Visit to Nine Partners, 1783.--Visit on Long Island, 1784.--Visit to
New-York and Staten Island, 1790.--Visit to Vermont, 1790.--Visit
on Long Island, 1791.--General visit to Friends of New-York yearly
Meeting, 1791.--Visit to the Meetings of Ministers and Elders,
1792.--Visit to Friends in New-England and Vermont, 1793.
In the fall of the year 1783, I attended the quarterly meeting at Nine
Partners, also the meeting for sufferings, which was held there at
this time; and, on my return, I was at the meetings held at Oswego and
Perquage. I was from home about eleven days, and rode about one hundred
and seventy miles. The reward of peace which I felt for this little
service, and finding my family well on my return, excited gratitude and
thankfulness of heart to the author of all our mercies and blessings;
who richly rewardeth every labour of his dependent and devoted children.
A concern having for some time impressed my mind to pay a religious
visit to the inhabitants of some of the adjacent towns, who were not
in profession with us, and having obtained the unity and concurrence
of my friends therein, I left home on the 1st day of the week, and
13th of 6th month, 1784, in order to perform that service. I attended
our own meeting in the forenoon; and, in the afternoon, one appointed
at Hempstead Harbour, to good satisfaction. Our next appointment was
on 2d day, at a village called Herricks, where there was but little
profession as to religion; nevertheless, we had a refreshing season
among them. The power and presence of the Lord were witnessed to
preside amongst us in an eminent manner. Many hearts were tendered;
and the peaceable kingdom and government of the Messiah was exalted:
to Zion’s king may all the praise be ascribed, who only is worthy for
ever.
From thence we went to the widow Cornell’s at Success, where we lodged,
and had a satisfactory meeting there the next day; many present were
affected by the power of truth, which ran freely over all, to the
comfort and refreshment of the sincere-hearted. After this we rode
to Benjamin Doughty’s and lodged; and the next day we had a meeting
at the Little Plains, about a mile from our lodgings, among a loose
airy people. The Lord’s power was manifest for our help, bringing
things close home to their several conditions. The day following,
we attended two meetings, one at Jamaica, and the other at a place
called the Fresh Meadows, near Flushing. Although the people were
too generally at ease, and in an unconcerned state, with regard to
their religious improvement, yet, through the interposition of divine
goodness and mercy, some hearts were tendered by the convicting power
of truth, and ourselves comforted in the faithful discharge of duty.
After these opportunities, we rode to our friend Isaac Underhill’s at
Flushing, and lodged; and the next day attended a meeting appointed in
Friends’ meeting-house in that town, wherein the Master’s presence was
witnessed, to the comfort and satisfaction of the upright in heart.
From thence we went to Newtown, and lodged with a man not in profession
with us. We had a meeting at his house the following day, wherein
the spirit of truth favoured with gospel communication, suited to
the states of those present, and relieving to my own mind. The four
following days we attended meetings at the Kilns in Newtown, Bushwick,
Brooklyn, Flatbush, Flatlands, and Gravesend. After the last, we turned
our faces homeward, having a meeting at Samuel Doughty’s, and another
at a wigwam, among the black people and Indians; both satisfactory
seasons. The next meeting was at Springfield, among a people, who
appeared to be in a state of great darkness; but the Lord was pleased,
by his own power, to command the light to shine in many hearts;
insomuch that the meeting ended under divine favour. To Him alone may
all the praise be ascribed, who is worthy for ever. The day following,
attended two meetings; one at Foster’s Meadow, the other at the widow
Keziah Mott’s.
After this we rode to my father’s at Rockaway, on the south side
of the Island; and the next day attended a meeting there. The day
following attended two meetings at Hempstead South, the latter at
the house of our friend John Smith; all I trust, in a good degree,
profitable and instructive seasons. Our next and last appointment, at
this time, was in the town of Hempstead, the following day. It was a
large satisfactory opportunity; wherein divine help was afforded to
minister suitably to the states of those present, and to the comfort
and edification of many minds. To the Master of our assemblies, be the
praise. Nothing is due to man. From hence I returned home, and found my
family well; having rode, whilst out, about one hundred miles.
A few weeks after my return from the aforesaid visit to the inhabitants
of some of the adjacent towns, not feeling my mind relieved from the
service, I again left home on the 4th of the 8th month following, in
order to finish the visit. The first meeting I attended was again
at Hempstead; and from thence proceeded along the south side of the
island, having meetings at Thomas Seaman’s near Jerusalem, and Thomas
Sands’ at Huntington South. The next was at Islip, on 7th day; but not
feeling clear, I appointed another the following day, being the 1st
of the week. This proved a satisfactory season. The same afternoon,
I attended another meeting about thirteen miles farther east, at a
place called Blue Point. Thence passing on along the south side of
the island, I attended meetings at Patchogue, the Fire Place, South
Hampton, North Sea, Amaganset and Montauk at the east end of the
island, among the Indian natives. In all of them, strength was afforded
to preach the gospel in a good degree of divine authority, and to the
general satisfaction of those assembled, and the solid peace of my own
mind.
After the meeting at Montauk among the natives, we returned that
afternoon to a meeting at East Hampton, which we had appointed in our
way down, and was held at the fifth hour. The priest of the town,
and a considerable number of his hearers, attended, and all passed
away quiet. We went from thence to the north part of the island,
having meetings at Sagharbour, Shelter Island, South Hold, Oyster
Pond Point, and Stephen Vail’s, a little back from the Point; thence
back by Riverhead to St. George’s Manor, where we had a meeting, and
all satisfactory seasons. We passed from thence by Wading River to
Setauket, and Stonybrook, holding meetings at the two last places to
good satisfaction. The meeting at Setauket, especially, was a solemn
time; the Lord’s presence was witnessed, to the tendering many hearts.
After this we took meetings at Jonah Wood’s, and James Oakley’s, and
from thence returned home, and found my family well; for which favour,
with the peace and satisfaction I felt in the performance of this tour
of duty, my mind was inspired with gratitude and humble acknowledgments
to the Lord, my gracious helper.
In the 12th month following, feeling my mind drawn to a few places
eastward, on the north part of the island, I again left home on the
2d of said month, and took meetings at Huntington, Cowharbour, Crab
Meadow, Smithtown, Setauket, Wading River, Quoram, Joshua Smith’s
near the branch; and from thence home. In all those meetings, truth
favoured me with ability to discharge myself faithfully, to the peace
of my own mind; and, I trust, to the edification and instruction of the
honest-minded in the several meetings.
Having felt drawings on my mind to pay a religious visit to some, not
in profession with us, on the western part of our island, New-York, and
Staten Island, and obtaining the concurrence of our monthly meeting,
I proceeded therein, the 28th of 3d month, 1790, Fry Willis kindly
bearing me company. Our first appointment was at Newtown, at the widow
Smith’s, who received us, and opened her house for a meeting, which was
held to good satisfaction. The next day we had two meetings; the first,
at Friends’ meeting-house at the Kilns, the other, in the evening, at a
neighbouring village, called Juniper Swamp; both favoured seasons, many
hearts being tendered by the prevalence of the spirit of truth, which,
through heavenly help, was exalted over all. The day following, way
opening therefor, we had a meeting at Hurlgate in the afternoon, to the
general satisfaction of those present, and to my own comfort; having
been enabled to discharge myself faithfully, in a plain way among them.
After this we proceeded to New-York, and the evening of the next
day, we had a large, and, I trust, profitable meeting, in a public
building called the City Tavern. Our next appointment was in Friends’
meeting-house, the evening following; it was a very large collection,
and, through the gracious extendings of divine mercy, the power of
truth was exalted over all, to the comfort and strength of my own mind,
and the solid satisfaction and rejoicing of many present.
The day following we passed to Staten Island, and the next day, being
the 1st of the week, we had two meetings: the first, at the house of
Peter Prawl, who was favourably inclined towards Friends. It was a
favoured season, wherein the Master’s presence was witnessed eminently
to preside, and in the precious influence thereof, the gospel was
preached in demonstration of the Spirit, and with power, to the
awakening and tendering the hearts of many present: to the Lord only
wise, be the praise and glory of his own work; for he only is worthy
for ever. The meeting in the afternoon, held at the house of the widow
of our friend Thomas Ridgway, proved a trying season, but I trust
ended well. We had two more meetings on the island the next day, and
the solemnity attending gave encouragement to hope, that they were of
some use to those assembled. After this we returned to New-York with
peace of mind, accompanied with the good wishes of many of those we had
visited.
The day after our arrival in the city, Friends’ monthly meeting was
held, which we attended; and the evening of the next day, we had a
large satisfactory meeting in the suburbs of the town, in a large
building called the Hospital. The next day, at the tenth hour, visited
the poor in the poor house. The visit was comfortable and satisfactory.
At the third hour we had a pretty full meeting, in a house belonging
to the Methodists, which they offered us for that purpose; and in the
evening we had another large meeting in Friends’ meeting house; both
satisfactory seasons, and, I trust, comfortable and edifying to many
who attended. The next day we visited a few families of Friends, as
way opened, which closed our visit for this time to the city. The day
after, being the first of the week, and the 11th of 4th month, we had
a satisfactory meeting at Brooklyn. The two following days we attended
two meetings on our way home, the first at Samuel Doughty’s, at Jamaica
South, the latter in Jamaica town; both favoured seasons, although many
who attended were light and airy; yet the power of truth rising into
dominion, a comfortable solemnity was spread over the assemblies. I
left them in the enjoyment of true peace of mind, and returned to my
family the evening following, and found all well; which, with other
unmerited favours, witnessed in the course of this little engagement,
filled my mind with thankful acknowledgments to the Shepherd of Israel,
who is over all, worthy for ever.
In the latter part of the summer of this year, I performed a visit,
in company with James Parsons of New-York, to some people favourably
disposed towards Friends, who resided in the towns of Strafford
and Sharon, in the State of Vermont, about fifteen miles west of
Connecticut river. I left home the 28th of 7th month, and attended
Purchase quarterly meeting, and a meeting on first day, at Cornwall
in Connecticut, on our way, and then passed on to Northampton on
Connecticut river; from thence up the east side of the river, through
Massachusetts and part of New Hampshire, as far as Hanover; then
crossing the river, we rode about fifteen miles westerly, to the town
of Strafford, to the house of Timothy Blake, who was principally
instrumental in collecting those people. Their first meeting was at
his house. He appeared convinced of the principle of the inward light,
as held by us; and had gathered a number into the same belief, in a
good degree. They held two meetings when we came among them, one at
his house, and the other at the adjacent town of Sharon; but, for want
of keeping inward enough to the principle of divine light and grace,
they became weak; and those, who apprehended it their duty to teach,
had got too much out into words and speculative preaching and doctrine,
which soon produced discord and a schism among them. They appeared
to have been at times much favoured, and several of them had their
understandings considerably illumined; insomuch that they were joined,
at their request, in membership with Friends, and their meetings came
under Friends’ notice; but being far distant from any other meeting
of the society, and not keeping low and little enough, they mostly
became bewildered and scattered, and their meetings dropped. Yet a
few kept, or regained, their first love; several of whom afterwards
removed nearer to Friends. We passed several days among them; and then,
taking leave, returned homeward by Danby, Saratoga alias Easton, and
Hudson, to Nine Partners, attending meetings as they fell in our way,
and reached Nine Partners in time for their quarterly meeting. After
this we passed pretty directly home, attending a meeting at Shapaqua on
first day. I was from home, on this journey, about three weeks and five
days, attended two quarterly meetings, and seven particular meetings,
and travelled about five hundred and ninety-one miles.
In the latter part of the winter, and spring of the ensuing year,
in the drawings of gospel love, and with the unity of my friends, I
performed a visit to a number of the adjacent towns and villages on our
island, among those not in profession with us. I was from home about
two weeks, and attended fifteen meetings, and rode about one hundred
and fifteen miles.
A prospect having for some time impressed my mind to make a general
visit to Friends of our yearly meeting, and to have some meetings
among those not in profession with us, in parts adjacent, with the
concurrence of my brethren at home, I set out on this service, the
23d of 10th month, 1791, and had meetings at Flushing, Newtown and
Brooklyn, on my way to New-York. Our quarterly meeting was held there
at this time; it ended on the sixth day of the week, and was a solemn
season, and graciously owned by the Master’s presence; many weighty
subjects were opened through well qualified instruments, to the
satisfaction and encouragement of the living. We were favoured with the
company of our beloved friend Mary Ridgway, and her companion, from
Ireland. The 29th, I proceeded on my journey, with Andrew Underhill,
who had kindly given up to bear me company. We went by water to Staten
Island, and the next day, being the first of the week, we attended
two appointed meetings, the first at the house of a man inclined to
Friends, whose wife was convinced of our principles; the latter at the
house of a professor among the Methodists. Both were favoured seasons,
many hearts being tendered through gospel communication, which flowed
freely to the people. The 31st, we had another meeting on the island,
at the house of the widow Ridgway; after this, in the evening, we had
a favoured and instructive season with the widow’s family. The next
day we passed over to Rahway, in East Jersey. And on fourth day, the
2d of 11th month, we attended Friends’ meeting at Plainfield, and an
appointed meeting in the evening at Elijah Pound’s, near Brunswick;
both, I trust, profitable seasons to some present.--We returned next
morning to Rahway, and attended Friends’ meeting in that place; and
one in the evening at Woodbridge, and returned to Rahway to lodge. The
next day we passed over again to Staten Island, and had two meetings
in the south-western part, wherein help was afforded to discharge
myself faithfully, in a plain way, suited, as I believe, to the states
of those who attended; they were of different professions, being
Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Baptists, and Methodists. We returned
again on seventh day evening to our lodgings at Rahway, to the house
of our kind friend Joseph Shotwell; and the next day, being the first
of the week, and 6th of the 11th month, we attended their forenoon and
afternoon meetings; both, I trust, instructive edifying seasons, worthy
of remembrance. To the Lord only wise, be the praise and glory of his
own work, for to him it is due.
The following day we attended an appointed meeting at the eleventh
hour in Elizabethtown, at the house of our friend Joseph Stackhouse;
and, although small, yet it proved a satisfactory season; and in the
evening, one at Newark, held in their court-house, which was large
and much crowded. I was drawn forth among them in a large doctrinal
testimony, I believe to general satisfaction, and greatly to the peace
and relief of my own mind. Our next appointment was on the evening
following, at a place called the English Neighbourhood, on the east
side of Hackensack river, at the house of Thomas Frost, a physician.
Although it was the first meeting appointed by Friends, ever held
at that place, and the people mostly unacquainted with us and our
principles, yet they came freely together, and generally behaved in an
orderly and commendable manner. The meeting was much favoured, being
evidently owned by the Head of the Church; and ability was received to
communicate divers things, relative to the true ground of real religion
and spiritual worship, which appeared to obtain the general assent
of those present. The next day, in the evening, we had a meeting at
the house of our friend Daniel Lawrence, at Tappan, which, although
small, was in the main a satisfactory season. On the three following
days, we had two meetings, by appointment, on our way to Cornwall;
one at Kakiat, at the house of the widow Seaman, the other at William
Thorne’s, at Smith’s Clove. In going to the latter place, we rode over
the western part of the mountains, called the Highlands. We got to the
house of our friend William Titus, at Cornwall, on seventh day evening.
The next day attended Friends’ meeting there, and one, by appointment,
in the evening at New Windsor; and lodged with our friend James Thorne.
The next day crossed the Hudson river, and had a meeting at Fishkill,
in our way to Nine Partners; where we arrived on 3d day, and attended
the quarterly meeting of Ministers and Elders, which opened at the
eleventh hour. The two following days, the meeting for discipline and a
parting meeting for public worship, were held. They were all favoured
seasons, in which the faithful had cause to bless the name of the Lord,
for his mercy in manifesting his gracious presence for the strength and
help of his people and servants; in a sense whereof, we parted from
each other with mutual rejoicing.
On sixth day, we rode to Sharon in Connecticut, and the day following
held a meeting for the town’s people in a large upper room in their
school-house. A considerable number attended: and, through heavenly
goodness, it proved a memorable time; the testimony of truth went
freely forth among them, powerfully reaching and tendering many hearts.
To the Lord alone, be the praise.
After this meeting, we rode to the house of Simeon Prague, about three
miles north of the town, and attended a meeting there that evening.
Next day, being the first of the week, we rode to Goshen, and attended
the meeting held there, at the house of Charles Richards; notice
having gone before of our coming, it was a pretty full meeting, and
ended to satisfaction. We passed from thence to Tyringham, in the
state of Massachusetts; and, on third day, attended a meeting in that
neighbourhood. Then travelling on that afternoon and the next day,
we got to Westfield, and lodged at an inn; and the following day,
held a meeting at our lodgings, for the neighbourhood. After this we
rode to Norwich, and attended a meeting that evening at the house of
Phineas Mixer, which proved, through heavenly help, a comfortable
edifying season, although the general part of those who attended
were strangers to us and our principles. The three following days,
we passed on through the towns of Northampton, Hadley, Sunderland,
Montague, Northfield and Walpole, to John Cook’s, in Claremont,
where we appointed a meeting to be held the next day. Our landlord
undertook to give the notice to his neighbours; and having heard that
Friends sometimes sit their meetings in silence, he was afraid, as he
afterwards informed me, to notify any of the meeting, except two or
three of his particular friends; lest, if it should prove silent, they
might laugh him to scorn. In consequence thereof, the meeting was very
small. But such was the kindness of divine Providence, that he did not
fail to manifest his presence powerfully among, as it were, the two
or three, to the conviction and reproof of our unfaithful landlord;
insomuch that he informed me, when I came that way again, that his
folly and blindness had given him much trouble and distress; and he was
now very pressing and desirous I would appoint another meeting, that he
might give all the neighbourhood general notice. But we let him know,
that we were not at our own disposal; and, as no way appeared open in
our minds for such an appointment at present, we could not comply with
his desire.
After the last mentioned meeting, we passed the next day to Windsor,
the most south-easterly town in the state of Vermont, on the west side
of Connecticut river. Here we had a meeting in their court-house,
which was very commodiously fitted up for the purpose, and proved a
solid satisfactory opportunity. After this we rode to James Willard’s,
in the town of Hartland; who, although brought up without any
particular knowledge of Friends, was yet so far one in principle with
us, that he had maintained, by himself alone, a testimony against a
hireling ministry, against fighting, and oaths, and the superstitious
observance of days; and had, by sound reasoning, so far defeated
all his opponents, that he was permitted to remain quiet; although
his residence had mostly been among those rigid in the Presbyterian
profession. We had a meeting in his house, which appeared always to
be open to Friends, after his gaining an acquaintance with them;
but it being on the day set apart by those in authority as a day of
thanksgiving, the meeting was small.
We took leave of our kind landlord, and journeyed forward; and got to
the town of Sharon the next day, to the house of Jared Bassett, who,
with some of his neighbours, who were likewise measurably convinced
of our principles, held meetings together, after our manner. Here we
continued some days, visiting those people, and attended their meeting
on first day, the 4th of 12th month; which, through favour, was, I
trust, a profitable, edifying season.
On third day we rode over to Hanover, a town on the east side of
Connecticut river. And the day following had a meeting in the east
part of said town, among a people mostly of the Baptist profession; it
was, I trust, an instructive season; things, relating to true religion
and spiritual worship, being largely opened. And after the meeting, we
had some free conversation on several material points; viz. election,
falling from grace, water baptism and the right use of the scriptures,
all of which were opened apparently to the satisfaction of most
present. The evening of the next day, we had an appointed meeting near
Dartmouth College, which proved a very disturbed opportunity, by reason
of the attendance of the young students, whose behaviour was very rude
and unbecoming; nevertheless, I hope the season was profitable to some
present.
We returned the next day to Jared Bassett’s, at Sharon, and the
following day attended two meetings, one at Strafford, and the other in
the evening at a place called the Hollow. After this we returned again
to Jared Bassett’s, and the next day, being the first of the week, and
the 11th of 12th month, we attended the meeting at his house; which,
with the two last, were, to myself at least, satisfactory seasons;
feeling conscious of having discharged my duty faithfully among them,
and having the answer of peace therein. The next day we set out for
Danby, the nearest meeting of Friends to this place; but by reason
of a great fall of snow, and the way being mountainous, we did not
arrive there until the third day after we set out. The next day after
our arrival, their monthly meeting began, which continued two days.
It was a low time, wherein I felt my mind much oppressed with the
apparent careless indifferent way in which Friends there conducted the
weighty affairs of the Church; many of them appearing to act in their
own will, in as light a manner, as they would in their own trivial
outward business. Much labour was bestowed in a plain way, in order to
impress their minds with the necessity of being more weighty in their
spirits, when they presumed to be active in the affairs of truth; and,
I hope, to the encouragement of the honest hearted. We stayed their
first day meeting, which was large, and proved a trying season; but I
was favoured to relieve my mind among them, although they appeared too
generally insensible of the operation of truth.
After meeting, we rode that afternoon, on our way towards Lake
Champlain, about twelve miles, and attended a meeting at the house
of our friend Joseph Button, that evening, among a people mostly of
the Baptist profession. It was a favoured season, and ability was
received to open many things, in a plain way, relating to the Christian
religion. The strange doctrine of absolute personal election and
reprobation was exposed, also that of the impossibility of falling from
grace; and the true baptism explained, in opposition to that of water.
The next day we pursued our journey towards Lake Champlain, where we
arrived on second day, and were in the neighbourhood of the lake, in
different towns, for about fifteen days, and attended eleven meetings
among Friends and others, to general satisfaction, and the peace of my
mind.
After this we returned to Danby, and from thence we passed on, through
Queensborough, to Saratoga and Easton; in which neighbourhood we had
divers comfortable and edifying meetings, among Friends and others.
Then we went on through Pittstown, Williamstown, East Hoosack, New
Britain, Kline-Kiln, Coeman’s Patent, crossing the Hudson river on the
ice to the last mentioned place, and from thence to Hudson; most of the
way upon the ice on the river. We had a meeting at each of those places
to good satisfaction, also one at Hudson the next day after our arrival
there. After this we passed on, attending meetings at Little Nine
Partners, and one at the house of our friend Tideman Hull; thence to
the Creek, where we had a precious opportunity on the first day of the
week, in a large meeting of Friends and others. Then having meetings at
Crum-elbow and Oswego, we got in time to Nine Partners, to attend their
preparative meeting the fifth day following, which proved a comfortable
season; and the next day attended a profitable meeting, appointed at
a place called Chesnut Ridge. The two following days we attended two
meetings, one at the Branch, and the other on the hill at Oblong; and
the day after, their monthly meeting; and returned to Nine Partners to
attend the quarterly meeting, which began the next day.
The quiet and comfort of this meeting seemed much interrupted by the
forwardness and inexperience of some in the ministry, which was cause
of much affliction to my mind. Oh what great need there is for those,
who apprehend themselves called to that great and solemn office, to
know self wholly reduced; for, otherwise, there is danger of their
endeavouring to clothe themselves with the Lord’s jewels, which,
nevertheless, will turn to their own shame and confusion. I had some
close exercise in the meeting of Ministers and Elders on that account.
On sixth day we were at the monthly meeting at the Creek, which was
attended with a degree of divine power, but not without suffering some
hurt, by the forward unskilful workmen before mentioned.
From this meeting we crossed the Hudson again, and had meetings at
Little Esopus, Marlborough, and Newburgh Valley; and then returned to
Nine Partners, and attended their monthly meeting. After this, taking
leave of Friends there, we turned our faces homewards, having meetings
at Amawalk, Joseph Weeks’ near Salem, Purchase, Apoquague, Mamaroneck,
and Westchester; all favoured seasons, especially the last, which
was mostly composed of those not in membership with Friends. I was
enabled, through divine aid, to open much doctrine to them, suitable
to the occasion, and to the states of those present, to their general
satisfaction; and I felt great peace in my labour, not only for the
service of this meeting, but for all my past labour in this journey;
wherein I had been graciously favoured, to my humbling admiration. To
the Lord only wise, be all the glory.
The next day we rode to New-York, where I lodged with my kind
companion, and was cordially received by his beloved wife, and many
other near and dear friends. We had been from the city four months
and three days. The next day being the first of the week, I attended
their forenoon and afternoon meetings, which were large; and the day
following rode to my own home, and, with a mind full of peace and solid
satisfaction, the sure reward of obedience, found my dear wife and
children all well: for which favour, also for the manifold unmerited
mercies and preservations I have from time to time received, my spirit
bows in humble adoration before thee, O Lord God of our health and
salvation, and desires to ascribe unto thee greatness, with glory,
thanksgiving, and high renown; for thou art worthy to receive it,
throughout all ages and generations, world without end. Amen.
I was from home on this journey four months and eleven days; rode about
one thousand five hundred miles, and attended forty-nine particular
meetings among Friends, three quarterly meetings, six monthly meetings,
and forty meetings among other people.
In the latter end of the 7th month, 1792, I left home, in company with
some other Friends, by appointment from the yearly meeting of Ministers
and Elders, to visit the subordinate meetings throughout the yearly
meeting. I was from home nearly a month, in which time we visited
most of the meetings of Ministers and Elders, and attended many other
meetings; and, I believe, the visit was truly useful. We had many
seasonable and comfortable opportunities among Friends, and, I trust,
the labour was blessed to some, and I felt peace of mind for this
little service.
A concern having for some time rested on my mind, in the feelings of
gospel love, to pay a religious visit to Friends in New England, in
the spring of 1793, I opened it to my friends, and obtained their
certificate for that purpose. But I did not proceed therein till after
our yearly meeting. I left home the 2d of 6th month, being the first
of the week, and after attending our own meeting, I crossed the Sound
that afternoon, and got to the house of our friends Daniel and Samuel
Titus at Horseneck, that evening. Here I met my companion James Mott
from Mamaroneck, who had kindly given up to be my companion in this
journey. We set forward next morning through the state of Connecticut,
which took near three days, and arrived on fourth day evening at the
house of our friend Amos Collins in Stonington, and the next day
attended Friends’ meeting at Hopkinton, in the state of Rhode Island.
From thence we proceeded on towards Newport, attending meetings in our
way, at Westerly, Richmond, South Kingston, Upper and Lower House,
and Canonnicut Island; all satisfactory opportunities. After this we
crossed the ferry to Newport, and lodged at the house of our kind
and very hospitable friend, the widow Mary Rodman, who, with her two
worthy daughters, Sarah and Hannah, treated us with great kindness
and affection; and where we continued to lodge, during our stay in
that town. The meeting of Ministers and Elders opened the next day at
Portsmouth. After this we lodged that night at our friend Jacob Mott’s,
and the next day attended a meeting for worship at that place, which
was very large; although things appeared very low, as to the life and
virtue of truth, both among Friends and others, and lukewarmness and
indifference seemed to prevail, which made it a laborious time for the
honest travellers, yet ability was afforded to discharge myself among
them to a good degree of satisfaction, and peace to my own mind; and we
returned that evening to Newport.
The yearly meeting closed on the third day following; and although
strength was afforded me to discharge myself in the several sittings
thereof, both for worship and discipline, in a manner productive of
that true peace, which is the sure reward of a faithful discharge of
duty, yet it was, for the most part, a dull time, and the spring of
life seemed very low; occasioned, in part, as I apprehended, by a very
small number taking upon them the whole management of the business,
and thereby shutting up the way to others, and preventing the free
circulation and spreading of the concern, in a proper manner, on the
minds of Friends; which I have often found to be of very hurtful
tendency.
On fourth day morning we left Newport, and rode to Portsmouth, and
attended their preparative meeting. The forepart of the meeting for
worship was a heavy season, in which it was my lot to be baptized for
the dead; but, as I patiently abode under suffering with the pure seed,
the Lord was pleased to arise, and give ability to come forth, and
sound an alarm to the lifeless; whereby his power and presence were
experienced, in good measure, to cover the meeting, to the comfort
and encouragement of the living travellers; to the Lord alone be the
praise, who is worthy for ever.
The next day we passed the ferry, and rode to Tiverton, on the Main,
and attended a meeting, by appointment, which was chiefly made up of
people not of our society. Through the prevalence of divine love,
after a season of close labour, strength was afforded me, largely to
open the truths of the gospel, in a clear manner, greatly to my own
satisfaction, and apparently so to most or all present; for which
my spirit was truly thankful. The next day we attended a meeting at
Little Compton, which was large, and mostly composed of people of
other persuasions. It was a comfortable edifying season; the Lord was
graciously pleased to be near, and to afford wisdom and utterance; many
things were opened in a doctrinal way, suitable to the states of those
present, in the clear demonstration of the spirit, and with power; in
a sense whereof, the living were made to rejoice, and return thankful
acknowledgments for such unmerited mercy.
The day after, we attended the monthly meeting of Friends of Acoakset,
held at Westport; the meeting for worship was very large, and like the
former, mostly composed of people of other persuasions. Ability was
afforded me largely to open the nature of true worship, and to show the
fruitlessness of mere outward performances in religion, without the
animating, quickening virtue of the word of eternal life, influencing
and assisting the soul in that solemn act. The meeting for discipline
was small, and very few of those present appeared to be under right
qualifications to be active in the affairs of the Church; consequently
their business was conducted in great weakness, and in a way far short
of maintaining the proper dignity of a monthly meeting. No way seemed
to open to afford relief; as the disorder and weakness appeared to
be much in those, who assumed the place of leaders and heads in the
meeting, and great and uncommon rawness in most of the youth. Under the
consideration thereof, my mind was deeply affected with concern for
their own, and the testimony’s, sake.
Our next appointment was at Centre, on first day; and previous notice
having been given of our coming, the meeting was very large; there were
many more than the house could hold, and it was a precious edifying
season. We then rode to Newtown, taking some refreshment on our way;
and attended a meeting at the fourth hour in the afternoon, which was
large, and proved a satisfactory opportunity, and I felt sweet peace in
this day’s labour.
The next day we attended the monthly meeting of Aponegansett, alias
Dartmouth, which proved a hard, painful season, things being much out
of order with Friends there. Most of the young people, and some of
those that were older, were very raw and ungoverned; insomuch that the
meeting was much interrupted by an almost continual going in and out,
although frequently reproved for it. It rendered the prospect very
afflicting, to see the professors of truth so regardless of their own
reputation and real good, as well as of the good and reputation of
society. I left this place with a degree of sadness, on account of the
prevailing darkness and ignorance; yet I felt peace to attend my mind,
having faithfully discharged myself among them.
We rode after meeting to New Bedford, in company with our beloved
friend Thomas Rotch, who met us at this place; and we lodged at his
house, where we found a cordial reception, and kind entertainment from
him and his beloved wife, who appeared to be hopeful young Friends.
The next day we attended their monthly meeting, which proved a very
comfortable, edifying season. This monthly meeting was but newly
settled, and Friends appeared desirous of improvement. There were a
number of promising young Friends in this place, to whom my spirit was
nearly united, and a sympathetic travail experienced for their growth
and preservation. My mind was covered with much sweetness in the course
of this meeting, and it proved a time of revival to my spirit; having
experienced much depression and discouragement in the two foregoing
monthly meetings.
The next day we rode to Long Plain, and attended a meeting at the
eleventh hour, which proved, through heavenly help, a comfortable,
edifying season. After this we rode back to Accushnet, and attended
a meeting at the fourth hour that afternoon, in which I found it my
business to set the people an example of silence; and returned that
evening to our lodgings at New Bedford. The next day we embarked for
Nantucket, and arrived there before night, having sailed about sixty
miles in our way thither. We took our lodgings at the house of our kind
friend Samuel Rodman, and stayed on the island several days, in which
time we attended their monthly meeting, and a meeting of Ministers and
Elders belonging thereto; and two meetings on the first day of the
week. After this, on second and third day, their quarterly meeting was
held, and on fourth day I was at their meeting held in the middle of
the week, in the north meeting-house. Although things in general were
much out of order with many of the professors of truth in this island,
and the pure seed of the kingdom much oppressed, and gloominess seemed
to spread over the camp, yet the Lord Almighty, in the riches of his
love, was pleased to furnish ability to sound an alarm to the dead, and
to press upon the lukewarm and careless professors, the necessity of
using all diligence to make their calling and election sure, while time
and opportunity were yet graciously afforded; and also to administer
Gilead’s balm, to bind up the broken-hearted, and to encourage the
faithful labourers in the family, to a perseverance in faith and
patience. To a remnant of these, my spirit was nearly united in the
real bond of Christian fellowship, and our hearts were filled with
gratitude to the God and Father of all our sure mercies, that he was
graciously pleased to distil the heavenly dew for refreshing the weary
travellers, and crowning the several meetings with the glorious diadem
of his holy presence; to him alone be the praise, for he is worthy for
ever.
On fifth day, the 4th of 7th month, we left the island, and crossed
over to Falmouth, about forty miles, by water; after landing, we
travelled about four miles to the house of our friend Richard Lake, and
lodged. The next day we attended their monthly meeting, which proved a
time of deep exercise to my spirit; occasioned, as I believed, by the
dead and lifeless state of the professors of truth in that meeting. I
sat through the meeting for worship in silence, under a great weight of
death and suffering, and saw no way of relief until near the close of
the meeting for discipline, when a prospect opened in my mind, with a
degree of light, to propose to Friends, that the men and women should
sit together again at the close of their business. This proposition
was agreed to by Friends, and way was made to clear my mind, in a
good degree, amongst them, of the burden I had sat under, in a close
searching communication of my prospect respecting their state, as it
opened in the view of my mind. This appeared to have considerable
effect on the minds of some, yet some others appeared too much in that
state, of all others the most to be dreaded, of self-justification, and
of being righteous in their own eyes, which rendered them indisposed to
improvement.
I left that place the day following, with some weight on my spirit,
under a sense of the low state of things among them, and rode to
Yarmouth, and attended a meeting there the next day, which proved a
satisfactory season. The three following days we passed on through
Sandwich, Pembroke, and Boston, to Salem; having meetings at Sandwich
and Pembroke, both, I trust, profitable edifying seasons to some
present. We reached Salem on fifth day, the 11th of 7th month, just
in time to attend their monthly meeting, having rode diligently
the morning and afternoon before to accomplish it; and had a pretty
satisfactory time with Friends at this meeting. After this we rode back
to Lynn, and the next day attended an appointed meeting there, which
proved a large, favoured, and I trust, profitable meeting to many, not
soon to be forgotten; there were a considerable number of hopeful young
people in this place. In the afternoon, we had a precious opportunity
at a Friend’s house, where there were a number of young people and
others collected; it was a heart-tendering season. For this, with other
favours conferred from time to time, my heart was made truly thankful
to the Father of mercies, and God of all comfort, who is over all,
blessed for ever.
We proceeded the next day to Almsbury, and lodged with our friend
Ezekiel Jones, and the next morning rode back to Newbury, and attended
Friends’ meeting at the eleventh hour. Although the meeting was small,
Friends being much reduced there, yet some of the neighbouring people
coming in we had a precious opportunity together, to our mutual
comfort; the way of life and salvation being clearly opened to them,
in the demonstration of the spirit, and with power; for which my
spirit was reverently thankful. We rode back and attended a meeting
at Almsbury that afternoon, at the fourth hour; a large number of
those, who were not members of our society, assembled with the few
Friends of that place, insomuch that the house could not contain them.
It proved a painful season, by reason of the prevailing death and
darkness that seemed to spread, not only over Friends, but the assembly
in general. My spirit was brought into a state of deep suffering and
baptism, but as I patiently endured the conflict, way was made, and
ability afforded, to open to them their states and conditions, with
the necessity of being redeemed therefrom, and the way whereby it must
be effected. The people were generally solid, and I trust it was a
profitable season to many minds present.
We returned that evening to the house of our friend Ezekiel Jones,
and the next day proceeded to Newtown, where we had a meeting, which
proved, I trust, an instructive edifying season to some present;
although the life of religion appeared very low in that place. We
lodged here, and the day following we went to Halestown alias Wear,
and took our lodgings at the house of our friend Ebenezer Breed. We
attended their monthly meeting next day; things in general appeared in
a low state with Friends here, much of which weakness I apprehended
arose from these two causes. First, from a forward spirit, which
appeared very predominant in some members, who were not under a right
qualification to be active in meetings for discipline, not having
their spirits sanctified: and their unseasoned offerings and forward
activity were a great burden to the living concerned members, being
often opposed to the right exercise of discipline, which caused
divisions and parties in the meeting: Secondly, those Friends who
seemed to have the cause of truth at heart, for want of dwelling enough
in the root, and in that perfect love that casts out all fear, were
led from an apprehension of necessity, in order to keep down those
forward spirits, to make use of some undue methods in the exercise of
discipline. This, originating in fear, and being the result of human
contrivance, instead of subjecting, had a tendency to strengthen them,
in their opposition: for nothing can promote the Lord’s work but his
own peaceable spirit and wisdom, and this stands out of all human
consultation and contrivance, which, when given way to, although ever
so well intended, always mar his work. I was much exercised, both in
the meeting for worship, and that for discipline; and I was helped to
administer much counsel and advice for Friends’ improvement in general,
and particularly that those before mentioned difficulties might be
removed; and felt much peace in my labour.
The next day, being the 5th of the week, and 19th of 7th month, we rode
to Epping, about forty-two miles, and lodged with our friend Joshua
Fulsome, an approved minister, and attended Friends’ meeting there the
following day. In the forepart of this meeting, my mind was reduced
into such a state of great weakness and depression, that my faith was
almost ready to fail, which produced great searchings of heart, so that
I was led to call in question all that I had ever before experienced.
In this state of doubting, I was ready to wish myself at home, from an
apprehension that I should only expose myself to reproach, and wound
the cause I was embarked in; for the heavens seemed like brass, and the
earth as iron; such coldness and hardness, I thought could scarcely
have ever been experienced before by any creature, so great was the
depth of my baptism at this time; nevertheless, as I endeavoured to
quiet my mind, in this conflicting dispensation, and be resigned to
my allotment, however distressing, towards the latter part of the
meeting a ray of light broke through the surrounding darkness, in
which the Shepherd of Israel was pleased to arise, and by the light of
his glorious countenance, to scatter those clouds of opposition. Then
ability was received, and utterance given, to speak of his marvellous
works in the redemption of souls, and to open the way of life and
salvation, and the mysteries of his glorious kingdom, which are hid
from the wise and prudent of this world, and revealed only unto those,
who are reduced into the state of little children and babes in Christ.
It proved a time of renewed strength and consolation to myself, and I
trust it was so to many present. Renowned for ever be the name of the
Lord, who hath his way in the cloud, and in the thick darkness, and who
can cause the light to shine out of obscurity, when he pleaseth, for
the comfort and help of his devoted children, and cause their darkness
to become as the noonday.
We passed on from thence through Dover to Berwick, where the monthly
meeting for Dover was held the next day. It proved a very exercising
season, great weakness attending the meeting, on account of the same
rending, dividing spirit getting in among Friends there, mentioned at
the foregoing monthly meeting at Wear. It had made great havoc among
them; a great number of members had been separated, and others were
about to be separated, by minutes of denial from the monthly meeting.
I had some close labour with them, not only by endeavouring to stir
up and warn the careless and refractory members; but I also found it
necessary to caution and warn those, who had the chief management of
discipline. I believed they had too much departed from the meek spirit
of Jesus, in ordering the affairs of truth; and instead of giving the
right portion of meat in due season to their fellow members, had given
way to a spirit of impatience, and therefore did not stand wholly clear
of beating and abusing their fellow servants. O how necessary it is for
all those, who think themselves called to be active in the discipline
of the Church, to know their own spirits fully subjected, that nothing
of the unmortified will of the creature may be found acting in the
work of the Lord; or mixing its own forward unsanctified zeal, with
that true and holy fervour of soul, which animates, quickens, and
constrains, by the mere force and influence of the pure love of Christ,
our holy head, and heavenly high priest, from whence it derives all
its power and authority, in putting right discipline in practice, and
laying true judgment on the head of transgressors, and refractory
members. We tarried here the next day, it being the first of the week.
The meeting was pretty large, and was composed of Friends and others,
and favoured with the reachings forth of heavenly regard, consoling
many hearts, and refreshing the weary travellers; of these, there
appeared to be a small remnant preserved in almost every place. The
meeting ended with humble supplication, and praise to the great Author
of every blessing, who is over all, worthy for ever.
The next day, the 22d of 7th month, we proceeded on towards Falmouth,
at Casco Bay, attending a meeting at Portland, in our way thither. On
fourth day we attended the monthly meeting of Falmouth, and, on sixth
day, the monthly meeting of Durham; they were in general satisfactory
seasons. The next day we rode to Georgetown, and attended a meeting
appointed there at the eleventh hour. After this we proceeded on to the
widow Gardner’s, in a town called Bordingham; in getting to this place,
we had to cross the great river Kennebeck twice. The next day, being
the first of the week, and the 28th of 7th month, a large meeting was
held there by our appointment, there being no meeting in that place. It
was a time of hard labour for a season, by reason of the indifference
and ignorance of many present; nevertheless, ability was afforded
to discharge myself among them, to pretty good satisfaction, and, I
believe, generally so to those present; and, I trust, by some, the
season will not soon be forgotten.
We went by water that afternoon up the aforesaid river, about seven
miles, to the house of our friend George Ramsdale, having sent
our horses there the night before. The next day we passed on to
Vassalborough, and the day following rode up the river to Fairfield,
and attended a meeting, and returned to Vassalborough that afternoon.
The next day we attended Friends’ meeting there, which proved a heavy
dull season, till near the close, when ability was afforded me to clear
myself among them, in a close searching communication, which appeared
to have a good effect, and the meeting ended well.
We passed on that afternoon twenty miles to Winthrop, and the next
day had a meeting there. After this we rode to Greene, and from
thence to Lewistown, having a meeting at each place; both precious
heart-tendering seasons, especially the latter, which was attended by a
large number of young people, many of whom were greatly affected by the
power of truth. We left them in a tender loving frame of mind, and rode
that afternoon to Durham. The next day, being the first of the week,
and 4th of 8th month, we attended Friends’ meeting there, in which I
was favoured to open many things in a doctrinal way, there being many
present, who were not in membership with Friends. I was likewise led to
speak largely of the good effects of pure love.
We passed on from thence through Falmouth to Portland, where we had
a meeting appointed for the town’s people; it was held in their
court-house, and was, through heavenly help, an instructive season.
Many doctrines of the gospel were clearly opened; and the unsound
doctrines of original sin and predestination, also the schemes of the
Universalists, Atheists, and Deists, were confuted from scripture and
reason. And a pressing exhortation was extended to all present, to
attend to the leadings of the spirit of Christ in their own hearts, so
as to be sensible of their fallen condition, and to become acquainted
with the necessity, means, and manner of their salvation. Truth was
over all, and I had great peace in my labour.
We returned that evening to Falmouth, and the next day went to Windham,
and attended a meeting, wherein I was led to be an example of silence.
After this we rode to the house of our friend John Robinson, and
lodged; and a prospect opening for paying another visit to Friends
at Wear, we accordingly proceeded, attending meetings in our way, at
Gorham, Lymington, New Sandwich, and Gilmantown, all satisfactory
seasons; and reached Wear in time to attend their monthly meeting.
Although the same dividing spirit was still discernible among them,
which produced much weakness, yet we had pretty good satisfaction in
our visit. We proceeded from thence through Pittsfield, and Lee, in
our way to Dover, having a meeting at each place, and reached Dover in
time to attend their monthly meeting, held on seventh day, the 17th
of 8th month. Although discipline is at a low ebb with Friends here,
yet, through divine condescension, I hope the season was profitable
and instructive to many present. We were at their first day meeting
in the forenoon; and, in the afternoon, had a satisfactory meeting at
Kittery; and, on second day, we attended meetings at Madersborough,
and Rochester, both, I trust, profitable seasons. On third day we rode
to Hampton, and the next day had a comfortable meeting with Friends
of that place; and from thence we returned to Salem, and attended a
meeting. Then we proceeded to Lynn, and attended their forenoon and
afternoon meetings on first day. On second day we rode to Boston,
and attended a meeting at the eleventh hour; although the meeting
was but small, there being but very few Friends in that place, and
only a small number of the town’s people came in, yet we had pretty
good satisfaction in giving them this opportunity, and way opened to
clear ourselves among them. After this we passed on, having a meeting
at Taunton, and then attended Providence monthly meeting, held at
Smithfield; things appeared but low with Friends of this monthly
meeting, their attention being too much turned to worldly concerns. We
next attended the monthly meeting held in the upper part of Smithfield,
being about nine miles from the latter; this was in general a
satisfactory season; and the following day we attended Uxbridge monthly
meeting, to good satisfaction.
Our next appointment was at Freetown, the first of the week, and
the 1st of 9th month, and was a satisfactory opportunity; and, on
second day, we attended the monthly meeting at Swansey; here things
appeared much out of order, and in a low state; but, through divine
favour, ability was given me, to clear my mind among them, in a way,
that I hope, will tend to their profit. From thence we passed on to
Providence, where we had a satisfactory meeting. The four following
days we had meetings at Cranston, Greenwich, Foster and Scituate; all
satisfactory meetings, particularly the last; it was an open edifying
season, many hearts being comforted by the power of truth, which
prevailed over all, and was cause of deep thankfulness to my mind.
Our next meeting was at Wankeg, on first day, the 8th of 9th month;
it was a profitable edifying season. Then passing on, we had meetings
as they were laid out for us, on second day at Gloucester, on third
day at Douglass, and on fourth day at Smithfield. The last was a large
meeting, and many things were opened in a clear manner; confuting that
dark belief in election and reprobation, and the impossibility of
falling from grace. Also showing the necessity of regeneration, through
the operation of the one essential baptism of the Holy Ghost; and that
all were the objects of universal, and saving grace, and how all might
be saved by it, if they did not reject it to their own destruction.
The next day we attended a meeting at Mendham; it was a comfortable
season to myself, and I believe, to most or all present, and was cause
of thankful remembrance. From thence we passed on, having meetings at
Northbridge, Bolton and Leicester; at this place we also attended a
burial, and had a favoured opportunity with the people. Then we went to
Richmond, and attended their monthly meeting, where things were much
out of order, and the meeting was small, and in a weak situation. I
cleared my mind in a plain way among them, and found peace therein.
This was the last meeting we attended in the compass of Rhode Island
yearly meeting. Then we passed on into the state of Vermont, in order
to visit Friends of our own yearly meeting, who resided in that state.
We reached Sharon, in time to attend their meeting on first day, the
22d of 9th month; and the next day attended a meeting at Strafford,
which was a dull heavy time, in which I found it my place to be silent.
The next day we crossed Connecticut river to the town of Hanover, and
attended a meeting in a school-house, no Friends living in those parts.
It was a satisfactory season. We lodged with a man attached to Friends,
of the name of John Williams, who with his wife, were convinced of
the principles of truth; yet found it a great trial, faithfully to
take up the cross, as they lived among a people much opposed to them
in that respect. We left them the next day in a tender frame of mind,
and I have a hope they will improve. We returned over the river and
attended a meeting in the town of Norwich, at the fourth hour of the
afternoon, which was a small, but favoured meeting. We lodged that
night with a person who had requested to be joined to Friends, of the
name of Zebulon Huntington. The next morning we returned to Sharon, and
attended a meeting at the eleventh hour, it being their usual meeting
day, which was a favoured season. The next day we attended a meeting
in the northeast part of the town of Strafford, among those not of
our society. After this we set forward for Lake Champlain, and got to
Ferrisburgh just in time to attend their meeting on first day, the 29th
of 9th month, which I sat in silence; and returned after meeting to the
house of our friend Nicholas Holmes and lodged. The next day we rode to
our friend Cornelius Halbert’s, and attended a meeting at the fourth
hour, which proved a comfortable season: it was mostly composed of
those not in membership with us.
From thence we proceeded to Grand Isle, which is situated nearly in
the middle of Lake Champlain, having a meeting at Wiltston, in our way
thither. We had a comfortable meeting at our lodgings at this place,
and then crossed over by water to the west side of the lake, to the
river Sable. We walked on foot about six miles near this river, to
the house of our friend Richard Keese, where we had a satisfactory
opportunity, in a meeting appointed in his house. It was a newly
settled place, and no meeting of Friends within forty miles. We
returned then to Grand Isle, and the next day, the first of the week,
and the 6th of 10th month, we attended another meeting there, and then
returned to Monkton, to the house of our kind friend Nicholas Holmes,
who had accompanied us in this little tour to the northward. We rested
the next day, and the day following had an appointed meeting at the
house of my kinsman Stephen Haight. On fifth day we had a comfortable
opportunity with Friends here, at their preparative meeting. After this
we took leave of our friends of this place, and rode to Vergennes, and
lodged at our friend Thomas Robinson’s; and the next day proceeded on
our way to Queensbury, where we arrived on seventh day evening. The day
after, the first of the week, and the 13th of 10th month, we attended
two meetings; the first, at Friends’ meeting-house, at the usual time;
and the latter, at a Friend’s house, where a considerable number of
people, who were not in profession with us, assembled.
On second day we rode to Easton, and lodged at our friend William
Coffin’s; on third day, it being rainy weather, we rested; and on
fourth day, we attended the preparative meeting of Ministers and
Elders for Easton monthly meeting. On fifth day their monthly meeting
began, which held three days, and, in general, was conducted to good
satisfaction. I felt near sympathy with Friends of this place, as their
monthly meeting was bordering on an extensive newly settled country,
to which Friends were moving from various parts. It made the bounds
of their meeting very wide, and the members much scattered from one
another; and caused much labour and exercise to the concerned part of
the meeting, in attending to, and conducting the affairs of truth. It
likewise occasioned them to have, almost continually, a great load of
business before the monthly meeting. The day after, being the first of
the week, we attended a meeting at Saratoga. It was a large comfortable
edifying meeting, and very refreshing to my spirit, which had been much
exhausted by the exercise and labour of the three foregoing days.
In the course of this week we attended meetings at Greenfield,
Ballstown, Troy, Albany, and Coeman’s Patent; and reached Hudson on
seventh day evening. The next day, the first of the week, and 27th of
10th month, we attended their morning meeting, and then proceeded on,
being desirous of reaching the quarterly meeting at Oblong, which
began on third day. We arrived there on second day evening, where
we met with several beloved friends from near our own homes, to our
mutual comfort. After the close of this meeting, we proceeded directly
home; where I arrived the 2d of 11th month, and found my dear wife
and family in a pretty good state of health, to our mutual rejoicing.
I had renewed cause to bless the name of the Lord for his preserving
providence and mercy, who is over all, worthy for ever.
I was from home in this journey about five months, and travelled by
land and water about two thousand two hundred and eighty-three miles;
having visited all the meetings of Friends in the New England states,
and many meetings amongst those of other professions; and also visited
many meetings, among Friends and others, in the upper part of our own
yearly meeting; and found real peace in my labours.