First day, the 31st of 7th month. A silent meeting to-day, for which I was thankful. Although faithfully labouring in the Lord’s vineyard produceth peace and joy to the willing mind, even should it have to bear the burden and heat of the day; yet when permitted, a season of rest is also sweet and grateful.
Having for some days past felt my mind inclined to attend the ensuing quarterly meeting at Purchase, I spent most of this week in that service. On second day I left home, and returned on the following sixth day at evening. I felt but little satisfaction in this short tour of duty, except in one or two visits in Friends’ families. Most of the sittings of the quarterly meeting seemed to be clothed with great weakness, and some of them distressingly so.
Seventh day. Exercised in my husbandry business; and the evening closed with a peaceful mind.
First day, the 7th of 8th month. Felt so much bodily indisposition as to prevent my attending meeting; but even this induced thankfulness and gratitude, in recollecting how very seldom this had been my lot for many years. Oh what shall I, a poor worm, render unto the Lord for all his benefits!
Second, third, and fourth days. Spent principally in looking to, and overseeing, my temporal business; and still feeling some slight touches of bodily indisposition, which seemed to announce this language, in unison with every thing that is mortal, remember to die.
Fifth day. Attended our preparative meeting: what a privilege! the very name points to care, as saying, “Be ye therefore ready.”
Sixth day. Did as Peter and some of his fellow disciples, when not directly employed by their Master, but waiting and watching for his coming.
Seventh day. Laboured in the field; and the day closed with a quiet and peaceful mind, which I esteem the greatest treasure.
First day, the 14th of 8th month. As I sat in our meeting to-day, my mind was impressed with the remembrance of the declaration of the prophet Isaiah, when reproving the house of Israel, under the similitude of a vineyard, for their backsliding and breach of covenant and great wickedness, which he closes with this notable saying: “Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.” He showed them thereby the natural tendency of evil, and certain destruction of evil doers, who harden themselves in sin. The subject opened and led to a large exhortatory and cautionary communication; also setting forth the great obligations of parents and guardians to their tender offspring and children under their charge; and the incalculable loss that children sustain where parents and guardians neglect their duty in timely care for their right instruction. It was a solemn time, and I hope profitable to some, by stirring them up to more diligence.
The rest of this week, except attending our monthly meeting on fifth day, was spent in close attention to my temporal concerns. The urgent necessity attending my present business induced me to labour beyond what my judgment approved; which, though somewhat painful to the body, was nevertheless, I trust, free from sin.