This, and much more, I was led to open in the light of truth, at this solemn time; for the Lord’s power spread over the meeting in a very weighty and sensible manner, and we parted under the precious covering. Oh that our hearts might be continually warmed with gratitude for such unmerited mercy!
Fifth day. Since first day, I have been busily employed in putting my family affairs in order, so as to leave home in company with a committee appointed by the yearly meeting, to visit the quarterly meeting of Nine Partners, with the monthly meetings constituting it, this being the time to set out. I also attended the funeral of a deceased neighbour, on fourth day, where I had a favourable opportunity of expostulating with a large assembly, on the fallen, weak, and helpless state of man, and the necessity of his witnessing, through the aid of divine grace or spirit of his Creator, a redemption therefrom, as the only means whereby he can be saved, and be again renewed into his divine image and become a partaker of his real nature, as no other nature can be happy in the enjoyment of him.
I accordingly left home on sixth day, the 20th of 10th month. My wife and daughter Elizabeth set out with me, with a view of bearing me company in part of the visit. We rode through New-York to Westchester, and lodged with our kind friends Thomas and Elizabeth Underhill, in our way to West Hartford, in Connecticut, that being the first monthly meeting we were to attend, in the arrangement made by the committee. On seventh day we continued our journey to Middlesex, and lodged with our friends Samuel and Phebe Bishop. On first day attended Friends’ meeting there; and some notice being given to the neighbouring inhabitants, of our intention of attending it, the meeting was large, and through the condescending goodness of the Shepherd of Israel, it proved a comfortable edifying season. The doctrines of the gospel were freely and largely communicated, and the truth raised into dominion above all, to the glory of him who is over all, God blessed for ever. On second day we proceeded on our journey, going by way of Bridgeport, in order to visit a female Friend of our acquaintance who lived in that town, far separated from her friends and relatives; and whose husband being a seafaring man, was from home on a voyage. She was comforted, and glad of the visit, although short. After dining with her, and staying as long as our time would admit, we proceeded that afternoon to Woodbury, and lodged with Elijah Sherman, a person of the Methodist persuasion, and an old acquaintance, where we were hospitably entertained. The next day we rode to West Hartford, and put up with our kind Friend Ruth Gilbert, widow of Charles Gilbert. Fourth day, being the day their usual meeting was held, we attended it; and although small, was nevertheless a precious favoured season. The states of those present were spoken to in the fresh flowings of gospel love, tendering and contriting the hearts of most present. Surely it was the Lord’s doing, and worthy of deep thankfulness to him, as the alone author of every blessing.
Fifth day. Was their monthly meeting, held at this time out of its usual course to accommodate the yearly meeting’s committee. It proved a satisfactory season. The few Friends constituting it, appeared to conduct the business which came before them, in a good degree of propriety and harmony.
On sixth day we took leave of our friends there, and rode to Oblong; a long journey of about fifty-five miles, and the way rough and hilly. We lodged with our friend Azariah Howland, and the next day attended Oblong monthly meeting, which proved, through heavenly help, particularly the part for worship, a comfortable edifying meeting. Near the close, feeling a draft on my mind to be there the next day at their first day meeting, I informed Friends thereof before we parted; and notice being given to the neighbouring people of my intention, the meeting was large; and through the unmerited condescension of our gracious Helper, ability was given to preach the gospel in the clear demonstration of the spirit, and with power. The spirits of most present were humbled and contrited, and the truth raised into dominion, to the praise of Him, who calleth us to glory and virtue.
After this favoured meeting, we parted with our friends, under a lively sense of the Lord’s goodness, and rode that evening to Nine Partners and took quarters with our kind relations Isaac and Anne Thorne.
The two following days we attended the monthly meetings of Nine Partners and Oswego, which were, in the main, solemn edifying seasons.
On fourth day we rode to Cornwall, leaving my wife and daughter with our relations at Nine Partners. The three following days, attended the monthly meetings of Cornwall, Marlborough, and Rosendale Plains. With grateful hearts, we had abundant cause to acknowledge the goodness, and never-failing loving kindness of our heavenly Father, in condescending to be with us from day to day, making bare his arm for our help and furnishing with ability for the work we were engaged in, both in meetings for worship, and those for the right ordering of the affairs of the Church. The several opportunities were crowned with His gracious presence, solemnizing and tendering the hearts of the people, and comforting and gladdening the sincere in heart, who prefer the prosperity of Zion to their chiefest joy.
First day. We attended Marlborough meeting; and some notice having been given to those of other societies, of our intention of being there, the meeting was large, and the house much crowded. Through divine favour extended to us, it proved an awakening precious season; the testimony to the power of truth went forth and reigned victoriously over all. We tarried here until the next day, and then returned to Nine Partners, in order to attend the quarterly meeting, which opened the next day with a meeting for Ministers and Elders. Here I again met my wife and daughter. The quarterly meeting closed on fourth day afternoon, and was in the main an instructive favoured season, although considerably interrupted by the imprudence of a Friend, in his unwarrantable opposition to a concern, which was opened to draw Friends off from the too free and unnecessary use of articles, which were the produce of the labour of the poor enslaved black people; and which was wrung from them, while in a state of cruel bondage, by their hard-hearted task masters. For the sufferings of those oppressed people, my mind was deeply exercised.