upright in heart were edified -and comforted. The meeting of Ministers and Elders was likewise a -precious opportunity, in which comfort and encouragement were freely -administered to them. - -From Stanford we proceeded on our journey to Cornwall, crossing the -Hudson river on our way. We arrived here on seventh day evening, and -attended their meeting on first day, the 8th of 11th month. This -meeting was large, and a truly baptizing season, in which many hearts -were humbled and contrited, and truth reigned over all; thanks be to -God, who giveth us the victory, nothing due to man. - -The two following days we had meetings appointed at the Lower and Upper -Clove. These were well attended, and, I trust, profitable edifying -seasons to many present. They were composed of people of various -professions, conditions, and states; yet all appeared to be brought -down and subjected by the solemnizing influence and power of truth, -that reigned victoriously over all. Surely it was the Lord’s doing, -and it was marvellous in our eyes. These meetings closed my labour and -exercise in the gospel, to Friends and others in the yearly meetings of -Philadelphia, Baltimore, Ohio, Indiana, and New-York, as expressed in a -certificate of unity and concurrence, given me by the monthly meeting -of Jericho, and quarterly meeting of Westbury. - -From the latter meeting we proceeded the next day directly to New-York, -where we arrived on fourth day evening. The day after we attended -Friends’ meeting at Hester-street, it being their usual meeting day; -and a marriage being accomplished at the close of it, it was larger -than usual, as many of the neighbouring inhabitants attended. Way -opened for me to declare the truth among them, to the peace of my own -mind, and to the mutual comfort and encouragement of the upright in -heart. I rested here until first day, and attended Friends’ meeting -at Rose-street in the morning, and that held at Hester-street in the -afternoon. They were both very large solemn meetings. On second day -evening I had an appointed meeting at Brooklyn, likewise a large and -very favoured season. In all of these meetings the word preached had -free course, and I had, in the openings of truth, to declare to these -large mixed assemblages many things concerning the kingdom of God; and -the only sure way by which an admittance into his kingdom of peace and -joy may be obtained by the children of men. - -The foregoing meetings were times of favour, and as a seal from the -hand of our gracious and never-failing Helper, to the labour and -travail which he has led me into, and enabled me to perform, for the -promotion of his great and noble cause of truth and righteousness in -the earth, as set forth in the foregoing account, and not suffering -any weapon formed against me to prosper. “This is the heritage of the -servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the -Lord.” For all these unmerited favours and mercies, in deep humiliation -my soul doth magnify the Lord, and return thanksgiving and glory to his -great and excellent name; for his mercy endureth for ever. - -On third day we proceeded homeward, and attended Westbury monthly -meeting on fourth day, on our way. After this I rode home, and found my -family well, to our mutual rejoicing; and we greeted each other with -thankful hearts for the unmerited favour. - -We travelled in this journey nearly fifteen hundred miles. - - ELIAS HICKS. - - * * * * * - -E. H. here closed his Journal, and signed his name; after which he -lived a little more than two months. - - - - -APPENDIX. - - -LETTER TO HUGH JUDGE, OF OHIO. - - _Jericho, 2d mo. 14th, 1830._ - -Dear Hugh, - -Thy very acceptable letter of the 21st ultimo, was duly received, and -read with interest, tending to excite renewed sympathetic, and mutual -fellow-feeling; and brought to my remembrance the cheering salutation -of the blessed Jesus, our holy and perfect pattern and example, to -his disciples, viz: “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” By -which he assured his disciples that, by walking in the same pathway of -self-denial and the cross which he trod to blessedness, they might also -overcome the world; as nothing has ever enabled any rational being, in -any age of the world, to overcome the spirit of the world, which lieth -in wickedness, but the cross of Christ. - -Some may query, what is the cross of Christ? To these I answer, it is -the perfect law of God written on the tablet of the heart, and in the -heart of every rational creature, in such indelible characters that -all the power of mortals cannot erase nor obliterate. Neither is there -any power or means given or dispensed to the children of men, but this -inward law and light by which the true and saving knowledge of God -can be obtained. And by this inward law and light, all will be either -justified or condemned, and all be made to know God for themselves, and -be left without excuse, agreeably to the prophecy of Jeremiah, and the -corroborating testimony of Jesus in his last counsel and command to his -disciples, not to depart from Jerusalem until they should receive power -from on high; assuring them that they should receive power, when they -had received the pouring forth of the spirit upon them, which would -qualify them to bear witness of him in Judea, Jerusalem, Samaria, and -to the uttermost parts of the earth; which was verified in a marvellous -manner on the day of Pentecost, when thousands were converted to the -Christian faith in one day. By which it is evident, that nothing but -this inward light and law, as it is heeded and obeyed, ever did, or -ever can make a true and real Christian and child of God. And until the -professors of Christianity agree to lay aside all their non-essentials -in religion, and rally to this unchangeable foundation and standard -of truth, wars and fightings, confusion and error will prevail, and -the angelic song cannot be heard in our land, that of “glory to God in -the highest, and on earth peace and good will to men.” But when all -nations are made willing to make this inward law and light, the rule -and standard of all their faith and works, then we shall be brought -to know and believe alike, that there is but one Lord, one faith, and -but one baptism; one God and Father, that is above all, through all, -and in all; and then will all those glorious and consoling prophecies, -recorded in the scriptures of truth be fulfilled. Isaiah ii. 4, “He,” -the Lord, “shall judge among the nations, and rebuke many people: and -they shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into -pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither -shall they learn war any more.” Isaiah xi. “The wolf also shall dwell -with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the -calf, and the young lion, and the fatling together; and a little child -shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones -shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And -the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned -child put his hand on the cockatrice’s den. They shall not hurt nor -destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth,” that is our earthly -tabernacles, “shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters -cover the sea.” - -These scripture testimonies give a true and correct description of the -gospel state, and no rational being can be a real Christian and true -disciple of Christ, until he comes to know all these things verified -in his own experience, as every man and woman has more or less of all -those different animal propensities and passions in their nature; and -they predominate and bear rule, and are the source and fountain from -whence all wars, and every evil work proceed, and will continue as -long as man remains in his first nature, and is governed by his animal -spirit and propensities, which constitute the natural man, which Paul -tells us “receiveth not the things of the spirit of God, for they -are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them, because they are -spiritually discerned.” This corroborates the declaration of Jesus to -Nicodemus, “that, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom -of God;” for “that which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which -is born of the spirit is spirit.” Here Jesus assures us, beyond all -doubt, that nothing but spirit can either see or enter into the kingdom -of God; and this confirms Paul’s doctrine, that “as many as are led by -the spirit of God are the sons of God,” and “joint heirs with Christ.” -And Jesus assures us, by his declaration to his disciples, John xiv. -16, 17, “If ye love me, keep my commandments; and I will pray the -Father, and he shall give you another comforter, that he may abide with -you for ever, even the spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive;” -that is, men and women in their natural state, who have not given up to -be led by this spirit of truth, that leads and guides into all truth; -“because they see him not, neither do they know him, but ye know him, -for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.” And as these give up -to be wholly led and guided by him, the new birth is brought forth -in them, and they witness the truth of another testimony of Paul’s, -even that of being created anew in Christ Jesus unto good works, which -God had foreordained that all his new-born children should walk in -them, and thereby show forth by their fruits and good works, that -they were truly the children of God, born of his spirit, and taught -of him; agreeably to the testimony of the prophet, that “the children -of the Lord are all taught of the Lord, and in righteousness they are -established, and great is the peace of his children.” And nothing can -make them afraid that man can do unto them; as saith the prophet in his -appeal to Jehovah, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is -staid on thee, because he trusteth in thee.” Therefore, let every one -that loves the truth, for God is truth, “trust in the Lord for ever, -for in the Lord Jehovah there is everlasting strength.” - -I write these things to thee, not as though thou didst not know them, -but as a witness to thy experience, as “two are better than one, and a -threefold cord is not quickly broken.” - -I will now draw to a close, with just adding, for thy encouragement, -be of good cheer, for no new thing has happened to us; for it has -ever been the lot of the righteous to pass through many trials and -tribulations, in their passage to that glorious, everlasting, peaceful, -and happy abode, where all sorrow and sighing come to an end--the -value of which is above all price; for when we have given all that we -have and can give, and suffered all that we can suffer, it is still -infinitely below its real value. And if we are favoured to gain an -inheritance in that blissful and peaceful abode, “where the wicked -cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest,” we must ascribe it -all to the unmerited mercy and loving-kindness of our heavenly Father, -who remains to be God over all, blessed for ever. - -I will now conclude; and in the fulness of brotherly love to thee and -thine, in which my family unite, subscribe thy affectionate friend, - - ELIAS HICKS. - -To Hugh Judge. - -Please present my love to all my friends, as way opens. - - * * * * * - -The writing of the preceding letter was the last act in the life of -this eminent individual, and the attentive reader will not fail to -regard it as an act of peculiar interest. It was as a seal to the -labours of a long life, and evinced the abiding and lively efficacy -of that internal principle which he had uniformly sought as his -director and preserver. But the work of this faithful servant was now -accomplished; “the silver cord was loosed,” and that spirit which had -been so diligently active in the service of its Divine Master, was -now to rest from its labours, and to reap its reward. Just when he -had finished the letter alluded to, he was attacked with a paralytic -affection, under the effects of which he became gradually weaker; but -his mind remained established in great peace and serenity, and on the -27th of 2d month, 1830, he calmly expired, aged nearly eighty-two years. - -Of the character of this extraordinary man, it is not necessary now -to speak. The preceding pages describe the nature of his engagements; -and an estimate may thence be formed, of the fervency of his spirit, -and the brightness of his example. In his general deportment, and -in the expression of his countenance, there was a remarkable union -of gentleness and dignity, indicating the habitual benevolence -and solemnity of his feelings; and his public communications were -accompanied with a power and an authority which demonstrated the purity -of the source from whence they were derived. The promotion of spiritual -holiness and practical righteousness in the earth, were the objects of -his constant solicitude; and he endeavoured, through divine assistance, -to exemplify in his own daily experience, the comprehensive command of -the prophet, “To do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy -God.” - - THE MEMORIAL OF JERICHO MONTHLY MEETING OF FRIENDS CONCERNING OUR - ANCIENT FRIEND ELIAS HICKS. - -We believe the example exhibited in the life and religious exercise -of this our beloved Friend, is eminently calculated to set forth the -efficacy and sufficiency of that divine grace, which, when believed in -and obeyed, bringeth salvation. - -He was born in the town of Hempstead, Queens county, Long Island, state -of New-York, the 19th day of the 3d month, 1748. His parents’ names -were John and Martha Hicks. At the age of seventeen he was placed as an -apprentice to learn the trade of a carpenter; on the expiration of his -term, he returned to his father, with whom he lived until the time of -his marriage, which took place about the twenty-third year of his age, -to Jemima, daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth Seaman, of Jericho, in -said county, where he resided the remainder of his life. - -From his own account we learn, that when very young, he was favoured -with clear and powerful impressions of divine grace operating on his -mind as a reprover for evil, which not duly regarding, and being -naturally of a lively and active disposition, he associated with those -who indulged in the vanities and amusements too common in the world, -though mostly in things deemed innocent by the generality of mankind. -But the gift of divine grace, which was so early manifested, did not -forsake him, though he often strove to stifle its convictions, but -followed him in judgment and in mercy, until a willingness was wrought -in him to give up all to follow Christ, in the regeneration. On one -occasion, when preparing to join in the dance, and surrounded by his -jovial companions, the pure witness rose so powerfully in his mind, -and so clearly set before him the evil tendency of the course he was -pursuing, that he reasoned not with flesh and blood, but gave up to -the heavenly vision, and in deep contrition and prostration of soul, -entered into covenant with the God of his life, that if he would be -pleased to furnish him with strength, he would endeavour not to be -again found in the like disobedience; which covenant, through mercy, -he was favoured to keep inviolate. Thus, submitting to the purifying -operation of the Holy Ghost and fire, he was, in due time, qualified -and called to declare to others what God had done for his soul; under -the divine anointing, he was enabled to unfold the truths of the -gospel, in the demonstration of the spirit and with power. And, through -a faithful obedience to that which had begun the good work in him, he -became an eminent instrument in the Lord’s hand, for the promotion of -truth and righteousness in the earth. - -He first appeared in the ministry, about the twenty-seventh year of his -age, and from this period, his time and talents were devoted to the -cause of his Divine Master, labouring diligently for its advancement, -not only at home, and in his own neighbourhood, but in most parts of -this continent where there are settlements of Friends, and also, in -many places amongst those not of our society. In declaring what he -believed to be the counsel of God, he was bold and fearless, and his -ministry, though unadorned with the embellishments of human learning, -was clear and powerful. In argument he was strong and convincing, -and his appeals to the experience and convictions of his hearers, -were striking and appropriate. He saw, and deeply lamented the great -departure of many in the society of Friends, from that plainness and -simplicity, and that godly sincerity, which characterized it in the -beginning. Hence he felt himself called upon, under the influence -of the love of the gospel, to admonish his brethren in religious -profession, to rally to the ancient standard, the light of truth -manifested in the heart, and to follow no man any further, than he -should be found a follower of Christ. He assailed the strong holds -of superstition and bigotry with great boldness, which sometimes -alarmed the timid, and roused the prejudices of others. Yet to the -candid inquirer and sincere seeker after truth, he breathed the -language of encouragement, of consolation and of comfort. His great -and primary concern was to draw the minds of the people to practical -righteousness--from all outward dependance to the sure foundation, -the rock of ages, the spirit of truth, the comforter, “Christ within, -the hope of glory.” He generally corroborated the doctrines which he -preached, by appropriate references to the testimonies and experience -of those who have gone before us, as recorded in the scriptures of -truth. Through the efficacy of that power which enabled him to say, “By -the grace of God, I am what I am,” many were convinced of the truth, -through his ministry. - -So full and pointed was his testimony against a hireling ministry, -which he held to be, not only in direct violation of the great gospel -precept “Freely ye have received, freely give,” but fraught with -incalculable injury to the best interests of mankind, that he sometimes -gave offence to those, whose minds were strongly biased in its favour. -Yet such was the general kindness and benevolence of his character, -that he did not willingly give offence to any. While he condemned -the practice, he was kind and charitable to those, who, through the -influence of education and early prejudice, differed from him on this -subject. Such was his concern that his examples should comport with his -testimony, that he was scrupulously careful to defray his own expenses -when travelling as a minister. - -When his meetings were attended by a large concourse of persons of -various denominations, the solemnity and stillness that prevailed, -were often very remarkable, reminding us of the testimony of -primitive Friends, that the power accompanying their gospel labours -so overshadowed the assemblies, that truth reigned over all. Being -deeply sensible of his own inability to promote the cause of truth and -righteousness, without divine aid, he was engaged to dwell near the -fountain of light and life, and to minister as this opened and gave -ability. He was indeed an example of Christian humility, and eminently -preserved from being elated by the applause of men, or depressed by -their censure. Many were the exercises which he felt on account of -the evils which abound in the world, and the oppressed condition of -the African race excited his tenderest sympathy. Their cause engaged -his earnest solicitude for the greater part of his life, and he was -often led feelingly and powerfully to advocate it. We believe that many -were convinced, through his labours, of the cruelty and injustice of -holding them in bondage. He bore for many years a faithful testimony -against slavery, by carefully abstaining from the use of articles which -he believed to be produced by the labour of slaves. When at home, and -not engaged in services more strictly of a religious character, he -laboured diligently with his own hands, believing it the duty of all -to be usefully employed in obtaining the necessaries of life; and when -acquired, he acted as a steward under the direction of the bountiful -Giver, being restrained from using them for selfish gratification. -In the various relations of life he was a bright example, worthy -of imitation: he was an affectionate husband; and as a father and -guardian, his concern for the religious and moral education of his -children, and those placed under his care, was very great, that they -might be brought up in the fear and admonition of the Lord. For these -ends he exercised the authority of a parent with firmness, but in -much tenderness and love. His tender sympathy was excited for the -poor, to whom he was a kind and liberal friend, often supplying their -necessities. It may be truly said of him, that he was a man fearing God -and hating covetousness. He was a peace-maker, endeavouring, both by -precept and example, to promote harmony in his neighbourhood; and in -this respect he was very useful, his Christian deportment having gained -the confidence and affection of his neighbours. He was very diligent -in the attendance of religious meetings, and often led to encourage -others, assuring them, from his own experience, that none could expect -to increase in the divine life, until they considered that important -duty paramount to temporal concerns: he was also conspicuously useful -in supporting the discipline of the society. - -At a very advanced age he continued to labour in the Lord’s vineyard, -with the same fervent zeal, the same dedication of heart, for which he -had been so eminently distinguished in the earlier stages of his life; -and in the exercise of his gift in the ministry, he was as lively, -clear, and cogent, as at any former period. Having been long taught in -the school of Christ, and being deeply experienced in the things which -concern our eternal well-being, he was well qualified to administer -counsel and encouragement to others; and was frequently led, feelingly -and forcibly, to impress upon the minds of the rising generation, the -importance and necessity of early attention to the inward discoveries -of divine light; cautioning them not to rest in the tradition of their -fathers, but to walk by the same rule, and to mind the same thing, -which has led the righteous in all ages safely through time; nor to -depend upon the teachings of men, for that knowledge which brings life -and immortality to light in the soul; declaring that faithfulness and -obedience to the influence of divine grace in their own hearts, could -only qualify them to advance the standard of truth and righteousness -in the earth. His dedication to the law of the spirit of life in -Christ Jesus, his firmness in the support of those testimonies -which he felt himself called upon to maintain, and his plainness in -reproving unfaithfulness in others, and bearing testimony against every -appearance of evil, gave offence to some; yet none of these things -moved him, neither counted he his life dear to himself, so that he -might finish his course with joy, and the ministry he had received, -to testify the gospel of the grace of God; and we are persuaded that -his feet were established upon that rock, against which the powers of -darkness shall never be able to prevail. He was favoured, in times -of the greatest trial, to experience the truth of the prophetic -declaration, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed -on thee, because he trusteth in thee.” - -He was favoured with a good constitution, and in the decline of -life, was still actively engaged in the concerns of society, and -industriously employed in his temporal avocations. - -His mental powers continued strong and vigorous to the end of his -labours. His comprehensive and energetic mind was apparently but very -little impaired by the revolution of more than fourscore years. Within -the last two years of his life, he travelled extensively in the work of -the ministry. - -When he was eighty years of age, 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-York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Virginia, -Ohio, and Indiana. He obtained a certificate of unity and concurrence -from this monthly meeting, endorsed by Westbury quarterly meeting. -In this visit he experienced many deep probations on account of the -unsettled state of society. “For the divisions of Reuben, there were -great searchings of heart.” Yet he was enabled to accomplish his visit -to the southern and western yearly meetings, agreeably to his prospect. -Shortly after his return from this journey, he met with a severe -affliction in the loss of his beloved companion, with whom he had lived -in near union and affection for fifty-eight years. - -In the summer of 1829, in pursuance of his prospect as before -mentioned, he visited most of the meetings of Friends in the northern -and western parts of our yearly meeting. His gospel labours, during -these arduous and extensive visits, were productive of satisfaction and -peace to his own mind, and were peculiarly seasonable and acceptable -to his friends, as appears by numerous certificates of near unity, -which he produced to this meeting on his return home; after which, he -attended all the meetings of Friends in the city of New-York, and on -this island, very much to their satisfaction. In these last visits, -as heretofore, his gospel labours were remarkably clear and powerful, -and we trust are profitably remembered by many. He seemed renewedly -concerned on account of the deviations from that plainness and -simplicity into which the truth would lead; and expressed the comfort -it would be to him to see a reformation in these respects. - -On first day morning, the 14th of 2d month last, he was engaged in -his room, writing to a friend, until a little after ten o’clock, when -he returned to that occupied by the family, apparently just attacked -by a paralytic affection, which nearly deprived him of the use of his -right side, and of the power of speech. Being assisted to a chair near -the fire, he manifested by signs, that the letter which he had just -finished, and which had been dropped by the way, should be taken care -of; and on its being brought to him, appeared satisfied, and manifested -a desire that all should sit down and be still, seemingly sensible -that his labours were brought to a close, and only desirous of quietly -waiting the final change. The solemn composure at this time manifest in -his countenance, was very impressive, indicating that he was sensible -the time of his departure was at hand, and that the prospect of death -brought no terrors with it. During his last illness, his mental -faculties were occasionally obscured, yet he was at times enabled to -give satisfactory evidence to those around him, that all was well, and -that he felt nothing in his way. - -His dependance had long been upon that arm of power alone, which -supported him under every probation, and near the conclusion of the -letter above alluded to, he thus expressed himself: “And if we are -favoured to gain an inheritance in that blissful and peaceful abode, -where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest, we -must ascribe it all to the unmerited mercy and loving kindness of our -heavenly Father, who remains to be God over all, blessed for ever.” He -continued gradually to decline until the evening of the 27th, when he -quietly passed from the trials of time, we doubt not, to receive the -reward of the righteous. - -His funeral took place on fourth day, the 3d of 3d month. It was -attended by a large concourse of Friends and others, and a solid -meeting was held on the occasion; after which, his remains were -interred in Friends’ burial ground at this place. - - -Signed by direction and on behalf of Jericho Monthly Meeting, held 4th -month, 15th, 1830. - - WILLET ROBBINS, } _Clerks_. - ABIGAIL HICKS, } - - -At Westbury Quarterly Meeting held at Westbury, the 22d of 4th month, -1830. - -A memorial of Jericho Monthly Meeting, concerning our late beloved -friend Elias Hicks, was produced and read, and being satisfactory to -the meeting, was approved, directed to be endorsed, and forwarded to -the Meeting for Sufferings. - -Signed on behalf of the meeting by - - STEPHEN UNDERHILL, } _Clerks_. - SARAH COCK, } - -At a Meeting for Sufferings held in New-York, 5th month, 26th, 1830, - -The memorial from Jericho Monthly Meeting, endorsed by the Quarterly -Meeting of Westbury, concerning our beloved friend Elias Hicks, -deceased, being deliberately attended to, was approved and directed to -the Yearly Meeting. - -Extract from minutes of said meeting. - - JOHN BARROW, _Clerk_. - - -At the Yearly Meeting of New-York, held by adjournments, from the 24th -of the 5th month, to the 28th of the same inclusive, 1830, - -A testimony of Jericho Monthly Meeting, endorsed by Westbury Quarterly -Meeting, and approved by the Meeting for Sufferings, concerning our -ancient beloved friend Elias Hicks, was read and approved. Much -solicitude was felt and expressed that it may, with the remembrance of -his exemplary life, encourage us to walk by the same rule, and to mind -the same thing, which enabled him to become so eminently useful in his -day and generation. - - SAMUEL MOTT, } _Clerks_. - ANN M. COMSTOCK, } - - - - -TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE. - - -Archaic and obsolete spellings and usage were left as originally -printed, however obvious typos were fixed. Place names are often -misspelled by current standards, but are easily recognizable. - -Details of the changes are below, the correction being inside square -braces. - - Page 019 proceeded to Oswego and Appoquague[Apoquague], and then to - Page 037 at Little Esopus, Marlborough, and Newburg[Newburgh] Valley; - Page 038 near Salem, Purchase, Apoquage[Apoquague], Mamaroneck, and - Page 051 Champlain, and got to Ferrisburg[Ferrisburgh] just in time - Page 054 occasioned by the many obvious deficiences[deficiencies] and - Page 061 travail among them, being baptised[baptized] into their low - Page 072 following days we attended meetings at Monallen[Menallen] - Page 079 15th we were at Moore’s Town and Rancocus[Rancocas]; in the - Page 114 at Chesnut Ridge, and Poquague[Poughquague], we proceeded - Page 210 manner, the way and means of man’s salvavation[salvation]; - Page 217 own experience, those works of righeousness[righteousness] - Page 220 it made his heart glad, and he took Micha’s[Micah’s] ephod, - Page 223 attend Friend’s[Friends’] meetings: and towards his close, - Page 232 business, not feeeling[feeling] any particular religious - Page 275 the excellency of the gospel dispenpensation[dispensation], - Page 290 covering over the meeeting[meeting]. - Page 301 to-day, to morrow[to-morrow] is dead. This subject very - Page 301 funeral, and led to an awkening[awakening] communication, - Page 301 our aproaching[approaching] yearly meeting. Left home early - Page 306 more faithfulnes[faithfulness] and attention to the inward - Page 311 attended Friend’s[Friends’] meeting at Plainfield. Notice - Page 315 Huntington and Monallin[Menallen]. In these opportunities my - Page 315 From Monallin[Menallen] we rode to Baltimore, in order to - Page 320 seven following days we attended meetings at Mulica[Mullica] - Page 352 the Saw Pitts[Pits]. Here we had a meeting the next day at - Page 359 Creek, and attended Friend’s[Friends’] meeting as it came in - Page 360 day we proceeded towards Ferrisburg[Ferrisburgh], where we - Page 369 return from the service he he[duplicate] had sent them out - Page 373 that my proceedure[procedure] was under right direction; for - Page 376 Concord, St. Clairville[Clairsville], Plainfield, Flushing, - Page 402 Huntington and Monallin[Menallen]. These were all favoured - Page 424 11th, we attended Friends’ meeting at Rancocus[Rancocas]. - Page 429 in this Friends’[Friend’s] house. On fourth day we attended - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Journal of the Life and Religious -Labours of Elias Hicks, by Elias Hicks - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOURNAL--LIFE OF ELIAS HICKS *** - -***** This file should be named 61777-0.txt or 61777-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/1/7/7/61777/ - -Produced by Emmanuel Ackerman and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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