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.