Second, third, and fourth days. Spent in my family affairs, mostly attended with sweet peace of mind; although accompanied with much bodily pain, which is more or less my common lot. But what a great portion of severe bodily pain may be endured without a murmuring thought, while accompanied with true peace of mind, and a conscience void of offence toward God and man: a rich consoling treasure.
Fifth day. This being the time of our preparative meeting, at which our queries were answered, I had to admonish Friends to feel deeply after their own states. For as it is by individuals that meetings are composed, so every individual ought to know how far his particular state corresponds with what is queried after; that so by a united labour, and an inward investigation of our own particular states, we may be enabled to form true and righteous answers to the superiour meetings. For if they are false, it will be accounted lying and that not unto men, but unto God; and thereby our queries be rendered very hurtful to us, instead of being helpful.
Sixth and seventh days. I occupied myself in my usual business, not feeling any particular religious draft; except the necessity of keeping up the daily watch, that no intruding thoughts lead into temptation, or prevent my daily converse with the God of my salvation; whose presiding fear, I have long experienced to be the only sure antidote against all evil.
First day, the 16th. My mind was led forth in our meeting to-day in a large clear testimony, clothed with gospel authority, which was introduced with the following apostolic exhortation: “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.” I was led to show that this undissembling love was not to be known by man in his fallen nature; but only by the regenerated soul, the new man in Christ, who had come to know, in degree, a partaking of the divine nature, as no other nature is congenial with this love; a love, which the beloved apostle tells us, casteth out all fear. It was a season of favour, thankfully to be remembered.
The remaining part of this week was principally employed in helping to gather in our harvest, except attending our monthly meeting on fifth day, and preparative meeting of Ministers and Elders on sixth day: both of which were rather dull, poor meetings. Alas! how the cares and cumbers of this world, like thorns and briars, choke the good seed and prevent its bringing forth fruit. Be watchful, O my soul! that so thou mayest know thy seed time and harvest not to fail.