Engagements at and near home, and within the limits of Westbury
quarterly meeting--Visit to some parts of the yearly meeting of
New-York, 1818.
First day, the 21st of 12th month, 1817. I again met with my friends at
home, in our own meeting, and was glad to see them; having been absent
nearly four months, in which time I travelled about eleven hundred
miles, and attended eighty-five meetings for worship, and eleven for
discipline. And now, at home, I find no time to be idle; for in this
first meeting, my mind was brought under exercise, and I had to tell my
friends, that if we would be Christians, we must be united to Christ,
and learn by his example to do good for evil; as it is no certain
mark of a real Christian, to be in the practice of mutual returns of
good offices to one another. For sinners give and lend to sinners, to
receive as much again. I found afterwards that there was just occasion
for my exercise, as some of my neighbours, members of society, had been
disputing and differing about trivial matters of property. Alas for
such! what peace can they have on earth, and much less can they hope
for any in heaven, when done with time. For such dispositions cannot
possibly be happy in the presence of a just, holy, and merciful Being,
who is love ineffable.
I sat our meeting on fifth day in silence, and nothing unusual occurred
the rest of the week.
First day, the 28th. I was led, while sitting in our meeting to-day,
into a view of the great want generally manifested by the people, of
living in the fear of the Lord, and of seeking to be initiated into his
kingdom of peace and love; as nothing short of it can administer to
any the joys of salvation, or produce a real redemption from the power
of evil. The subject spread on my mind, and opened to a pretty full
communication, in the line of close caution and warning to the indolent
and unconcerned, respecting the necessary preparation for our final
change. A solemn weight spread over the assembly, and I have a hope the
labour will not be all lost, but sink deep and remain on some minds.
In the course of this week my case seemed to resemble Mordecai’s of
old; after riding the king’s horse, he had to retire to the king’s
gate, and there wait for fresh direction. I also felt my mind brought
into a waiting quiet state, in poverty of spirit. Attended our fifth
day meeting mostly in silence, except just before the close I had to
remark to Friends the great advantage that accrued to us by being
embodied together in religious society, under the influence of truth,
as our duties and religious obligations became more binding upon us,
especially the diligent attendance of meetings for worship, which gave
us frequent opportunity of inquiring into our own states, and how far
we stood accepted in the divine sight, and were at peace with Him and
with all men; for this is a very requisite care which ought not to be
neglected, but always be first in our minds.
First day, the 4th of 1st month, 1818. Having felt my mind for several
days drawn to sit with my friends at Martinicock, I accordingly went
on this day, accompanied by my wife and daughter Elizabeth. Although
the meeting was not altogether so large as at some other times on this
day of the week, the weather being cold, yet the opportunity, through
the manifestation of divine regard, by which I was enabled to preach
the gospel in the demonstration of truth, was rendered an instructive
edifying season, and we were comforted together under a renewed sense
of the Lord’s goodness.
Second day. I attended the funeral of a neighbour. It was a promiscuous
gathering of different societies of professed Christians. I was largely
led forth among them to declare of the things concerning the kingdom of
God, and to open to the people in a clear and impressive manner, the
way and means by which we may come to have an inheritance therein, and
that nothing short of our coming into a passive state without a will
of our own, as a little child, agreeably to the doctrine of our Lord,
will ever qualify us for that blessed inheritance, where nothing that
worketh an abomination or maketh a lie can ever enter. It was a season
of favour, in which truth had the victory, and I felt peace in my
labour of love among them.
On third day I went to New-York, accompanied by my son-in-law Valentine
Hicks, in order to attend the monthly meeting of Friends there,
which came the next day. I attended it accordingly. It was a pretty
full meeting, in which I was led in a close, searching line in my
testimony, which agitated some of the worshippers in the outer court,
and made them fretful. Alas for such professors! what will they do
in the end, when the winds blow and the rains descend? Surely their
sandy foundation will fail them; then will they be made to call to the
rocks and mountains of their own exalted self-righteousness, to cover
them from the prevailing indignation which they have brought upon
themselves, by their own neglect of a right improvement of the talent
with which they had been entrusted, and which they had buried in an
earthly mind; but their cries will be in vain, as the hypocrite’s hope
will perish.
Fifth day. I attended Friends’ meeting held in the middle of the week
at Flushing, at which there was a marriage, which caused it to be much
enlarged, by many of the neighbouring inhabitants coming in who do
not usually attend. It was a favoured season, in which I was led to
communicate divers important doctrines of the Christian religion, and
to open the true ground of the marriage covenant, whereby male and
female may be rightly joined together, so as to become true helpers and
blessings to each other. After this, I returned home that evening with
the blessing of peace, the sure reward of faithfulness, and retired
willingly to the waiting gate of inward trust, and poverty of spirit.
First day, the 11th. My mind was led into a view of the necessity of
doing all our works to please God, and not to please ourselves, or one
another; and the only way to please our neighbours to edification, was
to do all to please the Lord, who hath promised that if our ways please
him he will make our enemies to be at peace with us. The subject spread
and led to communication, in which the people were invited to acquaint
themselves with God, and be at peace with him by doing his will, and
not our own, whereby good would come unto us; hence we should please
one another to our mutual edification and comfort.
On fifth day our monthly meeting was held. It was a season of exercise,
occasioned by a case of difficulty being improperly introduced into the
meeting.
I saw clearly the meeting could not get along with it in its present
form, as it had taken ground which was not tenable. It was therefore
agreed to dismiss the subject for the present, and let it be taken up
anew, unless on a further investigation by the overseers, it should be
settled.
How necessary it is for those who take an active part in the discipline
of the Church, to wait for a right qualification, and not to put a
hand to the work until they are rightly called and furnished, with
that wisdom which is profitable to direct; for otherwise, instead of
advancing the cause of righteousness, they may retard its progress,
and do harm to themselves, like Uzza of old, when he put forth an
unsanctified hand to steady the ark.
I opened in this meeting to my friends, a prospect I had of paying
a religious visit to some of the neighbouring inhabitants not in
membership with us, within the borders of our quarterly meeting; with
which the meeting united, and left me at liberty to pursue the prospect
as way might open for it.
The rest of this week was spent in the care of my necessary temporal
concerns, and the week ended with peace of mind and a thankful heart,
for the continued blessings of a gracious Providence.
First day, the 18th. Our meeting to-day was favoured, and the power
of truth exalted, and the gospel preached in its own authority, and a
precious solemnity spread over the meeting, which ended in thanksgiving
for the mercy, and solemn supplication for the continuance of divine
regard.
In the course of this week our quarterly meeting was held at Westbury.
It was a favoured season, particularly the last day or closing meeting
for public worship, in which the Lord’s presence and power were
manifested in an eminent degree, and truth was exalted and a precious
solemnity spread over the assembly, convicting, contriting, and
comforting many hearts; to the praise of Him who is calling us out of
darkness into his marvellous light.
First day, the 25th. A silent meeting on my part to-day. How
comfortable it is to sit silently under the shadow of our own vine and
our own fig-tree, where none can make afraid.
Second day. I attended the funeral of my eldest and last surviving
brother. I am now the last and only survivor of six brethren, and am
myself arrived nearly to the age of three score and ten; therefore
cannot expect many more days, as I continually feel time making
its ravages on the animal system, and which, as a faithful herald,
exclaims repeatedly to the inward ear, “prepare to die.” There was a
large promiscuous collection of people of different societies attended
the funeral. I was largely led forth among them to declare the way
of life and salvation, and to open many very important doctrines
of the Christian religion. The assembly were generally very quiet
and attentive, and, I believe, to many, it was a season of solid
instruction and edification. I left them with peace of mind and a
thankful heart.
I attended our fifth day meeting as usual, and mostly in silence. On
sixth day I attended the funeral of a person not in membership. It was
principally made up of the poorer kind of people, who made little or no
profession of religion, except a few Friends and some of the Methodist
society. I was deeply baptized into a feeling of their weak state, in
which I was led to communicate according to their capacity to receive;
which brought a comfortable solemnity over the assembly to their
general satisfaction, and I felt peace in my labour of love among them.
First day, the 1st of 2d month. As I sat musing in silence in our
meeting, my mind was led into a view of the great mischief and harm
which result to mankind, by their giving way to harbour and indulge
vain and evil thoughts. The subject spread and led to communication, in
which I had to show to the assembly that our redemption and salvation
principally depended on a right government of our thoughts, and that
if men and women were as fearful of evil thinking as they are of evil
doing, and as desirous of avoiding one as the other, they would soon
find themselves empowered as fully to avoid evil thinking as to avoid
evil doing; and this would be a suppression of sin in its first rise:
and there is no other way for any man or woman to become righteous
and holy in the sight of God, who as certainly at all times sees our
evil thoughts, and more so than man can see our evil actions: yet
nevertheless poor blind forgetful man will please and entertain himself
with abundance of evil thoughts in the open view of his Maker, while at
the same time he would dread to expose them by overt acts, in the view
of men. This shows how much more predominant the fear of man is with
the most of mankind, than the fear of God their Creator. I hope the
opportunity was profitable and instructive to some present.
Second day, the 9th. I rode to New-York in order to attend the
meeting for sufferings which came the next day, and which I attended
accordingly. After this I spent several days in the city and
neighbourhood, in prosecuting the concern I opened before our last
monthly meeting. My kinsman Isaac Hicks accompanied me.
I attended Pearl-street meeting as it came in course on fourth day,
and had an appointed meeting at the same place in the evening, for the
inhabitants of the town at large. It was a very full meeting, many
more collected than the house could contain. The next day I attended
Friends’ meeting at Manhattanville, and in the evening had a public
meeting in the city, at Friends’ meeting-house in Liberty-street. These
were all full favoured meetings, in which truth reigned and subjected,
at least for the present, all contrary spirits, which was cause of
humble thankfulness to my mind.
We left the city on sixth day and had an appointed meeting at Brooklyn
in the evening. On seventh day we had two meetings in Newtown, the
first at Friends’ meeting-house at the Kilns, and the latter at the
town in the evening. These three last meetings were principally made up
of people of other societies, who behaved very commendably and appeared
well affected with the meetings; and truth’s testimonies were largely
and satisfactorily opened in each meeting, comforting and contriting
many hearts, and to the solid peace of my own mind.
On first day, the 15th, I attended Friends’ meeting at Flushing, and
some notice having been spread of my coming, it was large; and was
added to by a number from Newtown, of other societies who had attended
the two meetings held there the day before. This was also an open
instructive meeting, in which divers doctrines of the gospel were
communicated in the life, to the edification of the people. The next
day I returned home and found my family well, which, with the peace of
mind that accompanied, produced thankfulness of heart to the blessed
Author of all our mercies and blessings.
Fifth day. I attended our monthly meeting. It was rather a dull
exercising season, in which I was led into some painful labour.
On sixth day, I proceeded again on the visit to some of the
neighbouring inhabitants. Had an appointed meeting in the evening at
Hempstead Harbour, and the next evening at the lower part of Cowneck.
Both were full meetings. In the former I was largely opened by way of
testimony, and many important doctrines of the gospel were communicated
for the instruction and edification of the people, and I left them
with peace of mind. In the latter I was mostly silent. On first day I
attended Friends’ meeting at Cowneck, which was well attended; many
of the neighbouring inhabitants coming in that were not members, who
behaved soberly. It was a favoured satisfactory season, in which truth
reigned.
In the evening I had a pretty large instructive meeting in the village
of Herricks. It was a solemn time, in which many truths of the gospel
were clearly opened, apparently to the satisfaction and edification of
the assembly in general, and I returned home next morning with peace of
mind.
On fourth day I attended Bethpage meeting, at which there was a
marriage, which occasioned the meeting to be very large. I think it
was much the largest I had ever seen in that place. There was a large
number of young people, and although many of them appeared raw and
undisciplined, yet they generally behaved orderly during the meeting,
and I had a pretty open time among them. I was led to set forth the
nature and dignity of the marriage covenant when rightly entered
into, and the sad reverse, when rashly and unadvisedly undertaken;
and especially so when unequally yoked together, and of different
persuasions as to religion: for being disunited in the main point, it
most certainly must tend to disturb their quiet and imbitter their
enjoyments. And the offspring of such connexions are greatly to be
pitied; attached by nature to both parents, how confused must be their
ideas with regard to which they shall follow; and as it often happens,
the boys going with their father, and the daughters with their mother;
hence, children which ought to be bound together in the strongest ties
of natural affection and consanguinity, are in early life divided in
principle and in conduct, by which they become alienated from each
other. To avoid which the youth were earnestly and affectionately
invited and admonished to put in practice the exhortation of Jesus
Christ to his immediate followers, and the people which resorted to
hear him, viz: To seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,
in a full belief that as we comply therewith, all other things needful
and consolatory will be added.
I attended our own meeting the next day in silence, and feeling a stop
in my mind as to proceeding further at present in the visit before me,
I turned my attention to my family concerns, not being willing to spend
any of my precious time in idleness.
First day. Sat our meeting in silence. It is a precious thing and very
consoling, to all Zion’s exercised travellers in the path of duty, to
be instructed how and when to speak, and when to keep silence.
Fifth day. A silent meeting. Spent the rest of the week in attention to
my family concerns.
First day, the 8th of 3d month. A favoured open time in our meeting
to-day, in which the gospel was preached in its own authority, and in
which the excellency and reality of the divine principle of grace and
truth was opened and explained; showing it to be the same breath of
life which was breathed into man on the day of his creation, and which
constituted the divine image in man, and is the Lamb or innocent life
of God, and which innocent life was slain in our first parents by
their first transgression. Hence it is called the Lamb slain from the
foundation of the world, agreeably to the scriptures; but no otherwise
slain than by man’s rejecting it, and turning away from it, into the
serpentine wisdom; by which man became dead to this divine life, and
that dead to him. Hence the denunciation was fulfilled on man, in the
day thou eatest thereof, that is, in the day thou turnest away from
this divine life, and presumest to know good and evil for thyself,
thou shalt, or wilt, surely die; which was accordingly fulfilled on
our first parents in the day of their transgression, and consequently
on all their offspring who have followed their example. Agreeably to
the apostle Paul’s doctrine, it then follows, that as in Adam all
die, that is, as in our transgressing like Adam, we take upon us
Adam’s nature in the fall, which nature is a state of death; so on the
contrary, as we turn inward to the divine light and law, and repent
of our transgressions, and become sincerely obedient thereunto, by
denying ourselves and taking up our cross daily, we then come into
the obedience of Christ; not doing our own will, but the will of our
heavenly Father. We then put on Christ and become partakers of his
divine nature, and thereby come to witness in our own experience, not
only that in Adam, that is, in Adam’s nature in the fall, which we
have taken upon us by our own transgression, and not by Adam’s, we die
or witness a state of death to the divine nature: so likewise in our
coming into the obedience of Christ, we take upon us his divine nature;
and are thereby made alive and come to witness the Lamb which was slain
in us, while we remained in Adam’s nature, to rise from the dead and
become Christ in us the hope of glory, or the Lamb of God which taketh
away the sin of the world. Therefore all the varied names given in
scripture to this divine light and life, such as Emmanuel, Jesus, sent
of God, great Prophet, Christ our Lord, Grace, Unction, Anointed, &c.
mean one and the same thing; and are nothing less nor more, than the
spirit and power of God in the soul of man, as his Creator, Preserver,
Condemner, Redeemer, Saviour, Sanctifier and Justifier.
Spent the rest of the week at and about home. Attended our preparative
meeting on fifth day. The meeting for worship I sat mostly in silence.
First day, the 15th. In the course of our meeting I felt constrained
to communicate some plain truths in doctrine and in caution, to the
unguarded and refractory; but which seemed too much to rebound, for
want of a disposition in such to receive the word preached, as they are
apt to kick against the truth when it is plainly told them; this causes
hard labour to the messengers, who, although they feel the woe and are
constrained to labour, yet find little satisfaction therein, except
in the consciousness of having faithfully done their duty to their
careless and deficient brethren and fellow creatures.
In the afternoon I proceeded in the concern before expressed, in
visiting some of the neighbouring inhabitants. Had an appointed meeting
at Jerusalem in the evening, and on second day, a meeting about four
miles westerly from thence. On third day I had one further on, in a
southwesterly direction, among a people in moderate circumstances as
to this world, but whose minds seemed generally open to receive the
doctrines of truth. I also had a meeting in the evening of this day
in the town of Hempstead. These were all large favoured meetings,
especially the last, which was unusually so, and in which the truths of
the gospel were largely communicated, apparently to the satisfaction
and edification of the assembly, and to the peace of my own mind. We
returned home the next day, attending Westbury monthly meeting in our
way.
Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting. In the meeting for worship I
was led to open to Friends the many precious advantages and privileges
resulting from a firm faith and sincere trust in the Almighty Jehovah.
For thereby we come to witness all those great and precious promises
fulfilled which the scriptures mention, and know in our own experience
that they who trust in the Lord are never confounded.
The rest of the week I was busily employed in a variety of temporal
concerns, as I find no time to be idle, either in body or mind, for
nothing affords so much true peace as a consciousness of the right
improvement and employment of precious time.
First day, the 22d. By previous appointment I attended a meeting at the
house of our friend James Rushmore, at the Halfway Hollow Hills, at the
eleventh hour, and in the evening at a place called Babylon, on the
south side of the Island. These meetings, by the extreme inclemency of
the weather, were small, especially the first, where it was like the
two or three as to number, yet I found a good degree of satisfaction
in faithfully attending to the appointment, although I had to ride
a dozen miles or more through the storm, which was so extreme as to
prevent nearly all the neighbours from attending the meeting, and in
our passing from one meeting to the other, the wind blew with such
violence, that our carriage seemed several times near blowing over; but
we got along safe, and had a comfortable meeting at the latter place
in the evening. After this I rode to my son-in-law Joshua Willits’, at
Islip, and lodged. I spent most of the next day at his house, and on
third day at the eleventh hour had a pretty large favoured meeting at
the house of our friend Thomas Whitson, at Oysterbay South. After this
I returned home.
In our fifth day meeting I was made an example of silence.
First day, the 29th. In our meeting to-day I was led into an
enlightened view of the excellency of faith, and its blessed effects on
the minds of those who come to witness its lively operation.
The subject opened to communication in a large affecting testimony,
recapitulating its wonder-working power in the holy ancients, and
showing that its efficacy was the same now as in former days, to those
who become rightly initiated into it through faithful obedience to
divine requiring, as nothing else will establish us in that living
faith which works by love, and gives victory over the world.
Fifth day. Attended Friends’ meeting at Martinicock, in which I was an
example of silence. At the second hour in the afternoon, I attended
the funeral of Charles Thorne, a person inclining to Friends, in
the neighbourhood of Moscheto Cove. There was a large collection of
the neighbours, among whom I was led to communicate and open divers
essential doctrines of the gospel, and to set forth the design and end
of the types and shadows of the law dispensation given to Israel, and
to Israel only; and to show that they were finished and abolished by
the introduction of the gospel state, or the diffusion of the spirit
of truth, or Holy Ghost, in the minds of the believers, by which only
we can come to have a living faith made perfect by good works, because
faith without works is dead.
First day, the 5th of 4th month. A silent meeting to-day. This week
busily employed in my temporal concerns, even so as to occasion
wearisomeness at times. What a comfortable state would even this world
afford, if men and women were all honest enough to do their light
portion of labour, for want of which thousands in every country are
inventing pitiful and unrighteous schemes to obtain a livelihood from
the labours of others. These, let them be high or low, learned or
unlearned, rich or poor, make up that class of mankind, who grievously
oppress and grind the faces of the poor.
First day, the 12th. I had a precious open time in our meeting to-day,
in which I was led largely to open many truths of the gospel, in a
clear instructive manner, which brought a precious solemnity over the
meeting, and which closed under the sensible covering of divine favour.
Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting. It was the time for preparing
answers to the queries to go up to the yearly meeting, and was, I
believe, a season of profitable exercise.
First day, the 19th. I had good service in our meeting to-day, and
through the overshadowing wing of divine kindness, it proved a precious
opportunity. In the course of this week I attended our quarterly
meeting, held at this time in New-York. It was a favoured season in the
several sittings of it, affording encouragement to the honest-hearted,
to persevere on in their heavenly way without turning aside to the
right hand or the left, through fear, favour or affection. The labour
in the line of communication fell mostly to my lot.
First day, the 26th. I was made an example of silence through our
meeting to-day. Nothing of particular notice occurred in the course of
this week.
First day, the 3d of 5th month. I attended the funeral of our ancient
worthy friend Jacob Underhill, of Cedar Swamp. There was a very large
collection of Friends and neighbours assembled on the occasion, he
being very generally beloved and esteemed by his acquaintance and
Friends. A very solemn meeting was held at the meeting-house at
Martinicock, on the occasion, in which I was largely led forth in
ministry and doctrine, so that many hearts were contrited, to the
general satisfaction and edification of the assembly, and to the peace
of my own mind.
In the afternoon I had an appointed meeting at the house of Amos
Cheshire, about four miles easterly from our village. Through divine
favour it was made an instructive, profitable season, in which truth
was exalted over all opposition.
Fifth day. I attended the funeral of my kinswoman the widow Sarah
Albertson. A solemn meeting was held on the occasion, at Friends’
meeting-house at Westbury, in which I had good service. I was led
to open in a clear manner, the superiour excellence of the divine
principle of light and truth, borne testimony to by the society
ever since we have been a people, and showing that, where that is
wanting, or is not given heed to, every thing else will and must fail
of effecting the great work of our salvation, as no other means are
adequate to that end. It was a season of favour, in which I was largely
opened to declare of the things concerning the kingdom of heaven, and
to open to the people many truths of the gospel, in the demonstration
of the spirit, accompanied with power; which solemnized and tendered
many minds. Surely it was the Lord’s doing, and to him belongs all the
praise: nothing due to man.
First day, the 10th. A hard trying meeting, mostly silent.
Fifth day. Had the acceptable company of our friend Mary Naftel,
from England. She laboured in the ability afforded for our help and
encouragement, which honest travail does not fail of meeting its own
reward, true peace of mind, the richest treasure.
First day, the 17th. Silent in our meeting to-day.
Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, at which we had the company
of our esteemed friend Phebe Field from Scipio. Her company, together
with her lively, simple, plain testimony, corresponding with our
profession, were truly acceptable and refreshing.
Seventh day, the 23d. I left home early in the morning in order
to attend our yearly meeting, accompanied by my wife and daughter
Elizabeth. We arrived in New-York in time to attend the first sitting
of the meeting of Ministers and Elders, which opened at the tenth
hour. The meeting for discipline opened the following second day at
ten o’clock, and closed on fifth day evening. It was shorter as to
time than usual; but I think, in the main, it was a favoured meeting,
and closed well, under an humbling sense of divine condescension and
regard, and Friends separated to their several homes, under a feeling
sense of brotherly love.
First day, the 31st. Attended our meeting in silence, and in much
poverty of spirit, and although we had the company of a Friend who was
travelling in the ministry, and who appeared pretty large in testimony;
yet it seemed void of life to me, which I was willing to conclude was
my own fault. We had another meeting appointed at the fourth hour in
the afternoon, by two women Friends from West Jersey. This was also a
meeting of exercise to me, without laying any thing to the charge of my
friends.
Fifth day. A silent meeting. The rest of the week laboriously exercised
in my temporal concerns. Oh how killing too much bodily labour is to
our best spiritual life, and although it may be no more than is our
duty to do, in order comfortably to accommodate our families, and the
timely payment of our just debts, and the punctual performance of
all our contracts, yet even then divine wisdom has so wisely ordered
the events of things, as to impress caution on our minds, by not
suffering us to reap much spiritual content or inward enjoyment from
bodily exercise, or worldly care, lest as man is naturally prone to
seek earthly things, he might become so swallowed up in his temporal
enjoyments, as to neglect the one thing needful, that of laying up
treasure in heaven.
First day, the 7th of 6th month. We had a large meeting to-day, and
having been made an example of silence for a number of meeting days
past, I also looked for the same at this time, till nearly half the
time of our meeting was expired. I sat clothed in darkness, a darkness
which could be felt; but after wrestling for about an hour a gleam of
light sprang up, and a prospect revived, which had presented at the
opening of the meeting, and enlarged with increasing weight until it
led to communication. In the course thereof, the original state of man
was considered, and presented to the view of the audience; and the
state of rectitude in which he was placed by his gracious Creator;
also the way shown, by and through which he fell, in a way clearly to
discharge and exculpate the all-equitable and perfect Jehovah from any
blame, as having any part or hand in man’s fall and ruin, and placing
it wholly on his own turpitude, by making a wrong use of his liberty,
and by making his election to evil instead of good, when both lay open
before him, at his own choice. Therefore, if he would pursue evil
instead of good, he had none to blame but himself: the Lord would be
clear, and his faithful servants would be clear; his blood will be upon
his own head.
Fifth day. Attended our preparative meeting. My exercise and testimony
led to show the excellency and necessity of silence to man, in all his
attempts to approach the divine Being in solemn spiritual worship; not
only the body but also the mind must be silenced, according to that
saying of the prophet, “Be still and know that I am God;” with which
the testimony of Christ well agrees, where he assures his disciples,
“That he is the vine, and they are the branches; and except the branch
abide in the vine it withereth,” and that “without him they can do
nothing.” As it is the sap from the vine that can only quicken and
vivify the branch; so nothing short of the will, life and power of
the Creator, spiritually dispensed to the creature, can enable him to
perform worship in spirit and in truth. For nothing but man’s assuming
an independent will, in opposition to the divine will, and becoming
active therein, occasioned his fall and separation from his Maker; so
likewise nothing but a renunciation of that will, and a cessation from
all self-activity as an independent creature, can unite and restore him
again, or enable him to worship in spirit and in truth.
First day, the 14th. Having not fully performed my contemplated visit
to our neighbouring towns and villages, and way opening for a further
procedure, I attended two appointed meetings to-day, one in the morning
at Cold Spring, and the other at the fourth hour in the afternoon at
Huntington. Both these were pretty full meetings, in which my exercise
was laborious, but I had a hope they were profitable meetings to some
present. I returned home in the evening.
Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, at which we had the company of
a Friend from Pennsylvania. His plain lively testimony, together with
his company and solid deportment, did my heart good, as it brought to
my remembrance some of our primitive worthies.
Sixth day. I attended the funeral of our friend Jacob Smith of
Westbury. His death was very sudden and unexpected, which made it the
more trying to his family. A meeting was held on the occasion, which
was largely attended by his friends and the neighbouring inhabitants.
The opportunity was solemn and instructive, and the gospel was preached
in the demonstration of the spirit, and many hearts were humbled and
contrited. Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.
First day, the 21st. I proceeded again in order to accomplish my
aforesaid visit to the neighbouring towns and villages. By previous
notice, a meeting was appointed at Cow Harbour, about twelve miles to
the eastward, at the fourth hour in the afternoon, at the house of a
person by the name of Henry Scudder, which was large and favoured. The
five following days, I attended meetings appointed at the following
places, viz: at Elias Smith’s, in the west part of Smithtown, on second
day, at the fourth hour in the afternoon; at the Branch on third day,
at the eleventh hour; at Stony Brook, on fourth day at eleven o’clock;
at Setauket on the same day, at the fourth hour in the afternoon; on
fifth day had one at a place called the Hopfrogs, at the fourth hour
in the afternoon; on sixth day at the eleventh hour, one near Commack,
at the house of our friend Jacob Harnad, and at the fourth hour, had
our last meeting in this town, at the house of Jonah Wood, at Dixhills.
This is a grandson of Jonah Wood deceased, who resided in the same
place, where I often had meetings while he was living. He was a man
convinced of the principles of Friends, but never came forward to join
the society, which I apprehended was a loss to himself and family.
These meetings were all owned by the Master of our assemblies, although
great weakness and ignorance were manifest in many who attended,
nevertheless the Lord was graciously pleased to condescend to their low
estates, and opened my mouth in doctrine suited to their states and
conditions. I returned home on seventh day, with a thankful heart and a
peaceful mind, the result of faithfulness in the Lord’s work.
First day, the 28th. Attended our own meeting, which I sat the greater
part in silence; but towards the close had a short testimony to
deliver, which was introduced by the remembrance of the account given
by the evangelist of the pool of Bethesda, and our Lord’s healing the
impotent man who had long waited there to be healed, but was not;
therefore our Lord had compassion on him, and healed him. This shows
how good it is to have a steady persevering faith and hope in the means
God appoints for our salvation.
Fifth day. A silent meeting. The rest of the week I was busily employed
in the oversight of my hay harvest, and in assisting in getting it into
the barn; the fields having brought forth bountifully, which greatly
enhances our obligations to the benevolent Giver.
First day, the 5th of 7th month. My mind in our meeting to-day, was
humbled under an awakened sense of my own imperfections, and the
impotency of our common nature. In this humiliated state, my mind
became clothed with the spirit of prayer and supplication, which gave
utterance vocally to present a petition to our heavenly Father for the
continuance of his mercy; and that he would increase our faith and
confident dependance on him, as our only source of help and salvation.
Fifth day. Attended our preparative meeting. The meeting for worship
was a lively meeting, although silent or nearly so. The diffusion of
real friendship and brotherly love was warmly felt.
First day, the 12th. I sat our meeting in silence, endeavouring to be
edified by a communication from a young minister from Cowneck, which
was sensible and in a good degree lively. How much more comfortable
it is to sit under a testimony that comprehends good sense, and by
which the understanding of the people is spoken to, than such as are
delivered in a high sound of many words, and yet so unconnected, as
to render it difficult to comprehend the subject matter the speaker
really aims at; or such as are delivered in a kind of prophetic strain,
without power, which some speakers are too apt to fall into; so that we
are sometimes ready to doubt their call to that highly important and
dignified office. These often cause deep exercise and concern to the
living baptized members.
Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, at which the queries were read
and the usual number answered, in order to represent our state to the
quarterly meeting. Things appeared well with us, if the answers given
in, were a true representation of our state.
First day, the 19th. I was again made an example of silence. In the
course of this week our quarterly meeting was held. It was, I think,
in the main a favoured season, in which divine goodness manifested a
renewed extension of unmerited mercy to us poor, helpless and unworthy
creatures. We had at this quarterly meeting the company of our esteemed
friend Gerard T. Hopkins from Baltimore. He appeared lively in his
gift, to our mutual edification.
It fell to my lot in the meeting for discipline, to revive the concern
for the melioration of the condition of the Africans and their
descendants; not only as it respected those who are still held in a
state of abject bondage and oppression, but also on behalf of those
who have been set free, but who, nevertheless continue, in a very
general manner, in a degraded and helpless state, for want of being
placed upon the ground of equality with the rest of the inhabitants,
as strict justice would dictate, if rightly adhered to by the people
and government. And I am fully in the belief, that divine justice will
not be satisfied, nor the black stain of shedding innocent blood and
cruelly oppressing this people, ever be taken from the inhabitants of
this land, until strict justice is done them, and they placed by the
laws of our country, in the same state of equality in every respect as
the rest of its inhabitants, and in the enjoyment of the full right
of civilized man. This is their just and righteous due, and these
privileges, if duly and rightly administered to them, would bring them
to be as good and useful citizens as those of any other nation.
I was also led to call upon my Friends to persevere in this noble and
righteous concern, that nothing might be left undone on our part, in
restoring strict justice and right to this deeply oppressed part of
our fellow creatures; not only on their account and for their relief,
but on our own account also. For, I believe, we are in a very peculiar
manner called upon, agreeably to our profession, of being led and
guided by an unerring principle of perfect righteousness, to exalt the
standard of truth and righteousness in the earth: and believing, as
I do, that it is not in the power and wisdom of man to effect this,
by all the coercive laws which can be enacted, nor by all the force
of the arm of flesh. For nothing can destroy and put an end to sin
and wickedness, but a principle in man of perfect righteousness and
justice; and this adhered to by man in so full and complete a manner,
as to have no fellowship or communion, either immediately or remotely,
directly or indirectly, with any acts of injustice or oppression.
Hence, I believe, that if we as a people were faithful and obedient to
this first principle of our profession, we should be led thereby to
abstain from all kinds of commerce or dealings in the produce of our
country or elsewhere, which we had cause to believe originated out of,
or through the medium of, the labour of slaves, wrung from them and
sold by their tyrannical masters. And I am well assured that nothing
short of such an exalted testimony to truth and righteousness will ever
put a full end to oppression and injustice; and, I believe, He who
called our worthy predecessors to exalt the testimony of truth in the
earth, and who is still calling us to advocate this noble cause, is
looking for this testimony of strict justice and righteousness at our
hands.
O, saith my soul! that we as a people, called as we are to be a light
to the world, might so persevere in faithfulness and obedience to the
teachings and inspirings of light and truth in our hearts, by which
we should be enabled to unite together for the exaltation of this
noble testimony, and the increase of the Messiah’s kingdom of truth,
righteousness, and peace in the earth; and which in its progression
will break down and dissolve all the kingdoms of this world, until they
become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ, and he comes to
reign whose right it is.
The subject spread with unusual weight over the meeting, and many
brethren appeared deeply affected therewith, and divers came forward
by expression to encourage its progress, and to stimulate each other
therein; so that my heart was truly gladdened under a sense of the
prevalence of truth, which was felt to preside in the meeting, clearly
manifesting that the concern was owned by the Head of the Church.
First day, the 26th. A silent meeting to-day. Passed this week in much
poverty of spirit, accompanied with a peaceful mind. Sat our fifth day
meeting in solemn silence.
First day, the 2d of 8th month. Feeling my mind disposed to sit with
Friends in their meeting at Bethpage, I went thither to-day accompanied
by my wife. Although my mind felt rather depressed from a sense of the
low state of things among them, yet I was led to communicate some plain
things; showing that true religion did not consist in going to meetings
and making a profession of it, but in works of real righteousness,
and in a strict and daily conformity and submission to the cross, and
a steady obedience to the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus,
which only can set free from the law of sin and death.
Fifth day. A silent meeting on my part. The rest of the week I was
taken up in temporal matters, having workmen of various kinds to
overlook and assist, even at times to a degree of wearisomeness;
insomuch that was it not from the calls of necessity and duty, I
should endeavour to quit them all and be free from their cumber and
interruption; as they do often interfere with better concerns, and
those of a higher and more excellent nature.
First day, the 9th. A silent meeting.
Fifth day. Was our preparative meeting. Silence was my lot in the
meeting for worship.
First day, the 16th. Our meeting was larger than usual by the
attendance of strangers, who did not usually attend. Very soon after
taking my seat, my mind was impressed with a view of the baneful
tendency of pride, and its hurtful effects on the children of men
universally. The prospect led to communication, and opened into a
pretty full testimony, tendering and humbling many minds. May it fasten
as a nail in a sure place, that so it may continue in remembrance for
many days and bring forth fruit, is my fervent prayer.
Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting. In the meeting for worship I
renewed the example to silence.
First day, the 23d. In the course of our meeting, my mind was led into
a view of the necessity of the cross, consistent with that saying of
the lip of truth: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself
and take up his cross and follow me.” The subject spread and led to the
necessity of communication, in which the way and work, and its effect
upon the man of sin or self, was opened; showing that when the cross is
submitted to and borne, the transgressing nature in us is reduced and
subjected by the operation of its power, through which true liberty is
known, and the captive soul set free, and made to rejoice on the banks
of deliverance.
Fifth day. Attended our meeting in silence. In the afternoon attended
the funeral of a man inclined to Friends, at which there was a large
collection of people of various professions. My mouth was opened to
testify among them of the things concerning the kingdom of heaven,
and to open the way of life and salvation to the people, and the only
means by which it ever was or can be effected, viz: by the grace of
God or light of truth, revealed in the hearts and consciences of men
and women, as a swift witness against all manner of sin and iniquity.
Life sprang up and the gospel was preached in the demonstration of the
spirit, wherewith many were affected and edified.
First day, the 30th. The consideration of the great advantages which
would result to the children of men, were they possessed of right
ideas, and a right understanding of the divine character opened to
an exercise and concern, from an impressive belief that there was a
great shortness in that respect, even among professing Christians in
a general way; and a great want of a right improvement of the talent
or talents dispensed by our gracious Creator to his creature man, or
that manifestation of the spirit given to every man to profit withal.
For this, if rightly improved, would bring us to know and witness the
true and saving knowledge of God, and give us right ideas of the divine
character; and by which, if rightly adhered to, our salvation would be
effected. I was led to communicate on the subject, which brought a very
comfortable solemnity over the meeting.
Fifth day, the 3d of 9th month. A silent meeting to-day.
First day, the 6th. Having for some days past felt drawings on my
mind to attend Friends’ meeting at Westbury, and way opening for it
to-day, I went thither accompanied by my wife. It was rather a trying
exercising season in the forepart, but towards the close my spirit was
set at liberty, and an opening presented, attended with life; in which
I was led to open and show to those present, the necessity of an entire
renunciation of self, in order to come to a saving knowledge of God,
and a qualification to worship him in spirit and in truth; and of an
entire cessation from all our own willings and runnings, both in body
and spirit and in thought. Although this is an attainment which man
cannot arrive at by the dint of his own sufficiency, yet, nevertheless
he may, by a right faith in God and in the sufficiency of his power.
Therefore we ought not to let in discouragement from a sense of our
own impotent state, but continue to strive to enter in at the straight
gate of self-abasement and renunciation, and persevere therein, leaving
the rest to the Lord; and then, no doubt, we may be brought to the
experience of one formerly who exclaimed: “Thou wilt ordain peace for
us, for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.”
Fifth day. Attended our meeting as usual when at home. I was much
cumbered in the forepart of the meeting with unprofitable thoughts,
such as relate to our temporal concerns. For these produce poverty of
spirit in religious meetings, and ought to be strove against in order
to obtain a release from them: and, although it is what we cannot do
in our own time and strength, yet as we continue to strive and do not
give over the struggle, but persevere in faith and patience to obtain
the blessing, as Jacob did when he wrestled with the angel, we shall
witness an overcoming in the Lord’s time and strength, and know our
light to rise out of obscurity, and our darkness to be as noonday. Then
are we qualified to worship the Father in spirit and in truth, in the
beauty of holiness, and nothing can hinder or let. Then can we do the
Lord’s work with a willing heart agreeably to his will, without the
fear or favour of mortals. We can then minister, if called thereto, in
the demonstration of the spirit, accompanied with power, which causes
it to be instructive and edifying to the hearers.
First day, the 13th. My mind, as I sat in our meeting to-day, was led
under exercise from the remembrance of the following passage of Isaiah:
“Look unto me and be ye saved, all ye ends of the earth; for I am God,
and there is none else.” I was largely opened on the subject, and as
I communicated, truth was raised into dominion; whereby the minds of
many were humbled and contrited, the meeting generally solemnized and
edified, and sweet peace afforded me in the labour.
Fifth day. This was the time of our monthly meeting. We had the company
of our friend William Rickman from England, now on a religious visit
in this country. Having felt my mind drawn for some considerable
time past, to make a visit in the love of the gospel, to Friends
in the compass of our yearly meeting, with a view also to appoint
some meetings among those of other persuasions, it appeared right to
spread the concern before my Friends at this time; who, after due
consideration, united with me therein, and directed the clerk to
furnish me with a minute of concurrence with my prospect, leaving me at
liberty to pursue it as truth might open the way.
Fifth day, the 24th. A quiet silent meeting. On seventh day I attended
the funeral of a young Friend, a kinsman, who, for more than a year
previous to his dissolution, had been in a declining state of health.
There was a large collection of Friends and neighbours on the
occasion. The corpse was taken into the meeting-house, and a meeting
held before it was interred, which is mostly the case among Friends
in this part of the society. It proved a very exercising season in
the forepart, and although divers ministers were present, yet all
seemed shut from any communication, until the meeting seemed drawing
to a conclusion, when my mind was set at liberty from its bonds, and
a degree of light arose and dispelled the darkness, in which I was
led to open the cause and ground of the prevailing darkness which had
been so generally spread over us; and to show that it was owing to the
people’s living too much to self, and serving self, when they ought
more faithfully to serve the Lord and live unto him. I was led, in a
brief way, in a close, searching testimony, which I hope will have its
use, at least with some present.
First day, the 27th. In our meeting to-day, my mind was largely opened
into the substance of things referred to by the shadows and symbols of
the law, or outward dispensation. As the prospect spread and enlarged,
I found it necessary to spread it before the assembly, and to show
the difference between the law state and that of the gospel, and that
as the shadows and symbols of the outward law dispensation, stood and
consisted in real essential and substantial things, suited to our
outward nature and life; so likewise the substance of those shadows,
as they were intended to point to spiritual things, must also consist
in real, essential and substantial things, suited to our inward and
spiritual nature and life, and therefore of course all the shadows of
the law are at an end, where the gospel state is known and experienced.
It was a season of favour, and renewedly strengthening to my mind, and
I believe, instructive and edifying to many present. Thanks be given to
Israel’s Shepherd, for his continued mercy.
Fifth day. Attended our preparative meeting, at which the queries were
read, and answers given to the usual five, to go to the quarterly
meeting; and I thought, from the tenour of the answers, if correct, we
were a favoured people.
First day, the 11th. Our meeting was large, in which the gospel axe was
laid close to the root of the corrupt tree; showing that every tree
which did not bring forth good fruit must be hewn down, let it have
ever so specious an outward appearance.
Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, at which answers to the
queries were produced from the preparative meetings. Although I feared
the answers from our preparative meeting made us appear more correct
than we really were, yet those from the other branch of the monthly
meeting were still more perfect, and although I felt some doubting, yet
a degree of gladness attended in a hope that we were improving.
After this meeting, nothing in particular transpired, until I proceeded
on my intended journey, which was on the 21st of 10th month, 1818,
and fourth day of the week. Samuel Willis, a member of our meeting,
and an elder, joined me as a companion. We proceeded to Flushing, in
order to attend our quarterly meeting, which opened with a meeting of
Ministers and Elders at the tenth hour. The next day was the meeting
for discipline, and the day following a public meeting for worship.
Through the condescending goodness of the Shepherd of Israel, the
several seasons were truly comfortable, instructive and edifying, in
which the power of truth was exalted over all opposition, to the praise
of Him who is calling us to glory and virtue.
From Flushing we proceeded to Newtown, on sixth day afternoon, and
attended a public meeting in the evening, of those belonging to other
societies.
The next day we had an appointed meeting in Friends’ meeting-house at
the Kilns, and another in the evening at Brooklyn, generally composed
of those not in membership with us, and many not in strict fellowship
with any religious society. And we had thankfully to acknowledge, that
He who opens and none can shut, was graciously near for our help, and
opened doctrine suited to the states of those who attended in the
several opportunities, to the peace and comfort of my own mind, and, I
trust, to the instruction and edification of the people.
From thence we proceeded to New-York, and attended the meetings in
the city, on first day. They were large: many not in profession with
us came in, as previous information had been given of our intention
to be there. The gospel was freely preached among them in both
opportunities, particularly that at Pearl-street, wherein truth was
raised into dominion over all.
On second day we attended a meeting by appointment at West Chester,
which was also a precious edifying opportunity. After this we proceeded
to Purchase, in order to attend the quarterly meeting at that place,
which opened the next day at the eleventh hour, and continued three
days. The meeting for discipline was well conducted, in which I was led
to call upon Friends, to rally to our standard, the _light within_,
which is a principle of perfect rectitude and justice, and if rightly
attended to, will lead us to withdraw from all kind of conduct and
commerce, which is in the least degree tinged with injustice and
oppression. And in a particular manner from a commerce in, and the
use of, articles which are the product of the labour of slaves; the
injustice of which was clearly opened and brought home to Friends’
minds, showing them that nothing short of a principle of immutable
justice, which may so pervade the minds of mankind, as not to have any
intercourse with the oppressor, in the produce of the labour of the
oppressed, will ever be sufficient fully to suppress that monstrous
evil, and put a final end thereto. It was a very solemn season. The
meeting for worship was likewise favoured, in which the divine presence
was witnessed for our help and comfort.
The four following days we attended meetings at North Castle, Salem,
Oblong and the Branch. These were all large for the places, and
favoured with the overshadowing of heavenly regard, in which ability
was received to preach the gospel, in the demonstration of the spirit,
and wisdom afforded to divide the word to the different states of those
present. Each meeting was composed of a variety of professions and
conditions; and such was the gracious condescension of the Shepherd
of Israel, as not to send any away empty, if they were willing to
receive the portion justly allotted them; and if they refuse, because
it is not agreeable to their own inclinations, the Lord will be clear,
and his faithful servants will be clear; and if they are not saved,
their blood will be upon their own heads. These several seasons were
comfortable and encouraging to the honest-hearted, and strengthening
to my exercised mind; a sense of which filled my heart with gratitude
and thanksgiving to the blessed Author of all our mercies.
After these meetings we proceeded to Nine Partners. On third day,
the 3d of 11th month, their quarterly meeting came on. The meeting
of Ministers and Elders opened at the tenth hour, and the meeting
for discipline the next day. These were both profitable instructive
meetings to many present, in which way opened fully to relieve my own
mind; and I felt sweet peace in my labours of love among them.
The three following days we attended the quarterly meeting at Stanford.
I had but little active service in the meeting of Ministers and Elders,
yet I found it my place to remind Friends of the danger and bad effects
of covering or hiding, and of the advantage of laying ourselves open
to the just witness, and of entering into an individual investigation,
when answering the queries, lest we overlook some things even in
ourselves, and so make our answers more clear than truth and equity
will warrant. And when the answers to the queries came to be read,
I thought there was occasion for the caution, as their answers were
generally full and clear.
In the meeting for discipline, I was led to call Friends’ attention to
the fundamental principle of our profession; and to show the drift and
design of those precious testimonies, as good fruit naturally emanated
from a good tree; especially those two, the most noble and dignified,
viz: against war and slavery. And whether while we were actively
paying taxes to civil government for the purpose of promoting war or
warlike purposes in any degree, we were not balking our testimony in
that respect; and pulling down with one hand, what we are pretending
to build with the other. And in like manner with regard to slavery.
For although we had freed our own hands from holding, by active force,
any of this oppressed people, the Africans and their descendants, in
unconditional slavery; yet, whether so long as we voluntarily and of
choice, are engaged in a commerce in, and the free use of the fruits of
their labour, wrested from them by the iron hand of oppression, through
the medium of their cruel and unjust masters, we are not accessary
thereto, and are partakers in the unrighteous traffic of dealing in
our fellow creatures, and in a great measure lay waste our testimony
against slavery and oppression. These subjects were largely opened, and
the inconsistency of such conduct placed before the minds of Friends;
accompanied with strong desires, that they might have their proper
effect, in convincing them of the unrighteousness of such conduct.
The meeting for worship, or closing meeting, was mostly made up of
such as were not members. It was a favoured, solemn meeting, and, I
trust, instructive and comfortable to many present; as it was to the
satisfaction and peace of my own mind.
First day, the 8th of 11th month. We returned and attended the meeting
at Nine Partners. As notice was given of our intention of attending it,
it was very large; the house was filled with a mixed company of various
professions, besides Friends. I was largely led forth among them, to
declare of the things concerning the kingdom of God. Truth was raised
into dominion, and a precious solemnity spread over the assembly. May
all the praise be ascribed to the Shepherd of Israel, for the unmerited
favour.
In the course of this week, after resting on second and third days,
in which time I visited some of my relatives, we attended meetings at
Chestnut Ridge, Apoquague, Beekman, and Oswego. These meetings were
generally well attended, and were, I trust, profitable and instructive
to many who attended them.
First day, the 15th. I attended West Branch meeting in the morning, and
that at Pleasant Valley in the evening. They were both very crowded
gatherings. At the latter meeting, there were many more than the house
could contain, composed, principally of such as were not in membership
with Friends, being of the varied religious professions common among
us; and many who were not in strict fellowship with any. At such
seasons, where, of course, there must be a great variety of states and
conditions, I have found it necessary to dwell deep, and wait patiently
for the arising of the pure spring of gospel ministry, which alone can
enable and qualify to divide the word aright, so that each may have
his due portion, and be spoken to in his own language; a language
which sets home the truth to every mind, as was the case on the day of
Pentecost.
On second day evening, we had a very large meeting in Poughkeepsie. It
was held in their court-house, which was a very commodious room for the
purpose, being well seated, and was thought sufficient to hold nearly a
thousand people. It was much crowded, and proved a very solemn, quiet
opportunity, in which truth had the dominion.
The five succeeding days, we attended a large meeting by appointment
at Crum-elbow, the monthly meetings of Oswego, Nine Partners, Creek,
and Stanford. In all these meetings I had good service; the several
opportunities being favoured with the overshadowings of heavenly regard.
First day, the 22d. We had a very crowded meeting at Little Nine
Partners. The next day we were at an appointed meeting, in Friends’
meeting-house, in the town of Northeast, which was likewise a very
full meeting. In both of these the gospel was freely preached, and its
doctrines largely opened, and set home to the minds of the people; and
the fallacy and and emptiness of all formal and ceremonial religion
exposed, and the people pressingly invited to gather inward, to the
immutable principle of _light_ and _truth_ in their own souls, as the
_sure rock of ages_, and the _only means_ whereby we can be enabled to
work out our salvation. The Lord’s power was felt eminently to preside
in those solemn assemblies, to the praise of his great and excellent
name, who is over all worthy for ever; and I parted with them in true
peace of mind, the sure result of faithfulness.
On third day we rode to Canaan, a town in Connecticut, and the next
day had an appointed meeting there, with the few Friends at that
place, and some of their neighbours. It was a comfortable, instructive
season. The following day we had another meeting by appointment, in an
adjacent neighbourhood which was held in a school-house. This was also
a favoured meeting. Divers present were much broken and contrited, and
truth reigned over all.
On sixth day we proceeded to Hartford, and on seventh day evening had
an appointed meeting in the city. It was held in a meeting-house,
belonging to the Presbyterians; as there were only two or three members
of our society in the place. The meeting was small, occasioned, as I
supposed, by the inclemency of the weather, and want of proper notice;
nevertheless the divine presence was felt to preside, and truth was
declared among them in the demonstration of the spirit; and I parted
with them, under a thankful sense of the Lord’s mercy.
The next day, being the first of the week, we attended Friends’ meeting
at West Hartford. This was likewise very small, Friends being but
few in number in that place, and those mostly appeared in a lukewarm
state; and I apprehended they had taken but little care to inform their
neighbours of our intention to be there, although we had seasonably
requested them so to do. Such conduct manifests great insensibility,
and want of regard for their friends who have left all their outward
enjoyments, for the promotion of the gospel, and the religious
improvement of the people; and are going up and down in travail and
labour, as with their lives in their hands, as truth leads the way; and
yet, Friends whom they visit in some places, either think it too much
trouble, or are so unconcerned as to take little or no care to give
their neighbours notice; a sense of which caused me to take leave of my
Friends at this place with a heavy heart.
From thence, on second day, we proceeded to Woodbury, and put up at
the house of a person of the Methodist society, where we had a large
meeting the next evening with the neighbouring inhabitants, composed of
Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians and some others, not in strict
fellowship with any religious society. It was a very solemn, favoured
meeting, in which the Lord’s presence and power were felt eminently
to preside; and many hearts were broken and contrited, and manifested
much satisfaction with the opportunity, especially the man at whose
house we were, who in much brokenness of spirit, and with gratitude and
thankfulness of heart, acknowledged the favour.
The next morning, after a tendering opportunity in the family, we took
leave of them in mutual affection, and rode to Middlesex, upwards of
forty miles. Here we lodged with our kind friend Samuel Whiting, who,
with his affectionate wife and children, received us with marks of
true friendship, which is a brook by the way to the weary traveller;
and which was our case at this time. What added further to our comfort,
was the readiness of mind and concern they manifested, in giving their
neighbours information of our intention to attend their meeting the
next day, which we accordingly did. The Lord graciously condescended to
open my mouth among them, in a living, powerful testimony to the truths
of the gospel. It was a season of great favour. May the word preached
not return void, but accomplish that to which it was sent, is the
fervent desire of my spirit.
After this solemn meeting we proceeded on our journey, and rode that
afternoon to our friend Charles Field’s, at a place called the Saw
Pits. Here we had a meeting the next day at the eleventh hour. There is
but one family of Friends in this village, the Friend and his family
above named, and one other member. The inhabitants consist of the
various professions common among us, and some others not in communion
with any religious society. A considerable number assembled, with whom
we had a very solemn instructive opportunity, to the comfort and peace
of my own mind.
The evening of the next day, we had a precious favoured meeting at
Manhattanville on New-York Island, with Friends of that place. It was
attended by a considerable number of the neighbouring inhabitants,
who conducted themselves very soberly, suiting the occasion. Many
hearts were broken and contrited, and we parted with them under an
humbling sense of the Lord’s goodness, and with grateful hearts for the
unmerited favour.
First day, the 6th of 12th month. We rode to the city. As Friends of
the monthly meeting there had recently opened a new meeting in the
eastern part of the town, we attended it both forenoon and afternoon.
And as notice was given at the close of the forenoon meeting of our
intention to attend in the afternoon, it was a full meeting, more than
the house could well contain. These were both memorable meetings, in
which the Lord’s presence and power were manifested in an eminent
degree, breaking and contriting many hearts, and truth reigned over
all. It was the Lord’s doing, and marvellous in our eyes, that he
should thus condescend, in matchless mercy, to notice us poor unworthy
creatures.
At evening, we had a very large meeting by appointment, in Friends’
meeting-house in Pearl-street. Although I was much worn down by arduous
labour in the three foregoing meetings, yet I was strengthened to
communicate in this, in a full plain testimony, opening to the people
the danger and disadvantage of resting in the forms and empty shadows
of the law state; and continuing in the traditions and ceremonies
introduced into the professed Christian Churches, in the time of
the apostacy from primitive simplicity; and the hurtful tendency of
observing days and times, like the carnally-minded in the Galatian
Church; for which they were sharply reprehended by the apostle Paul, in
his epistle to that Church. The people were very quiet and attentive,
and a precious solemnity was spread over the meeting, which closed in
a solemn manner. Thanks be given to Israel’s unslumbering Shepherd for
the unmerited favour.
We tarried in town until third day, in order to attend the meeting
for sufferings which came in the course at that time. We also had
an appointed meeting in Liberty-street, on second day evening. It
was pretty well attended, in which I was led to open to the people
the way of redemption by Christ, the only Mediator between God and
man; and the way of his working in man, in the accomplishment of his
salvation. I also opened to them the emptiness of all shadows and
outward ordinances, under the Christian dispensation; such as water
baptism, and the ordinance called the supper or communion; also the
hurtful tendency of observing days and times, such as a seventh day
sabbath, days of thanksgiving, and fast days of man’s appointing.
They were shown that all these were of Jewish or Heathenish original,
being a part of the law dispensation, and of course ended with it, and
therefore the continuance of them under the gospel dispensation was
irrational, non-essential, and contrary to truth; tending to keep the
minds of Christian professors under the veil of carnal ordinances,
and greatly retarded the progress of reformation, and the advancement
of real Christianity. I was led to use great plainness of speech,
and the people sat very quiet and attentive, and the word preached
appeared to have free course. It was a highly favoured season, and the
honest-hearted were made to rejoice, under an humbling sense of the
Lord’s mercy, and I parted with them in true peace of mind. The next
day, after attending the meeting for sufferings, we rode home and found
our families well, which I considered as an additional favour from my
heavenly Father, whose mercy is over all his works.
I was from home at this time about forty-nine days, and attended
forty-nine meetings, and travelled about four hundred and fifty miles.