General visit to Friends of the yearly meeting of New-York, 1819.
I continued at and about home, until the commencement of the year 1819,
attending our meetings as they came in course. I also attended two
funerals, at which I had good service; and the meeting at Westbury, on
a first day, in which I was led to open to Friends the three principal
requisites to the being, and well-being, of a Christian. The first
being a real belief in _God_ and _Christ_, _as one undivided essence_,
known and believed in, _inwardly_ and _spiritually_. The second, a
complete passive obedience and submission to the divine will and
power inwardly and spiritually manifested; which, when known, brings
to the Christian state, through a crucifixion of the old man, with
all his ungodly deeds. The third, in order for the preservation and
well-being of a Christian, it is necessary that they often meet and
assemble together, for the promotion of love and good works, and as
good stewards of the manifold grace of God. For this purpose the Lord’s
people and children have been led by his spirit to appoint times and
seasons in which to present themselves before him. Of these times, all
being apprized, and living within a reasonable distance of the place
so appointed, it becomes their bounden duty to attend, in order to
wait upon, and thereby become qualified to worship God, in spirit and
in truth; and no temporal concern of the greatest magnitude ought be
considered as a sufficient excuse for omitting this great and necessary
duty. For the experience of many ages has shown, that those who suffer
their temporal business to divert them from a steady attendance on
their religious meetings, never make any real proficiency in religion,
or the true spiritual life. The communication was impressive, and
reached the witness in many minds, and truth was exalted, and the
honest-hearted comforted, and I was made glad in believing that my
labour had not been in vain. Such seasons are truly worthy of grateful
remembrance.
As, on my return home, I did not feel myself released from a further
prosecution of my concern, and visit to Friends of our yearly meeting,
with the concurrence of my friends, I retained the minute I had
received for that purpose, and on the 2d of 1st month, 1819, I again
left home, and proceeded in the engagement. My son-in-law Valentine
Hicks joined me as companion in the journey. We proceeded to New-York;
and, the next day being the first of the week, we attended Friends’
meeting at Pearl-street in the morning. After this, in the afternoon,
we proceeded on our journey as far as our friend Thomas Walker’s, at
West Farms, near West Chester, where we had a meeting, at the sixth
hour in the evening. On second day, we had an appointed meeting at
Mamaroneck. These meetings were in a good degree favoured, in which the
presence and love of our heavenly Father were felt to preside.
On third day we had another opportunity, by appointment, at White
Plains, in the court-house. It was rather a season of hard labour,
as the truths communicated did not appear to have free course, in
any general way; but, I trust, some were instructed and edified. On
fourth and fifth days, we attended Friends’ meetings at Purchase, and
Shapaqua. As notice was given of our intention to attend them, they
were large; and through divine condescension, they proved seasons of
favour, in which the truths of the gospel were largely declared in the
demonstration of the spirit, to the edification of the assemblies, and
peace of my own mind.
The two following days we attended meetings at Croton Valley, and
Amawalk. They were well attended by Friends, and some others. I was
led to open among them many essential doctrines of the Christian
religion; and to show to the people, in the openings of truth, the way
and means by which, and by which only, our redemption and salvation
can be effected. The testimonies had a very reaching effect upon the
auditories: many present were much broken and contrited, and truth
was raised into victory, and a precious solemnity was spread over the
meetings, to the comfort and edification of the honest-hearted, which
was cause of thankfulness and gratitude to the beneficent Author of all
our mercies.
First day the 10th. We attended Friends’ meeting at Croton in the
morning, and at Peekskill in the evening. Both were full meetings, in
which the power of the gospel was felt to preside, furnishing with
wisdom and strength to divide the word, to the several states present,
in a way which seemed to give each his due portion, and none sent empty
away, but those who refused to take their own part. Many hearts were
broken and contrited, and the honest-hearted comforted; and the Lord’s
name and power praised and exalted over all, who is worthy for ever.
On second day we rode to Nine Partners; and on third day evening had an
appointed meeting at Dover. It was held in a pretty large school-house,
there being no other place so convenient in the neighbourhood; but it
was too small to contain the people who assembled, some being obliged
to stand without, for want of room. It was a very solemn, instructive
meeting.
On fourth day we attended Pleasant Valley meeting; and notice being
given of our expectation to attend it, the meeting was large. A
considerable number of other societies were present who behaved
soberly, consistent with the occasion. It was a season of great favour,
under a sense of which the honest-hearted were made to rejoice.
After this, we proceeded to Poughkeepsie, and attended an appointed
meeting in the evening, at the sixth hour. It was held in their
court-house, a large convenient room, but not sufficient to contain
the people who assembled; many were obliged to withdraw for want of
room. It proved, through the condescending goodness of our heavenly
Father, a blessed meeting to myself, and, we had cause to believe, to
the assembly in general. Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift:
yet we have reason to believe there were some present watching for
evil, as carpers and opposers, if we may judge from the conduct of
the hireling priests, since I was there a few weeks before, as I was
informed at this time, that they had joined together to calumniate me,
an endeavour to lay waste the testimony I then had to bear. We tarried
here most of the next day, visiting some of our friends.
On sixth day we proceeded to Hudson, where we arrived at evening.
The following evening, we had an appointed meeting in the town of
Claverack, about four miles distant from Hudson. The inhabitants were
mostly Dutch; a considerable number attended, and behaved pretty
soberly; and way opened to communicate divers truths of the gospel,
in a clear and impressive manner among them, to which they paid good
attention, and appeared to be generally well satisfied. The next
day, being first day, we attended Friends’ meeting in Hudson, and an
appointed meeting in the evening. The latter was very large, more than
the house could contain. These were favoured meetings, in which I was
largely led forth in testimony to the truths of the Christian religion,
setting forth, in a clear manner, the ground and source from whence all
true religion and true worship have their spring and origin. A general
solemnity prevailed, and truth was raised into dominion over all.
On second day, we proceeded to Kinderhook, and had a meeting in the
evening in a school-house, and on third day afternoon, we had an
appointed meeting in Spencertown. These were both crowded meetings,
mostly made up of the different societies common among us; many of them
were the descendants of the old Dutch inhabitants, not much acquainted
with our customs and order; yet they generally behaved soberly, and
gave good attention to the testimonies borne. Many gospel truths were
opened to their consideration, and the Lord’s presence and power were
felt to crown these solemn assemblies; and I parted from them in true
peace and thankfulness of heart.
On fourth and fifth days, we attended Friends’ meetings at Kline Kiln,
and New Britain. In both of these meetings, I had good service for
truth and its blessed cause, and the hurtful tendency of a dependance
on forms, and outward ordinances and ceremonies in religion and
worship, was laid open and exposed.
On sixth day, we proceeded to Troy, where we rested on seventh day, and
wrote to our families. On first day, we attended Friends’ meetings at
Troy, both forenoon and afternoon, and, information being given that we
were there, they were large. At the forenoon meeting, more assembled
than the house could contain; and that gracious Being, who never leaves
nor forsakes his dependant children, whose trust is fixed on him, was
near for our help; and opened my heart and mouth in both meetings, to
declare largely of the things concerning the kingdom of God, and to
open many gospel truths to the people, and to show the fallacy and
hurtful tendency of all ceremonial religion, which consists in the
observance of days and times, and outward ordinances. The people were
generally attentive; and I found solid peace in my labours of love
among them.
On second day, we proceeded to Pittstown, and the next day had a
meeting appointed there, at the eleventh hour, which was a large,
favoured meeting. After this we proceeded to White Creek, and attended
Friends’ meeting as it came in course the next day; and, information
being given that we were there, it was largely attended. The Lord’s
presence was felt to preside, and truth was raised into victory. Oh
my soul! what wilt thou, or canst thou render unto the Lord, for all
his benefits; “for his mercies are new every morning, and great is his
faithfulness.”
On fifth day we attended an appointed meeting in the town of
Shaftsbury, on our way to Danby. In this place, none of our society
reside, except one female member, the wife of a well-disposed man,
at whose house we put up, and were very hospitably entertained. The
meeting, although small, was attended by the governor of the state, and
divers of the judges and magistrates. It was a season of favour; many
essential doctrines of the Christian religion were opened to them, in
the demonstration of truth, and I parted with them in thankfulness of
heart, and with a peaceful mind; and the next day rode to Danby.
On seventh day, we attended an appointed meeting near a village called
the Borough, in the east part of the town; and on first day, attended
Friends’ meeting on the Hill. Both were fully attended by Friends, and
the neighbouring inhabitants; and were both solemn instructive seasons,
in which the power of truth was felt to preside, enabling to preach
the gospel in the demonstration of the spirit, to the comfort and
encouragement of the living, faithful few, and to the instruction and
edification of the honest inquirers, whose faces were turned Zion-ward;
likewise spreading caution and reproof to the indolent and careless.
On second day we proceeded towards Ferrisburgh, where we arrived on
third day afternoon, and the next day attended the monthly meeting
at that place. The four following days, we attended meetings in the
following order: On fifth day we had an appointed meeting at Monkton.
It was large, and proved a very solemn, favoured meeting, in which the
power of truth prevailed, silencing all opposition, and ran as oil, to
the comfort, encouragement and instruction of the honest-hearted. Bless
the Lord, O my soul, and forget not any of his benefits! On sixth day
we attended Friends’ monthly meeting at Starksborough. On seventh day
had an appointed meeting in a school-house, in the southeast part of
the town, where Friends hold a small meeting; and on first day was at
Friends’ meeting at Lincoln. These were all favoured meetings, in which
I had good service for truth and its cause.
On second day, we returned into the south part of Monkton, and had an
evening meeting in a kinsman’s house, by the name of Stephen Haight.
He was convinced of the principles of Friends, but failed in the
practical part. This proved a pretty exercising season, by reason of
the unsettled state of some who attended; especially in the silent
part of the meeting: for being brought up and educated in the belief
that, unless they are engaged in some bodily exercise, such as outward
and vocal singing, praying, preaching, and the like, there is no
meeting; being so instructed by their teachers, it is very difficult
to get them into stillness, or into any right condition to hear.
This makes hard work for the true gospel minister, whose labour and
travail is to get into, and bring others into, a state of true solemn
silence; that he may therefore become baptized into the state of the
people, and be qualified to administer to their real conditions; for
otherwise preaching is vain. But as I continued patient in travail,
my mouth was opened in a large searching testimony, showing the
fallacy and emptiness of all outward ceremonial worship; and that it
must inevitably land all those who trust therein, in a state of sad
disappointment, in the end. I was led also to open, in a clear manner
to the people, the most essential doctrines of the Christian religion,
to the information and satisfaction of the honest inquiring minds.
The next day we returned to Ferrisburgh, in order to attend the
quarterly meeting which opened on fourth day, with the meeting of
Ministers and Elders, which I attended, and had good service among
them. I was led to open in the life the order of true gospel ministry,
and the necessity all are under, who are called to that solemn and
important office, of keeping their vessels clean, not only from sin
and every pollution of flesh and spirit, but also in their ministry
from all the dregs or remains of former offerings. For if, through the
strength of memory, any act upon former offerings, such communications
tend to produce death, rather than life. We find, under the law, that
the vessels in the Lord’s house were not only at first made pure and
holy, but when they were made use of in the Lord’s offerings, and had
been filled with the Lord’s holy things, when that season of offering
was over, they were then cleansed from all the remains and dregs of
such offering, and put up in their places clean and empty. This also
agrees with the doctrine of Christ to his apostles: “Every branch in
me,” he says, “that beareth fruit, my heavenly Father purgeth it, that
it may bring forth more fruit.” It was, I trust, an instructive season,
there being a number present who were young in the ministry.
After this meeting we rode to Vergennes, and attended an appointed
meeting at six in the evening. It was pretty well attended by the
inhabitants of the town, who generally behaved soberly. I was led to
open divers important doctrines of the gospel for their consideration,
and to caution them against having any fellowship with, or affording
any support to the dark, and what I esteem, pernicious system of Free
Masonry. They were generally attentive, and withdrew quietly.
The two following days, we attended the quarterly meeting for
discipline; and the parting meeting for worship. These, I trust, were
profitable opportunities. The latter was a highly favoured meeting,
in which truth reigned over all; and I took leave of my friends in the
sensible feeling of true gospel fellowship.
We rode, that afternoon and evening, to Shoram, and lodged with our
kind friends Zebulon and Elizabeth Frost. The next day at evening, had
an appointed meeting there, which many of the neighbouring inhabitants
attended. It was a solemn time, in which many doctrines of the
Christian religion were opened for their instruction and consideration;
and I parted with them with a peaceful mind.
The next day we rode to Granville; and the following day had an
appointed meeting there, at one o’clock in the afternoon. This was a
greatly favoured opportunity, the power of truth breaking down and
dispelling every opposite spirit, humbling and contriting many hearts,
and comforting and strengthening the honest-hearted. Surely it was the
Lord’s doing; a sense of which inspires gratitude and thankfulness of
heart, for the unmerited favour.
On third day we rode to Easton. On fourth and fifth days we attended
their quarterly meeting for discipline, and public meeting for worship.
Their meeting of Ministers and Elders was held on third day previous
to our arrival. On sixth day we had an appointed meeting at Cambridge.
These meetings were all comfortable instructive seasons, in which
the doctrines of truth were largely opened, for the information and
edification of the people.
We rested on seventh day, feeling myself pretty much worn out with such
continual and almost incessant labour in travelling and in meetings.
On first day I again attended Easton meeting which was also a large
favoured meeting, in which the power of truth was exalted.
On second day we proceeded on our way to Queensbury, and attended a
meeting in our way, which I had previously appointed at a large village
called Whipple City. It was largely attended by the neighbouring
inhabitants. There were no members of our society in the place. It was,
I think, a favoured opportunity, in which I was enabled to declare the
truth among them, in a large, effective testimony. Many present were
humbled and contrited, and I parted with them in true peace of mind.
After this we proceeded to Queensbury, where we arrived in the evening.
The three following days we attended the quarterly meeting held
there at this time for Saratoga and Queensbury. I also attended two
evening meetings in two neighbouring villages, which I had appointed
for the benefit of those of other societies, who pretty generally
attended. I think the quarterly meeting in general was an instructive
favoured time. The two other meetings were exercising seasons; the
minds of the people appeared to be very much veiled, and in a state
of much ignorance; being generally too much swallowed up in worldly
pursuits, and self-gratifications. This makes hard work for the
devoted traveller, who is engaged for the advancement of the cause of
truth and righteousness in the earth. But as I waited, and patiently
endured the baptisms necessary to be brought into a feeling of their
real conditions, way opened to communicate doctrine suitable for their
instruction and help; and, although there did not appear much effect
wrought for the present, yet I had reason to hope, that the labour
would not be all lost; nor the word return void, but would, in the
end, accomplish the thing whereunto it was sent, and be as bread cast
upon the waters to return after many days. My hope in this respect was
strengthened from the satisfaction and true peace I felt in the ardent
labour I passed through, in these seasons of exercise.
The quarterly meeting being over, we proceeded to Saratoga, and
on sixth day had an appointed meeting there at two o’clock in the
afternoon. This was a large favoured meeting, in which truth was raised
into victory over all, and under its precious influence the gospel was
preached in the clear demonstration of the spirit. Thanks be to God for
his unspeakable gift.
From thence we proceeded to Milton, and on first day, the 28th of 2d
month, we attended Friends’ meeting there. It was largely attended by
Friends and others, and through the condescending goodness of Israel’s
unslumbering Shepherd it proved an instructive edifying season.
The five following days, we attended meetings at Greenfield, Galloway,
Providence, Mayfield, and Northampton. Although things in most
places, as it regards the life of religion, appeared rather low, and
considerable rawness was apparent in many in that respect, yet such
is the unmerited kindness of the heavenly Father, that he graciously
condescended to break the bread, and caused it to be distributed to the
people, in these several opportunities, so that none were sent empty
away, except those who either neglected or refused to take the portion
allotted them; and my spirit was comforted, under an evident sense that
I had faithfully discharged my duty among them.
From Northampton we proceeded to Newtown, and on first day the 7th of
3d month, we attended Friends’ meeting at that place; and, information
being given that we were there, it was large. A very considerable
number more assembled, than the house could contain, who were obliged
to stand without. For these I felt much sympathy and concern, as the
weather was very cold, and those without, not willing to lose the
opportunity, continued until the meeting ended, which held nearly three
hours. But I had cause to hope they did not go away unrewarded, as the
season proved a very favoured one, in which the divine presence was
felt to preside, enabling to preach the gospel of the grace of God to
the people, in the demonstration of truth, and to the comfort and peace
of my own mind.
On the evenings of the two following days, I attended meetings by
appointment, at Waterford and Troy. Both were largely attended by those
not in membership with us. On fourth day, attended Friends’ monthly
meeting at Troy. On fifth day evening, had a very large meeting in
Albany, which was held in the state-house, a large, commodious room
for the purpose. In these several meetings truth was felt to arise
into dominion, and ability afforded to discharge myself faithfully in
communication to the people who assembled, I trust, to their general
satisfaction and edification; may it instructively fasten on their
minds, as a nail in a sure place, driven by the Master of assemblies,
that so the word preached may tend to real profit, and not return void,
but accomplish the end to which it was sent.
From thence we proceeded to Bern, within the compass of Duanesburgh
quarterly meeting, where we arrived on sixth day evening, and lodged
with our kind friend Samuel Cary, who, with his affectionate wife and
children, treated us with great hospitality. The next evening we had
an appointed meeting at a village about four miles distant, where
no member of our society resides. We intended to return and attend
Friends’ meeting at Bern, on first day; but a snow storm coming on
seventh day, and increasing towards evening and all next day with such
violence, that, although we got to the evening meeting, which was
small, by reason of the storm, we were not able to return until the
following second day, and then it was with great difficulty that we got
along, the snow was so deep, and the roads drifted full. We however
made the attempt to return on first day morning, and got on our way
about half a mile, but could proceed no farther. We then called at a
house on the way, a good looking mansion belonging to a professor among
the Presbyterians. Here we tarried over first day, not being able to
proceed. We held a little meeting there with this family, and three
of their friends, who were with them on a visit, in which my mind was
opened to communicate to them the grounds of our profession, and the
doctrines of the Christian religion, as held by us. This had a very
considerable effect on the man’s wife, so that she openly acknowledged
to the truths, delivered, and assured all present that she should
vindicate them, as certain undeniable truths, which she felt to be so,
in her own experience.
On the following fifth day, we attended Friends’ meeting at Bern. The
weather being again stormy and inclement, it was small. The roads
were blocked up, so as to prevent many from attending. The next day
we proceeded to Duanesburgh, and had a meeting there on seventh day,
which was a large favoured season. On first day we attended meetings
at Charlestown in the morning, and at Carlisle in the evening. On
second day we proceeded to Middleburgh, and the next day had a meeting
there. The day following, had meetings at Oakhill in the morning, and
at Rensselaerville in the afternoon. After this we returned with our
friend Samuel Cary to his house, who had kindly accompanied us in this
little tour. I felt true peace of mind, from a consciousness that I
had faithfully discharged myself in the service allotted me, in those
several meetings, void of any influence from the fear or favour of man.
On fifth day, we attended Friends’ monthly meeting at Bern. The
meeting for worship was attended by a very considerable number of
the neighbouring inhabitants, not in membership with us, who behaved
themselves soberly, and were very attentive to what was communicated.
Many were broken and contrited by the prevalence of truth, which was
raised into dominion in this favoured meeting. Not only the meeting for
worship, but likewise that for discipline was a comfortable instructive
season.
The two following days, we had meetings at New Baltimore, and a village
where several families of Friends reside, by the name of Dickenson,
from whom they call the meeting “Dickenson’s meeting;” and at Coeman’s,
alias, Stanton Hill. I had good service in those several meetings, in
which Friends appeared to be brought near together, in the feeling
influence of the truth, and in the oneness of the spirit. In a sense of
this, we had gratefully to acknowledge that the Lord is still mindful
of his people, fulfilling all his promises to those who seek him with
sincerity of heart; and they that seek him early will find him to be
near at hand, a present helper in every needful time.
After the latter meeting, we proceeded to Athens; and, the next day
being the first of the week, and the 28th of 3d month, we attended
Friends’ meeting there in the morning, and had another meeting
by appointment in the afternoon. These were exercising meetings,
particularly so in the forepart of the latter. A great power of
darkness seemed so to prevail, as entirely for a considerable time, to
close up the way to any public service; but as I patiently submitted
to the baptism and willingly became baptized, with and for the dead,
for it is only through death, that the resurrection from death can be
witnessed, a little glimmering of light appeared, in which I felt the
necessity of standing up; and as I proceeded, keeping my eye single
to the light that led the way, the light more and more arose, and the
darkness vanished; and He that opens and none can shut, and shuts and
none but himself can open, made way for the promotion of his own
righteous cause, and the exaltation of truth’s testimonies. It was the
Lord’s doing, and marvellous in mine eyes.
We left here on second day morning, and proceeded to Alexander Young’s
at the east part of Esopus, about forty miles. This was a day of very
hard travel, both for man and horse, the roads being bad, as the winter
was just breaking up; but we arrived safe in the evening, and were
kindly received by our friends, which made up in part for the toil of
the day.
At this place we had an appointed meeting the next day. The five
following days we had meetings at Rosendale Plains, Paltz, Plattekill,
Newburgh Valley and Marlborough. Attending these meetings, with
the exercise of travelling on the heavy, rough roads, produced a
large portion of exercise, both to body and mind. But the Lord’s
strengthening and consoling presence, vouchsafed from season to season
for our help, carried us through and over all, to the praise of his
grace, and to the comfort and peace of our own minds.
On second day, the 5th of 4th month, we proceeded to Cornwall, and
attended a meeting by previous appointment, at the eleventh hour.
The next day, had an appointed meeting at Smith’s Clove, and the day
following were at a place called the Upper Clove, alias Blooming Grove.
In these several meetings I was led largely to open to the people the
law state, or dispensation of figure, as comprehensively set forth
in the Old Testament, and to show the difference between that and
the gospel, and that the first ends where the latter begins, and are
as distinct from each other, as the body is from the soul. The first
comprehends the salvation of bodies from outward servitude, the latter
the salvation of the soul from sin, and the death consequent on it. I
also set forth the use and necessity of the rituals, or shadows of that
dispensation, during its continuance; and that they were all abolished
under the gospel, and have no part nor lot under that dispensation. I
had much service in these meetings, and great cause of gratitude and
thankfulness to the bountiful Author of all our multiplied favours.
The next day, we attended Friends’ meeting at Kakiat, alias Hempstead.
We had a tedious time in getting there, the road, part of the way,
being deep with mud and wet, and much cut up. But the Lord richly
rewarded us for all our toil, in giving us a precious meeting with our
friends, and a considerable number of the neighbouring inhabitants. It
was truly a season of grateful remembrance, both by us and our friends;
we were made to rejoice together for the unmerited favour.
After this we proceeded to Tappan, to the house of our friend John
Lawrence. Here is not any meeting of Friends; but feeling the way open,
we appointed a meeting there at two o’clock next day. Although it was
not large, yet, I trust, it was a comfortable instructive season to
some present.
This meeting closed our visit, and the next morning we proceeded to
New-York, where we heard of the decease of my kinsman Benjamin Hicks,
with information that he was to be interred the next day.
This induced us to proceed home that afternoon, where we arrived
between eight and nine at night, much wearied, having travelled in
the course of the day upwards of fifty miles, and some of the way but
indifferent travelling. Finding, however, our dear families well,
accompanied with sweet peace of mind, it made rich amends for all our
toil, and my heart was inspired with gratitude and thankfulness to the
great and gracious Author of all our blessings.
I was from home in this journey fourteen weeks, attended seventy-three
meetings, three quarterly meetings, four monthly meetings, and
travelled one thousand and eighty-four miles.
The next day I attended the funeral of the aforesaid Friend, which was
on first day the 11th of 4th month, 1819. It was largely attended by
Friends and others, he being a man much esteemed by his friends and
neighbours, and a useful member of society, both in a religious and
moral relation, and his memory will be blessed. It was a very solemn
time, in which my heart and mouth were largely opened to declare to the
people of the things concerning the kingdom of God; and to point out
to them in a full and clear manner, the only way and means by which an
entrance therein is attainable by the children of men. It was a season
of favour, and many hearts were made to rejoice under an humbling
sense of the gracious extending of heavenly regard to the workmanship
of His holy hand.
After this my lot seemed similar to Mordecai’s of old, when sitting
at the king’s gate; I had but little public service when at and about
home. This brought to my remembrance, the saying of our Lord to his
disciples, on their return from the service he had sent them out to
perform in the land of Israel. When they had given him an account how
well they had succeeded, he invited them to retire awhile and rest.
I was mostly silent in our meetings at home, and was not from home,
except to attend a funeral in a neighbouring town, and our quarterly
meeting at New-York, until our yearly meeting.
This opened on seventh day, the 22d of 5th month, with a meeting of
Ministers and Elders. The yearly meeting for discipline opened on
the following second day, and closed near evening, on the fifth day
following. It was, I think, in general, a favoured meeting, although
the weaknesses and deficiencies still among us, as manifested by the
accounts from our quarterly meetings, were cause of exercise and
travail to the honest-hearted who are engaged for the promotion of the
cause of righteousness and peace in the earth; yet the condescending
goodness of the Shepherd of Israel, in manifesting his life-giving
presence for our encouragement and support, inspired the hearts of the
living with thanksgiving and gratitude for his unmerited mercies. We
returned home the next day.
I now found it my duty to pay some attention to my temporal concerns,
and to see that all accounts between myself and others were truly
adjusted and settled, as is my general rule from year to year. A rule
which every honest man will be led to pursue, to prevent trouble and
preserve harmony; as a contrary course often leads to vexation and
litigation, by which both parties are often hurt and wounded.
First day the 30th of 5th month. I attended our meeting as usual,
when at home. Had a short communication, tending to excite Friends to
faithfulness, and an inward labour, that the true end of our meeting
together might be answered. I was busily employed in the course of this
week, in my temporal concerns. Attended our fifth day meeting; and
closed the week in quiet.
First day, the 6th of 6th month. I was led, in our meeting, to show
Friends the fallacy of trusting in the outside appearance of things,
without coming to possess the real substance, as the day is hastening
when every foundation will be tried, and all will receive according as
their works have been. I was considerably enlarged, and the power of
truth was exalted over all.
I found it my place at this time, to keep close at home, both in an
inward and outward sense, to arrange my temporal concerns, and set
things in order; not knowing how soon I may be called to leave them
all, and surrender them, with myself, to the guardian care and disposal
of a gracious Providence, who doth not suffer a sparrow to fall to the
ground, without his heavenly notice. I attended our preparative meeting
on fifth day, and the meeting of the Charity Society, for educating the
children of the poor black people, on seventh day; in both of which I
felt satisfaction and peace of mind.
First day, the 13th of 6th month. Towards the close of our meeting
to-day, I had to open to Friends the necessity of our individually
coming to know what life we are living; whether it be a life after
the flesh, which worketh death to the immortal soul; or a life of the
spirit, by which we become spiritually-minded. For if we live after the
flesh, it will prove in the world to come an eternal death to the soul;
but if it be a life in the spirit, and in the things of heaven, it will
prove an everlasting life to the soul, in the world to come; and will
crown it with joy unspeakable, and full of glory, at God’s right hand
for evermore.
From this time to our monthly meeting in 7th month, I was pretty
steadily at home. Attended our meetings as they came in course; and was
very busily and necessarily engaged in my temporal concerns, having a
prospect before me of attending the ensuing yearly meeting of Ohio, and
also some other meetings in that, and in the compass of Baltimore and
Philadelphia yearly meeting. This concern I spread before my Friends,
at our monthly meeting the 15th of 7th month; and obtained their unity
and concurrence.
First day, the 18th of 7th month. Attended our meeting. We had the
company of our ancient honest friend Thomas Titus. He communicated for
our consideration, some plain truths, in order to stir up and encourage
Friends to industry and faithfulness in those things which belong to
their everlasting peace and welfare. I felt unity with him in his
exercise, and found it my place and duty to make some addition, to
bring the matter close home to the minds of Friends. It was a favoured
solemn meeting, and most minds seemed well affected with the heavenly
power which was felt to preside.
In the course of this week our quarterly meeting was held at Westbury.
It was well attended by Friends; and the public meeting was very
large. It was in the main a favoured meeting. I likewise opened to
this meeting, my prospect of attending the yearly meeting of Ohio; and
produced the minute of unity and concurrence from our monthly meeting.
It was fully united with by the quarterly meeting, and an endorsement
thereof made on my certificate.
First day the 25th. A silent meeting to-day. When such meetings are
attended with full acquiescence, and entire peace of mind, how precious
they are. Thus are the Lord’s dedicated children led and instructed;
taught how to suffer want, and how to abound; being content in every
dispensation of his divine will and pleasure: and in this condition,
all things work together for good to these. Hence we are led to
“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks.”
The rest of this week I was diligently employed in preparing for my
intended journey; and in arranging my temporal concerns, that no
occasion might be given to the adversaries of truth, to reproach
the truth, or its cause, by any neglect or omission on my part; and
endeavouring that all things might be left sweet and quiet at home,
that so I might leave it with peace of mind, freed from every burden
and care on that account; and be fully at liberty to devote myself
wholly to the service of my great and good Master, until the allotted
portion is accomplished, which he hath called me forth to fulfil. For
to him belong obedience and worship, who is over all, God blessed for
ever. Amen.
First day the 1st of 8th month. At our meeting to-day, my mind was led
into a view of the excellence and necessity of a right faith in God
and Christ; it being that by which the just live. For nothing else
can qualify to live a life of true righteousness and justice, but a
true and living faith in God and Christ; and without this faith, it is
impossible to please God. The subject spread and led to communication
in a large testimony, by which many minds were reached and comforted,
and a precious solemnity spread over the meeting; and we parted from
each other with grateful hearts for the unmerited favour.
On fifth day I was led to call the attention of my friends to
first principles, and to recur to the uprightness, simplicity, and
faithfulness of our worthy predecessors, and to recount the great
and sorrowful deviations therefrom by those who are making the same
profession in the present day, in departing from a full reliance and
dependance on the power and spirit that actuated and governed them.
Hence weakness and darkness pervade their minds, by which great
reproach is brought upon the society, and occasion given for many to
speak evil of the truth, and the principle we hold out to the world,
as the only sure guide to blessedness; to the wounding of the faithful
few, who are yet preserved in a good degree of gospel simplicity, and
who live under a daily exercise for the promotion and advancement of
the Messiah’s kingdom here on earth, and that it may arise and become
the peace and glory of all nations.