7th mo. 3d. Early in the morning, as I was busy in the mill grinding a grist, I felt the humbling power of Truth, to my great comfort. As I dwelt under this, the spirit of supplication was furnished me, on behalf of the gathered churches and of mankind generally, to my great refreshment. It is often marvellous to me that I feel such a flow of love and goodwill to mankind universally; even when I am quite alone. It is said some of our early Friends were led to proclaim the everlasting gospel, under such feelings when alone, as though they had been in a large meeting. This is no longer a mystery to me; although it is too deep to be fathomed by the wisdom of this world. They cannot, with all their learning, comprehend the ministry of the gospel. It is a Di-vine gift; and if humbly and faithfully attended to, it exceeds all others in doctrine, and for edification. Perhaps it never flows purer, than through what men may esteem weak instruments. Yet I am far from thinking that those who have a large share of learning, and are rightly called to the work of gospel ministry, cannot preach the gospel in purity. I believe, when literary acquirements come to be truly sanctified by the power of Truth, they are of use: but they must by no means be leaned to; if they are, they become snares, and oftentimes bring a vail over the understanding. I make these remarks for the sake of others as well as myself; for I count it a favour to see where there are dangers, and a great mercy to be preserved from falling into them. But we all need watchfulness, and the brotherly care one of another.

5th. Preparative meeting, the time of answering our Queries. I dread getting into formality in doing

our meeting business. I often feel a care lest I should get in a way of speaking too easily, or too frequently in our meetings.

For several evenings past, I have sat up alone till a late hour; not at work, but feeling so much of the aboundings of Divine love, life and goodness, that I seemed almost loth to let nature have its portion of bodily rest. My God, my rock, the everlasting Arm of sure defence, gives me a foretaste of the joy and peace which will hereafter more gloriously abound.

9th. Charity Cook, Rebecca Fincher and Zimri Gaunt, from South Carolina, came to my house: they being on a religious visit to Friends in these parts. Next day I went with them to White-clay Creek meeting, and the day following they were at our monthly meeting. On fifth-day, I accompanied them to Chichester; sixth-day, at Providence, and seventhday at Darby. From this place I had intended to return home; but hearing that my beloved friend, Norris Jones was in jail, I went to see him; found him brave and cheerful. The judge had committed him for not taking what is called the test. I hope he will continue to stand firm in obedience to the convictions of Truth, and that Divine goodness will support him. I took the Carolina friends to Reuben Haines's; but Margaret not being at home, it appeared best to seek other quarters, and I went with them to David Bacon's, where I left them under his care; but they were taken to Jonathan Dawes's, where they had their lodgings. Oh! that I may ever be kind to strangers who have left all that's near and dear to them, for the good of others.

Next morning, I left Philadelphia early, and took breakfast at Isaac Lloyd's, where I had a religious

opportunity with him, his wife and their three eldest children: then went on to Chester meeting, where my mind had been drawn for some time, and I was glad I was there. Called to see the widow Robinson, at Naaman's Creek, and had a comfortable opportunity with her and some of her children, who were much tendered in spirit. Returned home in the evening.

After I got home, I wrote to my dear friend Norris Jones as follows: 7th mo. 21st, 1787. My dear friend, I salute thee in a degree of that sympathy and unity which makes the church of Christ a complete body. I may say thou art very often in my thoughts, as I pass about my business concerns, with earnest desires that thou mayst stand upright as the palm tree, in the present trying dispensation; and I have no doubt, thou wilt be directed in that wisdom which is pure and certain. Every advancement of our christian testimonies has been from small beginnings: and great advancements have been made, ast those who have been called thereto have stood faithful, keeping the eye single to Him who has called them. Herein they have known an increase of strength, and a willingness to suffer for the Truth; the threatenings or caresses of their adversaries being equally unavailing to move them from their integrity. My dear friend, attend singly to the voice of the everlasting Shepherd in all thy movements, that so thou may not have cause for an uneasy sensation in the day of thy enlargement. My heart feels with and for thee. May thy trust and confidence be in the power of the Highest, so shall the arms of thy hands be strengthened by the mighty God of Jacob, and thou wilt yet have to tread upon the high places.

of the earth, in the power of Him who is able to do more abundantly for us than we can ask or think.

For some time past, I have felt some religious concern springing up in my mind with freshness and greenness, and some distant places have been brought into my view. This prospect has all been kept to myself, and I am very desirous to be directed aright therein, that I may not only have a clear view of the parts to be visited, but the time when to make it known. However trying it may be to human nature, to part with endeared connexions, a dearly beloved wife who studies to render my life as happy as our present circumstances admit, and tender children-when I look over them with a prospect of leaving them, it humbles me deeply,-yet to thee, O my greatest Good, I resign all, I give them all up. Be thou their Father, and my support,-their God, and my everlasting Rock. Cause me, I humbly beseech thee, to know thy will, and give me strength to do it; that I may not run at uncertainty, nor go when and where I have no business.

19th. Our fifth-day meeting was small,-many seats empty. Oh! the halvelings that worship when it suits their outward conveniency, if they worship at all. My soul is grieved on account of their great slackness, because they neglect the assembling of themselves together for that solemn and sacred duty. If we come when it suits us, and stay away when it suits our outward business, can we expect to be favoured with the strengthening, comforting influence of the Divine presence when assembled? But what can be done to persuade the poor Quakers? Many of them who are so called, are willing to be consider

ed as Friends of Truth, and yet do so greatly neglect their religious duty, that it manifests their disregard of the testimonies for which our worthy forefathers so deeply suffered. When I view the situation and state of many under our name, this portion of scripture is often revived in my mind: "Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain; let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand; a day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.” And again, "Blow the trumpet in Zion; sanctify a fast; call a solemn assembly; gather the people; sanctify the congregation; assemble the elders; gather the children, and those that suck the breasts. Let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thy heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them. Wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?"

26th. In our meeting, I had some public service; but was rather afraid I raised my voice in some part thereof, faster than the gift arose. It is a necessary attainment to move in the ministry just as the gift moves, and not to get above it. When matter gradually rises, and life and power increases, with a fervency of mind willing to do all the good it can, withoat great watchfulness and care, what is delivered will be in the mixture, even after a clear and right