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.