First day. Sat our meeting to-day mostly in silence, and in suffering with the seed, that lies oppressed as a cart under sheaves, in the minds of most of the professors of Christianity; but towards the close a gleam of light broke forth, in the remembrance of that saying of Christ, where he tells us, that the kingdom of God is within, and that it doth not come through outward observation. The subject opened in a lively manner on my mind, which led to communication, and brought a solemn weight over the meeting, and we parted under the favour.
The three following days I kept much within, being under very considerable bodily affliction, although, at intervals, so as to pay some necessary attention to my family affairs, not being willing to let any portion of precious time pass away unimproved, as I cannot suppose that any part of our time is dispensed to us for nought.
Fifth day. This was the time of our monthly meeting, at which the queries were answered, and accounts prepared to go up to the yearly meeting. How deep and solemn our deliberations are on such occasions, not only that our answers may be consistent with truth, without any false colouring or evasion, but that all may be done under the influence of that divine power, which humbles and abases the creature, and which only can qualify for the Lord’s work and service, whether in ministry or discipline. At this time I returned the minute I had from the meeting, to perform my late visit to Friends in New England, with a short account of my journey.
Sixth day. Attended our meeting for Ministers and Elders, at which nothing unusual occurred.
Seventh day. Quietly spent in my temporal concerns.
First day, the 21st. My mind, in our meeting to-day, was brought under a deep feeling exercise, in sympathy with backsliders, and such as, having been often reproved, continue still to revolt. The power of truth went forth to these in a searching arousing manner: may it prove effectual to produce in such more stability and faithfulness to the convictions of divine grace, which, as they become fully obedient thereunto, will work their salvation; otherwise these may share the fate described by one formerly: “He that, being often reproved, hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”