On sixth day, I rode to Manhattanville, and attended a meeting there in the evening. It was for the most part, I think, a favoured season. The truth was largely declared, and appeared to have a reaching effect upon most present.
Seventh day. Returned to the city, and attended a meeting in the evening in the Bowery; which I had appointed the day before I left town. It was a very solemn quiet meeting, the power of truth flowed freely, and I hope had a profitable entrance with some. May it prove as a nail, fastened in a sure place.
CHAPTER IX.
Visit to families of Friends in New-York, and engagements at and about home, 1815.
First day, the 15th of 1st month, 1815. I attended Friends’ meetings in New-York. Was at Pearl-street in the morning, and the other in the afternoon. My mind was opened to communicate largely in both meetings; and was led, in the course of the testimonies, to open divers particular doctrines of the gospel; and to distinguish between the law state, and that of the gospel; and to show to the people, that as all the shadows of the law stood in, and consisted of, outward and elementary things, they must end in the gospel, which is the substance of all shadows; and of course supercedes them all. It was a day of favour, in which the Lord’s power was exalted; and his name and truth set above all errour and untruth.
On second day evening I attended the meeting for sufferings, which was adjourned to that time on a particular occasion. We sat again the next day, when we finished the business before us. In the evening I attended a meeting I had appointed for the labouring class of the community, and for those in low circumstances. The weather was very inclement; it being a snow storm; which prevented most of the women from attending: but there was a considerable number of men, who behaved with great order and solemnity. They received, with much attention, the truths delivered: which inspired a hope, that the opportunity would be blest, and a real benefit experienced by many of them.
Fourth day. I attended Friends’ meeting in Pearl-street, which proved a comfortable, and, I believe, instructive season to some, especially among the youth. After this, I returned home with peace of mind, and a thankful sense of the continued mercy of a gracious God to his creature man, amidst all his backslidings and transgressions.
Fifth day. Attended our own monthly meeting; in which I had to lay before Friends the great advantage that would result, not only to us as individuals, but also to society, by individual faithfulness, and a full belief and trust in the divine providence; and a strict and undeviating adherence to the order and discipline of the Church, for which labour I had peace.