First day, the 10th. As I sat in our meeting to-day, my mind was led into a consideration and prospect of the excellency and amiableness of justice, and of the vast advantage which would accrue to the children of men by a strict adherence thereto; as it would greatly tend to regulate our conduct, both as it relates to our duty to God our creator, and also to man, our fellow creature: and therefore ought to be the governing principle and main spring of all our conduct, as well in our temporal, as in our spiritual concerns. The subject spread and enlarged and opened to communication; and, I trust, proved an instructive comfortable season to some present; and I felt a reward of peace in my labour.
Second day. Attended the funeral of a deceased neighbour, who was not a member of our society, but being convinced of our principles, and inclined to Friends, the family desired a meeting might be held, which was accordingly agreed to. It was a large collection of people of various denominations, and a considerable number of the looser sort. I had an open favoured time among them, in which the power of truth rose into dominion over all, humbling and contriting many hearts, and a general solemnity was felt to cover the meeting to the praise of Him, who is over all, God blessed for ever.
Third and fourth days. Occupied in my usual concerns, but did not feel that full peace of mind with my fourth day’s exercise that is generally my experience, owing, as I apprehended, to a want of a more full attention to a small intimation respecting that day’s employment. Remember, oh my soul! that all thy success in temporals, as well as all thy sweet inward heavenly consolations, depend upon thy faithfulness and ready submission to those inward divine intimations; although sometimes small, they ought to be considered by thee, binding and obligatory, as the only source from whence all thy true peace and joy are derived.
Fifth day. This was our preparative meeting, and as it was the one preceding the quarterly meeting, the queries were read and answered; but I apprehended in a way not tending to much profit, either by reason of one or two improper questions being added to the queries of late, which to many Friends appeared inconsistent to be answered; or from the want of a more lively spiritual exercise with the members; or both might have had a share in producing a dull distressing season. No way seemed to open for any relief, so we had patiently to bear it. And indeed I thought it required a large share of patience to sit the meeting through without murmuring; the chariot wheels seemed to go very heavily on, as though almost sunk in the slough of despond; but we did what we could, and so left the matter; and I returned home with a heavy heart, and was preserved, I trust, from murmuring at my lot.
Sixth day. Spent in gathering in my harvest and some other small exercises. The day closed with a quiet and peaceful mind. What a paradise it is when this is our lot.
Seventh day. Visited two Friends who were under some bodily infirmity. The visits were mutually comfortable. Such opportunities, when rightly conducted, tend to the increase of friendship and mutual love.