First day, the 20th. Had a conflicting season in the forepart of our meeting to-day with a worldly spirit, and the benumbing consequences of a desire after riches. And while labouring under a feeling of these states, with their stupifying effects, which were even intolerable to bear, it often ran through my mind, that “the cares of the world, the deceitfulness of riches,” and the lust of other things, like briars and thorns, choke the good seed and prevent its growth. And as I continued patiently under the labour, towards the close of the meeting light sprang up and dispelled the darkness; in which strength and ability were dispensed to communicate in a lively and clear manner, showing the pernicious effects of those things, wherever they obtained the ascendency in the minds of men and women; elucidating the subject by the parable of our Lord, concerning the rich man and Lazarus the beggar. It was, I believe, a season of real instruction to some present, which I hope may not be soon forgotten.
At three o’clock in the afternoon, I attended a meeting I had previously appointed in a neighbouring village. It proved a satisfactory season to my own mind, and generally so, I believe, to all who attended. These favours are not to be lightly esteemed, but held in grateful remembrance.
In the course of this week was our quarterly meeting, held at this time at Flushing. Although some of the sittings were exercising and arduous, yet in the main, I think, it was a favoured edifying season; and we parted at the close of the public meeting on sixth day, under a thankful sense that the Shepherd of Israel had not forsaken his people, but was still graciously near, a present helper to all his faithful and devoted children. In the course of this meeting, on the evening of fifth day, I had an appointed meeting in the town of Jamaica, among those not in profession with us, which proved a very satisfactory season. The people’s minds appeared to be gathered into true stillness, a situation most suitable to be taught and instructed.
First day, the 27th. Sat our meeting mostly in silence, but towards the close my mind was opened and led to communicate a short, but lively testimony, which was introduced by the greatest part of the first psalm of David: in the opening of which, the meeting appeared generally to be gathered into a sweet, comfortable solemnity, and we parted under a solemn sense of the unmerited favour.