Fifth day. This was our preparative meeting, and as it was the one preceding the quarterly meeting, the queries were read and answered; but I apprehended in a way not tending to much profit, either by reason of one or two improper questions being added to the queries of late, which to many Friends appeared inconsistent to be answered; or from the want of a more lively spiritual exercise with the members; or both might have had a share in producing a dull distressing season. No way seemed to open for any relief, so we had patiently to bear it. And indeed I thought it required a large share of patience to sit the meeting through without murmuring; the chariot wheels seemed to go very heavily on, as though almost sunk in the slough of despond; but we did what we could, and so left the matter; and I returned home with a heavy heart, and was preserved, I trust, from murmuring at my lot.
Sixth day. Spent in gathering in my harvest and some other small exercises. The day closed with a quiet and peaceful mind. What a paradise it is when this is our lot.
Seventh day. Visited two Friends who were under some bodily infirmity. The visits were mutually comfortable. Such opportunities, when rightly conducted, tend to the increase of friendship and mutual love.
Visit to Purchase, and engagements at and about home, 1814.
First day, the 17th of 7th month, 1814. Feeling my mind drawn to sit with Friends in their meeting at Westbury, I yielded to the motion. It proved an exercising meeting--but little life to be felt: nevertheless, way opened for a short communication, pointing particularly to the state of the meeting, which I hope was profitable to some. At the third hour in the afternoon, I attended the funeral of a very ancient woman of this neighbourhood, not a member of our society; but the family desiring the company of Friends, a number collected with others. It proved a pretty solemn time. My mind was led to open to the assembly, the especial advantages which would result to us, as rational accountable beings, by a timely preparation for death; and that it was our especial duty, as well as our best interest, to make it, at all times, the primary object of our concern.
Second, third, and fourth days. Spent principally in family cares and my husbandry concerns. What a favour it is for such an active creature as man, possessed of such powers of body and mind, always to have some employment, and something for those powers to act upon: for otherwise they would be useless and dormant, and afford neither profit nor delight.