From this place, we rode home with our kind friend Henry Shotwell, of Rahway, who met us here. The next day we attended Friends’ meeting at Plainfield. Notice having been given that we intended to be there, the meeting was large, in which the Lord’s power was manifested, and his arm made bare for our help; and through which, way was made and utterance given, to preach the glad tidings of life and salvation to the people, in the demonstration of the spirit. Many hearts were broken and contrited by the prevalence of its power. May the glory and the praise be all ascribed to our gracious Helper, for such continued mercy; for he only is worthy thereof, as nothing is due to the creature, but blushing and confusion of face.
After this favoured meeting, we rode back, towards evening, to Rahway. The next day, being the fifth of the week, we attended Friends’ meeting there. The meeting was much enlarged by many of the neighbouring inhabitants coming in, who were not members. Many gospel truths were opened to their consideration, and its power ran as oil over the assembly, silencing all opposition, and a perfect calm was witnessed to spread over all. I have not often beheld such a perfect quiet; such seasons are truly encouraging, and worthy of thanksgiving and praise to the blessed Author of such unmerited favours.
On sixth day morning, we took leave of our kind friends at Rahway, and rode to Mendham, alias, Randolph. The next day we had an appointed meeting there, at the tenth hour, which proved a solemn, instructive season. I left them with peace of mind, and proceeded that afternoon to Hardwick. The following day being the first of the week, we attended Friends’ meeting there. It was large for the place, as notice had been given that we expected to be there. And, through heavenly help, the gospel was preached in the demonstration of the spirit; and, by the influence of its power, a general solemnity was spread over the assembly, and many hearts were broken and contrited.
On second day we proceeded to Stroudsburgh, in Pennsylvania, where we arrived about three o’clock in the afternoon. Here we had a meeting, by appointment, the next day, at the third hour. It was well attended by the Friends of that place, and many of the neighbouring inhabitants; and was a very solid, instructive season. Surely, such unmerited favours greatly enhance our obligations to our all-gracious Benefactor, and tend to inspire the minds of his humble dependant children with gratitude and thanksgiving.
From this place we proceeded to Richland, and attended Friends’ meeting on fifth day. It was much enlarged by many who were not members coming in. From thence we went to Plumbstead, where, by previous appointment, we had a meeting the next day. Both these meetings were seasons of favour. Surely, it is cause of deep humiliation, when we consider the many sorrowful deviations which are obvious among us from the simplicity and purity of our holy profession, and the great want of faithfulness in the support of those noble testimonies given us to bear, for the Prince of peace: yet, nevertheless, in the midst of all our backslidings, the condescending goodness of our heavenly Father is such, as to break the bread and distil the water of life, often, on our gathered assemblies; satisfying the hungry and thirsty soul, and causing his heavenly rain to descend on the thoughtless and worldly-minded professors, whose hearts are like the dry and barren ground, in order that they may be softened and rendered fit for the seed of his heavenly kingdom to take root in and grow, to the praise of his grace, and the glory of his great and excellent name.
From Plumbstead we proceeded to Buckingham, and rested on seventh day, as I was still unwell with a cough, although much better than when I left home. On first day we attended Friends’ meeting here, which was large, and favoured with the overshadowings of the heavenly Father’s regard, which caused the faithful to rejoice. On second day we rested with our ancient and worthy friend, Oliver Paxton, who was under deep bodily affliction, and appeared drawing fast towards his close. He was lively in spirit, and cheerfully and patiently resigned to his heavenly Master’s will. It was comfortable and instructive to be in his company.
On third day we were at Solebury meeting, of which our aforesaid friend was a member; and, although in much weakness and affliction of body, he accompanied us thereto, and a blessed meeting we had. After this, I parted with him in near unity of spirit, which was a final parting to us, as to the body: for he lived but a short time after. He was an elder and judge in Israel; and his memory will be precious to all the living, who were acquainted with him, and knew his worth.
The three following days we attended meetings at Wright’s Town, Makefield, and Newtown. These were all large, favoured meetings, in which the power of truth was exalted over all opposition.
On seventh day we rested, and wrote to our families.