Engagements at and about home, and within Westbury quarterly meeting,
1816 and 1817.
First day, the 16th of 6th month, 1816. My wife being under an
appointment to meet some women Friends at Bethpage meeting, I
accompanied her thither. It proved an exercising meeting, especially in
the forepart; but as I submitted cheerfully and patiently to endure the
present baptism, which, indeed, as the experienced Paul well observes,
is being baptized for the dead, towards the latter part of the meeting,
that all-quickening and vivifying power that raises the dead to life,
was felt gradually to arise, by which my mind was quickened and led to
minister to the states of many present. Life spread over the meeting
tendering many hearts, and we parted under a grateful sense of the
Lord’s mercies; so that indeed the query of the royal Psalmist is
worthy to be had in continual remembrance: “What shall I render unto
the Lord for all his benefits towards me?”
Spent the rest of this week about home. Attended our monthly meeting on
fifth day, but nothing unusual transpired.
First day, the 23d. Had the company of our friend Mary Post from
Westbury, she being engaged in a visit to the families of Friends in
our monthly meeting, a very useful service when rightly entered into.
My mind in this meeting, was brought under exercise, in the remembrance
of the following exhortation of the wise king Solomon, viz: “Keep thy
heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.” From
a consideration of which, I was led to believe there was a very great
want of care among people generally, in duly guarding their rising
cogitations and thoughts, as it is the avenue by which all temptations
enter, and get place in the mind; and, if suited to our natural
propensities, too often overcome and lead to undue conduct. The subject
spread on my mind, and led to an impressive, and, I trust, to some,
an instructive communication; for which my mind was made gratefully
thankful to the Author of every blessing.
Fifth day. Had the company of our aforesaid Friend at our meeting
to-day, whose simple and plain communication, tended to quicken. A
comfortable degree of life accompanied my mind during the meeting,
which I accounted a favour, having for some time past witnessed much
poverty of spirit in our meetings. The rest of the week I attended to
my temporal concerns, as much as my state of health permitted; but
being much indisposed with bodily pain, it was but little I could do,
except to take some oversight of my business. This I consider one,
among many other such like mementos, to remind me of the approach of
my bodily dissolution. Be attentive, O my soul! that so thou mayest be
in a state of readiness when the midnight cry is heard: “Behold the
bridegroom cometh.”
First day, the 30th. My mind was led into close exercise and travail,
in the prospect of the very great apparent want of truth and justice
among the generality of the professors of Christianity, even of the
foremost classes of the different sects. The subject spread and
opened to communication, in which the attention of the auditory was
impressively called to the subject, as one of the greatest moment,
both in respect to our temporal, and, in a very especial manner, our
spiritual good; as every other virtue must fail, and prove abortive,
where truth and justice are wanting.
The rest of this week passed away without any thing worthy of remark,
except great poverty of spirit being almost continually my attendant.
First day, the 7th of 7th month. My mind was opened and enlarged in
communication in our meeting to-day, on the subject of the universal
love of God to the children of men. For he not only extends his
gracious call to all, but causes them to hear it; yet, agreeably to
that scripture testimony, “all have not obeyed the gospel.” There are
also many other plain testimonies in the scriptures of the same import;
clearly showing, that man’s destruction and misery is altogether the
result of his own misconduct, and disobedience to divine requisition,
without any necessity laid upon him by his gracious Creator to err, or
to swerve from the path of rectitude; so that the Lord will be clear
of the blood of all his rational creation, as saith the prophet: “O
Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself, but in me is thy help;” and there
are many other passages which express the same. My mind was led to open
these subjects in a clear manner to the people, and to show that the
want of a right faith in God and Christ, as inwardly revealed, was one
of the greatest obstacles to their living a just and righteous life
in the sight of their Creator, as the just can only live by faith.
The meeting was large, and many hearts were convicted, comforted and
contrited; to the Lord only belongs all the praise, nothing due to man
but blushing and confusion of face.
In the course of this week I was much unwell, forewarning me that
my glass is almost run, and my day of labour drawing to a close. My
indisposition prevented my attending our preparative meeting on fifth
day. These things all unitedly conspire to sound forth this language,
_remember to die_. Oh that I might witness with the worthy Paul, more
and more a daily death, to every thing that tends to hinder my steady
walking in the path of duty, that so my day’s work may be finished in
the day time.
First day, the 14th. Having so far recovered from my indisposition as
to get to our meeting to-day, my mind was opened in a living powerful
testimony to the excellency of the gospel dispensation, in which
Christ by his light and spirit was come to teach his people himself;
a Teacher not to be removed into a corner, a Shepherd ever present to
lead and feed all his sheep that hear his voice and follow him; and
do not follow the stranger, nor listen to the voice of any outward
hireling teachers, although they charm ever so wisely. It was a season
of favour, and many hearts were warmed and contrited by the prevalence
of truth, and the Lord’s name was praised, who is over all worthy for
ever.
Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, at which the queries were
read and answers prepared to go to the quarterly meeting. To judge
from these, it would appear that we were generally an upright people;
but I fear our answers are becoming too much like many of us, more
in show and outside appearance, than in spirit and substance. For by
this formal way of answering them, unless great care is taken, our
queries may do us much more harm than good; and this fear often attends
my mind, and induces me to call the attention of my friends from the
letter of discipline, to the spirit and substance; without which all
letter and outward order, however beautiful in the outward appearance,
is but as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal, and will in the end only
deceive and disappoint us, and unveil our nakedness.
Sixth day. Was our preparative meeting of Ministers and Elders, in
which our answers made a similar appearance; insomuch, that there was
but little to find fault with. I hope it may stand the test in the day
of trial; this we ought carefully to consider, otherwise, in the end,
we may fall short when it may be too late to retrieve the loss.
The rest of the week I attended to my temporal business as far as my
bodily infirmity would permit, although at times my exercise produced
very acute pains. I find it needful however, to keep up a continual
watch, that I do nothing to promote or encourage idleness, that bane
to every Christian virtue; and especially at such a time as this, when
most of our capable well-looking young men are running into cities
and populous towns to engage in merchandise, or some other calling by
which they may live by their wits, being unwilling to labour with their
hands: although it is the most sure way marked out by divine wisdom for
our truest comfort and peace here, and a right preparation for eternal
joy hereafter. And, although many fatal consequences have befallen
many of those who have thus run out in trade and mercantile business,
apparently to the ruin of both body and soul, and the great injury and
distress of their families: yet, because some few have made themselves
rich in temporal things by those pursuits, it has so blinded the minds
of many that they will not take warning, but go on in their wilful way
to their own utter ruin.
First day, the 21st. This day at our meeting, my mouth was opened in a
full testimony introduced by this scripture passage: “Wherewithal shall
a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy
word.” I was led in my communication to show to the people, that in
this word was comprehended the great gospel privilege, the word nigh in
the heart and in the mouth; and that it was not a _literal or outward
word_, nor any created thing, but the _uncreated word_, _Christ_, by
whom all things were created, or at first spoke into existence and
order. For nothing else could enable us to cleanse our way, or live a
righteous holy life; and that it was only by a living faith in this
inward, operative, powerful word, that any could please God or be
acceptable to him, and was the only means by which we could be saved:
and that it was offered to the acceptance of all, and therefore all
were encouraged to lay hold of the offered mercy, and not slight the
day of their visitation.
Second and third days. I was busied in overseeing my temporal business,
attended, at times, by much bodily pain; and which, I trust and hope,
I endured without improperly complaining or murmuring. The three
following days, I attended our quarterly meeting, held this time at
Westbury. I think, in the main, it was a favoured season. The meeting
was large and solemn: the divine presence and power were evidently felt
to preside, humbling many minds and producing contrition of spirit, and
the gospel labours were instructive and edifying.
First day, the 28th. A quiet day. Sat our meeting in silence.
Fifth day. A silent meeting. The rest of the week, as to bodily
exercise, mostly occupied in my temporal affairs.
First day, the 4th of 8th month. My mind settled in quiet with the
exercise of this day. Besides the usual care and industry necessary
in my temporal concerns, that all things might be rightly arranged, I
attended, in the course of this week, our preparative meeting on fifth
day, and the funeral of a deceased neighbour on sixth day. At the
funeral was a large promiscuous assembly, amongst whom my mouth was
opened in a large searching testimony, suiting the occasion; whereby
many hearts were tendered, and much brokenness appeared in the meeting.
The truth delivered being brought home to the consciences of many, by
the prevalence of the divine power, which was eminently in dominion
over all.
First day, the 11th. I trust the exercise and travail of our meeting
to-day tended to profit.
Second day. I attended the funeral of our friend Edmund Pearsall, of
Flushing. His corpse was carried into the meeting-house there; and a
large solid meeting was held on the occasion.
Third day. I attended our meeting for sufferings in New-York, which, I
think, was an instructive season.
Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, in which I opened to Friends
a prospect, which had for several months attended my mind, to pay a
religious visit to the bordering inhabitants of our quarterly meeting;
and had their unity therein.
Sixth and seventh days. I spent in my usual avocations.
First day, the 18th. My mind, as I sat in our meeting, was opened
into a view of the great benefits, and supreme felicity, which man
derives, and only can derive, from the true knowledge and right fear
of his Creator; and which knowledge and fear no man can witness or
have experience of, but by the revelation of the spirit of God, or
by the aid of that light, which Jesus Christ told the Jews was the
condemnation of the world, or of all those who did not believe in and
obey it; and which is an _inward_ and not an _outward light_; and all
its manifestations are in the mind or heart of man. I was led to show
to the people, that this doctrine was altogether the most rational,
and such as no man of right reason could doubt or dispute. I hope the
season was instructive to some, and might tend to remove doubts from
some doubting minds, as, from the sensations which I had, I was led to
believe there were some such present.
Second, third, and fourth days. I attended to my temporal concerns,
clothed with much poverty of spirit; yet, not altogether cast down nor
discouraged, respecting my spiritual welfare.
Fifth day. A silent quiet meeting.
Sixth and seventh days. Paid some attention to my temporal business,
although, at times, in much bodily pain, which, more or less, attends
me daily, and has for several months past.
First day, the 25th. According to the prospect opened at our last
monthly meeting, I attended two appointed meetings in the neighbouring
town of Hempstead; one in the morning, at the eleventh hour, at the
house of Samuel Carman, a person inclining to Friends, and the other at
the fourth hour in the afternoon, at John Raynor’s, about four miles
distant from the former, he also being kind and well disposed towards
Friends.
These were both pretty full meetings, there being as many people as
the rooms could well accommodate. Through the gracious condescension
of the Shepherd of Israel, the word went forth freely among them, in
a full impressive testimony at each place, tendering and contriting
many hearts, and to the increase of love to the truth, and to the
promoters of it. I took my leave of them in the fresh feelings of
mutual Christian affection, and returned home that evening with a quiet
peaceful mind, the assured reward of faithfulness.
The rest of the week I spent in my usual avocations, not omitting the
attendance of our meeting on fifth day, which I sat in silence.
First day, the 1st of 9th month. I attended an appointed meeting among
my relatives and acquaintance at Rockaway, the place of my former
residence, when young, while living in my father’s house. The meeting
was not large, but proved a precious tendering season. Many hearts
were much broken and contrited by the prevalence of divine love and
power that accompanied the testimony borne, and spread generally over
the meeting, to the praise of His grace who is calling us to glory and
virtue.
A concern for the guarded education of the youth among Friends has
for many years past exercised our yearly meeting; and many advices
and recommendations have been issued therefrom to the quarterly and
other subordinate meetings, in order to stir up Friends to vigilance
and care therein, that proper schools might be established among
them, under the care of pious tutors, that so Friends’ children,
while getting their necessary school learning, might be religiously
instructed, and preserved from evil examples, and the company of such
children as are viciously inclined; by which their tender minds might
be wounded, and led from the simplicity of truth. In order further
to stir up Friends to this concern, our last yearly meeting directed
the quarterly meetings to appoint committees to visit the monthly and
preparative meetings, to encourage Friends therein. As I was one among
other Friends appointed by our quarterly meeting for that purpose, we
attended the monthly meetings of New-York and Flushing, in the course
of this week. And I am thankful in believing that the service was owned
by the Head of the Church, who was graciously near, and furnished with
matter suited to the occasion; insomuch, that I have cause to believe
that the opportunities at each place were instructive and edifying,
affording encouragement to the willing-minded.
First day, the 8th of 9th month. I found it my place to be at home
to-day, and of course attended our own meeting. Although most of the
forepart of the meeting, I apprehended I should be permitted to sit
it in silence; yet about the middle thereof, my mind was quickened in
the remembrance of the testimony of Solomon, where he tells us, that
“Wisdom is the principal thing.” As the subject spread on my mind, I
was led to consider how it is that all men speak highly of it, and
yet, at the same time, are not at all rightly acquainted with its
beginning; and are therefore mostly living all their days without the
right knowledge of, and acquaintance with it. For it is not to be
derived through any other medium than the true fear of the Lord, which
we are told is the beginning of wisdom; and as it is only begun in man
by this true fear, so likewise it is the middle and the end; as every
advancement in true wisdom is only by the fear of the Lord: surely,
then, it is the most precious of any thing to the children of men.
I spent the rest of the week about home. Attended our preparative
meeting on fifth day. The meeting for worship was held in silence. Our
yearly meeting’s minute of advice on the subject of schools was at
this time received; but as it was expected that the quarterly meeting’s
committee, on that subject, would shortly attend the preparative
meeting, the consideration thereof was deferred to the time of their
attendance.
First day, the 15th. By appointment I attended two meetings; one at
Cold Spring at ten o’clock in the morning, and the other in Friends’
meeting-house at Oysterbay, at the third hour in the afternoon. Both
were pretty well attended by the neighbouring inhabitants, among whom
I was helped to preach the gospel in the demonstration of the spirit,
accompanied with such a degree of the Lord’s power and presence, as
to produce a precious solemnity over the assemblies, especially the
latter, wherein many truths of the gospel were largely opened, humbling
and contriting the hearts of a number present. Surely it was the Lord’s
doing, to whom all the praise and glory are, and ought to be ascribed,
both now and for ever.
In the course of this week, I attended our own and Westbury monthly
meeting, in company with the quarterly meeting’s committee, on the
subject of schools. These were both favoured opportunities. The concern
was opened in a very impressive manner, and spread weightily over
the meetings, the men and women sitting together while this subject
was before them. And I have a hope that Friends will be strengthened
and encouraged to persevere in the concern, and keep it on its right
basis, that is, a concern for the religious and moral instruction
of our youth, while at school, by placing them under the care of
pious tutors, who may co-operate with the endeavours of religiously
concerned parents, who are more desirous that their children may be
brought up and educated in the fear of the Lord, and in his nurture and
admonition, than that they should make great advancements in scholastic
science, or obtain the riches and popularity of the world; all of
which are of momentary duration, and unworthy of much of the care of a
rational immortal being, especially when compared with the blessings
attendant on a truly moral and religious life, and walking in the fear
of the Lord.
First day, the 22d. In prosecution of the concern I had engaged in to
visit the neighbouring inhabitants, notice was sent to Friends of
Martinicock, that I proposed to attend their meeting at this time; and
desiring that public notice might be given to their neighbours who were
not members, it was accordingly done. By this means the meeting was
very large, more so than I had ever seen it before; among whom I was
helped to labour in the cause of the gospel, opening many important
scripture passages, tending to elucidate and confirm many points of
our doctrine and principles, to my own, and apparently to the general
satisfaction of the assembly. At three o’clock in the afternoon I
attended another meeting at Moscheto Cove, held in the house of the
widow Hannah Valentine. This was also a large favoured meeting, in
which many truths of the gospel were clearly and satisfactorily opened.
I returned home that evening with peace of mind, from an inward sense
that I had faithfully discharged myself among the people, concerning
the things which relate to their salvation.
The rest of the week I was at and about home, attending to my usual
occupations. Sat our fifth day meeting in silence.
First day, the 29th. I attended Friends’ meeting at Cowneck; and
previous notice having been sent of my intention to be there,
the meeting was large, and favoured in a good degree with the
overshadowing of the divine presence, enabling to preach the gospel
in the demonstration of the spirit, and with power; breaking and
contriting many hearts. At the third hour in the afternoon, by previous
appointment, had a meeting at Hempstead Harbour, at the house of Daniel
Robbins. This was rather a hard exercising meeting, yet, I trust, in
the main a profitable season.
The following part of the week I spent mostly in the oversight of my
farming business. Sat our fifth day meeting again in silence, at which
we had the company of our Friends Isaac Martin and Henry Shotwell, from
Jersey.
First day, the 6th of 10th month. Attended our meeting in silence. It
was in the main, I think, a weighty, solemn season. At three o’clock in
the afternoon, I had an appointed meeting in the neighbourhood for the
people of colour. It was held in one of their houses, and was a season
of favour. I hope it may prove profitable to them. For this portion of
dedication to duty in the cause of righteousness, I felt peace in my
own mind.
Second day. A Friend from the western part of this state, being on a
religious visit among us, had an appointed meeting at our place at the
eleventh hour. It proved a comfortable edifying season. After this I
rode to New-York in order to attend our meeting for sufferings, held
the next day at the ninth hour. In the course of the business that
came before us, the meeting was led into an exercise, on behalf of
that portion of the descendants of the Africans who are still held
in bondage in our state. A proposition was made for addressing our
state legislature on their account, in order, if possible, to obtain
a law for their emancipation; apprehending, that as the greater part
of these long-oppressed people had now obtained their freedom, those
who were still held, felt their condition much more aggravating, and
their bondage more intolerable; insomuch, that it appeared to us
altogether just and consistent with the duty of the legislature, to
restore to them the just right of freedom. After due consideration, the
proposition was acceded to, and a committee named to draft an essay of
an address accordingly.
Fifth day. This being our preparative meeting, in which our queries
were read, and answers prepared to go to the quarterly meeting. I
felt my mind exercised on account of the many deficiencies apparent,
particularly in the non-attendance of our religious meetings, as a
failure in that often leads to greater deficiencies in other respects.
First day, the 13th. My mind was pretty largely opened in testimony to
the sufficiency of the divine light. The season was solemn, and I hope
instructive and profitable to many present.
At three o’clock in the afternoon, I attended an appointed meeting in
Woolver Hollow, a neighbourhood composed mostly of the descendants of
the Dutch. The season was instructive, and tending to edification; and
I parted with them under an humbling sense of the favour.
Fifth day. Our monthly meeting being held at this time, answers were
received from our preparative meetings, to the five queries usually
answered, in which divers deficiencies were stated; but this being
frequently the case, it produced little or no concern to the greater
portion of the members; and I have been afraid at times, that the
queries would become a snare to us, and prove rather hurtful than
helpful.
First day, the 20th. Had a conflicting season in the forepart of our
meeting to-day with a worldly spirit, and the benumbing consequences
of a desire after riches. And while labouring under a feeling of these
states, with their stupifying effects, which were even intolerable to
bear, it often ran through my mind, that “the cares of the world, the
deceitfulness of riches,” and the lust of other things, like briars and
thorns, choke the good seed and prevent its growth. And as I continued
patiently under the labour, towards the close of the meeting light
sprang up and dispelled the darkness; in which strength and ability
were dispensed to communicate in a lively and clear manner, showing
the pernicious effects of those things, wherever they obtained the
ascendency in the minds of men and women; elucidating the subject
by the parable of our Lord, concerning the rich man and Lazarus the
beggar. It was, I believe, a season of real instruction to some
present, which I hope may not be soon forgotten.
At three o’clock in the afternoon, I attended a meeting I had
previously appointed in a neighbouring village. It proved a
satisfactory season to my own mind, and generally so, I believe, to all
who attended. These favours are not to be lightly esteemed, but held in
grateful remembrance.
In the course of this week was our quarterly meeting, held at this
time at Flushing. Although some of the sittings were exercising and
arduous, yet in the main, I think, it was a favoured edifying season;
and we parted at the close of the public meeting on sixth day, under a
thankful sense that the Shepherd of Israel had not forsaken his people,
but was still graciously near, a present helper to all his faithful
and devoted children. In the course of this meeting, on the evening of
fifth day, I had an appointed meeting in the town of Jamaica, among
those not in profession with us, which proved a very satisfactory
season. The people’s minds appeared to be gathered into true stillness,
a situation most suitable to be taught and instructed.
First day, the 27th. Sat our meeting mostly in silence, but towards the
close my mind was opened and led to communicate a short, but lively
testimony, which was introduced by the greatest part of the first psalm
of David: in the opening of which, the meeting appeared generally to
be gathered into a sweet, comfortable solemnity, and we parted under a
solemn sense of the unmerited favour.
In the course of this week, I attended, in company with most of the
committee of the quarterly meeting on the concern relative to schools,
the two preparative meetings in New-York, and that at Flushing; also an
appointed meeting at Brooklyn on third day evening, and one at Newtown
on fifth day evening. The last was a very instructive favoured meeting.
First day, the 3d of 11th month. Sat our meeting to-day altogether in
silence. Spent the rest of the week principally in attention to my
temporal concerns, which I believe to be a Christian’s reasonable duty;
except that I attended in company with some of the quarterly meeting’s
committee on fifth day, the preparative meeting at Cowneck. I sat the
meeting for worship in silent suffering; but was led in the preparative
meeting, pretty largely to open the nature and design of the concern
of the yearly meeting, with regard to the pious and guarded education
of the youth of our society, particularly while young and at school,
in getting their necessary school learning; that they might as much
as possible, be kept out of harm’s way, by being placed at schools
under the care of pious religiously concerned persons, members in
society; who would be likely to co-operate with the religious concern
of their parents, in endeavouring, as much as might be, to bring them
up agreeably to apostolic exhortation: “In the nurture and admonition
of the Lord.” For there is nothing that can more nearly and necessarily
engage the minds of rightly exercised parents, next to their own souls,
than the religious welfare of their children: for parents who can live
in the neglect of this great and incumbent duty, must be dead to every
right exercise and concern for the preservation and everlasting welfare
of their tender offspring.
First day, the 10th. Sat our meeting in silence: then rode several
miles to visit a person who was sick, and returned the next day.
I had to reflect on the great and serious loss sustained by a large
portion of mankind, from the want of due attention and a right
perseverance in the way of known duty while young in years; that when
they are advanced in age, and bodily infirmities interfere and increase
upon them, they are tossed up and down in their minds, and can find no
sure place of refuge for their souls; like a ship in the midst of the
ocean without a helm, and which can find no safe anchoring ground.
On fourth day attended the funeral of a young woman on Cowneck, who was
taken away very suddenly, with about three hour’s illness. I had an
open time among the people that were assembled on this solemn occasion,
and was led to call their attention to the propriety and necessity
of an early preparation for death; and to show that it manifested
great presumption in such a poor impotent creature as man, who was so
sensible of the uncertainty of time, to dare to lay his head down at
night to take his natural rest, without knowing his peace made with his
God.
Fifth and sixth days. Attended, in company with some of the committee
of the quarterly meeting on the subject of schools, the preparative
meetings of Martinicock and Bethpage; both of which were open favoured
seasons, while the subject of our appointment was under consideration.
On seventh day I attended the funeral of a very aged man of my
acquaintance, being upwards of ninety years old, who lived in the town
of Hempstead. There was a pretty large collection of the neighbouring
inhabitants present, among whom I was led and strengthened to open
divers necessary and important doctrines of the gospel, in the clear
demonstration of the spirit; and, I trust and hope, to the edification
and religious instruction of many present. Surely it was the Lord’s
doing, and to him belongs all the praise and honour of his own works,
and nothing due to man.
First day, the 17th. Sat our meeting in silence. It was a quiet solid
season. The rest of the week I was occupied in my husbandry business,
except attending our monthly meeting on fifth day.
First day, the 24th. My mind in our meeting to-day, was led into an
humbling exercise, under a sensible view of the great ascendency of
evil over the good among mankind in general, not excepting the best
regulated society among men. I was also led, under the saddening
prospect, to communicate to the meeting the feeling impressions of my
mind thereon, together with the causes of this great degeneracy from
the simplicity of the gospel of Christ; and that it was the effect of a
spirit of ease and carnal security, and being led and governed in our
conduct and works by custom and tradition, without taking the pains
to examine whether they were founded in truth and righteousness or
not; and when at times they are awakened by the convicting evidence of
truth on the mind, instead of willingly submitting thereto, they call
to their aid all the powers of their reasoning faculties to drown the
reprover’s voice, that so they may rest secure in their ceiled houses.
Alas for these in the trying hour of final decision! how dreadfully
saddening will be their prospects in a dying hour!
First day, the 1st of 12th month. I sat with Friends at Westbury. The
meeting was for the most part a dull exercising season; but towards the
close I had a short testimony given me to communicate, in which the
state of the meeting was so opened as to have a very reaching effect on
most present; which spread life over the meeting, and much tenderness
and contrition were apparent. Surely have we not cause for these
favours, often to say with one formerly: “What shall I render unto the
Lord for all his benefits towards me.”
Second day. I attended the funeral of a near kinsman at Far Rockaway,
at which I had a very open time amongst the people collected on that
solemn occasion.
I returned home on third day, and the weather being cold and inclement
I was indisposed for several days after, which prevented my attending
our meeting on fifth day; a circumstance which very seldom happens, as
I am generally preserved in the enjoyment of such a state of health,
as to attend meetings when at home without much omission: and which I
consider as one among many especial blessings and favours, dispensed by
a kind and beneficent Providence to me, a poor unworthy creature.
First day, the 8th. I left home this morning and rode to New-York, and
attended Friends’ meeting at Pearl-street in the afternoon, in which
I had to suffer, being dipped into a state of death. I felt as though
baptized for the dead, but as I patiently endured I was helped towards
the close to spread my exercise before the meeting, and a degree of
life was felt to arise, and some were quickened, but with too many
there appeared to be a great want of a right inward engagement and
travail of spirit, and these were sent empty away.
I tarried in town until fourth day, it being the time of our meeting
for sufferings. In the course of this meeting, we prepared a memorial
to lay before the legislature of our state, on behalf of the black
people still held in bondage among us. A committee was separated to
attend therewith, and we have a hope that it may prove effectual for
their relief.
Fifth day. Attended our preparative meeting, and had to spread before
my Friends the exercise of my mind, on account of the neglect of too
many among us in respect to the due observance of discipline; which is
a source of great weakness to society, and especially so to those who
are delinquent.
Sixth and seventh days. Spent in my usual vocations, accompanied with
quietness and peace of mind.
First day, the 15th. Almost as soon as I had taken my seat in our
meeting to-day, there was brought to my remembrance the following
exhortation of the apostle, accompanied with a degree of life: “To do
good, and to communicate, forget not.” As I quietly attended to the
impression, it led to communication and opened to a field of doctrine,
tending to show the indispensable obligation every real Christian
lies under, let his allotment in the Church or in the world at large
be what it may, to comply therewith, it being a divine requisition.
It is therefore reasonable to suppose that by a life of steady and
uniform industry, and from which man derives great earthly felicity,
and through the divine blessing, most individuals would be enabled to
fulfil the obligation; by which means all the misery and distress
that arise from poverty and want would be done away from the Church
of Christ, and agreeably to the prophecy of Isaiah, no wasting or
destruction be found within her borders; and Christians would witness
in their own experience, that it is more blessed to give than to
receive; as we should thereby approach nearer to our divine original,
from whom we receive every blessing both spiritual and temporal.
The following part of the week I spent in my usual occupations, except
attending our monthly meeting on fifth day.
First day, the 22d. This day I attended the funeral of my brother
Stephen Hicks at Rockaway. There was a pretty large collection of
people on the occasion, among whom I was led to labour fervently in the
gospel, and largely to declare of the things concerning the kingdom of
God. The season was solemn, and by the prevalence of the divine power
that attended, many hearts were contrited and a precious solemnity
was spread over the assembly, worthy of our deepest gratitude and
thankfulness of heart. I returned home that evening with sweet peace of
mind.
Having for some time felt a draft on my mind to appoint a few meetings
in some adjacent neighbourhoods, to the south and east of us, I left
home on the seventh day of this week, accompanied by my neighbour Jacob
Willits, jr. We rode that afternoon to our friend James Rushmore’s,
at the Half-way Hollow Hills; where, by previous notice, we had a
comfortable satisfactory meeting in the evening, mostly made up of
those not in membership with us. The next day, the first of the week,
we had two meetings; one in the town of Islip in the morning, at the
residence of my son-in-law Joshua Willits, the other at the third hour
in the afternoon, in the school-house at the village of Babylon. These
were very solemn affecting meetings, wherein many truths of the gospel
were largely and livingly opened, in the demonstration of the spirit,
attended with a power that humbled and contrited many hearts, and
brought a general solemnity over the meetings.
The next day we rode to our friend Thomas Whitson’s, on the south
side of our township. Had an appointed meeting there that evening,
which was also favoured with attendant gospel power; whereby my mind
was opened and led to sound forth an arousing testimony, in order to
stir up many present, who, for want of faithfulness and obedience to
manifested duty, were much behind in their day’s work: and which, as it
opened on my mind, I expressed to them to be not only a cause of great
loss and disadvantage in a religious sense to themselves, but also
to their families and their tender offspring. Things were laid close
home to these, and they excited to more faithfulness and religious
engagement.
At this place I was informed of the death of our Friend and neighbour
Elizabeth Jones, wife of Samuel Jones, whose funeral was to be the next
day. This information induced us to return home early in the morning in
order to attend the same. As she had many connexions, there was a very
large collection of people on the occasion, many of whom were of divers
persuasions. My heart and mouth were opened to preach the gospel among
them, and to explain to the people the principles of the Christian
religion, in a full and clear manner, in the authority of truth. It was
a highly favoured season, in which truth reigned triumphant; and the
Lord’s name and power were praised and exalted over all.
Fifth day, the 2d of 1st month, 1817. I attended our meeting as usual.
It was quiet and comfortable. Near the close I had a short testimony to
communicate, to the excellency and exalted privileges of the Christian
state, which brought a precious covering over the meeting.
First day, the 5th. Very soon after I took my seat in meeting to-day,
my mind was brought into a feeling sense and view of the superiour
excellency of the true Christian religion; and this can only be known
and possessed by a full and entire subjugation of our wills to the
divine will, and living in the practical part of that reasonable
injunction of our blessed Lord, to seek first the kingdom of God
and his righteousness; then every other blessing that is needful
and comfortable for us will be added, in the openings of the divine
counsel. But alas, how few there are who pay any right attention
to this excellent requisition, but on the contrary go on in their
own wills, and in the prosecution of their own schemes of profit
and pleasure, most generally at least until they marry, and settle
themselves in the care and concerns of a family. In all this time,
scarcely one in ten thousand of the human family even think of seeking
first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, or even asking counsel
of him in the weighty concern of marriage; upon a right procedure
in which, their present and future happiness greatly depend, and
for want of this previous care, they are often very unequally yoked
together; and when these have a family of children about them, without
any right ability and qualification to instruct them, confusion and
disorder ensue; and the poor children are left to grow up without
right cultivation, as brambles in the wilderness, a lamentable case
indeed: a view of which has often clothed my mind with mourning. I was
led largely to open these subjects to the meeting under the influence
of gospel love, and found peace in my labour, the sure reward of
faithfulness to manifested duty; and whether the people will hear or
forbear, it is not the business of the instrument to be careful about,
as the word that goeth forth will not return void, but will accomplish
the thing whereto it is sent; either to instruct and comfort, or to
reprove and condemn.
The rest of the week I was mostly employed in my temporal concerns,
except attending our preparative meeting on fifth day. The meeting for
worship was, I think, a favoured season.
First day the 12th. A silent meeting to-day.
Fourth day. Feeling my mind drawn to attend the monthly meeting
of Westbury, which was held to-day, I proceeded accordingly. In
the meeting for worship, I was led to show to Friends, under the
similitude of Israel’s travel, that it was not enough to be delivered
from our former sins, nor from the red sea of trials and obstructing
temptations, so as to rejoice on the banks of deliverance, and be fed
with heavenly manna, even angels’ food; nor to journey on towards the
promised Canaan, as far as Korah and his company; and to see like
them, the wonder-working power of Jehovah in the wilderness, unless
they also came to witness a complete death to their own wills, so as
to be entirely submissive to the will of our heavenly Father; for
otherwise they would be left to encompass as it were, a mountain in
the wilderness, until the old man, that is, self-will, is entirely
worn out and dies there, on this side Jordan: for nothing short of
that will open Jordan’s streams, and enable us to go through on dry
land. I had largely to open to Friends the mystery of our redemption,
in the demonstration of the spirit, showing the necessity of continual
perseverance and making progress in our heavenly journey, otherwise we
shall be liable to fall into a state of ease and carnal security; and
thereby make shipwreck of faith and a good conscience, and our latter
end be worse than the beginning; like those of Israel, who fell in the
wilderness and never obtained the promised land.
Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting. As it was the time of
answering our queries, I was engaged to stir up Friends to more
diligence, by faithfully scrutinizing their own individual states
through the medium of the queries, by which means they would be truly
useful to us; for otherwise the reading and answering them would become
a dead lifeless form.
First day, the 19th. A silent meeting to-day, in which my spirit was
grieved, as is too often the case in our meetings, from a sense of
the great want of real spiritual life, and the apparent deadness and
formality which too generally prevail; whereby it often happens that a
number appear drowsy and nodding, and some falling asleep, to the great
trouble and exercise of the living concerned members, who are often led
to mourn in secret on these accounts.
In the course of this week I attended our quarterly meeting held at
this time at Westbury. It was a season of close solemn searching, and
through the animating influence of the divine light and life, the
hidden things of Esau or the first nature, were brought to light and
judged. Although some, who had long covered themselves as with thick
clay, and were solacing themselves in their ceiled houses, kicked like
Jeshurun of old, when they were made to feel the piercing edge of that
sword which divides between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and is
a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart; yet the truth had
its way over all their opposition, and in the closing meeting reigned
triumphant over all. Blessed be the Lord for his unspeakable gifts
dispensed to his faithful children.
First day, the 26th. My mind in our meeting to-day, was led to reflect
on the excellency and powerful effect of true faith. As the subject
opened, I found it my place to spread the prospect before the meeting;
in the communication whereof, life sprang up and the truth was raised
into dominion over all, and my heart was made thankful for the
unmerited favour.
The rest of the week I was busily employed in my domestic affairs,
and in taking the oversight and care of my stock; the weather being
very cold and frosty, and the earth covered with snow. Attended our
meeting on fifth day, at which there was a funeral of a deceased
Friend, an ancient maiden. I sat the greater part of the meeting in
silence, in which time there were two short testimonies delivered, but
without much apparent effect, as the seed of immortal life was too
much pressed down, as a cart with sheaves; and nothing is sufficient
to raise a meeting from such a state of death and stupor, but the
life-giving presence and powerful word of Him, who raised Lazarus from
the grave. As I patiently endured the necessary baptism for the dead,
towards the close of the meeting a little gleam of light appeared, in
which was brought to my remembrance that passage of the wise man, that
“Righteousness exalteth a nation.” And as my inward eye was kept to
the opening, it spread, and light sprang up, in which I felt the truth
of that saying, that “the Lord’s people are willing in the day of his
power;” and as I yielded to communication, the life was raised into
dominion, and ran as oil over all. Surely it was the Lord’s doing and
marvellous in mine eyes.