Fifth day. I attended our own monthly meeting. We had but little business to attend to at this time. I found it incumbent, before the meeting closed, to submit a prospect that attended my mind to the consideration of the meeting, to visit the families of Friends of the monthly meeting of New-York; and received Friends’ united concurrence therein.
Sixth day. I spent with my family, and in my family concerns; and in the evening attended a meeting I had appointed at Woolver Hollow, a neighbourhood consisting mostly of Dutch people. It was a very solemn quiet meeting, and I had good service among them, to the mutual comfort and edification of most present.
Seventh day. I left home again on my former concern in visiting some more of the scattered families of Friends and others, in the suburbs of our quarterly meeting; having not fully accomplished that service. Our first meeting was the next day at Rockaway, among my relatives and acquaintance, this having been the place of my former residence. Although the meeting at this time was small, partly occasioned by the inclemency of the weather, yet, through the gracious extendings of divine love, it proved a favoured season.
After this, we proceeded eastward on the southern part of the island, and had five more meetings among those not in membership with us, except here and there a scattered family, or part of a family; yet numbers of them appear to be convinced of the truth of the doctrines and principles of Friends; and many of them, I believe, if they continue faithful to their convincement, will in time become members with us. We also had some edifying seasons in the few scattered families of Friends in this quarter, and in a number of families of those inclining to Friends. We returned home on fifth day evening; and I found sweet peace in thus dedicating myself to the promotion of the cause of truth and righteousness in the earth.
Sixth and seventh days. Devoted to the care of my family and household concerns; which I find to be my incumbent duty, when at liberty from my religious engagements and gospel services.
First day, the 26th. Attended our own meeting to-day.
Second day. Attended the funeral of a woman not a member; and the family being inclined to Friends, a meeting was held on the occasion, which proved a profitable edifying opportunity.
Third day. I proceeded to New-York, in order to attend the monthly meeting the next day; in which I opened my prospect of visiting the families belonging thereto, with which the meeting united. But feeling a concern to attend the monthly meeting to be held at Flushing the following day, before entering on the family visit, I accordingly went. The meeting for worship, which preceded that for discipline, was a favoured season, in which truth reigned. I likewise had a large favoured meeting with the inhabitants of the town in the evening; and the next day returned to New-York.
Seventh day, the 4th of 3d month. I began the family visit. Sat with twelve families, in some of which I felt the renewed visitation of the heavenly Father’s love, in which the visited and visiters were united in the bond of Christian fellowship; which tended to inspire with strength to persevere and trust in the Lord, who hath graciously promised, that they who trust in him shall not be confounded: but in others, things were much out of order, and darkness spread over us at times as a curtain, when we found it needful to be clothed with faith and patience; and as these were abode in, after a time of suffering with the seed, way was mostly made to set the testimony of truth over darkness and errour. Many were convicted and instructed; and peace afforded to my own mind. Samuel Parsons kindly accompanied me in the greater part of the visit; and cordially united and sympathized with me therein.
First day. I attended the meetings at Liberty-street, both forenoon and afternoon, and sat with four families; and, in the course of the week, seventy more. In these we met with a variety of states and conditions, which renders such services truly arduous and exercising, requiring great inward attention to the divine gift; as nothing else can open to the diverse states of the people, and qualify to speak suitably to their several conditions, to their improvement and help; and give the answer of peace to those under such exercises. I also attended Friends’ meetings, held in the middle of the week, at Pearl and Liberty streets. At the former was a marriage. It was a time of unusual favour, in which the descendings of the heavenly Father’s love were felt to cover the very large assembly, in an eminent manner. My mouth was opened in a large impressive testimony, in which, in a clear instructive manner, I had to set forth the great difference between a believer and an unbeliever; showing that the former was, by faithfulness and obedience to the inward divine gift of grace, daily improving and advancing in divine wisdom and knowledge, and in the enjoyments and consolations always attendant thereon; while the latter was sinking deeper and deeper into a state of darkness and errour, and the distresses and vexations, which naturally result from unbelief. It was a day of high favour, in which the truth was exalted over all opposition and errour, rejoicing many minds; and bowing my heart in deep thankfulness and gratitude to the Author of every blessing. Surely it was the Lord’s doing; therefore let all the praise be ascribed to Him who is over all, blessed for ever.