tend this meeting, living near Marlborough. Thus, through obedience to the Divine principle, the prophecy of Isaiah is assuredly fulfilling; that "the wolf shall lie down with the lamb,-the lion shall eat straw, like the ox,-the cow and the bear shall feed together-and a little child shall lead them all."

On third-day, had a pretty full meeting, at Providence, in which I was favoured with stillness; the meeting also was a silent one, and I thought I had a sense of the prevalence of a raw spirit of indifferency among too many. Afterwards rode in company with Isaac Beeson to David Vestal's, where we lodged. This afternoon, as we rode along, I felt my mind brought into a heavenly calm, and most of the way, kept behind the company, to avoid being interrupted by conversation. I was favoured to have my communion in heaven, as I believe, with saints and angels, and the spirits of just men, made perfect. It was indeed a happy situation, to dwell here, redeemed from all anxiety of mind. In this state the soul experiences a sabbath of rest, which is indeed the gospel-rest of the people of God, being, as I believe, a foretaste of the everlasting jubilee, or year of perfect redemption.

Next day, attended Rocky river meeting. James Iddings had something to communicate by way of testimony; but my mind enjoyed, in good measure, the same quiet and peaceful state, as yesterday. On✨ fifth-day, we were at Holly Spring meeting; which was rather an exercising season, and the day following, had a small meeting at Christopher Tyson's, among some tender young people. In the afternoon, through much difficulty, occasioned by the waters being raised by a very great rain, we rode to Nathan

Dixon's about thirteen miles; and next morning, about eighteen miles further to Cane creek monthly meeting, which was very large. Here we again met with Aaron Lancaster and Thomas Macey. Friends of this meeting appeared to be much concerned for the maintenance of good order amongst the members; there being a number of valuable, skilful Friends belonging to the monthly meeting; also, a considerable number of young men, who, I believe, are coming forward in the line of truth.

MINUTES

Of a Journey to Long Island and New England. Having, at times, for near a year past, felt my mind drawn to pay a religious visit to Friends, eastward, particularly in New England; and the subject having latterly dwelt more constantly with me, with a view to the 4th or 5th month, 1786, being the proper time for leaving home,-I felt most easy to open the concern to Friends, in the 11th month, 1785, but did not then request a certificate. The prospect still continuing with me, in the 2d month, following, I informed Friends thereof, and requested their certificate, which was granted in the 3d month; as likewise a concurring certificate from our Quarterly meeting, held in the same month.

On the 17th of the 4th month, I left home, in company with my beloved friend, Peter Yarnall, who had also obtained certificates, in order to pay a religious visit to Friends on Long Island, and if way opened, to proceed to New England. After taking an affectionate leave of our dear wives and

connexions, we set forward, and that night reached Abraham Gibbons's, at Lampeter. Next day, rode to my brother Isaac Coats's, and tarried all night. On fourth-day, the 19th, we attended a silent meeting at East Caln, and rode to Joshua Sharpless's, at Birmingham. My mind, this day, felt calm and composed. Next day were at Birmingham meeting, silent. Had a sitting in the family where we dined, and rode to Micajah Speakman's. The two following days, being rainy and stormy, we rode to Wilmington, and lodged at Ziba Ferris's.

First-day, 23d. Attended meeting at Wilmington. In the morning, had some pretty clear openings, respecting the nature of Divine worship; but, expecting the subject might be more ripe by afternoon meeting, I omitted the expression of it: but, continuing heavily exercised under it, wished for the ensuing meeting. Accordingly, on feeling a continuation of the concern, I endeavoured to relieve myself: but the life being on the decline, I did not get through, fully to the ease of my own mind. After meeting, visited a family, in which we were favoured with a good degree of solemn weight and openness. After which, with some degree of satisfaction, we rode to Hugh Judge's and lodged. Next morning, had religious opportunities in the families of Samuel Canby and H. Judge, and rode to Aaron Oakford's, at Darby.

On third-day morning, after a silent, favoured opportunity in the family, we went to Philadelphia, but arrived rather late to attend the Bank monthly mecting: with which circumstance, I did not feel quite easy in my mind. Next day were at the monthly meeting for the Southern District; in the

forepart of which, I had some clear openings, respecting being "weighed in the balance, and found wanting," and the necessity of our getting into the true balance, in time; in order that our lack might be supplied with solid weight;-not weighing ourselves by others, or by the good acts we have formerly done; all which will prove, at the close, but as the "false balance, and bag of deceitful weights," when the hand writing, at that awful period, shall stand on the wall against us. As these things opened, all fear of man was taken away; which I had, sometimes, heretofore, felt in this city: yet nevertheless, to my great uneasiness, I let the opportunity slip: and, being too long in "making ready, another stepped in." This omission lay heavy upon me, during the remaining part of the day; but I durst not atten.pt to relieve myself, without the renewed evidence of life, attending.

Sixth-day morning, early, took horse, and as I rode along towards Bristol, to attend the General meeting there, I felt my mind sweetly calm and composed. Arrived at Phinehas Buckley's just at meeting time, where I met with James Thornton, under whose testimony, and a short one from Peter Yarnall, the meeting was favoured: but it was to me a day of rest and composure, wherein I had nothing to do but quietly eye the Guide. Next day, crossed the river to Burlington, and attended their two meetings on first-day, both in silence.

On second-day, the 1st of 5th month, attended the monthly meeting there. I was sensible of there being a number of valuable friends, who transacted the business in the spirit of meekness and wisdom,

with a sincere desire, as I believe, for the restoration of offenders. We dined at the house of our worthy elder John Hoskins. Third-day, attended the monthly meeting at Crosswicks; which was pretty large, and in good degree favoured. During the transaction of business, a number of the members appeared zealous for the promotion of good order. But I felt a fear, that some of them, who had been as Davids, were in danger of putting on Saul's armour, and not enough trusting to the divine staff and the sling. Next day, were at Springfield monthly meeting; and the morning following rode to William Stephenson's, where we spent about two hours with him and his wife Mary, valuable friends. Mary having been in a low declining state of health, for several months past, the latter part of our stay, was spent in solemn silence. After which, we rode to Edmund Williams's, at Shrewsbury.

We went to Richard Lawrence's on sixth-day, and were kindly received. I felt much openness and cheerful freedom, at our first entrance, which continued during our stay here. The children appear to be affectionate and dutiful to their parent, and one another, and kind to their friends; which added to the comfort of our entertainment. I wish these amiable dispositions may be fully sanctified by the cross of Christ, which proves to be the power of God unto salvation. I believe the good hand is waiting to be gracious to the youth, on terms of obedience.

The next day we went to see several families in the neighbourhood, and lodged at William Parker's -the house, to which George Fox took John Jay, after his neck was broken by a fall from his horse;