Sixth and seventh days. Spent in attending to my usual affairs.
First day, the 19th of 6th month. I was led in our meeting to-day, to set forth the excellency of real poverty of spirit; as it is that only, which can produce that truly humble state, to which the blessing is annexed.
Fifth day. As I was sitting in our meeting enjoying the especial advantages which are attached to silent meetings, when the mind is silently prostrated at the throne of grace, and helped to be sequestered from all intruding thoughts, and wholly centered in and upon Jehovah, the alone object of worship and adoration; a subject opened and spread in a way which led to communication; in which I had to show, that there were but two proper motives or inducements for our rightly attending religious meetings. The first related to such as were unbelievers, or those who were ignorant of the right way of worshipping God in and under the dispensation of the gospel, which according to our Lord’s declaration to the woman of Samaria, is only to be performed in spirit and in truth. The principal benefit to these, is to be informed and instructed; for which more especially, the Lord hath ordained a ministry in his Church, by means of instruments rightly qualified therefor, by the baptismal influence of the Holy Ghost. The second relates to such as are already instructed and informed, whose judgments are convinced, and whose motive as it relates to themselves is, to meet together to wait upon and worship God in spirit and in truth, without any regard or consideration to any external ministry or means whatever: as it is only in a state of entire sequestration from every thing of an outward or external nature, that the soul is permitted to enter into the holy place, not made with hands; and admitted into the immediate presence of Jehovah, and rendered capable of worshipping him, in spirit and in truth, as the gospel requires.
Sixth and seventh days. Spent in my usual vocation as a farmer.
First day, the 26th of 6th month. Attended two meetings by appointment, among those principally not of our society. The first was held in a Friend’s house at a place called the Half Hollow Hills. The latter at the fourth hour in the afternoon, at a village called New Babylon, in the township of Huntington. It was held in a school-house, and was a large meeting, mostly of the Presbyterian persuasion. The people behaved very soberly, becoming the occasion. It was a very solemn favoured season; many hearts were contrited and made thankful for the opportunity; and my heart was much enlarged in love to the assembly. I trust I felt a mutual return of the same feeling from most present, for which I was made thankful to the Shepherd of Israel; and for the continuation of his gracious regard in manifesting his presence, and making bare his arm, for the help of his devoted servants; showing himself indeed to be a God near at hand, and a present helper in the needful time, worthy to be praised and adored by the children of men, throughout all ages, world without end.
The rest of this week I spent mostly about home, being closely engaged in making hay, which for want of suitable help, made it necessary for me to labour myself, beyond what seemed suitable for one of my age; but I felt peace of mind in so doing, although I suffered some pain of body, as the result of my exertion.
First day, the 3d of 7th month. Sat our meeting in silence. At the third hour in the afternoon attended the funeral of a deceased neighbour. Although my mind was brought under some exercise, which led to communication; yet I found very little relief, owing, as I apprehended, to the prevalence of a libertine spirit in many present. For these are generally disposed to mock at, and ridicule every thing serious, or that has the appearance of religion and godliness: rebellious children who hate the light, because their deeds are evil, and who take more delight in revelling and drunkenness than in the fear of the Lord. I often feel sad for such as these, and my mind goes clothed as it were with sackcloth, unseen by the world. O, when will they be awakened to a right sense of their miserable condition! I often fear that some of them have nearly sinned out their day; and to whom the scripture declaration will apply: “He that, being often reproved, hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”
Second, third and fourth days. Busily employed in my husbandry concerns, with my mind clothed with peace towards all men, and with hope towards God my Saviour: and comforted at times in the remembrance of that apostolic declaration, where it is asserted: “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.”
Fifth day. Attended our meeting in silence, the fire being low on the altar.
Sixth and seventh days. Closely engaged in making and securing hay for the accommodation of my stock the ensuing winter; as I consider it a duty to provide plenty of good provender for them, so as to render their lives as comfortable as may be, whilst under my care.