Sixth day, 26th of 3d month, 1813. My worldly concerns engrossed much of my time to-day. How true is that saying, “No man can serve two masters.” O, how hard a master the world is; and from whose servitude I often feel strong desires to be fully redeemed; so that all my time may be more fully dedicated to the service of my heavenly master, whom, I often feel, I sincerely love.
Seventh day. Part of this day I spent in repairing a vehicle, in which I have travelled several thousand miles, in my religious engagements. Most of the evening was occupied in reading the excellent doctrine of our Lord relative to the Comforter, and the union and communion between himself and his faithful followers, as recorded by John the Evangelist. If it is sweet and pleasant to read, how much more precious and excellent is it to know and witness it in our own experience.
First day. Our meeting this day passed in silent labour. The cloud rested on the tabernacle: and, although it was a day of much rain outwardly, yet very little of the dew of Hermon appeared to distil among us. Nevertheless, a comfortable calm was witnessed towards the close; which we must render to the account of unmerited mercy and love.
Second day. Most of this day was occupied in a visit to a sick friend, who appeared comforted therewith. Spent part of the evening in reading part of Paul’s Epistle to the Romans.
Third day. I was busied most of this day in my common vocations. Spent the evening principally in reading Paul. Found considerable satisfaction in his first epistle to the Corinthians; in which he shows the danger of some in setting too high a value on those who were instrumental in bringing them to the knowledge of the truth, without looking through and beyond the instrument, to the great first cause and Author of every blessing, to whom all the praise and honour are due.
Fifth day, 1st of 4th month. At our meeting to-day found it, as usual, a very close steady exercise to keep the mind centered where it ought to be. What a multitude of intruding thoughts imperceptibly, as it were, steal into the mind, and turn it from its proper object, whenever it relaxes its vigilance in watching against them. Felt a little strength, just at the close, to remind Friends of the necessity of a steady perseverance, by a recapitulation of the parable of the unjust judge, showing how men ought always to pray, and not to faint.
Sixth day. Nothing material occurred, but a fear lest the cares of the world should engross too much of my time.
Seventh day. Had an agreeable visit from two ancient friends, whom I have long loved. The rest of the day I employed in manual labour, mostly in gardening.
First day. Felt my mind drawn to attend to-day a meeting, a few miles from home, held, for the present, by indulgence of Friends. I was led forth in a line of encouragement and caution to a seeking travailing remnant; and in warning to the indolent and self-righteous, endeavouring to show them the danger of resting in such a polluted state; many hearts were contrited, and a comfortable solemnity clothed the meeting, for which we were made thankful to the gracious Author of all our blessings.