First day, the 27th. Feeling my mind drawn to sit with Friends at Westbury, I accordingly attended their meeting, in which I was led to set forth the excellency of the state described by the apostle Paul, which is freed from condemnation, and is effected by a full submission and obedience to the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, which sets free from the law of sin and death. It was an open, and, I trust, a profitable opportunity to some present; and I felt peace in my labour.
Second day. Attended the funeral of a neighbour, whose wife was a member of our society; and, although he had been a very intemperate man, yet, towards his close, he signified a desire to be laid in Friends’ burial ground, which was allowed. His widow being desirous I should attend the funeral, I went accordingly with several other Friends. The neighbourhood was chiefly Dutch people, and a considerable number attended. We had a solemn opportunity among them: the testimony borne had a very reaching effect on many, especially among the youth; and I was made thankful for the opportunity.
Third and fourth days. Occupied in laying in my winter store of provisions.
Fifth day. Attended our meeting. It was a quiet encouraging season. Towards the latter part, I was concerned to show to Friends the hurtful tendency of evil thinking, which I introduced by that short saying: Evil be to him, that evil thinks. The subject enlarged, and spread increased weight over the meeting; and many minds were humbled and contrited; and we parted under the solemn covering.
Sixth and seventh days. Occupied in my usual concerns, with attendant peace of mind.
First day, the 4th of 12th month. A quiet silent meeting to-day.
Second, third, and fourth days. Diversely engaged. Part of the time occupied with many other Friends, in collecting some relief for the poor in the city of New-York; the present tumultuous state of public affairs having reduced many of the labouring part of the citizens to a suffering state, for want of the necessaries of life.
Fifth day. In the meeting for worship which preceded our preparative meeting, I felt my mind renewedly engaged to call Friends’ attention to a faithful support of our Christian testimonies; particularly those against war and injustice; and that all might with firmness maintain our Christian liberties, without fear, favour, or affection, against every encroachment of the secular powers; as, in the present disturbed state of public affairs, laws had recently been enacted, levying taxes and other requisitions for the support of war; which was now spreading and making its destructive ravages in our once peaceful land. A solemn weight covered the meeting during the communication; and I was favoured to relieve my mind for the present, from the weight of concern and exercise it lay under on those accounts.
Sixth and seventh days. Busily engaged in my family concerns; believing with the apostle, that he who doth not take the necessary care for his own, and families’ comfortable support, may be considered to have denied the faith, and in that respect is worse than an infidel.