earnestly seeking after that salvation which is only attainable through Jesus Christ, for the remission of their sins, and the sanctification of their natures; -a perseverance in the exercise as set forth in the parable of the unjust judge and the importunate widow, were much illustrated in my mind. The children seemed to be brought to the birth, but there was neither strength nor freedom verbally to bring forth; towards the close, I was freshly convinced that a ministration of the spirit in one individual, may reach also to others, without words.

28. In a meeting for discipline, I sat in pain and bowedness of spirit, under a sense of formality and libertinism being too prevalent in our society; some resting too much at ease in the form, and a pretty punctual compliance with it; and others trampling on the witness in themselves, and the precious testimonies of truth, in respect to speech, behaviour, and apparel; esteeming them little things, or the productions of enthusiasm. Thus hath the outward court been trodden under foot by the gentiles. Instead of an inquiry "what shall we do to be saved," a language hath been substi tuted by the formalift and libertine: "The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord are these; what shall we eat, what shall we drink, and wherewithal shall we be clothed ?"

30. I came from Hartford to London, in order to attend the yearly meeting.

SIXTH MONTH, 1781.

9. I returned from London to Hartford; the preceding yearly meeting had, in its several sittings, both for ministers and elders, for business and public worship, been measurably favored with the attendance of that divine power which gathered. us to be a people. May never a frequent and customary speaking of the life and power, be substituted instead of the thing itself; it being as possible to adopt a roaded use of such mode of expression, as of any other; but may it really be the crown and covering of our assemblies at all times, and our glory for ever.

23. The fruits of righteousness have been of late measurably sown in peace; this evening, condemnation for unnecessary discourse was attendant.

SEVENTH MONTH, 1781.

I.. Our worthy friend Sarah Crawley of Hitchin, attended both meetings. In the evening, our friend W. S. of this town, very suddenly departed this life. I attended his funeral, which was large, on the 8th. When I heard of his decease, he having been for some months indisposed, I became doubtful whether I had not been deficient in the visiting of him, and waiting for the renewal of divine help and counsel. It is certainly

a duty to visit the sick, and sit with them; but in such sittings words have been expected, and they have been, perhaps, too frequently uttered in a customary manner amongst us, as well as others.

13. Unprofitable disputations grievously prevailed; we should never speak any thing but truth; and frequently no advantage accrues from speaking of what we most firmly believe to be the truth; speaking often is folly, when in silence there is strength.

14. I have lately perused, to my satisfaction, and, I hope, spiritual advantage, sundry treatises published in the last century, composed by Roman Catholics and Puritans. I am glad to reap "the grape-gleanings of the vintage" from every quarter, considering the Lord's vineyard to be of a great extent, and "his commandment to be exceeding broad:" "there standing before the throne, of all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, clothed in white robes, and having palms in their hands, ascribing salvation unto God and unto the Lamb." It is a great weakness in the Calvinists, and perhaps in some others, that they reject every thing that is not coined in their own mint, and reduced to the standard of a supposed orthodoxy: they may indeed narrow and limit themselves and their fellow-creatures, but they cannot limit the Lord of Hosts; his ways are illimitable," and his thoughts are not their thoughts;" "the glorious Lord being a place of broad rivers and streams."

17. I was under condemnation for speaking too

freely on various occasions; in the multitude of words there wanteth not sin, and what causeth sin, causeth sorrow. The Lord is more pure than to behold iniquity. "Salvation is only of grace through faith." But every work and secret thing shall be brought in judgment before a more perfect tribunal than that of human prudence and partiality. "Wash thou me, O Lord, and I shall be clean;" purge thou me with the blood of sprinkling," that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice."

19. Being afflicted with pain of body, these aspirations attended; Lord, sanctify the chastening of my flesh, that my spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

25. A silent meeting, with the illustration of these words, "He that doeth evil, hateth the light."

26. Before dinner, in Morgan's Walk, with feebleness, and amidst interruption, these ejaculations were inwardly uttered; Lord, sanctify; purify; that I may be perfected in holiness, according to the measure of my faith in Christ. This day and yesterday have been spent pretty satisfactorily, although not without defects. In the midst of bodily and mental pain, may my looking be more and more unto him who was made perfect through sufferings; not as to the purity of his own nature, for he was the immaculate Lamb who knew no sin, but in respect to the appoint→ ments and designations of the Father, for the redemption of mankind through him, and that he

might be the more gloriously opened as a fountain, not only to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, but to the whole race of Adam, for sin and uncleanness.

30. This day being the summer assizes, the judge came in. I am likely soon to appear before the Judge of the whole earth; at so important a crisis, some are ready to say, we have faith, and others, we have works; I can boast of neither, but can only say, "Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief;" thou canst fulfil all the good pleasure of thy goodness, and the work of faith with power; thy mercy reacheth the depth of misery; righteousness and strength are with thee, and one day is as a thousand years.

EIGHTH MONTH, 1781.

8. The following aspirations were attendant; Lord, spare me yet a little longer, that I may obtain an increase of strength and faith in thee; the work is thine: reform also my exterior conduct, shew forth my faith by my works; "Instead of the thorn may the myrtle appear.” Let thy works praise thee, and thy long suffering be salvation.

25. Some feelings after the meekness and gentleness which are in Christ Jesus, were this day attendant. I read divers accounts of such, who, near the conclusion of their lives, obtained