First day, the 3d of 5th month. I attended the funeral of our ancient worthy friend Jacob Underhill, of Cedar Swamp. There was a very large collection of Friends and neighbours assembled on the occasion, he being very generally beloved and esteemed by his acquaintance and Friends. A very solemn meeting was held at the meeting-house at Martinicock, on the occasion, in which I was largely led forth in ministry and doctrine, so that many hearts were contrited, to the general satisfaction and edification of the assembly, and to the peace of my own mind.
In the afternoon I had an appointed meeting at the house of Amos Cheshire, about four miles easterly from our village. Through divine favour it was made an instructive, profitable season, in which truth was exalted over all opposition.
Fifth day. I attended the funeral of my kinswoman the widow Sarah Albertson. A solemn meeting was held on the occasion, at Friends’ meeting-house at Westbury, in which I had good service. I was led to open in a clear manner, the superiour excellence of the divine principle of light and truth, borne testimony to by the society ever since we have been a people, and showing that, where that is wanting, or is not given heed to, every thing else will and must fail of effecting the great work of our salvation, as no other means are adequate to that end. It was a season of favour, in which I was largely opened to declare of the things concerning the kingdom of heaven, and to open to the people many truths of the gospel, in the demonstration of the spirit, accompanied with power; which solemnized and tendered many minds. Surely it was the Lord’s doing, and to him belongs all the praise: nothing due to man.
First day, the 10th. A hard trying meeting, mostly silent.
Fifth day. Had the acceptable company of our friend Mary Naftel, from England. She laboured in the ability afforded for our help and encouragement, which honest travail does not fail of meeting its own reward, true peace of mind, the richest treasure.
First day, the 17th. Silent in our meeting to-day.
Fifth day. Attended our monthly meeting, at which we had the company of our esteemed friend Phebe Field from Scipio. Her company, together with her lively, simple, plain testimony, corresponding with our profession, were truly acceptable and refreshing.
Seventh day, the 23d. I left home early in the morning in order to attend our yearly meeting, accompanied by my wife and daughter Elizabeth. We arrived in New-York in time to attend the first sitting of the meeting of Ministers and Elders, which opened at the tenth hour. The meeting for discipline opened the following second day at ten o’clock, and closed on fifth day evening. It was shorter as to time than usual; but I think, in the main, it was a favoured meeting, and closed well, under an humbling sense of divine condescension and regard, and Friends separated to their several homes, under a feeling sense of brotherly love.
First day, the 31st. Attended our meeting in silence, and in much poverty of spirit, and although we had the company of a Friend who was travelling in the ministry, and who appeared pretty large in testimony; yet it seemed void of life to me, which I was willing to conclude was my own fault. We had another meeting appointed at the fourth hour in the afternoon, by two women Friends from West Jersey. This was also a meeting of exercise to me, without laying any thing to the charge of my friends.