Visit to Purchase, and engagements at and about home, 1814.
First day, the 17th of 7th month, 1814. Feeling my mind drawn to sit
with Friends in their meeting at Westbury, I yielded to the motion. It
proved an exercising meeting--but little life to be felt: nevertheless,
way opened for a short communication, pointing particularly to the
state of the meeting, which I hope was profitable to some. At the
third hour in the afternoon, I attended the funeral of a very ancient
woman of this neighbourhood, not a member of our society; but the
family desiring the company of Friends, a number collected with
others. It proved a pretty solemn time. My mind was led to open to the
assembly, the especial advantages which would result to us, as rational
accountable beings, by a timely preparation for death; and that it was
our especial duty, as well as our best interest, to make it, at all
times, the primary object of our concern.
Second, third, and fourth days. Spent principally in family cares and
my husbandry concerns. What a favour it is for such an active creature
as man, possessed of such powers of body and mind, always to have some
employment, and something for those powers to act upon: for otherwise
they would be useless and dormant, and afford neither profit nor
delight.
Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting. It was an exercising season,
especially the meeting for worship, which I think was much hurt by the
communication of a Friend in the ministry, who was this day with us. It
was attended with so much mere creaturely warmth and animation, as to
render it unacceptable, and, as I apprehended, hurtful to the meeting,
and the cause it was intended to advance. What a pity it is that any
who apprehend themselves called to this very important work, should
make such grievous mistakes, and wound the minds of the living sensible
members.
Sixth day. Attended our select preparative meeting of Ministers and
Elders. It was, I think, a season of profitable exercise, in which some
of the hidden things of Esau, or the first nature, were searched out
and exposed.
Seventh day. Laboured hard in my harvest field; and, although sixty-six
years of age, I found I could wield the scythe nearly as in the days
of my youth. It was a day of thankful and delightful contemplation. My
heart was filled with thankfulness and gratitude to the blessed Author
of my existence, in a consideration of his providential care over me,
in preserving me in health, and in the possession of my bodily powers;
the exercise of which were still affording me both profit and delight:
and I was doubly thankful for the continued exercise of my mental
faculties, not only in instructing me how to exert and rightly employ
my bodily powers, in the most useful and advantageous manner, but also
in contemplating the works of nature and Providence, in the blessings
and beauties of the field; a volume containing more delightful and
profitable instruction, than all the volumes of mere learning and
science in the world.
What a vast portion of the joys and comforts of life do the idle and
slothful deprive themselves of, by running into cities and towns, to
avoid labouring in the field; not considering that this is one of
the principal sources, that the gracious Creator of the universe has
appointed to his creature man, from whence he may derive great temporal
happiness and delight. It also opens the largest and best field of
exercise to the contemplative mind, by which it may be prepared to
meet, when this mortal puts on immortality, those immortal joys that
will ever be the lot of the faithful and industrious.
First day, the 24th of 7th month. I went to our meeting to-day in
much poverty of spirit, and in full expectation of passing it in
silence; but I had not sat long before my mind was led into a view
of the singular benefit derived to the children of men, by the
denial of self, and a daily and faithfully taking up, and bearing the
cross; as it is the only way by which we can come to experience real
sanctification and justification. The subject spread and opened to
communication, in which things were laid home to the states of many
present, in a clear manner; and the danger of their situations exposed.
It brought a solemn covering over the meeting, for which I was thankful.
Second and third days. I spent in securing my harvest. This week
being the time of our quarterly meeting, the meeting for Ministers
and Elders opened on fourth day at the tenth hour. It was a season of
close search; the deficiencies of Ministers and Elders were laid open;
and the hurtful tendency thereof exposed. A number appeared deeply
concerned, on account of the prevailing weakness of some in those
exalted stations in society. On fifth day the meeting for discipline
was held. It was also a very searching time, a season of deep exercise
to my mind; in which the hurtful tendency of many apparent deficiencies
was laid open and exposed; and Friends exhorted to greater faithfulness
and diligence, in the right support of those noble testimonies, given
us to bear, for the promotion of righteousness and peace on the earth.
On sixth day was a general public meeting, in which my mind was
enlarged in gospel communication, wherein truth was exalted and raised
into dominion, to the comfort and edification of many minds; and to the
sweet peace of my own. After this Friends separated to their several
homes in much nearness of affection, and mutual love.
Seventh day. Spent in my temporal concerns.
First day, the 31st of 7th month. A silent meeting to-day, for which
I was thankful. Although faithfully labouring in the Lord’s vineyard
produceth peace and joy to the willing mind, even should it have to
bear the burden and heat of the day; yet when permitted, a season of
rest is also sweet and grateful.
Having for some days past felt my mind inclined to attend the ensuing
quarterly meeting at Purchase, I spent most of this week in that
service. On second day I left home, and returned on the following sixth
day at evening. I felt but little satisfaction in this short tour of
duty, except in one or two visits in Friends’ families. Most of the
sittings of the quarterly meeting seemed to be clothed with great
weakness, and some of them distressingly so.
Seventh day. Exercised in my husbandry business; and the evening closed
with a peaceful mind.
First day, the 7th of 8th month. Felt so much bodily indisposition as
to prevent my attending meeting; but even this induced thankfulness and
gratitude, in recollecting how very seldom this had been my lot for
many years. Oh what shall I, a poor worm, render unto the Lord for all
his benefits!
Second, third, and fourth days. Spent principally in looking to, and
overseeing, my temporal business; and still feeling some slight touches
of bodily indisposition, which seemed to announce this language, in
unison with every thing that is mortal, _remember to die_.
Fifth day. Attended our preparative meeting: what a privilege! the very
name points to care, as saying, “Be ye therefore ready.”
Sixth day. Did as Peter and some of his fellow disciples, when not
directly employed by their Master, but waiting and watching for his
coming.
Seventh day. Laboured in the field; and the day closed with a quiet and
peaceful mind, which I esteem the greatest treasure.
First day, the 14th of 8th month. As I sat in our meeting to-day,
my mind was impressed with the remembrance of the declaration of
the prophet Isaiah, when reproving the house of Israel, under the
similitude of a vineyard, for their backsliding and breach of covenant
and great wickedness, which he closes with this notable saying:
“Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without
measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and
he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.” He showed them thereby
the natural tendency of evil, and certain destruction of evil doers,
who harden themselves in sin. The subject opened and led to a large
exhortatory and cautionary communication; also setting forth the great
obligations of parents and guardians to their tender offspring and
children under their charge; and the incalculable loss that children
sustain where parents and guardians neglect their duty in timely
care for their right instruction. It was a solemn time, and I hope
profitable to some, by stirring them up to more diligence.
The rest of this week, except attending our monthly meeting on fifth
day, was spent in close attention to my temporal concerns. The urgent
necessity attending my present business induced me to labour beyond
what my judgment approved; which, though somewhat painful to the body,
was nevertheless, I trust, free from sin.
First day, the 21st of 8th month. A silent meeting to-day, which closed
with a peaceful mind.
Second, third, and fourth days. Passed without any thing transpiring
worthy of particular notice.
Fifth day. A silent meeting, as it respects myself.
Sixth and seventh days. Spent in my salt-meadows, about ten miles from
home; assisting my men in making and securing hay. On my return visited
a poor widow, with the surplus of our provisions, for which she was
very thankful.
First day, the 28th. My lips, at our meeting to-day, were closed in
solemn silence.
Second, third, and fourth days. Diligently employed in what my hands
found to do: for I see no time when it would be right to indulge in
idleness.
Fifth day. Sat our meeting in much weakness and poverty of spirit, but
felt peace at the close.
Sixth and seventh days. Closely engaged in my temporal business; but
did not forget my accountability to my great Lord and Master, for the
right use of every portion of precious time, he is pleased to dispense
to me.
First day, the 4th of 9th month. My mind, while sitting in our meeting
to-day, was led into a contemplation of the great and excellent
advantages resulting to those, who have placed their supreme trust
in the arm of divine sufficiency; and while musing thereon, and the
manifold blessings attendant on such a state, there was brought to my
remembrance the exhortation of Solomon: “Trust in the Lord with all thy
heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” The subject spread,
and opened to a communication, in which the audience were pressingly
invited and encouraged to lay hold and make choice of this only sure
rock of refuge, an entire trust and confidence in God, and in the arm
of his salvation. For those who trust in the name of the Lord, have
never been confounded.
The rest of this week was spent in my usual vocations, except attending
our preparative meeting on fifth day. Nothing transpired worthy of
particular notice.
First day, the 11th. As I was sitting in our meeting to-day, my mind
was led into a train of solemn reflection, from the revival of these
expressions of Christ to his disciples: “In the world ye shall have
tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” An
enlightened view was opened to me of the especial advantages, and deep
consolation, derived to the true Christian, by a firm belief therein:
as the expressions evidently carry in them an earnest to the true
believer, of his being likewise enabled to overcome, as he is faithful
in treading in the path of self-denial, agreeably to his heavenly
pattern. The subject opened to communication, in which the audience
were pressingly invited and encouraged to enter earnestly into this
most necessary and interesting warfare; as nothing short of overcoming
the world, the flesh, and the devil, can restore to us an uninterrupted
peace, and entitle us to the white stone in which the new name is
written; which none can read, but he who hath it.
The succeeding days of this week were attended to as they passed; but
nothing transpired unusual. Our monthly meeting was on fifth day; and
although we had a pretty trying case before us, yet we got through
without interruption, or any breach of Christian harmony.
First day, the 18th of 9th month. A satisfactory meeting to-day,
more so than for several weeks past; the testimony of truth went
forth freely, and, I think, clothed with a good degree of power and
demonstration of the spirit, which produced a peaceful and thankful
mind. The rest of this week I was closely engaged in preparing my
fallow ground, and sowing my wheat and rye. I am willing to do my part
carefully and industriously; and then I can with more confidence, place
my trust and dependence on a gracious and beneficent Providence, for
a blessing on my labour: for if care and industry be wanting, there is
nothing for him to bless.
First day, the 25th. A silent meeting to-day, as to any vocal
communication; but my mind was too much intruded upon by unprofitable
thoughts, and interrupted by the unchristian commotions and din of
war, which are at present mightily prevailing in our land, and by the
frequent reports of blood and slaughter witnessed among professed human
rational beings: but alas! how inhuman and irrational do they prove
and proclaim themselves to be, who can deliberately imbrue their hands
in each other’s blood for this world’s honours and profits; and dare
at the same time to call themselves Christians, although so utterly
estranged from the real Christian spirit and life.
The remaining part of this week spent in my usual vocations.
First day, the 2d of 10th month. I was led, in my communication
to-day, to show the unreasonableness of some people, in looking to,
and depending on, being made Christians, by the ministration of men,
and information derived from books and writings; when, alas, the
ministration of angels would be entirely insufficient for that purpose.
The ministration of the _Son and sent of God_, even the _divine word_
that was in the beginning with God, and was God, is only sufficient to
effect that great and blessed end: and that, not by any thing which he
has _spoken, commanded, or done without us_, but by what he _speaks,
commands, and does within us_; we yielding and submitting thereto by
faithful obedience. For there is no other way by which any have been,
or can be, made real Christians, or true, sincere, sensible followers
of Christ, in spirit and life.
Nothing unusual transpired in the course of the remaining part of this
week.
First day, the 9th. Whilst sitting in our meeting to-day, there was
brought to my remembrance the following portion of Paul’s exhortation
to his son Timothy, as recorded in his first epistle: “For bodily
exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things,
having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. For therefore
we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living
God, who is the Saviour of all men, especially of those that believe.”
The subject spread, and my mind was opened to take an enlightened, and
enlarged view thereof; so as to be induced to believe that a necessity
was laid upon me to communicate it to the assembly; and as I yielded
thereto, it still enlarged, and led to an open field of doctrine. I was
clothed with gospel authority, which produced a most precious solemnity
and calm over the meeting. It was evidently the Lord’s doing, and it
was marvellous in my eyes; and my spirit was made thankful for the
renewed, and unmerited mercy and favour.
Second and third days. Were spent in attending our meeting for
sufferings, at which information was received, through one of its
corresponding members, that the Legislature of our state, now sitting,
were about forming a bill to lay a heavy tax on the members of our
society, to be paid in lieu of personal military service; which, if
passed into a law, would be likely to expose many of our members to
severe suffering. The subject brought considerable exercise over the
meeting, which led into a discussion of our testimony against war; in
which it appeared manifest, that the deficiency of many of our members,
in regard to a right support thereof, tended to obstruct, in a very
considerable degree, our stepping forward, consistently with the nature
of our appointment, to seek redress therein: nevertheless, after a
considerable time spent thereon, and many different prospects opened,
the meeting so far agreed, as to separate a committee of six Friends,
to pay especial attention to the subject: who were directed to proceed
therein, as the necessity of the case might require, and way should
open for.
Fourth day. Spent in assisting two of my neighbours to settle their
business; and wrote a _will_ for each of them. This is a business that
every man ought to attend to, and complete, in time of health.
Fifth day. Attended our preparative meeting, and it being the one
preceding our quarterly meeting, the queries were to be answered.
As one of the overseers was likely to be necessarily absent from
the preparative meeting, they met a day or two previous thereto, and
prepared essays of answers; and the one who attended, produced them
to the meeting at the time of entering upon reading and answering the
queries. As I had long believed, from observation and experience, that
this method was inconsistent with the nature of our profession, and
right order of our discipline, as well as in its tendency very hurtful
and weakening to the meeting, my mind was very much exercised on the
occasion; and the more so, in finding several Friends willing to adopt
the practice: but, after the matter had been pretty fully spoken to,
under a weight of concern, Friends agreed to lay the essays aside, and
not notice them; which was a considerable relief to my mind.
Sixth and seventh days. Passed without any thing particular to notice.
First day, the 16th. My mind was brought under a renewed exercise
in our meeting, from a view and consideration of the very small
improvement and progress made by a great portion of our society in
religious experience, when compared with the opportunities they
were so abundantly favoured with from time to time. It led to a
communication on the subject, which was introduced by a revival of
Paul’s reprehension of the Hebrews: “For when for the time ye ought to
be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first
principles of the oracles of God: and are become such as have need of
milk, and not of strong meat.” The subject spread, and brought a solemn
weight over the meeting, and Friends were pressingly excited to greater
diligence in the right improvement of their precious time; that so when
the day of solemn inquisition comes, they may be prepared to give in
their account with joy, and receive the desired and peaceful answer of:
“well done thou good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over
a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into
the joy of thy Lord.”
Our monthly meeting was held on fifth day; and, I think, the business
was well and harmoniously conducted. The rest of the week I was busily
employed in my usual vocations; and divers things occurred, which
induced gratitude and thankfulness of heart to the blessed Author of
all our mercies.
First day, the 23d. A silent meeting to-day. What a precious thing it
is, to be taught to know when to speak, and when to be silent.
Our quarterly meeting was held this week at Flushing. It was, I think,
through the several sittings, a searching, instructive, favoured
season. In the meeting of Ministers and Elders, and meeting for
discipline, many of the hidden things of Esau, or the first nature,
were searched out and made manifest; and their inconsistency with
the gospel dispensation, and hurtful tendency, exposed; particularly
that of coveting and grasping after riches; to obtain which, many of
the members of our society had launched into extensive business, more
particularly in the line of commerce, and, in order to carry it on,
had involved themselves in debt beyond their ability to pay; and, to
keep up a false credit, had, by a show of friendship, and a deceptive
appearance of having great possessions, drawn in others to lend them
money, and become their sureties for large sums; until both the
borrower and lender were involved in utter ruin, to the great scandal
of themselves, the distress of their families, and reproach of our
holy profession. Others there were, who, for want of keeping close to
the foundation principle of our profession, the inward divine light,
and faithful testimony-bearer in the heart and conscience, had given
way to busy themselves, and take a part in, the political disputes and
controversies among the people, relative to the governments of this
world; which at this time ran high, and had produced war and distress
in the land; by which, they not only grieved their concerned Friends,
but brought much reproach upon themselves and their profession. My mind
was deeply exercised on account of these things; and I was constrained
to bear a full and faithful testimony against all such inconsistent and
unchristian conduct; and to call Friends’ attention to the necessity of
a more close adherence to the internal principle of divine light and
truth, as the only sure Director and Preserver, in times of trial.
The closing meeting, held for worship, was eminently favoured with the
Divine presence; and the concurring testimonies borne, gave evidence
of his presiding power; and his great name was supplicated, and
gratitude and thanksgiving were rendered to him for his continued mercy.
First day, the 30th. In the forepart of our meeting to-day, my mind
seemed clothed with great weakness, and much interrupted by the
continued succession of unnecessary and unprofitable thoughts: but
as I continued to endeavour to draw my attention from them, although
to little effect, till towards the close of the meeting, my mind was
unexpectedly arrested with a subject very interesting to every immortal
soul, that of coming to believe in, and become settled on, the eternal
and unchangeable rock of salvation, _Christ the divine light_, as
prophesied of, not only as “a light to lighten the Gentiles,” but
to be God’s salvation to the ends of the earth. The subject spread,
accompanied with life; which, as communicated under the influence
thereof, spread over the meeting, and it became a comfortable
refreshing season. It was evidently the Lord’s doing, and worthy of
thankful acknowledgment, for the unmerited mercy.
Second, third, and fourth days. Busily employed with my workmen,
assisting them in securing our corn, &c. It was a bountiful crop, which
made the labour pleasant, and the heart thankful.
Fifth day. At our meeting to-day, which was larger than usual,
occasioned by the marriage of one of my daughters, I was led to set
forth, by public testimony, the excellency of the divine fear, and its
blessed and salutary effects on the minds of those, who live daily
under an humbling sense thereof; and, by the persuasive language of
entreaty, endeavoured to arrest the minds of the tender and beloved
youth present, with a sense of the necessity of having it to dwell
richly in their hearts, as the only sure means of preservation, from
the many evils and temptations which abound in the world. A comfortable
calm was brought over the meeting, a fit preparative for the quiet
and orderly accomplishment of the intended marriage. It was cause of
thankfulness to my mind, having been favoured to have four daughters,
out of five, agreeably married, in the comely order of Friends: the
other, yet single, a tender precious young woman, observing with pious
submission her parents’ counsel. But this is a blessing which few
parents enjoy, except those who live under a daily concern, with timely
and continued care, to watch over and nurture their tender offspring in
the fear of the Lord.
Sixth day. Accompanied our daughter with her husband to his father’s
house, and returned in the evening.
Seventh day. Spent in my family cares, and ended the week with a
peaceful mind.
First day, the 6th of 11th month. My lot was silence to-day. A pleasant
lot indeed, when the Master wills it so.
Second, third, and fourth days. Employed diligently in my ordinary
affairs. The rest of the week was devoted to religious concerns. We
had the company of a ministering Friend from West Jersey on fifth
day at our meeting, through whose fervent labour the life was raised
into dominion; which made it a comfortable and instructive season.
Accompanied him the two following days to Bethpage and Jerusalem,
having a meeting at each place; both of which were seasons of favour.
First day, 13th. Passed our meeting again in silence, under the
comfortable feelings of a mind resigned either to speak or to be silent.
Second, third, and fourth days. Spent in my usual concerns.
Fifth day. Was our monthly meeting, at which we had the company of the
same Friend, who attended our meeting the fifth day preceding. I had
near unity with him in his exercise; and had to bear a corresponding
testimony, both in the men’s and women’s meeting. It was a season
of favour; and much suitable counsel was administered, tending to
excite Friends to greater faithfulness and circumspection in the right
ordering of their families, and in bringing up and educating their
children, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, consistent with
our holy profession.
Sixth and seventh days. Returned, as respects the mind, like Mordecai
to the king’s gate; while my hands were busily employed in my family
affairs.
First day, the 20th. Having felt my mind for some time increasingly
inclined to sit with Friends in their meeting at Martinicock, I
thought it right at this time to attend thereto; but when I came there,
my mind felt so vacant and void of concern, that for some time I was
ready to conclude, that if my coming was of any use, it would all be
included in my personal presence, as an example of silence: but after a
time of quiet waiting, a subject presented, and the life rose with it,
and opened to a large communication, in which the gospel was preached
in the demonstration of the spirit, and with such power attending as
produced a very solemn covering over the meeting; and many hearts
present were broken and contrited. For this favour my mind was clothed
with gratitude and thanksgiving to the bountiful Author of all our
mercies and blessings, “who is over all, God blessed for ever.”
The rest of this week I spent about home, mostly employed in my
temporal concerns. Passed our fifth day meeting in silence; and the
week ended with a peaceful mind, which I account an unmerited favour.
First day, the 27th. Feeling my mind drawn to sit with Friends at
Westbury, I accordingly attended their meeting, in which I was led to
set forth the excellency of the state described by the apostle Paul,
which is freed from condemnation, and is effected by a full submission
and obedience to the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, which
sets free from the law of sin and death. It was an open, and, I trust,
a profitable opportunity to some present; and I felt peace in my labour.
Second day. Attended the funeral of a neighbour, whose wife was a
member of our society; and, although he had been a very intemperate
man, yet, towards his close, he signified a desire to be laid in
Friends’ burial ground, which was allowed. His widow being desirous
I should attend the funeral, I went accordingly with several other
Friends. The neighbourhood was chiefly Dutch people, and a considerable
number attended. We had a solemn opportunity among them: the testimony
borne had a very reaching effect on many, especially among the youth;
and I was made thankful for the opportunity.
Third and fourth days. Occupied in laying in my winter store of
provisions.
Fifth day. Attended our meeting. It was a quiet encouraging season.
Towards the latter part, I was concerned to show to Friends the hurtful
tendency of evil thinking, which I introduced by that short saying:
Evil be to him, that evil thinks. The subject enlarged, and spread
increased weight over the meeting; and many minds were humbled and
contrited; and we parted under the solemn covering.
Sixth and seventh days. Occupied in my usual concerns, with attendant
peace of mind.
First day, the 4th of 12th month. A quiet silent meeting to-day.
Second, third, and fourth days. Diversely engaged. Part of the time
occupied with many other Friends, in collecting some relief for the
poor in the city of New-York; the present tumultuous state of public
affairs having reduced many of the labouring part of the citizens to a
suffering state, for want of the necessaries of life.
Fifth day. In the meeting for worship which preceded our preparative
meeting, I felt my mind renewedly engaged to call Friends’ attention
to a faithful support of our Christian testimonies; particularly those
against war and injustice; and that all might with firmness maintain
our Christian liberties, without fear, favour, or affection, against
every encroachment of the secular powers; as, in the present disturbed
state of public affairs, laws had recently been enacted, levying taxes
and other requisitions for the support of war; which was now spreading
and making its destructive ravages in our once peaceful land. A solemn
weight covered the meeting during the communication; and I was favoured
to relieve my mind for the present, from the weight of concern and
exercise it lay under on those accounts.
Sixth and seventh days. Busily engaged in my family concerns; believing
with the apostle, that he who doth not take the necessary care for
his own, and families’ comfortable support, may be considered to have
denied the faith, and in that respect is worse than an infidel.
First day, the 11th. Being invited to attend the funeral of a woman
attached to Friends, though not a member; a widow of my acquaintance
in our neighbouring town of Hempstead; and feeling an inclination
thereto, I attended accordingly. There was a considerable collection,
mostly made up of Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and Methodists; among
whom my mind was enlarged in gospel love, and led to sound forth the
glad tidings of life and salvation, through Jesus Christ the second
Adam, the Lord from heaven, a quickening spirit; showing that by a full
submission to the inward operation of this spirit, a manifestation of
which is given to every man to profit withal, we experience the truth
of that remarkable saying of the apostle Paul: For as in Adam, or the
first fallen nature, all die; so in Christ, the second Adam, or the
renewed and quickened state, all are made alive; and therefore born
again, not of corruptible seed, but of the incorruptible seed and word
of God, that liveth and abideth for ever. It was a highly favoured
season, in which the Lord’s power was exalted, and the truth reigned
over all, bowing the assembly generally; and many hearts were broken
and contrited. It was evidently the Lord’s doing, and marvellous in
mine eyes; and engaged renewed gratitude and thankfulness of heart for
the unmerited mercy.
Second and third days. Spent in attending our meeting for sufferings
in New-York, in which an opportunity opened to relieve my mind of a
concern I had been for some time exercised under, on account of some
recent laws enacted by the general government of this country, and the
legislature of the state of New-York; which, in their tendency, were
opposite to our testimony against war and injustice; and were likely
to produce much suffering to the faithful in our society, who saw they
could not yield to the requisition of those laws, without balking their
Christian testimonies in these respects. I was led to excite Friends to
unity in this concern; as the want of uniformity would very much tend
to lay waste those precious testimonies, and increase the sufferings of
the society.
Fourth day. Attended our neighbouring monthly meeting of Westbury.
My mind was engaged to call Friends’ attention to a more close
adherence to discipline; the right management of which could not be
profitably effected, without keeping to a right and sound form. I felt
satisfaction in my labour, in a belief that the honest-hearted were
strengthened and encouraged.
Fifth day. Attended our own monthly meeting, at which we had the
company of our friend John Winslow, from the district of Maine, in
New England. His gospel labours, in the line of the ministry, were
acceptable and edifying. At this meeting, I opened to my friends a
prospect, which had for some time attended my mind to make a visit to
some scattered families of our society, who resided in the outskirts
of our quarterly meeting; some of whom, being distant from meeting,
but seldom attended. I had also a view of visiting some families who
were not members, and of appointing some meetings, among some of the
neighbouring inhabitants of other societies. The meeting united with
the prospect, and left me at liberty to pursue it, as way might open.
On sixth and seventh days, I accompanied our friend John Winslow to
Bethpage and Jerusalem; attending a meeting in each place. The Lord our
gracious helper was near, strengthening and qualifying to preach the
gospel of life and salvation in the clear demonstration of the spirit,
and with power; humbling and contriting many present, and rejoicing the
minds of the honest-hearted.
First day, the 18th. I attended our own meeting; and was favoured
therein with a lively impressive testimony which produced a very
comfortable solemnity over the meeting, and rendered it an instructive
edifying season.
On second day, by appointment, I met our friend John Winslow at a
meeting in the town of Oysterbay; where we again witnessed the Shepherd
of Israel to be near, enabling us to discharge ourselves faithfully
to the people; setting the truth above errour, and left it upon them,
whether they will hear, or forbear.
On third day evening, had an appointed meeting for the black people
in our meeting-house at Jericho. It appeared to be owned in a very
especial manner by the Master of our assemblies, who furnished doctrine
suited to their states and conditions; and the truth reigned over all,
fully evidencing that the Lord our God is no respecter of persons, but
is gracious and merciful unto all; and that in every nation, kindred,
tongue, and people, those that fear him, and work righteousness, are
accepted of him.
Fourth day. Attended an appointed meeting, about four miles easterly
from Jericho. It was a highly favoured season; most present were
affected by the prevalence of truth, that ran as oil. Surely it was the
Lord’s doing, and worthy of grateful acknowledgments and thanksgiving,
for the unmerited favour.
In the evening we attended another meeting at Cold Spring; and although
not so open as the former, yet we were favoured to clear ourselves
among them; and left them with the reward of peace in our labour.
Fifth day. Attended a meeting in the morning at the house of a man not
a member, at Huntington West Neck; and in the evening one at the west
end of the town of Huntington, at Peleg Woods’. The first was a very
precious season to the visiters, and, I trust also, to most or all of
the visited: the latter a stripping time in the forepart, but ended
well.
Sixth day. Visited some families on our way home, which visits, I
believe, were mutually comfortable.
Seventh day. Spent partly in repairing the travelling vehicle of our
friend aforenamed, who had accompanied me in the above tour.
First day, the 25th. My mind, while sitting in our meeting, was opened
on the subject of faith, in the revival of that Scripture passage, viz:
“All men have not faith.” I was led, in a clear full testimony, to show
to the auditory, why all men have not faith; although the means of
obtaining it are freely offered to the acceptance of all; yet it is not
to be obtained by man’s natural wisdom or acquirements, but only by and
through the operation and inspiration of the grace and spirit of God,
as man yields in obedience and submission thereunto: hence he comes
to know God, by the inward experimental touches of his own life and
power in his soul; and hence springs up in him, as he patiently submits
thereunto, that living operative faith, that works by love to the
purifying of the heart; but such as are exercising themselves in their
own speculative wisdom, and refuse submission to the manifestations of
divine grace, have not faith, because they reject the only means by
which it can be obtained. The truth was raised into dominion, to the
praise of him who is over all, God blessed for ever.
Second and third days. Busily employed in my husbandry and family
affairs; each day closing with a peaceful mind.
Fourth and fifth days. I attended the meetings at Westbury and Cowneck;
and previous notice being given of my intention of attending them, they
were larger than usual at that time in the week. Through the gracious
condescension of Israel’s never-failing Helper, my mind was opened to
declare to the people of the things concerning the kingdom of God,
in two large doctrinal testimonies, one at each place, suited to the
states of the auditories. The doctrines delivered distilled as the dew
on the minds of many who were present; causing tears of contrition to
trickle down their cheeks. Surely such seasons are as a brook by the
way to the honest exercised traveller Zion-ward; as they tend to an
increase of faith, and inspire with fresh courage to persevere in the
heavenly journey.
I also attended an appointed meeting in the intermediate evening at
Hempstead Harbour. Although I was led in my communication to treat in
a full clear manner divers particular doctrines of the gospel: yet
it seemed to have but little entrance in the minds of those present,
which made the exercise arduous, and afforded but little satisfaction
in the end. This I have found mostly to be the case, in neighbourhoods
where the minds of the people are led to adhere to outward, formal
and ceremonial performances in religion; and especially where much
self-activity and bodily exercise is superadded, which is very much
the case with the principal part of this neighbourhood: and those not
of this description are, except a few, in a state of lukewarmness and
almost entire indifferency, respecting those things which belong to
their soul’s salvation.
On sixth day, I attended the funeral of a person who died in a
Friend’s family, wherein he had been a labourer for many years, in
the neighbourhood last mentioned. Although but few collected, yet the
opportunity was solemn; and the testimony borne had a reaching effect
on the minds of divers present especially on several of the youth. May
it be fastened by the Master of assemblies, as a nail in a sure place.
Seventh day. Occupied in my temporal concerns; and the week, and the
year, ended with a peaceful mind.
First day, the 1st of 1st month, 1815. My mind, while silently
waiting in our meeting, was opened to view in prospect the beauty
and excellency of order. As it spread on my mind, I felt constrained
to communicate on the subject; and to show, that all things, which
continued in full subjection to the divine will, were preserved in the
same beautiful order they were arranged in from the beginning; and
that all disorder sprang from, and was the effect of, a will separate
and distinct from the divine will. For as God is a God of order, and
is also the creator of all things, of course there can be no order
and right harmony in his creation, but what he is the sole author of:
hence the necessity of every created being becoming wholly subject to
his heavenly and divine will, as nothing else can possibly restore the
creation to its primitive order and harmony: and when this is effected,
there will be a perfect subjection of every distinct and separate will,
to the will of our heavenly Father. Then the whole creation will stand
in a state of subservience to the divine will; then will the morning
stars again resume their song, and all the sons of God shout for joy.
O! happy day, may the Lord hasten it in his own time.
Second day. I attended the funeral of a young man, who was killed by
the falling of his horse. He was in company with a number of loose
young men at a tavern, where they had been running horses; and his
horse threw him off in a fearful manner; nevertheless he escaped
unhurt: but shortly after, as he was riding from the tavern, his horse
fell with him, and he died with the hurt he received by the fall, in
about a week after. The accident had considerable effect on his young
companions; and impressed their minds with sadness and alarm. They
were generally present at his funeral; as also were most of the youth
in the neighbourhood, for a considerable distance round; who, with
others of riper years, made a large collection. The Lord, who is always
graciously near, and ready to help in every needful time, opened my
mouth among them in a large affecting testimony, suiting the occasion.
It was a very humbling solemn season, not soon to be forgotten by many
present; and my spirit was made thankful for the unmerited favour.
After the funeral, I went, with my wife and daughter Elizabeth, to
Islip, to see our grandson, who is in a weakly declining state. We
returned home the next evening.
Fourth day. Engaged in my family concerns.
Fifth day. Attended our meeting to-day in silence. We had the company
of our friend Phebe I. Merritt, from New-York, who also sat most of
the meeting in silence; but appeared towards the close in a short
testimony, which spread a good degree of life over the meeting; which
was truly gladdening.
Sixth and seventh days. Part of the time occupied in temporal concerns;
and part in assisting an ancient Friend, upwards of ninety years of
age, in settling his business, and writing his will. He appeared
competent to the purpose, both as to memory and understanding.
First day, the 8th. My mind was in unison with the exercise and
testimony of our friend Phebe I. Merritt, who was again with us at our
meeting to-day; and I found it my duty towards the close of the meeting
to set my seal thereto, in a short impressive testimony: and, I trust,
the meeting closed under a sensible degree of divine favour, worthy of
our thankfulness and gratitude.
Second and third days. While my hands were busily employed in my
temporal business, my mind was often led to rise above all temporal
enjoyments; and to contemplate on things of an eternal nature. In the
course of my meditations I was led to contrast those who are _led and
influenced_ by the wisdom and will of man, with those who are _led
and influenced_ by the wisdom and will of God; and it was opened to
me that, of necessity, the former must be _ruled and governed_ by the
wisdom and power of man: hence the necessity of coercion, and hence the
necessity of war; as every government of coercion, must of necessity
be set up and maintained by the force and fear of the sword, as that
is the last alternative, in every government, set up in the wisdom and
will of man. But those, who are _led and influenced_ by the wisdom and
will of God, have no necessity of being governed by any thing else
than the divine wisdom and will, through the power of persuasive love;
and no other coercion can ever be necessary in the kingdom of heaven,
where nothing reigns but love, peace, and joy undefiled, without
intermission. And O! that every rational being was so inspired with
a real soul-craving desire, after the enjoyment of this heavenly and
peaceful kingdom, as not to rest until he had gained a satisfactory
assurance, that his name was enrolled in that city, which hath
foundations whose builder and maker the Lord is.
Fourth day. I rode to New-York, in order to attend the funeral of our
beloved friend, Matthew Franklin, to take place the next day. He was
taken with an apoplectic fit while speaking in the morning meeting
in Pearl-street, on the preceding first day. He appeared lively in
testimony, but was suddenly stopped by indisposition, and sat quietly
down: but soon arose and withdrew, and was followed by some of his
friends, and would have fallen as soon as he got out, had he not been
upheld by them. In a few minutes he fell into an almost senseless
state, as to the body, not being able to speak afterwards; and quietly
expired at about half past seven in the evening of the following day:
and, we trust, has safely landed in that celestial port, where the
wicked cease from troubling, and the weary soul is at rest.
He appeared amiable in his life and conversation, and was generally
beloved by his friends and acquaintance, especially the youth; for
whose improvement and preservation, he often appeared very solicitous.
The unusually large attendance at his funeral, and the solemnity
that appeared in the countenances of the multitude assembled, (the
meeting-house though large not containing perhaps more than two-thirds
of those that gathered,) carried full evidence of the correctness of
the foregoing representation, as did also the testimonies borne on that
solemn occasion.
I attended, besides the funeral on fifth day, two other meetings; one
at Liberty-street in the morning, it being Friends’ meeting day at that
place, and a meeting for the people of colour in Pearl-street. The
latter was very large. My mouth was opened in each assembly to speak
of those things which relate to the kingdom of God, especially at
the funeral; and in the meeting for the people of colour, my mind was
largely opened to preach the gospel in the demonstration of the spirit,
and the Lord’s power attended, humbling and solemnizing the assemblies.
It was evidently the Lord’s doing. May all the honour and praise be
ascribed to him, for he only is worthy, both now and for ever. Lie
low, O my soul! and be humbled in the dust, from a due sense of such
unmerited mercy.
On sixth day, I rode to Manhattanville, and attended a meeting there in
the evening. It was for the most part, I think, a favoured season. The
truth was largely declared, and appeared to have a reaching effect upon
most present.
Seventh day. Returned to the city, and attended a meeting in the
evening in the Bowery; which I had appointed the day before I left
town. It was a very solemn quiet meeting, the power of truth flowed
freely, and I hope had a profitable entrance with some. May it prove as
a nail, fastened in a sure place.