First day, the 11th. As I was sitting in our meeting to-day, my mind was led into a train of solemn reflection, from the revival of these expressions of Christ to his disciples: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” An enlightened view was opened to me of the especial advantages, and deep consolation, derived to the true Christian, by a firm belief therein: as the expressions evidently carry in them an earnest to the true believer, of his being likewise enabled to overcome, as he is faithful in treading in the path of self-denial, agreeably to his heavenly pattern. The subject opened to communication, in which the audience were pressingly invited and encouraged to enter earnestly into this most necessary and interesting warfare; as nothing short of overcoming the world, the flesh, and the devil, can restore to us an uninterrupted peace, and entitle us to the white stone in which the new name is written; which none can read, but he who hath it.
The succeeding days of this week were attended to as they passed; but nothing transpired unusual. Our monthly meeting was on fifth day; and although we had a pretty trying case before us, yet we got through without interruption, or any breach of Christian harmony.
First day, the 18th of 9th month. A satisfactory meeting to-day, more so than for several weeks past; the testimony of truth went forth freely, and, I think, clothed with a good degree of power and demonstration of the spirit, which produced a peaceful and thankful mind. The rest of this week I was closely engaged in preparing my fallow ground, and sowing my wheat and rye. I am willing to do my part carefully and industriously; and then I can with more confidence, place my trust and dependence on a gracious and beneficent Providence, for a blessing on my labour: for if care and industry be wanting, there is nothing for him to bless.
First day, the 25th. A silent meeting to-day, as to any vocal communication; but my mind was too much intruded upon by unprofitable thoughts, and interrupted by the unchristian commotions and din of war, which are at present mightily prevailing in our land, and by the frequent reports of blood and slaughter witnessed among professed human rational beings: but alas! how inhuman and irrational do they prove and proclaim themselves to be, who can deliberately imbrue their hands in each other’s blood for this world’s honours and profits; and dare at the same time to call themselves Christians, although so utterly estranged from the real Christian spirit and life.
The remaining part of this week spent in my usual vocations.
First day, the 2d of 10th month. I was led, in my communication to-day, to show the unreasonableness of some people, in looking to, and depending on, being made Christians, by the ministration of men, and information derived from books and writings; when, alas, the ministration of angels would be entirely insufficient for that purpose. The ministration of the Son and sent of God, even the divine word that was in the beginning with God, and was God, is only sufficient to effect that great and blessed end: and that, not by any thing which he has spoken, commanded, or done without us, but by what he speaks, commands, and does within us; we yielding and submitting thereto by faithful obedience. For there is no other way by which any have been, or can be, made real Christians, or true, sincere, sensible followers of Christ, in spirit and life.
Nothing unusual transpired in the course of the remaining part of this week.
First day, the 9th. Whilst sitting in our meeting to-day, there was brought to my remembrance the following portion of Paul’s exhortation to his son Timothy, as recorded in his first epistle: “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, especially of those that believe.” The subject spread, and my mind was opened to take an enlightened, and enlarged view thereof; so as to be induced to believe that a necessity was laid upon me to communicate it to the assembly; and as I yielded thereto, it still enlarged, and led to an open field of doctrine. I was clothed with gospel authority, which produced a most precious solemnity and calm over the meeting. It was evidently the Lord’s doing, and it was marvellous in my eyes; and my spirit was made thankful for the renewed, and unmerited mercy and favour.
Second and third days. Were spent in attending our meeting for sufferings, at which information was received, through one of its corresponding members, that the Legislature of our state, now sitting, were about forming a bill to lay a heavy tax on the members of our society, to be paid in lieu of personal military service; which, if passed into a law, would be likely to expose many of our members to severe suffering. The subject brought considerable exercise over the meeting, which led into a discussion of our testimony against war; in which it appeared manifest, that the deficiency of many of our members, in regard to a right support thereof, tended to obstruct, in a very considerable degree, our stepping forward, consistently with the nature of our appointment, to seek redress therein: nevertheless, after a considerable time spent thereon, and many different prospects opened, the meeting so far agreed, as to separate a committee of six Friends, to pay especial attention to the subject: who were directed to proceed therein, as the necessity of the case might require, and way should open for.
Fourth day. Spent in assisting two of my neighbours to settle their business; and wrote a will for each of them. This is a business that every man ought to attend to, and complete, in time of health.