First day. My mind was closely engaged, and largely opened, to show the inconsistency and unrighteousness of a conformity to the vain and foolish customs of the world; demonstrating from the scriptures, that in all ages since the fall of our first parents, the customs of men and women in their natural estate, were vain, and that there was a certain degree of wickedness attached to every vanity; hence the necessity of our carefully guarding against the conformity to any custom or tradition, until we have first brought it to the test of the light in our own consciences, and the reason of things; and also to its consistency with the precepts and example of our Lord Jesus Christ: and if relating to our duty towards our fellow creatures, examine whether it comports with that most excellent rule given by him as a criterion of conduct: “All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets.”
Second, third, and fourth days. Nothing particular occurred. On fifth day I was invited to the funeral of a friend who was a member of Bethpage particular meeting, which I attended. After the interment a solemn meeting was held, in which my mind was largely opened to set forth to the people, the great necessity, as well as wisdom and propriety, of an early preparation for death; and showing them the way whereby it could only be rightly effected. It was a season of renewed visitation to a remnant, and many hearts were broken and contrited.
CHAPTER VII.
Engagements at and about home, 1813 and 1814.
First day, the 28th of 11th month, 1813. Feeling my mind drawn last evening and this morning to attend Friends’ meeting at Martinicock, I submitted thereto and went alone. In the forepart of the meeting, I had to combat a spirit of ease and stupefaction, which is generally prevalent among the worldly-minded, although they may be pretty steady in attending meetings; yet it is to be feared with little or no profit, if it be true what the beloved apostle has affirmed, that: “If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” In the latter part of the meeting I was led to view the excellency of the pacific principles of the gospel, as promulgated by Jesus Christ and his apostles; and to show to the people, the very great and essential benefit and blessing which would result to the professors of Christianity by a strict adherence and submission thereunto; as they stand in direct opposition to the spirit of violence and war, and breathe forth nothing but peace on earth and good will to men. It proved through mercy a season of favour; many hearts were contrited, and the faithful and poor in spirit comforted and strengthened; and my own mind inspired with gratitude and thankfulness for such unmerited mercy.
First day, the 5th of 12th month. The six working days of last week were principally spent in my worldly concerns, except attending our fifth day meeting, and the Charity Society meeting yesterday; an institution of Friends for educating the children of poor black people. Our funds, agreeably to the last report of a settlement with the Treasurer, amount to upwards of thirteen hundred dollars; the interest of which is yearly expended for the above purpose, by a committee of the Society, who superintend the educating of said children. The directors of the Society are limited to thirty members, who meet quarterly for the promotion and oversight of the institution. I attended our fifth day meeting in silence, and sat our meeting in like manner to-day, in poverty of spirit, which terminated in a peaceful close.
First day, the 12th of 12th month. At our meeting to-day, my mind was largely opened to set forth before the people the difference between the law state and that of the gospel. It was, I trust, an instructive edifying season, worthy of grateful remembrance.
Second day afternoon I rode to New-York, in order to attend the meeting for sufferings to be held there the next day. It opened at the ninth hour. We got through the business at two sittings, and closed in the evening. Fourth day afternoon I rode home. Fifth day was our monthly meeting. The meeting for worship was, I think, a favoured comfortable season; and the testimonies communicated instructive and edifying: such repeated favoured seasons make it evident beyond controversy, that we are still a highly favoured people, and shall be accountable according to the manifold mercies and blessings bestowed upon us: and we have great cause often to query, like the psalmist formerly, “What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me;” for his mercies are new every morning; great is his faithfulness.