After having got thus favourably through my service in the city, the next morning I took an affectionate farewell of my friends there, in much unity of spirit, and passed over the Delaware to Newtown, in Jersey: where by previous appointment I had a meeting at the eleventh hour. A considerable number of Friends accompanied me thither from the city. Here we had another precious instructive meeting. The next day being the first of the week, we attended Friends’ meeting at Woodbury; and notice being spread of our intention of being there it was unusually large; and through the condescending goodness of Him who opens and none can shut, my heart and mouth were opened in a large effective testimony, in which was opened to the people divers of the most essential doctrines of Christianity, I trust, to the general instruction and edification of those present, and to the comfort and peace of my own mind.
The seven following days we attended meetings at Mullica Hill, Upper Greenwich, Penn’s Neck, Piles Grove, Salem, Alloway’s Creek, and Lower Greenwich. These were all large favoured meetings, particularly the one at Salem; at which place the county court was then sitting, which was adjourned by the judge in order to give the people generally an opportunity to attend the meeting, which they did; the judge and lawyers with the rest of the court also attended. The gospel was preached to them and the doctrines of Christianity largely opened, apparently to the satisfaction of all; and truth was raised into dominion over all that was contrary to its blessed influence.
From the latter place we proceeded on second day, the 8th of 12th month, to Morris River, alias Port Elizabeth, where we had a very instructive edifying meeting the next day. The day following we rode to Little Eggharbour; and the next day being the fifth of the week, we attended Friends’ monthly meeting there. The meeting for worship was favoured, and truth prevailed by way of testimony; and many gospel truths were opened to the consideration of the people, whereby many hearts were humbled and contrited.
The meeting for discipline was very weakly conducted. The order of truth being at a low ebb with Friends of this place, and but little hope of improvement, unless the younger classes in society come forward in more faithfulness than their elder brethren have done. For most of the few that are left appeared to be settling on their lees, without any thought or prospect of advancing the noble testimonies we are called to bear.
Our next meeting was at Barnegat: the day being rainy it was small, yet a precious favoured season. The next day being the seventh of the week we rode to Squan, and the two following days attended the meeting at that place and at Squancum; but the weather being still rainy, these were also small meetings: but the power of truth being present for our help, rendered the opportunities instructive and edifying. After the latter meeting we proceeded to Shrewsbury, and on third day, the 16th of 12th month, we had an appointed meeting there which was large and satisfactory. Many gospel truths were fully and clearly opened to the apparent satisfaction, and, I trust, to the instruction and edification of the assembly in general. It was a very solemn meeting, in which truth was raised into dominion, humbling and contriting many hearts; and which brought my religious labours in this journey to a peaceful close.
After this, the three following days I passed directly home, and found my dear wife, children, and grand-children in usual health, to our mutual rejoicing. For this favour, together with the continued evidence of the divine favour which had accompanied me in this journey, strengthening and enabling me from day to day, faithfully to perform the work and service the Lord had appointed me, my mind was impressed with deep thankfulness and gratitude for the unmerited mercy.
Praise the Lord, O my soul! and forget not any of his benefits, for he hath dealt bountifully with thee, and set thee above all thine enemies, to the exaltation of his own glorious name and power; and who is God over all, blessed for ever.