a barren desert where I saw a great deal of heath, which reminded me of the state to which it is compared in scripture, which knoweth not when good cometh. We got to John Ridgway's at the sea-side, and were at meeting on first-day, which was a heavy, dull time. In the afternoon a meeting was held in John Ridgway's barn; and through Divine mercy it was in a good degree a favoured season to me. Next day a meeting was held in the meeting house; I thought it was a pretty solid time, though my mind was rather stayed then fed. We came back through the wilderness to Isaac Evans's, and from thence I came home. Upon the whole, I did not find cause to repent of my going. 28th. I spent this day abroad with others by appointment of the monthly meeting, in visiting several who keep slaves; we met with a favourable reception, and have some cause to hope that truth and righteousness will yet prevail against this species of oppression. 8th mo. 4th. I went with my sister to Nottingham, to see my dear aunt Margaret Churchman; having been informed she was likely to be near her end; but found her rather better. Next day was at New Garden monthly meeting, and the day following at Chester meeting, which was a time of some favour to me; but I think the state of that meeting is low indeed. I then went to Philadelphia, and attended their Quarterly and youth's meetings. On the 10th, attended our week-day meeting; but felt myself not in a good state of health, having some symptoms of a consumption or phthisis, which often leads to that awful period when time shall be no more. 9th mo. 20th. I desire that I may be preserved in 1970- Im® - true thankfulness to the Lord for the solid composure and devotion of mind I have felt for some days past; access to his holy throne being graciously granted, and wisdom and strength to intercede, not only for myself, but for others who are in the covenant of true fellowship. Blessed be the Shepherd of Israel: compassion, mercy, loving kindness and truth are still with him, and endure from generation to generation. On the 24th of 9th month, I set out in order to attend the Yearly Meeting in Philadelphia, and was at Chester meeting, where my mind was much bended in supplication for what I then had a sight of as needful for me. In the evening, was at Pine street meeting, which I thought was a solid, good time. The Yearly Meeting was favoured, not only with calmness and wisdom in conducting the affairs thereof; but really owned in a good measure with the Divine presence. On the 29th I attended monthly meeting in the city, and next day came home alone, peaceful, thankful and devoted. 11th mo. 13th. I attended our Quarterly meeting at Concord: it was a time of some encouragement.— 16th, I went to Kennet monthly meeting, and next day to that at Bradford; in which I thought I was somewhat baptized into a sense of the state of the church amongst them. 20th, I attended the Quarterly meeting at London Grove, which was not a time of rejoicing, though I felt some solemn quiet through the meetings for worship and discipline. 1st mo. 13th, 1770. I slept little this night; nevertheless it was a peaceful time with me. The desire of sleep was suspended by the precious sensations of Divine regard, which filled my mind with grateful acknowledgments to the Author of mercy and goodness. 4th mo. 27th. I set out with my father for New England; being in poor health, I was in hopes riding might be useful. On the 29th we crossed Delaware at Howell's ferry, and came to Kingwood meeting, thence rode through a rough, wilderness country; and, crossing the North river, we attended the Quarterly meeting at Oblong; then went northward to see our relations, and had several meetings amongst the Presbyterians. Thence returning, we were at meetings at Oblong, New Milford and Mamaroneck-and, crossing the sound, we attended the Yearly Meeting at Flushing. We then came home, taking the Quarterly meeting at Buckingham on our way. 7th mo. 18th. This evening closes the thirtieth year of my life. Reflecting on the number of days therein that have been spent to little profit-though many of them have been days of tribulation, yet how little patience, experience, hope, or any other virtue has been wrought in me thereby! But I have a comfortable hope that my time has not been wholly unimproved: nor can I accuse myself of any rebelliousTM refusal to obey the requirings of the Lord in any thing clearly made known to be my duty. Through weakness and fear sometimes I may have come short; at other times from an ardency of love to the cause of truth and righteousness and zeal for its promotion, I may have gone rather faster and further than I had proper commission for; yet in both these respects there was integrity in my meaning, and I have a supporting trust in the mercy and goodness of the righteous Judge. Sth mo. 11th. Of late I have frequent cause to apprehend, from the increasing declension of my health, that my stay in time will not be very long. Through Gour to Lancaster 4. ll. mercy, 10- 24th. I set out with my father for Lancaster Year- After this we turned into Bucks county, and I went to the monthly meetings at Wrightstown, Falls and Middletown. Discouragement respecting the prosperity of Truth in this county was renewed.How few in number are the faithful, devoted children who prefer the welfare of Zion and peace of Jerusalem to every temporal concernment! I have had some affecting apprehensions, while in this county, of a great declension and backsliding in many whom the Lord has graciously visited and measurably brought to follow him; but the enticing snares of political concernments, honour and distinction in the world, have prevailed to the halting and drawing back of divers. I came home alone, and for many days was much stripped and proved with inward poverty, tho' not without some seasons of tenderness and refreshment. 9th mo. 22nd. I felt a concern this day to be inwardly prepared to attend our Yearly Meeting at Philadelphia, for which purpose I set out. It began the 24th, and was held by adjournments till the 28th. I think the sittings were generally attended with the Divine presence, so that I believe many were comforted and edified. Our friend Joseph Oxley from England attended part of the meeting, being just arrived. 10th mo. 19th. I went towards Newcastle to meet our friend Samuel Neale, who arrived there the day before in a vessel from Cork, on a religious visit to Friends in America. I met him on the way, and brought him to our house; then went with him to Philadelphia, where I stayed three days and attended three meetings to some satisfaction. 11th month 2d. For several days past I have felt strong desires and cravings of heart, to know the VOL. XII.-25 |