General visit to Friends of the yearly meeting of New-York, 1819.

I continued at and about home, until the commencement of the year 1819, attending our meetings as they came in course. I also attended two funerals, at which I had good service; and the meeting at Westbury, on a first day, in which I was led to open to Friends the three principal requisites to the being, and well-being, of a Christian. The first being a real belief in God and Christ, as one undivided essence, known and believed in, inwardly and spiritually. The second, a complete passive obedience and submission to the divine will and power inwardly and spiritually manifested; which, when known, brings to the Christian state, through a crucifixion of the old man, with all his ungodly deeds. The third, in order for the preservation and well-being of a Christian, it is necessary that they often meet and assemble together, for the promotion of love and good works, and as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. For this purpose the Lord’s people and children have been led by his spirit to appoint times and seasons in which to present themselves before him. Of these times, all being apprized, and living within a reasonable distance of the place so appointed, it becomes their bounden duty to attend, in order to wait upon, and thereby become qualified to worship God, in spirit and in truth; and no temporal concern of the greatest magnitude ought be considered as a sufficient excuse for omitting this great and necessary duty. For the experience of many ages has shown, that those who suffer their temporal business to divert them from a steady attendance on their religious meetings, never make any real proficiency in religion, or the true spiritual life. The communication was impressive, and reached the witness in many minds, and truth was exalted, and the honest-hearted comforted, and I was made glad in believing that my labour had not been in vain. Such seasons are truly worthy of grateful remembrance.

As, on my return home, I did not feel myself released from a further prosecution of my concern, and visit to Friends of our yearly meeting, with the concurrence of my friends, I retained the minute I had received for that purpose, and on the 2d of 1st month, 1819, I again left home, and proceeded in the engagement. My son-in-law Valentine Hicks joined me as companion in the journey. We proceeded to New-York; and, the next day being the first of the week, we attended Friends’ meeting at Pearl-street in the morning. After this, in the afternoon, we proceeded on our journey as far as our friend Thomas Walker’s, at West Farms, near West Chester, where we had a meeting, at the sixth hour in the evening. On second day, we had an appointed meeting at Mamaroneck. These meetings were in a good degree favoured, in which the presence and love of our heavenly Father were felt to preside.

On third day we had another opportunity, by appointment, at White Plains, in the court-house. It was rather a season of hard labour, as the truths communicated did not appear to have free course, in any general way; but, I trust, some were instructed and edified. On fourth and fifth days, we attended Friends’ meetings at Purchase, and Shapaqua. As notice was given of our intention to attend them, they were large; and through divine condescension, they proved seasons of favour, in which the truths of the gospel were largely declared in the demonstration of the spirit, to the edification of the assemblies, and peace of my own mind.

The two following days we attended meetings at Croton Valley, and Amawalk. They were well attended by Friends, and some others. I was led to open among them many essential doctrines of the Christian religion; and to show to the people, in the openings of truth, the way and means by which, and by which only, our redemption and salvation can be effected. The testimonies had a very reaching effect upon the auditories: many present were much broken and contrited, and truth was raised into victory, and a precious solemnity was spread over the meetings, to the comfort and edification of the honest-hearted, which was cause of thankfulness and gratitude to the beneficent Author of all our mercies.

First day the 10th. We attended Friends’ meeting at Croton in the morning, and at Peekskill in the evening. Both were full meetings, in which the power of the gospel was felt to preside, furnishing with wisdom and strength to divide the word, to the several states present, in a way which seemed to give each his due portion, and none sent empty away, but those who refused to take their own part. Many hearts were broken and contrited, and the honest-hearted comforted; and the Lord’s name and power praised and exalted over all, who is worthy for ever.

On second day we rode to Nine Partners; and on third day evening had an appointed meeting at Dover. It was held in a pretty large school-house, there being no other place so convenient in the neighbourhood; but it was too small to contain the people who assembled, some being obliged to stand without, for want of room. It was a very solemn, instructive meeting.

On fourth day we attended Pleasant Valley meeting; and notice being given of our expectation to attend it, the meeting was large. A considerable number of other societies were present who behaved soberly, consistent with the occasion. It was a season of great favour, under a sense of which the honest-hearted were made to rejoice.

After this, we proceeded to Poughkeepsie, and attended an appointed meeting in the evening, at the sixth hour. It was held in their court-house, a large convenient room, but not sufficient to contain the people who assembled; many were obliged to withdraw for want of room. It proved, through the condescending goodness of our heavenly Father, a blessed meeting to myself, and, we had cause to believe, to the assembly in general. Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift: yet we have reason to believe there were some present watching for evil, as carpers and opposers, if we may judge from the conduct of the hireling priests, since I was there a few weeks before, as I was informed at this time, that they had joined together to calumniate me, an endeavour to lay waste the testimony I then had to bear. We tarried here most of the next day, visiting some of our friends.

On sixth day we proceeded to Hudson, where we arrived at evening. The following evening, we had an appointed meeting in the town of Claverack, about four miles distant from Hudson. The inhabitants were mostly Dutch; a considerable number attended, and behaved pretty soberly; and way opened to communicate divers truths of the gospel, in a clear and impressive manner among them, to which they paid good attention, and appeared to be generally well satisfied. The next day, being first day, we attended Friends’ meeting in Hudson, and an appointed meeting in the evening. The latter was very large, more than the house could contain. These were favoured meetings, in which I was largely led forth in testimony to the truths of the Christian religion, setting forth, in a clear manner, the ground and source from whence all true religion and true worship have their spring and origin. A general solemnity prevailed, and truth was raised into dominion over all.

On second day, we proceeded to Kinderhook, and had a meeting in the evening in a school-house, and on third day afternoon, we had an appointed meeting in Spencertown. These were both crowded meetings, mostly made up of the different societies common among us; many of them were the descendants of the old Dutch inhabitants, not much acquainted with our customs and order; yet they generally behaved soberly, and gave good attention to the testimonies borne. Many gospel truths were opened to their consideration, and the Lord’s presence and power were felt to crown these solemn assemblies; and I parted from them in true peace and thankfulness of heart.

On fourth and fifth days, we attended Friends’ meetings at Kline Kiln, and New Britain. In both of these meetings, I had good service for truth and its blessed cause, and the hurtful tendency of a dependance on forms, and outward ordinances and ceremonies in religion and worship, was laid open and exposed.

On sixth day, we proceeded to Troy, where we rested on seventh day, and wrote to our families. On first day, we attended Friends’ meetings at Troy, both forenoon and afternoon, and, information being given that we were there, they were large. At the forenoon meeting, more assembled than the house could contain; and that gracious Being, who never leaves nor forsakes his dependant children, whose trust is fixed on him, was near for our help; and opened my heart and mouth in both meetings, to declare largely of the things concerning the kingdom of God, and to open many gospel truths to the people, and to show the fallacy and hurtful tendency of all ceremonial religion, which consists in the observance of days and times, and outward ordinances. The people were generally attentive; and I found solid peace in my labours of love among them.

On second day, we proceeded to Pittstown, and the next day had a meeting appointed there, at the eleventh hour, which was a large, favoured meeting. After this we proceeded to White Creek, and attended Friends’ meeting as it came in course the next day; and, information being given that we were there, it was largely attended. The Lord’s presence was felt to preside, and truth was raised into victory. Oh my soul! what wilt thou, or canst thou render unto the Lord, for all his benefits; “for his mercies are new every morning, and great is his faithfulness.”

On fifth day we attended an appointed meeting in the town of Shaftsbury, on our way to Danby. In this place, none of our society reside, except one female member, the wife of a well-disposed man, at whose house we put up, and were very hospitably entertained. The meeting, although small, was attended by the governor of the state, and divers of the judges and magistrates. It was a season of favour; many essential doctrines of the Christian religion were opened to them, in the demonstration of truth, and I parted with them in thankfulness of heart, and with a peaceful mind; and the next day rode to Danby.

On seventh day, we attended an appointed meeting near a village called the Borough, in the east part of the town; and on first day, attended Friends’ meeting on the Hill. Both were fully attended by Friends, and the neighbouring inhabitants; and were both solemn instructive seasons, in which the power of truth was felt to preside, enabling to preach the gospel in the demonstration of the spirit, to the comfort and encouragement of the living, faithful few, and to the instruction and edification of the honest inquirers, whose faces were turned Zion-ward; likewise spreading caution and reproof to the indolent and careless.

On second day we proceeded towards Ferrisburgh, where we arrived on third day afternoon, and the next day attended the monthly meeting at that place. The four following days, we attended meetings in the following order: On fifth day we had an appointed meeting at Monkton. It was large, and proved a very solemn, favoured meeting, in which the power of truth prevailed, silencing all opposition, and ran as oil, to the comfort, encouragement and instruction of the honest-hearted. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not any of his benefits! On sixth day we attended Friends’ monthly meeting at Starksborough. On seventh day had an appointed meeting in a school-house, in the southeast part of the town, where Friends hold a small meeting; and on first day was at Friends’ meeting at Lincoln. These were all favoured meetings, in which I had good service for truth and its cause.

On second day, we returned into the south part of Monkton, and had an evening meeting in a kinsman’s house, by the name of Stephen Haight. He was convinced of the principles of Friends, but failed in the practical part. This proved a pretty exercising season, by reason of the unsettled state of some who attended; especially in the silent part of the meeting: for being brought up and educated in the belief that, unless they are engaged in some bodily exercise, such as outward and vocal singing, praying, preaching, and the like, there is no meeting; being so instructed by their teachers, it is very difficult to get them into stillness, or into any right condition to hear. This makes hard work for the true gospel minister, whose labour and travail is to get into, and bring others into, a state of true solemn silence; that he may therefore become baptized into the state of the people, and be qualified to administer to their real conditions; for otherwise preaching is vain. But as I continued patient in travail, my mouth was opened in a large searching testimony, showing the fallacy and emptiness of all outward ceremonial worship; and that it must inevitably land all those who trust therein, in a state of sad disappointment, in the end. I was led also to open, in a clear manner to the people, the most essential doctrines of the Christian religion, to the information and satisfaction of the honest inquiring minds.

The next day we returned to Ferrisburgh, in order to attend the quarterly meeting which opened on fourth day, with the meeting of Ministers and Elders, which I attended, and had good service among them. I was led to open in the life the order of true gospel ministry, and the necessity all are under, who are called to that solemn and important office, of keeping their vessels clean, not only from sin and every pollution of flesh and spirit, but also in their ministry from all the dregs or remains of former offerings. For if, through the strength of memory, any act upon former offerings, such communications tend to produce death, rather than life. We find, under the law, that the vessels in the Lord’s house were not only at first made pure and holy, but when they were made use of in the Lord’s offerings, and had been filled with the Lord’s holy things, when that season of offering was over, they were then cleansed from all the remains and dregs of such offering, and put up in their places clean and empty. This also agrees with the doctrine of Christ to his apostles: “Every branch in me,” he says, “that beareth fruit, my heavenly Father purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” It was, I trust, an instructive season, there being a number present who were young in the ministry.

After this meeting we rode to Vergennes, and attended an appointed meeting at six in the evening. It was pretty well attended by the inhabitants of the town, who generally behaved soberly. I was led to open divers important doctrines of the gospel for their consideration, and to caution them against having any fellowship with, or affording any support to the dark, and what I esteem, pernicious system of Free Masonry. They were generally attentive, and withdrew quietly.

The two following days, we attended the quarterly meeting for discipline; and the parting meeting for worship. These, I trust, were profitable opportunities. The latter was a highly favoured meeting, in which truth reigned over all; and I took leave of my friends in the sensible feeling of true gospel fellowship.

We rode, that afternoon and evening, to Shoram, and lodged with our kind friends Zebulon and Elizabeth Frost. The next day at evening, had an appointed meeting there, which many of the neighbouring inhabitants attended. It was a solemn time, in which many doctrines of the Christian religion were opened for their instruction and consideration; and I parted with them with a peaceful mind.

The next day we rode to Granville; and the following day had an appointed meeting there, at one o’clock in the afternoon. This was a greatly favoured opportunity, the power of truth breaking down and dispelling every opposite spirit, humbling and contriting many hearts, and comforting and strengthening the honest-hearted. Surely it was the Lord’s doing; a sense of which inspires gratitude and thankfulness of heart, for the unmerited favour.

On third day we rode to Easton. On fourth and fifth days we attended their quarterly meeting for discipline, and public meeting for worship. Their meeting of Ministers and Elders was held on third day previous to our arrival. On sixth day we had an appointed meeting at Cambridge. These meetings were all comfortable instructive seasons, in which the doctrines of truth were largely opened, for the information and edification of the people.

We rested on seventh day, feeling myself pretty much worn out with such continual and almost incessant labour in travelling and in meetings. On first day I again attended Easton meeting which was also a large favoured meeting, in which the power of truth was exalted.

On second day we proceeded on our way to Queensbury, and attended a meeting in our way, which I had previously appointed at a large village called Whipple City. It was largely attended by the neighbouring inhabitants. There were no members of our society in the place. It was, I think, a favoured opportunity, in which I was enabled to declare the truth among them, in a large, effective testimony. Many present were humbled and contrited, and I parted with them in true peace of mind.

After this we proceeded to Queensbury, where we arrived in the evening. The three following days we attended the quarterly meeting held there at this time for Saratoga and Queensbury. I also attended two evening meetings in two neighbouring villages, which I had appointed for the benefit of those of other societies, who pretty generally attended. I think the quarterly meeting in general was an instructive favoured time. The two other meetings were exercising seasons; the minds of the people appeared to be very much veiled, and in a state of much ignorance; being generally too much swallowed up in worldly pursuits, and self-gratifications. This makes hard work for the devoted traveller, who is engaged for the advancement of the cause of truth and righteousness in the earth. But as I waited, and patiently endured the baptisms necessary to be brought into a feeling of their real conditions, way opened to communicate doctrine suitable for their instruction and help; and, although there did not appear much effect wrought for the present, yet I had reason to hope, that the labour would not be all lost; nor the word return void, but would, in the end, accomplish the thing whereunto it was sent, and be as bread cast upon the waters to return after many days. My hope in this respect was strengthened from the satisfaction and true peace I felt in the ardent labour I passed through, in these seasons of exercise.

The quarterly meeting being over, we proceeded to Saratoga, and on sixth day had an appointed meeting there at two o’clock in the afternoon. This was a large favoured meeting, in which truth was raised into victory over all, and under its precious influence the gospel was preached in the clear demonstration of the spirit. Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.

From thence we proceeded to Milton, and on first day, the 28th of 2d month, we attended Friends’ meeting there. It was largely attended by Friends and others, and through the condescending goodness of Israel’s unslumbering Shepherd it proved an instructive edifying season.

The five following days, we attended meetings at Greenfield, Galloway, Providence, Mayfield, and Northampton. Although things in most places, as it regards the life of religion, appeared rather low, and considerable rawness was apparent in many in that respect, yet such is the unmerited kindness of the heavenly Father, that he graciously condescended to break the bread, and caused it to be distributed to the people, in these several opportunities, so that none were sent empty away, except those who either neglected or refused to take the portion allotted them; and my spirit was comforted, under an evident sense that I had faithfully discharged my duty among them.

From Northampton we proceeded to Newtown, and on first day the 7th of 3d month, we attended Friends’ meeting at that place; and, information being given that we were there, it was large. A very considerable number more assembled, than the house could contain, who were obliged to stand without. For these I felt much sympathy and concern, as the weather was very cold, and those without, not willing to lose the opportunity, continued until the meeting ended, which held nearly three hours. But I had cause to hope they did not go away unrewarded, as the season proved a very favoured one, in which the divine presence was felt to preside, enabling to preach the gospel of the grace of God to the people, in the demonstration of truth, and to the comfort and peace of my own mind.

On the evenings of the two following days, I attended meetings by appointment, at Waterford and Troy. Both were largely attended by those not in membership with us. On fourth day, attended Friends’ monthly meeting at Troy. On fifth day evening, had a very large meeting in Albany, which was held in the state-house, a large, commodious room for the purpose. In these several meetings truth was felt to arise into dominion, and ability afforded to discharge myself faithfully in communication to the people who assembled, I trust, to their general satisfaction and edification; may it instructively fasten on their minds, as a nail in a sure place, driven by the Master of assemblies, that so the word preached may tend to real profit, and not return void, but accomplish the end to which it was sent.

From thence we proceeded to Bern, within the compass of Duanesburgh quarterly meeting, where we arrived on sixth day evening, and lodged with our kind friend Samuel Cary, who, with his affectionate wife and children, treated us with great hospitality. The next evening we had an appointed meeting at a village about four miles distant, where no member of our society resides. We intended to return and attend Friends’ meeting at Bern, on first day; but a snow storm coming on seventh day, and increasing towards evening and all next day with such violence, that, although we got to the evening meeting, which was small, by reason of the storm, we were not able to return until the following second day, and then it was with great difficulty that we got along, the snow was so deep, and the roads drifted full. We however made the attempt to return on first day morning, and got on our way about half a mile, but could proceed no farther. We then called at a house on the way, a good looking mansion belonging to a professor among the Presbyterians. Here we tarried over first day, not being able to proceed. We held a little meeting there with this family, and three of their friends, who were with them on a visit, in which my mind was opened to communicate to them the grounds of our profession, and the doctrines of the Christian religion, as held by us. This had a very considerable effect on the man’s wife, so that she openly acknowledged to the truths, delivered, and assured all present that she should vindicate them, as certain undeniable truths, which she felt to be so, in her own experience.

On the following fifth day, we attended Friends’ meeting at Bern. The weather being again stormy and inclement, it was small. The roads were blocked up, so as to prevent many from attending. The next day we proceeded to Duanesburgh, and had a meeting there on seventh day, which was a large favoured season. On first day we attended meetings at Charlestown in the morning, and at Carlisle in the evening. On second day we proceeded to Middleburgh, and the next day had a meeting there. The day following, had meetings at Oakhill in the morning, and at Rensselaerville in the afternoon. After this we returned with our friend Samuel Cary to his house, who had kindly accompanied us in this little tour. I felt true peace of mind, from a consciousness that I had faithfully discharged myself in the service allotted me, in those several meetings, void of any influence from the fear or favour of man.

On fifth day, we attended Friends’ monthly meeting at Bern. The meeting for worship was attended by a very considerable number of the neighbouring inhabitants, not in membership with us, who behaved themselves soberly, and were very attentive to what was communicated. Many were broken and contrited by the prevalence of truth, which was raised into dominion in this favoured meeting. Not only the meeting for worship, but likewise that for discipline was a comfortable instructive season.

The two following days, we had meetings at New Baltimore, and a village where several families of Friends reside, by the name of Dickenson, from whom they call the meeting “Dickenson’s meeting;” and at Coeman’s, alias, Stanton Hill. I had good service in those several meetings, in which Friends appeared to be brought near together, in the feeling influence of the truth, and in the oneness of the spirit. In a sense of this, we had gratefully to acknowledge that the Lord is still mindful of his people, fulfilling all his promises to those who seek him with sincerity of heart; and they that seek him early will find him to be near at hand, a present helper in every needful time.

After the latter meeting, we proceeded to Athens; and, the next day being the first of the week, and the 28th of 3d month, we attended Friends’ meeting there in the morning, and had another meeting by appointment in the afternoon. These were exercising meetings, particularly so in the forepart of the latter. A great power of darkness seemed so to prevail, as entirely for a considerable time, to close up the way to any public service; but as I patiently submitted to the baptism and willingly became baptized, with and for the dead, for it is only through death, that the resurrection from death can be witnessed, a little glimmering of light appeared, in which I felt the necessity of standing up; and as I proceeded, keeping my eye single to the light that led the way, the light more and more arose, and the darkness vanished; and He that opens and none can shut, and shuts and none but himself can open, made way for the promotion of his own righteous cause, and the exaltation of truth’s testimonies. It was the Lord’s doing, and marvellous in mine eyes.

We left here on second day morning, and proceeded to Alexander Young’s at the east part of Esopus, about forty miles. This was a day of very hard travel, both for man and horse, the roads being bad, as the winter was just breaking up; but we arrived safe in the evening, and were kindly received by our friends, which made up in part for the toil of the day.

At this place we had an appointed meeting the next day. The five following days we had meetings at Rosendale Plains, Paltz, Plattekill, Newburgh Valley and Marlborough. Attending these meetings, with the exercise of travelling on the heavy, rough roads, produced a large portion of exercise, both to body and mind. But the Lord’s strengthening and consoling presence, vouchsafed from season to season for our help, carried us through and over all, to the praise of his grace, and to the comfort and peace of our own minds.

On second day, the 5th of 4th month, we proceeded to Cornwall, and attended a meeting by previous appointment, at the eleventh hour. The next day, had an appointed meeting at Smith’s Clove, and the day following were at a place called the Upper Clove, alias Blooming Grove. In these several meetings I was led largely to open to the people the law state, or dispensation of figure, as comprehensively set forth in the Old Testament, and to show the difference between that and the gospel, and that the first ends where the latter begins, and are as distinct from each other, as the body is from the soul. The first comprehends the salvation of bodies from outward servitude, the latter the salvation of the soul from sin, and the death consequent on it. I also set forth the use and necessity of the rituals, or shadows of that dispensation, during its continuance; and that they were all abolished under the gospel, and have no part nor lot under that dispensation. I had much service in these meetings, and great cause of gratitude and thankfulness to the bountiful Author of all our multiplied favours.

The next day, we attended Friends’ meeting at Kakiat, alias Hempstead. We had a tedious time in getting there, the road, part of the way, being deep with mud and wet, and much cut up. But the Lord richly rewarded us for all our toil, in giving us a precious meeting with our friends, and a considerable number of the neighbouring inhabitants. It was truly a season of grateful remembrance, both by us and our friends; we were made to rejoice together for the unmerited favour.

After this we proceeded to Tappan, to the house of our friend John Lawrence. Here is not any meeting of Friends; but feeling the way open, we appointed a meeting there at two o’clock next day. Although it was not large, yet, I trust, it was a comfortable instructive season to some present.

This meeting closed our visit, and the next morning we proceeded to New-York, where we heard of the decease of my kinsman Benjamin Hicks, with information that he was to be interred the next day.

This induced us to proceed home that afternoon, where we arrived between eight and nine at night, much wearied, having travelled in the course of the day upwards of fifty miles, and some of the way but indifferent travelling. Finding, however, our dear families well, accompanied with sweet peace of mind, it made rich amends for all our toil, and my heart was inspired with gratitude and thankfulness to the great and gracious Author of all our blessings.

I was from home in this journey fourteen weeks, attended seventy-three meetings, three quarterly meetings, four monthly meetings, and travelled one thousand and eighty-four miles.

The next day I attended the funeral of the aforesaid Friend, which was on first day the 11th of 4th month, 1819. It was largely attended by Friends and others, he being a man much esteemed by his friends and neighbours, and a useful member of society, both in a religious and moral relation, and his memory will be blessed. It was a very solemn time, in which my heart and mouth were largely opened to declare to the people of the things concerning the kingdom of God; and to point out to them in a full and clear manner, the only way and means by which an entrance therein is attainable by the children of men. It was a season of favour, and many hearts were made to rejoice under an humbling sense of the gracious extending of heavenly regard to the workmanship of His holy hand.

After this my lot seemed similar to Mordecai’s of old, when sitting at the king’s gate; I had but little public service when at and about home. This brought to my remembrance, the saying of our Lord to his disciples, on their return from the service he had sent them out to perform in the land of Israel. When they had given him an account how well they had succeeded, he invited them to retire awhile and rest. I was mostly silent in our meetings at home, and was not from home, except to attend a funeral in a neighbouring town, and our quarterly meeting at New-York, until our yearly meeting.

This opened on seventh day, the 22d of 5th month, with a meeting of Ministers and Elders. The yearly meeting for discipline opened on the following second day, and closed near evening, on the fifth day following. It was, I think, in general, a favoured meeting, although the weaknesses and deficiencies still among us, as manifested by the accounts from our quarterly meetings, were cause of exercise and travail to the honest-hearted who are engaged for the promotion of the cause of righteousness and peace in the earth; yet the condescending goodness of the Shepherd of Israel, in manifesting his life-giving presence for our encouragement and support, inspired the hearts of the living with thanksgiving and gratitude for his unmerited mercies. We returned home the next day.

I now found it my duty to pay some attention to my temporal concerns, and to see that all accounts between myself and others were truly adjusted and settled, as is my general rule from year to year. A rule which every honest man will be led to pursue, to prevent trouble and preserve harmony; as a contrary course often leads to vexation and litigation, by which both parties are often hurt and wounded.

First day the 30th of 5th month. I attended our meeting as usual, when at home. Had a short communication, tending to excite Friends to faithfulness, and an inward labour, that the true end of our meeting together might be answered. I was busily employed in the course of this week, in my temporal concerns. Attended our fifth day meeting; and closed the week in quiet.

First day, the 6th of 6th month. I was led, in our meeting, to show Friends the fallacy of trusting in the outside appearance of things, without coming to possess the real substance, as the day is hastening when every foundation will be tried, and all will receive according as their works have been. I was considerably enlarged, and the power of truth was exalted over all.

I found it my place at this time, to keep close at home, both in an inward and outward sense, to arrange my temporal concerns, and set things in order; not knowing how soon I may be called to leave them all, and surrender them, with myself, to the guardian care and disposal of a gracious Providence, who doth not suffer a sparrow to fall to the ground, without his heavenly notice. I attended our preparative meeting on fifth day, and the meeting of the Charity Society, for educating the children of the poor black people, on seventh day; in both of which I felt satisfaction and peace of mind.

First day, the 13th of 6th month. Towards the close of our meeting to-day, I had to open to Friends the necessity of our individually coming to know what life we are living; whether it be a life after the flesh, which worketh death to the immortal soul; or a life of the spirit, by which we become spiritually-minded. For if we live after the flesh, it will prove in the world to come an eternal death to the soul; but if it be a life in the spirit, and in the things of heaven, it will prove an everlasting life to the soul, in the world to come; and will crown it with joy unspeakable, and full of glory, at God’s right hand for evermore.

From this time to our monthly meeting in 7th month, I was pretty steadily at home. Attended our meetings as they came in course; and was very busily and necessarily engaged in my temporal concerns, having a prospect before me of attending the ensuing yearly meeting of Ohio, and also some other meetings in that, and in the compass of Baltimore and Philadelphia yearly meeting. This concern I spread before my Friends, at our monthly meeting the 15th of 7th month; and obtained their unity and concurrence.

First day, the 18th of 7th month. Attended our meeting. We had the company of our ancient honest friend Thomas Titus. He communicated for our consideration, some plain truths, in order to stir up and encourage Friends to industry and faithfulness in those things which belong to their everlasting peace and welfare. I felt unity with him in his exercise, and found it my place and duty to make some addition, to bring the matter close home to the minds of Friends. It was a favoured solemn meeting, and most minds seemed well affected with the heavenly power which was felt to preside.

In the course of this week our quarterly meeting was held at Westbury. It was well attended by Friends; and the public meeting was very large. It was in the main a favoured meeting. I likewise opened to this meeting, my prospect of attending the yearly meeting of Ohio; and produced the minute of unity and concurrence from our monthly meeting. It was fully united with by the quarterly meeting, and an endorsement thereof made on my certificate.

First day the 25th. A silent meeting to-day. When such meetings are attended with full acquiescence, and entire peace of mind, how precious they are. Thus are the Lord’s dedicated children led and instructed; taught how to suffer want, and how to abound; being content in every dispensation of his divine will and pleasure: and in this condition, all things work together for good to these. Hence we are led to “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks.”

The rest of this week I was diligently employed in preparing for my intended journey; and in arranging my temporal concerns, that no occasion might be given to the adversaries of truth, to reproach the truth, or its cause, by any neglect or omission on my part; and endeavouring that all things might be left sweet and quiet at home, that so I might leave it with peace of mind, freed from every burden and care on that account; and be fully at liberty to devote myself wholly to the service of my great and good Master, until the allotted portion is accomplished, which he hath called me forth to fulfil. For to him belong obedience and worship, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

First day the 1st of 8th month. At our meeting to-day, my mind was led into a view of the excellence and necessity of a right faith in God and Christ; it being that by which the just live. For nothing else can qualify to live a life of true righteousness and justice, but a true and living faith in God and Christ; and without this faith, it is impossible to please God. The subject spread and led to communication in a large testimony, by which many minds were reached and comforted, and a precious solemnity spread over the meeting; and we parted from each other with grateful hearts for the unmerited favour.

On fifth day I was led to call the attention of my friends to first principles, and to recur to the uprightness, simplicity, and faithfulness of our worthy predecessors, and to recount the great and sorrowful deviations therefrom by those who are making the same profession in the present day, in departing from a full reliance and dependance on the power and spirit that actuated and governed them. Hence weakness and darkness pervade their minds, by which great reproach is brought upon the society, and occasion given for many to speak evil of the truth, and the principle we hold out to the world, as the only sure guide to blessedness; to the wounding of the faithful few, who are yet preserved in a good degree of gospel simplicity, and who live under a daily exercise for the promotion and advancement of the Messiah’s kingdom here on earth, and that it may arise and become the peace and glory of all nations.