On seventh day I attended the funeral of a very aged man of my acquaintance, being upwards of ninety years old, who lived in the town of Hempstead. There was a pretty large collection of the neighbouring inhabitants present, among whom I was led and strengthened to open divers necessary and important doctrines of the gospel, in the clear demonstration of the spirit; and, I trust and hope, to the edification and religious instruction of many present. Surely it was the Lord’s doing, and to him belongs all the praise and honour of his own works, and nothing due to man.
First day, the 17th. Sat our meeting in silence. It was a quiet solid season. The rest of the week I was occupied in my husbandry business, except attending our monthly meeting on fifth day.
First day, the 24th. My mind in our meeting to-day, was led into an humbling exercise, under a sensible view of the great ascendency of evil over the good among mankind in general, not excepting the best regulated society among men. I was also led, under the saddening prospect, to communicate to the meeting the feeling impressions of my mind thereon, together with the causes of this great degeneracy from the simplicity of the gospel of Christ; and that it was the effect of a spirit of ease and carnal security, and being led and governed in our conduct and works by custom and tradition, without taking the pains to examine whether they were founded in truth and righteousness or not; and when at times they are awakened by the convicting evidence of truth on the mind, instead of willingly submitting thereto, they call to their aid all the powers of their reasoning faculties to drown the reprover’s voice, that so they may rest secure in their ceiled houses. Alas for these in the trying hour of final decision! how dreadfully saddening will be their prospects in a dying hour!
First day, the 1st of 12th month. I sat with Friends at Westbury. The meeting was for the most part a dull exercising season; but towards the close I had a short testimony given me to communicate, in which the state of the meeting was so opened as to have a very reaching effect on most present; which spread life over the meeting, and much tenderness and contrition were apparent. Surely have we not cause for these favours, often to say with one formerly: “What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me.”
Second day. I attended the funeral of a near kinsman at Far Rockaway, at which I had a very open time amongst the people collected on that solemn occasion.
I returned home on third day, and the weather being cold and inclement I was indisposed for several days after, which prevented my attending our meeting on fifth day; a circumstance which very seldom happens, as I am generally preserved in the enjoyment of such a state of health, as to attend meetings when at home without much omission: and which I consider as one among many especial blessings and favours, dispensed by a kind and beneficent Providence to me, a poor unworthy creature.
First day, the 8th. I left home this morning and rode to New-York, and attended Friends’ meeting at Pearl-street in the afternoon, in which I had to suffer, being dipped into a state of death. I felt as though baptized for the dead, but as I patiently endured I was helped towards the close to spread my exercise before the meeting, and a degree of life was felt to arise, and some were quickened, but with too many there appeared to be a great want of a right inward engagement and travail of spirit, and these were sent empty away.
I tarried in town until fourth day, it being the time of our meeting for sufferings. In the course of this meeting, we prepared a memorial to lay before the legislature of our state, on behalf of the black people still held in bondage among us. A committee was separated to attend therewith, and we have a hope that it may prove effectual for their relief.
Fifth day. Attended our preparative meeting, and had to spread before my Friends the exercise of my mind, on account of the neglect of too many among us in respect to the due observance of discipline; which is a source of great weakness to society, and especially so to those who are delinquent.
Sixth and seventh days. Spent in my usual vocations, accompanied with quietness and peace of mind.