Journey to Ohio in 1819.—Visit to the neighbouring inhabitants in 1819.—Visit to Farmington and Duanesburgh quarterly meetings in 1820.—Visit to some parts of Pennsylvania, and to Baltimore, in 1822. Visit to some of the lower quarterly meetings in 1823.

Having, as before noted, had it on my mind to attend the next yearly meeting of Friends in the state of Ohio, and some other meetings in going there and returning home; and having obtained a minute of unity and concurrence from our monthly and quarterly meeting, I left home in order to accomplish the service, the 17th of 8th month, 1819, and proceeded to New-York. The next day, being first day, I attended Friends’ meeting in Pearl-street in the morning, which proved a favoured season, in which I witnessed a renewal of strength, and a satisfactory evidence that my procedure was under right direction; for which my mind was reduced into a state of humble gratitude for the unmerited mercy; having left my home in weakness and poverty of spirit, and nothing to lean on in crossing this Jordan, but my slender staff of faith. I attended the meeting at Liberty-street in the afternoon, which, although small, was in a good degree comfortable, and encouraging to my much exercised mind. As our meeting for sufferings was the succeeding third day, I staid in town and attended that meeting.

After this I proceeded on my journey, accompanied by my kind friend and neighbour Willet Robbins, who had joined me as a companion in this journey. We attended the quarterly meeting at Rahway on our way, which opened the next day with the meeting of Ministers and Elders. The meeting for discipline was held the day after; and a meeting for public worship, as a parting meeting, the succeeding day. In these several opportunities, way opened to discharge myself faithfully in the exercise of gospel communication to my friends and others who attended, fully to the relief of my own mind, and, I trust, to the instruction and encouragement of many who attended; the Lord having been graciously pleased to manifest his presence and power for our help, to the glory and praise of his own excellent name, who is over all, God blessed for ever.

After these solemn opportunities were closed, we took leave of our friends, and proceeded on our journey; and arrived at Easton on seventh day evening. This is a town on the west side of the river Delaware, in the state of Pennsylvania. Having felt my mind led to pass through this town, attended with a concern to have a religious opportunity with the inhabitants, we tarried with them the next day, and had a meeting appointed, which was held in their school-house, at the fourth hour in the afternoon. It proved, through heavenly help, a favoured, and, I trust, an instructive season to many; several of their ministers and most of the principal people attended, and appeared all to go away satisfied; and many apparently with thankful hearts for the present favour; and I parted with them in true peace of mind.

The next morning we proceeded on our journey, and rode to Maiden Creek, and lodged with our kind friend Isaac Penrose. The day following being third day, we had an appointed meeting at Reading, about eight miles farther on our way. It was held in their court-house. Many of the inhabitants of the town attended, and behaved soberly; and the gospel was preached among them in the plain demonstration of truth, and, I trust, was as a sword or hammer to some present, who were not prepared to meet sound doctrine; but was comfortable and instructive to others, such as were tender in spirit, and were honestly seeking the way to peace. It was a solemn, and, I trust, profitable opportunity.

After the meeting I made a short visit to a sick woman, who appeared to be drawing fast toward her close. She was comforted in the visit, and when I parted with her, appeared in a quiet resigned state of mind. Her bodily affliction, which had attended her for a considerable time, had, I believe, wrought a good work in her. After this opportunity we proceeded immediately on our journey, which we continued the four following days, through a number of towns and villages, where no Friends live.

We arrived on seventh day evening at Dunning’s Creek, where there is a monthly meeting of Friends. They lie very much detached from the body of society; the nearest meeting to them is about sixty miles distant. We attended their meeting on first day, which proved, through heavenly help, a comfortable, strengthening opportunity. We lodged with our kind friend Thomas Penrose.

The next morning we proceeded on our journey, having the Alleghany, and several other mountains and high and rough ridges of land to pass over, in our way to the settlements of Friends in the Redstone country. The roads were excessively bad, and in some places almost impassable; but with two days hard travelling we got safe to Connelsville, on the west side of the mountains, on third day evening. We put up with a man by the name of John Gibson, who had once a right of membership in our society, but by some means had lost it; yet he appeared to retain his love to Friends, and was very kind and benevolent, and appeared very glad of the opportunity of entertaining Friends. His family likewise appeared very kind and friendly, and signified it as a matter of considerable regret, that they were so far distant from Friends, as not to have the privilege of attending their meetings. There was one family of Friends in the town; and one of their children, an infant of about eight months old, had died a little before our arrival; and the funeral being the next day, we attended it. It was a very solemn opportunity, in which many hearts were contrited by the tendering power of truth, which was felt to cover the assembly in a very general manner. Such seasons are as a brook by the way, to the poor exercised travellers, who often go mourning on their way, from a sense of the prevalence of sin and iniquity in the land.

After this solemn opportunity we proceeded on our journey, and the next day attended Friends’ monthly meeting at Westland, in Redstone quarterly meeting. I had some service, both in the meeting for worship, and that for discipline; but things appeared rather low as to the right order of the gospel, in both meetings. It being a day of ease and outward tranquillity; and this hath a tendency to produce lukewarmness, if not watchfully and diligently guarded against.

From this place we proceeded directly to Mount Pleasant, in Ohio, where the yearly meeting is held; where we arrived on seventh day, the 28th of 8th month. On first day, the 29th, attended Friends’ meeting at Short Creek in the morning, and had an appointed meeting at Mount Pleasant in the afternoon. They were both largely attended, and proved very instructive satisfactory meetings, in which I had good service; and found sweet peace as the result of my labours of love amongst them.

The five following days, meetings were appointed for us at Concord, St. Clairsville, Plainfield, Flushing, and Harrisville. These were all full meetings; generally more collected than the houses could contain; but Friends were industrious, and provided seats out of doors, about the house, by which the people were generally accommodated.

On seventh day the yearly meeting of Ministers and Elders opened; and continued by adjournments until fifth day. I think they were generally favoured opportunities. The Head of the Church graciously condescending to manifest his presence for the help of his devoted, dedicated children; and this is the crown and diadem of all our religious assemblies. On first day public meetings for worship were held, both forenoon and afternoon, in both Friends’ meeting-houses in the neighbourhood; that in the town of Mount Pleasant, held in their new meeting-house, which is one of the largest I ever saw belonging to Friends, was very large. I attended that meeting both forenoon and afternoon, in which I had much service by way of testimony; which appeared to be much to the comfort and general edification of the assemblies, and resulted in the solid peace of my own mind.

On second day, the yearly meeting for discipline opened, and continued by adjournments until seventh day toward evening. It was a season of much travail and exercise to the rightly concerned active members; having before them, in addition to their usual business, the revisal of their discipline. I was led under close exercise on the account, and a very considerable portion of active service fell to my lot, with other Friends. It was thought, I believe, by Friends generally, to have been the most favoured yearly meeting they had had since its institution, and was worthy of grateful remembrance.

I tarried here over first day, and attended their meeting at the old meeting-house. It was a season of deep travail in the forepart of the meeting, in which my spirit was led into deep baptism with, and for, the dead; and I was brought into sympathy and fellowship with the suffering seed, which appeared to me to be pressed down in the hearts of the formal professors, as a cart under sheaves. This, I believed, was too much the situation of a considerable number in that assembly; but as I continued patiently to endure the exercise, and kept up the inward travail, light sprang up and dispelled the darkness, accompanied with a motion of life to stand up; and my mouth was opened in a large searching and effective testimony, whereby the dead were raised, the lukewarm stirred up, the honest seekers encouraged, and the rightly exercised minds comforted and edified. It was the Lord’s doing, and marvellous in mine eyes.

The six succeeding days, meetings were appointed at the following places, which we attended. On second day, at a little village called York, where a few Friends were privileged with an indulged meeting; a meeting not being established. On third day at Smithfield; on fourth day at Cross Creek; on fifth day at Franklin, where was also only a small indulged meeting. On sixth day, at Augusta, at the tenth hour in the morning, and at Sandy Spring, at the third hour in the afternoon; on seventh day at New Garden. These were all seasons of favour, wherein I was strengthened to labour in the work of the gospel, and to declare largely to these several assemblies, of the things concerning the kingdom of God; endeavouring, by persuasive arguments, founded in the clear demonstration of the spirit, accompanied with a lively evidence of divine power to gather the minds of the people to the light of Christ, or Christ the light, in their own hearts; as the only sure guide to blessedness, and foundation rock on which to build all our hopes of redemption and salvation. A precious solemnity was felt to prevail in those several meetings, most of which were crowded gatherings, many more often collecting than their meeting-houses could contain; and truth was exalted over all, to the praise of Him who is over all, God blessed for ever.

After the latter meeting we proceeded to Salem, intending to be at Friends’ meeting there the next day, which was first day, the 19th of 9th month. We attended the meeting in the forenoon, but not feeling myself clear, I was led to appoint an afternoon meeting; which was accordingly held at the third hour, and was largely attended by Friends and others; among whom way opened fully to discharge and clear myself, and I found peace in my labour of love among them.

On second and third days, I attended meetings by appointment at Springfield and Goshen, two neighbouring villages. These were likewise very solemn instructive seasons, wherein I was largely led forth in ministerial labour, apparently to the comfort and edification of most present. From Goshen we returned back to Salem, intending to be at their monthly meeting to be held the next day, which we accordingly attended. I had good service among my Friends, both in the meeting for worship and that for discipline.

After this we took a final leave of them, in the fresh feelings of mutual love and Christian fellowship, and proceeded on our journey that afternoon to Fairfield, where we had a meeting the next day. On sixth day, was at Columbiana. On seventh day, at Middleton. And on first day, the 26th, had two meetings; one in the morning at Elk Run, and the other at the third hour in the afternoon at Carmel. These meetings were all well attended; wherein I was led forth largely in testimony, apparently to the general satisfaction and edification of the people, and to the comfort and peace of my own mind.

On second day we proceeded to New Lisbon, and attended a meeting in their court-house at the eleventh hour. It was a large collection, mostly made up of other societies, there being but few Friends residing in that place. I was led to open several doctrinal points of our profession, and to show the great difference between profession and possession; and that no profession of religion was worth esteeming as any thing, unless it was the effect of the real possession of the thing professed; as no profession of a thing, could of itself give any a possession thereof; but a real possession, will manifest itself by its fruits. It was a day of great favour, in which truth reigned over all.

On third day, we proceeded to Beaver Falls. Had a meeting there the next day to good satisfaction. After this we travelled on our way to Pittsburg, where we arrived the next day about noon, and had an appointed meeting there in the evening in their court-house. It was a large spacious building, but more collected than the house could contain. I had much service among them, and the Lord’s power was felt to preside, quieting and solemnizing the assembly; and many hearts were humbled and contrited, and truth raised into dominion over all.

On sixth day afternoon, we left Pittsburg on our way to Brownsville, where we arrived in the afternoon of the next day. On first day we attended Friends’ meeting there; and notice being spread among the people at large that we were there, it was a very crowded assembly, more than the house could well contain. Through the condescending goodness of the Shepherd of Israel, I was helped to discharge myself faithfully among them, in an effective testimony to the truths of the gospel; proving from clear scripture testimony, accompanied with the demonstration of the spirit, in harmony with right reason, that nothing short of a full belief in, and obedience to, the revelation of the spirit of truth, (a manifestation of which is given to every man and woman to profit withal,) as the only rule of faith and practice, can make a real Christian, and produce redemption and salvation to an immortal soul. It was a very solemn instructive season, worthy of grateful remembrance.

On second day we had an appointed meeting at Sandy Hill, at the tenth hour; and another in the evening at Uniontown, held in their court-house. These were both seasons of favour, producing solid peace to my own mind, and, I trust, instructive and edifying to the people in general who attended. These meetings closed my labours among Friends and others, in the compass of the yearly meeting of Ohio.

On third day we set out on our journey over the mountains, towards Winchester in Virginia; in order to attend the meetings of Friends in that neighbourhood, on our way to Baltimore. The distance was about one hundred and sixteen miles. It took three days to accomplish the journey, with hard travelling; a considerable part of the way being very rocky, as well as mountainous. We arrived among Friends at Pughtown, on fifth day evening; and had a meeting appointed there the next day, at two o’clock in the afternoon, which we attended accordingly. On seventh day had a meeting at the Ridge. On first day at Centre, near Winchester; and the two following days had meetings at Hopewell and Berkley. I was largely led forth in these meetings, to show to the people the inconsistency and unrighteousness of holding our fellow creatures in bondage, and the evil tendency of bringing up our children and families on the fruits of their labour, wrested from them by violence, without paying them an adequate reward for the same. I likewise opened to them the folly and deception of all their profession of worshipping that Being, who is perfect in justice, purity and holiness, while their hands are full of violence and oppression, and they living in luxury and idleness on their unrighteous gain. The Lord’s power was exalted in these meetings, and truth reigned.

After the latter meeting we proceeded on our way towards Baltimore, where we arrived on seventh day evening; attending meetings at Fredericktown and New Market, on our way thither. On first day, the 17th of 10th month, I attended Friends’ meetings in that city; the Western District in the morning, and the Eastern District in the afternoon. I was silent in the former, but in the latter, I was largely led forth in gospel communication. As notice had been spread among the citizens of other professions, the meeting was large, and the divine power was felt to preside, which brought a precious solemnity over the meeting, and truth was raised into dominion.

Here we met with our friend Elizabeth Coggeshall from New-York, with her companion Judith Coffin, from Nantucket; also our ancient friend William Rickman, from England. We were mutually glad in seeing each other. Elizabeth felt a concern to see the members of our society, select from those of other societies in each meeting, accordingly a Friend, at her request, in the morning meeting when the service of the first meeting was over, proposed the same to the assembly; when those who were not members quietly withdrew, and our dear friend had good service among them. This also opened an opportunity for me to throw in my mite, and set a seal to the service. A similar opportunity was likewise had with Friends at the close of the afternoon meeting in the Eastern District, which was also a favoured time.

And as I had felt my mind somewhat similarly engaged in coming into the city, it opened the way to spread my exercise before Friends; which was that of the more select service of seeing the active members and heads of families of both sexes together. I had an opportunity with those of this description in the Western District, and afterwards with those of the Eastern; and was glad in believing that divine love was near, favouring with His enlivening, reconciling presence; which raised a hope, that through the divine blessing, the opportunities would not prove altogether unfruitful, for some disunity and jealousies had prevailed among the members of society in this city.

The next day being Friends’ meeting day, I felt most easy to stay and attend it. I also found my mind led to some further service among the citizens at large: for although I had had a public opportunity on first day evening, which seemed for the present to ease my mind, yet a renewed exercise on that account induced a belief it would be right to give the citizens generally another invitation; which Friends readily agreed to, and spread the notice accordingly. It was a very large meeting, and through gracious condescension a highly favoured season; the Lord’s power was felt to preside, and a precious solemnity spread over the assembly, and I took my leave of them in much peace of mind.

This closed my service among them. The two following days we rode to Wilmington, where we arrived on sixth day evening. On seventh day evening we had a large meeting by appointment, with Friends and the inhabitants of the town. This was a solemn instructive season, worthy of grateful remembrance. We also attended the morning meeting of Friends the next day, and then proceeded to Chester, parting with my Friends in much sweet peace and unity. Here we had a large solemn meeting in the evening, among the few Friends of that place and the inhabitants of the town. I trust, through heavenly goodness, it proved an instructive edifying season to many.

The two following days, I attended the monthly meetings of Providence and Darby. On fourth day morning we proceeded to Philadelphia. We staid in the city until the following third day, and attended all the meetings of Friends there; some by appointment, and the others as they came in course. We were at two of their monthly meetings, and their quarterly meeting. The meetings were generally crowded, and at several many of the people were obliged to stand outside of the doors, for want of room. Through unmerited mercy the Lord’s power was felt to preside, producing a precious solemnity over those large promiscuous gatherings, and by which truth was raised into dominion. Surely it was the Lord’s doing, and marvellous in mine eyes. It was, I trust, a time of renewed visitation to many, especially to the beloved youth.

We left the city on third day morning, and proceeded to Germantown, where by previous appointment we had a large meeting at the eleventh hour. The two following days we attended Friends’ quarterly meeting at Horsham; and on sixth day, had a large public meeting at Byberry. These were all favoured instructive seasons, in which the Lord’s presence was manifested for our help, and were worthy of grateful remembrance.

On seventh day we attended a meeting at Bristol; and at evening crossed the river Delaware to Burlington, and attended Friends’ forenoon and afternoon meetings on first day. These were large favoured meetings, in which truth reigned.

On second day, the 8th of 11th month we proceeded to Trenton and had a large meeting there in the evening, with the few Friends of that place, and the inhabitants of the town, in which divers essential doctrines of the gospel were opened to the consideration of the assembly. It was a solemn meeting, and I parted with them in true peace of mind, which is the certain and consolatory result of disinterested obedience, and faithfulness to manifested duty.

We proceeded on third day, on our way to New-York, where we arrived the next day in season to attend Friends’ meeting in Pearl-street; it being their usual meeting day. The meeting was generally gathered when I got in, having had some distance to travel to reach there, which occasioned my being a few minutes after the time. My mind, soon after taking my seat, was brought under a renewed exercise, on account of the members of our society mixing in with the associations of other people, in their governments and politics, their Bible and Missionary societies, and pretended charity associations; which had a very hurtful tendency, by leavening the minds of Friends, and leading them to assimilate with the spirit of the world; and turning them away from the simplicity, of our profession, thereby neglecting to support our Christian testimonies, as it regards plainness of speech, deportment, and apparel. Such conduct is particularly wounding to some of the beloved youth, for they seeing their elder brethren, and especially some who were sometimes active in our meetings for discipline, join with such associations, it leads them into a free familiarity and friendship with such as are light and vain in their conversation and deportment, by which their tender minds are greatly wounded; and they led off from the cross, and a strict regard to that sobriety of conduct, which truth requires of all its professors. I was led to communicate largely on those subjects, in a close searching testimony; and the Lord’s power was felt to prevail, and the meeting generally brought under a solemn covering. It proved a season of favour, and the right-minded were made to rejoice.

Feeling my mind impressed with a concern to appoint a meeting for the citizens at large, the appointment was accordingly made at seven o’clock the ensuing evening. It was a very large collection, more than the house could contain; and was a highly favoured season. A very precious solemnity was spread over the assembly in general; and when I sat down, after standing nearly two hours, I turned my eyes over the congregation, and all was quiet and still, and every countenance seemed expressive of the solemnity felt, which united us together and clothed us as with a mantle of love. Surely it was the Lord’s doing, and marvellous in our eyes.

The next day I attended Friends’ meeting near the Bowery, as it came in course; and some notice being given of my intending to be there, we had the company of a number of their neighbours of other societies. This was also a very instructive favoured season.

The ensuing evening I had another appointed meeting for the citizens at large, in Friends’ meeting-house at Liberty-street. This was rather a trying meeting; as many who attended were such as had settled down in a form, and were difficult to reach, which makes hard labour for the truly exercised ministers. However I had a hope the season would prove profitable to some, and I left them with peace of mind.

This meeting closed my labours in this journey, and the next morning we rode home, the 12th of the 11th month, 1819. I found my family and friends in usual health, and glad to see me, which rendered it a cause of mutual joy, and filled my heart with gratitude and thanksgiving to the God and Father of all our sure mercies, who had led about, instructed and preserved me, through all, to the praise of his great and excellent name.

I was from home in this journey about three months, and travelled nearly twelve hundred miles, and attended eighty-seven meetings.

First day, 14th. I sat with my Friends in our own meeting, in which I was largely led forth in ministry, setting forth, as it opened on my mind, the cause why so little progress was made in reformation, and the true spiritual or real Christian life; and showing that it was principally, as it then appeared in the openings of truth, occasioned by the visited children of our heavenly Father, not keeping close to that which first visited them, and opened their understanding; but letting their minds out to worldly things, and that by opening the way to a free and familiar converse with the people of the world, many were led and induced thereby to join with them in their manners, maxims, interests and worldly policies, by which means they were so yoked together in a free and open friendship, as thereby to become weakened and brought into bondage to them; so as to be ashamed and afraid to stand upright, and bear a faithful testimony against this worldly spirit and its fruits; by which the testimonies of truth were in a great measure let fall, for fear of offending these their worldly-minded associates, by which the promotion of the cause of truth was greatly obstructed, and its faithful testimony-bearers grieved, and made to go mourning on their way.

Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, in which I also had some close searching labour to stir up Friends to more diligence and faithfulness in the support of our Christian testimonies; and cautioning them against a worldly spirit, which would lead to extortion and grinding the faces of the poor; for this is very reproachful for any Christian professor, and more so for us, who are making a more exalted profession than any others who go under the Christian name.

First day, the 21st. My mind to-day was led into a near feeling sympathy with such as had been visited with the day-spring from on high, but who had not so fully given up to the pointing of truth, in what are generally termed little things, as they ought; the natural tendency of which is to lead the mind into a doubting state. For when the creature, in his own will, takes the liberty of judging for himself, of what is little, or what is great, he departs from the true standard, and has no certain evidence to walk by; for if he has a right to judge for himself in one case, why not in every other. Here doubting will arise in his mind, of what is, or is not, agreeable to the divine will; as nothing can give the mind certain evidence, but faithfully complying with the evident sensations which the light of truth opens upon it, let them be what the creature may judge to be small or great; for we have no more reason or right to refuse complying with a small requisition, than we have a great one, if the requisition proceeds from the same source. The subject was so opened as to affect many minds with tenderness and contrition; and had an humbling, solemnizing effect on the meeting in general, and was, I believe, gladdening to many minds.

Fifth day. Attended our meeting in silence, which was very acceptable to me.

First day, the 28th. Mostly silent in meeting to-day.

On my return home from my late journey, I felt my mind drawn in sympathy, attended with a concern to pay a religious visit to the neighbouring inhabitants in the compass of our quarterly meeting. This concern I opened to my friends the first monthly meeting after my return, and received their full unity therein; but taking a severe cold soon after I came home, I continued indisposed for some weeks, which with some necessary concerns, prevented my entering on the visit, until after our succeeding monthly meeting. The fourth day following, the 22d of 12th month, I proceeded therein, accompanied by my wife and my kinsman, Isaac Hicks, of Westbury. We were from home five days, and attended six meetings, mostly among those of other societies. It was a time of deep exercise to me, being led in the line of searching labour, pointing to a reform in manners and conduct; and showing the fallacy of all ceremonial religion in the observation of days, and complying with outward ordinances; which do not in the least tend to make the comers thereunto a whit the better, as it respects the conscience, but lead the observers thereof into a form, without the power.

We returned home the following second day. I tarried at home until the beginning of the next week, when feeling my mind drawn to attend the monthly meeting of Friends in New-York, I again left home, accompanied by the aforesaid friend. We were at the monthly meeting on fourth day, in which I had some close exercise, the meeting having much business before it, and one case in particular was very trying, in which Friends were divided, and two or three unqualified individuals seemed determined, for a considerable time, to compel the meeting to comply with their unsanctified wills; but as Friends who were rightly exercised, patiently kept up the travail, and withstood them, truth was raised into dominion, and by its power silenced all their cavilling, and united the meeting in a right conclusion. The meeting for worship and that for discipline continued upwards of six hours.

We left the city soon after the close of this long meeting, and passed over the river to Brooklyn, where by previous appointment we had a meeting that evening, composed of the different professions of the inhabitants of that place, very few Friends residing there. The meeting was pretty large, and in the main satisfactory. The next day we proceeded to Flushing, and attended their monthly meeting. I was silent in the meeting for worship, but had some good service in that for discipline. We also had an appointed meeting in the evening for the inhabitants of the town, which was large and solemn. The next day we returned to Newtown, and had a meeting at Friends’ meeting-house at the Kilns in that place, at the eleventh hour; and another in the evening at the sixth hour, in the village. They were both favoured meetings. We returned to Flushing after the latter meeting, and lodged with our kind friend Walter Farrington, and the next day rode home and found my family well.

First day, the 9th of 1st month, 1820. I sat with my friends at home in our own meeting to-day, which I considered as no small privilege.

On second day morning I was early informed, that my kinsman and kind fellow traveller Isaac Hicks, was taken with a severe illness, about ten o’clock the preceding evening, and lay at the point of death. I hastened to see him, and found him nearly breathing his last, being past noticing any thing by his external senses. It was a sudden and unexpected trial to me, to be thus almost instantaneously separated from such a kind and valued friend, who had for a number of years devoted himself in divers ways, to promote the cause of truth and righteousness in the earth; and in particular, by encouraging and accompanying Friends in the ministry, when travelling in truth’s service, especially myself, having been with me in several long journeys, as well as divers short ones. I parted with him at the close of one of the latter, on the seventh day afternoon before his death, at his own house, and apparently in usual health: although he had been for a considerable time previous thereto, much afflicted, at times, with severe pain in his breast and shortness of breath, which created great suffering during their continuance. He had a return thereof the evening before I last parted with him, which occasioned him to observe to me, that he thought he should ere long be taken off in one of those attacks; but I then thought quite otherwise, as in other respects he appeared to be in very good health, and had a very healthy countenance.

Such sudden attacks prove with indubitable evidence, that mortality is so closely interwoven in the very constitution of these animal bodies, that the present moment is the only time we can call our own; and which continually announce the impressive language: “Be ye therefore ready.”

Such sudden and unexpected separations from our endeared friends make the loss seem greater, not only to their families and near connexions, but to their friends in general, and particularly so to those who knew their real worth. But it ever affords a soothing consolation, and induces to acquiesce in the divine will, when we have evident cause to hope that our loss, which is but for a short time, is their eternal gain.

I attended the funeral of my beloved friend, which was large and solemn; and I was led forth in an impressive testimony to the truths of the gospel; inviting the people to inquire, and see, and taste for themselves, that the Lord is good.

I continued at home until the following seventh day, when I again proceeded on my visit to the neighbouring towns and villages. I was from home about thirteen days and attended fifteen meetings, returning home on sixth day, the 11th of 2d month, 1820. My service in many of those opportunities was very arduous; the lukewarmness and insensibility of the people, as to any right religious concern, make hard work for the honest labourers, in this day of ease and carnal security. But true peace of mind, the sure result of faithfulness, crowns the attempts at doing good, as it makes hard things easy and bitter things sweet.

I tarried at home until the latter end of the next week, in the course of which I had a very severe attack of bodily indisposition, occasioned by the gravel, with which I have been afflicted at times, for near twenty years. These warnings are designed to spur us on to our duty, as they continually announce to the enlightened mind this very useful memento: “Remember to die.”

In the latter end of the week, there came to my house my much esteemed friend and kinsman Edward Hicks, from Newtown, in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, on a religious visit to our parts, with his companion James Walton, an elder. I accompanied them the next day to a meeting they had appointed at Westbury. It was very large, in which Edward had very good service, being largely led forth to open to the people many important doctrines of the Christian religion. I accompanied him to all the meetings he had among us except one; and in some of them had a portion of the service laid upon me, particularly in the meeting at Bethpage.

I accompanied my friend to four meetings after this, in which he was generally favoured to open things suitable to the states of the people; his gift being searching and lively. After his service was over in the meeting at Cowneck, on first day, I was led forth in a short testimony; and the meeting closed under an evident sense that truth reigned. Our next meeting was the day following at Rockaway, on second day, the 28th of 2d month. It was in the main a favoured opportunity. My part was to sit in silence. After this meeting I parted with my beloved friend and his companion, in the fellowship of the gospel; they proceeded towards New-York, and I returned home that evening, and found my family well.

First day, the 5th of 3d month. I attended our own meeting, which through heavenly help proved a very precious instructive season. It was larger than usual, many coming in who did not often attend, to whom the gospel was preached in the demonstration of the spirit, through which truth was raised into dominion, causing the hearts of many to be warmed within them by the influence of its power, and manifesting itself by much brokenness and contrition of spirit.

Second day, the 13th. Attended the funeral of our friend Charles Frost, at which there was a large collection of friends and neighbours. A meeting was held on the occasion, which was a favoured one, and, I trust, a profitable opportunity to some present, and worthy of grateful remembrance.

In the fall of 1820, being, with several other friends, on an appointment from the yearly meeting, requiring our care and attention in the northern quarters, and having for some time previously felt my mind drawn to visit some of the meetings of Friends, within the compass of Farmington and Duanesburgh quarterly meetings, I obtained the unity and concurrence of my Friends at home to attend thereto, after accomplishing the service of the yearly meeting. I accordingly set out in the 9th month, and was favoured to go through the visit with peace to my own mind; for He, who is the alone sure helper of all his dependant children, graciously manifested himself to be near, for my help and encouragement in the travail and exercise that I was engaged in, for the promotion of his noble cause of truth and righteousness in the earth; and in a way, that was often marvellous in mine eyes, tending to inspire my soul with deep and humble gratitude and thanksgiving, for the unmerited favour.

In the summer of 1822, I opened to my Friends a prospect, which for a considerable time had been impressive on my mind, to make a visit in the love of the gospel, to Friends and others in some parts of the yearly meeting of Philadelphia; and, if way should open for it, to visit some of the families of Friends in that city, and also to attend the yearly meeting at Baltimore. They united with me in the concern, and left me at liberty to proceed therein. I set out in the 7th month, with David Seaman as my companion. We had a large favoured meeting at Flushing, which was strengthening and comforting to my mind, in first setting out in this arduous engagement, and excited gratitude for the unmerited mercy. After leaving Flushing on our way to New-York, my prospect of a meeting at Hester-street, which I had a view of several weeks before I left home, revived with renewed weight; and although from the consternation and interrupted state of the citizens, owing to the prevalence of fever in the city, I had given up the prospect on leaving home, yet I now saw that I could not depart from the city with a quiet mind, unless I had a meeting agreeably to my former view. Accordingly, when I got into town I opened my concern to some of my friends there, who readily united therewith, and notice was given; and one of the Friends who attended about the door at the gathering of the meeting, said there were more people collected than had ever been at any former time in that place; several hundreds, he said, went away, who could not get into the house for want of room. I had a full opportunity to clear my mind among the people, most of whom were very solid and attentive. Thus we have great cause of gratitude to the gracious Care-taker of his faithfully devoted children, who opens a way for them, when some are ready to conclude there is no way. But he opens a way for those, which none but himself can shut, to the praise of his own great and adorable name, who is over all, blessed for ever.

We then proceeded to Newark, and had a meeting in the court-house. There was a pretty large collection of the inhabitants, among whom I had strength and utterance given to open many important doctrines of the Christian religion, in a clear and impressive manner, which appeared sensibly to affect and impress the minds of the sober and well inclined; but many appeared very ignorant and inexperienced as to the real truths of the gospel. But having fully cleared my mind among them, I left them with the answer of peace, and proceeded to Plainfield. We attended the meeting there, which was large for the place; and it was favoured in an eminent manner, to our mutual comfort. We then rode to Kingwood, and had a full and comfortable meeting there; after which we went to Solebury, in Pennsylvania, and had a meeting at the sixth hour in the evening. It was a large meeting, in which I was led to discharge myself faithfully in a close searching testimony. It was a very solemn quiet opportunity, and I parted with them in peace of mind.

We afterwards attended meetings at Buckingham, Plumbstead, Wrightstown, Makefield, and Newtown: and we have abundant cause to bless the name of Israel’s unslumbering Shepherd, who hath graciously condescended to manifest his presence and power for our help and support, opening my way in a marvellous manner in all the meetings I have attended since I left home, uniting my friends in a joint travail for the promotion of his blessed cause; truth prevailing in every meeting, and running as precious ointment over the assemblies, bearing down all opposition, and spreading, by its power, a sweet and precious solemnity over all. Surely it is the Lord’s doing, and marvellous in our eyes: and what is the greatest cause of gratitude and thanksgiving to the benevolent Author of all our richest blessings, is, that he causes all these favours to bow my spirit in deep humiliation and fear before him, as unworthy of the least of his mercies. To the sufficiency of his grace, may all the praise and glory be ascribed, nothing due to man.

We then attended meetings at Horsham, Upper Dublin, North Wales, Plymouth, Providence, Pikeland, Westchester, London Grove, and Deer Creek; and my spirit is humbled in a deep feeling sense of the Lord’s goodness vouchsafed for our help, opening a way in the minds of my friends generally to receive the testimonies given me to bear, for the promotion of his righteous cause, with marks of apparent joy and satisfaction, and to our mutual comfort. We reached Baltimore on the 25th of 10th month; and the meeting of Ministers and Elders was opened on the next day at the tenth hour. The yearly meeting continued till sixth day evening, and was acknowledged to be the largest and the most favoured meeting they had known for several years past. The unity of Friends with my exercises in the public meetings, and in those for discipline, was truly grateful, and tended to humble and inspire my mind with gratitude and thanksgiving to my heavenly Father.

I did not feel myself at liberty to leave the city at the close of the yearly meeting, believing that some more public service among the people was required of me. I had accordingly a public meeting in the Eastern District, on seventh day evening. It was very large; and among the various subjects that opened for communication to those assembled, I was led to expose the iniquity and deformity of the cruel practice of holding our fellow creatures in bondage, and the injustice and inconsistency of Friends doing any act where the right of slavery was acknowledged and supported; and, I think, I was enabled to do it in a more full and impressive manner than ever before. We had a very interesting and solemn meeting; truth appeared to gain the victory, and reigned over all. On first day I attended Friends’ meetings for the Western District, both in the forenoon and afternoon. They were very large; and I had a full opportunity in the morning of clearing myself among them. We had a precious, powerful meeting; and among the divers states addressed, the slave-holders were peculiarly the objects of my exercise and concern. The afternoon meeting I sat in silence, except the expression of a few words just at the close, in taking leave of them, and bidding all farewell.

In the evening I had a precious interesting opportunity with the coloured people, in Friends’ meeting-house in the Western District. It was said by Friends to be much the largest known in that place. It was a very quiet, solemn meeting; and the minds of all, both white and coloured, seemed animated with gladness and joy for the favour dispensed, and gave manifestations of their thankfulness and gratitude for the opportunity.

We then proceeded towards Philadelphia, attending several meetings on our way, which were greatly favoured, and crowned with the divine presence and power, in such a manner as to be marvellous in our eyes.

We arrived in Philadelphia in the early part of 12th month; and I immediately entered on the arduous concern which I had had in prospect, and which I was favoured soon comfortably to accomplish. We visited the families composing Green-street monthly meeting, being in number about one hundred and forty; and we also attended that monthly meeting, and the monthly meeting for the Northern District. This closed my visit there, and set me at liberty to turn my face homeward. We left Philadelphia on the 25th of 12th month, and attended several meetings in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, on our way home, which were large and solemn opportunities. We were favoured to reach our homes with feelings of thanksgiving to our gracious Preserver, and with the enjoyment of that precious peace, which is experienced by those whose minds are stayed on God; as the prophet declared in his appeal to Jehovah: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee.” And he subjoins, for our encouragement: “Trust in the Lord for ever; for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.” May we all dwell here; then nothing can hurt or harm us; for the Lord our Preserver will turn all the designs and cunning devices of those that rise up against us upon their own heads, and cause them to fall into their own pit.

In the latter part of 1823, I felt myself engaged to make a religious visit to Friends and others in several of the lower quarterly meetings; and having obtained the unity of my friends, I set out in the 10th month, with Samuel Willis as my companion. After having meetings at Westchester and Mamaroneck, we attended the select quarterly meeting at Purchase, which was small, many of the members being absent. They appeared to be clothed with much weakness: I was led into a feeling sympathy with them, and way was opened to communicate to their states, in a way that was comforting and encouraging to the honest-hearted. The next day was the quarterly meeting of discipline. It was large; and, I think, in the main it was a favoured instructive season, although considerably hurt by a long tedious communication from a Friend, not sufficiently clothed with life to make it useful. But the society is in such a mixed and unstable state, and many who presume to be teachers in it are so far from keeping on the original foundation, the light and spirit of truth, and are so built up in mere tradition, that I fear a great portion of the ministry amongst us is doing more harm than good, and is leading back to the weak and beggarly elements to which some seem desirous to be again in bondage.

After leaving Purchase, we had a pretty large and favoured meeting at North Castle; and next day we went to Oblong, and attended their meeting on first day. It was large, and I had an open time among them, through the prevalence of that power which opens and none can shut, and when he shuts none can open. Truth reigned, and the people generally, I believe, were instructed, comforted, and edified. I parted with them in true peace of mind, which leads my heart into deep humility, and inspires it with gratitude and thanksgiving to the great and blessed Author of all our mercies. We had a meeting at the Branch, and then proceeded to Nine Partners, and attended the select quarterly meeting. It was much like some other meetings of this kind, hard and not very fruitful. The members of those meetings are too generally falling more short of coming up faithfully, according to their stations, than most of the other departments of our society. We attended the quarterly meeting for discipline, also that at Stanford, and soon after turned our faces homeward; where we arrived, accompanied with the fresh feelings of that love that many waters cannot quench; even that powerful love that is stronger than death, and binds together in an indissoluble bond, all the new-born children of the heavenly Father. May we all seek for it, and dwell in it. It will cast out all fear, and clothe with that innocent boldness, which will enable us to withstand all the dark powers of antichrist and his agents, and all their deceivableness of unrighteousness; and will raise above the fear of death, with all his mis-shapen and ugly forms, and clothe with the joys of God’s salvation here and for ever, as we continue steadfast in the faith that overcomes the world.