I continued my visits to the poor and afflicted, and believe there are many as in the high-ways and hedges, and some are almost ready to be invited to come in to the marriage feast. I believe these are they to whom I am sent to tell them all is ready, so that they may be encouraged to come and partake of the supper.

On the 19th, I was at a Quarterly meeting held at Woodbury, at which were a number of solid Friends from other places. It seemed to be my business to mention close things, as much as some could well bear, respecting a party spirit, that doth now prevail almost throughout the land. I was led to caution Friends against being concerned in making a party, or joining with a party spirit, even though it should interfere with their outward interest. Party spirit has a strong tendency to break the unity, not only in kingdoms and nations, but in neighbourhoods and families, and even amongst us as a people, to our shame and reproach, and to the lessening of the dignity of the high profession we make of promoting peace on earth and good will to all men. Oh! that Friends would live up to their principles, the principles of Truth, which are against all wars and strife! Then, I believe, we should have no suffering cases to bring forward. The military people would not exact, or call on Friends for any military services. Had we lived up to the principles of peace on earth and good will to men, it has appeared clear to me that we should have been set over their heads and out of their reach.

But while members of our society are so much in love with the world, and so full of the spirit of party, it is difficult to live at peace in our own minds

with all men. This uneasy disposition puts us into the hands, or subjects us to the power of unreasonable men, to do with us what they may be permitted. Alas! for the poor nominal Quakers! But such as stand firm, and suffer patiently to have their property taken from them, however wrong the conduct of the military officers may be, I believe such sufferings may turn to our good, by weaning us more from the world, and turning our minds towards heavenly things, and to seek those riches that fade not away.

3rd month 23rd. It has, for some time, been a season of poverty and suffering to my mind. My public service is sometimes to disturb the false rest of those that are at ease, in a state short of the true rest; and I have to speak of some indulgences and customs that are creeping in among those who are considered of the foremost rank. But if, through all, I may be enabled to keep my head above the waters, I shall esteem it a favour from my God.

31st. It continues to be a time of deep mourning, look which way soever I will. If I look towards this world, there is envying and strife amongst the people, and if I look toward the Lord, it seems as though our ways displease him. But I will strive to take refuge under the Divine wing of preservation; believing that to be the only safe hiding-place, whereunto the righteous can flee and be at rest in seasons of trouble.

4th month 9th. I have lately visited several monthly meetings, and had some service therein.I have had to mention some things which I believe are superfluous and improper to be used among Friends; among which is that of giving children three names; in order, as some say, to keep their

kindred in remembrance: and some put in a simple letter between the two names. The rich sometimes use a plea for this, to distinguish where there are two of one name: but I think I have seen that the general motive for these customs, is out of the simplicity of Truth. In like manner, some fashionable words come into use among Friends, which, if we are not careful to maintain the watch, will be found to savour of the wisdom of this world, that is foolishness with God.

17th. I have for days past, had much close labour in dealing with some of my neighbours who have been likely to spend much in going to law with one another; and I hope some benefit will arise from my endeavours to have their matters settled. It hath always given me pain to hear of people spending money in going to law; believing that where a christian spirit prevails, almost every matter of difference may be much better settled by the parties choosing arbitrators themselves.

At our monthly meeting, I mentioned a desire I had to be at the Quarterly meeting of Friends held in Baltimore, the Yearly Meeting to be held in Virginia, and to attend some meetings I had omitted last summer; which was so far united with as that liberty was granted me to proceed as the way might open; so on the 21st, I took leave of my dear wife, in near love and sympathy, and crossing the river to Philadelphia, I attended a sitting of the Yearly Meeting's committee on Indian affairs. Next day, I was at Darby meeting in the forenoon, and in the afternoon had an appointed meeting at Springfield.— Thence I went on and had meetings at Chester and Providence, which were large. I think I have seen

with clearness, that the Lord had a service for me in pointing out so narrow a path for me to walk in, particularly in that of wearing my beard. I have now travelled extensively over this continent of North America, and from the largeness of the meetings, in general, where I have been, I suppose I have seen thousands of people whom I should not have seen, but on account of my different appearance from most other men. This has been a comfort to me, because I wanted to see the people for their good.

Then taking meetings on my way, I reached Baltimore on the 3rd of the 5th month, and was at their preparative meeting. Life and power seemed to be wanting, and I thought there was great need of faithful labourers here. I stayed several days in Baltimore, and had some profitable labour in several families; pointing out divers things inconsistent with the testimony of Truth, and the profession we are making. I likewise had a solid conference with some Friends who were going on a religious visit; and expressed my concern that precept and example might in all things correspond; for I thought the carriage in which they proposed to ride, savoured too much of fashion, according to the custom of the world. I was afraid it might be a means of hurting their service, by wounding some tender minds, and strengthening the hands of others who are ready to catch at every thing that may be used as an excuse for their own deviations.

7th. I attended the Quarterly meeting, in which I was enabled to labour in humble fervency of spirit, feeling the Divine presence near for my support. After which I went on through Virginia to Cedar Creek in Carolina, where I attended their monthly VOL. X.-18

and select meetings. Thence back to Richmond in Virginia, and had two very large meetings there, both solid opportunities, in which I hope no dishonour was brought on the cause of Truth. I also visited the few Friends who reside there, to pretty good satisfaction; then rode to Robert Pleasant's, and was at the select Quarterly meeting at Wain Oak. Here I had cause to be thankful to the great Shepherd, who putteth forth his own, going before them, and preparing the way.

In the Quarterly meeting for business next day, I had some close labour both amongst men and women Friends. Among other things, I had to touch on the treatment of the black people in their families, and concerning their religious education, and fitting them for freedom, when of suitable age, so that they may know how to make a proper use of it; I also recommended their being provided with decent clothing, and taught to become more cleanly than they commonly appear in their abject and degraded condition. Thus honestly labouring on behalf of these poor people, according to ability received, was productive of the reward of peace to my own mind.

18th. Under deep exercise and poverty of spirit, I then went on towards the Yearly Meeting at Black Water, and next day attended the select meeting there. On first-day, two meetings were held, large assemblies, but dull and heavy. There was too much looking out for words; and I thought the heavy feeling was not lessened by the appearances of some by way of ministry among them. Sometimes the Lord's servants are commanded to keep silence, that those who know how to worship in spirit, may