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--<<Memorandum 24th of the Twelfth Month, 1776.>>-- [Left marginal note: See Jeremiah chapter 48 and 16 verse. Moab's calamity is near and affliction hasteth fast] About this time things did work together in a strange manner. About the 15th of this Twelfth Month great fear fell on our neighborhood we being in full expectation of the English army down upon us so that there was great to do moving of goods and talk of hiding of earthly treasure and I suppose a great deal of that was done in many places, but things seemed to turn very strange and unexpected. About the 22 of the Twelfth Month the two armies met at Mount Holly and had a skirmish. The Americans were drove out of the town and came back to the Moorestown and by reports the Hessians or * the English party did strip many very much at that time in Mount Holly. See Jeremiah 15: 12 and 13: verse 14, See Jeremiah 11: 17: 19 and Genesis VI [or VII] and 11 and Isaiah 24:5, Jeremiah 11:34 verse. Maybe twenty years before this Mount Holly was a remarkably highly favored place. But there was an admirable strange turn, for as was reported about the 26 of the month a very stormy day some hundreds of the Hessians or of the English party were taken prisoners at Trenton and brought to Philadelphia and the rest drove back towards Brunswick. [Left marginal note: * Read Deuteronomy 28 Chapter and 49:50:51 verses] And at this time there was a mournful work taking up several of the leading or active men some of one side and some of the other, too tedious to mention in particular. I was told that one Isaac Piercal was shot about this time who had been a justice of peace. Lives above Burlington. Some put in prison on suspicion of being party takers on one side and some on the other. See John Woolman's book, page 174 and 175 and 176 and see Zephaniah 1: 17 and 18. [Left marginal note: *See Jeremiah 51 and 46, Ruler against ruler etc] One thing at this time was very remarkable and pretty much noticed by the people. About the middle of the Second Month John Hay near Haddonfield got several men to join him and went to a Negro man's house with clubs and laid claim to and attempted to take away one of the Negro man's sons, where upon a very great quarrel ensued and some very heavy blows passed between them. The Negro man got very much bruised. The Negro boy hid and they were forced to go away without him, a neighbor being called in the fray and stopped them, or it was thought that there was a danger of being murder done amongst them. The Negro man applied to authority to get satisfaction but the affair drop without a great deal to do. But now about the middle of the Twelfth Month this [John] Hay was at Haddonfield at a tavern amongst the soldiers. A quarrel began and he in the fray got very much wounded being stabbed with bayonets in his belly so that at this time he is under the doctor's hands, and no way expected to recover. He was favored to get up again after great illness. See Zephaniah 11:3 "Seek ye the Lord all ye meek of the Earth which have wrought his judgments. Such righteousness seek meekness it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger.
About the 22nd of the First Month 1777 there was a very great commotion and troubles amongst us. People were afraid of traveling the great roads because of the soldiers. Six of our neighbors being taken up pressed and put in Burlington goal because they would not sign or associate with them. Some others did sign and so were sent home on conditions to return to them when called on. This was a very sore trying time with many in Evesham who had lived carelessly. Remember the inhabitants of Laish: see Jeremiah 15: 19: Let them return unto the but return not thou unto them: 20 And I will make unto this people a fenced brazen wall and they shall fight against thee but they shall not prevail against thee for I am with them to save thee and to deliver thee saith the Lord. About this time Mark Miller and Thomas Redman were put in Gloucester prison for reading an epistle from the Meeting for Sufferings held at Philadelphia dated the 20th of the Twelfth Month 1776. There was such reports and noise about pressing men that we seemed to expect to meet with the trial every day and every hour. [Hunt returns to the events of January 22, 1777 in an entry following February 4, 1777.] 26th of the First Month 1777. We went to our meeting and were told as we were going that the soldiers intended to be there to press men. The meeting was quiet. After meeting broke up we found them at the door and pressed that is two men in the road. One had a gun and bayonet fixed. They stopped some and Ordered and pressed them to meet them the next Fourth Day but let many pass without Interruption. [Left marginal note: It is strange to this how hardened we seemed to get to these trials; great stupidity and lukewarmness yet prevailed] Yet this proved a very close trial to some of our neighboring women on account of their sons and husbands, there being much expectation of them being taken to prison or before some of the greatest Rulers. 29. Many of our Friends of Chester met the captain who seemed very moderate. They not coming to any result adjourned to meet the next Seventh Day. Accordingly on Seventh Day of the 1 of the Second Month Friends that were pressed meet again, and one of them, J Lippincott, said he believed if they had not got together quietly in the meeting house it seemed to him they would have marched them off. Some that were obliged to go strove hard for it and used many hard words, however it did not seem to me the trial would be very hard that time though the noise and commotion was very great. The captain was very moderate to our friends. He and some of them went down to Haddonsfield to the governor and so our friends go released. Joseph Roberts his wagon was pressed and taken from the meeting house this day. see Amos 4 and 10. --<<February 1777>>-- 2nd of the Second Month. We were favored with a good quiet meeting and people seemed a little Mixed up to Duty. 3rd about home 4. I went with William Matlack and John Lippincott on some business enjoined us by the Monthly Meeting concerning manumitting Negroes. At some places we had tight work of it though not rough this Day. We were favored and come of with great encouragement beyond expectation. [The following entry, expanding Hunt's accounts of events on January 22, 1777, was inserted between the entries for February 4 and 5, 1777.] 22nd of the First Month above mention. About that time there was many pressed and six out of Evesham and others about Holly taken as prisoners up to the general. [Notes and Observations inserts here, "Some had a right among Friends." (105)] Was pretty moderate to them and discharged most of them except some who had been exercising a little. This by account was a very close sifting time with them. Some were cleared on examination by pleading infirmity which they had been subject to. I was told they look as if they had had a fit of sickness. [Notes and Observations gives "I was told some of them when they came back looked as if they had had a fit of sickness." (105)] Inquire of some of them when they came back I was told that J. Natt a young man amongst them said he thought they might count it a favor that they were counted worthy to suffer. See Sewel's History, page 264. [Right marginal note: though wild youth] About that time the press company went about there was several very comical occurrences. To relate in full would seem more jocose than serious. People being in great fear took frights when there was no occasion and so false alarms were raised which flew so fast they could not be stopped till they spread several miles in a neighborhood, and some things a little remarkable happened to some young men that fled to get out of this trouble met with losses and returned home. [Left marginal note: This was a very trying season to many that was forced to leave their families in a very sorrowful manner. I was told of one them quite sweat with fear.] [Left marginal note: Evan and Jo Ro read the 31st Chapter of Jeremiah and 7th of Ezekiel.]
About the 22nd of the First Month 1777 there was a very great commotion and troubles amongst us. People were afraid of traveling the great roads because of the soldiers. Six of our neighbors being taken up pressed and put in Burlington goal because they would not sign or associate with them. Some others did sign and so were sent home on conditions to return to them when called on. This was a very sore trying time with many in Evesham who had lived carelessly. Remember the inhabitants of Laish: see Jeremiah 15: 19: Let them return unto the but return not thou unto them: 20 And I will make unto this people a fenced brazen wall and they shall fight against thee but they shall not prevail against thee for I am with them to save thee and to deliver thee saith the Lord. About this time Mark Miller and Thomas Redman were put in Gloucester prison for reading an epistle from the Meeting for Sufferings held at Philadelphia dated the 20th of the Twelfth Month 1776. There was such reports and noise about pressing men that we seemed to expect to meet with the trial every day and every hour. [Hunt returns to the events of January 22, 1777 in an entry following February 4, 1777.] 26th of the First Month 1777. We went to our meeting and were told as we were going that the soldiers intended to be there to press men. The meeting was quiet. After meeting broke up we found them at the door and pressed that is two men in the road. One had a 5th of the Second Month, 1777. At home. 6. I was at our Monthly Meeting. 7 and 8. About home. 9. At our meeting which was quiet and pretty well. 10-11-12-13. About home. Was at our meeting. After meeting J.L. and W.M. and myself proceed further on the business of manumitting Negroes. 14 and 15. About home. The 16, Second Month. I went to Gloucester goal with my Friend Joshua Evans to see our Friends Thomas Redman and Mark Miller who were there yet confined in goal. We had a kind of little meeting with them which was to good satisfaction the new sheriff was with us with whose company we were well pleased, he being very courteous to us and our friends in prison and we had to rejoice together in that love which the prison walls cannot debar from. 17. At home. 18. I went over Ancocas Creek with my Friend Joshua Evans. 19 Second Month. We were at their weekday meeting which was very dull and heavy at first, but ended very lively and satisfactory. Joshua I thought had very acceptable service amongst them and there was something very tendering amongst us. At last we parted with our Friends in near unity and true love, and some of them seemed not willing to part with us so we lodged at Joseph Buzby's and dine at Aaron Willis's. We called to see Joseph Hackney concerning manumitting his Negroes, at first or prospect of doing any good was very discouraging, yet things worked together encouragingly after a while, we had a very full opportunity with them first and then had the Negroes called into the room and had a good deal to say to them all which seemed to end well and we parted in a much more unity love and nearness than we met. (He set his Negro free soon after this) [Left marginal note: Now in 1818 Joseph Hackney's sons reduced to poverty and disgrace though they had a large landed estate when Joshua Evans and I was with them.] 20. I was about home, this day John Branson of Haddonfield and Daniel Lippincott Sr. of Evesham was buried, there was distemper seemed to be going about, about this time. Something uncommon. It seemed something like a pleurisy mostly beginning in the head and so working down to the stomach, of which many were suddenly taken away. 22-23 of the Second Month. Went to our meeting. Susannah Edwards (wife of Rees daughter of George Matlack my old master) was buried. Joseph Mitin spoke in the afternoon I was at the burial of a Negro man named Tab, with him I had been acquainted from my youth. The Negroes behaved sober and moderate. 24-25-26. About home. 27 of the Second Month 1777 I went the doctor for our son Joseph who lay very ill of a fever: pugs. 28 About home and 1st of Third Month About making a little spinning wheel which answered the end well. --<<March 1777>>-- 2nd of the Third Month Went to our meeting which was silent. 2:3:4:5. About home. 6. I went to Monthly Meeting which was middling lively at last. 7 and 8. At mill etc. 9. Was First Day. I stayed at home because my wife was poorly. The powerful language of mortality was almost daily sounded in our ears about this time. Abundance died in our neighborhood. We heard of burials almost every day, yet lukewarmness and indifferency yet prevailed. There was a vast great snow at this time so that it was a very cold severe time and difficult traveling any how for several weeks so that we heard but little of the noise of the wars for several weeks though there was an alarm of another sort viz. mortality. [Left marginal note: my wife and son got better] 10 Third Month. I went down below Haddonfield to mend a pump for John Glovyer in the morning and came up to Haddonfield Monthly Meeting which was silent and dull. At Haddonfield Monthly Meeting there is three preparative meetings joined: And there was but one overseer to answer out of the three, the others being some sick and some in confinement. 11 and 12. About home.
13th of the Third Month, 1777. I went to Evesham Meeting appointed for Abel Thomas and his companion who both spoke very well. Abel was very notable he said it was often his lot to go down to Jordan that he might be made sensible of his own weakness and ignorance in divine things. Peace be with you was some of his first words and he did speak very extraordinary on the subject. He said the peace of God is like a white stone which John saw and in it a new name was written which none knew but him that had it and like the goodly pearl that the wise merchantman sought which when he found sold all to purchase it [Matthew 13:46]. So ought we to do sell (or) that is part with all for it, that there is none of this peace for the wicked. That his servants was not to have this peace if they disobeyed the secret reproofs of instruction: which is the way to life. I perceived Abel had much advanced in the ministry I having made some memorandum of his being at our meeting several years (maybe six) ago. The meeting to me was very dark and dull his companion also spoke very notably. The 14, Third Month. Abel Thomas and his companion, his uncle, both named Thomas, was at our meeting and both spoke very extraordinary. At this time my oldest son lay very ill of a fever then very prevalent. We heard of burials almost every day and some friends thought it was the same disorder the soldiers died with so fast in Philadelphia. [Right marginal note: Called it the camp disorder] The small pox and measles began to get about and there was a very awful language in our land at this time though the cloud of confusion or noisy numbers was a little gone at present. 15. About home. 16. About home. I went with our ancient Friend Thomas Evans to see Samuel Atkinson and Samuel Stokes to endeavor to settle a difference or reconcile them, concerning a road which had made unpleasant work in our Monthly Meeting we had at that time but little prospect of doing much good. In a few days after I heard it was like to be settled. 17:18:19 and 20. I was confined at home my son Samme lay as ill of a fever that we no ways expected his recovery. 21. I was over Quarterly Spring meeting at Haddonfield I was at home. 22. Do. 23. Samme began to grow better and went to our meeting. [Right marginal note: Josiah White was there and spoke well] 25:26:27:28:29. About home our son Samme lay very ill. 30. I went to our meeting Joshua Evans was there and had a pretty deal to say: the remembrance of this meeting was not pleasant to me. 31. At home. --<<April 1777>>-- 1:2. About home. 3 of the Fourth Month. I was at our preparative meeting which I could not complain of. 4h of the Fourth Month. I went over the into Pennsylvania to the French doctor to for my son Samme who lay yet very ill. 5. About home. 6. Was First Day my son was so bad I could not leave him. 7:8. I was about home I did make one pump for William Stockton whilst my son was in this spell of sickness. 28 [feet] long.
9th of the Fourth Month, 1777. My son Samme having lain a long time and suffered greatly with a kind of a fever. In the forepart of his illness he seemed very desirous to live longer but about this time he was in great distress and brought very low he seemed to give up and said he was wiling to die and told his mother not be troubled about him and said maybe it was best for him to suffer and said his must be done and that he was willing either to die or to live. His younger brother stood by when he expressed these words, and he spoke to him and told him he should be a good boy. Maybe thee will be sick again said he one evening. He asked his mother if she thought he would get well again She told him she hoped he would be better of than any of us if he did not get well again he answered thee don't know that and said he thought he should be a better boy as he did he well. He said further if he did get well again he should love to go to meeting and that he always did love to go to meeting. He said one day when he was in great distress he wished he had a had *Michael * Shion [?]. [Left marginal note: M**S was a strict Friend] to got a school to always when he came to give up and said he was willing to die he said I never could give up to be wiling to die till now and now I am wiling either to die or to live. Maybe I shall get better and so he did begin to mend from that time or nearly then abouts. He was I believe much favored that evening both inwardly and outwardly for after having been in very distressed restless condition near week after the fever left him pretty much he was raised up in his bed but being weak he throwed his face down on his knees like and there lay doubled up and said he was quite easy. That was the night he spoke to us and from that time I think he began to grow better slowly. 10. I went to our Monthly Meeting which was not altogether satisfactory. Remember why. 11:12. About home. 13. Was First Day went to our meeting. Thorious Joy was there after meeting my wife and I went to see William Bates who was now taken down with the small pox, and very bad. 14. I went to Elisha Hooton's to mend a plow. 15. I went to Evesham to a meeting or conference concerning the trials of the times and to endeavor to strengthen one another, which was to little purpose I believe. 16. We went to the burial of William Bates. His wife and children took on exceedingly. 17. Went to our youth's meeting which was silent light and very poor I believe. 18. I went to make a plow for to mend a pump and get some fish which we did. 20th Fourth Month, 1777, I went to our meeting. Rebekah Roberts spoke thrice. 21. I went to Joshua Lippincott's to mend his pump. Joshua Lay very ill of a fever at this time and seemed very much resigned and wiling to leave this world, I said it was a fine thing to be willing he answered it was not only so but it was a good thing to know for what and said people were strangers to it in common. 22:23. I was Joshua Lippincott's. Joshua Evans was there and he had a great deal to say to us and Josiah White too. 25:26. About home 27. Was First Day. Josiah White spoke considerable. 28:29:30. About home plowing etc.
--<<May 1777>>-- 1st of the Fifth Month, 1777, Fifth of the week. I went to our preparative meeting. Rebekah Roberts spoke very prettily. 2 and 3. Keeping a poor neighbor move about this time there came a very smart frost which seemed to cut off the prospect of our having any fruit this year and some that the rye is much hurt where it was forward. There was a vast great prospect of a fruit yeas from the blossoms of every kind till now, but now the trees looked as if the had been scorched with the fire they were so pipd with the frost. I thought it might be a lesson to us and compared it a little thus a deal of talk of religion and high profession like drawing nigh with the mouth and the lips whilst the heart was far from what it should be, so but little fruit by reason of coldness and lukewarmness. 4th of the Fifth Month. I went to our meeting which was silent though not so poor to me as sometimes. 5. Preparing to plant and mending a pump of Thomas French. 6. Planting. 7. At work at Thomas Throns hooping etc. 8. Was our Monthly Meeting. Thomas Saint was there from Carolina. He was one that I was acquainted with when we were lads. He was a poor lad of but little account when he moved from us and about six or seven years ago. I heard but a poor account of his conduct but now he is become an able minister. At Evesham he spoke very notably. Mark Reeve was there and several others and it seemed to me it might be a pretty good meeting to some though it was not very lively to me. [Right marginal note: T.S. f[irst] W[ords] was concerning true church of God.] 9th of the Fifth Month. Thomas Saint was at our meeting. Mark Reeve, George Dillwyn (and Robert Willis dropped in but was silent). As I went to this meeting I seemed almost wearied out with the besetments of the Enemy, but almost as soon as I sat down there was a breathing desire begotten for help and a broken heart and a better spirit prevailed and I believe George Dillwyn had a near sympathy with me for he presently got up and spoke exactly to my condition which was as much as I could well bear. He spoke in so sweet and so sympathizing a manner and so encouraging. G D:W: [George Dillwyn's Words:] Teach me O thou whom my soul loveth where thou leads thy flock [Song of Solomon 1:7]. Thomas Saint spoke next and very notably concerning that Master self and other subjects then Mark Reeve spoke and George Dillwyn concluded the meeting with a very extraordinary prayer and a most glorious meeting it was I believe to many. I thought I had not seen the power of Truth so much in dominion amongst the people a long time as for me I seemed almost as if I was transported into another country. 10. About home. 11. I went down to Newtown Meeting. Thomas Saint and William Jones was there and both preached very notably. I went to James Sloan's to dinner with Thomas Saint and had some conversation with him concerning our Acquaintance in our Youth. We came up to Haddonfield meeting in the afternoon and there came a number of men not of our society, Assembly men, which were met at Haddonfield their business was pretty soon prepared for them and declared the truth and way to life to them in a weighty manner and then William Jones had most excellent service and very suitable matter both to the times and to the people of authority. The standard was raised and truth in dominion. 12. About home planting etc.
13th of Fifth Month I went to Thomas Gills. To make a pump 30 [feet] long and went to see my brother Aaron Wills this evening and 14 we finished Gills pump it being hewed before. 15. We went to our meeting. Rebekah Roberts spoke and Bernard Tailor Said a few words. 16 I was mending a pump for John Evans. 17. I set off for Salem Quarterly Meeting with six of my neighbors and lodged at Caleb Lippincott's. 18. I was at Piles Grove meeting. Hannah Reeve spoke very well but to me the meeting was dull and heavy after noon I was at Salem the meeting was very dull to me. 19. I was at the Quarterly Meeting. Thomas Saint spoke the most lively that I ever had heard him and Mark Reeve and several others William Jones in particular and I was sensible I thought that this was a very much favored meeting and heart tendering time I lodged at Robert Wilson's. 20. Was a very large meeting at Salem called [a] Yearly Meeting and many very excellent testimonies was delivered. 21. I was at their youth's meeting at Piles Grove which was very large and I believe a very good meeting to many Thomas Saint William Jones and divers other preached very well after this meeting we came home. 22. I was at our weekday meeting. 23. About home. 24. I went to make a pump for John Hammit 18 feet 6 inches. 25. I went to see our meeting. Benjamin Swett was there and spoke against a worldly spirit. 26. I went to mend a pump for William Vinicomb. 27:28. About home very unwell with a bad cold and inward fever. 29. I was at our preparative meeting which seemed pretty clever. Rebekah Roberts words was something more than common concerning some that were to be separated for further service. 30 and 31. We were very poorly. Most of the family with very bad colds. --<<June1777>>-- 1 of Sixth Month, 1777. First of the week. I was very unwell. 2:3:4. Was Monthly Meeting. I and my wife remained very unwell. 6 and 7. About home and I went to Evesham Meeting with my friend Joshua Evans a very wet day. Joshua had a pretty deal to deliver to the people and I thought it was very well. 9:10:11. I went to hew timber for pumps one for Daniel Lippincott and one for George Githirs. 12. I was at our meeting, which was not a dull time to me. 13:14. At home very unwell 15. We went to our meeting which was not a dull time to me and to see Joseph Warrington afternoon. 16:17 and 18. Finished Daniel's pump. 18 [feet] long about home making plows etc. [Left marginal note: finished Daniel Lippincott's pump 18 [feet] long] 19. We went to our meeting. Michael Shion and Richard Painter was here with us friends from Wilmington there was a company of soldiers went through the town in meeting time and this meeting to me was something remarkable. 20. At work at a screw cheese press for Joseph Cooper. 21. I went to mend a pump for Amos Ashead 22. Was First Day.
22. of Sixth Month 1777. I went to our meeting which was strengthening to me. 23. About home. 24. I went to John Haines's to make [a] cheese press. 24. At Haines's we finished and went to Elisha Hooton's to make a cheese press. 25: 26 I was at our meeting which was not a dull one to me. 27 and 28 At work at home making a bedstead for Job Cowperthwaite. 29. My wife and I and sister Hope went over the creek to see our relations and was at Ancocas meeting which was satisfactory this was a time of favor of true peace and pleasantness. 30. About home. --<<July 1777>>-- 1 of the Seventh Month, 1777. I went to make a pump for Thomas Evans Jr 20 feet [feet] long. Took Joseph Cooper's cheese press home as I went a long. 2. At do finished and came home. 3rd Was our weekday preparative meeting. Joshua Evans was there and spoke very close and plain to a state of drowsiness and several other subjects. It was a good pleasant meeting to me. 4. I was making [a] plow for Joshua Evans. 5. I was boring a pump for George Githers 16 [feet] long and went to Jonas Cattle's for wheat. 6. We went to our meeting. Massy Redman was there and preached very notably. 7. At home at work at sundry little affairs for Joshua Evans when he came for his plow. [Right marginal note: After noon I went to Haddonfield meeting which was a very dull poor time I believe.] 8:9:10. I went to our Monthly Meeting which was poor and lifeless. Thomas Evans spoke and M.S. 11:12. This week we were reaping and picking flax. 13. We went to our meeting. Rebekah Roberts spoke twice very prettily. A pretty pleasant meeting. 14:15:16. About home getting harvest etc. [Left marginal note: A great rain this 14th my wife and I was at Haddonfield Monthly Meeting Joshua Evans and Job Cowperthwaite passed meeting.] 17. My wife and I went to our meeting. Was a very strengthening and pleasant one to me though it was almost silent not quite. The sweetness and favor remained several days.] 18: 19. About home at work amongst flax etc. 20. We went to our meeting. Robert Willis, Samuel Emlen and George Dillwyn was there. Robert preached and prayed in a very zealous lively manner. George also had a very lively and large opportunity with us and then Samuel. This was a most exceeding highly favored meeting, though it held late the people seemed unwilling to part and I believe it was a time of tenderness and a fresh visitation to many. 21:22:23. About getting hay. 24. We went to our meeting: which seemed pretty clever. 25. At home. We went to see our friends and relations Isaac Borton's and Elisha Hooton's and to get some huckleberries which did not end unpleasant. 27. We went to our meeting which was not so pleasant to me as some. [Right marginal note: remember why] 28:29:30. About hay. 31. Was our preparative meeting which was middling well, though some friends behaved unbecoming in preparative meeting. --<<August 1777>>-- 1 and Second [Day] of the Eighth Month. About hay. 3rd. We went to our meeting which was quite silent, though not very unpleasant. 4:5. Also at home. 6. I went to take a cheese press home for Betsy Bates.
7th of the Eighth Month 1777. I went to our Monthly Meeting. Mark Reeve and his wife and brother John was there. Mark and his wife both spoke very well but to me the meeting was but dull and poor. 8th . Was our youth's meeting and the first after the alteration held at Chester. Mark Reeve and wife and brother John was there and all spoke and I believe it was a good meeting to some though but poor to me. I was about home finishing hay. 10. I went to our meeting and to Edmund Holishead. We went to Joshua Bispham. [Left marginal note: First Day] 11. Finishing a pump for George Githirs 16 [feet] long. 12 of the Eighth Month, 1777. I went to Haddonfield Youth's Meeting. Joshua Evans was married. Thomas Evans, Mark Reeve and Hannah Reeve spoke but I believe the meeting was very dull poor dark and much shut up. 13. I went to work for Job Cowperthwaite about some porches and gates. 14. I made a plow for Joshua Lippincott. 15. At work at Cowperthwaites. 16. Making [a] plow for John Coglar. 17. Went to our meeting which seemed pretty well. 18. I went to splice a pump for Isaac Andrews 16 foot 6 inches long. 20. At do finished and came home. 21. I went to our meeting which was quite silent though not so dull as some. 22. I went to Joseph Warrington's to repair a screw cider press. 23. Finished and came home. 24. I went with my children to our meeting. [Right marginal note: William Matlack and I went on business to several places] 25. I went to Burlington Quarterly Meeting in company with William and Hetty Roberts which was I think but a dull poor meeting. Rain so that it was difficult traveling the roads there was so great a fresh. 26. We came back to the youth's meeting, from Aaron's to Burlington, which was a very good solid meeting favored with a living ministry and I doubt not but it was a time of favor and fresh visitation to many. Samuel Wilson a young man from Pennsylvania was there whose service was truly acceptable and his words very applicable to the times and situation of the country. He drew his discourse from the words of the prophet where it is mentioned that though the fig tree shall not blossom, neither fruit be in the vine, the flocks should be cut off from the fold and there should be no herd in the stable and the field should yield no meat, yet would he rejoice in the Lord and joy in the God of his salvation [Habakkuk 3: 17-18] and that the rod that was lifted up over this land would not be withdrawn till the inhabitants were made to bow under it: that he had seen in the vision that the had that it had been with him to threaten with famine with blasting and with mildew.
27th of the Eighth Month 1777. I was making a plow for Moses Heisthis: hewed Cham[pions] pump. 28. Was at our preparative meeting. 29. Making a plow and 30th for Isaac Lippincott and about sowing some rye. 31. Went to our meeting. --<<September 1777>>-- 1st of the 2nd [sic] Month I went to finish a pump for Joseph Champion 28 foot 6 long. 3. At Chamipon. 4. Came home and made a plow for John Cagler. 4. My wife and I went to Monthly Meeting which was not very unpleasant. 5th Making a plow for William Stockton. 6. Making a plow for Joshua Lippincott. [Left marginal note: about sowing seed sorn] 7. Went to our meeting which seemed middling clever. 8:11. About home. Went to take a coffin for Phillips child. 12:13. About home. 14. We went to our meeting the 11 of this month there was almost a continual roaring of cannon [pencil annotation: Battle of Brandywine] down the river below Philadelphia and a dismal battle fought between the Americans and the English and great many killed and wounded on both sides as was reported. The English gained the victory. 14. Went to our meeting and went to Joseph Warrington's to see his wife. She had just lain in. 15:16:17. About home sowing etc. 18. Went to our meeting which was silent and very poor. 19:20. About home. 21. We went to our meeting. Elizabeth Hatkins was there and A. Wilkins and both spoke. [Right marginal note: Mending a little wheel for William Bates etc.] 22:23:24:25. We went to our meeting which was silent . 26. We went to Haddonfield Quarterly Meeting which was but a poor meeting I thought. At this time there was very great commotion by reason of the strugglings of the powers of the earth. The English being now arrived at Philadelphia and many that opposed them were put to flight and great to do there was moving of families and goods from the town and there was a great debate in this quarterly meeting amongst Friends whither it would be best to attend the Yearly Meeting. Some of the foremost rank spoke very discouraging* but at length a small number of friends was appointed to attend the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting and they went down to the ferry but could not get over the boats being all sent away to prevent any passing and dreadful work at this time there was pressing of wagons and horses many Friends having their wagon and horses pressed and taken from them to carry off stores etc. Such doing as this made many afraid to travel the great roads and so private roads were sought for and some traveled by night for fear of being pressed. [Left marginal note: *but this proved to be a most precious favored quiet meeting to them that did get to it this was the time that the concern for reformation took its rise. The consideration of the deviation amongst the youth and education of children and establishing schools took a start at this meeting and was a very lively several years but all dies away as soon as peace is proclaimed see Jeremiah 34:8:11 and 17 verse.] 27:28. I went to our meeting which seemed for the better for some days. 29:0. About home husking etc. --<<October 1777>>-- 2nd Was our preparative meeting middling. 3rd About our corn 4 of the Tenth Month. There was a most dreadful noise of guns and roaring of cannon over in Pennsylvania the most violentest firing of guns that I believe that ever was yet heard [pencil annotation: Battle of Germantown] in our parts. I went to our meeting. 6. Threshing flax. 7. Laying it out. [sideways marginal note: In the year 1794 the yellow fever was in Philadelphia of which thousands died in a few weeks here was a trial of another sort a great hazard in going to Yearly Meeting yet many did venture their lives and a highly favored time it was.]
[sideways marginal note: In the year 1794 the yellow fever was in Philadelphia of which thousands died in a few weeks here was a trial of another sort a great hazard in going to Yearly Meeting yet many did venture their lives and a highly favored time it was.]
9th of the Tenth Month, 1777. Was our monthly meeting. William Jones, Rebekah Wright, Mary Stevenson and Joshua Gibbs was there. Rebecca Wright and Mary Stevenson both spoke very notably and we were favored with a very lively ministry though the meeting to me at first was I thought dullish but at last it seemed better and ended clearer. 10. About home. 11. I went over Ancocas Creek about some business. This day there was a most dreadful roaring of cannon in the river. 12. We went to our meeting and the cannon fired so hard that they seemed to jar the meeting house. This meeting seemed to me something strengthening and solid. 13:14:15. About home at work at our corn and 16 I went to our meeting which was silent. After meeting a soldier or officer came amongst the people to press wagons. Several pleaded with him and got off safe with their wagons that time but at Haddonfield Friends' wagons and horses were pressed almost every meeting day about this time yet did indifferency and lukewarmness too much prevail. See Amos 4:10 verse: I have sent among you the pestilence after the manner of Egypt: your young men have I slain with the sword and I have taken away your horses and I have made the stink of your camps to come up unto your nostrils yet have ye not returned unto me saith the Lord. This I think was very much the case with us at this time according to the remarks and memorandum that I had made. 17:18. I went to the burial of Thomas Hackney. I had a lively time at the house. 19. I went to our meeting which seemed middling well. 20. About home. 21. I went to hew a pump for William Whitin 17 1/2. 22. At Whitins pump. 23. We went to our meeting. Just as we were ready to set off to meeting there came a man and asked if we would take in or entertain a family that was afraid of being taken by the Hessian army which were at Haddonfield and it was said were going to Moorestown. I thought best to leave them at their liberty. The man went back and immediately the family came, that is a man and his wife and two children the woman and one of the children were crying and surprised. The woman persuaded us not to go to meeting but I felt most easy to go. [Left marginal note: The Hessians were at Haddonfield and stripped some very much of their provision at this time] When we came to Moorestown there was a great uproar. The people expected the Hessians every hour. When the meeting had been gathered a little while there was a great uproar and noise in the street and outcry that they were coming. A man came to the meeting house door and called out a Friend and said they would be here in five minutes time: whereupon some Friends went out and went home but the most part were favored to sit still. There was a constant roaring of cannon all this while every one of which gard the house but at last came one that even shook ** the walls very much and very much surprised the people. Women turned pale and began to cry but sat still and seemed to get over the shock these cannon seemed so hard I thought it was likely they were in the lower end of the town which was the more dreadful when we came out of meeting all seemed still and quiet and we found it was a false alarm there was no Hessians nearer than Haddonfield. [Left marginal note: ** it was said that great shock was a ship blowed up]
24 and 25 of the Tenth Month, 1777. I was about home and I went over Ancoas Creek after a piece of lumber. 26. We went to our meeting which was favored with quiet and stillness. 28:29:30. About home. We went to our preparative meeting. --<<November 1777>>-- 31. 1 of the Eleventh Month. I went after and about some sheep to the widow Borton�s. 2. Was First Day went to our meeting which was quite silent and undisturbed though a great number of soldiers had lodged there the night before. The Jerseys being now getting much filled with soldier almost every few days they were going to a fort down the river against Woodbury and the Hessians that were at Haddonfield had a battle with the Americans and were beaten and returned back to Philadelphia the 23 of the Tenth Month. [Left marginal note: We went to Cal Evans�s.] [Left marginal note: 3:4:5 after pine] 6 of the Eleventh Month. We went to our Monthly Meeting. Benjamin Swett and Joshua Evans was there. Joshua spoke very zealously and Rebekah Roberts, too. It was a poor dull time with me though I believe not so to some. 7th and 8. About home mending some little wheels etc. 9. My wife and I went over Ancocas Creek and was at their meeting. 10 and 11. We were at Aaron Wills and Joseph Buzby�s. 12. About home. 13 At our meeting. 14. I set off for Salem Quarterly Meeting with John Lippincott, Joshua Roberts and Hannah French. Went to lodged at Caleb Lippinctt. 15:16. I was at Piles Grove meeting which was pretty lively. Deborah Basit a young Friend in the ministry appeared very bright and lively. 17. I was at Salem Quarterly Meeting. Benjamin Reeve spoke. These meetings were very quiet though it was a very distressing time to me by reason of the troubles and noises of guns and wars now much prevailing. 18. We came home. [Left marginal note: There was a dreadful roaring of cannon in the river about this time.] 19:20. I was at our meeting* [Left marginal note:* John Stokes child was buried 20] 21:22:23. My wife and folks went to our meeting. The soldiers lodged very common in our meeting house about this time yet we were not much disturbed only with the wounded sick etc. It smelt ugly (See Amos 4th: 10 verse). About making a little spinning wheel. 27. I went to our meeting and before I got very near I heard a drum and expecting the meeting house and town was full of soldiers I would have made excuse and turned back if I dare especially when I came in sight and saw so vast an army all about the meeting house there was no prospect at first of having a meeting the place was so crowded but in a little time the all or the thickest of them marched upwards and favored with a quiet meeting but these was poor low times with me all hard: the heavens as brass and the earth as iron.
27 of the Eleventh Month, 1777. At night about two or three hours after sun-down there was a great light appeared in the north like as it were full brake of day and at times there appear red streams as if it rained blood. Much the color of blood these red streams appeared in several parts and sometimes disappeared and so brighten up and then grow more pale and dim it was clear starlight and the stars might be seen through the redness. 28:29. I was about home. 30. I went to our meeting which was quiet and still. --<<December 1777>>-- 1st of the Twelfth Month, 1777. I went to make a pump for Edmund Hollinshead 16 feet long. 2. Finished and went to John Warrington's to make a pump but I came home. 3. I went to John Collins's to mend a pump. 4. We went to our monthly meeting which was very much disturbed with some men that came to press wagons. It was said they took six or seven away or ordered friends to go to Holly to load etc. 5 and 6. We were finishing J. Warrington's pump 27 [feet] long. 7. We went to our meeting which was favored with quietude and pretty clear of soldiers and I went down to Haddonfield Monthly Meeting which was pretty much shut up till last. 9 and 10. I was at home making a dough trough for Joshua Evans. 11. We went to our meeting. 12. At home dressing flax. 13. I went to mend a pump for John Pine. 14. We went to our meeting which was very poor and dull. 19:20. I was several days of this week at Elizabeth Bates's helping them about getting timber for a cow house. 21. We was at our meeting. 22:23:24:25. I went to our meeting and brother Joshua. 26:27:28. We went to our meeting 29:30:31. About home. --<<January 1778>>-- 1st of the First Month, 1778. We went to our preparative meeting. Joshua Evans was there and spoke very notably and R.R. [Rebekah Roberts] also yet daftness, deadness, dryness and stupidity prevailed. 2nd of the First Month. Joshua Evans and I went up to Edgepelick to see the Indians and we found them in a very poor suffering condition as to food and raiment but as to quietness and peace they seemed much happier than a many of the white people who were rich and abounded with plenty yet were afflicted and disquieted in mind because of the great destruction there was in the land at this time. 3. I was about home.
4th of the First Month 1778. We went to the burial of Esther Eldrige. Joshua Evans was there and spoke to the people in a very weighty manner but yet as to the general people seemed unaffected and at ease not withstanding all the prospects of spring and destruction and all that could be said. 5:6:7. I was about home killing hogs etc. 8. We went to our monthly meeting. Jacob Evans his wife was buried. Mark Reeve and Benjamin Swett was there and had a pretty deal to say. [Right marginal note: The meeting at first was exceeding dull to me but better at last.] 9. I went with a committee of Friends appointed from our monthly meeting and some from the quarterly of Salem to visit Friends who still kept Negroes which seemed to be a very great satisfaction and a very agreeable time it was after long waiting and such labor had been spent with those Friends who held them. The Friends was Joshua Thompson, Richard Wood, William Foster, Thomas Redman, John Glovyer, John Lippincott and diverse others from our monthly meeting. 10. About home. 11. We went to our meeting which was not very dull. 13. I was about home till noon and then I set off with my Friend Joshua Evans about amongst Friends to try to collect some blankets for the poor Indians. We lodged at brother Joseph Warrington. 14. We proceed and so went through about amongst Friends of Chester.* [Left marginal note: *Some friends were more liberal than we expected and some not so much yet we collected some blankets and other things considerable.] 16:17. About home dressing flax etc. 18. We went to our meeting which to me was better than common. 19. About home. 20. Joshua Evans and I went up to Indian Town to carry some blankets and old clothes which our Friends of Chester had bestowed to the Indians and the poor naked creatures seemed to receive them with abundance of thankfulness and some was affected with tenderness to see Friends' kindness and seemed desirous to make some little retaliation for the kindness they had received. 20:21:22. I was at our meeting. 23 and 24:25. We went to our meeting. 26. I was doing some turning work for J. Evans and a Dnh man. 27. At work at a pump for John Morton.
--<<February 1778>>-- 1 of the Second Month, 1778. We went to our meeting. 2. I went to make a pump for Benjamin Pitfield, 36 and a half [feet] long. 3 and 4. Do. 5 of the Second Month. Was our Monthly Meeting. Josiah Whiter, William Jones, Elizabeth Atkinson and Deborah Basit was there and all spoke very well but I think Deborah exceeded. She seemed like a very lively innocent beautiful young woman in the truth and a very lively edifying meeting it was. 6. We went to the burial of William Warrington. Lost his reason by fits of conscetious many years � son of Thomas. 7th. I finished John Morton's pump 20 [feet] long. 8. We was at our meeting. 10. Do Joseph Buzby his wife and Elizabeth Haines came to see us. 11:12. We went to our meeting and down to brother Joseph with my wife's relatives. 13. Getting home some firewood. A very stormy cold windy week. 15 I went to our meeting and called to see Ezekiel Lippincott who was then just breathing his last moments yet pretty sensible. 16:17. I went to the burial of Ezekiel Lippincott. 18:19. Went to our meeting was something strengthening. [Left marginal note: a very P[oor] D[ull] H[eavy] T[ime] W[ith] me for a L[ong] season] 20:21. I set off to Burlington with my friend Joshua Evans. We lodged at brother Aaron's. 22. We were at Ancocas meeting which was favored I believed. Lodged at George Elkinton's. 23. We went to the Quarterly Meeting at Burlington which seemed pretty well favored with much quietude considering the commotions. Only some of the representatives were stopped, taked up and hindered from attending. We lodged [with] William Jones. [24.] Next day the 24th we came back to the youth's meeting at Burlington which was a very good meeting and there was an extraordinary beautiful appearance of young Friends in the ministry from Pennsylvania and some other parts. This was a time of very great instruction and schooling to me. I saw some rising and some falling and the weakness and dangers that attend the very best but desire to remember that children may forget their schooling. [John Hunt's Journal gives "dangers that attend the very best, to outward appearance. But I wish to bear in mind that children may forget their schooling." (299)] 25. I went to hew a pump for Levi Lippincott and one for Jacob Wells. This was a day of some favor and pleasantness. Though dreadful prospects as to the outward there was at this time: whilst I was at Burlington. 26. I went to our preparative meeting. I do believe there was a some good degree of something of the right sort amongst us this day though very dreadful prospects as to the outward, stripping and driving and taking way earthly possessions. 27:28.
--<<March 1778>>-- 1st of the Third Month, 1778. I went with our children to our meeting. This was a favored strengthening time to me several days together. 5. We went to our Monthly Meeting. Samuel Hopkins was there from Philadelphia and had very acceptable service notwithstanding the gloomy prospects as to the outward. We were favored with sweet quietude and comforted together without any interruption though the meeting day before at that place was much otherways. 6 and 7. Nothing worthy of note unless it was a time of more fortitude of mind than common with me. 8. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. 9:10:11 [and] the 12. I went to our meeting which was favored with quietude. 13:14 [and] the 15. We went to our meeting. 16. 17. I went to the burial of Massy Redman. Several lively testimonies was born. The meeting solid and undisturbed. 18. I went to finish a pump for Levi Lippincott. 19. We finished the pump was 21 1/2 [feet] long. 20. Was Quarterly Meeting at Haddonfield. Robert Willis was there and spoke a long time and very notable and good. Quiet meeting was and very still. The soldiers had been very much there a little before so much that the town looks very dissolute. 21:22. Went to our meeting. 23 and 24. I went to work at a pump for Jacob Wells. 25. Brother Joshua and I went to get a poplar log for heels and I finished Wells his pump 14 [feet] long. When I done we settled and there is due to me [Crossed out with notation �paid for�:] 1-5. The 26 we went to our meeting and our beloved Friend Robert Willis was there and did preach very encouragingly and very notably and a very good strengthening meeting it was. 27:28. About home about some plows for Jerm Mt and Joseph Bisp. The 29 we went to our meeting and there we found our old friend Robert Willis there again very unexpected it being a very stormy rough time to turn out. Meribah Fowles an elder and a distant relation to us was here was with me and had come up from the Spring meeting at Philadelphia and a very good solid meeting it was. Robert was very lively in his testimony and a very comfortable time it was though the weather was very unpleasant. 30 and 31. --<<April 1778>>-- 1 of the Fourth Month. I was about home. 2. Was our preparative meeting. Nothing to remark more than common. 3 and 4. I was about a churn for S. Roberts. 5. Went to our meeting which seemed pretty clever. 6. I went with my friend John Lippincott to visit Ev. 7. Sowing flax and making a plow for P. Mirtt. 9. Was our Monthly Meeting and a very clever sort of a meeting it was to me and I thought it had a tendency to strengthen one in good resolution and we were very much favored as to the outward at this time beyond many of our neighbors. 10 and 11. Making a harrow and something at a plow for Joseph Burrow. 12. Was First Day. We went to our meeting. Benjamin Swett was there and spoke very notably* and he came home with me to dinner and made a notable prayer at dinner time. Brother Joseph Warrington and wife was here and Jonas Cattle and wife and very agreeable it was to have our friends home with us. [Left marginal note: Concluded the meeting with prayers.]
13th of the Fourth Month, 1778. I was about home at work at some plows etc. 14:15 the 16. Went to our meeting which seemed very clever. 17. My wife and I went over Ancocas to see our relations and came back that day. 18. About home. 19. Went to our meeting. 20:21:22. At work at plows. 23. I went to our meeting. 24:25. At work at a churn for Jonas Cattle and mending some plows for Joshua Evans. 26. Went to our meeting. 27:28:29. About preparing to plant etc. 30. Was our preparative meeting. About this time we had a meeting of conference at Chester which was much to my satisfaction and relief of mind. It was concerning dealing with such that go out in marriage. --<<May 1778>>-- 1 of the Fifth Month. About home great tumults and noises there was in these parts about this time but we were preserved very much out of them as yet. 3. Was First Day. We went to our meeting. 4:5:6. About planting etc. 7. Was our monthly meeting which was satisfactory though the soldiers was quartered then at that place. 8 and 9. Planting. About this time I met with some Friends at William Rogers's to answer an appointment to collect Friends' sufferings. 14. I went to our weekday meeting. John Simpson was there from Pennsylvania, a man I had some knowledge of some years though much a stranger amongst us he spoke very extraordinary I thought to the state of our meeting. Some of his words was concerning Herod who had slain the children. This he compared to a worldly spirit and said, O how glad could I have been to have heard Rachel's voice amongst you, this he compared to the true church that was mourning for the slain of the daughters of her people. Leah was tender eyed; this he compared to the winking and too lightly looking over faults in our children, but beautiful Rachel was more beloved by her husband and she mourned [?] because her children are not coming and growing up in the right way. [Matthew 2:18?] This man I did think at the right end of the work he mentioned something of keeping up the morning and evening Sacrifices. I was now confined pretty much at home. [Left marginal note: This was the first time John Simpson was amongst us but he was often there afterwards.] 24. Was First Day. I went to our meeting. After this meeting I was under some uneasiness of mind but in a few days it was clear off and I believed it was only the suggestions and buffeting of Satan. 26 of the Fifth Month, 1778. My wife was brought to bed with a son about 11 at night. [Left marginal note: John] [Left marginal note: He died the last day of the Sixth Month, 1824. 1778 = 46 [years old]] 27. I went over Ancocas Creek to bring sister Elizabeth Haines and was at Ancocas meeting which ended very satisfactory to me and afforded encouragement after meeting Friends seemed very near loving, pleasant and friendly although I met with some difficulty getting over the creek, the boats of all sort being taken away the ferry by the Continental's orders. I went up to Joshua Borton and there got over and returned with satisfaction. 28. I went to our preparative meeting. At this meeting I was under some exercise about saying something but put it off till the meeting broke up: so put it by till preparative was just concluded then mentioned it which yield some relief and satisfaction afterward, though I believed it would have been better to have done it in the first meeting.
31 of the Fifth Month, 1778. I went to our meeting. Ebenezer Miller was there and had a great deal to say. --<<June 1778>>-- 1:2:3 of the Sixth Month. About home. 4th of the Sixth Month. I went to our Monthly Meeting. Mark Reeve and his wife and Phillip Dennis and Ebenezer Miller and James Cooper was there, these Friends was appointed to attend our Monthly Meeting from the Quarterly according to the direction of the Yearly Meeting. These Friends had a great deal to say and a very searching striping time it was. [Left marginal note: This 4th [of] Sixth Month at night there came between thirty and forty militia men and quartered with us till Seventh Day following. A sad wicked crew they was yet took but very little from us.] 6 of the Sixth Month: These friends was at our meeting and had abundance to say. They were at our First Day meeting and I went to Haddonfield Monthly Meeting when I had got about a mile from home I met some friends a coming back who told several of us that the English army was about a mile on the road an coming this way, which seemed something surprising to all of us and a pretty close trial to us to leave our families at such a time. After some discourse we seemed to take courage and fear went of and all set off together, the report being so straight and from such a one,* [Left marginal note:* W. F.] that we could not expect any other but that we should go immediately amongst them. However, we had not gone far before we met some soldiers, but they were not English. They behaved very civil and let us pass peaceably and we passed several other companies of soldiers but had not interruption but had a quiet good meeting. 11. I went to our meeting. Enoch Roberts and Agnes Hewlings was married. Thomas Evans was there and spoke very much to my state which seemed very strange. His word was concerning raggedness and nakedness and robes of righteousness. About this time I was taken very poorly with inward fever. I continued very poorly about ten days and then got a little better my wife was very bad about this time. About the 18:19 and 20 the British army marched up from Philadelphia through the Jerseys. Some part went up through Evesham and past through Moorestown and a most dismal time of trial and stripping it was, they plundering the houses and stripping away horses and creatures of every sort in a most dismal manner. Some families were most exceedingly stripped and some fared much better than they could expect. To be particular in this relation would be too extensive a work for me, yet this much I remark that in this dismal storm or shower there was but very few lives lost down this way. Only one that we were certain of and two houses burned down in Evesham. In this dreadful time we were favored for they came not to our house though they were all round amongst our neighbors, except a very few of our neighbors escaped their company. The 20 they were at Moorestown and we expected they would come every hour and at last there came three, and then we expected to be stripped and plundered as many of our near neighbors were but they were three deserters and behaved very well. I put a new piece in A. Ashead's pump and mended several others.
--<<July 1778>>-- The 6:7 and 8 of the Seventh Month, 1778, we were reaping and about hay at home. 9. I went to our Monthly Meeting and a sad poor time it was, there being diversities of sentiments concerning a certain matter. About this time the flux seemed to be getting pretty much about and six or seven was buried in a few days with it. 10:11. At home plowing corn. 12. Went to our meeting which seemed very poor. Joshua Evans was there and spoke very close and tight to some of the elderly sort. This was a very poor time. The storm, however dreadful whilst it was over our heads, seemed to not have any good effect on the people. Now the armies of all sorts being gone away to the eastward, market opened again and people fell on to trading and struggling after the treasures of the earth. 26. We having been getting in harvest and hay etc. Nothing very Meetesh unless it was this it was a very poor low discouraging time with me as to the state of my mind the heavens seemed as brass and the earth as iron. See Isaiah the 1st and 30th verse: for ye shall be as an oak whose leaf fadeth, and as a garden that hath no water [Isaiah 1:30]. This 2 of the Seventh Month, 1778, I went to our meeting. Robert Willis and John Parrish was there. Robert at last had a very lively testimony and John spoke too and the meeting seemed to end well. After meeting I went with these Friends to Joseph Stokes to dine and so to John Lippincott's, he being very unwell and some of the children with the flux we had a little sitting and John and Robert both spoke very extraordinary. In the evening they came home with me to lodge and I was very glad of their company. The 27 before they went away we had a little time of silence and John spoke very well to the poor state of my mind and to our children and servants�this week we were about hay. The 30th was our preparative meeting which was a very poor dull time. I believe the Flux was very mortal in some families now. The widow of William Bates buried two daughters this week and another lies very ill. [Right marginal note: and she died also] --<<August 1778>>-- 1st of the Eighth Month. Was Seventh Day and a very poor discouraging time it was with me in so much that I had thoughts of quite giving out striving any longer, former weakness prevailing, which brought into a state of great unhappiness, yet there was a longing desires after that which is good in these times of stripping and buffeting and these passages were see Hebrews 12-5 6 verse and Revelations 3:18-19 verse yea to the end. [Left marginal note: Hebrews the 10th and 25 verse and 31 verse ay to the end especially the 38.] [Left marginal note: brought in mind] 2 of the Eighth Month. I went to our meeting and a poor dull time it was. 3. About our hay etc. 4. Went to the burial of Sarah French, our neighbor youngest daughter. She died with the flux. 5. About home.
7th of the Eighth Month, 1778. I went to our Monthly Meeting. Abraham Griffe and his companion from Pennsylvania was there and William Jones but were almost silent in the first meeting but the last seemed to end well and afforded some satisfaction to my mind. The 7th was our youth's meeting at Moorestown which was very large. Abraham Griffe, William Jones, and Robert Willis, Samuel Hopkins, and John Reeve and several others was there. Abraham spoke first in a very affecting manner but at length Robert appeared [Left marginal note: Several small testimonies before him.] [continued from above in single contiguous paragraph] and had I think the most lively testimony that I ever had heard [from] him and a blessed highly favored meeting it was to me and I believe pretty generally so to others. In his speaking he mentioned the many troubles. And trials that were to be met with in this world and that a great part fell to the righteous, but yet at times they were greatly favored supported and carried through and said we must take the rough with the smooth, the winter with the summer, but he would have us set our faces like a flint to cut through the ice, the frost, and the snow, and told us the zeal of some friends in Old England that came three hundred miles on foot to a yearly meeting and some upwards and of some in New England that traveled on foot thirty miles to a meeting and carried their children and victuals in a wallet and about halfway there in spring between Pebrook and Sedsbury where they used to stop and drink which goes by the name of the Quaker's Spring to this day for ought I know, says he, this was a fine opportunity. O how Loving people did seem when they came out of meeting. 8th Was First Day. A remarkable passage In George Fox his Journal I noticed this morning, page 338. Went to our meeting. Thomas Say and his wife and Josiah Miller was there and all spoke very well. The 11th of the Eighth Month 1778, we went to the burial of our near neighbor Ann Frich. Thomas Evans and Elizabeth Atkins was there and spoke very well I thought. This week I was About a screw press and apple mill for myself. 16 Was First Day. At home I did stay being in a poorly way. The 20th was Fifth Day meeting a very dull time I thought it was with us. 23. Was First Day�I was at our meeting. 24. I went to make a pump for Jonathan Tiphart. 25. We came home. Could not finish for want of iron work. 26. I was making a plow for Joshua Bispham. 27. I went to our meeting and I believed Rebekah Roberts had sympathy with my poor tried state of mind and spoke to my condition concerning some that were tossed as with a tempest and not comforted, but this was something comforting for the present.
The 28th and 29th of the Eighth Month. I was at home making some plows. [Right marginal note: One for Jaso Holinshed, one for Samuel Cox] The 30th was First Day. I seemingly happened to take up a book called Fruits of Retirement, or Miscellaneous Poems and cast mine eye on the 71 page, which seemed to well suit my state of mind at that time. [Mary Mollineaux, Fruits of Retirement, first published in 1702; Hunt's page references are consistent with the sixth edition, published in London in 1772.] [Left marginal note: Meditations in Trouble] The Sixth Epistle to [Cousin] F.R. was also edifying page 69. Same book. [Right marginal note: Mary Mollineux] I was at home at work this week about some plows: one for Samuel Roberts, mended two for Daniel Lippincott and trimming casks etc. --<<September 1778>>-- 3rd of the month was our preparative meeting. [Right marginal note: and a poor dull time it was] 6th of the Ninth Month. I went over the creek to Ancocas meeting. A poor heavy dull meeting it was. My wife and aunt Rakestraw went with me and I went to Burlington Monthly Meeting which at first was a drowsy sort of a meeting. William Blaks from Pennsylvania was there and spoke first. George Dillwyn also spoke and I did really think raised the life pretty generally in the meeting. The meeting ended well and was edifying to me. We came home this evening. 8 and 9. About Sowing. 10 of the Ninth Month 1778. I went to our Monthly Meeting. William Blakey was there and spoke very well. The meeting was in a good degree satisfactory. 13. First Day. At our meeting. A very poor dull time it was, it having been very still and quiet for a considerable time as to the outward commotions of the times, as great luke warmness prevailed as ever and people grew worse and worse. 14. I went to K. Cob's to dress his apple mill. 15. I was making a cheese press for Joshua Evans. 16. I went to Abraham Hewling's to help John Brock about an apple mill. 17. I was at our meeting. Rebekah Roberts spoke very extraordinary, seemingly with a near sympathy with the low state of some of our minds concerning Zacheus etc. This meeting was somewhat satisfactory to me. 18. I was making some cider for Sal Hopkins and John Parrish. 19. About cider. About husking corn this week etc. The 25 we went to our Quarterly Meeting which I thought was a very poor dull time. 26. Brother Robert and I went up to Caleb Evans's. 28. Michl Shikon and Josef Dinge was at our meeting and both spoke. [Added later: One of these fell and in the year 1784 is in prison at Philadelphia.]
Second day 28th I set off to Philadelphia to the Yearly Meeting with my brother Robert from Maryland. I went to the Bank meeting house where there was many solid good Friends and several testimonies was delivered. One Friend said he had (or thought he had) distinctly heard the sound of the want of bread as he walked the streets, in the next meeting at Market Street there was some very able ministers appeared. One ancient woman had something by way of a prophesy a little. She said, as near as I remember, there would be turnings and great overturnings yet in the land many houses would be left disolate great and fair without inhabitant* [Left marginal note: It did prove so. Many famous houses were burnt down by soldiers.] I attend the several sittings of this Yearly Meeting meeting till the last about one on Seventh Day in which the general active part of Friends expressed that it was a highly favored meeting. One day the forepart of the week three women came into the men�s meeting and sat some time and seemed to be under a very great and exceeding deep concern and at last one stood up and I think delivered As lively a testimony as I ever heard. It seemed to be chiefly against a forward spirit that would be wiling to be seen in carry on the affairs of the church could it head knowledge wordly widsom and said though the words might seem well their spirits was aginst the truth,* Reminded us of the man that went to stretch forth his hand to steady the ark and was struck dead. The next day but one, there came one woman and so odd an one that there was much talk of here and many went to see her at her chamber which she but seldom left. She came into the men�s meeting and appeared in a very solid deep exercise as she stood a considerable time on the steps between the gallares. At last begun to speak very loud and zealous. Expressed the sense she had of the great favors with which Frends were favored at that time and was of the mind if there was a general turning to the Lord in faithfulness that Friends would get to be favored: but if they were not steady in faithfulness what we had seen was but the begininng of a sorrows: though it was a time of great poverty with me as to the inwards state of my mind, yet I believed it would be a time of very great instruction to me and many sentances be as bread cast on the waters. [Left marginal note:* This seemed to be for some of the form oft Ro and I thought it seemed to appear who they were before the week was out: this was Mary Husbands with whom I had further acquaintance now in 1789 at Baltimore]
--<<October 1778>>-- 4th of the Tenth Month 1778. Brother Robert from Maryland was here and we went to our meeting. Josn Gibbs was there and spoke very comical. 5:6: and 7th. Was About our Indian Corn etc. 8. We went to our monthly meeting, which was considerably satisfactory to me in the end. Brother Joshua passed. 9 and 10. About our corn and stalks etc. 11. We went to our meeting. A very stormy Day it was. R[ebekah] R[oberts] S[poke]. 12. We went with brother and his wife up to Caleb Evans and to Elisha Hooton's. The 13 I went to the ferry to take my brother and his wife and children, who were setting off homewards to Maryland and I parted with them in tenderness and sympathy. And I came back a poor man asked if he might ride with me. I bid him jump in. He informed me he was a cooper and was soon to making casks at Mount Holly to hold cider and whisky, which led us into a discourse concerning the excessive use of strong drink. He related a case which was very entertaining, which was nearly thus: He said he lived with a rich man that was very much given to strong drink and very passionate and he had an old Negro that was so bad for drink that he could not manage him and so sold him to one Parson Stirgin. He still continuing very bad for drink and very troublesome, Stirgin sold him to a captain of a vessel who took him to sea where he suffered very hard usage by the drunken sailors. After some time he was brought into Philadelphia again and went to his old master and walked about the yard very sorrowful they asked him what was the matter with him and he told them he wanted his old master to buy him again and take him away from the bad sailors. They told him he would get drunk again and be troublesome. He said no he would never drink no more that cursed stuff. So his old master bought him again and he remaind faithful to his promise 17 or 18 years, refusing to eat meat or touch one drop of strong drink and when they asked his reason why he would not eat meat and take a little strong drink he put his hand on his breast and said it was the Spirit told him. So one day his master fell into a rage and threw large stones at him. He said to his master, Ay you no kile me you nok au my brains out. You no kile me. I live for all dat after I Dad. You never make au a good Spirit, you never live after you dad. One day some rude boys thought they would have some fun with him and so got and put some rum in his can amonst his water unbeknown to him, but he threw it out with abhorrence and came and sat it down and told them to chop it to pieces for it stunk and said he would never use it any more and so went and threw it in the fire and burnt it up. He also took the stone home with him and showed it to a Methodist minister who used his master house frequently, and told him how his master threw such as that at him which his master threw at him. This seemed to be done to show him how inconsistent it was to what they so highly professed. His master being a cooper by trade, poor women used to come to the shop for chips and when the journeymen and apprentices would drive them away and say they should not have any without they would bring them some rums this old Negro would say, �How can you drive au dat poor woman away?� and so would go and give them some. When he left off drinking he grew saving and when he died he left between 60 and 70 pounds in his chest. [Left marginal note: When he reformed he became so noted that people used to stop him the the streets to talk with him.]
14th of the Tenth Month, 1778. I went to Benjamin Morgan's to take up his pump and very troublesome job it was. 15. Do. 16 and 17. About home hauling corn etc. 18. I went up to Evesham Upper meeting with my friend Joshua Evans. Joshua seemed to have good service amongst them, but I had but a poorish time of it. After meeting we went to visit a man W.B. who made a request to be taken into meeting and so we went home with William Rogers who was in company with us and on the whole I seemed pretty well satisfied. 19:20 and 21. About home getting winter apples in and making cider. 22. We went to our meeting, which time John Morris and Sarah Evans was married. My wife and I being appointed to the oversight went. 25 of the Tenth Month, 1778. This morning, in a book called Piety Promoted, page 78, I find these lines made by Jonah Lawson about 14 years of age: //Humility the Spring of Virtue is/ Humbling thy Self Virtue thou cannot Miss,/ Delight in Virtue, Vice be sure to Shun/ He's happy, that a Virtuous Course doth run.// Also in the same book I found some lines of one Samuel Hunt of Nottingham. Before his departure he dictated the following: To live in the love and fear of God and if thou meet with any disappointment, thou mayst apply thy self to him, the more freely for assistance, it being thy father's daily practice, in what exercise he hath met in this world and be truly honest, both towards God and man; always laboring in thy own mind to contradict any thing that may be otherwise. I recommend this practice: privately to go into thy chamber twice a day to wait upon the Lord for council and instruction in all things and it is thy father's desire that thou mayst be loving and dutiful unto thy mother, and loving and kind to thy wife. [Right marginal note: Aged 41 Years] [Left marginal note: First Day] 26 of the Tenth Month 1778. I went to George Matlack's to put a new top piece on his pump. 27. At do. The piece was 18 [feet] long. When we settled we concluded he was due me [Crossed through:] 2- 8 � 0. 28. I was about home making a Ho Pa: 29. We went to our preparative meeting and to Joseph Warrington's. 30 and 31. About home getting firewood etc. --<<November 1778>>-- 1 of the Eleventh Month. We went to our meeting. Heard of the burial of William Foster. 2 of the Eleventh Month. I went to make a pump for Wilm Braning 27 long. 3rd. I went to the burial of William Foster. James Thorington was there and John Pemberton both spoke very large and notable. 4. I finished Braning pump and came home. [Left marginal note: I.J. had 300 foot cedar boards]
5 of the Fourth Month, 1778. We Went to our Monthly Meeting. John Pemberton was there and spoke very prettily. I thought I had not much cause to be dissatisfied with this meeting too had not that full satisfaction I could wish. 6. I went to Elisha Hooton's to take up his pump. 7. We went up in the Barrens after a load of pine knots. 8. Went to our meeting which was silent and very poor. 9. About home. 10. I went to mend a pump for Betty Lippincott. 11. About a pump for a flat for William Jones. 12. We went to our meeting. R. Roberts to some one in very particular concerning their words giving up to the Lord's requiring. 13. I went to mend a pump for Francis Dudley. 14. I set off to Salem Quarterly Meeting with Joseph Roberts and John Collins. I lodged at Samuel Ogden's and they went to Amariah Ballinger's. 15. We went to Piles Grove meeting. Benjamin Reeve spoke. I dined at Mark Nicholson's and rode down to Salem in company with Phineas Lord and lodged at James Mason's. 16. We went to the Quarterly Meeting at Salem. Joshua Evans spoke concerning the wonderful Counselor, the everlasting father and Prince of peace who speak and Consuls as Never man Taught, Desiring that would be pleased to steady us in these times of so great Commotion. Several others spoke also: but I thought it was not an open meeting but pretty much shut up. This evening went to Margaret Falls to lodge. 17. Next Mooning I met with a company of friends at Samuel Nicholson in order to have a little conference concerning dropping a part of one of our queries and Friends were very much divided about it till quite meeting time, then we came up to Salem to meeting. George Dillwyn and Samuel Emlen was there. Benjamin Swett spoke first concerning the Divine law written in the heart. Great peace have they that love thy law was his first words. Then Benjamin Reeve spoke. George Dillwyn appeared in prayer in a very lively manner and then stood up and spoke to a state very particular that had gone so far as to know what it was to have a good meeting, but was sat down at ease. Samuel Emlen concluded the meeting at last and his testimony was much to the same state some of his words was thus: Gallio* careth not for these things. I thought Samuel was the most lively I had ever heard him from this meeting toward the south to Carolina and that way. We came homewards as far as Luchas Gibb's. Rainy this eve. [Left marginal note: * See Acts 18 Chapter] 18. Joseph Roberts, John Collins, and I came home and found all in good health.
Now as to the wars and commotion here away we have enjoyed much quiet a considerable time, But there was an alarm of another kind as much if not more awful to some and that was an uncommon kind of a worm which bred in the grain of the wheat, which eat out and turned to a fly and they were so far multiplied about Salem that their bread was generally very much hurt with it and we heard it was a great deal worse in many places back in Virginia and Pennsylvania and Maryland and to the Southward and by reports in some parts where it was very bad. People that handled the wheat broke out with very bad sores and it was said people that handled such as millers where it very bad died with it so that it seemed as if it was an infectious and carried something of the appearance of a famine and a kind of a pestilence. 19th of the Eleventh Month 1778 We went to Our meeting. Brother Joshua was married. Thomas Evans was there and had something to say concerning a famine. This was to me a very pleasant meeting. 20. I went to Joshua Dudley's to make a pump 19 [feet] long. 21. At Dudley's finished and came home. 22. We went to our meeting which was not so dull as at some times. 23: 24: 25: About home. 26. We went to our meeting And V[ery] D[ull] and P[oor] it W[as]. 27. We went down to Joshua Evans's to mend his pump had a very wearisome job of it and all to no purpose. 28. Came homewards stopped and mended Judiah Clement's his pump. 29. Went to our meeting XXX Remember this day again. 30. I was at home about a churn for Parnel Gibbs. --<<December 1778>>-- 1 of the Twelfth Month 1778. I went about a pump for Joseph Garwood. We hewed the timber for his and one for Martin Medin. 2. At work at Garwood's. 3. We went to our preparative meeting. James Cooper was there and Susannah Lightfoot. James spoke first concerning indifferency and then Susannah appeared and in a very sweet and lively manner her first words was concerning the deceitfulness of the heart of man above all things and mentioned that it was the Lord that searched the heart and tried the Reins and something further concerning searching of hearts and that it would be well if all people were willing to have their hearts* searched and said the Lord had shaken his rod once and again and what had it done for us and spoke very extraordinary concerning the judgments that were in the land and the present troubles and trials that many had been and were Surrounded with: with Armies of Men of fierce spirits whose hearts were turned from the Lord and a very good meeting it was. [Left marginal note: In these trials she said she believed it was the language of some, Oh that I might not do any thing that would bring dishonor to the truth.]
4th of the Twelfth Month, 1778 at work at a pump for Joseph Garwood and did something more at Martin Martin's. 5. I finished Martin's and Garwood both. Joseph Garwood's was 32 [feet] long and Martin's was near 21. 6. Went to our meeting, which was not so dull as at sometimes. 7. We were killing hogs and taking up flax. 8 and 9. About home. 10. I went to our Monthly Meeting at which there was a brave number of Friends from different quarters: Robert Willis, Benjamin Jones, Samuel Hopkins, Rebekah Wright, and Mary Stevenson. Isaac was dropped. John Perry and Benjamin Huff from Wilmington was also there. Friend not being like to get through with the business adjourned to meet the 11th which was next day at 11 o'clock, at which time the above mentioned Friends as well as friends of our meeting assembled again and a very open good meeting it was, most of the public Friends having a lively opportunity with us. Benjamin Jones a very still sort of a man spoke very notably meeting of Business held till quite night this was a very fine strengthening time with us worthy to be remembered. 12. John Perry and Benjamin Huff came to see me with whose company I was strengthened and well Pleased as well at our house as at the meeting. 13. Went to our meeting. Robert Wilis, Rebekah Wright, Mary Stevenson was there and Joshua Gibbs and all of them had very acceptable service and a very good open meeting it was. 14 and I was about home. Our little son Bille was very ill at this time with a stoppage of the stomach and shortness of breath with which he was exceedingly distressed and the 15 about one o'clock at night he departed this life crying out in his distress, Daddy O what I shall do. What I shall do?, this was often his cry, �Daddy, what I shall do?�, which was very affecting and indeed something very solemn and awful attended this language from such a child. He was always a very healthy fine child till this spell of sickness, which I believe was what is called the hives. He was born the 11 of the First month 1776 and departed this life the 15th of the Twelfth Month 1778. He remained sensible till less than an hour before he died, calling �Daddy� as long as he had strength and was buried the 17th. Joshua Evans was at the burial and at the meeting, It being our weekday meeting. Rebekah Roberts spoke. Her words was something concerning going to the house of mourning, that it was better than to go to the house of feasting and expressed a sympathy with some that was and had been willing to Dwell as it were in the house of mourning and encouraged them to be patient until it should pleased the Lord to arise for their help and bring them forward. This week in the forepart of the week our ancient friend Thomas Evans came to see us.
18 of the Twelfth Month 1778. We went to see our neighbor Sam Collins who was very ill. 19. I went to Joshua Lippincott's to mend a pump. 20. Was First Day went to our meeting. 21. I went to mend a pump for William Cox. [Right marginal note: Making Meat tub 22:23 for Joshua] 24. We went to our meeting. Robert Willis was there and spoke very extraordinary. Had a very pretty meeting. 25:26. I was making a church for Parnel Gilles. [Right marginal note: A very great snow] 27 of the Twelfth Month, 1778. I went to Haddonfield meeting a very cold day it was and a great snow on the ground. Mary Sweet and Sarah Hopkins spoke but the meeting was poor and things looked cold as to religion after meeting I went home with Benjamin Swett and Joshua Evans was with us: Joshua Evan having had a concern to pay the Indians at Edgepelick and some white people at Goshen a religious visit had asked me to go with him and Benjamin Swett expressing a freedom to join in the visit. Now after having the approbation of our Friends of our Monthly Meetings we now conclude to proceed and went as far as our kind friend Isaac Borton's this evening. 28. This morning after breakfast Benjamin and Joshua had some kind and tender advice to drop and then we proceeded to Goshen mill and had a meeting with some not of our profession: with which they seemed well pleased and asked us to come and see them again when the weather should be more moderate. Here we lodged and had good quarters and very kind entertainment. Next morning at parting we had a pretty deal to say but it was chiefly to two young women that was there towards whom all our minds seemed sympathisingly drawn. 29. Then we went forward to see the Indians and endeavored to have them collected together which seemed rather difficult by reason of the severity of the weather and great snow, however I believe the greater part did get together at one of their Indian houses and had a meeting with them which seemed very open and I believe ended well, yet as there was some elderly people and some lame and some not very well in health and some children that could not get there, we seemed not clear without visiting them in their private families. This night we lodged at an Indian house but a Dutchman had got live in it. Here we met with haridsh fare to what we had been used to, yet were far from complaining and bore it cheerfully having each one a blanket with us we lay by the fire and did very well. Next Day 30. we proceeded to visit the families and very extraordinary open sitting we had in which I believe that we were truly owned. The last held till after dark and was I believe to general satisfaction. Some of the Indians were very tender and all seemed very attentive. Now we seemed to be released and parted with the Indians seemingly with great respect and rode down to our friend Isaac Borton's which was about eleven or twelve miles. In some part of this visit at times I was stripped very much and left very poor, yet in the end I found an increase of true peace and stability and fortitude of mind. In this visit we seemed most easy not to take any provision with us and* so partook with the Indians of their bread. 31. I parted with my friends Joshua and Benjamin very glad and set after them. A heart tendering time it was to me.
31 of the Twelfth Month, 1778. I went to our preparative meeting. Robert Willis was there and a very good meeting it proved to be Robert having a very lively opportunity with us. --<<January 1779>>-- 1st of the First Month 1779. I went to hew a pump for Morgan Hollinshead. 2. My wife and I went down to Joseph Warrington's and there we found our friends Robert Willis, John Lippincott, and wife-- which was very agreeable. 3. We went to our meeting, which to me was very satisfactory. This evening I went to set up with our neighbor Samuel Collins who was very ill at this time. 4. We were killing hogs. 5. Our Friend Robert Willis and John Lippincott on a family visit came to our house and blessed opportunity it was. Robert spoke very encouragingly to us and love prevailed and was in dominion. I was at Charles French's and Enoch Allen's with those Friends and I thought Robert seemed to speed very well. 6. I went down below Moorestown to the weavers and several other places. 7. We went to our Monthly Meeting. Robert Willis, John Simpson of Pennsylvania, Mark Reeve, and Phillip Dennis was there. Robert and John both spoke very notable but the meeting did not end to my satisfaction. 8. I met the Quarterly Meetings committee at Evesham to consider what steps to take in this work called the reform. At John Simpson and Robert Willis was there and I did think there was something very lively amongst us a while but things seemed to flatten and rather dull at last. 9. My beloved friend John Simpson came to see me with whose company and conversation I was very glad for it was truly edifying.* I went with him in the evening to Haddonfield. [Left marginal note: *Remember his vision concerning the oppression of the Negroes.] 10. We went to the burial of Samuel Collins at Haddonfield. Robert and John was there and a very lively meeting it was. Robert and John both spoke very extraordinary and truth seemed to rise in dominion. 11. I went to Haddonfield Monthly Meeting. Mark Reeve, Phillip Dennis, and John Simpson was there and all spoke. John's words was concerning honesty and industry, riches and poverty spiritually. That we need not be troubled with or at a state of poverty if it was not a sort of poverty that we had brought on ourselves by our own indolence carelessness and indifferency. This I thought was a clever meeting. This evening John Simpson come home with me and his conversation I thought was very instructing. 12. I went with my beloved Friend John Simpson to Moorestown and there we parted and I went to work there at a pump for Morgan Hollinshead. 13. We finished it and it was 25 foot long. 14. We went to our meeting. 15 and 16. I was about home making a short pump for the fuller 9 [feet] long. 17. We went to our meeting. 18. John Collins, brother Joshua and I went up to Evesham to meet the rest of the committee on schools. This meeting I thought was of some service upon the whole. [This Committee was appointed by Evesham Monthly meeting "to take ye case of schools weightily under their care agreeable to ye Direction of said Extracts" (Minutes of Evesham Monthly meeting, 12mo 1779).] 19 and 20. I was about home. 21. We went to Haddonfield to the marriage of Samuel Stokes and sister Hope. The meeting poor and most silent. 22. At home dressing a calf and 23 about dressing flax. 24. We went to our meeting which was silent and poor of the words yet one* told me it was the best meeting they ever had in all their lives. [Left marginal note:*M.W.]
25 of the First Month 1779. I was about home turning etc. 26. Do. 27. We went to our preparative meeting, it being appointed in order to consider of altering our weekday meeting to fourth day of the week, but friends seemed not united in it and so left it this morning. The Committee on Schools met before meeting in which there was something lively, which afforded encouragement. 28. We the Committee on School met again at Evesham at 9 o'clock which was all to good satisfaction, for way seemed to open beyond our expectation. This was preparative meeting at Evesham in which there was something pretty lively. 29. I was about home axel treeing our wagon etc. 30. Do Do Very wet weather. 31. We went to our meeting. W was M. --<<February 1779>>-- 1 of the Second Month. I went to Thomas Middleton's to make a flax brake. The 2. I was making some spouts for the Fuller. 3. We were dressing flax. 4. We went to Monthly Meeting. John Reeve was there and spoke very notably. Robert Willis and William Jones was also there and I thought it was a pretty good meeting. 6. Was our youth's meeting. John Reeve, William Jones and Robert Willis was there but the chief service seemed to lay upon John Reeve for he said a great deal and very well and I thought this meeting was favored in a good degree. John spoke very encouraging to us and express a sense he had that there was many there that were coming forward. 6. I was about a little spinning wheel for ourselves. 7. My wife and I went down to Haddonfield meeting. William Jones was there and spoke very well. This afternoon there was a meeting appointed here at Haddonfield for Negroes at 2 of clock and accordingly they met a considerable, I believe not much less than 200. John Reeve was there James Cooper, Benjamin Swett, and William Jones and all of them spoke very notably to the Negroes and I believe it was a very favored opportunity. 8 and 9. I was about home at work at a little wheel for ourselves. 10 of Second Month. The committee for schools met again this morning at 8 at Upper Evesham. Robert Willis and John Lippincott was with us. The work went on heavy but not without hopes. This was the weekday meeting and Robert was much favored with a large and lively ministry. 11. My wife and I went to our meeting. R.R. spoke. 12 and 13. I was about home. 14. We went to our meeting. Robert Willis was there and did preach most famously and a good meeting it was and crowned.
15:16. I was making a bedstead for Ma Neal. 17. About home. 18. I went with Joshua Roberts to Evesham meeting. Robert Willis was there and preached and prayed zealous. After meeting we went to Edward Darling's and so in company with Edward and William Rogers to visit Jacob Mason by appointment from our Monthly Meeting. 19. I was about home at work at a spinning wheel for Abby. 20. The committee for schools met again at Moorestown meeting house. We sat in silence a considerable time and our way seemed to be very much shut up at first but it ended to the satisfaction of us all I believe. 21. I went up to Evesham Meeting with Joshua Evans. Robert Willis was there, but Joshua did all the preaching that day and very close and plain I thought he was: but the people too generally dull and heavy. After meeting we went to Isaac Evans's to dine and then to Jacobs and so lodged on Caleb's and home next morning, which was 22. At work at spinning wheel. 23. My wife and I went up to Isaac Borton's to mill. 24. About home dressing flax and hemp. 25. We went to our preparative meeting which did not end to my satisfaction we were answer the queries. 26 of the Second Month 1779. I was about home and had many thoughts concerning our last preparative meeting in which I could not join with our elderly Friends in answering that query concerning partiality and that concerning a care to end differences. I believed there was room for a more extensive care in them particulars but some of our elders seemed as if they could not bear to hear it and it passed it did not end quite pleasant. This night I had a dream which was thus: I thought I was at or near our meeting house with some of our younger Friends that seemed to be coming forward: John Collins was one in particular and I thought we were looking in our Bibles and I thought John spoke pretty lively and zealous but could not remember what he said, but my book I thought had a blot in it and I thought I got pretty much displeased and walked a little away from the others but we seemed to get together again and when we parted I thought John Collins said: (and it seemed as if it was to rectify a little misunderstanding amongst us) read the seventh of Micah. I being awoke by my wife getting up to go to market and had a mind to see if there was such a chapter for I question if there was so many in that book but found there was and I thought the contents of it remarkable at that times. Resist the devil and he'll flee Draw nigh to God and he'll draw nigh to thee
28. Second Month. We went to our meeting. William Calvert was there. --<<March 1779>>-- 1:2:3 of the Third Month. About home dressing out stuff for plows etc. 4 of the Third Month. We went to our Monthly Meeting. Robert Willis, William Jones, James Cooper and John Tatham was there. James and John did chief of the preaching that day in the first meeting, but in the last meeting all open and pleasant and I thought I never seen a pleasanter meeting in that place than this was. O how loving and pleasant Friends did seem together when meeting broke up, Friends having expressed a great satisfaction and a sense of an amendment amongst us. A youth of about 18 or 19, a son of Edward Darling's appeared and spoke very pretty it being his second appearance. 5. I was making a plow for John Maxfield. 6. The committee for schools by appointment met with Friends of Evesham which was a sweet opportunity to me and ended to my satisfaction though the number that attend was quite too small yet I believe we were really favored so that there had nothing passed but what was pleasant and smooth. 7 of the Third Month. We went to our meeting and to Joseph Warrington's after meeting. 8. About home in the morning. Went to get timber for a pump for Daniel Wotton. 9. I went to help get timber for a house for Jacob Wine. 10. At work a couple of ploughs for Amos Haines. 11. Went to our meeting. 12 and 13. About Walton's pump. 14. We went to Ancocas meeting a very snowy morning and went to Aaron Walton's pump. 17. Do. 18. Went to our meeting and over the river this afternoon. 19. We put in the pump and came home. 20. I was making some sash for Tom Midelct this afternoon. I went with some other Friends to help settle a money matter between two Friends. 21. We went to our meeting at which time there was a very large number of Friends assembled at our meeting from different quarters, some from Pennsylvania and some from Salem wards and some from the Quarter of Burlington meeting they being party of the Yearly Meeting's Committee proceeding in the work of the reformation. Some of their names were Warner Mifflin, George Churchman and wife, Benjamin Houghs, William Blake, James Moon, Thomas Lightfoot, William Lamburn.
Edith Sharples, Mark Reeve and his wife and divers others was there. The meeting for worship was poor, except a little Edith had to say at last which was very lively and seemed to raise the life a little. After meeting of worship was over, people of other profession withdrew and friends kept their seats and had a conference Alluding to the business of the committee, which was to endeavor to bring About a reformation and advise Friends to square their conduct and practices according to our profession and the Pennsylvania friends seemed to pare very close concerning Plainness but one from Greenwich seemed to take off the edge of the testimony a little and the meeting ended not quite so well as it might. This evening I went with these Friends some to William Rogers's and some to Edward Darling's etc. 22. According to appointment Friends generally met at Evesham Meeting for worship was but indifferent but in the conference I think truth was over all that it met with opposition and there was something very close and tight amongst the foremost rank. Warner Mifflin bore a very full plain clear and lively testimony against Friends taking Congress money, which some could hardly bear with, yet I believe the meeting was very edifying to many. This evening, Benjamin Haugh and William Lambert and Joshua Evans came home with me, which was a satisfaction to have their company. 23. We went to Haddonfield meeting which was quite silent in the time of Worship but the last meeting was very extraordinary and very edifying to many I believe. 24. These Friends went forward as meetings were laid out to Woodbury and a most violent storm of snow there was at this time though we have had fine warm weather several weeks together before, so that it was brought the fruit trees uncommonly forward. [Left marginal note: The testimony of those Pennsylvanians was very close against paying of fines and that went down hard with some] I was about home making sash for T. M. 25. I was finishing a little spinning wheel for our Abby. 26. Was quarterly meeting at Haddonfield. John Reeve spoke very excellent concerning the power of God to as many as believed he gave power to become the sons of God etc. His was a very good meeting. Upon the whole I think though there was something close amongst the foremost rank concerning omitting that part of our queries concerning defrauding the king of his duty, which some were for omitting but Pennsylvania friends were united in it that it should not be dropped without the consent of the Yearly Meeting and there was very close work with them about it but Truth I think gained ground this cay. 27. My wife and her sister Elizabeth Haines and I went to see Jonas Cattle and his wife, which was satisfactory.
28 Third Month, 1779. Went to our meeting w[hich] was N[ot] S[o] P[oor] as at S[ome] T[imes] --<<April 1779>>-- 3rd of the Fourth Month. I went down to Philadelphia Spring meeting with brother Joshua and Jonas Cattle. Was at Pine Street meeting. Samuel Wilson spoke. William Brown and John Foreman and woman Friend appeared in prayer. 4. I was at home about a plow for Isaac Ellis. X. I went to Evesham Preparative Meeting. Samuel Darling and Phebe Borton spoke at the last meeting. The case of schools was opened and the meeting ended to my satisfaction in some good degree. The School affairs went on but heavily. [Left marginal note, Crossed through with notation �all paid� below: 5th and 6th of this Month I was about a pump for James Lippincott 17 [feet] long a top piece.] 7. I was about a plough for John Roberts. Went with Benjamin Gilbert Jr. to see uncle Thomas Evans a very pleasant time. 8. We went to Evesham committee for schools and divers other Friends met at 9th hour. After some time of silence we went into the business. Friends being now likely to get a piece of ground near the meeting house which seemed generally satisfactory. This was Monthly Meeting day and a very agreeable meeting was to me I thought there was something lively stirring amongst us. 9. I was about home at sundry small matters sowing some flax and at work at a lye tub for my wife etc. Several things remarkable one was this: a young woman being newly married was persuaded by her husband to be inoculated for the small pox and gave way to it and had it very bad in her illness. She much reflecting upon herself for bringing that disorder on her but after some time she told them about her that she fond hopes for forgiveness but said her life would be taken for her transgression and died accordingly. This he had from Isaac Evans a very notable Friend. The other was concerning the use of buckles. Some Friends in Carolina shewed some scruples concerning buckles coming a fashion amongst them but one very notable public Friend rather spoke for them and rather bore against them that shewed some doubts. Some little time afterwards as he, Zacharias Dicks, was sitting in a meeting quite still one of his buckles broke to pieces and flew about the floor and after that he took to wearing strings. [Left marginal note: Now see my narrative the Yearly Meeting in 1784 further confirmed from Zacharias Dicks' own mouth] 11. We went to our meeting. Thomas Evans was there and spoke very well was but dull but the meeting for discipline was better than common. This evening I went to Joshua Evans's. 13. At home. 14. I was making plow for Cubit. 15. I went to Evesham Meeting on foot with B. Gilbert, brother Joshua, and Sam Lippincott. This was a pretty satisfactory meeting. After meeting we went to look out a piece of ground for a schoolhouse. 16. I was finishing a lye tub. 17. Making a plow for Joshua Evans.
18. We went to our meeting. 19. I went up to sawmill after boards. 20. About plows: one for Isaac Ellis, one for tone and mending, one for Daniel Lippincott, one for Robert Crockit. 22. We went to our meeting and was with some friends at E Hms. 24. I went to Burlington with David Davis to see some Negroes that were put in prison. 25. We went up to Caleb Evans's to see Job who was taken down with the small pox. [Left marginal note: First Day] 26. I was at work with John Brock making some screws for a cheese press. 27. I was making a pale for Samuel Bond in the afternoon we went to the burial of our cousin Jon Evans. Joshua Evans spoke at the grave. 28. About home. 29. Was our preparative meeting. 30. I went to Abraham Hewlings about a pump. --<<May 1779>>-- 1 of the Fifth Month. I went to mend a pump for John Lippincott and went to see Joshua Stokes who was very ill of a dropsy but seemed to be favored with a good refined frame of mind. 2. We went to our meeting, which was satisfactory. 3. Making a plow for James Lippincott. 4. Getting ready to plant. 5. I went with Joshua Evans to Mount Holly Monthly Meeting, which was but poor and at a low ebb. We came down to William Rogers to lodge. 6. We went to our Monthly Meeting, which I thought was middling well. Joshua had a good open opportunity with us. We of the committee for schools met this morning and after meeting the Committee on Reformation had a sitting, but to me the prospect were but gloomy, however Mark Reeve with divers others conclude to proceed to visit such who stood foremost in society. 7. We were planting etc. 8. We went to the burial of John Bizzel and Jef Rakestraw was here. Mark Reeve was at our meeting. One at Joshua Roberts's and one at Jonas Cattle's. Mark had abundance to say and I hope they will be of advantage to some. 10. I was making some screws for Hugh Cowperthwaits' cheese press. 11. The committee met here in order to search us and I believe we were favored together, then we proceeded to William Matlack's, then to John Lippincott's to Joseph Warrington's, and to Edmund Holingshead. Mark Reeve had abundance to say which I hope will prove of service.
12th of the Fifth Month 1779. I went to mend a pump for Enoch Evans. Had to take it out of the well and put it in again the same day and we, Enoch and his wife and I, went up to Upper Evesham meeting. Joshua Evans was there and though it was but a poor time to me I thought it was a very good meeting to many and of advantage to me there was something very tendering and uniting in the conclusion and I thought Joshua took his leave of them in a very solemn manner, he being about to leave the province on a visit to New England. 13. I went to our meeting Rainy day and P[oor] T[ime]. 14. About home. 15. I went off towards Salem Quarterly Meeting. Lodged at Caleb Lippincott's. 15. Went to Piles Grove meeting, which a poor time indeed. 17. Went to the Quarterly Meeting. [Left marginal note: With Joseph Roberts and Jonas Cattle] At Salem which was poorest and dullest that I ever seen I thought though a very large gathering. Robert Valentine was there and spoke very smart and plain but I thought it still remained to be a poor shut up time throughout. 18. Went to the Yearly Meeting at Salem and I think these were some of the hardest darkest meetings I had seen there. 19. We came home. 20. We went to our meeting. 21. I went to Abraham Hewling's to make a pump 16 [feet] long. 22. Do finished and came home 23. We went to our meeting. 24. I went to Nathaniel Lippincott's to splice his pump put a new top piece to it 14 [feet] long. This morning Phillip Dennis, David Cooper, Thomas Redman, Deborah Griscom, and Martha Davis came to Nathaniel's proceeding on the visit for reformation and I thought it was an opportunity somewhat favored and satisfactory. 25. We finished the pump and came home. 26. I went to mend a pump for David Davis and mended a plow for William Eldrige. 27. I went to Evesham meeting, which was satisfactory to me. After meeting the Committee on Negro Affairs met at William Rogers's and concluded to visit the families of the Negroes and we went this afternoon to three families John Lippincott, William Rogers, Jonas Cattle, Lawrence Webster, Mary Moor, Meb Branin, and myself lodged at William Rogers. 28. We went on again through all of Evesham and part of our meeting to pretty good satisfaction. 29. I was about home in the forenoon at plows work. Went to look over sheep in the afternoon. 30. We went to our meeting. John Pemberton and Isaac Zane was at our meeting and both spoke. 31. About home.
--<<June 1779>>-- 1st of the Sixth Month 1779 I went to make or mend a pump for William Cox and I put in a new bottom piece 18 1/2. 2nd of the Sixth Month. At Cox finished Billes. 3rd. I went to work at John Cox's pump and put a new middle piece twelve foot for inches and went to preparative meeting. 4. We finished and came home about noon. 5. Making plows one for Joseph Burroughs and one for Job Coles. 6. Went to our meeting and in the afternoon went to Haddonfield with Benjamin Gilbert and down to Joshua Evans's. 7. Making another plow for Job Coles. 8. I made one plow for the Indian Mary Calvin. This afternoon I set off with Benjamin Swett towards a yearly meeting at Upper Springfield. We lodged at Josiah Whites. 9. We went to the yearly meeting at Upper Springfield. Abraham Griffe was there and spoke and Benjamin Swett and Benjamin Linton, but the meeting I thought was but poor and not an open favored meeting though congregation was very large. We came down to Edward Darling's to lodge and I went to William Rogers next morning. 10. And the committee on schools met. Benjamin Swett was with us and I thought it was somewhat satisfactory. This was our monthly meeting and something agreeable to me. 11:12. About home at plows etc. I went over the river with Benjamin Gilbert. Lodged at Daniel Walton's. 13. In the morning we went to see John Gilbert who had latterly been very ailing and weakly. From thence to Byberry meeting which was a very dull poor heavy meeting and quite silent a very great train. Today we went to James Thornton's to dinner and came home this afternoon the people About Byberry had been very much stripped of their horses and many barns and barracks of wheat had been burnt by the soldiery parties yet great was the stupidity and luke warmness as to religion that prevailed amongst them. 14. I went about getting some hay this week latter part of the week about a pump for Richard Edwards at Moorestown. 17. We went to our meeting. Not V[ery] P[oor]. 20. Was First Day our meeting at Moorestown was something lively to me. 22. Went about Plowing our corn. 24. Went to our meeting. 26. Begun to reap. 27. We went to our meeting William Calvert was there and I thought our meeting was not so poor as at some times. 28:29:30. Reaping. --<<July 1779>>-- 1st [of] Seventh Month. Was our preparative meeting and not satisfactory. Weakness seemed more and more to prevail in supporting our testimony against wars.
2nd of the Seventh Month, 1779. I was about home pulling flax etc and went up to Caleb Evans's tonight. 3. I went with Joshua Evans to take some plows to the Indians and we plowed about an acre of corn for one old Indian. 4. We went to our meeting. Benjamin Swett was there and had a great deal to say. 5. I was making a plow for Samuel Clements. 6. About hay. 7. We were about preparing and sowing our buckwheat ground. 8. We went to our Monthly Meeting. Thomas Evans and Rebekah Roberts spoke. The meeting was in some degree satisfactory to me, but not wholly so. Elizabeth Atkinson was there and spoke pretty close and smart about our being overtaken with drowsiness or heaviness. 12:13:14. About hay. 15. I went down to Haddonfield meeting, which was somewhat satisfactory. M. S., Benjamin Swett and Deborah Griscom spoke. 16:17. About hay. 18. We was at our meeting. S. W. L. 19:20. I was about home. 21. I went up to Upper Evesham meeting. William Rogers, Edward Darnal, Solomon Gaskill, and myself went to see Josiah Straton by the Monthly Meeting appointment to very good satisfaction, then we went to meeting which was but indifferent. [This Committee was appointed by Evesham Monthly meeting to take "the case of Josiah Stratton... under weightily consideration... Respecting his acknowledgment" (Minutes of Evesham Monthly meeting, 7mo 1779).] The love of the world was too prevalent this afternoon. The committee for schools met, which I believe was of some service though the people were there away too much taken up with worldly affairs so that the work went on heavily. 22. I was at our meeting to good satisfaction. 23. About home. 24. I went over the river to the French doctor for our child, which was very ill of a fever and purging and vomiting. 25. We was at our meeting. 26:27:28. 29. was our preparative meeting. Samuel Emlen, Robert Willis, and Arthur Howill was at our meeting and both spoke very lively. The meeting in part seemed pretty well. 30 and 31. --<<August 1779>>-- 1st of the Eighth Month, 1779. We was at our meeting, which was not a clever time. Ez M was there. 2:3:4. Was about a pump for Nathan Middleton. 5th. Was our Monthly Meeting. John Simpson was there and spoke very extraordinary well. Hannah Reeve appeared in prayer. The meeting on the whole seemed middling well. 6. Was youth's meeting at Moorestown. John Simpson, Mark Reeve, and his wife Arthur Howell, and divers other Friends this was a poor time with me though some lively testimonies was delivered but I believe the meeting was hurt by too many words.
7th of the Eighth Month 1779. I was making a plow for Ebenezer Hopkins. 8. I went to Evesham meeting. Sal Lippincott spoke very well. We went to William Roger to dine this afternoon. At 3 o'clock a meeting was appointed for the Negroes and a considerable number of them met at Evesham. John Simpson, Mark Reeve and his wife and Samuel Lippincott and divers other public Friends was there and there was something lively amongst us at times but this meeting was hurt by too many words I went this evening with John Simpson to Thomas Evans's to lodge. The 9th we went to Haddonfield Monthly Meeting, which in some things was middling well but the tide of life was low and on the whole these were but poor meetings. This evening William Roger, John Simpson, and Elizabeth Haines and myself went over to Ancocas meeting with John Simpson which seemed a hard sort of a time at first but I believe it ended well. John seemed to think he had a sense in the forepart of the meeting of someone that withheld too much. When meeting broke up he asked me if I had been honest and said we should be careful that we did not miss it on the Right hand nor on the Left. We went to Aaron Willis to dine after dinner, we had some further conversation to my satisfaction here we parted with John he went to Holly and we home. 11. I went to Nathan Middleton's to finish his pump (a vast great rain) X 22 [feet] 9 [inches] long. 12. I went to Evesham meeting. After meeting the Committee for Schools had a sitting and to very good satisfaction. John Lippincott, Solomon Gaskill and myself went to see James Eldrige. 13. We finished Middleton's pump and came home. 14. About home doing something at plow work. 15. We went to our meeting. James Thorington and William Calvert was there. William spoke first and James was very large a lively in the ministry and a very much favored meeting it was beyond any we have had a considerable time. 16. I made a plow for Sal Burroughs. 17. I made a plow for Isaac Ellis. 18. Went down to take up a pump for Henry Wood. 19. We went to our meeting very low times. 20. Went to Henry Wood's about a pump 21. At do. 22. Went to our meeting. Thomas Say and wife was at our meeting and both spoke very well.
23rd of the Eighth Month 1779. Second of the week. I went to finish Henry Wood's pump 44 foot 6 inches long. 24. I went to Jacob Hawlin's to hew a pump 12-6 a top piece. 25. I finished Hawlin's pump an exceeding wet time. [Left marginal note: Wood pump proved leaky and did not do well; J. not going to it so soon as he liked. He got another but still it did not do; till the year 1784 Ninth Month we put it in order see the account forward.] 26. Went to our meeting which was somewhat satisfactory. 27. I finished a plow for Samuel Lippincott. 28. I made plow for Charles French. 29. We went to our meeting, which was silent though not so poor as some. This afternoon Benjamin Gilbert and I went over Ancocas Creek. Lodged at Josn Busby's. 30. Went to Quarterly Meeting at Burlington. James Thorington was there and spoke very largely this was a fine favored opportunity, there being a large number of Friends from Pennsylvania and an open time in meeting of Business as well as in that of Worship. 31. Was youth's meeting. Samuel Wilson spoke first and very well and many others spoke and those was favored solid meeting. --<<September 1779>>-- 1st of the Ninth Month I was making a plow for Samuel Clements. 2. We went to preparative meeting. John Drinker's wife spoke very prettily and Elizabeth Atkinson likewise spoke. 3. I went to put a Moldboard on a plow for Samuel Roberts. 4. I went to mend a pump for Ezekiel Linsey. 5. We went to our meeting after meeting William Rogers, Ed Dorl, John Lippincott, Jonas Cattle, John Collins and I met at brother Joshua's to draw some reports in order to go to the Monthly Meeting. 6. Went to sowing amongst our Indian Corn. 7:8. At do. 9. Went to our Monthly Meeting. This morning the committee on schools met and concluded on a report to go forward to our superior meetings concerning our state respecting schools. This was such a Monthly Meeting as I think I had not yet seen. A zeal appeared amongst the rising generation and a testimony born against some wrong things much to my satisfaction, the business now seemed to be falling much into the hands of a younger set of Friends and the elderly sort laying by and the spirits of opposers bound down. 10:11. About sowing. 12. We went to our meeting which seemed middling satisfaction in some good degree. 14:15. About home about saving hemp and flax seed laying it out and so forth. 16. I went to Evesham meeting, which was something satisfactory. After meeting Solomon Gaskill, Elizabeth Cattle, and Mary Allen which we were not dissatisfied. 17:18. Making a cornstalk mill.
19th of the Ninth Month 1779. We went to our meeting, which was silent. 20. I went to work for Jacob Wine laying a floor in his house. 21. About home 22. At Job Wines at work. 23. About home unwell with a bad cold. 24. Do then the is the [illegible]. 25. Went down to the Yearly Meeting and made a memorandum on a loose piece of paper. [This memorandum is missing.] --<<October 1779>>-- Came home the 4th of the Tenth Month. 5 and 6. About home 7th. We went to Monthly Meeting. A poor bewildered time I thought it was with us though not without hope* [Left marginal note:* the O P G A us Again] 8:9. About home cutting buckwheat etc. 10. We went to our meeting and down to Thomas Warrington's after meeting. 11. Was at J Wines at work one day. 12:13. About home husking corn etc. 14. We went to our meeting, which was pretty satisfactory. After meeting the Committee on Schools met and a favored opportunity it was beyond expectation, which afforded encouragement to labor. 15:16. About home getting in corn etc. 17. I went to Evesham Meeting with Joshua Evans and Josiah White was there. Joshua and Josiah labored but the people seemed dull and heavy. Remember thy lesson this day. Joshua and Josiah and I came home to my house and by Thomas Dudley's. [Left marginal note: First Day] 18. About our corn. 19. I went to haul wood for brother Joshua. 21. We went to our meeting. Rebecca Warrington, Abigail Stokes, and John Collins came home with us and they with myself and my wife went on an appointment from our Monthly Meeting to visit two daughters of Thomas Smith's who had requested to be taken in to meeting. This was a day pleasant to remember both at meeting and the visit. 22 and 23. About home taking up flax and getting in corn. 24. We went to our meeting and a pleasant meeting it was to me. [Left marginal note: First Day] 25. I went to mend a pump for David Davis and for John Haines. 26. I went to mend a pump for Thomas Hollinshead and went to see Ish Evans. [Right marginal note: Remember the Egg Harbor affair.] 27. About home. 28. We went to our preparative meeting and were answering the queries and a sad time I thought it was with us all in confusion. 29 and 30. I was about home making a bedstead for Joseph Warrington's. 31. We went to our meeting. Robert Willis was there and preached and prayed very notably. [Left marginal note: First Day] --<<November 1779>>-- 2 of the Eleventh Month. I went after a load of pine. 3. I went to Samuel Lippincott's to make a pump. 4th. I went to our Monthly Meeting which was a very poor time. This was a sad time with me but I hope there was a lesson in it and some mortification of self. [Left marginal note: Remember the visit to a sick neighbor and her words viz. L. Hollinshead.] 5. I went to Samuel Lippincott's about his pump. 6. We finished the pump 22 [feet] long and began another for another well where Maxfield lives. 7. Was First Day. We went to our meeting. Robert Willis was there and a most exceeding highly favored meeting it was Robert had the most open opportunity that I had seen both in prayer and other ways this was the time. Aaron Wills and his wife was over to see us and we went to Joshua Warrington's with them after meeting.
8th of the Eleventh Month, 1779. I went to help rectify our graveyard and stables at the meeting House which had been destroyed by the soldiers. 7th. [Probably 9th in reality.] Brother Aaron Wills and his wife was here and a satisfactory opportunity it was in conversation two things was remarkable, one concerning a man given to strong drink which was related by a New England Friend who was at our last Yearly Meeting which was thus: A man in their parts of a considerable extensive capacity and so very capable and serviceable amongst Friends, but giving way to strong drink Friends were necessitated to disown him after which he reformed from it entirely and was reinstated amongst his friends again and restored to his former service amongst them. After some time, he loving cider very well thought he might eat it as spoon victuals. So beginning to make use of it by little and little, he gave way to use it to excess again till Friends were under a necessity to testify against him again, after some time he fell into a heavy fit of sickness in which he had a remarkable dream which was thus. He thought there came a pretty little dog to him and fondled on him and he was standing on the head of a pair of stairs that led into a cellar and the little dog took hold of the shirt of his coat and pulled him down one of them steps. He said he could have went up again and have drove away the little dog but still delight in him and let him pull him by the coat. And he pulled him down one of them steps after another till he got him to the last and even then he thought he could have Drove away the dog and went up again but he still delighting in and indulging the dog and went up till he pulled him off the last step to a place where there was no bottom and he died in that sickness. [Left marginal note: Remember application Aaron made concerning ditching and hewing.] 10 of the Eleventh Month. I went to upper Evesham Meeting the Committee on Schools meet after meeting a dull heavy times it was with us and hard labor and the heaviest work we had met with on this occasion though I could not see where we had missed it the attention of the people too much engaged in worldly affairs. 11. I went and finished a pump for John Maxfield 12 feet long. 12. About home rectifying our wagon. 13. My wife and her sister E.H. and her daughter set off for Salem Quarterly Meeting. Lodged at John Harrison�s. 14. We went to Piles Grove meeting, which I believe was a good meeting to some, though in general I believe a lukewarm state was to prevalent. Lodged at John Ballinger�s. 15. We went to Salem Quarterly Meeting which was large, but poor as I thought. We lodged at David Allens. 16. We went to youth�s meeting at Salem, which was but a poor time to me though I did believe it was a time of favor with some. We came up to Caleb Lippincott�s to lodge. 17. We came home and found all well. 18. I with the children went to our meeting. Remember R Roberts her words concerning turning our Backs in the Day of battle. This was a poor Striping season with me. 19. Went to settle with Nathan Middleton and Abraham Hewlins. 20. I was about home turning pump box for Nat Lippincott.
21st of the Eleventh Month 1779 I went to Evesham Meeting which was a heavy sort of a time. The people seemed to be settled down at ease to much though I believe there was a little remnant that were wrestling for a blessing. 22. I went to make a pump for Amos Haines 15 [feet] long. 23. At do we finished and came home. 24 and 25. I was about home unwell with a fever and chill. 26. Turning pump work. 27. I made a pump for John Stowe 7 and a half [feet] long. 28. I went up to Upper Evesham Meeting with Joshua Evans, which was a hard sort of a time. Joshua had a good deal to say we dined at Creslius. Branin lodged at Charles Read's. 29. We went to see an old Indian that lay very ill and came home this evening. 30. I went to Amos Haines after some several things. --<<December 1779>>-- 1 of the Twelfth Month 1779. About home 2nd We went to our preparative meeting. James Cooper was there and I thought he hit my state, which was somewhat healing. 3. I was making a short pump for Greg Githins 8 [feet] long. 4. I went to meet a Committee on Schools at Evesham, a heavy time. 5. We went to our meeting. A Violent snowy day R[ebekah] R[oberts] S[poke] concerning Jonahs fleeing from the presence of the Lord. T C N M. [Left marginal note: J.C. Words Prosperity and adversity and the proving [?] times we had to meet with. 6. I was making a flax brake. 7. Do. At home. 8. Do. 9th. We went to our Monthly Meeting. William Black and Hope French passed meeting and a raw company attended to see the passing. The 10th of the Twelfth Month last, at our Monthly Meeting the time it held two days and a large number of strangers was there and a lively opportunity; it was proposed by B. Hough to alter our custom of having the couples pass in the forepart of the meeting. I having unity with the proposal urged for the alteration and it was then agreed to by the said meeting without anything being said against it, only one Friend spoke for having it referred till another month. I was sensible it was not agreeable to many Friends at that time and so it appeared more fully at this time. At the time the alteration it was a meeting favored I believe with a degree of the covering of truth and the creaturely part bound down, but at this time the greater part was strong for having the couples pass in the forepart of the meeting, and so it was agreed to alter the rule back to that way again. So they proceed and a poor distressed confused time it was. James Cooper was there and spoke very largely, but I thought death and disorder reigned and great was the weakness that prevailed amongst us that day, I think more than I had ever seen. 10. I went to mend a pump for Edmund Hollinshead. 11. About home making a cow house etc. 12. We went to our meeting and to see Joseph Stokes after meeting with divers other friends J.L., J.C., and William Mat. 13. I was at work at a [cow house?] at home. [Left marginal note: See Exodus 17 Chapter 11 verse when Moses held up his hands Israel prevailed, when he let down his hands Amalek prevailed [Exodus 17:11].]
14th Twelfth Month, 1779. We were killing hogs. I went to the widow Pine�s afternoon about a pump. 15. I went again to Rach Pines about an old pump. A violent cold day. Had it to take up from the bottom 3 pieces. 16. We went to our meeting. Robert Willis was there and spoke most excellently to the state of the people and I thought he hit us all round and all over. Robert said it was a great point in the Christian progress to be brought to nothing and be willing to be made anything or nothing. 17th. We were hauling some wood and rails etc. I went to George Githins with a short pump. Afternoon I went to get mare shod. 18 According to appointment from our preparative meeting I meet with John Lippincott and William Matlack at T.H. and we went to see H.H. and I.H. and called to see E.H. who lay ill with a shock of the palsy. These were very poor discouraging times. 19.We went to our meeting which was silent and very poor. 20:21:22:23. We went to our meeting which was silent and very poor low discouraging times with: no peace no happiness. 27:28:29. 30. We went to our preparative meeting. John Reeve was there and spoke very extraordinary well to the state of our meeting concerning our keeping the faith etc Largely and I thought he hit my state and spoke encouraging and well but all did not do. Great was the weakness that was apparent amongst us. 31st about home in [indecipherable] went to Jonas Cattle�s to mend his pump. --<<January 1780>>-- 2nd First Month 1780. Went to our meeting. Robert Willis was there. The meeting was hard at first but Robert had a solid opportunity with us at last. Preached and prayed very notably. 3:4:5. About home making a powdering tub for W.D. and getting firewood etc. 6. We went to our monthly meeting. Robert Willis was there and a great deal to say but a large raw company was there to see the couples pass and the meeting for business was a most miserable poor confused time and we seemed to be left to ourselves miserably in the dark. 7:8. About home. We went to E. Hooton�s. 9. We went to our meeting and to see the widow French.
10th of the First Month 1780. My wife, E. Haines and H. French and I went down to Haddonfield Monthly Meeting which seemed pretty solid and something pretty close and zealous appeared amongst them in transacting their business in which it seemed to be the mind of divers Friends they had been too superficial. 11. We went over the creek by Holly to Aaron Wills. 12. We were at Ancocas meeting which to me was very poor and lifeless. 13. We came home. Crossed the creek on the ice with sleigh and horses. Very exceeding cold frosty weather. 14. I was mending our sled and hauling wood. 15. We went up to Job Collins's. About this time we heard of divers very dismal accidents: one of a house being burnt at Egg Harbor and several people burnt in it and of a child being burnt above Holly and a man killed falling of a tree- his name William Downs- and of divers up and down that had got their bones broke- some their legs and some their arms- in this frozen icy slippery time. [Left marginal note: H. Shin killed falling timber in Cedar Swamps] One quite killed by a fall on the ice above Burlington- his name Arn Skiler: so that although it seemed a pretty health time in general, yet by one means or another we heard of sudden deaths and burials almost every few days which to relate in particular would be too much for me yet I think the powerful language of mortality should be remembered and serve as admonitions. [Left marginal note: J. Ev child scalded to death] The frost continuing very severe and the roads exceeding slippery we heard of divers up and down that were froze to death and one being killed at Sand Town by a fall from his horse. 16. Went to our meeting which was quite silent and very poor. 17. I was at Joshua Evans's. 18. Joseph Buzby and wife was here. 18. Joseph Buzby and I Went to Job Cowperthwaite to take H.H. 19. J. B. and wife was here. 20. We went to our meeting. W. Black and Hope French was married. My wife and I being appointed were obliged to attend the marriage. A light airy company and a poor disagreeable time it was to me and as cold a day I thought I ever seen and she in thinnest dress. 21:22. About home at flax etc. 23. We went to our meeting and some of us concluded these were some of the lowest tides that we ever had. 24. I went to take brother Joshua and his wife home. 25:26. I was very ill of a fever. 27. We was at our meeting P[oor] T[imes]. Breaking out hep etc. 28:29:30:31. --<<February 1780>>-- 1:2:3: of the Second Month 1780. Was at our preparative meeting. [Left marginal note: Rather better but very poor.] 4. I went to mend a pump for John Risdin and went to see John Lippincott who was sick. 5. About home. 6. At our meeting P G P Indeed. 7:8:9. About home. 10. Well. Went to our Monthly Meeting where was a very large number of Friends from different meetings, to wit Philadelphia, Salem, Woodbury, and Holly. Robert Valentine and William Cooper doctor was there. Robert's testimony was but short but very sharp and searching amongst the elderly sort, but said he was thankful to God that he found a number of living children: Poor time heavy complacent.
This evening Robert Valentine and his companion William Cooper came home with us from our Monthly Meeting, whose company was very acceptable and edifying confirming and strengthening in some things. 11. Was our youth's meetings at Evesham and a very large gathering there was an abundance of preaching we had and I believe some did think it was a favored meeting, but if it was it was hid from me. The people seemed to me, generally speaking, wholly at ease and quiet and secure. 12. I went to Caleb Crispin's to work etc. 13. I went to our meeting. Benjamin Reeve and Mark and Samuel Hopkins was there and all preached and I thought they hit the state of our meeting pretty much and I thought we seemed to have a middling clever meeting, yet nothing like so open as some or as I could wish. 14. I went with Edward Darnal to meet the committee at 9 o'clock at Haddonfield on reformation. A heavy dull time it was though some instruction to me this Monthly Meeting at Haddonfield and a pretty calm solid time I thought it was in their last meeting, but the first meeting was but indifferent. This evening our ancient, four-score, Friend Thomas Evans came home with me. When he came into the house he said, I love to be among the living. I don't love to be among the dead. I feel as if I was at home or had got home, and a pleasant time we had, and I thought his company was lively and edifying in divers things and he seemed well pleased with the opportunity we had together. 15. I went to Caleb Crispin's to get some more plow stuff and do something at his pump. 16. Dressing out plow stuff. 17. We went to our meeting R.R. spoke well but a S T[ime] with me. This 16th Month Solomon Gaskill came to see me. In conversation he related something strange. I thought he said when he lived at Egg Harbor a few years ago there was a vast quantity of fish drove a shore on the beach, or some such place, supposed to be drove on shore by fishes of prey called horn fish. He said they lay like a windrow on shore and he thought there was certainly by a thousand cart load at least and that he and others of the inhabitants of the shore went with boats and fetched them away as many as they could get casks and salt to procure them in, and that many of them were bit in two and some of their tails bit off and so on, which gave room for such a superstition and that the water was covered with them in many places. Some called the fish Ben haden [Foregoing two words difficult to read; could be one word]. [Left marginal note: James Bilange 1787 told me here that he thought they might have walked miles on them fish and on the shore and not touch the sand.]
18 and 19th of Second Month 1780. I was at home dressing out plow stuff and mending a wheel for John Lippincott. 20. We went to our meeting. The 21 A committee met at Evesham by appointment of the monthly [meeting] concerning the case of taking the test which ended to some degree of satisfaction on the whole. [The Committee was appointed by Evesham Monthly meeting stemming from "the request from Chester concerning taking the Test (Minutes of Evesham Monthly meeting, 2mo 1780).] L.W., Job Collins, Jonas C[attle], and I went to see W.V. on account of paying fines. We lodged at Lawrence Webster's. 22. J.C. and I went by appointment to see John Allen. This dull heavy work. [Jonas Cattell and John Hunt were appointed by Evesham Monthly meeting, following receipt of John Allen's acknowledgment, to "visit him & report their sense to next meeting" (Minutes of Evesham Monthly meeting, 2mo 1780).] 23. I went to Crispin's to work at pumps. 24. Was at our meeting. Joseph Newbould and Rebekah Atkinson married. 25:26. At work at Crispin's pump. 27. Was First Day. At our meeting Li and Pr. 28. I was about home turning pump boxes etc. 29. About home. My wife was very ill. --<<March 1780>>-- 1st of the Third Month 1780. [Looks to have been inserted later: Now look forward to pages 1780.] I went to our preparative meeting which was silent and poor in the first meeting but the last to me was some better. 2nd. I was at home. My wife had been very unwell for ten or twelve days with a kind of a dumb ague and fever every other day. This day she was the worst attend with a kind of a cramp and stagnation of blood which threw her into great distress and affliction, in which she desired me to stay be her and not leave her. I perceived she had something on her mind and when the children were gone out she said to me in great tenderness and brokenness of spirit, I have been greatly favored in this affliction beyond what I have deserve my pain has been great but my mind has been preserved above it all. I have many times thought such afflictions are not sent for nothing.* If I live I hope I shall be better and if it should be so ordered that I should leave this world I hope I shall be happy and go to rest and divers times prayed to the Lord for mercy and that there might nothing be sent upon but what she might be enabled to bear. I wish I could be resigned, come what will come. If I am favored then I value it not and divers times said she remembered what the prospect or thoughts of death had been terrifying to her but it had not been so of late. [sideways in margin: *O! How these pains tend to stain the glory of this world, I said. I thought the glory of this world was much stained. In my view I believe it is not so much as it should be in mine [?] or I need not suffer so much.] 3rd. I was about home and my wife got better. I was mending plow for Joseph Burrows. 4. I went and finished two pumps at Crispin's each 15 [feet] long. 5. I went to our meeting, which to me was the best I have had in a long time. Rebekah Roberts spoke very well concerning the breaches that were made on the walls of our Zion, but encouragingly to a little remnant whom she said she believed the Lord would favor in his time. 6. Was about home and went to see a Friend in the evening-- H. Cowperthwait. 7. I was making a plow for E. Darling. 8. About home hauling rails.
[sideways in margin: *O! How these pains tend to stain the glory of this world, I said. I thought the glory of this world was much stained. In my view I believe it is not so much as it should be in mine [?] or I need not suffer so much.]
9th of the Third Month 1780. I went to our Monthly Meeting. Our Friend John Simpson was there and William Jones. John had good service in the first meeting and dealt close and plain with us concerning a state of lukewarmness and ease and William had a close turn in the last meeting against mixing with the spirit of the world. The way opened at this time for a testimony against some wrong customs in accomplishing marriages and passing of the young couples and truth I thought was little raised in dominion and gained some ground at this time amongst us. Our Friend John Simpson proposed to our consideration having solid meetings of conference according to the advice in the extracts concerning the present trials, with which our Monthly Meeting unanimously united and accordingly appointed one to be held at Chester next day the 10 and one the 11 at Evesham, to which time our Monthly Meeting adjourned. Which meetings were accordingly held to good satisfaction and I believe to edification strength and instruction. [Right marginal note: A time of favor to me] I thought our Friend John Simpson had good service amongst us this evening. I went with J.S. to William Foster�s. 12. We went to Upper Evesham Meeting and John had a pretty deal to say but it was a painful meeting to me. We went to dine at Caleb Evans�s and stopped at Enoch�s and had a sitting and John had some service in most private families where we went and came this evening down home with me. [Left marginal note: a great storm and flood of rain] 13. We went down to Haddonfield Monthly Meeting which was shut up and hard. John made the like proposal there of having meeting of conference, but Friends not uniting with it at that that. John came home with me and I went this evening with him to William Rogers�s. Had a sitting in the family next morning, 14, with some Indians to good satisfaction. I came home and John and William R. went to Moorestown. 15. Joshua Evans came a long here and I went to Mount Holly weekday meeting with him. Here we met with John Simpson again and William Jones and Josiah White had close searching work with them and I thought the spirit of lightness was somewhat balanced down in the conclusion of the meeting. I came home this evening. Remember the account of the grand wedding a few weeks before in that town, a rich man having married and was said and concluded to keep open house three weeks and great entertainments. In a few days after the marriage, their cook fell into the well and hurt herself very badly, and the bride died in about three weeks after they were married.
16 of the Third Month, 1780. I went to our meeting and a very satisfactory one it was to me though small, their being a very hard storm of rain, hail and snow so that I thought we had need to set our faces like a flint, as the prophet Isaiah expresses it. [Isaiah 50:7] 17. I was making a plow for John Risdin and made one for him before this week. 18. I met with a committee on suffering cases and Negro affairs committee. Both met at Chester, which was to some good degree of satisfaction. A trying time of suffering being now at hand on account of taxes and fines. 19. Went to our meeting. [Left marginal note: first] 20. I went to Isaac Borton's to mend pump. 21. I went to James Wilkins's [crossed out �to make a pump 23 [feet] long 21. Do 22. Came home] 23:24. we went to our Quarterly Meeting and there was a very large concourse of people and a large number of famous Friends from different quarters. Robert Wills, William Jones and Jacob Lindley were chief speakers. At this time Robert was very large and notable in the first meeting and on the whole I thought it ended pretty well. Aaron Wills, William Rogers and Rebekah Warrington and several other Friends was here, whose company was truly satisfactory. 25. I was about home in forenoon and went to J.W. in afternoon with a H and M etc. 26. Was at our meeting which was middling well and yielded encouragement. This evening my wife and I went down to Joshua Haines. [Left marginal note: First Day] 27. We went over to town to the Spring meeting and was at the Big Meeting House. James Thorington and George Dillwyn spoke and James Simpson, but I thought the meeting was not an open one and was afterwards confirmed in my opinion by the judgment of the other Friends who mentioned what they thought was the cause of its being a shut up meeting. This evening my wife and I went to John Parrish's where John Simpson and James and divers other Friends and very agreeable their company and conversation was and edifying. 28 We went to the Bank Meeting which was their weekday and Monthly Meeting. James Simpson and George Dillwyn spoke extraordinary well which seemed to raise the life little. We came home this evening. 29. I was making a plow for Hugh Cowperthwait. 30. We went to our preparative meeting which seemed middling. 31. I was making a plow for Joshua Bispham. --<<April 1780>>-- 1 of the Fourth Month. At home about making a plow for Joshua Lippincott. 2. We went to our meeting. [Right marginal note: B[ut] M[idling]] 3. Making a plow for Samuel Lippincott. My wife and I went up to Caleb Evans's this evening. 4. We went to the new hemp mill to take some hemp to be dressed and so back to Evan's. 5. I was making a bedstead for Polle Dusil.
6th of the Fourth Month, 1780. We went to our Monthly Meeting and a very satisfactory one it was to me. A time of favor. James Cooper, Phillip Dennis, and Hester Davis was there, but all silent in the first meeting. 7. I went to see a sick neighbor a widow R. Rowin and finishing Duril's bedstead. 8. I was making [a] plow for Thomas Gill. 9. First Day we went to our meeting. Israel Coats was buried. Joshua Evans was there and spoke very close and smartly to us. 10. About home in the morning turning pump boxes and I went to Joshua Evans to put a new bottom piece to his pump, 23 feet long. 11 and 12. At Evans. 13. I was at our meeting which to me seemed pretty well. 14. I was about a pump for Job Lippincott. 15. We went to the burial of a young woman that died at Barzilia Coats's with a strange uncommon disorder. She was buried at Holly I thought I had some satisfaction in attending this burial. 16. We were at Ancocas meeting and amongst our relations Busby's and Wills's. This was not a pleasant satisfactory visit and believe it was for want of true H and W. We came home. 17. I was making a plow for Job Coles. 18. I was finishing Job Lippincott's pump [crossed out:] 26 feet 6 inches long. 19. I made a plow for Joseph Kaighin. 20. Mend a plow for Thomas Throrn and went to our meeting, which was exceeding heavy hard poor time. 21. Made a plow for Joseph Burroughs. 23. We went to our meeting which was but poor and went to Joseph Wor after meeting. 24. I made a plow for Charles French. 25. Made a plow for Daniel Lippincott. 26. Made one plow for Parnel Gibbs and he came and helped about it. 27. Went to our meeting preparative, which was but so so and mended a plow for Jonas Cattle. 28. I made a plow for Thomas Hooton. 29. I made a plow for Caleb Crispin. 30. I went to our meeting, stopped at Job Cowperths. --<<May 1780>>-- 1 of the Fifth Month and first of the week. I made a plow for Morgan Hollinshead. [Left marginal note: First Day] 2. I made a plow for Francis Hay. 3. I went to hew a pump for Benjamin Thackery. After noon about a plow for Benjamin Barr. At 4 finished Barrat's plow and went to Monthly Meeting.
4th of the Fifth Month, 1780. I went to our Monthly Meeting. George Churchman, an elder, and William Jones and Peter Andrews and his wife was there and I thought we seemed to have a pretty lively time of it though hard word. William Jones, George Churchman, Jon Lippincott and myself went in to the women's meeting and a satisfactory opportunity it was to me. 5. I was making a plow for myself. 6. Jonas Cattle and Jono Collins came here and they and I went to try to settle a difference between some neighbors etc. This afternoon George Churchman and John Lippincott came too, and they with J. Cattle and J. Collins and I spent the afternoon together in agreeable and I believe edifying conversation and parted with nearness and unity. This evening I went with George Churchman to Benjamin Sweets to show him the way and for company. 7. We went to our meeting. 8. I was down at Haddonfield Monthly Meeting, which was somewhat satisfactory. 9. I was mending some old plows, one for Jonas C. and one for John Lippincott of Evesham. 10. About home. 11. We went to our meeting. 12. About home. 13. I went to meet a Committee on suffering cases at Moorestown. 14. I was at our meeting. Went to Joshua Lippincott's in the evening. 15. We were planting corn. 16. Went to the burial of Jacob Hauling. Had a meeting after burying. Joshua Evans was there and spoke very closely to the people. 17. I was making a pump for Benjamin Thackery 26 feet long. [Left marginal note: Thackery's pump] 18. I went to our meeting. 19. Went to take Thackery's pump home and sheering sheep. 20. I set off to Salem Quarterly Meeting and fell in company with brother Joshua and divers others who traveled on foot. I left my horse at John Harris's and went on foot with them from Woodstown to Salem on First Day morning the 21. James Thorington and Thomas Cartlon, Joseph Lukins and divers other Pennsylvania Friends was there to attend these large meetings and abundance of preaching we had but exceeding dull and heavy meetings they were to me throughout. Quarterly Meeting was Second Day the 22nd, Yearly on Third Day the 23. I found there was a certain number that had exceeding heavy dull work of it at this time however it might fare with others. We came homewards this evening. Lodged at Samuel Ogdin's with the company of foot travelers. 24. John Collins and myself and horses but traveled with these foot folks and sometimes some rode and others so took turns. We stopped at James Cooper's I got home about noon. 25. I was at our meeting. 26. James Thorington and Joshua Lukins was at our meeting and had good service amongst us. The meeting I thing was favored making a plow for William Stokton. 27. I made plows for Jonas Cattle and went to mind a pump for Peter Slim and went to see John Lippincott. [Left marginal note: James was very large in testimony and lively a good opportunity.]
28th of the Fifth Month, 1780. There having been a very hard winter and a cold backward spring there was the greatest complaint for want of fodder here a way that I had ever heard of. By accounts a great deal worse in some places, in so much that by accounts some hundreds of cattle and other creatures have perished this spring for want of food and the winter grain very much destroyed with the hardness of the winter, the wheat in particular. Many fields looks as if there would not be more than the seed gathered, the prospect of scarcity of cleanness of teeth and want of bread more and more appeared and the cries of the poor began to be heard in our once plentiful and peaceful land. The winter has been so hard that it has killed many trees of the wood and fruit trees and a greatest part of the poke and I think the summer birds* are scarcer this spring. The pewee has not been heard this spring with us; she has not come to build under the eaves of the house as usual. [Left marginal note: See Jeremiah chapter 4 and 25: all the birds were fled, to Jeremiah the 8 chapter 7 verse] These are melancholy mournful prospects of which the signs of the times in divers particulars have foretold. This several years past, there had been many uncommon things of late years in our land which seemed to threaten desolation, the downfall of the nation or the bringing down or humbling the people, things that bespoke the displeasure of the Almighty. [Left marginal note: See Chronicles 7:14 verse [2 Chronicles 7:14]] Some years ago the hedges died generally all over the Jerseys in one summer. The locusts* and caterpillars were very thick a few years past. The rosbugs were so thick in many places some few years ago that they eat up the young apples in the spring and were so thick on the rye in places that it seemed as if they would destroy it. [Left marginal note: *Caterpillars kills the timber in many places: Joel 2:25 verse.] There was a last frost one spring a few years ago that cut off some fields of rye, but it grew up beyond expectation. [Left marginal note: The peach trees died very much] There has been, some seasons since, blasting and mildew amongst the rye and wheat so that it was less than half a crop in many places and great wasting and destruction has been made amongst the wheat and other grain and amongst the hay a few years amongst the soldiery and martial parties. Burning of barns and barrack of wheat in places and stacks of hay and dreadful work in places toting such like thing about to hide them etc. [Left marginal note: The dry summers some years ago. See Amos 4 chapter and 7 verses] And now there is a good deal of white oak timber and other timber, thousands of cords, killed with the hardness of the frost in the winter and many of the shade trees before our doors are killed. [Left marginal note: A great part of the most valuable oak timber killed with the hard winter and a very dry summer. The fire broke out in the barren lands and destroyed a great part of the Cedar Swamp.] These things I thought seemed to have something of a language in them like that of Jonah at Nineveh when he proclaimed yet forty days and Nineveh shall be overthrown. [Jonah 3:4] 28th of the Fifth Month, 1780. There having been a very hard winter and a cold backward spring there was the greatest complaint for want of fodder here a way that I had ever heard of. By accounts a great deal worse in some places, in so much that by accounts some hundreds of cattle and other creatures have perished this spring for want of food and the winter grain very much destroyed with the hardness of the winter, the wheat in particular. Many fields looks as if there would not be more than the seed gathered, the prospect of scarcity of cleanness of teeth and want of bread more and more appeared and the cries of the poor began to be heard in our once plentiful and peaceful land. The winter has been so hard that it has killed many trees of the wood and fruit trees and a greatest part of the poke and I think the summer birds* are scarcer this spring. The pewee has not been heard this spring with us; she has not come to build under the eaves of the house as usual. [Left marginal note: See Jeremiah chapter 4 and 25: all the birds were fled, to Jeremiah the 8 chapter 7 verse] These are melancholy mournful prospects of which the signs of the times in divers particulars have foretold. This several years past, there had been many uncommon things of late years in our land which seemed to threaten desolation, the downfall of the nation or the bringing down or humbling the people, things that bespoke the displeasure of the Almighty. [Left marginal note: See Chronicles 7:14 verse [2 Chronicles 7:14]] Some years ago the hedges died generally all over the Jerseys in one summer. The locusts* and caterpillars were very thick a few years past. The rosbugs were so thick in many places some few years ago that they eat up the young apples in the spring and were so thick on the rye in places that it seemed as if they would destroy it. [Left marginal note: *Caterpillars kills the timber in many places: Joel 2:25 verse.] There was a last frost one spring a few years ago that cut off some fields of rye, but it grew up beyond expectation. [Left marginal note: The peach trees died very much] There has been, some seasons since, blasting and mildew amongst the rye and wheat so that it was less than half a crop in many places and great wasting and destruction has been made amongst the wheat and other grain and amongst the hay a few years amongst the soldiery and martial parties. Burning of barns and barrack of wheat in places and stacks of hay and dreadful work in places toting such like thing about to hide them etc. [Left marginal note: The dry summers some years ago. See Amos 4 chapter and 7 verses] And now there is a good deal of white oak timber and other timber, thousands of cords, killed with the hardness of the frost in the winter and many of the shade trees before our doors are killed. [Left marginal note: A great part of the most valuable oak timber killed with the hard winter and a very dry summer. The fire broke out in the barren lands and destroyed a great part of the Cedar Swamp.] These things I thought seemed to have something of a language in them like that of Jonah at Nineveh when he proclaimed yet forty days and Nineveh shall be overthrown. [Jonah 3:4]
28th of the Fifth Month, 1780. We went to our meeting. After meeting we went to the burial of Mary Morgan who was drowned within with two as they were coming from market. Joshua Evans and Jesse Waters spoke at the grave 29:30:31. We went to the burial of a William Kaighn�s child, which was drowned before his door in the filling millpond. --<<June 1780>>-- 1st of the Sixth Month. I went to Evesham Preparative Meeting and had satisfaction therein. 2. I was about home planting potatoes etc. 3. I went with William Rogers and John Maxel to see some poor women and other poor people in the Barren Lands and some Indians who with their children were very much straightened for to get the necessaries of life. The children had nothing to hide their nakedness and much pinched for want of bread in some families of the white people. We went to about six families and left something for their sustenance at most places. 4. We went to our meeting at which I W: Dl F Wr T Bd: 5. I made a plow for William Stockton�s. 6. I went to grist mill J. Borton�s. 7. Put a new beam in a plow for H. Cowperthwaite and sawing of some stuff for cheese press. 8. Was our Monthly Meeting. James Thorington and Joseph Likins was there and a famous meeting we had. James was very notable in his testimony and likewise in discipline. We had an edifying time. 9. I went to hew a pump for Joshua Lippincott. 10. I was hauling stuff to one and from the saw mill for cheese presses. 11. We went up to Upper Evesham meeting. James Thorington and Joseph Lukins was there and had a great deal to say. They seemed open and lively but many of the people dull and heavy. [Left marginal note: First Day] [Left marginal note: Joseph Lukins departed this life Ninth Month, 1784] 12. I was about home turning pump boxes etc. 13:14. At work at Joshua Lippincott�s pump. 15. We went to our meeting. Joshua Evans was there and spoke very well. After meeting of worship we had a meeting of conference which was middling well as far as I know. 16. I went to finish Joshua Lippincott�s pump 27 feet 6 inches long. 17. I made a plow for Joshua Bispham. 18. We went to our meeting � fine well. 19. I went to Joseph Burroughs�s to settle with him etc and brought some stuff from the sawmill. 20. I made a plow for John Lippincott of Evesham. 21. I made a plow for John Roberts. 22. I went to Evesham meeting. Joshua Borton�s wife was buried. Mary Ingle spoke and Josiah White and Thomas Evans. After meeting I went with divers other Friends to Noah Hain�s to settle some business. 23. I made a plow for Thomas Thron. 24. I was turning pump boxes for Reece Price.
25th of the Sixth Month, 1780. We went to our meeting. 26. I was mending a plow for Isaac Ellis and at work at screws. 27. I was fixing up an old pump for Reece Price. 28. Wet weather. I was cutting screws for cheese presses. 29. Was our preparative meeting. Mary Ingle was there and spoke very notable but a lethargic stupefaction hath gained the ascendancy over the minds of the people too generally. Notwithstanding the calamities there is the land. A poor time indeed that it was. 30. I made a plow for Francis Kay. --<<July 1780>>-- 1 of the Seventh Month, 1780. I went to take a poor boy that was lame with a very sore Leg to the doctor and John Collins went with me and we went to see B.T. but he was not at home [Left marginal note: He got well after a while] 2. We went to our meeting. [Left marginal note: First Day] 3. I was plowing corn. 4. I was work at cheese press for Job Prickit. 5 of the Month, Fourth [Day] of the week. I went to Mount Holly Monthly Meeting with Joshua Evans and had satisfaction in our return. 6. We were at our Monthly Meeting I thought there was some glimmering prospects of hopes [of] improvement amongst us, though very poor low times as yet. These were meetings of some encouragement to me. 7. At home. 8. At home plowing. 9. We went to our meeting and went to see John Lippincott and was at Joseph Warrington's. 10:11:12. Plowing and reaping etc. 13. We went to our meeting which was satisfactory to me. 14:15. Reaping. 16. Went to our meeting and I was at Haddonfield afternoon meeting which was somewhat satisfactory. 17:18:19. About harvest work etc. 20. We went to our meeting B[u]t P[oo]r time. 22. Pulling flax and getting in harvest. [Left marginal note: 21. We went to the burial of our neighbor Martha Davis.] 23. I went to Upper Evesham Meeting with John Collins, which was to some satisfaction to us though the people in general seemed to be in a state of ease like Moab. [Jeremiah 48:11] We called to see Thomas Evans who was unwell and went to see Abraham Eldrige his wife who seemed near her end. 24:25. Sowing buckwheat and at work amongst the corn. 26. We went about mowing and getting hay. 27. We went to our meeting which was at satisfactory one to me. 28 and 29. Mowed etc. 30. Was First Day. Robert Willis was at our meeting and preached and prayed very extraordinary. He spoke encouragingly to some and said there was some that could not truckle and shuffle but were determined not to baulk their testimony come what will come. 31. About hay. --<<August 1780>>-- 1st of the Eighth Month 1780 About hay. 2. I met a committee of Friends at Evesham. It was a heavy time at first but ended lively and to pretty good satisfaction this afternoon. William Rogers, Hannah French, Mary Engles and myself set off for Chesterfield Monthly Meeting. Went as far as uncle John Harvey's.
3rd of the Eighth Month. We proceeded on to Chesterfield Monthly Meeting. Robert Willis and Mary Ingle and Hannah Wilson spoke very lively in the first meeting. The meeting for discipline was a poor time. The people seemed to be get into a state of formality and death though the troubles and commotions had been very great here away. 4. We went to lodge at William Stevenson's. Here was near and feeling unity amongst us and something very satisfactory and pleasant in our parting, William going several Friends' houses on our return home and all seemed right and we returned with good satisfaction and parted in feeling nearness. 5. Was about hay. 6 We went to our meeting. 7:8:9 About finishing hay etc. 10 We went to our Monthly Meeting. Mark Reeve was there. It was a poor meeting throughout. [At this meeting, Friends from Chester Preparative Meeting "reported that a Number of friends within the compass of said meeting had been treated with for taking the Test to the present unsettled Government," resulting in the formation of a committee "to treat further with them & report their judgment to next meeting...as best Wisdom may direct" (Minutes of Evesham Monthly meeting, 8mo 1780).] 11 We went to our youth's meeting. Mark Reeve was there and spoke twice and Thomas Evans spoke, Joshua Evans was there but was silent. Mary Ingle said a few words concerning the apostle complaining of perils on land perils on sea and perils amongst false brethren. This was a very poor meeting great drowsiness and heaviness appeared amongst the people. 12. I was about home at work at screws for cheese press. 13. I went to Evesham Meeting which was somewhat satisfactory to me. I went to William Rogers's after meeting with divers other Friends. 14. I was about home turning pump boxes etc. 15. I went to Caleb Evans to make a screw cheese press 16. I was getting a pine log home to make a top piece for a pump for Job Cowperthwaites. 17. We went to our meeting. Joseph Davis his wife was buried. This meeting topic was agreeable. 18 and 19. I was finishing Job Cowpertwaite's pump 12 feet long a top piece. 20. I went this morning to John Stone's. His wife was to be buried this day. Died in childbed having had fourteen children and left ten alive in great mourning. I went to our meeting, which was somewhat satisfactory. My wife and E. Haines and I went to Joshua Roberts's. 21. I went over Ancocas Creek to make a pump at the Schoolhouse 20 feet long. 22. We finished and came home. 23. I went to Upper Evesham Meeting which was middling to me but on the whole a poor heavy time the people in a state of ease and formality. After meeting John Collins and Edward Harlin and I had an opportunity with B.T. to little satisfaction more than to clear ourselves. 24. I went to our meeting, which was a satisfying one to me. After meeting I went with divers other Friends to visit some who had taken the test to little satisfaction. 25 and 26. I was at work at Elisha Hooton's about a screw cider press and narrowly escaped a tree falling on me. 27. I went to our meeting and a poor time it was to me. I had the fever etc this afternoon. 28. I went to see John Lippincott who was very poorly and seemed to be wearing away fast.
29 Eighth Month, 1780. I went to mend a pump for Noah Garwood and was very unwell with the ague and fever. 30. I went to a Committee meeting on Reformation and for considering how far the advice of the Yearly Meeting had been observed and put in practice, which was a meeting to pretty good satisfaction. 31. We went to our Preparative meeting, which was on the whole satisfactory in some good degree. --<<September 1780>>-- 1 and 2nd of the Ninth Month. I was at home very unwell with the ague and fever. 3rd was First Day. I was at home very poorly. 4:5 and 6 of the Ninth Month. I was at and about home very poorly with a fever etc. 7. We went to Evesham Monthly Meeting we were answering the queries and a poor meeting it was throughout no way satisfactory. 8 and 9. I was about home poorly about sowing rye etc. 10. Was First Day. We went to our meeting. 11:12:13. I was very poorly. 14. We went to our meeting. Robert Willis was there. The meeting was hard at first to me and I believe to others at first but Robert had a fine open time at last and spoke well to the state of our meeting and encouragingly to us and said the Lord was with us, some of us and spoke encouraging though we had to wait long* and hard labor and some of our meeting might seem as brass and earth as irons. [Deuteronomy 18:23 or Leviticus 26:19?] [Left marginal note: *He said the spring which makes glad the city of God was at a low ebb. [Psalms 46:4]] Robert went down to Joseph Warrington's to dinner and we went there also and John Collins and wife was there. Robert spoke at the table very notable his company was very agreeable and edifying. 15. I was mending a big spinning wheel for Joseph Warrington. 16. I was at work at a plow for John Hopkins. 17. I went down to Haddonfield meeting, which was but indifferent this afternoon. There was a meeting appointed for Negroes and accordingly a considerable number of them met. The meeting at first was very dull and heavy but it was better towards the latter part and ended to good satisfaction. 18:19:20:21. I was about home unwell. Benjamin Mason came to see me from Pennsylvania. 22. We went to Quarterly Meeting at Haddonfield. John Reeve spoke. There was a considerable number of Friends from Pennsylvania viz. Warner Mifflin, Joseph Moore, Abraham Gibbins and wife, Rebekah Moore and divers others. John Simpson and others those Friends met with the Committee on Reformation but this work went on heavy amongst us and it was concluded to dissolve the old committee. The meeting for Discipline was a favored opportunity and our testimony was raised and gained ground in several respects in regard to the use of strong drink and against wars or any way contributing thereto by payment of taxes or otherwise. A weightily conference was held on these subjects. [Left marginal note: 23 I finished Hopkin's his plow] 24. I went to our meeting.
[small separate page] 25th of the Ninth Month 1780. I went down to the Yearly Meeting and was at the Bank meeting house. John Foreman spoke. His subject was concerning the great end for which we were created. The meeting was but indifferent. Began business this afternoon about 3 clock. The queries were read and answers likewise at a future sitting. 26. The epistles were read from the five yearly meetings on this continent and likewise one from London came to this our Yearly Meeting, which seemed a remarkable favor considering the great commotion that were in the earth. This afternoon the minutes of the meeting for Sufferings were read to general satisfaction and edification. Met again on Fourth Day 27, at 10th hour. The state of the Society as it came represented in the queries was laid before this sitting and the general complaint of drowsiness was entered upon and a solid conference was held concerning that of drowsiness. Many very pertinent sentences was dropped concerning that prevailing weakness and concerning them who neglect the attendance of weekday meeting. Friend was closely advised not to put such on business in meetings of discipline but much pressed to a discharge of private labor with them in love. Met again at 3rd hour. The meeting proceeded to consider the state of the church as it came represented in the queries, that of the appearance of youth was entered upon and the establishment of schools for their appearance. After a considerable conference thereon and many edifying hints were dropped, Friends concluded with pressing it close home on lesser meetings to keep in view and put in practice the former advices given forth to that meeting on that occasion and seemed to conclude the work was going forward though slowly. It was particularly urged and elderly Friends to labor to forward this good work and be good examples therein. Then proceeded to next query concerning our testimony against strong drink, the keeping of public houses, and the distilling of grain and spirits otherwise. This was very closely and zealously spoken to and many lively testimonies were delivered against keeping public houses and the immoderate use of strong drink, stilling of it, or any way retailing it.
Many Friends appeared zealous to step forward to make a rule of Discipline to disown such that would not take Friends advice with respect to tavern keeping, but considering how few years ago many Friend were in the practice of selling much strong drink and that there was an amendment in that respect it was left with strongly advising to a faithful labor against that prevailing evil of the immoderate use of strong drink. Then proceeded to consider next query concerning oaths or priests wages and war etc. This way considerably spoken to, but left and adjourned to 10th hour next day 28. Fifth of the week and meeting again assembled according to appointment. The case above mentioned was again resumed concerning the contents of the 6th query and likewise the request from the Western Quarter which was to propose to the Yearly Meeting and consider what might further be done to strengthen Friends in their tender scruples with respect to paying taxes or anyways joining or leaning or swerving from our testimony in any ways contributing to the support of war according to the former advices of our last Yearly Meeting. After a close conference, there being different sentiments amongst Friends concerning paying the taxes now demanded so that it seemed not suitable the case should be fully debated in the meeting, therefore a committee of six Friends out of every quarter with the Committee on the Epistles already appointed was nominated and sent out to consider that case. Friends from the neighboring yearly meetings now present were desired to attend with this committee. Then adjourned to 3rd hour next day. This afternoon I came home. My wife being ill of a fever prevented my attending the other sittings of this meeting.
25 Second of the week. I went down to the Yearly Meeting and was there till the 28. My wife being very ill of a fever I came home. 29. At home. 30. At home sowing etc. --<<October 1780>>-- 1st of the Tenth Month. I was at our meeting. Brother Robert and his wife was here from Maryland. 2:3:4:5 of the Tenth Month 1780. Was our Monthly Meeting. Robert Willis was there and we had a very satisfactory meeting throughout. 6:7. About home. 8. I was at Evesham Meeting to good satisfaction. This afternoon we had a meeting with the Negroes, which seemed to be pretty well. A considerable number attended. 9:10. About home. 12. We went to our meeting and a very good satisfactory one it was to me. The nearness, the life and fresh love that was perceivable amongst us when meeting broke up was remarkable. Mary Ingle was there. [Left marginal note: Fifth day] 13:14. I was about home getting in corn and saving stalks etc. 15. Was First Day. We went to our meeting which was middling satisfactory. [Left marginal note: Ann Gaunt and Ann Wilits at our meeting a good meeting] 16:17:18. About home getting in corn etc. 19. We went to our meeting which was silent and poor. 20:21. About home getting in winter apples etc. 22. We went to our meeting, which was somewhat satisfactory. Benjamin Swett and wife was there. Remember how things went this day and improve on it. [Left marginal note: First Day] 23:24:25. I was about home at work gathering winter apples, corn, potatoes etc. 26. I went to Evesham Meeting and had a good satisfactory meeting. Jacob Davis was there. 27:28. About home. 29. We went to our meeting � middling. Joseph Warrington and wife and divers other Friends came to see us, my wife being much indisposed. 30:31. About home at work Tun[word becomes illegible]. --<<November 1780>>-- 1st of the Eleventh Month, Fourth [Day] of the week. I met with the committee at Evesham on schools and on Negro cases and a pretty good lively little meeting it was. The weather very stormy, cold, snow, and rain together. 2nd and Fifth of the week. I went to the French doctor in Pennsylvania for my wife. 3:4. At home getting in buckwheat and potatoes etc. 5. I was at home my wife was unwell. [Left marginal note: First Day] 6:7:8. I was about home. 9th. Went to our Monthly Meeting at which was a large number of Friends. David Sands from York Government, George Dillwyn, Samuel Emlen and divers others from Philadelphia and Salem and a very fine meeting I believe it was to a many though but poor with me. [The meeting received a minute "from our last Quarterly Meeting together with the report of the Committee, relative to the Method of Monthly meetings proceeding with such of our Members, as have taken the Tests of Allegiance &c: which was several times read being as follows (Viz.) We of the Committee appointed by the Quarterly Meeting agreeable to the request of Evesham Monthly meeting to consider the Rule of the Yearly Meeting, respecting the Tests of Allegiance &c: having met & solidly considered the same, do give it as our sense & Judgment that although the said Minute is not altogether explicit, it may be safe for Monthly meetings to require written acknowledgments under Hand, from all who deviate in that matter, to be entered on the Minutes of the Monthly meeting: & also may proceed to disown all who refuse, or neglect, to make such Acknowledgments to the satisfaction of such meetings by a Testimony to be entered on their Minutes in like manner. And we are of the Judgment that while any appear desirous to Avail themselves, of any advantage that may arise from the Certificates given them, on taking such Tests, that they are not brought to a suitable disposition of mind to make an Acknowledgment for such their deviation. And that where any from true Conviction in their own minds, of the necessity thereof, are made willing to return such their Certificates, friends might encourage & strengthen such therein. Which is submitted to the meeting by, Edwards Darnel, John Hunt, John Collins, Enoch Evans, Samuel Brown, John Tatum, Aaron Howes, Thomas Redman, Joshua Tompson, Ebenezer Miller, Samuel Lippincott...11th Month 10th day 1780" (Minutes of Evesham Monthly meeting, 11mo 1780).] 10. We went to the burial of our Friend John Lippincott. James Thorington was there. David Sands, George Dillwyn and many other Public Friends and it was a very open time. The Gospel ministry flowed forth freely through the ministers and abundance was said to that large gathering of people and I doubt not but it was a much-favored opportunity to many. This afternoon the quarter's committee met to consider the case of test taking to some advantage. I home. 12. Went to our meeting. Elizabeth Atkinson was there. Ebenezer Millier, Samuel Lippincott from Piles Grove all spoke, but these were poor times with me. [Left marginal note: A tight conference. J. Collins kept [?] and maintained his ground with Sands and Thorington strengthening]
13 of the Eleventh Month 1780. I went to Haddonfield Monthly Meeting somewhat satisfactory in the end. 14:15. In about home. 16. I went to Haddonfield meeting, which was very dull at first. Joshua Evans spoke and several young people and the meeting seemed better at last. 17:18. About home. 19. My wife was brought to bed with a son about the 10th hour. [Left marginal note: Benjamin] 20:21:22. I was about home. 20th was Quarterly Meeting at Salem. 23. Fifth of the week. Went to our meeting. [Left marginal note: at Schoolhouse] 24:25. I went to take a colt to Micasah Wills's. 26. We went to our meeting. 27:28:29. I went to a Committee meeting at Evesham, which seemed to be pretty well only it was heavy work. 30th. Was preparative meeting, which was to some satisfaction. --<<December 1780>>-- 1 of the Twelfth Month. I went to Haddonfield for a load of boards for Tone this evening. Aaron Wills come to see us and his wife. 2. I was getting firewood. 3. We went to our meeting which was somewhat pleasant to me. Elizabeth Atkins and R[ebekah] R[oberts] spoke. 4:5th 6. I was at Mount Holly Monthly Meeting. Went in company with Joshua Evans. A very dark sort of a place it seemed to be, though on the whole I had no cause to repent being there. Had some satisfaction. [Left marginal note: I was at John Lippincott's and we [leaves off there]] 7. We came down to Evesham Monthly Meeting, which we thought was a good deal better. Ended to a good degree of satisfaction. 8. I went to Job Coles to work at his pump putting in a new bottom piece 21 feet long. 9th. At Coles. 10. I was at our meeting. 11. I was at Coles at pump work etc. 12. I went to make a pump for Thomas Middleton. The pump was 37 feet long. 13. At Middleton's all paid off. 14. I was at our meeting A P S O it was. 15 and 16. At Middleton's finished the pump. 17. I went to Mount Holly meeting* Mi: W: [Right marginal note: *with William Matlack] 18. At Job Coles pump and getting some firewood. 19. We were killing hogs. 20. I went over the river to the French doctor for Johne. 21. I went to put in an old pump for William Witin and Enoch Evans. 24. Was First Day. I was at our meeting. John Collins and I went to G.M.'s and to H[ugh] Cowperthwait. John Collins and I went to make a pump. 28. We went to our preparative meeting and a very poor time it was. 29. Finished Heritage's pump. 30. At home getting firewood. 31. At our meeting. Poor times indeed.
January 1781 1st of the First Month. I went work at George French his pump. A new top piece 14 1/2 long and a old bottom piece 17 1/2 long. 2. At G.F.�s 3. I finished and came home. 4. Was our Monthly Meeting and very satisfactory one it was on the whole. 5. I met with some Friends at Joseph Warrington�s by appointment from our Monthly Meeting and we went to visit Darling Conrow, a magistrate, on account of his committing our Friend Abraham Warrington to prison. The visit was to good satisfaction and the Friend was like to be released from prison. [Left marginal note: 6. I went and bored a pump for Isaac Henkole] 7. Went to our meeting. Criss Middleton, a young woman, was buried. 8. I went to Haddonfield Monthly Meeting. Had pretty smart work with them to some satisfaction. 9. I went to make a pump for Samuel Laning. 10. At Laning�s. 11. At our meeting divers Friends visited the school after and I had good satisfaction at this meting and the school. 11. I went to make a pump for Joseph Warrington. 13. At Warrington�s. 14 We went to our meeting. 15:16. At Warrington�s. 17. I came home to take up flax. 18. I went to Evesham meeting. Poor time. We stayed at Samuel White�s school to some satisfaction. 19. I was getting plow stuff. 20. At do. 21. I was at our meeting. A poor dull time it was. 22. I went to hew a pump for Thomas Dudley. 23. Was very stormy weather. 24. About home. 25. Went to our meeting. 26 and 27. About home. Rainy weather. 28. Went to our meeting. V[ery] P[oor] D[ull] T[ime]. 29. I went to Barzillai Coats�s about a pump. I was taken very poorly. 30 and 31. I remained very much unwell. --<<February 1781>>-- 1 of the Second Month, Fifth of the week. Was our preparative meeting and a pretty satisfactory one it was. [Left marginal note: At this time a tree tore all to pieces with the thunder.] 2 and 3. I was at home very unwell. 4 Was First Day. I was at home unwell. 5:6 and 7. I was at home unwell.
8 of the Second Month 1781. Was our Monthly Meeting and a very large meeting it was. William Jackson, John Reeve, Josiah Miller and many other strangers, Hannah Wilson and others from divers quarters and there was a great deal said and a pretty deal well said but our meeting for business was a very poor one and not satisfactory. 2nd of Second Month 1781. A remark of John Crook�s, at the conclusion of the introduction of his books, epistles and manuscripts he says: �I find upon the Margent of the old Bible (Printed about the Year 1599) this Note (viz.) When the Mind thinketh nothing; when the Soul coveteth Nothing; and when the body acteth nothing, contrary to the Will of God; This (saith the Note) is perfect Sanctification.� 9 of the Second Month 1781. Was our youth�s meeting. Many of the strangers was there and abundance of preaching we had but to me these were poor meetings. This morning the school committee met and William Dickson, William Jackson�s companion, met with us and spoke very encouragingly to us and we had a pretty satisfactory opportunity. I lodged with those strangers at William Rogers�s. 10. I was about home. 11. I went to our meeting. Josiah Miller was there and said a good deal. Now remember how things passed between him and men. The meeting to me was in a good degree satisfactory. 12. I went to Haddonfield Monthly Meeting. William Jackson and John Reeve had good deal to say and I believe to good satisfaction and edification. [Left marginal note: The hints a long the road: he blamed me for being too backward] Josiah Miller and David Allen came to see me and lodged with us and it was a time of uniting with us in such a manner as I believe will not soon nor easily be broken. 13. I was at home dressing flax. 14. We went to our meeting appointed for William Jackson and a very lively time William Jackson had with us. A good meeting though William had hard sort of work with a lukewarm worldly spirit. I went these Friends to Edmund Hollinshead. 15. I went to our weekday meeting which a satisfactory one to me. 16 and 17. I was at work at Barzillai Coats�s his pump a top piece 17 [feet] long. 18. Went to our meeting a dull poor time. Joshua Roberts and wife came home with us. 19. I went to make a pump for Francis Dudley 23 [feet] long. 20. At Dudley�s. 21. I went Upper Evesham and we were at their meeting. Samuel Hopkins and Mark Reeve was there a poor meeting to me 23 and 24. I was making a pump for Thomas Dudley 19 [feet] long.
25 of the Second Month, 1781. We went to our meeting a pretty satisfactory one. 26. I went to Burlington Quarterly Meeting with John Roberts. Robert Willis spoke very notably this was a time of schooling to me to be remembered. William Jackson was there, A large meeting but poorish. 27. I was at home making a bedstead for Hop Matokes. 28. Do. [Left marginal note: Very hard thunder struck a tree and tore it to pieces not far from our place.] --<<March 1781>>-- 1 of the Third Month. Went to our preparative meeting, a poor one. 2. I went to work at Barzillai Cotes's pump put a new bottom piece to it 25 feet long. 3 of the Month. Seventh Day of the week. We finished it. I went to Newtown Meeting. John Horton, John Ellit and Daniel Offley was there. Horton had a good deal to say. Joshua Evans had something considerable to say and Daniel Offley. A young man spoke very lively and appeared in prayer notably. The meeting was large. The people in general high and lofty in a worldly spirit the meeting pretty well. 5. I went to Kathrine Lippincott's to mend her pump. 6. I went to mill and put a new box in Thomas Hollinshead's pump. 7. I was at home threshing rye. 8. We went to our Monthly Meeting. John Simpson was there and spoke most exceeding notably concerning the care and pains people took to examining to their right and titles of their lands and lots of their outward inheritances and so spiritualized upon it largely. Made a very lively and notable sermon. I went with him amongst the women and he spoke very extraordinary amongst them. Joshua Evans was at this meeting and produced a minute and concern he had to visit the families of Evesham Preparative Meeting with which a number of Friends signified they had unity; and appointed William Rogers and myself to accompany him in the visit. [Joshua Evans produced a certificate from Haddonfield Monthly meeting dated 2mo12 1781 to the meeting, "setting forth their Unity with his proposal of a Family Visit to Friends of Evesham Preparative Meeting." Evesham Monthly meeting concurs therewith after Weighty Consideration" and appointed John Hunt and William Rogers to accompany him (Minutes of Evesham Monthly meeting, 3mo 1781).] This was a good meeting. 9. I went to mill near Haddonfield. Joshua Evans and Benjamin Swett was here to see me, whose conversation was edifying. 10. I went to John Evans to see about a pump and settled with Francis Dudley and had something to do. Was poor at first somewhat satisfactory at last. 12. I was at work at a churn for Aaron Wills. 13. At do. 14. I went to work at John Evans's pump. Rainy day. We brought a load of hay home. 15. Went to our meeting and Ann Hackney likewise. Joshua Evans was there and dealt close and plain but the meeting poor. 16. I went to work at Evans's pump 21 [feet] long not quite finished. 17. I made a plow for William Rudrow.
18. I went to our meeting. 19. I was about home finishing a churn for Aaron Wills. 20. At do. 21. I was finishing screws for Joseph Hain. 22. We went to Quarterly Meeting at Haddonfield. David Sands was very large and lively and divers others spoke. A middling good meeting. 23. I was making a plow for Thomas Thorn. 24. I set off to Yearly Meeting. A very poor time with me. I lodged at Daniel Offley's. In conversation with some Friends they informed me that down the river in Chester County the dogs have gone mad and bit their cows so that some had not cows to give them milks and that a horse belonging to the Continental party died and a flock of sheep had eat him up and gnawed his bones. This was asserted in such a manner that I could not scruple it. 25. On Second day I was at the Big Meeting House and a poor time it was though we had a pretty deal of preaching. 26. I was at home making a plow for Amos Haines. 27. About a plow for Thomas Thorn. 28. Was Fifth Day went to preparative meeting and a poor time. 29. My wife and I went over the creek to see our relations. We dined at Joseph Buzby's and lodged at Aaron Wills and a satisfactory opportunity with them it was. 31. We same home. --<<April 1781>>-- 1 of the Fourth Month 1781. I set off on foot to Upper Evesham Meeting in order to meet with my friend Joshua Evans and proceed to visit the families of that meeting. Joshua had I thought good service amongst them but I was very poor. We dined at Cornelius Branin's and sat with the family. After dinner was over Joshua's subject was in speaking to this family, concerning the woman's hiding the leaven in three measures of meal till the whole lump was leavened. He remarked that she did not hide it in the bran or in the chaff and so on and made a very edifying discourse upon it. We then proceeded to Jane Penquites,** Daniel Stratton's and lodged there, had a sitting with his son Jonathan Stratton this evening. [Left marginal note: **Jane Penquites was very unwell when we were there and died the forepart of the next week] 2nd. We proceed on our visit to Thomas Joice's, Rehoboam Braddock's, Samuel Jones, Charles Read, John Tor, Enoch Strattan- here we lodged and sat with the family this evening. 3. We went to Benjamin Thomas's, tavern keeper, Ephraim Stratons, Henry McClouds, Samuel Atkinsons, Thomas Sharp, Robert Powel, a single old Friend. Abraham Prickit's to John Strattan's and went to Enoch Strattan's to lodge again. 4. We proceeded to Uriah Reeve's, Joshua Sreeves, Isaiah Hunt's, Joshua Frost's, Francis Austin's, Amasiah Lippincott's, Hugh Sharp's- here we lodged. 5. We had a sitting with Jacob Sharp and then went to Monthly Meeting. Samuel Emlen was there and had a great deal to say he went amongst the women. A door of utterance largely opened in him this day but a door of entrance was wanting. A poorish time.
5th of Fourth Month 1781. As to this family visit we were greatly favored. We mostly met with an open, free, kind reception and parted with the families with a pleasant sweetness and more feeling nearness than we met and I thought it was a time of deep instruction to me and had good satisfaction so far but word came to monthly meeting that my wife was very ill and so I was forced to leave my friend Joshua and come home. 6. About home and pleasant it was to meditate on this little journey. 7. I went over Ancocas Creek to fetch H. Haines. 8. Went to our meeting. Put a moldboard to a plow for L Lippincott. 9. About home. 10. Making a plow for Thomas Hollinsead. 11. I went up to Upper Evesham Meeting and met with my friend Joshua Evans. Joshua Had good service. We proceeded to visit families and went to Joseph Garwood and then his mothers, the widow Garwood's, Israel Garwood's, Daniel Garwood* here we lodged. [Left marginal note: His house was burned about a year after.] 12. We went to Job Collins's and his wife went with us in their wagon to see a family some distance from the inhabitance, Micjah Willit's, Melchezed Peacock's, John Peacock's, Michael Wofter's and came to Job Collins's to lodge. 13. We proceed to Joseph Eyers's, Charles Miller's, Joseph Haines's, Jonathan Haines's, Jacob Haines's, Isaac Haines's, black Sam's and went to Lawrence Webster's to lodge. 14. We went to see Isaac Strattan, one who had been disowned from amongst us and had taken the constable's office under the new government and had been in the business of taking Friends' goods and creatures from them, * but is now in a very strange languishing condition by a disorder that obstructs his swallowing anything but a little milk at a time and so is almost perished with hunger having no other ailment as he told us. He was hungry as when he was a lad 13 or 14 years old, he was reduced low and no prospect of his recovery he seemed very much tendered and glad of our company and we had a favored satisfactory opportunity with him. [Left marginal note: *It was reported that he took a beef from a poor widow and that she wished the first bit he eat of it might stick in his throat. He was soon after taken with the vomiting it was said the widow's beef stuck in his throat.] Then went to John Reves's, Job Stratan's, Sal Lonnon's and then back to Lawrence Webster's. Then we came down to William Rogers's and from there home, where I found my wife very ill with a sore breast. 15. I went up to Evesham Meeting and had good satisfaction. This family visit was to good satisfaction.
16th Fourth Month, 1781. About home hauling out dung etc. 17th 18th. Do. Do. Etc. 19. I went to our meeting. 20. About home sowing flax and oats etc. [Left marginal note: Made a plow for Isaac Finch] 21. I went to the burial of Thomas Cowperthwaite. Sarah Hopkins spoke at meeting and several others. [Right marginal note: P[oor]: T[ime]: H[eavy] and D[ull]] 22. Went to our meeting. 23. Began to plow for corn etc. 24. I went to the river for Fish. 25. Plowing for corn. 26. Went to our meeting and to the burial of Samuel Stokes. A pretty deal was said but it was a poor time I thought. 27 and 28. Plowing. 29. I went to Upper Evesham meeting. A hard unpleasant time, not satisfactory. Went [to] see Joshua Evans who was very ill. Early this spring there was a considerable complaint of scarcity of grain especially of wheat. Farmers asked 15 shillings per bushel, but in a few weeks a great plenty appeared and the price of grain* feel till it became as low or lower that it had been this many years. [Left marginal note: *Great crops in Pennsylvania and Virginia] We have had a very open moderate winter and fine spring. A fair prospect of a plentiful season, but death and a lethargic stupefaction prevailed as to religion. Peace, prosperity and plenty continued. 29. I went to finish John Evans his pump and went to Isaac Evans's. --<<May 1781>>-- 1st of the Fifth Month. I fetched the lame boy home from Isaac Evans's. 2. About home getting ready to plant. 3. Was preparative [meeting] Middling so so. 4. I was making a plow for Francis Hay. 5. About home began to plant. 6. Was First Day I went to our meeting. Middling. My wife having now been very much afflicted with a sore breast, an ulcer or gathering by which she has been confined to her bed about five weeks in very great pain, much of the time one day being raised up in bed. She said, I they are best of that are prepared to die and can go quietly away. At another time she said these pains and affliction, how they stain the glory and beauty of all things in this world. I answered, some have prayed for that.* After some time we had further conversation on it and I said I thought the glory and beauty of the things of this world was much stained in my view. She answered, I believe we most of us have a will of our own however. I believe I have or I need or should not suffer so much. Remarkably relieved of pain all at once. quite easy. [Left marginal note: *See Sophia Hume's Extracts or works] Now look back to 18 of Second Month, 1781. 7 of the Fifth Month, 1781. We went to the burial of Edmund Hollinshead. A very great rainy time.
8th of the Fifth Month, 1781. I was about home. 9. I went to Joseph Champion's about mending or putting up an old pump. 10. Went to our Monthly Meeting. Margaret Porter spoke well and Sarah Hopkins and John Parrish and Robert Willis. Also George Churchman and Warner Mifflin was there and a fine meeting it was. A favored opportunity. Warner, George, Robert and John Parrish went into the Women's meeting and all had something to say to the women very suitable to the state of the meeting and people believe this meeting ended clever and was a satisfactory one to me. 11. I was making a plow for John Kay. [Added later: Paid off.] Aaron Wills and wife was here. A Ver[y] S[a]t[isfactory] Time. 12. About planting. 13. Was First Day. Joshua Evans came here and he and I went up to Evesham Meeting; an exceeding dull time it was with the people. We went to Haddonfield poor times. 14:15:16. I was about a screw press for Amos Bullock. 17. Went to our meeting. Samuel Roberts and Elizabeth Shute was married. Samuel Emlen was there and said a great deal. 18. At home sheering sheep etc. 19. I went to take Amos Bullock's cheese press home. 20. I went down to Upper Greenwich meeting towards Salem and a pretty satisfactory meeting it was to me though great heaviness and a spirit of drowsiness was over the people. I went to Caleb Lippincott's to lodge. 21. We went to Salem Quarterly Meeting. Robert Valentine and John Perre, Abraham Griffe, Thomas Ross was there from Pennsylvania. The strangers were favored I believe to clear themselves and it might a favored meeting to many but it was a hard one to me. 22. Went to Salem Yearly Meeting and I doubt not but it was a favored meeting to many but we had hard threshing work and poor times with me. I came up the road with Robert Valentine and John Perry. 23. Went to Piles Grove meeting. Robert and Thomas Ross spoke. Thomas was raised in great eminence, largely opened and much favored more than common but it was a very hard meeting to me. We came up to Aaron Hews to lodge. 24. We came up to Haddonfield meeting where was a marriage. Robert had very hard threshing work of it, a heavy hard meeting. Robert and John came home with me to lodge.
25th of the Fifth Month, 1781. Robert Valentine and John Perry was here whose company and conversation was truly satisfactory and edifying. We went to our meeting. Robert had an open satisfactory time with us and spoke very encouragingly to us yet was very smart and plain with a backsliding easeful state. We went to brother Joshua�s to dine. This was a good meeting to me. William Rogers and I accompanied these Friends up to uncle John Harvey�s. [Left marginal note: Hard thunder, great flood of rain.] 26. We parted. They set off for Chesterfield Quarterly Meeting and we came homewards. Called at Cornwell Stevenson�s and I was glad we did. The plainness and steadiness of his children did one good. We went [to] see William Jones who had been several months under great affliction by a fall which hurt his hip. He is getting better, so home this evening. Robert Valentine informed us of the departure of Susannah Lightfoot. See the account in Twelfth Month 3rd 1778. She was at our meeting. 27. Went to our meeting poor poor poor time. 28:29:30. I was making a pump for Micajah Wills 34 1/2 [feet] long. We came to a settlement and he is in debt to me 0 15 0. 31. Was our preparative meeting and a very drowsy time it was. --<<June 1781>>-- 1st of the Sixth Month 1781. I was planting potatoes etc. 2nd, I was about home. 3. I went to our meeting. 4:5. Went to see Joshua Evans with my wife. 6. About home. 7 of the Sixth Month 1781. Went to our Monthly Meeting. Robert Valentine, John Perry, Abraham Griffe and divers other strangers from neighboring Monthly Meetings was there and Robert had a favored opportunity in the first meeting and upon the whole it was a good meeting. Truth�s testimony gained ground in divers respects, I am satisfied with regard to the use of strong drink, in particular in time of harvest. Robert spoke encouragingly to us and said there was a considerable improvement since he was there before and was confident the Lord would gather a people in that place. 8. I made a plow for Samuel Roberts Jr. 9. About home among corn. 10. Went to our meeting. Abraham Griffe and Josiah Miller was there. Abraham was so hoarse he could not speak, but little Josiah had something to say. The meeting but indifferent. 11. I was making a plow for William Stagdon. 12. I went to make a pump for Isaac Evans just 18 [feet] long. 13. At do. 14. Went to our meeting but indifferent. 15. We went to our meeting appointed for Phebe Miller from Pennsylvania, an innocent woman with a pretty gift and very lively ministry. Spoke encouragingly to the rising generation amongst us but plain and close to an easeful state. A very good meeting.
15th of the Sixth Month, 1781. I finished two plows, one for Jonas Cattle and one for Thomas Thorn and went with my wife to see Hooton's and Stokes. 17. Went to our meeting. William Calvert was there and said a good deal. 19. I went to Caty Lippincott's to make a pump 22 [feet] long. We had a settlement and there remains due to me � 17 0. 20. At do. finished the pump. 21. Went to our meeting P[oor] P[oor] P[oor] 22 and 23. Plowing our corn and I went to Seth Lippincott's to mend his pump. 24. Was First Day. We went to our meeting. Isaac Zane from Philadelphia was there and did speak most extraordinary. A very lively opportunity he had with us. 25. I went up to Amos Bullock's to measure his well and to Vinicomb's. 26. Went to hew a tree for Bullock's pump 25 [feet] long. 27. Boring Bullock's pump. 28. I went to Burlington Preparative Meeting. Met with John Collins and William Rogers on appointment from our Monthly Meeting to visit John Cox Jr. The meeting for worship was very poor and heavy but the meeting of business satisfactory and lively. 29. We went to the burial of Rozannah Collins here. [Left marginal note: Burial] 30. I was finishing Amos Bullock's pump at home 24 [feet] 8 [inches] long. Elizabeth Collins and Hannah Haines, wife of Jonathan, came to see us. A satisfactory visit and pleasant opportunity. --<<July 1781>>-- 1 of the 7th 1781. We went to our meeting. Most trouble poor at first but ended rather better. 2. I was fitting up scythes, forks and rakes etc. 3 Went to reaping. 4. About hay and harvest work. 5. We went to Monthly Meeting. John Pemberton was there and spoke very edifying. John went amongst the women in the last meeting. The meeting on the whole was pretty satisfactory. 6 and 7. About hay and harvest work. 8. Went to our meeting, A V[ery] P[oor] T[ime] it was. 9. I went to Haddonfield Monthly Meeting. Had good satisfaction. 10 and 11. About harvest work etc. 12. We went to our meeting. A good satisfactory meeting. 13 and 14. About flax and hay etc. 15. We went to our meeting but a poor time. 16:17:18. About hay. 19. Went to our meeting. Got but little satisfaction. 20:21. About hay. 22. Went to our meeting a s[atisfactory] t[ime]. 23:24:25. About hay. 26. Went to our meeting a good satisfactory one. 27. At home forepart of the day I went to mend Samuel Stokes pump. 28. I went to work at Elisha Hooton's pump. 29. I went up to Evesham meeting. M.E. and I. Evans spoke. 30. I went and finished Hooton's pump. A top piece 13 [feet] long and one new box. In all it comes to 1 [L] 0 [s] 0. 31. I was about home getting timber for a corn crib etc.
--<<August 1781>>-- 1 of the Eighth Month, 1781 and Fourth [Day] of the week. I went to Robert French's to hew a piece of timber for a pump 21 [feet] long. 2. Was our preparative meeting which was middling satisfactory. 3. We finished Robert French's pump. 4. I met some Friends at William Rogers's to draw some memorials for Edmund Hollinshead and John Lippincott this afternoon. A pretty good time. Something satisfactory. 5. Was First Day. Went to our meeting after noon. John Roberts and I went over to Aaron Wills. [Right marginal note: And P[oor] T[ime]] 6. We went to Burlington Monthly Meeting. Thomas Ross was there and had a close scraping opportunity in the meeting for discipline. I had a good satisfaction. 7. I went about mending a pump for Nehemiah Leads. 8. I was about home hewing timber for a crib house. 9. Went to our Monthly Meeting. John Reeve and Phillip Dennis was there and abundance of preaching we had, but the meeting to me was very poor. 10. Was our youth's meeting at Chester. The above mentioned strangers was there. The meeting held about an hour longer than common and but little silence in it yet a very drowsy meeting with many and Afflicting to some. 11. I was making a plow for Hugh Cowperthwaite. [Left marginal note: plow] 12. We went to our meeting which was most small and very poor indeed. 13. A vast great flood of rain such a one as is not common so hasty once in many years. It broke many if not most of our mill Dams and took away most of the Bridges. 14. I was hewing timber for a crib etc. 15. I went with William Rogers and Enoch Evans to see Samuel Bilange on account of his taking the test. A close searching time we had to some satisfaction. 16. I went to Evesham Meeting in which I had some satisfaction. 17. I went to William Vinicomb's to put some new boxes in an old pump and likewise to Nehemiah Leed's. 18. At Micajah Wills to fix up an old pump in pasture [?] ground. I called at Joshua Lippincott's in conversation and he mentioned two things remarkable which was thus: he said Benjamin Cooper the elder told him once a crossing the ferry that he could remember when the people used to mow where the sandbar is now is against Philadelphia and the people began to wrangle about the grass and the mud went all off and left it a sand bar- the other concerning Thomas Evans his ministry. We both
generally thought so. He said he was laughed at when he was younger and once thirty years ago in particular a remarkable instance. He said Thomas Evans stood up to speak at Evesham and there was a divers wicked noted profligate fellows began to laugh and whisper together and Thomas took notice of their behavior and spoke to them in particular and said woe to them that laugh now for they shall weep and that the Lord would laugh at their calamity and mock when their fear cometh and if I remember right that they would some of them soon be removed. However so it feel out that divers of that wicked club were soon after taken Away by death and one in particular in a most lamentable noted manner. I knew some of them and have often heard of their club, noted for their wickedness and drinking and swearing in particular and by account some of them being asleep in sin did see their passage verified. Proverbs 6:11: Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep, so shall thy poverty come as one that traveleth and thy want as an armed man. 19. Went to our meeting. P[oor] P[oor] P[oor] P[oor] P[oor] P[oor] 20. I went to work at the bridge at Colestown. 21. I went to Moorestown after a shoemaker etc. 22. I went hew a pump for Samuel Brown 20 [feet] long. 23. I was at our meeting, which was middling. 24. I went to Sam Brown's to finish his pump 20 [feet] long. Finished and came home. All settled. 25. I met a Committee at William Rogers to make answers to our extracts and draw memorials for Joseph Lippincott [and] Edmund Hollingshead. 26. Was First Day. We went to our meeting. William Savery was there and spoke very notably. The meeting at first was very hard and dull but ended pretty well. [Inserted above: satisfactory] I went over to Aaron Wills to lodge. 27. Went to Burlington Quarterly Meeting. Robert Valentine, William Mathers, John Simpson and Daniel Offley was there. Daniel Offley and Thomas Scattergood young men Lodg from Philadelphia, had remarkable service in this meeting. I went to Moses and Aaron Wills with my beloved Friends John Simpson and Meribah Fowler. A pleasant satisfactory edifying opportunity it was. 28. We went to their youth's meeting and it has seemed to be open meeting and I believe very edifying to many and although they were hardish meetings to me They were very strengthening edifying and in the end satisfactory. 29. At home begun to sow our rye. My wife and I went to see John Stokes this evening to some satisfaction. [Sideways marginal note: This visit to John Stokes was very remarkable. My wife had seen him drunk on the road and had a concern to visit him in the most private manner so we went and waited at his house late till he came home and she had a solid time with him chiefly alone and we came home at midnight. But he still went on till at last he was suddenly killed running a horse at Moorestown.] 30. Was our preparative meeting. The first was dull and poor, but with close labor the last was brave and satisfactory. 31. At home seeding etc. --<<September 1781>>-- 1 of the Ninth Month. Do. Do.
[Sideways marginal note: This visit to John Stokes was very remarkable. My wife had seen him drunk on the road and had a concern to visit him in the most private manner so we went and waited at his house late till he came home and she had a solid time with him chiefly alone and we came home at midnight. But he still went on till at last he was suddenly killed running a horse at Moorestown.]
2nd of the Ninth Month 1781. First Day went to our meeting. After meeting I went to Jonas Cattle's with John Collins and wife. 3. About home framing a crib. 4. At do. about a plow for [Crossed out with annotation �settled:] James Clements. 5. My wife and I went to try to help settle a difference between some Friends. 6. Was our Monthly Meeting. Elizabeth Collins spoke very prettily at this meeting. We had several cases concerning dealing with those who had taken the test and Friends being divided in sentiments about them matters occasioned very unpleasant work. A sad dark confused time it was as I ever saw there. Far from being satisfactory. 7 and 8. I was about home at work at the crib house. 9. Was First Day. I was very unwell with a bad cold and stayed at home. 10:11. Unwell. 12. Unwell. 13. Was Fifth Day. I was at home unwell. 14:15. About home. 16. First Day. I went to our meeting. Pretty well. Som[ewhat] satis[factory]. 17:18:19:20.. About a crib for myself: 21. Was our Quarterly Meeting at Haddonfield. William Mathews was there and spoke and divers other strangers and some from Philadelphia. Daniel Offley appeared in prayer very notably. The first meeting was but indifferent, but the last ended lively and to my satisfaction in a good degree. 22. First Day. We went to our meeting. Some encouragement. 23 This afternoon my wife's sister and her daughter and I went to Philadelphia to the Yearly Meeting and was at the Bank meeting House, which I thought was but poorish though some lively sentences dropped. 23. I went to the Big Meeting House. Jacob Lindley spoke with great power and authority and was large in testimony. Began business this afternoon. I was on a committee on a case from Warrington and Fairfax Quarter, which was difficult but ended satisfactory. The meeting continued by adjournments till Seventh Day Evening. The most weighty matters that came before this meeting was concerning our testimony against wars, paying taxes etc and against the excess and unnecessary use of strong drink, tavern keeping and the West India trade and the oppression of the poor Blacks. Matters concerning these things was closely lively and powerfully spoke to and truths testimony was raised into dominion over all against these things in great eminence. This meeting, I thought, was not quite so much favored and open as some I have seen, yet I believed it was a time great Instruction, strengthening and edifying to many.
1781. At Yearly Meeting. I went to see some acquaintance; Moses Coats and others. One evening related several things. One was concerning the testimony of the Mennonists [i.e., Mennonites] against superfluity and against slave keeping as follows: A Friend a hatter some years ago took a parcel of women's hats to Lancaster to sell and the young Mennonist women were pleased with them and bought them but their elders were not easy with any new fashions coming amongst them and held a conference amongst the Friends. The next time he came with hats to sell, not to be instrument in introducing new fashion or superfluity amongst them but in particular if he brought any more that way to let them be plain and no* ribbons about them. [Right marginal note: See our own book of discipline against ribbon about men or women's hats.] And that one of the Mennonists had agreed for to buy a Negro and next night before he got him home he dreamed he saw a ladder that reached to heaven and he thought he attempted to go up it and there came a Negro man and thrust him off and he attempted the second and third time and the Negro pushed him off each time. And he awoke and concluded he would go back and having no more to do with the Negro and accordingly went back next morning and threw up his bargain. And the Friend said the Mennonists allow none bought in amongst them, that they disown their members for it, and there is no remedy for them that buy them till they make the Negro's restitution. 30. I went to Haddonfield meeting. Mary Stevenson, Joshua Gibbs, William Jones all spoke considerably but I thought death and poverty covered the meeting. I had some satisfaction. --<<October 1781>>-- 1 of the Tenth Month, Second Day of the week. I was about home at work at the Crit[illegible] 2. I went up to the sawmill to get lath[e?]. Was disappointed. 3. I went to the Mount Holly Monthly Meeting. Benjamin Jones spoke concerning a pharisaical spoke. Great indeed is the weakness that prevails at this place. Little left but the form. Almost become a desolation. I had some satisfaction amongst them. [Left marginal note: Samuel Garwood was buried] 4. We went to our monthly meeting which to me was a good deal better than our last. I believe I might have had more satisfaction if I had been more careful. 5. I was about home about sundry little matters. 6. I went to mend a pump for Thomas Stiles. 7. I went to our meeting. An exceeding dull heavy poor time. 8 and 9. Gathering winter apples. Aaron Wills, John Bissel and wife and I came home. 10. I set off to Egg Harbor with Thomas Evans and Enoch and wife. We lodged at James Bilanger's, was kindly entertained, had and pretty pleasant sitting. satisfactory opportunity with the old people.
11th of the Tenth Month 1781. I was at Egg Harbor Monthly Meeting. Thomas Evans and Deborah Basit spoke but great was the lukewarness that prevailed amongst the people. A very small number excepted, they are almost become a desolation. As to discipline, I thought they seemed like a bowing wall or a tapering fence, Psalm 62:3 which if one go to rectify (as is common to say) its much but we have it all down about our ears. This was the case at this time. They were settled into normality and could not bear to be moved or searched. We lodged at Annanias Gants and had the Rubers but remained unshaken. 12. We came home, About 45 miles. I found all pretty well. This was a brushing sort of a complaint of middling well. Mark the event. 13. I was getting in potatoes etc. [Left marginal note: Samuel Atkinson was buried First Day.] 14. I went to Upper Evesham Meeting with Joshua Evans. Indifferency and luke warmness was the state of the people I thought the meeting ended middling satisfactory. We went to Isaac Evans's to dine and to Samuel Evans's this afternoon. We have some service at each place through this day. 15. My wife and I on an appointment from Monthly Meeting met a large committee at Evesham to examine some old minutes and cases that had lain very long behind hand some twenty years and upwards and some less. This was heavy dull work but we believed there would be a service. 16. Now I go to work again after having been but a pretty deal at meetings. My business had got behind hand. One of the boys sick and several lassies for want of care whilst I was out. I did not refrain from fretting so as not be exemplary in my family divers times. 16 and 17. Husking corn. 18. Went to the burial of Daniel Lippincott and was at our meeting. 19 and 20. Husking corn. 21. At our meeting, but poor. Joseph Buzby and wife was here to see us. 22 and 23. At work at corn and stalks etc. 24. John Parrish was here we had a satisfactory sitting in the family. John spoke very prettily to our children and then I, my wife, her sister and daughter went to Upper Evesham Meeting with him. The meeting was hard and poor and it seemed afterwards that I sat in John's way and came back not satisfied. Thomas Evans spoke. 26 and 27. About our corn and cribs etc. 28. Went to our meeting, which was something better. Pretty well. 29:30:31. About corn etc. --<<November 1781>>-- 1 of the Eleventh Month. Went to our preparative meeting and a fighting time I had of it trying to jostle them out of the old form. [Left marginal note: Now see 24 of the Ninth Month 1785 J. Thorinton said he was afraid they'd become a snare.] 3rd. About home getting out flax etc.
4th of the Eleventh Month, 1781. Went to our meeting which was silent though not so poor as some. [Right marginal note: My wife tells me she had the best meeting that ever she had and most encouragement to go.] 5. I went to make a pump for Benjamin Lippincott on his mother. 29 feet long all settled. 6 and 7. At Lippincott's finished and we settled and made even. 8. We went to our Monthly Meeting. John Simpson was there and a very extraordinary open time we had. John seemed to have a full swing with us. A very lively meeting it was. Margaret Porter was also there and had good service amongst us I went into the women's meeting with John and A lively large opportunity he had with them. I lodged this evening at William Rogers's with John Simpson. 9. We went to Moorestown meeting appointed for the above mentioned traveling Friends. John was large in testimony lively and pertinent to the present state of the people and Margaret also. A lively open meeting I believe it was to many. [Left marginal note: In year 87 we heard of Margaret Porter's fall-- drink to excess.] 10. I was at home getting firewood. These Friend had a meeting at Upper Evesham which I was well informed was a favored one. I went this evening to meet with John Simpson and his companion Joseph Gilinham and lodged with them at Lawrence Webster's. 11. We went to Vincent Town Meeting held in a schoolhouse. John had considerable to say amongst them. A very snowy, stormy day and the meeting late in gathering and but small. We stopped to see Job Collins and wife had a pretty little sitting worth noting. I piloted those Friends down to Benjamin Swett's this evening. 12. We went to Haddonfield Monthly Meeting. Here we met with Margaret Porter and her companions Agnes Shoemaker and David Comings. John and Margaret had considerable to say but I thought the meeting was poor dull hard and heavy throughout. The people mostly rich lukewarmness formality and carnal security prevailed yet I thought John was favored to clear himself and press things close in the last meeting. 13. I went to mend a pump for Samuel Allinson. 14. I was at work at a top piece of a pump for John Hammit 14 feet [feet] long.
15th Eleventh month, 1781. I was at our meeting. Somewhat satisfactory. 16. I went to John Hammitt's to finish his pump. A top piece 4 feet 6 inches long. 17th was very stormy day. I was about home. [Left marginal note: Hammitt due me 3 dollars] 18. We went to our meeting, which I thought was middling. We have now had a very plentiful season well for grass and corn of every kind. Wheat to be had in Virginia for 18 and a quarter dollars per bushel and plentier here than it had been for many years. The earth brought forth by handfuls. 19. I went to hew timber for Nehemiah Leeds. 20. I went to the burial of Lucretia Humphries. 21 Went to work at Leeds's [Crossed through �his pump 28 [feet] 9 [inches] long comes to 4 Shillings 5] paid for it. 23. I was killing a beef and boring a pump at home for Reuben Matlack 15 1/2 [feet] long. All settled. 24. We went to a committee meeting at Moorestown. A very good satisfactory one it was. 25. I went to Ancocas meeting which was silent and very poor. Aaron Wills rode with several miles for company. [Left marginal note: Great storm of rain and wind] 26. I went to Quarterly Meeting at Chesterfield and Margaret Porter was there and spoke very well but it seemed like water on a rock or on a duck's back which all runs off without making any impression. This evening I went to lodge with cousin Maribah Fowler and next morning to see cousin John Ellis. The company of friends and relations was so pleasant, I thought we talked too much, a little. 27. We went their youth's meeting. Margaret spoke very well but the people seemed sensual, not in a right spirit; rich, worldly, great in profession and great in the art. The old people gone into the earth and the young people into the air. Those were very poor meetings. I lodged at Joseph Engle's. Next day we went to Mount Holly Preparative Meeting. 28th At Mount Holly Preparative Meeting. [�Mount Holly Preparative Meeting� here looks like it was originally written as part of the previous entry; �28th� and �at� look to have been added later.] John Sleeper dined at Solomon Gaskill's went to George Wytts. Had satisfaction here. A great storm. Lodged at J Engle's again. 29. Went to our preparative meeting. Very poor time. 30. Finished Reubin's pump 15 [feet] 8 [inches] long.
December 1781 1 of the Twelfth Month 7th of the week. About home about sundry little matters. 2. Went to our First Day meeting. Times middling well. 3 and 4. I was about home at work at the kitchen etc. 5. I went to mill, at Haddonfield Hill. Joshua Evans was here and wanted me to go with him to Mount Holly Monthly Meeting but I had been out so much I did not want to go with him. 6. Was our Monthly Meeting. Daniel Offley was there and Thomas Scattergood from town and Joshua Evans and a fine lively rousing time it seemed to be. Daniel, Joshua and Thomas all spoke. Daniel was smart and close with a declining state but he said he had a feeling unity with the seed of life amongst us. Joshua and Daniel went into the women's meeting and a very lively opportunity they had there. Daniel spoke very encouragingly to the women and Joshua scraped close. 7 and 8. I was about home mending and making gates for stalls etc. 9. Went to our meeting. A very great storm, snow, etc. P[oor] P[oor] P[oor]. 10th. We was killing a beef. 11. About home. 12. Getting firewood. 13. Went to our meeting. 14. I was making a frame for a churn for Kendal Coles. 15. About home. 16. We went to our meeting. I had good satisfaction. Joseph Roberts and I went to see Tos H at Haddonfield. Eno E and John R and William R was here this evening. 17. We were killing hogs. 18. Cutting up pork. 19. Salting it. 20. I went to Evesham meeting. Samuel Carr and Ann French were married. John Sleeper was there and spoke largely. Some of his words at first were concerning the kingdom of heaven, suffering violence etc. The rest of his subject was pretty much of it drawn from the 23 chapter of the 2 of Samuel and the sixty eighth chapter of Psalms. Two very remarkable chapters. A pretty good meeting. 21. I and Elizabeth Haines went to meeting. A committee at Evesham appointed by our Monthly Meeting to consider of a proposal of altering again the custom of allowing spectators to come and see the couples pass at monthly meetings and a lively favored opportunity it was. We sat I suppose four hours and none complained of being weary. A strengthening time I believe it was and I thought that truth gained ground that day amongst us. Had satisfaction. 22. I was turning pump boxes etc. 23. I went to our meeting very poor time. 24:25. About home snow time. 26. We went up to Caleb Evans's and Enoch's etc. 27. Went to our meeting. Very dull time. 28 and 29. About home getting firewood etc. 30. Went to our meeting, which was something better. Middling.
31st of the Twelfth Month 1781. My wife and I met a committee at Evesham on the business of bringing forward some matters that had lain long behind and some matters not fully clear. The forepart of the meeting was much favored but we got very much jumbled towards the conclusion and the meeting did not end so lively and satisfactory as the former. --<<January 1782>>-- 1st of First Month 1782. I went to John Moore's to make a pump for a schoolhouse. 2. We finished it and came home. 17 1/2 feet long. He paid for it. 3. Was our preparative meeting. Middling. 4. I was about home mending an old wheel for Joseph Warrington. 5 I was at home making a pump box for Sam Haines. 6. Was First Day. We went to our meeting which was very much favored I believe as much as I was able to bear. We went to Joshua Roberts this afternoon. This was a pleasant day not to be forgotten. How open, how near and how pleasant all did seem when meeting broke up, but remember the Pisgah sight from the mount. We must come down and remember Mordecai. I think Daniel returned after favor and sat at the king's gates. 7. I went to mend a pump for Joseph Hackney and in the afternoon went to the burial of Joseph Stoker's child which was inoculated. Benjamin Swett spoke at the grave. 8. I went to hew timber for a pump for Benjamin Pine. 9. Was our monthly meeting. Isaac Zane from Philadelphia and James Cooper was there. We had the extracts read and considered again and upon the whole I thought our testimony gained ground especially against the prevailing custom of using strong drink. [The meeting appointed a committee "in consideration of the Extracts...to join with and assist the Elders and overseers in a united labor & endeavor to remove the many deficiencies hinted at" (Minutes of Evesham Monthly meeting, 1mo 1782).] I thought the meeting was hurt by too great a crowd of business. 10. I went to finish a pump for Benjamin Pine 29 feet long. 11. We finish Pine's pump. A stormy day. 12. Went to our meeting but poorish times. L. and John Gibbs was here. 13. I went to Haddonfield. Samuel Hughs and Abel Thomas was there. The first meeting for worship was but dullish, but the meeting for business pretty well. 14. My wife and I went to meet a committee at Evesham to consider of divers old matters which concerned our monthly meeting. We got sadly jumbled about some old affairs about altering the mode of couples passing. We did pretty well. 15. Getting firewood. 16. Went to our meeting silent and poor. 17. Getting some timber for cheese press etc. 18. Turning pump boxes etc. I went with William Rogers to see a mat to some satisfaction.
20st of the First Month 1782. We went to our meeting which to me seemed pretty well. 21. Joshua Evans and I went to a Negro meeting at Evesham which we thought on the whole was rather for the better. 22. I went to monthly meeting at Philadelphia Bank meeting house. James Cresen spoke the first meeting but heavy and the last but poor. 23. I was the Monthly Meeting of Southern District [of Philadelphia]. Daniel Offley spoke very lively. Whilst Israel abode in their tents neither enchantment nor divination could prevail against them was his first words this meeting. Also was but poor and things at a low ebb though I had some satisfaction and I thought received strength and instruction amongst them. 24. I Was at Haddonfield weekday meeting. Dull and heavy indeed. [Left marginal note: See Proverbs 24:32 ] 25 and 26. About home mending old shoes and wheels etc. I had taken a great cold coming from town through a great storm of snow. 27 was First Day. The London Epistles were read, though not very satisfactory. 28:29:30. I was About home. Extreme cold weather. 31. Was our preparative meeting and a poor dull time it was. --<<February 1782>>-- 1 of the Second Month. I was making [a] sled for myself. 2. Do. 3. Was First Day. I went to our meeting. The forepart was very dull and poor but I had a pretty good satisfaction at the conclusion. One day last week I went to French's mill and in conversation two things was remarkable and I had not the least room to scruple the truth of them. We were conversing about the scarcity of hay. Joseph Lewis said there was so much destroyed with the worms in the tide meadows he thought it would be scarce. He said he had bought some grass of Benjamin Morgan and had a pretty prospect of a fine crop of grass and in the space of four or five days it was all destroyed with the worms etc. French Jr. said Joseph Reeve (down the river) told him that the worms came in their tide meadows so thick and so sudden that in the space of 48 hours, less he thought, one hundred men with scythes would not have destroyed the grass faster than these worms did. The other matter was concerning a great number of small frogs thousands and thousands in the big road.* [Left marginal note: *In a low piece of ground between Cowperthwait's plantations] As people were coming from market the ruts were full of them, so that people turned out their wagons to omit mashing them with the wheels. They seemed to assign natural causes for these things but it made me think of Pharaoh's plagues. Read Amos the 7 Chapter and 1st and 2 verses.
4th of the Second Month 1782 I was about home. 5:6. About making a sled and hauling wood. 7. We went to Monthly Meeting. Samuel Lippincott from Piles Grove spoke and several other Friends from the lower county. We had a pretty good time and I thought business seemed to go on pretty smarty and lively. 8. Was our youth's meeting and there was a large concourse of people but it was a shut up time as to the ministry as I ever remember and a laborious hard sort of a meeting, Although several appeared but mostly in the complaining way. 9. I went to William Foster's for a load of hay. Sam Lippincott, Benjamin Reeve, and Josiah Miller and William Rogers came to see one. I not at home. 10. At our meeting. Samuel Lippincott, Josiah Miller and Benjamin Reeve all spoke and Joshua Evans likewise, but a poor meeting indeed as I thought. 11. We were taking up flax etc. 12 and 13. At Foster's making a pump 29 feet 8 inches long. 14. I was at Evesham meeting. Had good satisfaction. 15. I finished William Fosters pump. 16. About home mending little wheels. [Left marginal note: 16 went to Hooton's to take colt] 17. Was First Day went to our meeting. A poor time. My wife and I went to Thomas Dudley's to see them pretty well. 18. I went to Nehemiah Leeds to look at his pump. Went to Joshua Eva Day. 19. I was at our Joshua Evan's about a pump. A rain stormy day. 20. At work at Evans's pump 22 feet long. Snow storm. I finished the pump this evening. 21. Was Fifth Day. I came home and was too late to get to meeting so missed this day. 22. I was turning pump boxes nozzles etc. 23. I was dressing our plow stuff and visited our school. [Left marginal note: Took hefr [heifer?] from Coles.] 24. We went to our meeting. A pretty satisfactory one to me. 25. I went to Phineas Lord's and there away below Woodbury to look out four or five pumps. It was a very snowy day but we went through the woods tills night. 26. I went with Friends to a committee meeting at Upper Greenwich and a favored time it was. The meeting concluded in sweet calmness. 27. The committee on the extracts met again at Woodbury and a poor hard shut up time it was. Not satisfactory. 28. I was at our preparative meeting, but a poorish time. --<<March 1782>>-- 1st of the Third Month, Sixth Day of the week. I was about divers little matters. 2nd Seventh Day of the week. About home dressing out plow stuff. A close heavy trial this day for want of more deep watchfulness. A sad time for several hours but it went of. Remember it.
3rd of the Third Month, 1782. At our meeting which was silent and poor. 4. Second Day of the week. My wife and her sister and I went to a large committee meeting at Evesham. Joshua Evans was with us and fine favored opportunity it was. I thought we seemed to get forward A little. I had good satisfaction. 5 and 6. I was at home at plows. 7. Went to our monthly meeting. John Pemberton and Thomas Scattergood spoke and there was divers other strangers there. We were answering the queries. A poor dull heavy time of it. 8. Was very rainy. About plow stuff and pump boxes. Joshua Evans and Samuel Webster was here. 9. I finished a plow for Enoch Allen. 10. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. Richard Dill was there and spoke well. The meeting But indifferent. 11. Making a Plow for Enoch Allen small one. 12. Made plow for Samuel Burrough. 13. We attend a meeting appointed by our Monthly Meeting at Upper Evesham for considering and spreading the concern of the Yearly Meeting as recommended in the extracts which was a pretty favored open time with us and many things pressed very close to members present. A time of favor with us this evening. Francis Dudley was killed going from the mill. His horse run away with him in his wagon and killed him in the spot instantly. 14. Friends assembled at Lower Evesham. This meeting I thought was not so open though I hope a profitable one to some, for wrong things which were in practice was closely testified against especially that of strong drink and that of the undue liberty of the youth and improper and injudicious indulgence of their parents and other matters which were laid before that meeting. 15. Friends assembled at our meeting at Moorestown on the same occasion which was an open favored opportunity. Matters recommended in our extracts were very closely and lively spoke to and I thought the meeting concluded in a very quiet calm good frame. David Cooper and Benjamin Swet attended these meetings and John Tatham was at ours who had good service amongst us. 16. I made a plow for William Hollinshead. 17. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. But poorish not so bad as at sometimes. 18. I went to Samuel Moors to make a pump 39 feet long. 19. At do. 20th. I finished it and came home. 21. Made a plow another for Samuel Burrows Sr. 22. We went to Quarterly Meeting at Haddonfield. John Reeve spoke, Robert Willis and William Jones but it was a poor dull heavy meeting. 23. I made a plow for John Collins.
24th Third Month 1782. We went to our meeting, which was dull at first but ended to my satisfaction in some good degree. 25. I went with my boys down to Phinehas Lord to make a pump 17 and a half feet long. 26 and 27. We finished Phinehas Lord's pump and one for his mother next door, hers was 26 feet long. This evening we went to William Miccles to make a pump for him hewed it this evening. 28. At work at Miccles pump. I went to their meeting with them which was very dull heavy hard and poor. We finished Miccles pump 18 feet long and went to this evening up to John Jesup's to make him a pump 18 feet long. 29. At work at Jessup's pump and I went to Woodbury meeting and took my boys but this was as dull poor and hard as yesterday's meeting. A lethargic stupefaction had gained the ascendancy a worldly spirit a people rich in earthly treasures. We finished Jessup's pump and lodged at the widow Lord's whose company and kindness to me was extraordinary great, I being much afflicted this week with the toothache. 30. We set off home after mending Jessup's old pump. Stopped at Woodbury and mended Samuel Miccle's pump. 31. I was very poorly but got to meeting and lad was for Robert Willis was there and after a very hard struggling time several little testimonies. Robert had an open time with us. Said a great deal and extraordinary well but there did not seem that door of entrance tenderness and contrition amongst the people as sometimes formerly or as one might expect, considering the door of utterance that was opened in Robert. The people are too full of other things and want emptying. [Left marginal note: First Day] --<<April 1782>>-- 1 of the Fourth Month. I was about home mend little wheels etc. 2. I was dressing out plow stuff. 3. I went up to Mount Holly Monthly Meeting. Robert Willis, Joshua Evans and Richard Dill was there and John Sleeper but it was a poor time though I had some satisfaction upon the whole, yet I thought the meeting as a Monthly Meeting growed poorer and poorer. Great weakness prevailed amongst them in many respects. Joshua and I lodged at Joseph Ingles. 4. We came to Evesham Monthly Meeting. The meeting for Worship was considerably favored. The last meeting but middling so so. 5. I was about a plow for William Pine. 6. I went to mend a pump for John Collins. 7. Was First Day. Went to our meeting, which was very dull at first better at last. This week Thomas Evans and other Friends being at Daniel Garwoods on a family visit his house was burned all down whilst they were there. See my account about a year back of being at that house.
8th of the Fourth Month 1782. I was making a plow for Samuel Burroughs Jr. I was not so patient and exemplary this morning with a poor Black neighbor as I ought to have been and met a committee at Haddonfield concerning the Indians. 9. Mending plow for Samuel Robert new mold board. 10. I made a plow for John Rudrow. 11 of the Fourth Month 1782. Joshua Evans came here and he and I went up to Evesham Meeting on foot and had a satisfactory meeting. Now according to agreement and liberty from Monthly Meetings, Joshua Evans, myself, Joshua Lippincott and Mary Ingle proceeded on a family visit to Lower Evesham Particular meeting. Went first to Isaac Dudley's, Thomas Dudley's here we lodged. 12. To Noah Garwood, John Hollinshead's, Caleb Borton's, Thomas Brooks's, Benjamin Borton's, Samuel Borton's, Joshua Borton's. Here we lodged. 13. To Peter Parkers, Abigail Borton's, Josiah Borton's, Abraham Wooman's, Isaac Mason's, John Borton's, then went to William Rogers to lodge. 14. First Day to Jabez Buzby's John Evans then to meeting at Evesham. Joshua had an open lively time this day. Then to Abraham Ingle's, Thomas Ballinger's, Robert Ingle's here was something a little odd. Remember what was said about drawing more water on the wheel � the Friend was a miller � to make it work sharper the wheel that was worked by the celestial streams and concerning the loss of appetite and need of bitters to help the stomach etc. Went to Joseph Ingle's to lodge. 15. To Elizabeth Rakestraw's, John Moore's here we lodged. Here we had a Methodist with us and he appeared much affected in our sitting and had something to say. He expressed great satisfaction in our company and appeared very loving. 16. To Caleb Austin's, Rebekah Austin's, Jacob Austin's, James Wilk's, Thomas Wilkins Sr., Thomas Wilks Jr. here we lodged. 17. To Jacob Wilkins, William Foster's, Aer Fosters aged 97 in her 98 year, had a lively time. Josiah Fosters, John Haines, Solomon Haines, Isaac Haines, Isaiah Haines lodged here. 18. To Benjamin Haines then to meeting. A good meeting. Samuel Shap's, Samuel Ballinger's, Noah Haine's lodged here. 19. Joshua Ballinger, Thomas Ballinger, Jr., Thomas Ballinger, Sr., William Troks, Isaac Andrews, Jacob Evans lodged here. Thomas Evans, Sr[, did also [?]]. 20*. Thomas Evans, Jr., Caleb Evan, Benjamin Jicin, Isaac Borton, Elizabeth Bates, Jane Evf, Elizabeth Lippincott, Enoch Evans lodged here. Had a lively time here. I had good satisfaction. 21. Then to Evesham meeting. A poor time. I then came home. We had a close trial but got brave over it my Friends proceeded forward to
Friends proceeded to William Garwood's, John Small's. 22. I met my Friends again, at the end of Edward Darling's lane �Edward Dalins, William Rogers, Humphrey Owins[;] and went to Joshua Lippincott's to lodge. 23. To Thomas Lippincott's, Micajah Will's, William Davison's, John Inskeep's � a favored time with me � Joseph Eves's, John Haines, Samuel Allinson's. Here we lodged. 24. Samuel Lippincott's, John Maxfield's, John Lippincott's, Thomas Hollinshead, John Maxfield Sr., William Whitter, Joshua Lippincott's. Here we lodged and had a fine time. 25. To Job Lippincott's then to Evesham Meeting in which I thought we were manifestly owned in our undertakings, then to Joshua Newbould's, Silas Crispin's here I left my Friends and came home intending to meet my Friends next morning at William Evans's if the way opened, but it did not, their being about twelve families yet proposed to visit. This was a favored time with us. Though we had close scraping work, often there was sweetness. [John Hunt's Journal summarizes above visits: Upwards of ninety families were visited, besides attending the meetings in course." (232)] 26, Sixth of the week. I was making a plow for myself. 27. Getting the plow to work and then dressing out Plow stuff. 28. First Day morning In Rutty's Diary, page 115: 13: Beware (says he to himself) of conduct before servants and, O, remember thy open profession of a renunciation of superfluities of all kinds. And may I remember Solomon's petition for wisdom that he might go in and out before [A Spiritual Diary and Soliloquies� (London: James Phillips, 1776), vol. 1, p. 115.] the people in an exemplary manner now nearly concerns me: to bear In mind. In a book Anthony Benezet sent me, bound with Rutty's Diary page 75 it is remarked. God has no want of any thing else to do his work in us but that we be truly emptied and stand in pure nothingness before him. 29. I mending a plow for William Stogdon etc. 30. I making a plow for Charles French. --<<May 1782>>-- 1 of the Fifth Month. I making a plow for [crossed through:] Samuel Coles. 2. We went to preparative meeting. The meeting for worship to me somewhat satisfactory. Answering our queries not satisfactory to me. I finished a plow for Edward Daling. [Left marginal note: I had a calf and a hog to dress for market etc.] 3. I was about home in fore part of the day about sundry little matters. I went to Joshua Lippincott's. 4. I, L. [illegible, presumably a surname], J. Redman, William Rogan, and divers other Friends went up to see the Indians at Edgepelick [?] to converse with them about establishing a school there. Amongst them we had a pretty satisfactory time with them. Left it for consideration.
5th of the Fifth Month 1782. First of the week went to our meeting. Had good satisfaction. 6. My wife and her sister and I met the committee at Moorestown to consider of the advice in the extracts and endeavor to discharge the trust reposed in us by the Monthly Meeting on that accounts. After Friends had given in accounts of considerable labor in visiting of many families to their satisfaction and encouragement, we then had a very close searching time amongst ourselves which I had long thought was much wanting and had long believed was the place of beginning. It was my lot to urge and say many things very closely amongst us with respect to our conformity to the spirit and customs of the world. This made very heavy work with us a while. At length some cautions were dropped about going too fast and it seemed as if I should been over sat for a while, but at length things took a lively turn and the meeting concluded to advantage and satisfaction. We came off with whole bones and flying colors. [It may be of interest to note that in the Friends Miscellany published version of John Hunt's Journal, the suggestion that John Hunt was pushing harder for reform than was acceptable to others at the time has been hidden. In place of "It was my Lot to urge & Say many things very closely amongst us with Respect to our Conformity..." the editors have "and many things were closely urged amongst us, in respect to our conformity with the spirit and customs of the world. At length, things took a lively turn, and the meeting concluded to advantage and satisfaction." (233)] 7: and 8 I was getting ready to plant corn, planting Garden truck etc. 9th of the Fifth Month. We went to our Monthly Meeting. Elizabeth Drinker from Philadelphia. Rebecca Wright and several other strangers was there in the meeting for worship. I had a pretty satisfactory opportunity. Rebecca Wright, Elizabeth Drinker, and John Ailor spoke. The meeting middling well and the last meeting way opened for close hard labor and I thought likewise was middling well and satisfactory. 10 and 11. I was planting corn. 12. First of the week we went to our meeting. Elizabeth Drinker, Rebekah Wright, and Joshua Gibbs was there. Elizabeth had something pretty Particular which I believed was for me, and pretty close. Rebekah and Joshua spoke. The meeting [I] thought was very dull and poor. 13. Finished planting corn and washed our sheep. 14. At work at cheese press one for Coles and one for Joseph Brick. 15. At work at cheese press. [Right marginal note: Went to the burial of Stacy Adkinson, Samuel Emlen and William Savery was there] 16. Went to our meeting and drowsy time it was for the most part. 17. At work at cheese press. 18. Sheering sheep etc. 19. Was First Day. I went down to Upper Greenwich meeting, which was but Poor though I had some satisfaction. Great was the heaviness and barrenness that covered the meeting. I lodged at Caleb Lippincott's. 20. Went to Quarterly Meeting at Salem. There was abundance of preaching but Poor times with me very dull and drowsy with many. I lodged at Aaron Thompson's. This was the time Bn Thomas was reinstated. 21. At Yearly Meeting at Salem. Many spoke and the meeting a little better. I came up to Phinehas Lord's. 22. Came home. All well at home. I stopped with Phinehas Lord to see two men* in Glouster goal, one in the bloom of life now in great Irons and other has a wife and children. Their disposition was stubborn and they no humbled nor bettered by their sufferings. [Left marginal note: *I stopped to see Henry Lane and Thomas Wisson in prison at Glouster.
23 of the Fifth Month, 1782. We went to our meeting had some satisfaction. 24. I was making screws etc. 25. At do. 26. We first to our meeting and a very dull poor time it was. [Left marginal note: First Day] 27. I went to hew a pump for Elijah Birdsill near Moorestown I Brought it home with me. 28 and 29. At work at the pump for E B. 30. Went to our preparative meeting a poor time. No business. 31. I made plows for John Rudrow. --<<June 1782>>-- 1st of the Sixth Month Went and put Elijah Burdsil's pump 37 feet long. 2. Went to our meeting. Jess Wanterman was there, poor time. 3. I went to see our ancient Friend John Burroughs, who was very feeble and not like to continue long, but appeared in great concern About a future state. He was very tender and Penitent. 4. I went to help Josn Warrington move a house. 5. I was dressing out plow stuff etc. 6. Went to our Monthly Meeting. This was the time that the quarter's committee came up to settle the matter about reinstating Benjamin Thomas* and a committee from Haddonfield came up to return Richard Snowdon's certificate. This business of test taking and returning certificates for amendment hath made troublesome work in our Monthly Meeting before now, but now worse than ever for there was little else but finding faults, rubbing and grinding one another till I believe most of our active members got out of humor and a poor hurtful dissatisfactory time it was and it seemed as if such business and doings as this was ready to overset us, though some time back we have had encouraging prospects of an improvement amongst us and some good satisfactory Monthly Meetings. [Left marginal note: *He had been disowned for taking the test. Now look back to the page 107.] 7. I Made a plow for Edward Darling. 8. I went to Borton's sawmill for plank for brother Joshua. 9. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. A Poor dull drowsy time. 10. We went to a Committee meeting at Evesham and a pretty lively scraping time it was with us, rather closer than some could well bear. A pretty strengthening satisfactory time to me. 11. Went to the burial of Isaac Evans. Held a meeting and A great concourse people there was. Thomas Evans and Joshua both spoke but it was a very dull afflicting time. Great was the unconcernedness and Insensibility of greatest part of the people. 12. I made a plow for Samuel Burroughs. 13. Went to our meeting. Great was the spirit of heaviness to be struggled with there. I had some satisfaction. 14. I finished a cheese press for K. Coles. 15. I went to mend a pump for T. Hoston and J. Stokes and met some Friends at brother Joshua's to sign several deeds of our meeting house lots.
16. Sixth Month, 1782. First Day. Went to our meeting but. 17. About our corn. 18. I was mending a plow for Joshua Bispham. 19. I met Samuel Allinson and Joshua Lippincott on an appointment to visit some who kept Negroes to some satisfaction. Was at Upper Evesham Meeting which was very dull at first but ended better. I had some satisfaction. 20. First Day. I was at Lower Evesham Meeting to some satisfaction to meet a committee on Negro cases. 21. I bored a pump for Charles Read 16 [feet] long. It was brought here. 22. I was tending corn hoeing it etc. 23rd First Day I went down to Haddonfield meeting. Sensuality and voluptuousness spoils our meetings. Robert Willis was there, appeared notable in prayer. Robert Willis and myself stopped to see old John Burroughs. Had a sitting with him to good satisfaction. I went with Robert to T. Thorn's to dine and I was with him the afternoon. [Left marginal note: G. Ward's pump] 24. We were dressing corn and turning pump boxes etc. 25. Went down to Woodbury to make a pump for George Ward. 26. About Wards. I mended on Zef Brown's pump. Pump 16 feet long. We finished it and came home. 27. Went to our meeting Preparative. Middling sort of a time. 28. I was finishing a cheese press for Agilla Jones. 29. I went to take it home and set it up and went to Henry Wood's to mend his pump but could not do it. [Right marginal note: Heard of several being killed with thunder over river.] 30. First Day. went to our meeting. Very dull discouraging times. people very drowsy. --<<July 1782>>-- 1 of the Seventh Month 1782. I went to the blacksmith's to get a scythe mended etc. 2. I went with my boys to reaping for Jonas Cattle down Pennsylvania. 3. Jonas and his boys came and help me reap and brother Joshua with us. 4. Was our Monthly Meeting. Joshua Evans and Daniel Offley was there. It was the midst of harvest. People had been laboring hard. The first meeting but dullish but we had some pretty smart work in the last meeting. Joshua and I went in amongst the women and had a close time with them to some satisfaction. 5. We were reaping again in the forenoon, hoeing potatoes etc. 6. We were plowing corn. 7 of the Month, First of the week. I went to Newtown Meeting at Haddonfield. Poor times. 8:9:10. About getting our harvest and hay. 11. Went to our meeting which I thought was a little better to me. 12. About hay. 13. I was taken very ill of a fever and ague. 4. Was First Day. I was exceeding poorly. Samuel Gomery and Bons Perry from Pennsylvania. 5. We were reaping again in the forenoon, hoeing potatoes etc. 6. We were plowing corn. 7 of the Month, First of the week. I went to Newtown Meeting. Arthur Howell and Joshua Evans had a pretty deal to say. 8:9:10. About getting over our harvest and hay. 12. About hay. 13. I was taken very ill of fever and ague. 14. Was First Day. I was exceeding poorly. Samuel Gomery and Benjamin Perry from Pennsylvania was here. 15. I was very ill. 16. I was a little better. 16. Very poorly. 17. I remained very poorly but not so exceeding ill.
Seventh Month 1782, 18:19:20. I was very ill of a fever. 21 was First Day. Joshua Evans and Aaron Wills came to see me. I was very ill. 22:23:24:25:26:27:28. The fever left me but I remained very weak and poorly. 29 and Second [Day] of the week. Our committee met again at Evesham and there was some pretty close searching work amongst us and I thought a pretty good satisfactory meeting to me, though I was in a very weak state of health. --<<August 1782>>-- I was confined at home, very weak and poorly till the 8th of the Eighth Month. I went to our Monthly Meeting. James Simpson, Isaac Zane and John Reeve was there. The first meeting middling, the last like to end well till a subject concerning taxes and tests was started and then there was scuffling work with us but I hope it will tend to good in the end. [Left marginal note: James Simpson made mention of the drought. Without me ye can do nothing [John 15:5] temporal or spiritual, but if clouds are detained we must wither as the grass for want of rain and a lively pertinent sentence it was.] 9. Was youth's meeting at Moorestown. I thought there was too much preaching quite but yet I thought it might be a profitable meeting to many. 10. James Simpson was here. We spent the day mostly visiting several nearest neighbors. 11 We went to our meeting. James Simpson and Isaac Zane was there, pleasant and satisfactory generally I believe. 12:13 and 14. I was at John Inskeep's showing my boys how to go on with some pump work. Put a new top piece to one 12 feet long and made a new one 31 feet, 6 [inches] long. Now although I had been about to those meetings and with my boys about the pumps I was exceeding poorly, hardly able to crawl about and stirring about and being very weak the fever returned more strong upon me. 15. Was weekday meeting. I was at home very poorly. Now for dome time past there was a vast plenty of the necessaries of life, bread, corn in particular and especially wheat which was sold at town for 13 [s] per hundred, which was much lower that it had been for many years and hundreds of barrels spoiled and turned sour for want of salt. Some bought the damaged flower to feed their hogs. Now this was very contrary to the prospect of a few years ago* which was a prospect of cleanness of teeth and want of bread. [Left marginal note: *Bread corn very scarce a few years ago and hard to come at.] But now
16th of Eighth Month 1782. But now there is the most piercing extensive drought that has been known this many years so that this fall crop is likely to be much cut off, wells and watercourses fail so that people so far as we can hear from east to west are much straightened for water in their families and for watering their flocks and herds and at the grist mills etc. There is a greater pinch on these account than there has been many years but nothing yet in comparison to what hath been in former years. See Jeremiah 14 chapter, Amos, Chapter 4: 7 verse, Zechariah, Chapter 14 and 17 verse. See Isaiah 5th : 6 verse, Job 38 Chapter, 28 verse Job 12: 15th verse: He withholdeth the waters and they dry up. Isaiah 42:15. I will dry up herbs. I will dry up the pools, which is now the case with us. See the 44 chapter 27 verse of Isaiah, Jeremiah 51 chapter 36 verse, Zechariah 10:12 verse. The deeps of the river shall dry up. The clouds have frequently gathered and many times great tokens of a wet dripping time and yet go off in an uncommon manner with very little rain. [Left marginal note: We heard of driving cattle ten miles to water in places. Hebrews 6 chapter, verse 7:8, Jeremiah chapter 2:6 verse and 17 chapter :8 and 50: 38 verse, Hosea] 13:5 verse, Hagaich chapter 1:11 verse] [Left marginal note: A description here of what is commonly called the dry summer of 1782.] 17. Robert's sons were here boring pumps. I was very poorly. I met with a close trial and stood it, but very poorly slipped which was cause of sorrows and humiliation. 18. I was yet very weak and not patient enough. Went to our meeting. A poor time to me. 19. I was turning pump boxes etc. 20. I went to finish Samuel Roberts's Jr. pump below Moorestown [crossed through: 26 [feet] long]. 21. I went up to Upper Evesham Meeting which to me was middling satisfactory. After meeting Joshua Lippincott, William Rogers, Lawrence Webster, Joshua Owin and myself had an opportunity with Nehem Hns to some satisfaction. I went Rogers's to lodge. 22. I went to Lower Evesham Meeting which was to me the best meeting I have had a long time. A satisfactory time to divers of us. After meeting Samuel Allinson, William Rogers, Lawrence Webster and myself met to fulfill our appointment from the Monthly Meeting in preparing memorials for Isaac Evans and Rachel Ingle elders deceased. I thought we parted after business was over in a satisfactory pleasant manner. [Hunt and others were appointed by Evesham Monthly meeting "to prepare Essays of Memorials, or Minutes, for our dec'd Friends Isaac Evans and Rachel Engle, & produce them to next meeting" (Minutes of Evesham Monthly meeting, 8mo 1782).] 23. I went to finish a pump for Joshua Roberts. [Crossed through:] 26 feet long 6 inches. 24. We finished a pump for Samuel Roberts son of Enoch 14 long. 25. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. Benjamin Swet was there and spoke, I thought, well, but my slipping as above mentioned prevented me. To my disadvantage, as I thought afterwards. Benjamin and I went to see Job Cowperthwaite and Enoch Roberts (the one indisposed in body, and the other in mind) to little satisfaction.
26th of the Eighth Month 1782. I went to the Quarterly Meeting at Burlington. George Churchman was there, an elder. Ministers: Thomas Ross, John Simpson, Daniel Offley and Samuel Emlen and others, Robert Willis. They preached stoutly, but if he life was raised into dominion over all, it was hid from me. But in the Meeting for Business there was something lively at times. I had satisfaction. I went to lodge with Aaron Wills. 27. We went to Burlington. Was a Committee meeting in the morning on suffering cases. A number of Friends from Hardwick having been fined for refusing to take the test from 5 pounds to 300 [L]. Some several were fined 300 [L] and some less down to 5 [L]. Their cases were laid open to this Committee, in which I had some satisfaction. [Left marginal note: *27 I was at Yearly Meeting at Burlington which was pretty well.] 28. I went with my boys to make a pump for Davd Davis, 20 long. Paid. A bottom piece. 29. At work at Davis's pump in the morning and afternoon, but this was our preparative meeting day. Joshua Evans came along and I went with him up to Evesham meeting. The first meeting was pretty well. With the consent of Friends (both men and women), we were permitted to sit with the women whilst they were answering their queries and a very open lively time it was to the satisfaction of ourselves and a number of the women Friends, as they expressed after the meeting was over. 30. This morning we finished Davis's pump and then set off to Samuel Thomlinson's to make him a pump. 31. We finished Thomlinson's pump, 22 [feet] long, and came home. Was First Day morning. See Rutty's Diary, page 120. He says, �On a review of my spiritual registry- Amidst all weaknesses and sins an invisible power was underneath and preserved from destruction. What dangers of drinking, whoring, seeking practices for money, and anger have beset me! I adore the Divine mercy for my preservation to this day.� Went to our meeting. A very poor time it was indeed. [Left marginal note: Too much crowd of business hurts the spiritual life, I crowd feel.] --<<September 1782>>-- Second Day of the week. Went to our large committee meeting on reformation. Joshua Evans was there and his wife. The forepart of this meeting was dull, but it grew better after a while and a lively favored time I thought it was in the end. The tea table and fine tea tackling and fine ceilinged houses and fine rooms [John Hunt's Journal gives "ornamented rooms" (233)] was closely kicked about. Likewise the use and abuse of strong drink and distilling of cider etc was closely testified against. Some could hardly bear it. The testimony of truth gained ground over a wrong spirit.
3 of the Ninth Month, 1782. I went to Henry Wood's to work at his pump. 4. We put in a new bottom piece, 25 [feet] 6 [inches] long. A wearisome time but could not finish. 5. I went with wife and children to Monthly Meeting, which was a pretty lively time with me for the most part, but the meeting was hurt in the conclusion by straining the point on distillery tighter than some could bear. 6. At work at a pump for George Gatkins, 14 [feet] long. 7. Finished Gitkin's pump. 8. First Day. See Rutty's Diary, page 76. He says, �At meeting-- I will not estimate myself by the opinion of men but by thy judgments, Lord, and despise myself,� and a little after expresses how hard it is to get out of the briars, and then expresses how poor he is in the Lord's presence. Went to our meeting. But middling. 9. I went down to Haddonfield Monthly Meeting. I had a pretty lively times and satisfaction but there is too much formality in answering queries and some other things. Boy were about Hugh Cowperthwait's pumps. I went to see Enoch Roberts. 11. At work at pumps. Then at home. 12. Went to our meeting, which was silent and that not right perhaps. We put in Hugh Cowperthwaite's pump, 30 feet long. 13. Went to the burial of Enoch Roberts. Robert Willis was there. Thomas Evans and Robert both spoke. A poor time to me, but its likely a favored time to a many who seldom attended meetings. We put in a pump this evening for Richard Glovyer at Moorestown, 23 feet 2 inches long, which we made here at home this week. 14. We went to Henry Woadu [?] to work at his trouble from [his] pump again. Made it go well at last and left it in good order. His pump 44 [feet] 6 [inches] long at 1 [s] 6 per foot and a dollar for the boxes. Look back at page 92. [Page 92 has from August 23 to September 16, 1779.] 22 ---------------------- Box is � 7 � 6 ---------------------- Two joints � 3 � 0 ---------------------- 76 � 6 The half foot � 0 � 9 ---------------------- Due to me 77s � 3d As I came home I overtook a poor woman with a child on her back and another at her heels traveling. Talked her to ride and she got in with her children and informed me she was bereaved of her husband on account of his giving way to strong drink and said she thought it was a pity there was so much provided in the country. [Left marginal note: Lee 4th month 16 day 1783 I had of H:W: 50 I had.] 15. My wife and I went to Evesham Meeting which was not very satisfactory to me, perhaps for want of more faithfulness. 16. I was about home about sundry little matters. 17. I went over the creek to make a pump for Thomas Buzby. 18. At work at the pump and I went with my boys to their meeting children [Children's Meeting?]. The meeting but poor with notwithstanding the abundant labor.
19 of the Ninth Month, 1782. I was about home. 20. Was our Quarterly Meeting at Haddonfield. James Thorington, Thomas Ross and many other strangers was there. James preached much and well, but heaviness in many prevailed. The last meeting was a close searching time and Truth's testimony with respect to taxpaying and diverse other things. Was over all in the end a good meeting. 21. Joshua Evans, my wife, and I went to see Joseph Ingle who lay ill of a fever. A satisfactory visit on all hands. 22. Was First Day. I went our meeting which was middling well to me. See the narrative of the conduct of this meeting in a piece of loose paper 1782. ["Loose paper" not found.]
29th Ninth Month. First Day. I went to our meeting. Rebekah Wright and Elizabeth Atkinson was there and spoke both of them but great heaviness beset the Assembly. Poor times. [Right marginal note: At Yearly Meeting the drought was several times mentioned and at other times in public testimony.] 30. About getting in Indian Corn. The drought yet continues and by accounts of Friends at the Yearly Meeting is very extensive, even from New England to Carolina. G. Dillwyn's account was that Indian Corn at New England was 15 [s] per bushel and upwards. [Left marginal note: See Jeremiah 15 and 18 verses, 48 Chapter and 8 verse, See Ezekiel 38 Chapter 12:13] Aaron Mills, cousin William Hunt's relation by marriage and his companion, informed me the drought was much there as it is here and that their country was so infested with robbers that the people were frequently surprised in the night robbed and stripped of their money, goods and horses and cattle. [Left marginal note: and see Amos 3 and 7 verses] Now read John Grifith Journal page 369. I find my cousin William Hunt's journal in manuscript this account page 200. To wit, on the 18 of the Second Month 1770 at a meeting at Center in North Carolina: William Hunt in his testimony which was very extensive at that time; after earnestly exhorting us individually to examine our foundation whereon we had built or were building and in urging the necessity of such an examination, had the following predictive expressions. For, saith he, the Lord will visit this land with his judgments and then it will be known who hath built upon the sure foundation and who hath not. For in that time of deep trials the hypocrites, formalists, and nominal Quakers will not only suffer, but many will perish and come to naught, whilst those who have built upon the sure rock of ages will be preserved by him in the midst of those trials as it were in the hollow of his hands. And there are many grown, and now within the audience of my voice that shall see those times come to pass. Wrote by Robert Brattin the day and year above written. [Left marginal note: Great wars in them parts and great trials and strippings and disolations.] [Left marginal note: About the year 1778:9 this came to pass.] Second Month 1768. At a Monthly Meeting held at Flushing some expressions of William Hunt towards the last of his testimony when he was about to take his leave of us. He appeared to be zealously concerned for his Friends and brethren that kept men and women in bondage and signified that his mind travailed for their redemption and in the following words expressed his mind, I verily believe the jubilee year is near at hand, and I desire those that have them nay not put it of for their children to let them at liberty, for we know not what our children will prove to be. Therefore I earnestly desire that none may put it beyond the appointed time. For if they do, I am firmly of the mind they will be plagued, as sure as ever Egypt was for retaining Israel. This is the substance, if not the very words that dropped from his mouth, remembered by me Hendy Post. [Left marginal note: See John Griffin page 379,380 he says he is satisfied truth will never prosper amongst people that keep mankind in bondage
See my account in 1771 31st Third Month. Was at Evesham Meeting with my cousin William Hunt. In his testimony he signified he was sensible of a very great and dark cloud that covered the people. He that loveth the world, the love of the Father is not in him was part of his subject. He spoke exceeding notably a considerable time. He appeared the second time. Signified the time drew near in which he believed the Truth would spread and shine more glorious, though there might be a time of probation and trial first. Signified he thought the man was grown that would live to see it. I was at Upper Springfield meeting with my cousin William Hunt. In his public testimony, he charged us to note it down and said he had but little hopes of this present generation but it was his belief that the next generation would make a better progress in the truth. He said he believed there was some little lads there that would live to see it. One sat by me, a little boy much tendered at that time. 5 of the Eleventh Month, 1774. I went in to Evesham Meeting appointed for Robert Walker from Old England, whose testimony was very searching in many respects. He told us of the many favors we have had, and the warning and that whither we would choose or refuse the Lord would have a people. That he would call others if we refused, and that the day was dawned that would never be totally eclipsed. And that the indignation and wrath of the Almightily would be poured out on this land in a great degree if the people did not return. And that God would be clear and his servants would be clear and our blood would be upon our own heads. And reminded us of the many warnings we have had and of the Negroes in the Southern provinces. I think he intimated that he thought there would be a heavy settlement in them provinces on that account. A neighbor of mine remarked that he mentioned something of an overflowing scourge that would pass over the land* which has been the case since, and now reaches to the utmost corners of our continent in 1782 and has for years past. [Left marginal note:*now in 1782*] I remember soon after we were settled I was building a house or kitchen for Isaac Lippincott and went to our meeting appointed for Thomas Gawthrop from England and he said he had not come the third time into this wilderness country to sew pillows to the arms of the people. No, says he, I am not come to cry peace but a sword. There is a bright polished, quickening sword prepared for this nation. I said once at Philadelphia that the people Smoaked and that there would be an opening of graves, which has all since remarkably come to pass. [See also Friends Miscellany 1 (1831): 96, where this incident is dated 1766.]
30th of the Ninth Month 1782. About getting in corn and stalks etc. --<<October 1782>>-- Tenth Month 1 and 2. About Do. Do. 3rd Went to our preparative meeting which was very poor. It seemed at that time as if we grew weaker. 4 and 5. About our corn etc. 6. Was First Day. Went to our meeting and a favored time it was the most encouraging meeting we have had a long time. We went to John Collins's this afternoon who had been from meeting several weeks on account of his wife. A satisfactory day. 7 and 8. About corn etc. 9. About home. 10. Was our Monthly Meeting. Samuel Emlen and Edward Stabler from Virginia was there. Edward was mostly silent except in the last meeting, but Samuel had large acceptable service in the first meeting: Also I set watchmen over you saying hearken to the sound of the trumpet, it was his text. At the close of the first meeting he testified nobly against distillery. He termed it the stumbling block of their iniquity and desired us to have recourse to the chapter and verses See Jeremiah 6 Chapter and 17:18:19:20:21 verses. It was a pretty good meeting on the whole. Samuel Emlen and I had close sympathizing labor respecting distillery. 11 and 12. About sowing rye etc. 13. First Day. Went to our meeting. Joshua Evans was there, was silent. The meeting but poor. 14. I went to Haddonfield. Met a Committee at 9th hour concerning schooling Indians' children, then came on their monthly meeting which was not all together satisfactory to me too [illegible]. 15:16. About home putting up apples etc. I went to hew timber for pumps. One for George and one for Joseph Githins. 17. Went to our meeting which was silent and poor. 18. At home digging potatoes and putting them up. 19. I went to Morgan Hollinghead to splice his pump, which I finished and we settled and made even. 20. Was First Day. Went our meeting. Thomas Say and his wife was there and we had a pretty lively satisfactory meeting. After meeting William Rogers, John Collins, Enoch Evans and myself had an opportunity [with] Samuel Bellangee and with some young people at Evesham Homsis. 21. I went to Ias Shileals to mend his pump. 22. I mended one for John Wood and came home. 23. About home. 24. My wife and I went up to Evesham Meeting which was middling. We went to visit Elizabeth Ballinger to some satisfaction with other Friends in company. 25. Getting timber for a pump for M. Linch and hauling some bricks. 26. Turning pump boxes.
27 Tenth Month 1782. At our meeting. Elizabeth Atkinson was there, spoke well. 28. I met some Friends at Joshua Lippincott�s to consider of schooling Indians� children but we could not get forward. Some hung back and opposed the work. Afternoon I went to Samuel Allinson�s. Met my wife and her sisters there and Aaron Wills. 29. Stormy weather. I was turning pump boxes etc. 30. Do. 31. Was our preparative meeting. Seemed to get a long a little. --<<November 1782>>-- 1 Eleventh Month. I went to John Roberts�s to bore a pump, 17 feet long. Finished it. 2. Went to mill at John Hay�s. Brought some bricks home from Isaac Hays and hauling some wood etc. some clay etc. 3 Eleventh Month. We was at our meeting which was pretty satisfactory to me at last. 4. We were about build a new oven. 5. We were puling down a chimney in the house etc. 6. About building up the chimney. 7. At our meeting. Poor times with me. 8 and 9. About brickpaning. 9. Plastering the house. 10. At our meeting. [Left marginal note: First Day] 11:12:13. About finishing our house 14. Went to our meeting. 15 and 16. About some pump work for Michael Linch. 15. I seat off to Woodbury meeting with Abraham Warrington. The meeting was silent and poor. Lodged at John Harris�s. 18. We went to Quarterly Meeting at Salem which was I thought a very poor low time after meeting came to Harris�s. 19. We came home. 20. I was about a pump for Josn Githings. 21. Fifth day at Evesham meeting. P[oor] P[oor] P[oor]. 22. About home. Rainy. 23. Went and put in Michael Linch�s pump, 27 long. Paid off even. 24. First Day at our meeting. 25. I went to mend a pump for widow Burrows. 26 and 27. Making a pump for Joseph Roberts. 28. Was our preparative meeting. Poor times. We grow worse and worse. After meeting we put in Joseph Roberts pump, 28 long. All settled. 29. I went to take two pumps home, one for Moses Lippincott, 17 feet long [Crossed through with notation paid �unpaid for] the other one for Levi Haines 18 long. There remains 27 Shillings upaid [Crossed through �for] his pump. [Left marginal note: Moses Lippincott paid off 12 1783] 30. About home getting fire wood etc. --<<December 1782>>-- 1 of the 12 Month. Went to our meeting. Very poor low times with us to be sure. Thomas Scattergood and his mother was there and came home with us. 2. I went with my boys to make a pump for Peter Thompson. 3 and 4. At Thompson�s pump, finished it 25 1/2 long. [Left marginal note: Poor times with me] 5. Was our Monthly Meeting. The Quarterly Meeting Committee was there upon account of settling a preparative meeting at Upper Evesham. 6. We had a conference at Evesham about altering our weekday meeting. 7. I went to put in an old pump at James Lippincott�s.
8th Twelfth Month, 1782. Went to our meeting which was something satisfactory. 9. We were killing hogs. 10. I went to help John Collins kill hogs. 11. Went to our meeting. Mark Reeve and Samuel Hopkins was there. The meeting was middling well. 12. About home. Cutting up and salting pork etc. 13. About home making a tub. 14. I put in and finished two pumps. One for George Githing 4 long. 15. Went to our meeting which was not satisfactory. A poor time. 16. I went to the burial of Samuel Roberts youngest child. A most violent storm of snow etc. 17. About home getting firewood etc. 18. Do. do. 19. Went to our meeting in sleigh. Poor times. 20. I was about a pump for Joseph Morgan 26 long. 21. Do. Robert Willis and Joshua Lippincott and wife was here to see us. A satisfactory opportunity. Robert spoke very well to our children. 22. First Day went to our meeting. Poor time. 23. I met a committee at Haddonfield on account of the Indians' school. 24. I went to take Joseph Morgan's pump home. Finished and settled. Made even. 25. I went about a pump for Daniel Lippincott. 26. Went to our meeting. A great rain. B[ut] P[oor] P[oor] T[imes]. 27. At work at Daniel Lippincott's pump. Tree proved faulty took another. 28. At work at D.L. pump and getting home some plow stuff. 29. Went to our meeting and it seemed to me the pillars of our house leaned to the earth and that we were like a bowing wall or a tottering fence. 30. We were making a pump for Dnl Lippincott. 31. Do. --<<January 1783>>-- 1. Fourth [sic] Month 1783. We finished and settled, 43 feet [Crossed through:] long. 2nd First Month. Was our preparative meeting. [Right marginal note: M[iddling] time.] 3. I went to a pump for Joshua Lippincott to mend a pump and mended one for James [Crossed through:] Lippincott. [Added later: Settled off all Eighth Month 1783.] 4. About home. Snow etc. 5. First Day. Went to our meeting. Very poor. 6:7:8. About getting firewood and mold-boards. 9. Was our monthly meeting. Samuel Smith was there and to me it was a pretty satisfactory time. Samuel had good service. 10. A violent storm. 11. Mending shoes etc. 12. Was First Day. Robert Willis was at our meeting and spoke concerning humility. It seemed a low time but Robert labored till the life was raised and ended bravely. 13. I about a powdering tub for E[lizabeth] Hanes. 14. Threshing etc. Samuel Allinson and wife came to pay us a visit. 15. About home and we went to our meeting. Robert Willis was there and had a very open favored tendering time. A lively favored meeting.
17. First Month, 1783. Brother Joseph Warrington and wife and Robert Willis came to see us and Caleb Atkinson and Rachel Evans was here. Robert prayed at dinner very devoutly. After dinner we had a sitting and Robert had a great deal to say and appeared in prayer and was much favored and a blessed open favored tendering time it was. And we parted in great sweetness.* [Left marginal note: *He spoke remarkably to the state of our family both old and young] 18. I was making some cupboard doors etc. [Right marginal note: but O my unguardedness] 19. First Day. Went to our meeting. George Matlack was buried. Robert Willis was there and had great service. He preached and prayed very excellent. 20:21:22. About home. The weather very severe. I had a bad cold. 23. Went to our meeting. Reuben Matlack and Elizabeth Coles was married. Robert Willis had a very open favored time. The marriage was honorably accomplished and orderly to the last. 24. I went to the burial of our ancient Friend Thomas Evans. Robert Willis and George Dillwyn was there and there was an uncommon stillness and covering in the meeting. George and Robert had open and acceptable service in speaking to the people and commemorating the faithfulness and Services of our ancient and worthy Friend, deceased. [In a different hand:] Their eldest son read this in the year 1832. 25. I was about a pump for Phillip Mirtle. 26. Went to our meeting. Robert Willis was there. It seemed to be a hard shut up time at first but ended much to my satisfaction. Robert appeared in prayer. A good meeting. 27:28:29. About home at pump work. 30. My wife was brought to bed with a daughter: Hette [Esther]. 31. About some pump work. exceeding cold time. --<<February 1783>>-- 1 of the Second Month 1783. I went to meet the Committee at Haddonfield on account of the Indian school and went to mill and took a top piece of a pump for James Pennoe. 2. First Day. I went to our meeting. Robert Willis said a pretty deal but it was a poor time to me getting firewood. 3. I was about home. 4. I meet a committee at Moorestown to consider of altering our weekday meeting. Had a hard tugging time then adjourned. 5. I was at the burial of Dutchman's child. Made its coffin etc. 6. Was our Monthly Meeting. Robert Willis was there and appeared in prayer. The meeting for Business was a lively satisfactory time. A large Committee was appointed, both men and women Friends, to take care of the extracts or the advice from the Yearly Meeting therein contained. 7. Was youth's meeting at Evesham. Robert Willis preached and prayed. The meeting I thought was old fashioned.
8th Second Month 1783. I went to finish and take home two pumps, one for John Barton 17 [feet] long and one for Phillip Mintle, 22 [feet] 7 [inches] long, below Haddonfield and [Xing out begins] one top piece [Xing out ends] in Haddonfield for James Pennoe. The last I did not quite finish. [Left marginal note Crossed through �50 Shillings Due me� P: Mintel] 3-3-0 9. Was First Day and very stormy. Robert Willis was there and preached and prayed very lively. 10. I went to Haddonfield and finished Pennoe's pump, a top piece 11 feet long. The debt: the hauling, boxes, making it at home and finding timber [Crossed through �2-0-0-] and this day I was at Haddonfield Monthly Meeting which I thought was a poor time till at last of the business there was something pretty lively in the meeting concerning appointing a meeting for the youth for conference. 11. Getting firewood and dressing out plow stuff. 12. Dressing out plow stuff. 13. Was Fifth Day. Went to our meeting. We had a good lively satisfactory meeting. Helped John Collins raise barn afternoon. 14. I went to the doctor for my wife and she soon got better. At plow stuff. 15. Dressing out plow stuff. 16. Went to our meeting and a satisfactory one it was to me at last. 17. Our large committee met at Evesham on reformation in the several things sent down in the extracts and I thought it was a lively time till we began to confer about where to begin and what was to be done.* [Left marginal note: Very stormy day. Friends went though.] [Left marginal note: *it made heavy dull work.] This at length it was concluded: to appoint committees to the several different services to which the Yearly Meeting has enjoined answers, but first of all it was concluded that the place of beginning ought to be amongst ourselves. But it was hard heavy work to get a committee to search and visit one another that stood foremost in each meeting but at length we did and a committee of men and women Friends was appointed and I thought the meeting ended pretty well. 18 and 19. I was about mending some little wheels for neighbors and dressing out plow stuff. 20. Fifth Day went to our meeting which was a sweet satisfactory one to me. All seemed pleasant when meeting was over. I went this afternoon to Moses Pipit's to make a pump. [Right marginal note: Moses Pipit paid off 1st: First Month 1784] 21. At the pump. 22. [Crossed through �we finished the pump�] 30 long and came home through a violent storm as we commonly have. 23. Went to our meeting, but indifferent. I went this evening to brother Aaron Wills to lodge. [Right marginal note: First Day]
24 of the Second Month, 1783. I went to Burlington Quarterly Meeting. This morning I went to see a Negro woman in prison under sentence of death who appeared tender when I parted with her, then went to meeting. This was the time they made the great alteration in holding their meeting. Had heavy work of it, but they got a long pretty well. I lodged at brother Joseph Buzby's. Things passed pretty well. 25. I came home about a plow for Aunt Mary Wood. 26. I went to the blacksmith's mending some augurs and chisels etc. 27. I went to preparative meeting middling so so. 28. About home at plow. --<<March 1783>>-- 1 of the Third Month. I met a committee at Evesham about altering our meetings. After some close hard work we concluded on a report to go to the monthly meeting. 2. Was First Day. Robert Willis was at our meeting and preached and prayed very lively. 3. Went to our meeting appointed for Hannah Reeve, Josiah Miller, and Elizabeth Goodwin. Hannah spoke well but preaching is become like a pleasant song as it's expressed in the book of the Prophet. They come before me as the people cometh and set before me as my people. They hear the words but will not do them, but each one return to his covetousness or something like. [Ezekiel 33:31] I was turning some pump nozzles and about finishing a plow.* This afternoon, Joshua Evans came here and he and I went up to Enoch Evans to meet some Woodbury Friends viz. Joseph Clements, Aaron Hughs, and Job Whiteal. [Right marginal note: *a plow for Mary Wood] 5. We all five of us went to see the Indian school at Brotherton which we found in a hopeful way considering all things. I believe the visit was to all our satisfaction. Joshua and I lodged at Job Collins. 6. Went to our Monthly Meeting. Hannah Reeve, Elizabeth Goodin, and Josiah Miller was there the first meeting I thought was pretty well. The strangers had a good deal to say. The meeting for discipline was poor a time and not satisfactory to me, though I believed it to be a time of instruction to me afterwards. 7. Job Collins and his wife was here most of the day. [Left marginal note: Poorish] 8. I was mending up an old spinning wheel for Elizabeth Bates. [Left marginal note: Rainy day] 9. First Day. Went to our meeting. A very poor time it was. 10. I was about home mending the children's shoes. A very cold day. 11. I was making a plow for Hugh Cowperthwaite. 12. Dressing out plow stuff. 13. Went to Evesham meeting. Amos Haines and Ann Borton was married. Elizabeth Collins preached and prayed. The meeting middling well. A committee met at William Rogers. We had an opportunity with the family somewhat favored, though heavy work.
14. Third Month, 1783. I was doing something at plow work. 15. I finished a plow for John Maxfield and went to the burial of Joseph Mullocks wife, buried at Haddonfield. 16. Was First Day. Went to our meeting, which was a satisfactory one to me. 17 and 18. I was mending fence and putting in a gate post etc. 19. I went to a meeting at Evesham appointed for Negroes. Josiah Miller and Hannah Reeve and Elizabeth Goodin was there and there was a great deal of preaching, but the meeting was dull and heavy. 20. I went to hew a pump for Darling Conrow. 21. We went to Quarterly Meeting at Haddonfield. James Thorington was there. A powerful preacher, but dull hearers. He had good service in meeting for Discipline and it was a pretty good time on the whole. 22. I was making a plow for Thomas Stiles. 23. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. A poorish time with me. 24. I went to splice a pump for Job Lippincott, 10 shillings he paid it, and went this afternoon up to William Bishop's to make a pump. 25. At work at Bishop's pump. 26. We finished Bishop's pump, 22 [feet] long, paid for, and came home found my wife poorly. 27. Went to our meeting which was not to my satisfaction by far: and that for several days afterwards much continued. I was making a plow for John Maxfield, paid for. 28. I was making a plow for Joshua Lippincott, paid for. 29. I made a plow for William Hollinshead, paid for it. 30. Was First Day. I went with John Collins to Upper Evesham meeting. Joshua Evans was there and had considerable service and close doctrine amongst them. I had some satisfaction in the conclusion. John C. and I went to Joshua Owin's to dine and went to see Isaac Evans Jr. and had opportunity with the widow Strattan's and her daughters to some good satisfaction. 31. I made a plow for Isaac Stiles. --<<April 1783>>-- 1 of the Fourth Month, 1783. I was doing something at cheese presses. 2. Dressing out plow stuff 3. Was preparative meeting. 4. The boys and I made two plows for Joseph Ingle. 5. Made a plow for Samuel Lippincott. 6. Was First Day. Went to our meeting which was silent and poor. I went this afternoon with Edn Darnal and Joshua Roberts and his wife to see Job Cowperthwait. A poor time. I went this evening to Joshua Lippincott's purposing to go forward in a service we were appointed to, but was Disappointed and we went the 7 to see Hugh Cowperthwaite and William Rogers. William was sick. I came home and went to work at a plow for Job Cowperthwaite. 8. I made a plow for William Rogers, paid for. 9. I made a plow for Joseph Burroughs, paid for.
10th of the Fourth Month, 1783. Was our Monthly Meeting. We had but a middling, hobbling sort of a time of it but not without some service. Phillip Dennis and Hannah Reeve was there and proposed a family visit to Chester meeting. A heavy sull time. I went home with Job Collins and next day, 11, Joshua Lippincott, Elizabeth Collins and myself proceeded on a visit to which we were appointed by our large committee on reformation. We went this say to Cornelius Branin's, Lawrence Webster's and had a sitting at Job Collins's and came down to Joshua Lippincott's. 12. We had a sitting with Joshua and his wife and then with the Youth and then went to Joseph Warrington's and then to John Collins and was to come home, but night came on and we parted this evening in great sweetness and near unity with desires it Never might be broken. We went out in this visit in great poverty and weakness and was much Surrounded with it whilst we were out at times and yet help was afforded in the most pinching of time and we had some sweet opportunities and satisfactory partings in places. And upon the whole we had no cause to scruple, but thought we were right and got through this little visit without loosing ground and to our satisfaction. 13. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. Phillip Dennis, Hannah Reeve was there. Both spoke well to purpose. 14. I went to blacksmith's with plow irons etc. Fitting up plow. 15. Hauling out dung etc. 16. I went to the river after fish. Got 50 of Henry Wood. [Left marginal note: See account back] 17. Phillip Dennis, Hannah Reeve, Phebe Miller, Joshua Robert and wife was here on a family visit. The sitting here in our family was to good satisfaction and an agreeable pleasant feeling in parting. Went to our meeting. The strangers was there and preached well. 18. About home burning brush and did something a plow fork. 19. I finished Benjamin Inskeep's plow etc. Paid for. 20. Joshua Evans was here he and I went to Evesham Meeting and a Most exceeding poor dead dull time it was. The people want to be fed in at the ears. Poor times. [Left marginal note: First Day] 21. I went to our committee meeting and we had a good lively time in hearing the reports of the different committees which were appointed to the different cases that require answers to our Yearly Meeting. [The Committee on the Extracts.] We had a solid good time in conferring on these matters and truths testimony was raised and gained ground this day, though a little grumble once in this meeting. some thought they could not go so far nor so fast in some things as the committee in general proposed.
22. Fourth Month, 1783. Third Day of the week � I went with Phillip Dennis, Hannah Reeve, Joshua Roberts and Rebekah on a family visit. First at Jonas Cattle's, Abner Peacocks, Thomas Hooton's, Joshua Dudley's, Richard Smith's and John Cox's. I went before and collected the families together and believe I was in my place and was satisfactory at parting in the evening. John Collins took my place next day and went with those Friend to his satisfaction, as he said. They finished the visit. We heard of the death of Josiah Miller and Charles Elliot. A time of great mortality about Salem and many taken away very suddenly in many places. 23. I was dressing out plow stuff and mending a plow, a new beam for, paid of John Hate and made him a new plow, paid for. 24. Went to our meeting, which was a good satisfactory one to me and I believe to others. Enoch Evans, Edward Darnal and I went on meeting business to several places, came off brave. 25. I went to make a pump for Daniel Cartee 16 long, paid off. 26. Finished Cartee's pump, paid of all, and came home with a load of hay. 27. First Day. We went to our meeting. Samuel Emlen, George Dillwyn, Benjamin Swett, and Thomas Scattergood was there. George [and] Benjamin came home with us. 28. About home in the forepart of the day mending fence etc. In the afternoon Joseph and I went down to Isaac Ballinger's to make a pump. 29. At work at the pump. 30. At work at the pump and finished and came home. The pump was 28 feet long and he paid for it. --<<May 1783>>-- 1 of the Fifth Month. Went to our meeting, which was middling satisfactory. 2. I made a plow for Samuel Robert's sons. 3. I made a plow for William Matlack, went to mill and planted potatoes. [Left marginal note: paid off] 4. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. Elizabeth Atkinson was there a poor time. I went to see a young man and a young woman that lay sick at Hannah French's had some satisfaction. 5. I was about home, a rainy day. I was about some wrighting and put a new beam in Samuel Robert's his plow. 6 of the Month and Third of the week. The alteration took place and our weekday meeting and our preparative meeting was held. David Cooper was there and we had a middling opportunity in answering queries and testifying against many wrong things thats growing amongst us. 7. I was at Upper Evesham meeting. The first preparative meeting that was held there and Sarah Wilcoks was buried. A large number of people gathered and it was a very satisfactory time to me in the end, though hard work. A lukewarm indolent spirit too prevalent. Hardly living enough to bury the dead. 8. I tended Lower Evesham preparative meeting. A heavy laborious time though I believe we gained a little. I Had satisfaction in return. [Left marginal note: Most made a plow this morning, Samme finished it.]
9th of the Fifth Month, 1783, Fifth of the week, went to our Monthly Meeting. Had a pretty middling time. [At this meeting, "Friends from the Preparative Meeting at Chester reported that they have agreed to propose to this meeting's consideration the recommending of our Friend John Hunt as a Minister, which after mature deliberation is unitedly concurred with: & the Clk. directed to forward a Copy of this Minute to the Quarterly Meeting of Ministers & Elders to be held at Salem, much for their concurrence" (Minutes of Evesham Monthly meeting, 5mo 1783).] 10. I went to market. Gained nothing in a spiritual sense. There fill the pocket at the expense of our spiritual interest. 11. Went to our meeting. James Pemberton was there. A brave time. [Left marginal note: First Day] 12. Finished planting corn etc. Afternoon went to work at a pump for John Riley. [Right marginal note: He died Second Month 1814 far in years. An Irish papist school master. Never had but one hand yet got rich horse keeping etc.] 13. Third [Day] of the week went to our meeting. Middling well. E. Evans and I went to see Job Cowpt again. 14. About Riley's pump. 15. Went this morning to put in John Riley's pump at Moorestown, 33 feet long, made it at home here. 16. I set of towards Salem with John Roberts. We got to Woodbury week meeting. There we met with some Pennsylvania Friends, Thomas Ross and divers others. The meeting was a very hard laborious time. Thomas Ross had some very close searching sentences to leave at last. Dined with the strangers at Aaron Hughs, then went to Woodstown to Daniel Baptist's Jr. I went with some of those Friends to Isaac Basit's. 17. Here I had a satisfactory opportunity in the morning, then went down to Salem Select Meeting [Editors of John Hunt's Journal add "for the first time" (233)] on Seventh Day morning and even here That hardness and heaviness beset the meeting. Thomas Ross had close searching service amongst the ministers. 18. Was First Day. Joshua Lippincott and I went to Alloway Creek meeting which was very dull hard and heavy but yet favored with a most powerful ministry, Edith Sharples from Pennsylvania at last. But what does it do for the people; they are so used to preaching. 19. Second of the week. We were at Quarterly Meeting at Salem. A poor time. Nothing so lively handled at the testimony against strong drink and custom of gathering of harvest. I believe there was some considerable good done in that this was revived at last by Joseph West from Pennsylvania. 20. Was Yearly Meeting. Thomas Ross and Peter Yarnall was very much favored with a lively searching ministry both in select meeting and others. There was a most dreadful spirit of darkness and heaviness beset the assemblies. Many well concerned growing Friend complained much of this and great poverty, trying hard meetings. There must be a hidden cause for it. We came up the road to Piles Grove with the strangers who complained very heavily � �I can't live so I must ran home�: this was the language. A state of ease And formality too much prevails. The people are rich, fullness of bread and abundance of spiritual idleness prevails that way. But not withstanding All this, I believe it was a time of great instruction to me and I believe to many more. Joshua Lippincott and I came up to Samuel Lippincott's to lodge. Here we had a close time in conversation about the appearance of children and we had something of this sort in most places where we happened and in most places it answered right well. However afforded satisfaction and increased a nearness. 21. We came home and found all well.
22nd of the Fifth Month 1783. We went to help move Elizabeth Haines home to her place in Evesham; here I hardly kept my place to my satisfaction. 23. We went in the afternoon to S. Stokes's and Elisha Hooton's with brother Robert's wife from Maryland I had satisfaction. 24. I was about home planting potatoes etc. 25. Was First Day went to our meeting. Pretty well satisfied. 26. I went to the burial of Mary Hackney. I had good satisfaction. 27. We went to our weekday meeting middling well. 28. At work at a cheese press for Elizabeth Haines. 29. I went to Philadelphia with brother. Roberts wife. Here I had a smart time with two Friends, James Rigbey and Isaac Parrish, about Friends of that town making large fashionable hats. I came off well satisfied at this time after a warm conference without loss. 30. I went to Samuel Allinson's to get a pine log for a pump. 31. I was about a pump for Isaac Stiles, 23. --<<June 1783>>-- 1st of Sixth Month and first of the week. I went to the burial of an old Negro woman at Joshua Evans's and we had a pretty satisfactory opportunity with the Negroes both at the house and at the grave. 2. About two plows for Nehemiah Matlack. [Left marginal note: Two plows] 3. Went to our preparative meeting, but poor so so. 4. I went to Upper Evesham which was middling satisfactory. 5. I was about home at work at plows for Miah [Nehemiah?] Matlack. 6. Was our Monthly Meeting. Middling well considering many of the active members were gone below on a Comment. 7. I went to settle with the widow Brick which I did and then came up to Haddonfield preparative meeting the time the committee met there to consider of an alteration. A poor time in the first meeting. The last better a little. 8. Was First Day, went to our meeting which was a humbling time to me and not satisfactory. 9. We went over the creek to the burial of Pattey Buzby. A poor time with me humbling and perhaps profitable. 10. Went to our meeting, something better. We went this afternoon about a pump for Nathaniel Middleton. 11. We finished the pump 21 feet long paid off. 12. I went to Evesham. The forepart was dull and drowsy but ended bravely after meeting. Our select committee met to consider their business in laboring to have the advice of the Yearly Meeting put in practice. Had a satisfactory time in the end. 13. I went to the burial of Phillip Mintle's son, About 20 years old. A satisfactory time at the grave. This day a young woman was buried at Moorestown.
14 of the Sixth Month 1783. I was about a pump for David Branson, 12 feet long. I seemed to stand a very narrow chance this morning of cutting my leg very bad with an ax as I was falling a tree for a pump. 15. Was First Day. I went to Upper Evesham meeting. The forepart was dull but ended better this afternoon. William Rogers, Elizabeth Collins, and myself proceeded on a family visit to the active members of our Monthly Meeting (according to the appointment of our large committee on reformation) we went first to Joseph Harp's, then to Hugh Sharp's, Joseph Wilcox's. Here we lodged. 16. We proceeded on and went to the widow Braddock's then to the widow Ann Strattan's, Joshua Owin's, John Haines's, John Moor's and came to William Rogers's to lodge. 17. Third of the week, we proceeded to Edward Darnols, Joseph Ingles, William Wilkins, Thomas Wilkins's Sr., Thomas Wilkins Jr. This was the last at this time. Went to Elizabeth Hainess. Here we parted with our Friend Elizabeth Collins in true and tender love and notwithstanding the weakness and poverty with which we were at times covered, even to that degree that we thought we must give out, yet we were frequently favored with good, lively, sweet, satisfactory, edifying opportunities with our Friends in their families- with them and with their children, the rising generation. The work was great and very weighty and we young and weak and some very dark heavy places to go to, yet we were preserved to get through without loosing ground to our satisfaction. I came home and found all well in health. 18. I was harrowing corn. 19. I went to take David Branson's pump home. A top piece 12 feet and took one 16 long a long for James Slaon and he and I settled and he paid all of and took it home � paid off. 21. I was making a cheesfat for my wife and sundry other little matters. 22. First Day but a poor hobbling time. 23. Went with my boys to make a pump for Joshua Bispham. A top piece 10 feet long. Settled and made even. 24. Came up to our meeting from Bispham's. A poorish time, middling. 25. Making a plow for Jonas Cattle, paid for. 25. About dressing our corn etc. 26. I made a plow for an Indian squaw, paid off. 27. Samme and I went and made a pump for Thomas Lippincott 18 1/2 long. Ready hewed. 28 was First Day. Went to our meeting. Elizabeth Collins was there. She had a pretty opportunity but people are used to preaching.
30th Sixth Month. 1783. Second Day of the week. Went to reaping. --<<July 1783>>-- Third of week, First of the Seventh Month. Reaping and went to our meeting, middling well. 2. Reaping 3. Reaping 4. Reaping. Finished this morning. [Right marginal note: making rakes] 5. I went to the doctor for Benne. He got his arm hurt. And in the afternoon I went to help our boy finish a pump for Thomas Lippincott, 15 feet long. We put it in the well but could get no iron work to finish it. 6 was First Day. My wife and I went to Evesham Meeting which was hardish but I had some satisfaction. We went to see Caleb Evans after meeting who was sick. 7. About hay mowing etc. 8. Went to our preparative meeting at which I went amongst the women and had good satisfaction. 9. I went to Upper Evesham meeting, which was their preparative meeting. The first meeting but dull, but on the whole middling. After meeting Elizabeth Collins, myself and several others by appointment visited Ruth Sharp. 10. We were hauling in rye. 11. About hay. 12. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. Rebekah Say was there but a middling, poorish time to me. 13. About hay. 14. Went to our meeting. Joshua Evans was there and had good service amongst us concerning that spirit of drowsiness. 15. My wife and I went to market. 16:17 and 18. About mowing, hay etc. Nothing material to remark except this, I thought going to market and scuffling to get in hay and harvest had a tendency weaken the mind or inner man and to numbness. 20. I went up to Evesham meeting, which was satisfactory to me here I met my friends Elizabeth Collins, R. Warrington by an appointment with a prospect if way opened to go forward in the visit to the families of our active members* and accordingly we proceeded in company: Rebekah Warrington, Elizabeth Collins, and myself and Joshua Lippincott. We went to Joshua Lippincott's to dinner then went to Isaac Borton's, Enoch Evans's this afternoon and came to Joshua Lippincott's to lodge. 21. We proceeded. Went to [ill.] Jr.: Hains: *: Samuel Allinsons, Anthony Allens, Thomas Hollinsheads and came to my house to lodge. [Left marginal note: Pursuant to the Yearly Meeting advice.]
22 Seventh Month, 1783. We went to Jonas Cattle's and then to our meeting, which was to pretty good satisfaction, then to Jacob Hollinsheads, Thomas Dudley's, Joshua Hunt's and to Joseph Stokes's to lodge. [Left marginal note: Here William Rogers took Joshua Lippincott's place.] 23. Next to Samuel Shutes, Robert French's, John and Joseph Roberts's, then to Joshua Roberts's to lodge then, 24. to Samuel Roberts Sr, Job Cowperthwaites, Hugh Cowperthwaites, William Matlack's. Then to my house and had a sitting Here we lodged. 25. We went to Caleb Evans's and this was the last place we had in this visit. Sometimes very heavy, trying, hard, discouraging, proving seasons to that degree that I thought at times we must sink and give out, but I believe he whose service we were desirous to be found In was mindful of us and helped us with a little help in the most pinching needful time. And on the whole I believe there was a clear demonstration and evidence that the great Master owned the service which was strengthening and confirming and satisfactory and was reward enough. We had some very good favored opportunities in some families with our Friends and their children. 26. About home at sundry little matters. 27. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. Almost thou persuadest me. A pretty good meeting. I went to Haddonfield meeting this afternoon. There we had a close brushing time with the young women about their fans. I had good satisfaction. 28. My wife and I met the large committee on the extracts and a good lively time it was. I thought the testimony of Truth gained ground amongst us this day and was raised over some wrong things that was growing amongst us-- the use of strong drink and that of superfluity in appearance. 29. We went to our meeting. A poor low dull time. 30. A stormy Day. A great rain after a pinching time of drought. 31. We made a pump for Joseph Githins. The one we made before proved leaky. --<<August 1783>>-- 1st of the Eighth Month 1783. I went to splice a pump for Elijah Clerk. remember and improve on thy sense of feeling at this time. Quench not the spirit. Amiss first in one thing then another. 2nd. I was about sowing turnips etc. 3 and first of the week. I went to Ancocas meeting. Poorish time this afternoon. Aaron Wills went with me to meeting at Mansfield Neck here. I met my Friend Joshua Evans. A middling meeting so so. We lodged at William Cowperthwaite's.
4th of the Eighth Month 1783. I went to Burlington Monthly Meeting there we met with James Simpson. He had some lively service but on the whole it was but a poor time. James Simpson and his companion Thomas Smith, Joshua Evans, and myself and some others, went towards Chesterfield. I lodged at uncle John Harvey's. 5. We were at Chesterfield Monthly Meeting. Joshua Evans and I went in amongst the women whilst they were answering their queries and had an open satisfactory time with them. The women's meeting there is in a far better state than the men's. According to my sense, their state, the men's meeting, as a meeting of discipline at that time appeared in a very declining condition. (The whole head is sick. See Isaiah 1st chapter and 5 verse) I left the meeting in distress of mind. We went to Clayton Newbold's to lodge. I thought we did not mind our business here so well as we should. 6. We went to Upper Springfield Monthly Meeting newly set up and although it seemed like heavy work in the forepart this meeting ended very lively and much to my satisfaction and we parted with Friends in great nearness and pleasantness. I went this evening to brother Aaron Wills and went to see brother Joseph Buzby who lay ill at this time. 7 and fifth of the week. I met with the above mentioned Friends at Mount Holly Monthly Meeting. Here we had a poor distressing time of it. The earth is got uppermost. Business neglected and in confusion, the Leaders cause them to err. Nothing could be done. They seemed to me something like what we read in Isaiah 30 and 13 verse: Swelling out in a high wall etc, or as we read in psalms See 62:3 verse As a bowing wall shall ye be, as a tottering fence. It seemed to me the ground work wanted laying new from the bottom. 8. We came down to our Monthly Meeting. I thought there was a good degree of solemnity in the meeting and good order till towards the latter part of the meeting of Business. The business seemed to not go on so fresh and lively as the forepart yet I thought there was not much room for complaint, though great room for improvement. 9. I was making a plow for Job Cowperthwaite. 10. Was First Day, went to our meeting. James Simpson was there and had a little lively time with us at last. [Left marginal note: very poor at first] 11. I Made a plow for Benjamin Pine. 12. We went to our meeting, which was something lively to some. 13. About home turning pump boxes nozzles etc. 14. I went with the boys to make a pump for Darling Conrow 30 feet long. 15. We Finished it and went to Samuel Hackney's to make a pump. 16. We finished Hackney's pump 19 feet long.
17th Eighth Month 1783. First Day. Joshua Evans came here and he, my wife and I went to the burial of Ame Foster Aged near 99 years. Mark Reeve and his wife was there. I thought it was a poor time. 18. Our large committee on the extracts met again and answers to the several matters in the extracts agreed upon to go forward to the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings giving an account of the progress and attention that had been paid to the Yearly Meeting's advice. This was a good lively satisfactory meeting. There was many lively sentences and remarks on divers subjects and particularly on that of the care of the Black people. I thought the testimony rather gained ground. [Left marginal note: I went this afternoon with E. Collins and others to see D. Sharp, a poor time] 19. We went to our meeting. Mark Reeve was there and thought he spoke well � yet many were heavy. 20. We were brushing up our Meadows. 21 and 22. At do do: 23. I went to the Select Meeting of ministers and elders at Burlington. James Thorington was there and spoke very well an instructing lesson to the baptized ones and drooping spirits. The queries here as in other meetings are passed over in too formal [and] superficial a manner. More depth, weightiness and close searching work I am satisfied is wanting. divers young ministers was brought in and young elders. A time of instruction to me. 24. I went to our meeting. I had good satisfaction. 25. About home. 26. Went to our meeting, middling well. 27. At work on the place Succouring stumps and cutting up brush about fences etc. 28:29:30. Do. Do. 31. Was First Day went to our meeting so so. --<<September 1783>>-- 1st. I was turning pump boxes and screws for cheese presses etc. 2 of the Ninth Month. We went to our preparative meeting. Joshua Evans was there and had close scraping searching service the first meeting to me was pretty satisfactory but we had a poor time answering queries. 3. I went with Hannah French to Upper Evesham meeting. Joshua Evans was there. His service was lively. A door of utterance but not of entrance. Dull hearers. A hardish sort of a time. Joshua and I sat with the women whilst they answered their queries. I thought there was many very pertinent hints dropped but to me there seemed a want of liveliness more than at some times. 4. I was sowing rye etc. 5. Went to our Monthly Meeting and was at the select meeting in the morning. Silas Downing from Long Island was there and Joshua Evans was there. Joshua spoke closely to those in eminent stations. Mentioned the case of Adam and Eve and of Job and how the great Master himself was tempted. [Left marginal note: All tempted] This Monthly Meeting was a good one. James Thornton was there and B. Swet. The strangers spake encouragingly and seemed to think things was raised and the meeting in a much better state than heretofore.
6 of the Ninth Month 1783. 7 Was First Day. We went to our meeting. Silas Downing was there from long Island. A youngish man but very large in the ministry and he said a great deal at our meeting. It might be a good satisfactory meeting to many but I had a poor low time of it in a high seat. This afternoon Silas Downing had a meeting in Evesham and had a great deal to say and I had some satisfaction there at last. Silas and his companion came home with me to lodge. pleasant company. [Right marginal note: *Refine Weeks told me that a kind of a worm had cut off their harvest so that many farmers had not bread corn] [Left marginal note: *Refine Weeks account of the worms cutting of their harvest on long Island. See my account next year Sixth Month 1784] 8. I * went with the strangers to Haddonfield. Silas had some service in the select meeting but I thought it was a poor place in the Monthly Meeting. Silas spoke well very well upon the whole these meetings this day I thought middling. [Left marginal note: *George Churchman come with me and lodged] [Left marginal note:*See G. Churchman's Looking-Glass, page 8th and see Joel 2nd and 25th verse:] 9. I went to our meeting. Had satisfaction. 10. I was about home getting some stuff for cheese presses. 11. About home. My wife was very poorly with the fever and ague. 12:13. About getting some hay etc. 14. At our meeting. 15. About hay and mending a pump for J. Stansberry at Moorestown. 16. Went to our meeting. Poor times with me about Stansberry's pump. 17. I was about Stansberry's pump. Had a deal of Trouble with it: 17th of the Eighth Month 1783 Then Reckoned with Samuel Roberts. Made even. 18:19:20: About home rainy. 21 At our meeting a poor time. 22. And Second of the week I went with my boys to take up Enoch Evans his pump and then went to Ephraim Strattan's to make a pump. He not being ready we went to Joseph Sharp's About a pump. 23. Patience Brayton from New England came to Joseph Sharp's and Mary Pierceall from Shrewsbury a young preacher and two men Friends their companions and we with Joseph Sharp and a Friend from Egg Harbor all came down to our meeting at Moorestown and had a very good meeting. Patience had an open time. A door of utterance opened and likewise of entrance for I thought it was a tendering time with us. Patience spoke very encouraging to us of our meeting and Mary likewise. Both expressed a desire there might be nothing like a flinching or a giving back and much encouraged the laborers and toilers etc. 24. I went to help my boys finish Joseph Sharp's pump, 22 feet long and we went to Upper Evesham weekday meeting. A poor time though plenty of preaching such as it was. 25. I went to the select meeting at Haddonfield. I believe it was a pretty good meeting but I was poor. 26. Was Quarterly Meeting. Many strangers from far New England and long Island etc. A pretty good meeting.
27 Ninth Month 1783. I went to the meeting of ministers and elders at Philadelphia. A solid good meeting yet to me poorish. John Simpson and Mark Miller came home with me. 28. I and my wife went up to Upper Evesham Meeting with John Simpson and Mark Miller. John had a great deal to say but it did not seem like an open meeting to me. [Left marginal note: First Day] 29 and 2 of the week. I went to Yearly Meeting at Philadelphia and was at the meeting for ministers and elders. Patience Brayton was notable in prayer. I believed the meeting was a good one to most but a shut up time to me, then went to Market Street meeting. George Dillwyn took up most of the time of this meeting and spoke well. Began business 3 hour afternoon. I attended this Yearly Meeting till the last sitting but one. Being unwell I left it went home. The principal matter I had to note was, in the select meeting viz. Patience Brayton and Mehatabel Jenkins both from New England produced certificates they had obtained from their Friends at home shewing their unity with them in their concern to pay a visit to Friends of G: Britain. [John Hunt's Journal adds "and Rebekah Wright obtained certificates for that purpose also" (234).] [Left marginal note: [Page Missing] Second [or Twelfth] Month 1787 P Brayton [Rebekah] Wright [Eli]za Diks William Mathews and A Jesup arrived.] This Yearly Meeting being informed that there was vessels fitting out from several parts of our continent and some already gone to Africa to bring in more Negroes this meeting appointed a large committee got together. Jacob Lindley appeared in prayer, very eminently, prayed that the hearts of the rulers might be opened. This committee of fourteen Friends of the foremost rank appointed to deliver the petition or Address to the Congress. The other matters that was the most lively in this meeting was concerning Friends trading in or importing West India produce or the product of the labor of the oppressed slaves particular. Was smartly handled but there seemed not time sufficient to go into a consideration of the state of society neither in this nor the select meeting. [In JHJ, there is an additional line here: Another subject that was zealously handled was concerning plainness.] G. Churchman mentioned to the young people large carved silver buckles, high metal etc. --<<October 1783>>-- 5 of the Tenth Month was First Day went to our meeting. Benjamin Linton was there. I thought it was a pretty good meeting. 6. About a pump for William Haighn. 7. Was our preparative meeting. 8. Very stormy day. Turning pump boxes, nozzles etc. 9. Doing something at a cheese press etc. 10. Was our Monthly Meeting. James Thorington and Mehatabel Jenkins preached very well. [At this meeting, a �meeting for the Black people, likewise a Committee to particularly attend to the circumstances of that people� was appointed. The Standing Committee, to which Hunt was appointed, was charged with �attending[ing] to the accommodations of that people and report[ing] to this meeting from time to time as occasion might require� (Minutes of Evesham Monthly meeting, 10mo 1783).] 11. About a cheese press and getting in winter apples
Tenth Month 12, 1783 and First of the week. Mehatabel Jenkins was at our meeting was large in testimony and Sarah Harrison was also with her and preached and prayed and I thought it was a solid good meeting they spoke very encouraging to Friends of our meeting. 13. We were getting in winter apples. 14. Do about apples etc. and went to our weekday meeting. Middling. do do. 15:16:17:18:19. About getting in apples and potatoes etc. 20. Went to our meeting. A very stormy day. some of us thought it a pretty good meeting though almost silent. [Left marginal note: First Day] 21. I went to John Collins's to make a pump 17 feet long. 22. Went to our meeting and to me it was a good satisfactory one. 23:24:25:26. About our corn etc. 26. Was First Day. My wife and I went to Evesham meeting. Not satisfactory. I know not what is the matter. I thought there was too much a contentedness with a form and a state of ease peace and plenty as to the outward. [Left marginal note: We went to E: Hainess after meeting.] 27. About our corn and stalks. 28. Went to our meeting, poor. 29 and 30. We were doing something at a cheese press and I finished a pump for William Kaighn 12 feet long. [Right marginal note: poor weak and unpleasant times] [Left marginal note: worse instead of better] 31. I went to make a pump for Ephraim Strattan, 14 long. --<<November 1783>>-- 1st Eleventh Month. Finished Strattan's pump and brought home a load of pine knots. 2. Do. Was First Day we went to our meeting. 3. Getting in corn etc. 4. Was preparative meeting. Poor doings. 5 and 6. About finishing a cheese press. 7. I went to our Monthly Meeting. John Simpson was there John had good acceptable service amongst us both in the select and the other two meetings. This was a favored day with us. John's words in select meeting was something concerning Jerusalem being filled with boys and girls.* He scraped close but yet encouraging at last. John Hoskins David Cooper and James Cooper was there. [Left marginal note: *See Zachariah 8th and 5th verse] 8. I went to mend a pump for John Haines etc [undry] other matter. 9. Was First Day. At our meeting. meeting a poor time. 10. About home. 11. Went to our meeting. Pretty well. John Collins and I went to see Michal Linch. Had a favored time. Good satisfaction. 12. I went to Joshua Roberts's to help about a shed for the meeting house. 13. About mending a pump for K. Cob's. 14. Set off to Salem with John Collins and Hannah French we stopped at Woodbury meeting but a poorish time. We lodged at Caleb Lippincott's.
15 Eleventh Month 1783. We went to our select meeting at Salem the forepart dull. I had satisfaction at last. Went to David Allen's to lodge. 16. First Day went to Salem meeting. To me poor. I lodged at Ez Bats. 17. Was Quarterly Meeting. Poor times with me. Proposed to divide and set up a new Monthly Meeting at Greenwich meeting. Adjourned till Third Day after youth meeting. Lodged at James Mason's. 18. Went to youth's meeting. Poor times in the midst of abundance of preaching. Lodged at Daniel Basits Sr. I had some satisfaction here. 19 was Fourth of the week. We came home found all well. 20 About home mending our wagon etc. 21 I went to Ephraim Strattan's after some hogs I bought of him. 22. About home getting firewood. 23. We went to our meeting a favored time with me. A lively meeting. [Left marginal note: First Day] 24. I went into the pines after a log for a pump for William Kaighn. 25. Went to our meeting, not satisfactory. After meeting Beke Worinton and my wife and I went to Joseph Stokes's to see two [of] the women. 26. We set off to Joseph Reves to make a pump. 27. At do. 28. We finished the pump, all settled made even. 31 [feet] 6 [inches] long. Comes to 54-9. [Right marginal note: 24 Seventh Month. He came for cheese press and we made even.] 29. We came home. A great storm whilst we were out. This 29 �Eleventh Month 1783 about half after ten o'clock at night there was a smart shock of an earthquake jest [just] after we got to bed. [Left marginal note: A great storm of snow. A ship cast away at Egg Harbor. Eleven persons lost.] See George Churchman's book called A Looking Glass, page the 8, he mentions an earthquake, which was on the 30 of the Tenth Month 1763. [George Churchman, A Little Looking-Glass for the Times; or, A Brief Rembrancer for Pennsylvania. Wilmington, [Delaware]: James Adams, 1764.] See Seneca's Meditations on earthquakes and the horror of them; see Thomas Chalkey's account of an earthquake in page 585. Dreadful indeed. [Left marginal note: Churchman alludes to earthquakes at Jamaica, Peruvian Lima, Lisbon and Portugal and warns against presumption in talking about them.] See Cruden's Concordance, his collection of passages in Scripture concerning earthquakes. [Alexander Cruden, A Complete Concordance to the Holy Scriptures of Both the Old and New Testiment. First published in 1738, and republished many times.] This last earthquake in 1783 jarred the house pretty much and there was a rumbling noise seemed to go before it and I was told there was another not quite so hard the same night towards day. Which was further fully confirmed afterward. See Samuel Bownas, his journal, his account concerning an earthquake in page 185 and more particular in page 190 read that [leaves off there]. 30. First day. Went to our meeting - poor - --<<December 1783>>-- 1st Twelfth Month. We were killing a beef etc. 2. Went to our meeting - preparative. I had good satisfaction. John Collins and I went in among the women. Came off pretty well. Robert French was nominated for overseer. 3. We were about a pump for Samuel Brown.
[half sheet of paper begins] Meditations on the earthquake 1763 Heaven often before the fatal bolt is hurled, Gives timely notice to an erring world, Some lesser woes are harbingers of great, O! sinner, fear and dread approaching fate, Whilst harmless thunder and whilst gentle shocks, Still at thy door for reformation knocks, Rouse from thy stupid lethargy of sin, Turn penitent and own thy God within, Or be assured that the increased power Will overtake thee in an evil hour.
4th of the Twelfth Month 1783. I went to Mount Holly Monthly Meeting. George Churchman I unexpectedly found there. I lodged with him at William Rogers's and had conversation about what he had wrote in his Looking Glass concerning earthquakes and some late strange accounts in newspapers of the burning mountains and great earthquakes in some parts of the world whereby many thousands of people were swallowed up and great part of towns and countries sunk and became a sea and of the burning mountains flaming and continual vomiting up great bodies on clouds of fire blowing down the great mountains. I said I did not know whither such accounts in the news could be depended on. George said he made not doubt of it. Such things had been [illegible]. [half sheet of paper ends]
4th of the Twelfth Month, Fifth [Day] of the week. I went to Mount Holly Monthly Meeting. George Churchman, Robert Kirkbright and several others from Pennsylvania and Deborah Basit, Elizabeth Collins and several others were there. There was some close searching labor but the meeting was seemingly in a poor languishing condition. I accompanied Robert and George to William Rogers's to lodge. 5. We went to Evesham Monthly Meeting and a good lively satisfactory one it was. After business was done George proposed to have the women called in, which was readily agreed to and a favored open lively time it was. Divers lively sentences was dropped tending to encourage Friends to faithfulness. Isaac Zane was also here. 6. I was finishing a pump for William Kaighn. 7. Was First Day. We went to our meeting. Deborah Basit was there and Isaac Zane. I thought it was a good meeting lively. Deborah Basit and Davis Basit and Elizabeth [Collins] came here and stayed all night with us whose company was very agreeable. 8. My wife and I went to Haddonfield with these Friends to Haddonfield Monthly Meeting. John Reeve and Benjamin Reeve and divers others was there. A tedious time trying to divide the Monthly Meeting yet I thought I gathered some instruction. 9. Went to our weekday meeting, a quiet sort of a one to me. 10. Went to make a pump for Samuel Burroughs. 11. Finished Burrough's pump 21 feet long and I took Samuel Brown's pump home 15 long. I went to see Elizabeth Cull and Job. 12. Went to Barilla Brain's to make a pump. 13. Finished Brain's pump 17. 6 long. [Later addition: Paid for all Even.] 14. First Day went to our meeting. Not very well satisfied. 15. Killing hogs. 16. Went to our meeting. I had good satisfaction. 17. Cutting up pork and went to mend several pumps at Haddonfield. 18. Salting pork etc. 19 and 20. We were at work at pump work at Lawrence Webster's. One for him and one for Israel Garwood. 20 was First Day. I went to our meeting. A poor time no satisfaction. 21. We went to Elisha Hooton's and Samuel Stokess to pay a visit. 22. We went to our meeting. Silent and very poor. 23. I went to Lawrence Webster's to work and I was at Evesham. The Upper meeting but very poor.
24th Twelfth Month [Crossed through:] at work at Lawrence Webster's making two pumps one for him and one for Israel Garwood 16 feet long and Webster's 31 feet long. 31 15 � 6 boxes �7 � 6 -------- 54s 0d 16 8 ------ 24 7 � 6 ------- 31[s] 6 54 � 0 -------- bricks/ Shifs 85 � 6 I had 100 3 � 6 ------- 8 2[s] 0 Due to me [Left marginal note: A stormy cold time snow] 26. We finished the pump and came home. 27. I was making a coffin for William Morton. 28. Went to our meeting a very poor time with me. This afternoon we went to the burial of William Morton. [Left marginal note: First Day] 29. Hauling wood etc. 30. We went to our meeting. I had a good satisfaction. Some trials soon after which did hurt. A great snow fell. 31. About some screws for cheese presses. A snowy time. --<<January 1784>>-- 1st of the First Month, 1784. About home turning pump boxes etc. 2nd. Do. 3 and Seventh [Day] of the week. About a sled etc. 4 was First Day. Went to our meeting. Good. Sleighing. a strong [?] meeting but to me very poor. 5. About home. 6. Went to our preparative meeting poor times yet something. 7 and 8. About home. 8. I went to Evesham preparative poor yet some satisfaction. 9. Went to our Monthly Meeting a very poor shattered time. 10. Went to mill etc. 11. Was First Day went to our meeting. Elizabeth Atkinson was there a poor cold time. We went to the burial of Mary Warrington. A poor time indeed. 12. Joseph Buzby and wife and Joseph Thornton and wife and Elizabeth Haines was here. Poorer and poorer times. Hardly fit to be seen. 13. Went to our meeting. John Simpson and Oliver Paxson was there. John spoke concerning strong drink and moderation in eating etc. I went with strangers to Joshua Bispham's to dine. We lodged at Joseph Thornton's. 14. We went to Upper Evesham. John's subject was on charity and he handled the subject very deeply and was large. 15. Was at Lower Evesham. John subject was on war and he went largely and very deeply into it. A good tendering meeting I believe to some but poor times with me. 16. About home. 17. Do. About a cheese press. 18 was First Day. Went to our meeting very poor times. 19. Very cold stormy winter weather. 20. At our meeting. Poor winter sort of a time both inwardly and outwardly. See George Fox his Journal page 215 and 219. 21:22:23:24. About home very cold. [Left marginal note: About suffering] 25. Was First Day. Went to our meeting distressed poor. 26. About home. 27. At our meeting something better.
28th First Month, 1784. About home. 29. Do. 30:[31]. Vincent Leeds and Samuel Leed and William Rogers come to see me. Vincent proposed to me to accompany him, he being young in the ministry and about to visit some meetings in the compass of Burlington Quarter, but it was so low and poor times with me that I could hardly tell what to do for I thought I was good for nothing at home or abroad. However on the 31st First Month and Seventh [Day] of the week I went to Vincent Town meeting appointed for Vincent Leeds it being the first he ever appointed. Came off pretty well but I was still poor though I had something to do where we dined. After dinner I was for returning home but Friends stuck to me and tugged me a long and we went to Aaron Wills's to lodge. --<<February 1784>>-- 1 of the Second Month. We went to Ancocas meeting. Vincent Leeds had a good deal to say and Elizabeth Collins was there, and here I had good satisfaction at the conclusion of the meeting. All seemed well and pleasant when meeting broke up. 2nd of the Month and Second of the week. About home. 3. Went to our preparative meeting. The first meeting middling but a poor shattered time doing business. Not a right spirit in dominion. 3 and 4:5. I was about a churn for Edmund Hollinshead. Very cold winter weather. 6. Went to our Monthly Meeting. Benjamin Jones and Benjamin Linton was there and John Reves. John had a great deal to say. This was the second time the extract was consider and that part concerning visiting of families came most closely before the meeting. At this meeting as at the last there was a number for having a committee appointed to have the care of that matter and consider it with women Friends but others opposed it and a poor shattered miserable time it was. I do believe a wrong light chaffy spirit was in dominion and opposed the truth. Or so it seemed to me. And I am satisfied the more weighty part of our members that were for journeying forward out of the wilderness or world's spirit were crushed down. So the case was referred. Many seemed stiff and could get up and speak in this meeting which in some of our most favored solid meetings were not heard to open their mouths. And to speak of the work of the reformation now as in times past won't do. Many can't bear to come under a close search and seem determined to go not further so that it seems as if we should loose sight of this concern for reformation. 7. I was about getting plow stuff.
8 of the Second Month, 1784. Was First Day. Benjamin Linton and Benjamin Jones was there, Linton had a pretty deal to say. [Right marginal note: But poor times] 9. My wife and I and children went to see Elizabeth Haines and daughter etc. 10. Went to our meeting which to me was middling satisfactory. [entries for February 11 - February 18 on subsequent loose pages] [end loose half-sheet] 18. I came home. 19. About hanging up bacon etc. 21. Hauling wood etc. 22. Was First Day a poor time indeed. 23. Went to the burial of Barzillai Coats had a meeting not satisfactory remember why and improve thereon. 24. Was our weekday meeting a poor time. 25:26:27:28. About home at work at some churns etc. Very cold winter weather but little to be done. 29. Was First Day went to our meeting had some satisfaction. Seldom ever colder weather than at this time. --<<March 1784>>-- 1 of the Third Month. About home. 2. Was our preparative meeting. Elizabeth Collins was there and had some service. 3. I was about home. 4. I went to Mount Holly Monthly Meeting with Joshua Evans. A poor time it was though many Friends from other meetings was there. 5. Was our Monthly Meeting. Poor times indeed. Hannah Reeve was there and said a great deal. Five couples passed meeting and we were in a poor situation to do any other sort of business but passing meeting. [Left marginal note: Joshua Evans had a very clever time in select meeting.] 7. Was First Day. Hannah Revees and her sister-in-law, John's wife, was there. P[oor] P[oor] P[oor] though rubbing work. 8. I went to Haddonfield Monthly Meeting. Was at their select meeting which I thought was middling well as was also the other meeting for business. The best meetings I have seen at Haddonfield a long time. 10. Went to our meeting. Peter Reeve was married. Robert Willis was there and spoke very well. Also John Reeve and Hannah. 11:12:13. About home dressing out plow stuff etc. 14. Went to our meeting which was middling satisfactory. 15. About home dressing out plow stuff etc. 16. Robert Willis was at our meeting and had good service but the [meeting] was but a poor one I thought. 17. About plows and Robert Willis came here to see us. Had a sitting this evening and Robert had a pretty deal to say to the children and family. 18. My wife and I went with Robert Willis to Evesham. Samuel White was married. Robert had a pretty deal to say. I sat with the committee on Negro cases after meeting. Robert stayed with us another night whose company was very strengthening and edifying . 19 and 20. About home at work at plow stuff etc. 21. Was First Day went to our meeting a very poor time. 22. About home etc.
[begin loose page] 11th of the Second Month, 1784. I set off into Pennsylvania. Very cold weather. Crossed the river on the ice. I lodged at Benjamin Maul's. There is an innocent hopeful young couple. 12. I went to Moses Coats to lodge. [Sideways marginal note: I had thoughts of putting my son Joseph apprentice to Moses Coats to learn the smith's trade and I went on that account.] 13. I went to Bradford Monthly Meeting which was very much disturbed by a man in a kind of frenzy or in a ranting spirit. Friends stood at the doors and kept him out but he preached as loud as he could scream great part of the time of both meetings. But a poor time, though I thought there was a considerable number of substantial Friends both men and women be longing to that meeting. [At this meeting, Hunt �returned the Certificate granted by this meeting in the fourth month last, for John Iddings, Informing he Removed from them before the Certificate came to hand, the Circumstance being considered this meeting accepts thereof and Refers his case to the care of Caln Preparative Meeting� (Minutes of Bradford Monthly meeting, 2 Month, 1784).] I went to Richard Barnard's to lodge. An old man with a large family of children and all very much in the moderation and plainness. He had one room put in order for a school and the oldest learned [John Hunt's Journal gives "instructed" (236)] the younger. 14. I went to the select meeting at London Grove. Jacob Lindley spoke very smartly and lively but it was but poor times (the weather exceeding cold) though I did believe there was a considerable number of very wise deep discerning Friends. Though I believe it was a winter season inwardly as well and outwardly. One thing I remarked-- this Select Quarterly Meeting had a committee appointed to visit their select members which I have had a prospect of and much approved of. I went to Jacob Lindley's to lodge. 15. We went to New Garden meeting. Jacob Lindley preached and prayed very powerfully but it was a poor time with me. The people here are very plain and many very wise solid Friends and though there was a large door of utterance opened and it may be as bread cast upon the waters and found after many days yet. I went to dine with Benjamin Mason. An elder and a quick sighted one too, accounted to be a wise man amongst wise men. But it seemed like a winter season each way. I went to William Dixon's (in 1783 William Dixon's son killed [in the] war) to lodge this family, both parents and children, I think stand the fairest in religion and especially in the work of the reformation that I have yet met with; that is to take them all together. I had some satisfaction in this family. Read at bottom. 16* [From bottom of the page: 16 was Quarterly Meeting at London Grove. The men and women sit down in their different apartments and hold the first meeting but short. This is allowed to be the largest Quarterly Meeting and a very solid wise number of Friends and much united in their testimony against taxpaying and superfluity. A very plain people.] 17. We went to Yearly Meeting at London Grove and in the forepart there was a prospect of a very fine opportunity, but the man above mentioned, whom Friends there thought was got into a spirit of ranterism. (And I did believe there was a very large number of weighty solid Friends who were favored with that gift of discerning of spirits.) This crazy ranter came in, began to preach as loud as he could, but made little stops. And a woman Friend rose up and he kept still which is always he way for he loves to hear preaching. The woman had a very lively testimony but not very long. Then he began again, but made little stops and he spoke very well and seems very hopeful.* Then presently Thomas Vickers spoke a considerable time but I thought the little silent parts of the meeting was the best. To me the meeting was much hurt with the ranting crazy man. I was poorly and got but little satisfaction. I went to Thomas Woodward's to lodge, an ancient, innocent, sweet spirited minister. His children in good order: plain etc. [Left marginal note: *Ritt fell to drinking his old failing again soon after.] [end loose page]
[begin loose half-sheet] There was several very close searching sentences dropped concerning taxpaying and several Friends seemed to think it was time of more danger now than it was in the time of the war. Jacob Lindley spoke closely concerning Friends letting collectors etc. pay their tax and then settle with them. Another Friend dropped a caution to beware of the dragon's tail and said what had been suffered to try Friends in years past might be like the teeth or the claws of the dragon. This Quarterly Meeting and select meeting have the case of schools very lively before them. I came from Thomas Woodward's about 18 miles to Caleb Pierce's (to lodge). A substantial elder who had a large family of children. All seemed near and alive in the truth. An exemplary family throughout. 18. Came home 19. [end loose half-sheet]
23 of the Third Month, 1784. We went to our meeting. Thomas Ross and Jonathan Kirkbridge was there. Thomas Ross had a very extraordinary opportunity with us. His business seemed to be rouse up the careless and strengthen the humble travelers and spoke very encouragingly to a little remnant but was very close and plain with the careless and negligent. This was a very solid good meeting. 24. I went to mend a pump for Nemiah Leeds and then went to Lower Evesham Meeting appointed at 3rd hour afternoon for Thomas Ross and his companion. Thomas was very notable and had very close labor with the worldly minded and formal professions. [Left marginal note: A woman shot through a window this evening John Sharp's wife.] 25. I went to Select Meeting of ministers and elders at Haddonfield. Thomas Ross had very excellent service. Dropped many very instructing hints both to ministers and elders concerning the golden snuffers and snuffing candles and thumping with the halve without the ax etc. And about sailing in a pleasant river with wind and tide � a caution to be careful at such times about landing and casting anchor in deep water etc. A good instructing meeting though yet room for great improvement. 26. We went to Quarterly Meeting. Thomas Ross spoke very well and Mary Stevenson and several young ministers and this was a middling good meeting though some things not very pleasant happened in the last meeting. 27. I Went to select meeting at Philadelphia. Thomas Ross, George Dillwyn, Samuel Emlen, Rebekah Jones and Mehetable Jenkins said before this meeting a concern that was on their minds to cross the seas on a visit to Europe viz. England and Ireland. And although things was not carried on very straight and clever in this meeting there was many very wise instructing hints drop in this meeting. But I counted it but a poor time. I came home. 28. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. Anna Hollinshead an ancient woman was buried and a very poor time it was. 29. I went down to Philadelphia to select meeting which began at 8. meeting for worship began at 10. I went to Pine Street. Daniel Offley, G. Dillwyn and several others appeared and these two were good favored meetings. We went to the burial of a young doctor. Samuel Emlen and Arthur Howell spoke at the grave. 30. Select Meeting. Met again at 8 at which time there was many very pertinent sentences dropped to all ranks and stations both ministers and Elders. This was a solid favored time. Certificates was signed for Thomas Ross, Samuel Emlen, George Dillwyn and Rebekah Jones to cross the seas on a visit to Europe. Mehetable Jenkins likely to go with them.
31 Third Month 1784. At work at screws for cheese presses --<<April 1784>>-- 1st of Fourth Month. About home. 2 and 3. Do. and went to mend a pump for H. Lippincott. 4. Was First Day went to our meeting which was not satisfactory. 5. About plow work. 6. Went to our preparative meeting. Poor. 6:7:8. About some plows and finishing a cheese press for Nehemiah Leeds. 9. We went to Monthly Meeting. I thought thing went on pretty well till towards the last. One matter jumbled us as heretofore. 10. Went to take Leed's cheese press home. 11. Went to our meeting which was a favored satisfactory one to me but some slips soon after. [Left marginal note: First Day] 12. Plow making. 13 Went to our meeting, middling. 14 Plow making. 15:16:17. Making plows, got ten done. 18. Went to our meeting but low time I was poorly with a bad cold we went over to Joseph Busby's to make him a pump. [Left marginal note: Some trials with the constable taking rye from us for taxes.] 19:20. We were at work at J. Busby's pump 22 feet 6 [inches] long. Here I was taken with a chill and violent fever. 21. We got home and had a close afflicting time but got a little better at the latter end of the week. 25. Was First Day I was yet very poorly. 26:27:28:29:30. --<<May 1784>>-- 1 of the Fifth Month. 2nd Was First Day. I yet remained very poorly. 3. Yet very poorly. 4. I took a vomit and a dreadful time I had of it. 5:6. Yet very poorly. 7. Was our Monthly Meeting J.C. and Joseph H. tells me they had a good meeting and especially the select meeting. I confined at home. 8:9 was First Day. I yet remained very weak and feeble yet. 11. I went to our meeting which was silent and although it was a task to me get there I was so weak, yet I had no cause to repent going. 12:13:14:15. I get very weak not able to do any work this day Friends went of to Salem. Abraham Warrington, E.H., H. Buzby, and Rachel Wills set off from our house. I was to have been their companion but not able to go. 16 was First Day. Went to our meeting which in the end satisfactory to me. 17. About home. 18:19:20. About home. Got so well as to work a little. 21. I was dressing a calf and lamb for market. 22. I was about a cheese press. In my wife came from market very poorly. 23. Was First Day. Went to our meeting had good satisfaction. 24. About home. 25. Went to our meeting not satisfactory. 26. Made a plow for Nathaniel Haines at Joseph Roberts. 27. Went to work at meeting house shed framing it. 28. About home finishing a Joseph Reves cheese press.
28th of the Fourth Month, 1784. I set off towards the Quarterly Meeting of Chesterfield. I lodged at Aaron Wills's. 29. Aaron and his sister Mary Buzby and I went to the select meeting at Chesterfield which was a most exceeding poor dull drowsy distressing meeting. (In the midst of a wealthy Nation. See Jeremiah 49 and 31st verse.) I went to cousin John Elliss's to lodge. 30. We went to Arneytown Meeting [Upper Freehold Meeting in Arneytown, New Jersey.] at which there was a burial of a Friend who died very suddenly and was at meeting a few days before, but I think I seldom if ever saw people less affected at such a time. Hardness of heart and insensibility prevailed. There was a great concourse of people and many of the Baptists. It might be a meeting satisfactory to some but to me it was a most distressing time. I went to Samuel Gaskill's to dine in company with Solomon Gaskill. This evening we came to cousin Joseph Fowlers to lodge whose wife is an elder and something like a Deborah in these parts. See Judges the 5 chapter and 7 verse. This Friend soon began to feel and sympathize with me and came and sat down by me, after some little time we seemed to drop into a silence and Deborah had not lost her feeling. Soon began to collect her children and servants together which was somewhat startling to me though I much commended the motion. We sat down in silence and had a refreshing satisfactory time together. 31. We went to the Quarterly. The first meeting was very much hurt yb too much preaching, but in meeting of business we had a fine time considering all things. I had a good satisfaction. Feeling pretty clear I Sat of home in the morning. All well. We went to our meeting which was middling. --<<June 1784>>-- 2 of the Sixth Month, 1784. About home planting potatoes etc and replanting corn. 3. I was about a pump for John Hurley. 4. At work at Hurley's pump. 5. Joseph and I went and took it home and finished it. 34 feet 6 inches long at 1s 6[d] per foot. 34 � 6 17 -------- the boxes 51 the half foot and 7 � 6 the Leather for boxes 0 � 9 the Trouble of Sening 1 � 0 for and getting Ironwork 2 � 0 -------- Due to me 3 � 2 � 3 [Right marginal note at a later date by ink: Received by the hands of Abraham Evans from John Hurley 2-4-0.] 6 of Sixth Month. My wife and I went to Evesham Meeting and a good satisfactory meeting it was to me in [the] end though hard in the forepart. Indolence and indifference too much prevails. After meeting we went to Elizabeth Haines's to dine and then met two other Friends to pay a visit to the family of Simeon Haines whose wife and children had requested to be taken into meeting. We had a satisfactory opportunity with them.
7 of the Sixth Month. I was about home hoeing in the garden etc. 8. Went to our meeting preparative, but poorish. R[ebekah] R[oberts] had good service. 9 [Crossed through:] My boys and I went to make or finish a pump for Jacob Haines 25-6 long 23 feet the bottom piece we made at home and found timber 35 � 6 17 � 6 -------- 52 � 6 boxes 7 � 6 the half foot � 9 the timber for bottom 15 � -------------------------------------- 3 � 15 � 9 [Left marginal note: finished it] [Right marginal note: About this time there was several fields of rye cut down with the hail in Evesham and I heard of the like in Pennsylvania. Mary Swett and T. Redman bring an account from Long Island that there is a worm now cutting down the corn so that there is like to be no harvest there.* Look back to the account Silas Downing page 127.] [Left marginal note: *See Joel 2 chapter, 25 verse and see George Churchman's Looking-glass, page 8.] 11. We went to Monthly Meeting. James Thorington was there and Isaac Zane. James had good service in the first meeting and also in the last. The meeting for business began well and went on lively a while. I had good satisfaction in the forepart of it but it growed poorer and poorer towards the ends, and ended but low. Search for the cause why it was so. A want of more care to keep down to the root. I see more and more cause to remember this passage viz. Without me ye can do nothing. And as one formerly said, if thy presence go not with us send us not hence, or to this effect. See Psalms 87: verse 2. Our testimony against strong drink was raised and lively [illegible] in the forepart of the business. [Right marginal note: And Isaac Zane proposed a family visit to our Monthly Meeting.] 12. I made a plow for Joseph Thorington. 13. First Day went to our meeting a poor time. 14. Went to the burial of one of Paul Crispin's children I had satisfaction at the grave. I went to Simeon Haines's to look out timber for a pump. 15. Went to our meeting. A poor time. Drowsiness exceedingly besets our assemblies. 16. I made a plow for Joseph Ingle. 17. I made a plow for myself. 18. Harrowing corn. 19. I was plowing in the gardens. 20. Was First Day. We went to our meeting which to me was a good strengthening satisfactory one. A favored time. 21. We went to Simeon Haines to make a pump 33 feet long. 22. We finished and came home. [Presumably added later:] He paid for it. 23. Hoeing corn. 24. I went to Haddonfield weekday meeting which was a poor time indeed. O the poverty death and heaviness that covers our meetings! Dissolution as to the life of religion seems to threaten us. 25. I made a plow for myself. 26. Plowing corn and went to look timber for two pumps for A. and Barzillai Lippincott. 27. First Day went to our meeting but an indifferent sort of a time. 28. Plowing corn. 29. Went to our meeting. But middling so so. [Left marginal note: This spring the worms eat the Indian Corn very much so that almost whole fields are cut off in places the first planting- See Isaiah 5-12 verses- and our garden truck is much much cut off with the worms. See Joel 1 chapter and 4 verse and 5 verse. This passage much occurred to my mind when I seen the garden truck cut off the new wine is cut off from your mouth.]
30th of the Sixth Month, 1784. [Xing through begins] Samme and I went to Nehemiah Leeds to make a pump. [Xing through ends] 27 feet long the pump we made of oak. 13 � 6 7 � 6 boxes ------------ 2=8=0 0�10�0 =6=0 ------------ 3=4�0 --<<July 1784>>-- 2nd of the Seventh Month. We finished and came home. [Left marginal note: I thought too much hard work and hurry and cumber of business hurt me this week and I thought I rather lost than gained as to spiritual strength.] 3 of the Seventh Month. I made a plow for James Kaighn. Paid for. 4. Was First Day. A close trial this morning. Went to our meeting. A very poor time with us. 5. At work at home amongst the garden truck etc. 6. Was our preparative meeting. This a hearty good time to me. 7. Reaping. 8. Harrowing corn etc. 9. We went to our Monthly Meeting. Elizabeth Drinker was there and preached a great deal but I do think it was a very poor dull meeting and exceedingly so in Meeting of Business I thought I seldom felt so destitute of life and the Friends in general so dull and heavy. It was harvest time. 10. About hay. Harrowing some corn etc. 11. Was First Day. Went to our meeting which was but middling. Not much complaint to make. 12. Reaping rye etc. 13. We went to our meeting which was small but it was a time of favor and a strengthening time to me. 14. About hay etc. 15. Do Do. 15. About getting in harvest etc. A very sad time. Impatiency the old state and native prevailed which tended to weakness. 16. Getting in hay etc. 17. At home about sundry little matters. 18. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. Isaac Zane was there and had some service but to me it was a distressing worrying time. 19. About hay etc. 20. Went to our meeting. I. Zane was there. A poor time forepart, little better at last. I had some satisfaction. 21. About hay. 22. My wife and I went to Evesham Meeting which we concluded was some what favored. I had satisfaction. We went to I. Thorinton�s. 23. About finishing hay. 24. I was about a pump for Barzillai Lippincott. 25. Was First Day. We went to our meeting which was middling I thought in the afternoon we went to a meeting at Evesham appointed for the Black people. B. Swet and Isaac Zane was there. It was a pretty lively open satisfactory meeting
26th of the Seventh Month, 1784. I met Isaac Zane, Elizabeth Collins, [Memoirs of Elizabeth Collins, 23-24.] and Joshua Roberts at Jonas Cattle's to proceed on a family visit first at Jonas Cattle's, Charles French's, John Hunt's, Hannah Lippincott's, John Roberts, [continued below in single contiguous paragraph] 27. Joseph Roberts, Joseph Stoker, to Joshua Roberts. Lodged Samuel Roberts St., then to our meeting and then to John Grinslid's. Dined then to widow French's, Samuel Laning, George French's and to Hugh Cowperthwaite's [and] lodged. 28. Nehmiah Matlack's, Job Cowperthwaite's, William Matlack, Reuben Matlack's, John Morton's, Jacob Stokes. Then we went to John Roberts got some Refreshment and here we parted. Isaac returned home to their Quarterly Meeting and I thing this was the most favored opportunity of this sort I had yet ever experienced. A lively strengthening time with me. 29. About a pump for Samuel Lippincott. 30. Do Do. I went to mend some pumps one for Sam Stokes one for Nathaniel Lippincott and one for Thomas Stokes. [Presumably added later:] All settled. 31. We went to take Samuel Lippincott's pump home and finished it and settled and I went in afternoon to mend a pump for Judah Clements. --<<August 1784>>-- 1 of the Eighth Month. We went to our meeting which to me was middling satisfactory. 2. I went to take a pump home for Barzillai Lippincott [Later insertion above text: paid for it] and went to the Quarterly Meeting at Philadelphia and went to see a Friend, a pump maker who bores pumps with a horse. But the meeting to me was a very distressed poor one but I believe it was a good meeting to many. This of mixing temporal and spiritual concerns together don't answer. I had to remember Leviticus 19th Chapter 19 verses: Neither shall a garment mingled with linen and woolen come upon thee I was unfit to do anything at meeting but saw a very fair opportunity. 3. Went to our preparative meeting which was a very poor time especially in the first meeting. 4. We were at work at a pump for Aquilla Lippincott. [Crossed through with annotation �paid off�] 5. I went to mend a pump for Joseph Champion. Settled. 6. We went Monthly Meeting which was a pretty good lively satisfactory one to most I believe. [Left marginal note: I had a very close trial this morning so that I thought I should hardly get to meeting. A little ugly black cloud arose. I labored and it went off. This was Monthly Meeting morning. Had a good meeting for all.] 7. I was finishing a pump for Aquilla Lippincott 47/3 due me. [Crossed through with annotation �paid off�:] 8. My wife and I went to Vincent Town meeting, met with Isaac Zane and Elizabeth Collins. It was but a poor little meeting. A great want of laborers. Idleness and indifferency too much prevails. We had something to do amongst them. 9. I went with our Friends Isaac Zane, Elizabeth Collins, John Collins, and Sarah Evans visiting families. First to John Tucker, David Claypole, Nathan Clifer, William Matlack, Abraham Matlack, John Wilkins, Joseph Haines, then went to John Collins. 10. To Arthur Venenel, Abner Peacok, then went to meeting. A distressing dull time at first but ended better. I had some satisfaction.
10th of the Eighth Month 1784. We were on a family visit. At Elizabeth Coats, John Cox's Joshua Hunt's, Aquilla Lippincott, and went to Joshua Hunt's to lodge. 11. Proceeded to Joseph Stansbury's family he was gone to England and although they were not professors with us yet we had a satisfactory time with them, then to Michael Linch's, Paul Crispin, Thomas. Matlack, Samuel Coles, Richard Glovyer, Reece Edwards, William and [Sarah] Cox's, Ephraim Haines then went to Thomas. Hooton's to lodge. 12. Joshua Dudley's, Dorithy Heush's, Joshua Bispham's dined but had not a sitting he being from home and his wife unwell. Went to Jacob Hollinshead, Isaac Dudley's Edmund Hollinshead, lodged here. 13. To Thomas Gills, John Risdin, John Hollinshead, Samuel Bilange, dined Hugh Hollinshead, Samuel Iwins, Benjamin Burrows lodged. 14. Went to Joseph Hackney's, John Sharp's, Samuel Hackney's, Darling Conrow's, dined William Hackneys he unwell no sitting, then came home. 15. Was First Day I met my Friends I.Z. and E.C.S. Evans at John Collins. Had a sitting with them and then went to widow Cattle's, then to meeting. Joshua Evans was there and had close searching service a pretty good edifying meeting to many. We went to Nathan Middleton's to dine had a sitting, then to Hannah Stokes widow and John Price Liv'd together. [Left marginal note: A favored time this morning with me.] 16. To John Stokes's, Nathaniel Middleton's he was not at home, John Warrington's, Samuel Conrow's, Joseph Brackney's, Joshua Crispin's but he being not at home we had nothing, but went to Joseph Warrington's to lodge. 17 and Third of the week. We went to Isaac Lippincott's, Sr., Thomas Stokes's, Samuel Roberts's then to meeting which after some hard labor ended lively and well. Went to Joshua Bispham's, Elijah Birdkill's, Morgan Hollinshead's, then we went to Joseph Warrington's to lodge. 18. Thomas Lippincott's, Thomas Warrington's, Isaac Lippincott's, Jr, William Brown's, Peter Slimm's, Joseph Morgan's. 19. Samuel Shutte's, Joseph Wright's, Isaac Busby's, Seth Lippincott's, Daniel Cartee's [cont. on next page]
Evan Evans's, Joshua Crispins's, then came to Joseph Warrington's to lodge. 20 Eighth Month, 1784. To Thomas Bishop's, William Haines's, John Lippincott's, Samuel Lippincott's, Hannah Frenchs's, Edward French's, Samuel Heritage's this was the last family we visited, then to John Collins got some refreshment. And then we parted with feeling nearness and uniting regard having been much united in close labor in this arduous task and although we had at times very close dipping stripping baptizing seasons to pass through we were helped with a little help in the most needful time insomuch that the careless and lukewarm were faithfully warned and the honest hearted encouraged and invited and the work was owned in such a manner at times that In answer to Friends who inquired after us it was said they go on conquering and to conquer and another said they put to silence the scoffer and gainsayer. [John Hunt's Journal summarizes "We visited about seventy-five families" (237).] 21. I was at home at work at a pump for Joseph Newton. James Thorington and his son Joseph came to see us whose company was not only pleasant but edifying. 22. Was First Day went to our meeting. Benjamin Swet was there. The meeting to me was very chil in the forepart but ended to my satisfaction. John Collins, William Roberts, and myself went on some meeting business to Samuel Allinsons this afternoon. 23. I was at work at Joseph Newton's pump and turning boxes etc. 24. Went to our meeting a good satisfactory one it was to me. 25. Samme and I went to Josiah Sharp's to make a pump. 26. We finished Sharp's pump 21 feet 4 inches long. Settled all even and came to Samuel Burrous and bound his pump over deeper. 27. We made a plow for Joshua Lippincott and we settled all even. 28. We went to take Joseph Newton's pump home and finish it. 36 ft. 6 in. long at 9 [s] 6 per foot comes to 1-11-9 15-6 the Boxes 7-6 the Diet 7-6 the Timber 2 trees and hauling 4-13-9 Due to me
29th, Eighth Month 1784. Was First Day. We went to our meeting which was in the end satisfactory to me. Rebekah Roberts after a time of illness of several weeks got out again. 30. Grubbing up suckers about the fences and fields. 31. Went to our meeting but middling to me not be complained of. My wife thought it was a good meeting. --<<September 1784>>-- 1 of the Ninth Month. Grubbing and suckering about the place. 2. I went with Samuel Robert's to get pine trees for two pumps, one for himself and one for the new schoolhouse. 3 and 4. At work at pumps, one for the schoolhouse and one for Samuel Roberts. 5. We took Samuel Robert's home, finished it etc. Balanced and made even. 6 was First Day. Went to our meeting. Had good satisfaction. 7. Was preparative meeting. Vincent Leeds was there and we had a satisfactory meeting. Pretty lively. 8. I was at Upper Evesham Meeting with Vincent. Had pretty good time of it. 9. We were at Lower Evesham Preparative Meeting and I thought came off pretty brave. I had satisfaction at last. 10. Was our Monthly Meeting and select meeting. Vincent Leeds and Ebenezer Miller was with us. We had but an indifferent time in the meeting of business and was favored in a most remarkable manner and went amongst the women and had excellent service. Daniel Offley and Vincent Leads came home with me to lodge. 11. I made a plow for Gideon Burrows. Finished the Schoolhouse pump and this evening Vincent Leads and I went to Joshua Evans. 12. We went to Newtown Meeting. Vincent and Joshua had something to say but it was a very poor low dull time and very distressing to me. [Left marginal note: First Day] 13. Went to sowing rye etc. 14. Went to our meeting which to me was pretty well. 15. Sowing and plowing etc. 16. Do. Do. in the afternoon I went to Job Cowperthwait to get a tree for to make him a pump. 17. Was an exceeding great storm. We were turning a pump works [cont. on next page]
and I went to the burial of Hunch Chubb's son, a young man about 21 years of age. 18. We were at work at Job Cowperthwaite's pump. [Presumably added later:] All settled. 19. Went to our meeting but a lowish time with us. [Left marginal note: First Day] 20. We were at work at Job C[owperthwaite's] pump 20 feet long finished it. 21. Went to our weekday meeting which was but middling so so. 22. Making a short pump for William Haines fulling mill and did something at another for Jacob Evans. 23. I went to the meeting of ministers and elders at Haddonfield which was but a lowish time to me though not without something lively amongst us at times and instructing. 24. Was Quarterly Meeting which was favored with a lively ministry at Haddonfield. Robert Valentine was there. Just got back from a visit to Europe and was very close in his testimony with the worldlings and old dry formality. The meeting for Business was middling. [Left marginal note: About this time Samuel Clements and John Clements and divers others there away departed this life. A very sickly time and many were very sudden snatched away and divers young people.] 25. I went to the select meeting at Philadelphia which was I believe a pretty good solid meeting though I was poor. Zacharias Dicks and Ann Jesup from Carolina was there and produced certificates from their homes giving them liberty to perform a visit to Europe and divers other Friends handed in certificates from long Island and their away giving them liberty to attend our Yearly Meeting. 28. Was First Day. Went to our meeting which a satisfactory one to me and this afternoon my wife and I went to Philadelphia and was the evening meeting at Market Street. See the account on a loose piece of paper. --<<October 1784>>-- 3rd of the Tenth Month and First Day. I was very poorly at home. 4. About home. 5. Was our preparative meeting. I thought what little business there was went on pretty well but yet not much satisfaction. 6 and 7. About home poorly. 8. Was our Monthly Meeting. I thought it was but a poor time though business went on pretty well. 9. Making cider etc. About this time many young people in the flower of their age were taken away viz. Thomas Hooton's son William 22 years of age, and Phillip Mintle's daughter whose brother died about a year ago, two young women at A. Inskeep's, and divers others. We hear of burials and sickness all round.
10th Tenth Month 1784 and first of the week. We went to our meeting. Benjamin Swet was there I had satisfaction though a laborious time. 11. We were husking corn. 12. John Register a Friend from the Eastern Shore of Maryland was at our meeting and I believe was favored with a true sense of the state of our meeting he complained of poverty and of the seed lying low etc. but he got up the second time and expressed a sympathy with some laborers etc. I went with him to Joseph Sharp's and his company was very edifying to me. He talked to me about being too backward at meeting in a very instructing manner and informed me of a family visit he had performed amongst the Nicolites of which John Woolman makes mention in his book page (179) which was a very agreeable account to me. [John Woolman, Works. Philadelphia: Joseph Crukshank, 1774.] He gave me an account of their dissenting from Friends and for what reason and that he believed the time would come where they would be joined to Friends. The reason as he informed me of that people being separated from Friends was one Joseph Nichols appeared in the ministry amongst Friends and soon became large and very zealous and particularly so against superfluity of all kinds believing unnecessary expense in all its branches, sprang from an evil root and so thought it needful to come out of in every particular. And so being very zealous he went out from amongst Friends, he thinking Friends too cold and indifferent about these things and they thinking him and his followers too zealous. But this Friend J. Register told me that in his visit they told him they thought that as Friends were now more warm about them things and thought it likely that they should come together again. J.R. said he felt great nearness when with them and that many were near the truth and prossesd what they professed and had good satisfaction amongst them.
13 of the Tenth Month 1784, 4 of the week, about husking etc. 14 and 15. Do. Do. 16. We went to the burial of Samuel Shute. [Left marginal note: Poor Poor times] 17. Was First Day. A poor silent meeting. 18. About corn and stalks etc. 19. Went to our meeting poor times. 20:21:22 and 23. About getting in apples and corn etc. 24. Was First Day. Went to our meeting poor doings indeed. 25. About apples for winter etc. Divers Friends of our Monthly Meeting being under some concern respecting the great growth and increase of pride amongst us and believing it right and according to the direction of the Yearly Meeting to have some parts of our discipline read at a suitable time. After some time of deliberation, our Monthly Meeting appointed a committee to draw out some such parts as might be most suitable to the present state of Friends respecting the charge of parents in the appearance of children and plainness and something respecting the love of the world etc. And on the 26 at Moorestown a meeting was held for the purpose. Joshua Evans was there and we had a pretty smart lively time but not so open a door of entrance as was desirable though ability seemed to be afforded to labor and place things close home. 27. I was at Upper Evesham Meetingfor the same purpose. Joshua Evans and Solomon Gaskill was there and the meeting in the forepart was pretty well but a remarkable dull heavy time seemed to come over us about the middle of the meeting for want of more care in several appearances and one especially I thought much hurt the meeting, but we seemed to get into our gears again and I thought the meeting ended pretty lively and well though still a great want of openness and ears to hear things were many times pressed very close and tight. 28. A like meeting was held at Lower Evesham. William Savery and Arthur Howell, S. Gaskill and Joshua Evans was there and we had abundance of preaching but I thing it was a low poor sort of a shut up time. In one sense though I am ready to think it might be a time of profit to many perhaps many days hence and although these meetings were not so open and lively yet I believe there will service arise from them divers ways.
29th Tenth Month, 1784, About home getting in potatoes etc. 30. About making cider etc. 31 and First of the week went to our meeting. Solomon Gaskill was there and had a good deal to say, a pretty good meeting. --<<November 1784>>-- 1st of the Eleventh Month. I went to hew timber for a pump for Thomas Lippincott. 2. Went to our preparative meeting. Robert Willis and Phillip Dennis was there and David Cooper and James Witial and Phillip Dennis was there. Robert and Phillip had considerable to say at the meeting. Middling. 3. Went to work at Thomas Lippincott's pump. Rainy day. I went to the burial of Benjamin Rodman a poor man.* [Left marginal note: *I called to see B. Rodman the night before he died and he was in great distress and said he expected to die there alone and prayed and seemed to be much humbled and he died next morning.] 4. At work at the pump. 5. Went to Monthly Meeting. At our select meeting was the above mentioned Friends but the meeting was but middling. David Bacon and Isaac Zane was also with us and I thought the Monthly Meeting was middling well and somewhat satisfactory to me. 6. I went to finish Thomas Lippincott's pump [Xing through begins; annotation �all settled�:] 31 feet long [Xing through ends] and we hewed a piece of John's pump 28 long: one part. 7 was First Day. Went to our meeting which proved not satisfactory. Without charity all is naught. 8. We went to John Lippincott's to work at his pump. 9. Went to our meeting. A very rainy day. A poor silent meeting. 10. Rainy. I was at home hanging a grindstone etc. 11. Went to work at John Lippincott's pump. 12. I set off to Salem in a wagon with Joseph Warrington and wife and Hannah French. We got to Woodbury meeting where was a marriage, James Miccle and Hannah Lord. The meeting was a very poor one I believe. Dined at James Cooper's and lodged at John Harriss. 13. We went to select meeting at Salem. A poor time. Lodged at James Mason's. 14. Was First Day at Salem. Was a deal of preaching. 15. Was Quarterly Meeting. Daniel Offley and John Reeve and others spoke and Daniel was notable remarkably so. 16. Was youth's meeting. Daniel Offley spoke very extraordinary and several others but it did but little for me. Very poor humbling times with me but I hope profitable. We lodged at John Ballinger's and came home the 17th. 18. We went to the burial of Thomas Stokes Sr. Poor poor a time of very close trial to that degree that it seemed as if I was within the one step of ruin and disgrace. 19th and 20th. We finish John Lippincott's pump 46 feet long. [Presumably added later:] Paid all off 1786. 21. Heard of the death of William Cooper and Jacob Clements.
21. Was First Day at our meeting � P[oor] P[oor] 22. Went to the burial of Joseph Gilkin's child. William Foster was buried. 23. Went to our meeting a little better. 24. Went to market with my wife. 25. About home, my wife very ill. 26. Went and put in an old pump for Thomas Lippincott and went to Kiah [?] Toys. Rainy time did but little. 27. At work at Toys pump. 28. Was First Day. Was at our meeting. Poor times with us though a crowded meeting. 29. Went to finish Kiah [?] Toys pump 25 feet long. 30. We went to the burial of Hannah French Jr. [Right marginal note: poor times] --<<December 1784>>-- 1 of the Twelfth Month 1784. Went to make a pump for Isaac Horner 16 feet long. 2. Finished Horner pump � paid for. 3. Went to make a pump for Isaac Troth 21 and a half. 4. Finish Isaac Troth's pump and he paid for it. 5. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. Not much satisfaction this evening. I and the boys set off to Egg Harbor Lodged at Caleb Evans's. 6. Proceeded on to Egg Harbor. Lodged at Thomas Balangeer's. 7. Making a pump for Thomas Balangeee. 8. Finishing Bilange's 20 1/2 long [Later annotation: paid for] and did something at a pump for John Fortinberry. 9. I went to Monthly Meeting at Egg Harbor. Things seemed at a very low ebb with them though there seemed a considerable number of elderly people that made a plain sober appearance but it seemed to me they were too much at ease and contenting themselves with a poor dead dry form. William Murfee from Little Egg Harbor was there and divers other Friends from that way and I thought our being there was of some service at that time I had some satisfaction. 10. We finished John Fortibery's pump 22 long and he paid and we set off home. Lodged at Henry Shin's taverns where was a very disagreeable drunken noisy company. 11. We got home and found all well. Joseph Thorington and wife and mother was here.
Twelfth Month, 12th 1784. Was First Day went to our meeting. Basit was there. Elizabeth Basit and I thought we had a pretty good meeting I had some satisfaction. 13. Went to splice a pump for Samuel Burrous. 14. Went to our meeting a poor time. 15. Went to Amos Bullock's to [Crossed through:] Make a pump or set Samme to work to make one 22 long. Settled. 16. I set off to Burdintown to meet Jacob Phillips before the justice. Lodged at Fretwell Wright's. 17. I with many other meet the former sheriff being summoned to answer for not tending court going on three years ago. I came off pretty well and came down to Aaron Wills to lodge. 18. I got home all pretty well. 19. Went to our meeting with me it was very low trying poor times as to the state of my mind worse and worse. [Left marginal note: First Day] 20. Killing Hogs. 22. Went to our meeting. A very poor low time. 22. Cutting up pork etc. 23. I went to Evesham Meeting at the request of S. Sharp. The meeting was very low and poor but had some service and satisfaction with S. Sharp. 24. Salting pork etc. A very severe cold time this several days. 25. Joseph Buzby and wife was here in the afternoon we were getting some firewood. 26. First Day went to our meeting. A very poor time the forepart. Rebekah Redman was there and spoke and R[ebekah] R[oberts] and then the London Epistle was read and so ended middling. 27. I went up in the pines of after a pump log and went to see Abigail Evans who was very poorly. 28. Through the persuasions of my wife and some others, instead of going to meeting I went to a vendue of Cedar Swamp at Joseph Murrel's to little purpose. Lodged at Jacob Hollinhead. [Left marginal note: Lodged at Isaac Borton's] 29. I was cutting some pine logs for a long pump for Jacob Hollinshead. 30. I went with Enoch Evans, Jacob and Caleb and divers others to look at some cedar swamp. 31. At home getting firewood. --<<January 1785>>-- 1 of the First Month, 1785 I was putting a cover on the wagon.
[Entry out of sequence:] 28th of the Twelfth Month, 1784. About this time several accidents happened. A man that went by the name of Taf Benit was married and at night his house took fire and he with several others were burnt in the house. A few years ago much such an accident happened at Egg Harbor in which several were burnt in one house. John Bates was at the vendue of Cedar Swamp and about two days after his horse threw him against a tree and killed him. Thomas Brooks taken ill and died in a few hours. William Vincomb informed me that he knew several burn in a cabin at the Cedar Swamp a few years past. 2nd of the First Month. Was First Day went to our meeting. P[oor] P[oor] P[oor]. 3. About sundry errands in the neighborhood T. and J. Stitles etc 4. Was our preparative meeting. Low poor times with me. 5. Getting horses etc. I had a very cold time. 6. Chopping firewood etc. 7. Was our Monthly Meeting. Jacob Lindley and George Churchman was there. Jacob had very acceptable service and something very close in the last meeting respecting Friends wearing carved silver buckles and red-spotted handkerchiefs and George had some service in the discipline. Jacob had something particular concerning tax paying, termed it paying up the debt for the expense of the war, and said as the Yearly Meeting had recommended it to Friends to preserve their accounts of suffering. He fully believed that suffering for not paying of taxes did come within the meaning of the Yearly Meeting and that the Yearly Meeting had owned that testimony and would never disown that birth which had been brought forth by the tender scruples of suffering Friends who refused to pay taxes for to defray the expense of war. [Left marginal note: At this time our Monthly Meeting received the extracts and appointed a large committee both men and women Friends to consider them and the committee appointed to meet the Second Day week following.] 8. I was hauling firewood etc. 9. Was First Day. Jacob Lindley and George Churchman was at our meeting and Jacob had a most excellent favored time a very large good solid meeting his testimony was very extensive and well adapted to the many different states [John Hunt's Journal gives "classes" (238).] of the people. He appeared in prayer and in particular for ministers those who had engaged in a public manner in the cause of truth. 10. I went to work at a pump for Jacob Hollinshead. 12. A stormy day at work in the shop. 13. I was mending a churn for S. Roberts and went to attend a pump for Nathaniel Lippincott.
14th of the First Month 1785. We went to work at a pump for Jacob Hollinshead. 15. At work at the pump. 16. Was First Day went to our meeting very poor indeed. 17. Went to the burial of Charles French Sr. A large concourse of people had a meeting a very distressing time to me. This was the day our large committee met but I was at the burial of C. F. George Churchman and Jacob Lindley sent the committee a letter which is as follows [nothing here in diary] 18. Went to our meeting. I was under an unusual conflict of mind. A humbling tendering meeting which deemed to do good for several days. I mended a pump for Nathan Middleton at work at Jacob Hollinshead's pump. 19. At work at Jacob Hollinshead's pump. 20. We finished J. H. pump 53 feet 6 inches long. Paid for it. 21. Brother Robert was here a stormy day turning boxes etc. and I went to look timber for a pump for Job Coles. 22. Brother Robert, his daughter and my wife and I went to see Elisha Hooton's and Samuel Stokes. 23. Was First Day went to our meeting. P[oor] P[oor] P[oor] T[imes] with me. 24. Went to work at Job Coles pump. 25. Went to our meeting. Some better. 26. At Coles pump. 27. Finished Coles's pump 31 feet long paid all off. 28. I went to John Shiver's to mend a pump and went to see Joshua Evans. 29. About several errands and visited the school. 30. Went to our meeting-- low times. [Left marginal note: First Day] 31. Getting some firewood etc. February 1785 1st Second Month. Went to our meeting. Joshua Evans was there. A poor low hard time. 2. About home. Very stormy time. 3. I went up to Evesham meeting. low poor time though some better had some satisfaction. Was at their school. 4. About getting some firewood. 5. Do about home etc. 6. Went to our meeting. Very P[oor] L[ow] M[eeting] w[ith] me. 7. I went to mend a pump for Hugh Hollinshead and went over the creek. 8. Was our preparative meeting. Some little better. 9. Mending canes pump and chopping wood. 10. I went to work at Joseph Roberts about a L H for the S.
11th of Second Month 1785. Was our Monthly Meeting. A V[ery] P[oor] T[ime] w[ith] me 12. At work at our wagon. 13. Was First Day. 14. At work at the wagon. 15. Went to our meeting. Robert Frich was married. 16. Went to make a pump 18 feet long for Samuel Hackney. The one we made about a year ago proved leaky. 17. I went to Evesham Meeting [and] met the committee on Negro Cases I had satisfaction at this meeting. 18. I was hauling cedar rails from Joseph Sharp's. 19. Mended splicing Thomas Hollinshead's pump. 20. First Day at our meeting both silent and poor. 21. Went after some Indian Corn to H. Bratckers etc. 22. At our meeting not satisfactory. 23. Hanging up bacon etc. 24 and 25. Turning pump boxes etc. and at work at churn. Stormy. 26. Hauling wood etc. 27. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. A pinching time of great poverty with me. Rebekah Roberts spoke lively. See Luke the 12 and 50th verses. I believe it was for me. 28. I was hauling home some plow stuff and went with my wife to E Haines's afternoon. --<<March 1785>>-- 1st of the Third Month, 1785. Went to our meeting. V[ery] P[oor] and silent 3 and 4 of the week. Went to market. 3. I went to see Darling Conrow on some business 4. Dressing out plow stuff. 5. Do. Do. 6. Was First Day. James Thorington's was there and had a very open favored meeting and many people was there. 7. About getting and dressing out plow stuffs. [Left marginal note: went with [some initial] W and [some intial, then illegible text] to see the Negroes] 8. Was at our preparative meeting. Robert Willis was there and spoke very well and comforting to the poor and tried afflicted etc. 9 and 10. We were dressing out plow stuff 11. Was our Select and Monthly Meeting. Joshua Evans, Daniel Offley, and James Cooper was there and John Foreman from Pennsylvania was there and Friends had a pretty open time. Offley remarkably so. [Left marginal note: Enoch Evans's wife departed this life.] 12. About home John Foreman was here whose company was very edifying and acceptable.
13 of the Third Month 1785. Was First Day. John Foreman from Pennsylvania was here and went to our meeting and James Cooper and his wife the preached but I think it was but a very poor time. I went with John Foreman to Benjamin Swets. 14. We went to Haddonfield Monthly Meeting which was but poor I thought. 15. Was our weekday meeting our committee met a very poor time. 16. About some business in the neighborhood at A. Johnston's. 17. I went up to Evesham Meeting meet some committees on Negro cases and spirituous liquor. Very low times. 18. I went to make a pump at the schoolhouse near Enoch Evans's. 19. We finished it, 19 feet long. M. Wills paid one-fourth the other remains due to with [Crossed through with notation �all settled�:] 1-7-0 Isaac Evans paid: 11[s] 3 since. 15/9 remains. 20. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. Not so poor as some times. 21. At work at home in the morning. Went to Ezekiel Linsey's vendue afternoon to little or no satisfaction. 22. Went to our meeting which was in some good degree satisfactory to me. Healing and strengthening. 23. About a plow for Ab. Johnson and something at pump for Joseph Coles. [Left marginal note: Plow] 24. I went to select meeting at Haddonfield which was a dull heavy time forepart but ended better. Some lively instructing hints were dropped. 25. Was Quarterly Meeting. John Reeve preached most of the meeting to many I believe it was a drowsy heavy time both meetings. 26. Brother Aaron Wills and I went to select meeting from here to Philadelphia which was a middling solid meeting. 27. I was at our own meeting which was remarkably full but to me poor. [Left marginal note: First Day] 28. About a plow for Benjamin Burrough's. [Left marginal note: Plow] 29. Was at our meeting. Benjamin Clerk was there and I think spoke pretty well to the state of the meeting but it was but a low time. 30. About a plow for Joseph Champion. 31. About a plow for Samuel Clements. --<<April 1785>>-- 1 Fourth Month. Righting up fence etc. 2. Trimming apple trees and went to mend Joshua Lippincott's. Stayed all night. His weakly child died whilst I was there.
3 of the Fourth Month, 1785. Was First Day. Went to our meeting which was not satisfactory I was at John Grinstid's after meeting had some satisfaction in that labor. 4. I went to A. Johnson's after a load of hay. 5. Was our preparative meeting. A poor time I thought. 6. Making another plow for Joseph Champion. 7. Making a plow for Joseph Haines. 8. Went to our Monthly Meeting. Ann Imlay was there and B. Swet and his wife I thought upon the whole it was a pretty clever satisfactory meeting. 9. I went to finish Joseph Coles pump 29 long. 10. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. Thomas Scattergood was there and had a favored opportunity. This was a fine strengthening satisfactory time with me. 11. I was making a plow for T. Thorn. 12. Went to our meeting. Thomas Scattergood was there and was favored with a lively testimony and I had good satisfaction. Much recruited. A strengthening time. 13. Went to market. A killing distressing time to me. 14 and 15. Samme and I made four plows: one for Joseph Roberts, Jonas Cattle, Joseph Ostler and John Lippincott. 16. I went with Friends Anne Cowperthwaite, Rebecca Cowperthwaite, and John Roberts to visit some of our young people but a low poorish time so so. 17. I went to Upper Evesham Meeting had an opportunity with John Riley concerning retailing strong drink to good satisfaction. The meeting was very poor low time I had a satisfactory time and turn with I.E. a youth and went to see E. Collins who was very poorly. I came home found Joshua Evans here. [Left marginal note: His wife given to drink died in about Twelfth Month after and he had long heavy sickness himself. Remember the remarkable account of the man there leaving the use of strong drink William Nesbit. 18. We went to committee meeting at Evesham and had a right down smart lively time on the several subjects recommended to Friends' care in the extract of the minutes of the Yearly Meeting though we had like to have strained the string too tight several times. I believe our testimony was raised divers respects in a good degree a time of good satisfaction to some of us. 19. Went to our meeting. T.W. spoke and R.R. A poor time. 20. About a plow for Amos Haines. Paid for. 21. I went to Joshua Roberts about a plow. 22. Hauling out dung. 23. Made a plow for Jonas Cattle and one for William Pine.
24th Fourth Month, 1785. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. A distressing poor time except at last it ended more lively. 25. About a plow for Samuel Coles. Paid for. 26. Went to our meeting. John Cox Jr. was there. This was a satisfactory meeting to me and several perhaps. 27. I went to Henry Wood's and got fifty shad. 28. About sundry little matters about the fish etc. 29 and 30. Finished a plow. Settled for Joshua Roberts and burning brush. --<<May 1785>>-- 1st of the Fifth Month, 1785. Was First Day. Went to our meeting, poor time to me. 2. I went to Caleb Evans to make a piece for a pump. Settled. 10 feet. I finished it and brought home a load of hay and made even. 3. Went to our preparative meeting. Joshua Evans was there but a poor low dull time though some close scraping work. 4. My wife was brought to bed with a daughter. [Left marginal note: Hannah] 5. I doing something at a plow for William Kain. 6. I went to Monthly Meeting. Joshua Evans was there and had some service in our select meeting, middling. Solomon Gaskill was there and I thought in our last meeting some matters were handled pretty lively and to satisfaction. 7. Finished Kain's plow and sundry other matters. A very wet cold week. 8. Was First Day. A sad heavy poor time though not so bad as some. 9. I was finishing a churn for Isaac Stiles. Settled. 10. Went to our meeting. Not satisfactory. A distressing time for several days, not forget this time a humbling time. 11:12. About getting ready for market etc. 14. Planting corn etc. 15. Was First Day. Went to our meeting which was to good satisfaction to me greatly strengthening. [Left marginal note: This was the time of Salem meeting] 16. About planting etc. 17. Went to our meeting which was a satisfactory good meeting to me. 18. I finished a plow for Thomas Dudley. Wet day. 19. Planting etc.
20th of the Fifth Month, 1785. James Thorington and Robert Valentine was at our meeting and both preached a pretty while. A pretty lively meeting in general. 21. I went to put boxes in a pump for Bersheba Evans and mended Job Lippincott's pump and went to Job Collins on some business. 22. Was First Day went to our meeting which was pretty well and satisfactory to me. 23. I was at work for Nathan Clisten. Very wet forepart of the day. 24. Was our weekday meeting. A very lively satisfactory time. 25. I went to shingle Nathan Clisten's house. 26. Washing sheep etc. 27. Made a plow for William Matlack at Piles Grove. 28. Planting pumpkins and sheering sheep. 29. Was First Day. I went to Newtown Meeting which was very poor and low the forepart but ended much better. 30. Making fence and went to Samuel Burrough's to mend his pumps. 31. Went to our meeting which was somehow not very satisfactory. --<<June 1785>>-- 1 Sixth Month. I was making some screws for cheese presses etc. 2. I went to mend a cheese press for Thomas Hollinshead and went to Evesham Meeting which was but so so middling. 3. Replanting corn etc. 4. Do. and I went to Samuel Conrow's to T: M: to H. [Take mare to horse (?)] 5. Was First Day. Was at our meeting P P [Poor poor] time. 6. This was a very wet time, About a cheese press for Caleb Lippincott. [Left marginal note: Robert was very close with the worldings.] 7. Went to our meeting preparative pretty middling well. 8:9:10. Was Monthly Meeting. Robert Valentine was there, a fine time.� 11. About a cheese press for John Collins and finishing C. Lippincott. 12. I was at our meeting which was to good satisfaction. [Left marginal note: First Day] 13. At work at cheese presses etc. 14. Was at our meeting not to be complained of though not much satisfaction. The committee from the Monthly Meeting was with us to concerning taking subscription from those who have no right to build a schoolhouse. Settled the matter to satisfaction. 15. About some plows for John Hale and Joseph Thorington. Went to the raising of Joseph Roberts his barn.
6:17:18 1785. About home about tending corn and at work at cheese press. 19. Was First Day went to our meeting not satisfactory. 20. Tending corn. 21. I went to our meeting which was to good satisfaction to me. 22. Making a plow for Thomas Thorn. 23. Making a plow for Samuel Clements. 24. Making a plow for William Stagdon. 25. Making a plow for Enoch Evans. 26. Was First Day. I went to Evesham meeting. Benjamin Swet was there and I thought we had a pretty good time. This was the time we had such a brush about hay making on First Day. This afternoon was a Negroes' meeting which was heavy and hard at first but ended to pretty good satisfaction. 27. I went to make a pump for Joshua Lippincott. 13 [feet] long all settled even. 28. Went to our meeting which was but so so a middling. [Right marginal note: Fretful and impatient too much business] 29. Making a plow for John Plum. 30. About some screws for Samuel Allinson and John Haines. --<<July 1785>>-- 1 of the Seventh Month. Plowing corn etc. 2. I made a plow for William Stagdon. 3. Was First Day. I went to Upper Evesham Meeting which was dull till near the last. I had some satisfaction. Dined at Job Collins's then went see Jacob Pricket and his wife with divers other Friends. John Collins and others came off pretty well though little impression could be made on him. She was very tender. 4. Plowing corn etc. 5. Was our preparative meeting and a poor time it was as I think our preparative meetings mostly are for I seldom get any satisfaction there. Search for the cause why it is so. [Left marginal note: Opened this morning on Samuel Bownas as page 195 very pertinent. See page 179 S. Bownas. 6 and 7. I was finishing a cheese press for John Collins. 8 was Monthly Meeting. John Cox and Peter Andrews his wife was there. The first sitting pretty well but need of more care to keep down to the life in the latter. 9. Reaping.
[Marginal note at the top of the page: See Woolman's Considerations on Slavery and the Book of Martyrs and Friends' sufferings in New England.] 10 of the Seventh Month 1785. First Day morning I took up Samuel Bownas' Journal. In page 185 he says: as I was going to bed, about ten at night there was an exceeding great earthquake that made a noise like the driving of carts or wagons on an uneven causeway. It continued about two minutes to the great surprise of the people, it was felt about fifteen hundred miles as was after computed and as was thought by calculation was not quite three hours in going that space. [Samuel Bownas, Journals of the Lives and Travels of Samuel Bownas and John Richardson. Philadelphia: William Dunlap, 1759.] [Left marginal note: See my account, 1783, 29 Eleventh Month about 10 at night just got to bed.] See page 189, he says, I went to visit a Friend that was much afflicted with lowness of spirit and in a despairing way although he had from his youth been a very sober and orderly man but providence having favored him with considerable substance he imagined he transgressed in having everything too fashionable and too rich and did not serve his maker with his substance as he ought to have done, this was a great load upon him. See the last of Sophia Hume's Extracts. She notes William Edmundson's words expressed in a very weighty manner on account of the increase of fine things, fashions and pride on this wise, surely will not the Lord visit for these things. [Apparent reference to Sophia Hume, Extracts from Divers Ancient Testimonies of Friends. Wilmington, [Delaware]: James Adams.] Now see Bownas' further account of the earthquake, page 190, in a letter from his Friends, informing him of the earthquake before noted. How that at Newberry, Haverill, Amesbury and places adjacent it continued for fourteen days and was felt a long ways on the banks of Merrimack River. The account was confirmed by many who felt it who declared themselves afraid to remain in their houses during the several shocks which returned every twenty four hours, continuing about the space of three minutes. The inhabitants did much blame themselves for their pride and luxury taking this to be a judgment upon them for these things. See [Thomas] Chalkley, page 585 and 57. See Genesis 18:20: The cry of Sodom is great, those who like Esau sell their birthright forsake their own mercies and may great and bitter cry and not be heard in a day of calamity. It's a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God. [Left marginal note: See Isaiah 29 and 6 verse and Amos 1:1 verse; and Zachariah 14 and 15 verse, like as ye fled from before the earthquake; Revelation 8: 2 verse, There were thundering and an earthquake. See Matthew 24:7 verse there shall be famines, pestilence and earthquake, verse 8th all these the beginnings of sorrows. See John Woolman's Works, page 114. See John Woolman, page 105; and Jeremiah 2 chapter 19 verse. See Isaiah 3 chapter, because of Hauntings.]
11th of the Seventh Month 1785. About hay etc. 12. Was third Day. Went to meeting. Poor times. 13:14:15:16. About hay. 17th. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. Solomon Gaskill was there middling well. 18. About hay getting in harvest etc. 19. Was at our meeting. Robert Willis and John Cox Jr. was there. The meeting was hard at first but ended pretty lively. 20:21:22. About oats and harrowing corn and about hay etc. 23. 24. Was First Day. Went our meeting. Very poor and hard this afternoon. I went to afternoon meeting at Haddonfield which was a lowish time but I had some satisfaction. I went to Joshua Evans to lodge. 25. We went to the burial of Esther Haines widow. Robert Willis and Joshua Evans was there and I thought we had a pretty solid, lively, satisfactory time at meeting with the people. Robert Willis came home with me. 26. Went to our meeting which in the forepart was very dull, drowsy and heavy but Robert had good service. A lively turn at last after meeting. I remarked to him the heaviness there was to labor and struggle with almost everywhere. Yes, yes, the old man replied. At Philadelphia these are as bad as anywhere. I reminded him of some of his own words amongst us some years past that there was a fine lively stir amongst Friends in New England and that there had been amongst us, but there seemed room to fear we should loose it all if the Hessians did not come again. The old man was very pleasant and cheerful and we parted with the greatest shews of kindness and respect having I believe had satisfaction being together. 27. I went to make a pump for Joseph Thorington. 28. We finished the pump. Settled all even. 29. Was rainy. About sundry little matter about the shop. 30. At work at a pump for Isaac Burrous. Some unwell. 31. First Day went to our meeting which was satisfactory to me. --<<August 1785>>-- 1st Eighth Month. I went to vendue of cattle at Haddonfield. 2. At our meeting preparative. 3. About a pump for Edward Jones of Haddonfield.
4th Eighth Month 1785. I went to take two pumps to Haddonfield. One for Isaac Burrous twenty [feet] and a half long paid for the other a top piece for Edward Jones 13 [feet] 6 [inches] long. 5. Was Monthly Meeting, which I thought went on pretty well on the whole. 6. I was making a short pump for a flat for Samuel Dowden, paid for, and I attended the school afternoon. 7. First Day. Went to our meeting. Not much satisfaction. I hardly know what is the matter. 8. I went to the Monthly Meeting at Haddonfield and had some satisfaction. We finished a top piece of a pump for Edward Jones 13 feet 6 inches long. 37[s] 6 due me. 9. At our meeting. John Cox, Lydia Hoskins, and Grace Bacanon was there but a lowish time though plenty of preaching. 10. Getting some hay home from Jacob Stokes's. 11 Went to the burial of Samuel Lippincott. 12. Went to make two short pumps 15 feet each for Rehobam Braddock. Paid for. 13. Do. 14. Was First Day. Went to our meeting, poor time. Very poor this afternoon. In [Thomas] Chalkley's Journal, page 50, a remarkable dream of an Indian woman. See page 41, about the woman in the time of the Indian wars. 15. I went to the large [John Hunt's Journal inserts "reformation" (238).] committee meeting at Evesham. Now we were called upon to give an account of our stewardship of the care that had been extended respecting the advice of the Yearly Meeting in extracts concerning sleeping in meetings, non-attendance of meetings, libertine appearance of the youth, their school appearance and injurious liberties allowed them, and the discouraging the unnecessary use of strong drink. And although at this time I had satisfaction in clearing myself yet with respect to most of these matters I think we have lost ground. Except that of the use of spirituous liquors. There seemed to be a lively united testimony held up. I think the meeting was pretty lively and favored, though we are in a languishing condition in my apprehension. It is a time in which the true seed is very much oppressed.
16 of the Eighth Month, Third [Day] of the week. I went to our meeting but middling. 17. I went over Ancocas to make a pump for Amos Buzby and went to Ancocas meeting which was very poor dull and heavy. Samme and I worked at the pump this afternoon and went to Aaron Wills to lodge. 18. We finished Amos his pump [Xing through begins] 22 feet long 42 [s] [Xing through ends] due me. 19. I went to mend a cheese press for John Collins and went to see Joshua Lippincott who was very poorly. 20. About getting some plow stuff and dressing it out. 21. Was First Day. I went to our meeting. Very low times. 22. We went to the burial of Ephraim Haines. Elizabeth Collins was there. A meeting was held and to good purpose I believe. I had good satisfaction. 23. Was our weekday meeting which was middling so so. 24 and 25. At work on the place cutting briars etc. Hewed girders for the schoolhouse. 26. I made a plow for John Hopkins Jr. paid for it. 27. I went to select meeting at Burlington where was a large number of Friends from various parts. James Thorington and Robert Valentine, John Simpson and many others and there was most severe close scraping work for the elders as I ever seen concerning slackness in tending meetings, formality in answering queries etc, which had a tendency very much to confirm me in my judgment and sense of the state of Friends in the upper part of that quarter. See my account in page 127 in 1783 respecting formality in answering the queries and See 1st of the Eleventh Month 1781. 28. Was First Day. I was at our meeting: middling but. 29. About a plow for Thomas Thorn. 30. Went to our meeting and a right good satisfactory one it was to me. 31. I went to make a top piece of a pump for John Lippincott 18 feet 6 inches long. Paid for as thinks. --<<September 1785>>-- 1 of the Ninth Month. At work at Lippincott pump and I went to Evesham meeting. Thomas Vickers was there and had a great deal to say. The meeting but low to me. [Left marginal note: J.L. Do to 1:2:6 which he stopped for my tax] 2. About a plow for Amos Haines.
3rd of the Ninth Month, 1785. I set off to Great Egg Harbor in company with Job Haines, William Rogers and wife and Elizabeth Collins a little before us. Lodged at John Leeds's. 4 was First Day. Went to meeting the upper end of the shore. Things were very low and the meeting small and but poor though we had something to do with them in the afternoon. We had a meeting down shore which was but small and the forepart a low hard poor time but ended much to my satisfaction and relief. We lodged at Judith Sculls. 5. We went to their Monthly Meeting, held at John Summer's. John Reeve and divers other Friends from the Quarter as a committee to consider of preparing a lot of ground to build a meeting house to hold Monthly Meeting was there the meeting to me and some others was very dull and very poor though we had abundance of preaching. Things are indeed very low and formal in this place at present but there is a hopeful prospect amongst the youth. 6. I came home in company with David Cooper, Job Whiteal, Job Haines, William Roger and wife, E. Collins and found all well. 7. Went to sowing rye. 8. Do Do. 9. Was our Monthly and select meeting. The select meeting was but lowish though not much to be complained of. I had a fear that the present time of prosperity and plenty rather dulled or bent some of the best of our pillars. This Monthly Meeting was on the whole pretty well satisfactory. 10. I was making a cider trough etc. 11. Was First Day Abram Griffe was there at our meeting. Joseph Haines was buried; the burial came about the middle of the meeting, interrupted the meeting. Abram preached but I thought things low. 12. I was finishing a cider trough etc. 13. Went to our meeting which was most mournful poor indeed. 14. I went to Rehoboam Braddock's to make two pumps for Joseph Scattergood one 17 [feet] 6 [inches] and the other 15 [feet] 6 [inches] long. 15. We finished and came home. 16. I put a new bottom piece to Joseph Coles pump. 17. About home rainy etc. 18. Was First Day went to our meeting a very low poor time.
19 Ninth Month, 1785. About a plow for Samuel Coles paid for. 20. Went to our meeting, a very poor time not satisfactory though not silent. 21. About sundry little matters covering wagon seats etc. 22. I went to the select meeting at Haddonfield. John Storer, John Townsend, and Thomas Colley from England was there. Townsend had good acceptable service amongst us in the first meeting and Storer had searching service in the last concerning answering our queries too superficial light a manner. He queried how we could expect help if we did not send true accounts of the state of our meetings etc. Much to my relief and confirmation Joshua Owin came home with me and lodged. 23. Was Quarterly Meeting. The above mentioned strangers from England was there T. Colley spoke first and very well but Storer had the chief service. Was pretty large. He appeared to me to be a very great and powerful lively minister. John Townsend appeared in prayer. Storeer appeared the second time and it appeared to be a time of fresh visitation onto the youth and I doubt not but many were reached and their states closely spoken to. And so a good meeting to many. The meeting for business was in my apprehension an old-fashioned sort of a time, too much formality and contentedness therein in answering our queries. So it was but a low time to me yet there were many pertinent edifying sentences dropped by strangers and others, John Simpson in particular, respecting living within the bounds of our circumstances. Although we could say we did live within the bounds of our circumstances and none like to be losers by us, yet he intimated a thought that were going into a high way of living and bringing up our children, that our country could not support the succeeding generation. So advised to moderation and to make few our wants
24 of the Ninth Month, 1785. Look back to 1 of the Eleventh Month 1781. I went to select meeting at Philadelphia. The forepart of the meeting was I thought but low though several sentences dropped. One I thought hit the spot which was that if we ever found ourselves approved in the sight of the great Master it must be by looking inward not outward. The last part of the meeting was a favored edifying time and the principle matter that came before the meeting with weight was that of too formal light superficial a way of answering the queries. The two ancient English Friends Storer and Townsend and James Thorins seemed much concerned and affected on that account. Thorington said he was afraid they would become a snare instead of a help to us. It was closely pressed on the representatives to treasure up, carry home, and spread the sense of that meeting, the painful sense as they expressed it on Thomas account. 25. I went to Newtown Meeting with John Simpson and John Hurst from Virginia. They had deal to say but I thought it was but a lowish time though Simpson spoke very close and pertinent to the youth and others.
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--<<October 1785>>-- 2nd of the Tenth Month 1785. Went to our meeting which was to a good degree of satisfaction but not without a miss that is too common with me. More deliberation especially in times of favor. 3. At work at home. 4. Went to our preparative meeting. A very stormy day. I do think our preparative meetings are mostly very low and poor and not satisfactory to me. What is the cause? 5. We went to see our Friends E.H. and Samuel Stokes to pretty good satisfaction though not without one misstep. 6. Hauling firewood etc. 7. Was Monthly Meeting. John Simpson was there and I think he had excellent service amongst us in both meetings and in amongst the women. Very much favored with a door of utterance at that time but closer work I seldom ever seen concerning our manner of living and conformity to the customs and fashions of the world and how it unfitted our young women for the care of a family and to labor and scuffle in the world etc. [John Hunt's Journal gives "to do their portion of business." (239)] 8. I was about home about sundry little maters and visited our school in the afternoon. 9. Was First Day. John Simpson was there and he had close scraping service indeed. I thought it was rather exposed the state of Friends too much in such a promiscuous multitude. He was wonderful in drawing comparison from the Old Testament and spiritually comparing them to our present state, exhorted us to keep up the morning and evening sacrifice and mentioned what room there was for remarks to be made on us. Why, say they, if you was to go and live with them a twelve month you'd not see anything like religious service performed in their families and that we had need be careful we did not loose both form and substance. For, he said, he could not recommend to keep up the form without the substance, that is, the form of morning and evening prayer etc. John came home with us and lodged. 10. I went with J: Simpson to Haddonfield to Monthly Meeting and John had something to say but realy I thought I never seen things so low as at that place. Weakness appeared indeed but I thought towards the last of the last meeting it was something better. We went to Job Whiteals to lodge. 11. We went to Woodbury Monthly Meeting. Here things are very low. rich in temporal but poor in spiritual things. Their state was a state of great formality but as to spiritual indolence lukewarmness and ease in too many though John had a close searching rousing time especially amongst the women and I had some satisfaction on the whole had a pretty little sitting at Anthony Allens where we dined. [Left marginal note: Lodged with John at Joshua Evans: Something pass worth noting.]
11 of the Tenth Month. I lodged with John Simpson at Joshua Evan and in conversation he related an account of a house called Bridewell in [New] York where they confine straggling vagabond people or disorderly people for fighting, drunkening, whoring or other disorderly conduct. Instead of whipping them they are often sentenced by justices to go to Bridewell so many days or hours according to their faults and there they are kept to work so that their labor nearly supported the expense of this house of correction and they have little dark cells or dungeons to clap them in. The keeper told him that he seldom ever found one stout enough to bear the punishment of one of them dungeons more than twenty-four hours, for their practice is to go to them every twelve hours and make proposals with which if they comply they are let out of their cells or dungeons and so to work according to the keepers orders. He said he asked the keeper how he did to keep such orders and authority. And he said, not let them have any strong drink and it was easy done and not else. And if any brought or sold any rum or the like so that it came to that house they were sentenced to the dungeon. He said the prisoners often came to the keeper pleading their causes for relief and were heard. If they could make a fair story they had redress if not turned away. To there they told him there came and sturdy fellow and walked about the house and the keeper asked him what his business was there. He said he had as good a right to walk about the house as he. Oh so you have, says the keeper, then beckoned to some of his men and clapped him in the dungeon for his sauce and this method seemed to be generally better approved and less expense than whipping at the whipping post as is common at Philadelphia and other places. He gave us an account of a new sect of people called Shakers or Shaking Quakers separated from the Presbyterians far back up the North River who were very strange in their conduct and religious performance that they in pretense of compliance with that passage of scripture which exhorts to do what our hands find to do, to do with all our might, and so they run into strange and violent actions and strains in performing their worship.* And they say that the world is near to an end. That way it is to come about their society are none to marry and if married not to have any children born amongst them. And if husbands or wives be convinced of their way, that is one and not the other, they part and this makes dreadful work where that happens. And that their number very much increases. He said they would not argue with any, that if any went to talk or reason with them they would say we are the teachers and all others were to hear them and so would stop their fingers in their ears [Left marginal note: * And common work fly at with all their might]
in their ears if any went to reason with them concerning their way of worship, manners or customs. He said he did not see them nor did not want to go a near them but a public Friend told him so that he believed it as much as if he seen it. And he informed me that the worm** on long island which destroys the harvest did very much spread over the country. [Left marginal note: ** Of which we heard several years past.] 12 of Tenth Month, 1785. About home husking corn etc. 13. Rainy. 14. Husking. 15. Joseph Buzby and wife and cousin John Bizzel and his wife came to see us, and my wife and youngest children went with them to Joseph Warrington's. There seemed considerable natural affections amongst us and a love for one another, but I think great room for improvement. Too much indulgence in gratifying the sensual appetite which introduces the what shall we eat and what shall we drink etc. [Matthew 6:31] and leads to a neglect of the poor and to an incapacity to do good and communicate which we in Scripture are exhorted not to forget and I thought of William Penn's word concerning every family a church and every visit a meeting etc. [Left marginal note: My old Lepross disorder of freting about business to much prevailed but went of pretty soon and well, yet more gaurded watchfulness and care to get with the prophet that is Isreal is necessary.] 16. Was First Day. Went to our meeting but poor. 17. About corn. 18. Went to meeting poor enough. 19. About corn 20. Very wet. 21. About corn. 22. About corn and apples for winter. 23. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. A large crowded meeting of Row Spectators and with me a poor afflicted time. 24. About sowing rye etc. 25. At our meeting poor times. 26: 27: 28: 29 About sowing and getting in corn. 30. Was First Day. Poor low meetings. At the burial of Isaac Kay. A very poor meeting at Haddonfield. 31. About corn etc. --<<November 1785>>-- 2:3:4:5. About husking etc. 6 was First Day. I was at our meeting. Joshua Evans was there and a very hard poor dissatisfactory time. [Left marginal note: Sad times worse and worse I know not what will be the consequence.] 7. Getting in corn. 8. Was our preparative meeting. Came off pretty middling well considering all things though not without some close brushing answering queries. 9. I went to the burial of Isaac Wood. A sad poor time amongst a hard dark company. 10. I went to Mount Holle Monthly Meeting. A poor time. Distressing work pasing meeting though not without some Hope and some satisfaction.
11th of the Eleventh Month, 1785. Was our Monthly Meeting. Joshua Evans was there. Our select meeting was but low the other two was pretty well and Healing and Strengthening to me after a long time of poverty. 12. I was turning pump work. 13. Was First Day. A satisfactory time to me in the end. 14. I was about home. One of our horses was sick and I went for Daniel Bishops to come to see it. 15. I went to our meeting not satisfactory. 16. I went to Isaac Borton's to make a pump. 17. About the pump. Left some at work at the pump and went to the burial of Nathan Haines his daughter and they had their minister and held what they call church (very dry and formal) it was I thought. We finish Borton's pump. I came home late. Settled. 18. I set off to Salem Quarterly Meeting with Elizabeth Haines and John Collins. Lodged at Caleb Lippincott's. 19. Went to select meeting. Samuel Wilson was there and spoke very well but it was a poor dry formal time answering queries. Hobbling work. 20. Was First Day I went to Alloway's Creek meeting with Vincent Leeds. Samuel Hopkins was there and had pretty deal to say but I think it was a poor low time. 21. Was Quarterly Meeting. Samuel Wilson spoke very excellent and S: Hopkins. In the last meeting there was very close work about taxpaying or about taking it to Yearly Meeting for advice, there being very different sentiments lodged at Christopher Smith's. 22. Came home. 23 and 24. About turnips etc. 25 and 26. I was making a pump for Joseph Garwood 24 feet 6 inches long at 1[s] 6 per foot and 7[s] 6 boxes. Comes to 2-4-3 due me to cleaning sand out. Since 15. 27. Went to our meeting (but low).
28 of the Eleventh Month, 1785. I went to James Hinchman's to make a pump. 29 and 30. We finished it, 32 long. Paid for. --<<December 1785>>-- 1 of the Twelfth Month. I was at Evesham Meeting which was pretty satisfactory to me. 2. I was killing a Beef etc. 3. About home at sundry little matters. 4. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. Old fashioned times. 5. I went after pines etc. 6. Was preparative meeting. Hammered along the old fashion. 7. At home. 8. I went to Evesham Preparative Meeting. Isaac Zane was there. I thought we came off pretty well. In afternoon. Enoch Evans and I with Isaac Zane went to see Lydia Oston on an appointment from our meeting on account of her drinking to excess. Had some satisfaction in laboring with her. 9. Was Monthly Meeting which was very large. Samuel Wilson was there from Pennsylvania and spoke very notably and our business Carried on middling well though not so lively as at some times. 10. At our meeting appointed for Samuel Wilson and he was much favored to speak Largely to the state of our meeting he and his companion Joshua Morris came here to lodge and had a comfortable sitting in the evening to good satisfaction. 11. Was First Day. I went with these Friends to Newtown Meeting and Samuel had a great deal to say. We went to Joshua Evans to dine and had a sitting wherein Samuel had good service in the family. They went to B. Swets and I home. [Left marginal note: Drosly was at our meeting] 12. About sundry little matters. 13. Went to our meeting a low time. 14. Getting firewood etc. 15. I went to help put in the windows at Moorestown schoolhouse. 16. Hauling firewood. 17. Was very stormy making a powdering tub etc. 18. At our meeting. 19:20. At our meeting. 21. Killing hogs. [Left marginal note: Killing hogs] 22. I went to mend a pump for Joseph Champion. We settled all even. 23. Salting pork. 24. Went to market. A very stormy snowy day. 25. At our meeting but a poorish time. Aaron Wls was there and we went to see Robert Willis. At Joseph Worinton sick.
26 of the Twelfth Month 1785. About home getting firewood etc. 27. Went to our meeting but low times. 28. About home. 29. I went to Evesham Meeting [and] had good satisfaction. 30. At home. 31. Mending the wagon house. --<<January 1786>>-- 1 of the First Month and First of the week. I went to Evesham Meeting which was middling satisfactory. I went with Edward Darnal and Enoch Evans to see Lyd. Oston to some little satisfaction in labor. 2. Hauling wood etc. 3. Was preparative meeting. John Cox and D. Smith was there. All silent. A low time. I went to set up with Robert Willis at Joseph Worinton's. 4. At home about splitting out plow stuff and for a sleigh. 5. Was Monthly Meeting. William Murse was there and had pretty seal to say and the first meeting middling but the last was a very poor hobbling time. 7. About a sleigh at home. 8. Was First Day. A full house and divers great rich and wise but a very poor meeting as I thought. Very low times with me. 9. About a sleigh. 10. I set off to Egg Harbor this afternoon. Lodged at Enoch Evans. 11. Enoch and I and Thomas Bilange set off to Egg Harbor. Lodged at T. Bilangers. 12. We went to their Monthly Meeting. A low poor time except at last in discipline we had some service. Joshua Evans and Joseph Kaighn was there. Things are in sad confusion and great weakness prevails contending finding and proving openly in meeting. [John Hunt's Journal gives "we had some service in the discipline, wherein great weakness is manifest among them" (239).] 13. We had a meeting at Barnegat at which was hard and but lowish. [At the Evesham Monthly meeting in 11mo 1785, Hunt �opened�a concern that hath for some considerable time rested on his Mind to attend the meeting of Friends at Barnegat and little Egg Harbour, which obtaining our sympathy and concurrence; he is Left at Liberty to accomplish said visit, and the Clk. is directed to furnish him with a Copy of this Minutes� (Minutes of Evesham Monthly meeting, 11mo 1785).] We lodged at Job Ridgaway's and had a little sitting to some satisfaction then we came to [continued in single contiguous paragraph] 14. Thomas Bilanger's to lodge. Next morning we visited Richard Osborn to good satisfaction then went to Lewis Darnal's on Waden River and had a very dangerous bridge and causeway to pass. 15. Was First Day. We had a meeting at Joseph Soy's. The house was crowded full and we had an open good lively satisfactory meeting and parted with feeling nearness. Enoch and I came home to his house about midnight. I came home. 16 Found all well. A strengthening time.
17 of the First Month. Went to our meeting. Samuel Matlack and S. Shute was married. A poor dissatisfactory meeting to me. Many come as spectators. The people were raw outward and unthoughtful. 18 19 20 21. Snowy weather. I was finishing a sleigh. 22. Was First Day. Went to our meeting but so so middling. 23. About dressing out plow stuff. 24. Went to our meeting which was to my good satisfaction. It had some relief. 25 and 26. Went to make a pump for Thomas Haston. 19 feet 6 inch long. 27 and 28. Dressing out plow stuff. 29. I went to Evesham Meeting which was a very large Throng meeting and to me weighty sort of hard work and not much satisfaction. Something the matter somehow somewhere. Not all quite right. Did not seem to catch the fox fairly. I went with Sal Allinson to see William Vinicomb to some satisfaction. [Later addition:] He is departed this life not very long after this time. [Left marginal note: First Day] 30. About home at plow stuff etc. 31. Went to our meeting which ended much to my satisfaction a favored time I went and spent this afternoon with Robert Willis at brother Joseph Warrington's to good satisfaction. He was in a very broken tender frame of spirit. --<<February 1786>>-- 1 of the Second Month and 2. About home 3. I went to get a tree for moldboards of Samuel Stokes. 4. I was very poorly with a bad cold. Joshua Lippincott was to see me. 5. Was First Day. I was very poorly. Not able to go to meeting. 6. About home unwell with a very bad cold. 7. Went to our meeting. Vincent Leed and Benjamin Jones and J. Cox was there. It was preparative meeting and but poor. Vincent Leeds and Daniel came here to lodge. 8. I went up to Upper Evesham Preparative Meeting which was but low times. 9. About home. 10. Was our Monthly Meeting which was very much crowded. V. Leeds, Benjamin Linton, John Cox and divers other strangers was there. some part of this meeting was pretty well and some part dull on the whole but indifferent. Some hits and some misses with me. 11. About home dressing out plow stuff. 12. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. Robert Willis was there and spoke very well. My wife says it was a good meeting to her. 13. About plow stuff. 14. Went to our meeting. I thought I had not felt more of the effects of an indolent lukewarm easeful state a great while though R[ebekah] R[oberts] spoke prettily 15. About plow stuff. 16. John Sanders and his companion from Pennsylvania was at our meeting. John had uncommon service respecting wars etc. I went with the strangers to visit the school. Sanders had something very pretty to say to the children. A clever time. 17. About plows.
18. About plow stuff. 19th the Second Month 1786. Was First Day. A very poor time. 20. About dressing out plow stuff. 21. At our meeting. Robert Willis was there and had good service but I suffered loss being too backward. 22:23:24. About plow work 25. I went to Aaron Willss with Robert Willis. There met with divers Friends. 26. Was First Day we went to Ancocas meeting. Benjamin Jones, Ann Willis and Joshua Gibbs had a pretty deal to say. The meeting the forepart was hard but it ended well and much to my satisfaction. I went to J. Buzby to lodge. 27. We went to the Quarterly Meeting at Burlington. The first meeting was but middling but the meeting for business was a good solid meeting. I had some satisfaction therein. 28. Was youth's meeting at Burlington. Samuel Emlen and James Thorington had the chief service and was very large and James remarkably so but I did not think the life was in dominion as at some times. --<<March 1786>>-- 1 of the Third Month. I was at home making a plow for Joseph Hugg and Abraham Worint[on]. 2:3:4. about making plows for Abe Worinton one and two for Isaac Burroughs. 5. Was First Day. William Savery was at our meeting and Owen Biddle was there. Both spoke. William was very notable. 6. We went to see Esther Hooton who was very poorly. 7. We went to our preparative meeting the committee attended with the extracts according to appointment. Joshua Evans was there and spoke well. Ability was afforded to labor and lay things close but I think the answering our queries was the dullest time I ever seen. 8. I attended with others of the committee at Upper Evesham at which was a burial Joseph Venbles wife. I think this was a pretty good time and Friends labors like to be of use. 9. We attended at Lower Evesham. James Thorington was there and spoke very encouraging and very well a pretty good solid time I hope profitable. 10. Was Monthly Meeting. James Thorington spoke very largely at our select meeting. There was a number of strangers: Mary Stevenson, Lydia Hoskins, John Cox, David Bacon, John Hoskins. This meeting to me was but middling. Not very fresh.
11 of the Third Month. 1786. Making plows. 12. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. Robert Willis was there and it was a laborious time but I hope ended well. 13. About plows. 14. Went to our meeting which was silent but to me middling. 15. About plows. 16. About plows. Finished the 14th plow. 17 and 18. About home dressing a calf etc. Getting ready for market. 19. Was First Day. James Eding [Iddings] was at our meeting a young man and preached stoutly. The meeting middling. 20. We went to the burial of Hugh Hollinshead and held a meeting which was but a low time. 21 and 22. About plow work. 23 I went to select meeting at Haddonfield which was not one of the poorest of times. Some part well and lively. 24 was Quarterly Meeting. John Townsend, Nicholas Woln, and Daniel Offley spoke. The testimonies of too was very lively but the life rather lower in the end. The meeting for business was but lowish. 25. I went down to select meeting [John Hunt's Journal gives "Quarterly Meeting in Philadelphia" (240)] with John Collins to Philadelphia. The forepart of the meeting was calm and something solemn covered but I was beset with dullness. Got some cold and pain in my head, numbness, etc. I thought I suffered loss for want of sticking more close to work, however the latter part was very lively and very edifying. Had some close work respecting the lowness of the ministry and superficial elders and the superficial answers to the queries � what hurt it might do in soothing us up and making us think all was well whilst things was very low and great room for improvement. 26. Was First Day. Went to our meeting which was pretty well so that I had some satisfaction. 28. At work at home. 29. I went or we went to our meeting which was a favored strengthening time to me. At home about plow and cheese press work. 30. My wife and I went to Evesham meeting. She was on a committee on Negro Cases. This meeting was to my satisfaction in a good degree. A great favor three meeting running to satisfaction. 31. Went to the sawmill after stuff. --<<April 1786>>-- 1 of the Fourth Month. About a plow for Jack Haines.
2 of the Fourth Month, 1786. Made a plow for Jacob Haines. Have had a moderate open winter though very changeable. Last month uncommonly fine and the spring-like to be uncommonly forward. children barefoot the women gardening and so warm that the caterpillars hatched out and like to be vastly numerous. Had a hasty shower yesterday and warm like spring but this evening there begun an Eastwardly storm rain and hail and snow and very freezing cold so as to make ice a considerable thickness and as large a snow as has been this winter and perhaps better sleighing than has been this winter. A dreadful pinching storm of rain, wind, hail and snow. 3. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. Not fully satisfactory though not so dull by far as some. 4. We went to the burial of Robert French's wife. Held a meeting which was I think a favored time with me. 5. Went to our preparative meeting and had satisfaction. 6 and 7. About a cheese press for Simeon Haines. 8. Went to our Monthly Meeting which was a poor low time. 9. I went to mend a pump for Ann Wilkins. 10. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. James Edings was there and had a pretty deal to say but it was a very dissatisfactory time to me. I think I was too backward and put of out of season and so out of order for want of peace and satisfaction. First Day afternoon the case of Gehazi, Hasael and Naaman came under notice [2 Kings]. 11. John Townsend from England was at our meeting. He spoke very zealously and largely. Had a rousing testimony to the careless and lukewarm. In the afternoon he had a meeting at Evesham and had a great deal to say. I went with him to Edward Darnal's and lodged there and some conference with him about singularities etc. 12. Made a plow for Edward Darnal. 13. Hauling hay from widow Kays. 14. I went to Edward Darnal's to make a top piece his pump 11 feet long. 15. Finished and set up a cheese press for Simeon Haines. Made even with Darnal and Haines. They paid all off.
16 Fourth Month. 1786. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. It was a hard time for the most part but ended some better. I believe hard work hurt me. 17. Samme and me made two plows for William Hollinshead. Caleb Pierce and his son came here to lodge whose company was truly edifying and satisfactory. 18. Went to our meeting with Caleb and his son. We had I thought a pretty good satisfactory meeting. Caleb Peirce Jr. is about to enter to keep school at Morstown. [Left marginal note: Went to see M. Morgan sick at River Shour] 19. I went Lower Ancocas to their meeting which was not fully satisfactory though not much to be complained of. Something the matter somehow. Too much self about. Went to work at a pump for Aaron Wills. 20. At work at the pump. 21. This morning we finished Aaron's pump 31 and a half [feet] long and went to mend his old pump. I was very unwell over here. Very wet dull heavy weather. 22. We came home and Aaron and I made even. He paid all of. 23. Was First Day at home unwell. 24. About mending two plows, one for John and one for Sam Robert. 25. Went to our meeting which was a down right good meeting. I had good satisfaction. 26. Went to market with my wife and got some fish. 27. I went to Evesham Meeting which to me was pretty well and satisfactory. Went to Joseph Lippincott to dinner and then to see J. Borton in company with Samuel White. 28 and 29. Hauling out dung etc. I went to Samuel Stokes and Hooton's. 30. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. Solomon Gaskill was there and I thought we came off middling, though nothing extraordinary this afternoon the meeting for the Blacks was held I hope to some profit or at least to no disadvantage. Felt no condemnation. --<<May 1786>>-- 1 of the Fifth Month, 1786. Getting to plow etc. 2 Went to preparative meeting. This a piercing time of trial with me I thought I had to pass closely the gates* of Hell. (my old weakness anger) [Left marginal note sideways: *the rod and the staff and chastisement = that we be not bastards] [Left marginal note: fruit trees to be purged] 3 and 4. About home plowing etc. 5. At Monthly Meeting I thought our select meeting and the other meeting for worship was lively and to me satisfactory. The business not so well.
6th of the Fifth Month, 1786. Making screws for Samuel Roberts. A very wet day. 7. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. The forepart was hard and toiling but I had a very satisfactory opportunity at last. 8. About mending a pump for Benjamin Pine. 9. Went to our meeting. A very dull heavy time to me. 10:11:12. About home. Getting ready to plant and doing something at a cheese press for Morgan Hollinshead. 13. Planting corn etc. 14. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. Seth Lippincott was buried. Samuel Hopkins was there and said a pretty deal and well to purpose but the meeting to me was but low. I doubt I was too backward and diffident. 15. Went to Long-a-Coming after a thousand shingles. 16. At our meeting. Ventured again to good satisfaction. 17. About a press for M. Hollinshead. 18. Went to Evesham Meeting and came off pretty well satisfied. 19. After dressing a Cl: and a lamb for market I set off to Salem with Rebecca Coppt and R. Warrington. Lodged at William Shutes. 20. Went to select meeting. Daniel Offley, John Lloyd had good service and others were favored in the ministry but I do believe our business was slipt over in a light manner. [Left marginal note: Lodged at Jonathan Gibbs] 21. Was First Day. Dull times but the afternoon meeting rather best. Lloyd was favored with a lively testimony. 22. Was Quarterly Meeting. Nothing more than common except about the affair of tax paying. Some tight rubbing work so that one of the first rank made an acknowledgement and Evesham seemed to be getting through with that job about suffering for taxes or recording such sufferings. Agreed or at least concluded to take the case to Yearly Meeting to have it settled now after three years or more scuffeling with Salem Friends about it. [Left marginal note: now see page 139 [January 14 to February 10, 1785 of the Hunt journal] Jacob Lindley] 23. Was Yearly Meeting we had abundance of preaching but that is what people come to meeting for chiefly the meeting I think was low 24. We came home. (Lodged at David Brown's.) Found all well. 25:26:27. About home getting timber for the kitchens, cheese press, bee's house etc. 28. First Day. Went to our meeting. Fretted About being late at meeting but had a satisfactory meeting at last for all. A very stormy day. 29. At work at cheese press 30. About home. 31. Washing sheet etc T[ook] M[are] to J. Borton's Hors[e].
--<<June 1786>>-- 1 of the Sixth Month, 1786. Now it's cleared up after a time of very uncommon wet weather. Rained ten or twelve days and nights more or less and sometimes very hard so that it said the like was not known by any man now living. [Left marginal note: See page 132] The tides over all their banks and water in peoples cellars; wells filled; flood gates washed away and tide dams greatly broken. Indian Corn under water in most lowish places and the rye much beaten down so that there seemed a very melancholy prospect. A great complain of scarcity of grain (except wheat) and some think it likely to be scarcer next year. The poor people in the Barrens and Egg Harbor much pinched for grain. [Left marginal note: Many thousands of pound loss to the Jerseys.] [Left marginal note in a somewhat different hand: Remarkable wet time 1786.] I think I remember some years past to have read in the newspapers of the inhabitance of Holland being reduced to famine by too much wet and now talked of a harvest in Ireland they called the rot harvest by reason of the abundance of wet and I remember to have heard some of our ancients mention the harvest here called the wet harvest that after the grain was shocked in the field it was so wet that it grew till the shocks and stacks of wheat were green and there seemed a prospect of the staff of bread being cut off, and now the wet and greatness of the dam is such that a miller J.B. told me his bolting cloth clogged up so that he could not bolt and of the like complain in other places. Now look back to page 116 of the account of drought. [Page 116 covers August 26 to 31, 1782.] This 1 of the Sixth Month I went to Evesham Meeting which was favored with a lively ministry. James Thorington was there. John Collins and I went to visit Isaac Andrews to some satisfaction in laboring. 2nd and Third [Day]. About home. 4. Was First Day I went to Evesham Meeting which was not satisfactory and I hardly know what is the matter. Not deep and weighty enough. 5. I went to the sawmill etc. 6. Was our preparative meeting. This was worse than last First Day. I conclude it is time to stop a while. 7. About home or at sawmill etc. 8. We went to make a pump for John Hewlings [17 feet] long he had it sawed and we finished it and brought home a load of jice [?]. So made even. 9. Was Monthly Meeting. J. Thorington, John Lloyd and Mark Reeve was there and we were favored in both meetings. The meeting for business was a very good lively time many things were very closely and lively handled. A strengthening time.
10 of the Sixth Month, 1786. I met a committee by appointment from our last select meeting at Salem met at Haddonfield. It was on account of Joshua Evans* wearing his beard and other singularities. The meeting held long. Good order and good temper in the conference was kept though very different sentiments and in two parties about it. It was a pretty good edifying time. I had satisfaction and I believe the meeting will be of benefit. He was left with his beard on much as we found him and comparatively speaking none had strength or a pair of scissors given them or razor to cut it off.* [Right marginal note sideways: *or if he was in a wrong spirit with that that cut Rahab and wounded the dragon [Isaiah 51:9] [Left marginal note: *I heard of J[oshua] E[vans] having close searching service in Evesham.] 11 was First Day. We went to our meeting and there was a remarkable shower of strangers meet James Thorington, John Lloyd, Samuel Hopkins, John Parrish, Mark Reeve, Elizabeth Collins. The men Friends all spoke. It was an open time with respect to the ministry which flowd forth freely. A great deal was said and mostly well said. John Lloyd and E. Collins and I went to Hannahs the widow. Ephraim Haines had a sitting with the family to good satisfaction. John Lloyd came home with me, stayed a little bit and I went to Samuel Allinsons with him and there left him. 12. I went to mend a pump for William Belus. 13 At our meeting. John Cox was there. A silent meeting. 14. We went to the burial of a child next neighbors. I had not satisfaction. Take care. About sundry little matters cheese fat etc. Met with a close provocation and stood it but poorly wounded and weakened. 15. We went to make a pump for Joseph Cooper in Evesham. The pump 20 feet long. We bored it and put it in the well but not having iron work could not finish it. 16 and 17. Samme and I made four plows: one for Jacob and one for John Hay, one for William Rudrow and one for James Hale. 18. Was First Day. Went our meeting. Not satisfactory nor silent. 19. About plows for Thomas Hollinshead and H. Collins. 20. At our meeting and a scandalous dull poor time it was. 21. At market. 22. I went a fishing in the afternoon. Doubtfull thoughts. 23 and 24. Plowing corn.
25 of the Sixth Month was First Day. Went to our meeting which was pretty satisfactory to me and strengthening. 26. About getting a little girl bound etc. and mending a plow. 27. At our meeting. I thought the forepart was to me pretty well and satisfactory but I made a bad hand of it at last. Thou knows the cause. remember and let it be a warning. Thomas Ross said it was a great thing to keep self down. A great thing indeed to trust in the Lord wholly in whom is everlasting strength. [John Hunt's Journal expands: A great thing indeed it is to trust in the Lord wholly, and and not lean to our own understanding or parts. In the Lord is everlasting strength, and the promise to them that put their trust in him is, that they shall not be confounded." (241)] The promise was such should not be confounded, but my bowstring broke again and the reason plain. I was about to caution the schoolchildren against pride and at the same time not enough guarded against it myself but must begin to dress a discourse, so left in weakness and sat down in confusion though had I kept in the simplicity the matter in prospect was pertinent. It was a weakening sickening humbling time 28. Getting lime home and went with Enoch Evans to see Mary Morgan who seemed near her end, very ill. She said she took my visit kindly but I had not much satisfaction. 29 and 30. About a cheese press for Benjamin Burrous. --<<July 1786>>-- 1 of the Seventh Month. I went to take Burrous's press home and went and finished Cooper's [Crossed through with notation �all paid now�:] pump 20 long he paid 4 dollars and Left one to pay. 2. Was First Day. Elizabeth Atkinson was there and Arthur Howill. Arthur had uncommon close scraping work with sleepers and Elizabeth spoke. The people and meeting dull and low. 3. About mowing etc. 4. Went to preparative meeting but low and poor though not without some service. This was the time Friends got the yoke on my wife and appointed her an overseer of the meeting after trying at it two years and I fully believed it was a favored time with her. 5. About hay. 6. Do. Do. 7. Went to Monthly Meeting. Joshua Evans was here and went with us. Joshua spoke very close to a dull sleepy state. I went with him amongst the women and it seemed but dull work at first but I had good satisfaction at last and Joshua said he had, though close scraping work. 8. About hay. Too much freted and fatigued with business.
9th of the Seventh Month, 1786. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. My wife thinks I did pretty well but I think our meetings are very low and heavy. Had some satisfaction. 10. About hay. 11. Went to our meeting. A low poor time. Harvest time. Heavy dull meeting. 12-13-14-15. I was About hay except one wet day I went and put a screw in William Vinicomb's cheese press. 16. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. Came off pretty well with satis[faction]. 17. About hay etc. 18. Went to our meeting which was a fine favored time and very strengthening. I wanted to visit several neighbors but my wife laughs at me and tells me it is because I have got my First Day coat on. Isaac Zane was at this meeting. How such favored times opens the way for Access to everybody and even through the world. 19. About our hay. 20:21:22. About finishing hay and preparing for building. 23. Was First Day. Went to Evesham meeting. My wife thinks I did very well but I had not that satisfaction I wished for. We conclude the meeting was low. We went with several Friends to see E. Lippincott concerning her Negro girl and believe some good was done in that case. 24. About home about building. 25. Went to our meeting so so. Went to pay a visit to Darling Conrow, who is confined with lameness and loss of the use of his legs, to some satisfaction. He took our visit kind and seemed in a good frame of mind. He related something a little remakable concerning the communications in letters between him and me. 26:27:28. About building. 29. Moved the old kitchen. 30. First Day. Went to our meeting. Not satisfactory. I had a distressing time of it. 31. About building. A hurrying confused time very wet weather. --<<August 1786>>-- 1 of Eighth Month. Went to our meeting. Silent but not so poor to me but met with a close trial soon after and stood it poorly. Finished moving the old kitchen. The rest of the week about building. 6 of Eighth Month. Was First Day. Went to the burial of Mary Morgan. J. Thorington, J. Lloyd and D. Offley was there. There was a great deal said which was of some help but it was a low laborious time. 7. About building. 8. Was our preparative meeting but we went to see E. Hooton who is very ill but favored in mind.
9th of the Eighth Month 1786. I went with J. Collins to see Isaac Andrews to some satisfaction. It was of service to me if not to him. [In 6mo 1786, Friends appointed to �treat further with Isaac Andrews for his deviations, reported their compliance therewith, and he being present, produced an Acknowledgment condemning the same.� Hunt and Collins were appointed �to take a further opportunity with him, inquire into the particular circumstances attending his case, and Report thereon to next meeting� (Minutes of Evesham Monthly meeting, 8mo 1786).] 10. Very wet weather. Much hay spoiled with the wet. 11. Was Monthly Meeting. Joshua Evans I thought was more favored than I had heard him a great while but it was a miserable meeting a very poor time. We went amongst the women again. There seemed ability given to labor but yet things very low. [Right marginal note: With J. Evans.] 12. About building and went to see my sister E[lizabeth] H[ains] who is very ill. 13. Was First Day at our meeting. A time of favor again after a sad jostling confused time, a great favor indeed. 14. Building. 15. Went to our meeting and came off pretty well. 16. Building etc. 17. Build. Very wet weather. Joseph Clerk and his wife was here to see us. 18 and 19. About the kitchen. 20. Was First Day. John Cox was at our meeting and had something to say and pretty well but the meeting very low. 21. At work at the kitchen. 22. Went to our meeting but so lowish. 23:24:25:26. Building and very much drove with business which seemed very wounding and weakening in an inward and spiritual relation. See Piety Promoted, page 161. R. Renolds. 27 Was First Day. Went to our meeting. Thomas Scattergood was there and spoke very largely and notably but it seemed a low hard meeting. We went to the Negro meeting at Evesham this afternoon and the committee agreed it was a good solid meeting. Scattergood and Solomon Gaskill was there and Joshua Evans so it ended reputably and to a good degree of satisfaction. [Left marginal note: See page 150, Scattergood much improved since then] 28. We went to see E. Hooton�s in a deep consumption. Joshua Evans went from here to see Esther Hooton. 29. At our meeting. I don�t know that I was ever more tried with drowsiness at a meeting having lost sleep the night before might be part the reason. [Left marginal note: Some ugly fretting times with too much business.] 30. About some plows. John Collins and his wife was here getting the boy bound. 31. I went to meet John Collins and Joseph Thorinton to see our selves and the meeting. --<<September 1786>>-- 1 Ninth Month. Finishing some plows. 2. At work at kitchen.
3rd of the Ninth Month, 1786. First Day. Went to our meeting which was not satisfactory. John Collins and I went to see Daniel Cartee who lays very ill with a swelling in his hip and thigh and seems very penitent. We called to see Darling Conrow, but poor time with me. [Right marginal note: Cartee and his wife both died soon after.] 4. About home. 5. Went to our preparative meeting. John Cox was there. It was a very poor time though I had some satisfaction. 6. I went to Upper Evesham. John Cox and John Collins was with me. I had some satisfaction but I thought I never seen a lower dryer poorer time in answering queries. 7. I was mending a pump for Joseph Garwood. 8. Went to our select meeting. Daniel Offley and John Foreman was there. A poor time though John Foreman had some service. Spoke well but a dryer, poorer time in answering queries I never seen. Offley spoke largely in the next meeting and appeared in prayer. Thomas Scattergood was also there and had good service in meeting of business. John Cox also present. Although ability was given to laborers to labor our weakness was great and crowd to be felt. It seems to me we have answered queries in our own way and own strength till we are left to ourselves and to fell our own weakness, deadness and dryness so that it is painful distressing business much more so than any that comes before us. Almost ready to get to sleep over the queries. Maybe it is the lowest ebb and the tide near turning. So hope for the best. It is remarkable latterly at our Monthly Meetings how we are favored with the company of strangers. Our galleries mostly filled so that we look strong both men and women's side. All the upper seats crowded full. 9. About home. 10. Was First Day at our meeting was dull poor low silent time. It seemed to me our meeting was hardly held to advantage or reputably. So much indifferency Indolence and lukewarmness. 11. At work at kitchen. Hannah Smith was buried a young woman. 12. At our meeting a poor very poor time. dull and heavy what will become of us. We grow worse. Heard of the death of Daniel Cartee.
13 of the Ninth Month, 1786. Went to market. A poor distressing time. 14. I went to make a pump for William Evans. 15. At do. finished 29 feet, 7 inches long. 16. We went to the burial of sister Esther Hooton who has long been in a languishing condition and we believe died in peace. On her death bed she expressed a concern on account of the pride and superfluity that abounded amongst us and gave directions about her coffin, that it should be linen [John Hunt's Journal explains " of linn boards" (242).] and made plain. B Swet spoke at the grave and Martha Allinson at the house and wells too. [Left marginal note: O the sumptuous, the sumptuous, whilst I am consuming away, your time will come by and by, you will be stepping a long � this was her language.] 17. Was First Day at our meeting but low times. No satis[faction]. 18. About sowing wet weather. 19. Do Do. 20. John Stoner was at our meeting and a most exceeding sharp testimony he had to deliver to the state of our meeting chiefly against a lukewarm Laadacean easeful state content with the form without the life. A sharp threshing time. It seems we are much declined and grow worse. [Right marginal note: Is it I? All must bear part but me the greatest] [Left marginal note: Look back what encouraging testimony from strangers and remember the rod and the staff and beware of fleeing in winter. Despise not the chastening, neither faint when reproved of him. Whom he loves he chastises. If ye be without chastisement then are ye bastards.] 21. Went to select meeting at Haddonfield. Many strangers were there. J Stoner spoke concerning a dull heavy spirit that too often prevailed in select meetings and the cause why it was so for want of more diligence. Very deep and wise remarks he made. There was two choice women from the eastward: Rahway and one from Long Island appeared in prayer. 22. Was Quarterly Meeting. J. Storer had a very lively testimony. In the last meeting we had it up and down again about tax paying. They seemed like to knock Evesham in the head and throw us by but Warner Mifflin and several others stood tightly to the testimony and it was raised over all against paying of taxes. 23. I went to Philadelphia: select meeting which to me was heavy but I hope edifying. Many very instructing hints were dropped.
24th of the Ninth Month, 1786. Was at our meeting. A very poor low time. 25. I went to Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. Select began at 8. I kept no strict regular narrative of the conduct of this Yearly Meeting for want of leisure and private conveniency or in part because of the poverty and discouragement I was under, but I believe upon the whole it was a profitable humbling time to me. The meetings for worship were favored mostly with a very powerful ministry chiefly John Storer, James Thorington, Jacob Lindley, Job Scott from New England and Tideman Hull and divers others. In some meetings I felt some tenderness but soon shut up again in meetings for business. Ability was given to laborers and they did speak with life and clearness to many matters and with great edification. The most material matters that seemed to attract Friends attention was as well as I remember that of the care of the youth and the custom of their company keeping at unseasonable times of nights, revived by Job Scott and smartly handled. And lively cautions to Friends to beware of taking any active part in government either to elect or be elected. And that case from our quarter respecting meeting by a large committee and those of that side that refused to pay maintained their ground and it was concluded to encourage Friends that suffered the spoiling of their goods on that account, to bring forward their sufferings to be recorded in the Meeting of Suffering. Our select meeting ended on Second Day Morning, 2nd, Tenth Month, about 12 Clock. --<<October 1786>>-- 3 of Tenth Month. Went to our preparative meeting. This to me was a fine strengthening, healing, favored time which left a sweetness several days. 4 and 5. Went to make a pump for Thomas Ballinger 24 feet long 6 inches. 6 and Sixth Day of the week was Monthly Meeting. Came off pretty well. Rather overdid it or I should have come off bravely. See Exodus 20 and 25 verse. 7. At home at work at kitchen.
8 Tenth Month. Was First Day. Was at our meeting. A very poor time to me. My wife [?] think I gave way to discouragement too much and hurt the meeting or it suffered loose on that account. 9. Went to finish a pump for Rich Fenimore. Same had done something at it before 20 long paid for. 10. Went to our meeting, middling well I believe. 11 Went to the burial of Nathaniel Middleton's wife. For want of keeping closer and trusting to the inward guide I did but poorly and was afflicted and humbled several days. 12. We were making a pump for a flat for Nathan Lippincott. 13 and 14. About husking etc. 15. Was First Day. We had a pretty good meeting to me though I might have done better. O that I might labor to dwell more near that which enables to labor successfully in the church. 16. About gathering corn. 17. Went to our meeting which to me was a good favored time. This afternoon I spent with Friends treating with Thomas W. to little purpose I fear except clearing ourselves. 18. About corn stalks etc. 19. I went to Evesham Meeting which to me and I believe most was a fine favored time. O that I might keep humble and watchfully be preserved in heights and in depths. Spent this afternoon treating with J. Andrews. 20 and 21. About corn etc. 22. Was First Day. Samuel Emlen and William Savery was at our meeting and had a pretty deal to say and I believe it was a time of fresh visitation to some particulars. 23. About corn etc. 24. At our meeting not much satisfaction. Something is the matter search for the cause. The rest of the week at work at corn etc. 29. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. Came off pretty well. Brother Roberts's wife and son Joshua was here. 30. We went to E. Hooton and S. Stokes on a visit. 31. Joshua Evans and Joseph Cain was here. We went to visit the school at Moorestown came off middling, as also at meeting after very hard labor came off middling well.
--<<November 1786>>-- 1 of the Eleventh Month, 2 of the week. About home getting in a potatoes etc. 3. Nothing remarkable except it was this after a time of great favor and great desires to retain it and keep it I lost it insensibly. None is able to retain the spirit we must not always expect to dwell on the mount. We must come down. 5. Was First Day. A pretty good meeting. 6. About home. 7. Was our preparative meeting and distressing poor shattered time a sad time in answering queries. We jangled and got badly out of joint. 8 and 9. About home. 10. Was Monthly Meeting and I think a pretty good meeting especially the forepart but ended more lower. 11. Was our select meeting which seemed very low. The first meeting and things seemed low and hard getting a long in the last but some ability was given to laborers and the meeting a profitable one. I had satisfaction at last. 12. Was First Day at our meeting. A silent meeting low and poor. 13. About doing up our shop etc. 14. Went to our meeting. A satisfactory good time to me. 15. About the shop etc. 16. Do. I had a terrible fit of the colic. 17. Unwell. I gave out going to Salem Quarterly Meeting. 18. About getting firewood, pulling turnips etc. 19. Was First Day, at our meeting, came off pretty well. 20. About turnips etc. 21. Went to our meeting poor times. 22-23. Preparing for market etc. 25. About home. 26. Was First Day at our meeting. Very low times. 27. Killing a beef. 28. Very poor times at our meeting. 29. About home. 30. I went to Evesham. A door of utterance a want of something.
--<<December 1786>>-- 1 of the Twelfth Month. About home. 2. Getting plow stuff. 3. Was First Day. I went to Upper Evesham a hard laborious time I believe got a long with reputation but not much satisfaction. 4. Enoch Evans and I went after pump logs. A great snow storm came on. 5. Was our preparative. Rather better than common for our preparative meetings to me. I had some satisfaction. Where no vision is the people perish. [Proverbs 29:18] 6 and 7. Very snowy stormy weather. 8. Was our Monthly Meeting. John Simpson, John Foreman and divers others was there, B. Swet and some privates. The extracts were read and considered with a minute. The extracts referred to of 1781. Simpson was favored and had good service in both meetings. It was a high day and the testimony was raised and things very closely spoken to especially that of our young people keeping company together. There is a stir, a travel, a journeying forward. I remember a few years ago the extracts used to be read at the close of a Monthly Meeting, laid by, and nothing said about them which used to be painful to me. John Simpson and his companion William Bidgood came home with me whose company was very edifying and strengthening. [Left marginal note: John Simpson went in amongst the women and B. Swet and had close labor. I had some satisfaction with them in the Women's meeting.] 9. We had a sitting in our family and J. Simpson spoke very extraordinary well to our children and to us both. 10. Was First Day. John Simpson had excellent service. I thought he hit almost every state or several classes very remarkably and very closely the formal pharisaical professors, the drunkards and the careless. The lamentation of the careless in the day of trial and calamity was heard to be as great as that of the thief and the murderer, he said. I heard a few days ago of Vincent Leads his sad fall with his relation, a young woman very plain and both high in profession and John Simpson told me of the sad fall of Margaret Porter and Robert Hatton. Both giving way to drunkenness. The two men were very hopeful young ministers and both recommended and traveled some. M. Porter was a few years past remarked for a lively growing minister. O what instances of human frailty and what excitements to humility and watchfulness and care.
11 of the Twelfth Month 1786. Was Second Day. I went to Haddonfield Monthly Meeting. John Simpson, John Foreman, and James Wood was there and had a pretty deal to say. Simpson spoke very close and well but the meeting was small and lowish. 12. Was our weekday meeting. John Foreman and his companion James Wood was there. I thought Foreman had good edifying service. 13. Benjamin Clerk appointed a meeting at Moorestown. John Simpson happened to drop in and John spoke. Very extraordinary meetings every day for a week. Plenty makes dainty. Benjamin Clerk had considerable to say. 14 15: 16. About home. 17. Was First Day. Not the worst of times with me though I could do nothing. The enemy got in between me and the storehouse. Joseph and Beke Worinton came to see us. 18. Killing hogs. 19. Went to our meeting. The enemy had a hard scuffle but I was favored to gain some ground. Had some satisfaction. 20. Salting and cutting up pork etc. 21. I met a committee at Evesham of men and women Friends appointed to set with them and with Friends at a schoolhouse at Cropwell Creek where Friends request liberty to hold a meeting so as to report our sense at next Monthly Meeting. 22. We had meeting at the said schoolhouse and it was a very good lively favored meeting manifestly owned. I had right good satisfaction. A healing strengthening time. We had to return with good tiding like an olive leaf in the mouth or a bunch of grapes or a little of the fruit of the good land [Deuteronomy 8:7-10] in the hand. 23. Making a pump for Joseph Kaighn. 24. Was First Day at our meeting. Old fashioned times. 25. I took Joseph Kain's pump home 13 1/2 long he paid all of. 26. Was at our meeting in our every day dress not much life. 27. Went to make a top piece for a pump for John Haines 12 feet. 28. Finished Haines pump. He paid all off. 29. Hauling firewood. 30. Getting plow stuff home etc. 31. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. Made out but poorly. --<<January 1787>>-- 1 of the First Month 1787. About getting home plow stuff. [Left marginal note: O my old weakness fretting about business. When shall I get over it?]
2nd of the First Month 1787. Was our preparative meeting. I thought I came off pretty well. Had some satisfaction. 3. I was mending Charles French's pump. 4. We put in a pump for Nathan Claston 16 feet long. 5. Went to Monthly Meeting. A committee from Haddonfield was there concerning the new meeting which they apprehended was like to draw off or affect some of their members. Things went on pretty well till that business came on and then a controversy began concerning that which soon threw us all into disorder and confusion. They was wrong and so soon set us all wrong and so a sad confused wounding time we had of it. I lost some sleep about it and thought it likely we should not get over it for some months. It stopped, nay they stopped us from even considering the matter concerning the new meeting. 6. I was making a pump for Evesham meeting house here at home. 7. Was First Day went to our meeting under an expectation of nothing else but suffering for what happened at Monthly Meeting but the great Master was graciously pleased to favor unexpected and I had a favored time right down good satisfaction. 8. We were about a pump for the meeting house at Evesham. 9. Was at our meeting. I came off pretty well satisfied. 10. About the long pump for the meeting house. 11. Job Scott and William Jackson was at our meeting. Job was in the forepart pretty shut up. William had an open lively time. Spoke notably and Job had considerable to say. At last John Parrish was there and some others. It was a solid profitable meeting but I had not much satisfaction though I believe it was a time of instruction. Job Scott spoke concerning Moses smiting the rock and the waters gushing out [Exodus 17:6] and his imprudence and impatience for which he was forbid to enter the land of promise etc. [Deuteronomy 3:26-27] 12. I went to put in the pump at Evesham Meetinghouse [Crossed through:] 55 feet 7 inches long, received of William Rogers 1-10-0 towards this pump.
13 of the First Month 1787. I was at Evesham Meeting appointed for Job Scott and William Jackson. They both spoke largely and lively; very able ministers. I went with these Friends to William Rogers's after dinner. Had a sitting I hope to some advantage. Joshua Evans and I rode up the road towards Mount Holly with these Friends. We stop and lodged at Joseph Engles. William Rogers and Job Haines went forward to accompany the strangers to Burlington. 14. Was First Day. Joshua Evans and I went over to Ancocas meeting which was to me but a poor time. Joshua had considerable service. We went to Asher Woolman's to dine. Had a sitting to some advantage I hope. We went to Mount Holly evening meeting which was to me a very poor time. Joshua had very considerable to say. We had a little sitting at Elizabeth Atkinson's to some satisfaction to me and came to Engle's to lodge. Had a sitting in the family to some relief and satisfaction. 15. We came to Evesham to the committee meeting on the extracts. It was a meeting of the heads of families to consider the custom the youths' company keeping and other undue liberties and it was a much favored opportunity a lively strengthening time in which many very suitable remarks was made and the testimony raised. At that time I had good satisfaction and I believe Friends were sensible that it was a favored meeting with life to the last and ended with savor and commendable order. [In 1mo 1787, Evesham Monthly meeting concluded that �a solid opportunity with Parents and Heads of Families in a collective capacity and therein revive the several advices of the Yearly Meeting on the subject of the Immortalities prevalent amongst the Youth and others, too frequently proceeding from an improper indulgence and allowance of wrong liberties amongst us, might be the most effectual step to remove the occasion of such painful exercise to the Body in future� and appointed the Committee on the Extracts to oversee the meeting and �report their service to next meeting� (Minutes of Evesham Monthly meeting, 1mo 1787).] 16. Was our weekday meeting. Joshua Evan and Solomon Gaskin was there. We had a pretty deal of preaching, but the meeting but low. 17. I went to hew a pump for John Maxfield. Boys went to make a pump for Peter Tompson. 18. I was about home. 19. I met a committee of our Monthly Meeting at [the] schoolhouse to confer with a committee of Haddonfield about the settling off a new meeting. Came off pretty well though rubbing work. 20. We went about Maxfield pump 31 [feet] long. We put it in the well but did not quite finish it. 21. Was First Day at our meeting. Had a very poor dull time. I like to got to sleep. Some unwell and worked too hard. 22. About the shop pump boxes etc.
23 of the First Month 1787, Third of the week. At our meeting but so so though not so poor as at some times. 24. About home wet weather. 25. I went to Haddonfield meeting which was some satisfaction. Went to work at a top piece for a pump for Bulak Clements 13 feet long. 26. We finished the pump it is now all settled. 27. About home, in the afternoon I visited our school and had satisfaction. It is a query with me whether there is a school on our continent equal to it for order. 28. Was First Day at our meeting but an indifferent time. 29. Went to mend a pump for John Hewlings. 30. At our meeting with a hard struggle came off pretty well. --<<February 1787>>-- 4. About home. 5. Went to mend a pump for Joshua Lippincott. 6. Meet a committee to visit Isaac Andrews in a lively labor. 7 of the week. About home. Very stormy this afternoon. Joshua Evans and I went to William Cowperthwaites to lodge. Had a sitting in the evening in which many pertinent hints were dropped. First Day. We went to meeting at Mansfield Neck. Most extreme cold weather and we had but a poor little low time though some labor extended. Things are very low at that meeting. We came to Burlington afternoon meeting and came off pretty well with some satisfaction. Lodged at Cowperthwaites again and had another opportunity in the family. Many remarks were made, I hope to edification. Next day we came to Monthly Meeting at Burlington which was a poor shut up time though may be profitable. Lodged at Aaron Wills's. Had an opportunity with two young women and a young man. There was a door of utterance but not as I could find of entrance. Maybe it may be picked up another day. We came down to Holly. Called to see John Woolman's widow who seems not like to continue long. Had a sitting with her rather to profit I hope. She seemed well composed in mind on our way home. We called to see John Peacok a young man who has long lain on a languishing bed and not like to live. We had a little sitting and some pertinent hints were dropped. Came home found all well next day. My wife and I went up to see Elizabeth Haines. Had an opportunity with her to the relief of our minds in some degree. 8 Second Month. I went to Haddonfield. They had a conference with heads of families concerning the custom of the youth's company keeping. It was a pretty lively time and I believe to profit better and better till last. [Left marginal note: Robert Willis was there.]
9th of the Second Month 1787. Was our Monthly Meeting Robert Willis, Jonathan Kirkbridge and William Blakey was there. Robert spoke well [in] the forepart of the meeting for business. It was a solid good time and things went on well but I thought it ended rather lower though on the whole it was a good profitable meeting. 10. Dressing out plow stuff. Lucas Gibbs and Robert Willis and Thomas Thorn and wife came to see us. Robert had something to say to us to edification. 11. Was First Day Robert Willis was at our meeting and spoke well. 12. About work at plow stuff. 13. Was at our meeting. Robert Willis spoke lively. 14:15:16:17. At work at home dressing out plow stuff. 18. Was First Day went to our meeting. Missed it somehow had not satisfaction. 19. About home fitting up the old smoke house etc. 20. I went to Evesham Meeting appointed for the Thomas Colley and he preached a very notable sermon from this text: Be astonished ye heavens and be ye horribly afraid for this. My people have committed two great evils. They have forsaken the fountain of living waters and have hewn to themselves cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water [Jeremiah 2:12-13]. He spoke with life and authority and yet many were dull and even sleepy whilst he was delivering the most suitable pertinent doctrine to such a state. 21. Thomas Colley was at our meeting and had an open time with a very large concourse of people. He begun with this awakening language (as he expressed it) of the prophet. Wash thine heart from wickedness that thou mayst be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodged within thee etc [Jeremiah 4:14]. Although he spoke with great strength and life yet many were very sleepy and dullness and ease greatly appeared especially amongst professors. It seems as if fruitless speculation and a lethargic stupefaction hath gained the ascendancy in too many. O the difficulty of reaching and rousing such a state. One of our Friends, I think it is [Thomas] Chalkley, says he was as much surprised with the approaches of such a state. Think of the worlds of the martyrs. Christopher Love in his prophecy points to a time when there should be a powerful preachers but dull hearers. See Eusebius works, They come before thee as the people cometh etc. the Stranger mentioned.
22 of the Second Month, 1787. I was at Moorestown on business at blacksmith etc. 23. Getting a tree for a pump for Samuel Kenard etc. 24. Visited our school in the afternoon to good satisfaction. Our school is in famous order. It set me to writing on the subject a piece on each of these two last visits with the trustees. 25. Was First Day at our meeting. I had not satisfaction I believe I wanted a little more courage. Things so low I gave out too soon. 26. At work at home. 27. Was our weekday meeting and after meeting an opportunity with the youth by the appointment of the Monthly Meeting to have the extracts with some other minutes of our Yearly Meeting read alluding to the unseemly custom of our youths' keeping company. Joshua Evans was with us and a down right good lively favored time. It was manifestly favored with the ownings of truth. [This meeting, �wherein the Youth may have the liberty of attending,� was appointed by Evesham Monthly meeting held 2mo 1787 following a report that the �meeting with Parents and Heads of Families� held 1mo 1787 was �agreeable� (Minutes of Evesham Monthly meeting, 2mo 1787).] 28. I attended Upper Evesham being one of the committee appointed to attend with the extracts and minutes. As above hinted this meeting was likewise a very good favored strengthening time. I had good satisfaction. John Hoskins from Burlington was with us. --<<March 1787>>-- 1 of Third Month. We were at Lower Evesham on the like occasion but here we had a hard tug of it as much as bargain to maintain our ground. However some were favored to speak well and I hope no loss sustained that day though to me not so open favored a time as the other two. 2 and 3. At work at a cheese press for William Mickel. 4. Was First Day. Amos Willits was there. I got a schooling for holding meeting too late and hurrying too fast and another little miss in a quotation but I had good satisfaction a favored time for all that. 5. I went to mend a pump for Nathan Lippincott and Samme put on a top piece. At Haddonfield 13 long for Samuel Kenard paid all off even. 6. Was our preparative meeting. David Cooper and John Tatham was there. It was a poor hard dull time though I believe though I think in some things we gained ground. Our preparative meetings especially when we answer queries are very poor times to me. Mostly something the matter somehow somewhere. 7. At work at a cheese press. 8. Do. 9. Was Monthly Meeting. James Thorington was there and spoke largely. Our business went on but dullish though I believe it was an improving time on the whole. E. Evan and John Matlack passed. 10. Was our select meeting. James Thorington was there. It was but a low time though I believe profitable improving and gaining ground in divers points.
11 Third Month 1787. Was First Day. Went to our meeting not satisfactory. 12. About home at cheese press work. 14. Was at our meeting but poor times old fashioned. 15. At home. 16. Went to the cedar swamps with W. Vinicomb. 17. I was at work at a plow for Samuel Allinson mended. 18. Was First Day. Went to Schoolhouse Meeting middling so so. 19. Was at [?] Lippincott's. Had a sitting afternoon with some youths, about a plow for John Kuziel. 20. At our meeting. John Matlack was married to R. Shute. Joshua Evans was there and had scraping searching service and I thought it was a pretty solid time. 21. About plow work etc. 22. Was Quarterly select meeting at Haddonfield. John Townsend and Samuel Emlen was there and John spoke very well. An edifying time. 23. Was Quarterly Meeting. Townsend had the chief service in the ministry. I think there was a travel and journeying forwards. That matter respecting young people running out and in disturbing the meeting was very smartly handled. 24. Went to select meeting at Philadelphia. In answering queries John Townsend had good service respecting the education of children and keeping them to plainness. 25. Was First Day. I attend the Market Street Meeting morning which a dull trying time though perhaps profitable. In the afternoon and evening they were to me hard laborious times though John Storer speak very excellent on this subject or text: The Lord's people shall be taught of him. They shall be established in righteousness and great shall be their peace [Isaiah 54: 13-14]. I believe it was a highly favored time with him and I think never heard a man speak better, though there was not a door of entrance that I could see and I believe it was not an open time with the people. 26. I was at the Bank Meeting and it was a very grievous time. The meeting very much burdened with an unskillful forward ministry this afternoon. The select meeting concluded. John Storer
John Storer took his leave or farewell and a most exceeding favored time he had in clearing himself to first the elder rank of ministers then to the middle-aged and to the younger class and also to the elders. In most endearing and very instructing language he said he felt the father's love to be near and pressed diligence and faithfulness in the Lord's work in every allotment to which we were called. Very close home to us. After signing certificates for the English Friends to return home, and one to send after Job Scott to the meeting where he be longs, the meeting adjourned. 27. I came up to our meeting with Elizabeth Collins, John Collins and Rebecca Warrington. The meeting was silent nearly and but low. 28 and 29. About plows work. We have some time had very fine warm weather but very cold. Froze smartly at the time of the spring meeting. I had forgot Samuel Emlen this spring select meeting gave in an account of his journey to Barbados that they were very kindly received by the inhabitance and particularly by the governor of the island. He made mention of the great hurricane that was there in the year 1780 which turned over all Friends old dissolute meeting houses which were five in number, that they were now about building a new one. In this hurricane there was many hundreds killed. Some thought a thousand people lost their lives in it and Samuel Emlen said he believed some of them thought the end of the world was come.
30. First Month 1787. About a plow I went to Long-a-Coming after a load of rails. Was First Day. Went to our meeting which was pretty satisfactory to me after a hard struggle with a dull spirit. A considerably strengthening opportunity. --<<April 1787>>-- 30. First Month 1787. About a plow I went to Long-a-Coming after a load of rails. Was First Day. Went to our meeting which was pretty satisfactory to me after a hard struggle with a dull spirit. A considerably strengthening opportunity. April 1787 2 of the Fourth Month. About plow work. 3. Was our preparative meeting which was middling. Jonas Cattle is released from the overseer�s office and John Roberts put in his room. 4 and 5. We were about plow work. Have made about 20 by this time. 6. Was our Monthly Meeting. We are still favored with showers of strangers and full Monthly Meetings. Mary Stevenson, Mary Newbould and Elizabeth Drinker was there. The strangers had good service. The meeting pretty solid and quiet except the business was very much disturbed by the unmannerly running out and in of the youth which matter was very closely spoken to amongst both men and women. 7. I went to the meeting at Cropwell appointed for Mary Stevenson and Mary Newbould. It was a very hard laborious time in the forepart but ended better. Elizabeth Drinker was favored to labor in the exercise of her gift and the other two likewise so the meeting ended reputably and I hope profitably. 8. First Day. Mary Stevenson, Mary Newbould and Elizabeth Drinker was there but E.D. was quite shut up and the meeting but low though. 9 About plows. 10. Went to our meeting which was not much satisfaction to me. I went to Edmund Hollinshead�s after some shingles. This evening I was taken very ill of a chill and fever and remained very poorly all this week though did something at plow work. 15. Was First Day I went to meeting though unwell. Had some satisfaction. Came off pretty cheery though it lasted but a short time. I have been troubled with a disorder of late not before by me complained of, somewhat like the gravel though I believe it rather effect of a fever. As the decline of life approaches infirmities increases and the little frame or tabernacle of clay begins to totter, all which calls for preparation to leave all and be in readiness which is the great and important point. 16. About plow work. 17. Went to our meeting. John Cox was there and said a little. The meeting very dull and hard. 18:19:20. About plow work. 21. Went over to Joseph Buzby's. 22. We was at Ancocas meeting, silent, which was a hard poor time with me. Came home this evening. [Left marginal note: First Day.]
1787 23 Fourth Month. About plows. 24. Went to our meeting middling so so pretty well for hard times. 25. At work at plows. 26. I went to Evesham Meeting which was to me pretty satisfactory. After meeting had opportunity with me: Andrews again with others of the committee. 27. At work at plows and dressing a calf and lamb for market. 28. I went to mend Nathaniel Lippincott's pump and did it. My boys and I this week made a pump for Abel Harker at Holly. Harker's pump 15 feet long. Made six new plows, mended three old ones for Noah Haines. Mended N. Lippincott's pump. Prepared for market and Samme went and I attended Evesham and Chester meeting. 29. Was First Day. Went to our meeting which was silent and very poor and low. I was very unwell. 30. Went to the burial of William Cooper at Ferry. Had a meeting at Newtown. Dan C. Offley and Samuel Smith preached considerably and it might be a time of visitation to some who are seldom at meeting except at such times, but it was but a poor hard time on the whole I believe. --<<May 1787>>-- 1 of Fifth Month. Went to our meeting which was a pretty satisfactory time to me. [Right marginal note: a very heavy rain] 2. Went to mend Job Coles pump. Settled even. 3. Getting to plow. 4. Making a plow for Joseph Coles paid for. 5. Making a plow for myself and plowing garden etc. 6. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. I did not please myself. Some how something the matter no satisfaction. 7. About a cheese press for William Mickel. 8. Was our preparative meeting. I came off pretty well with some satisfaction. Rather better than common for our preparative meeting. 9 and 10. About a cheese press. 11. Was Monthly Meeting but a low time covered with weakness. [At this meeting, Hunt and others were �appointed to attend to the particular circumstances of the black People amongst us & report their care herein to this meeting when necessary� (Minutes of Evesham Monthly meeting, 5mo 1787).] 12. Was our select meeting. Weakness and poverty was the complaint and cry, yet our meeting was of real service in the end. I thought it did me some good. 13. Was First Day a low time. 14. About home. 15. At our meeting poor times.
16 and 17, Fifth Month, 1787. Planting etc. 18. My wife sister R. Warrington and I set off towards Salem [and] stopped at Woodbury meeting. James Thorington, D. Offley and Samuel Smith was there. It was very dull forepart, but James labored through it all and had lively service at last. We lodged at Caleb Lippincott's. Had a little sitting in the evening to some satisfaction. 19. Went to select meeting at Salem. Samuel Smith had good service though the meeting was heavy and dull. 20. I was at Alloway's Creek. John Saunders was there and spoke very well to the youth though the meeting but low. [Left marginal note: First Day] 21. Was quarterly meeting which was a dull poor time to me and very heavy though Smith and some others were favored to speak very well in the meeting for business. There was a tight scuffle about having some accounts of the suffering of Friends of Evesham for refusing to pay a tax for the support or to defray the expense of war read in the meeting. J. Thorington beat through all opposition and they were read and concluded to be sent forward to the meeting for suffering to be recorded and this seemed to be the end of three or four years debate in our quarter. 22. Was youth's meeting which to me and I believe in general was better and more lively laborers in the ministry - Offley, Thorington, Saunders and Smith � were favored. A good solid meeting. We came up to Caleb Lippincott's to lodge. [Left marginal note: His wife lost her reason soon after [unclear whether antecedent is Lippincott (above) or Shute (below)].] 23. Stopped a bit at William Shutes. Had a sitting in the family to good satisfaction. Stopped at James Whiteal's, [an] elder. Had another turn with their daughter. Came off pretty well. [Left marginal note: J. Whiteal and wife died and their children did but poorly.] 24. Went to Moorestown. We visited two young women to satisfaction in clearing ourselves. 25 and 26. About preparing for market etc.
27 Fifth Month, 1787. Was First Day. At our meeting. A satisfactory time. 28. About home. 29. Went to our meeting and after a hard dull time. I had good satisfaction. 30 and 31. About home. --<<June 1787>>-- 1 and 2 of the Sixth Month. About home. Nothing material. 3. Was First Day. Not satisfactory though M[y] W[ife] thinks I D[id] bravely. 4. At home. 5. Was our preparative meeting. Samuel Lippincott was there. So-so middling not much cause of complaint. 6. A stormy day. Making screws. 7. I went to Mount Holly Monthly Meeting which was a poor low hard time, no satisfaction. Things are at a low ebb at this place at this time. business carried on much in the strength and will of the creature. The leaders cause them to err. 8. Was our Monthly Meeting. My wife and I met a committee in the morning on Negro cases to some advantage. I hope this Monthly Meeting was a lively good favored time especially the first sitting. Joshua Evans, Samuel Lippincott, and Solomon Gaskill was there. A satisfactory time to me. 9. About cheese presses etc. 10. Was First Day. Came off pretty well for me satisfactory. 11. About home. 12. Was at our meeting I came off pretty well. Some satisfaction. 13-14-15-16. About cheese press and plow work for Samuel Coles [and] Thomas [?] Ballinger, and a plow for J. Hollinshead. 17. Was First Day. I was unwell, numbness and stupor. Got some cold, a pain in the head. A very poor dull heavy time and I left alone in the front of the battle. John Collins unwell, not there. Some thin and weak set; a silent meeting and I fear hardly reputable. This afternoon was a meeting for Black people at Evesham. James Thorinton was there and spoke largely and very well yet there was a heaviness and stupor prevailed, though I thing it was a time of gaining ground on the whole.
18 Sixth Month, 1787. About plow work etc. 19. James Thorington was at our meeting and preached very notably but to me it was a very dull time. I hope some others fared better. Doubtless James was favored. The remainder of this week I was closely engaged making plows and cheese press. The forepart of the week boys made a pump for Thomas Gill, a top piece 1-10-0, paid for. 24. Was First Day at our meeting. I thought I made out but poorly. 25. Making a plow for Thomas Stokes. 26. Went to our meeting. Elizabeth Collins was there and we had I thought a lively time, however Elizabeth had good service and I had satisfaction after meeting. Samuel Allinsons, Elizabeth Collins and my wife and I went to visit John Cox and wife on account of their keeping of Negroes. We had a full opportunity with her (he was not at home) in clearing ourselves and so far satisfactory but not much prospect of their taking Friends advice. 27. I went to Upper Evesham the meeting was very small and poor enough to starve a cat, a languid appearance. I thought I came off pretty well for me. After meeting Elizabeth Collins and Samuel Allinson and I visited Joseph Garwood about their keeping Negroes. He was not to be found though notified of our coming. We were favored to clear ourselves in pressuring things close home upon her. 28. My wife and I went to Evesham Meeting which was not much satisfaction to me. Elizabeth had good service this afternoon. The committee on Negro cases met and I believed the concern and care of Friends in this case was right and to advantage. 29. Plowing corn. 30. I went to end two pumps for Jac Holbirsh[?] and Joseph Warrington and warying time I got of it. --<<July 1787>>-- 1st of the Seventh Month. Was First Day, but poorish. I don't know what's the matter. 2. About corn etc. 3. Was our preparative meeting. I thought I did as well as I could. 4:5. Tending corn and made a plow for Isaac Borton. This the 49th this year besides mending about ten old plows.
6th of the Seventh Month 1787. Was our monthly [meeting]. In the midst of harvest the [meeting] much smaller than common but was a favored time I believe both first and last and likewise amongst the women. I had good satisfaction and there was diverse matters smartly and lively handled, that of the use of spirituous liquors in time of harvest particularly. It was satisfactory to see the strength and zeal and life in which divers gave in their testimony. Likewise the matter concerning company keeping was lively revived. I went amongst the women and came off pretty well so as to have satisfaction in clearing myself. 7. We were reaping. 8. Was First Day. Went to our meeting had a satisfactory opportunity to myself and so to my Friends as far as I could discover. A strengthening time. 9. About hay. 10. Went to our meeting, a low time though I thought I came off pretty well. Engaged about hay etc. 15. Was First Day. My wife and I went to Cropwell Meeting. Elizabeth Collins was there and we were favored together to the satisfaction of ourselves and our Friends I believe. Remember Mount Pisgah etc. [Deut. 34:1]. After meeting Elizabeth Collins, my wife, Samuel Allinson and I went to visit Micagiah Wills and wife concerning keeping of Negroes: to little effect except clearing ourselves though we laid things close home and may be they may pick up some of it another day. 16. About hay. 17. Went to our meeting, had good satisfaction. A strengthening time. 18. Finishing hay. 19. About a pump for Hannah Lippincott, Colestown, 15 feet long. 20 and 21. About home. 22. First Day. Came off with not much satisfaction. 23. Dressing out plow stuff etc. 24. At our meeting. A low time, hard to get a long, neither wind or tide. Samuel Allinson and I visited John Cox again to good satisfaction. He promised us he would manumit all his Negroes.
25th of the Seventh Month. I went to Upper Evesham Meeting which was at first a poor low time but ended some better. Great remissness and neglect of weekday meetings amongst the men at that meeting. After meeting Elizabeth Collins and Samuel Allinson and I went to visit Joseph Garwood and wife on account of his selling a Negro for term of life but it seemed to us he could not bear to let us see him, though he was then upstairs and said to be indisposed with bad fits � all the evasions that seemingly could be made to prevent our so much as seeing of him. So after laying things close home to his wife we left her, being satisfied in laboring to clear ourselves. And I had a hope there would be a service in our visits to the house for I found it brought the matter very heavy on them and I was much confirmed that the care and labor of Friends herein was right. 25:26: and 27. We made a pump for Nehemiah Leeds 12 feet. Made a top piece for a pump for Thomas Ballinger about 9 feet long. Here I was taken very unwell with a purging and vomiting. 28. Very poorly at home. 29. First Day at our meeting. To me it was a low time. I was afraid to venture but I hope some fared better. 30. About two plows for William Roberts. 31. At our meeting. A rough taring time about drows. --<<August 1787>>-- 1 of the Eighth Month. I went to Haddonfield. About pump mending and money gathering etc. 2. I was at Evesham Meeting and a favored time I had, very strengthening. Went about a pump for Noah Haines 17 1/2 long. 3. Finished Haines pump. 4. About divers little matters. 5. Was First Day. Enoch Evans, Elizabeth Collins and I got together and went to Ancocas meeting. Benjamin Jones and Elizabeth Atkinson was there and we were favored together with a lively ministry, yet in one sense things very low we went to Jse Buzby's to dine and A. Wills's to lodge. 6. Went to Burlington Monthly Meeting which felt very dull and shut up at first. Robert Willis was there and the meeting grew better. Ended pretty well. We went to Cornwel Stevenson's to lodge. 7. We went to Chesterfield Monthly Meeting which was very much shut up and in a very poor shattered weak dark state. O the danger of active members speaking to business in the strength of the natural man! What ruinous work it makes.
Lodged at Joseph Fowlers. 8 of the Eighth Month. We went to Springfield Monthly Meeting which was an open lively time. Elizabeth Collins had good service and I believe our being there was of use to them at that time about one matter which seem like to make divisions amongst them. We lodged at Thomas Gaskill's and had a very pretty opportunity at parting in sitting with the family and parted with sweetness and feeling nearness. 9th. On our way this morning to Mount Holly Monthly Meeting. We stopped at David Ridgaway's and had a lively time in the family with the youth and their parents parted with sensible nearness and satisfaction. The meeting at Holly was a pretty smart lively time and open in the forepart. [Left marginal note: D. Rigway moved to Shild soon after and was killed with a dray in the street.] 10. We came to our Monthly Meeting. Mark Reeve was there. The meeting to me was but indifferent. Not much cause of complaint. Good order was maintained in a good degree. 11. Samme and I went to hew two pumps of John Kays and our conversation was on a profitable matter and a pleasant feeling attended. A sense of sweetness composure and fortitude after having been round with my friends to the Monthly Meetings. 12. Was First Day. Mark Reeve was at our meeting and had a pretty deal to say. (Thou hast given me a south land give me also springs of water (the language of Othniel) [Judges 1:15] and further, he that smiteth Kirjath Sepher and taketh it to him will I give Acsah my daughter to wife, [Judges 1:12].) The favorite of the Father etc. I had a satisfactory time. I went this afternoon with John Collins to visit Jo W:, a youth, to good satisfaction. 13. I went to finish a pump for John Kay 32 feet 6 [inches] long. and 56 and 3 [p] 2 � 6 -------- 58 : 9 14. Was our weekday meeting. Richard and Thomas Titus was there. It seemed to be but a heavy time forepart but the meeting ended very lively. Richard was most excellent and I had a satisfactory turn at this time with those strangers. [Left marginal note: 15 about a plow for Do Lippincott] 16. My wife and I went to Evesham meeting. Richard and Thomas was there. Had a solid open time and this was a favored time with me. 17. I met the strangers at Joseph Thorington's and went to Upper Evesham Meeting which was a favored open time, particularly so to me. The strangers received me as if I had been an old acquaintance. We had an afternoon meeting at Cropwell. Richard had good service there, but I did not get a long so well as he.
18th of the Eighth Month, 1787. I went to Haddonfield. Accompanied the stranger from Do Lippincott's to Haddonfield. A meeting appointed for Richard and Thomas and a very dull poor time it was on the whole. As to the meeting, Richard and Thomas was silent. There was several young weak appearances and I had a smart time or two I think with more strength than ever, but oh the room for improvement! More deliberation would have been better. I parted with the strangers at Thomas Redman's with feeling nearness, with desires to have been more together but a woman lying ill at our house prevented. This was a favored time with me, May it be remembered with humility, And not on the Sabbath take my flight, Nor in the winters darkest night, But in the heights and in the depths preserved be, In the heats and in the colds shew forth stability Of the summer and of the winter take a part, With an even and resigned heart. 19. Was First Day. Went to our meeting, a favored time with me. 20. At work at Humphries's pump. Worm holes spoiled it. Very wet Day. 21. Went to work at a pump for Noah Haines, for that house where the woman Sharp's wife was shot. 22. I was at Evesham Meeting and came off pretty well satisfied. 23. Finished Haines' pump 21 feet long. 24. My wife and I met Elizabeth Collins at Enoch Evans. And Enoch's wife, my wife, E. Collins, A. Evans and I went again to see Micajah Wills about his keeping Negroes and although he did not seem to see or give up to manumit them, we had a very satisfactory time and they parted with us very Hearty and respectful. This afternoon we visited 2 Negro families and came off pretty well I hope to advantage. 25. About a plow for Hugh Cowperthwaite and I went to see overseer of the poor. 26. Was First Day. Went to our meeting but a poor time. 27. About home doing something at a plow for Thomas Thorn etc. 28. Went to our meeting which was not much satisfaction to me. 29 30 and 31. Went to make an apple mill for Joseph Warrington and mending his old pumps. --<<September 1787>>-- 1 of the Ninth Month 1787. I went to Cropwell Meeting appointed for Ann Gaunt of Egg Harbor. she was favored. Though far advanced in age was lively and large in the ministry. I hope a solid time. This summer there have been several times a pinch with drought in the spring about planting time, then come on very wet. An uncommon season for clover. Then, about harvest the fields were much parched. Held dry till after hay getting was chiefly over, then came on wet and is now very wet. Corn very promising only backward, in danger of the frost. We hear it is dry in other places Virginia etc.
Richard and Thomas Titus and I had some conversation concerning their wheat being destroyed on Long Island. Thomas told me that some years ago whither in the time of the wars, I think it was, there was a great scarcity of wheat and they raised the price to such extortion as to sell it for 6 dollars a bushel.* [Left marginal note: *He said the magistrates were forced to regulate and set prices on the wheat and other things] And now for this 7 years past a fly they called the Hessian fly has destroyed their wheat so that they have not pretended to raise wheat, though a great wheat country. But Thomas said they could raise a sufficient Supply of other grain. Those flies have been observed to spread over the country about 15 miles a year. Richard and Thomas inform us that at the time of the wars on their island there was a time of great scarcity and no prospect of a supply from any part. Many poor in a great straight and much pinched and at that time there came a vast quantity of fish (mackerel) so thick on the shore that their women could wade in throw out with their hands just what they wanted so that the island was filled or fully supplied with them. Oysters they found in their bay at that time where oysters were never found before nor are to be found there at this time. [Left marginal note: They said those fish were very fat so as to need no butter to cook them.] This is really marvelous and miraculous. Some account I have had as I noted down of vast great quantities of fish being drove ashore on the beach at Egg Harbor, but they were dead and these were alive and so thick on the shore that they could not get out of their way as above hinted. The women threw them on shore with their hands as they pleased. And I think I have heard of an instance once at Shrewsbury like that at Egg Harbor on the beach. [Left marginal note: The Israelites were fed with quails and manna, Elijah by ravens etc.] About this time 25 of this month I was informed by Isaiah Haines that a neighbor of his, a son of Reece Price, told his he had been up at a place near Jacobs Town lately and a certain man there rented a large farm, that he had planted between sixty and seventy acres of Indian corn and that a kind of insect had eaten round the roots of his corn till it had dwindled so that he gave over plowing it and said he would give the whole field to anybody that would give him thirty bushels of corn. Some other field or fields he said were effected in like manner. It may be ten or twelve years ago people in our parts went to great expense in building great cider houses, apple mills, and screw presses and sitting great works in divers places building still houses and setting up great stills and great to do there was stilling of cider, but this six or seven years we have had no apples for cider. Scarcely enough for vinegar or house use. The stilling business is all done with. Still houses rotted down and left desolate. Some removed and converted to other use. Cider houses, presses and mills look desolate, rotting down and useless, and orchards, but a cumber to the ground as some have remarked. What little fruit we have had of late years has been little notte [knotty?] and sometime rot on the trees etc.
--<<September 1787>>-- 2nd of the Ninth Month, 1787. Ann Gaunt and Elizabeth Atkinson was at our meeting. Ann had good service this afternoon. We had A meeting at Evesham with the Negroes. Anne and Elizabeth, Solomon Gaskill, and Benjamin Swet was there. A good lively meeting it was. 3. My wife, Abigail Stokes, and I went to visit several Negro families and some that were in the neglect of tending meetings to the advantage of ourselves and them I believe. 4. Was our preparative meeting. The first meeting I came off pretty well but answering queries we had a scratching, hobbling time of it. [Right marginal note: I went to the burial of Joshua Humphries. I had satisfaction at the grave.] [Left marginal note: At the burial of Joshua Humphries a old associate when we were boys.] 5 and 6. About sowing and plowing. 7. Was Monthly Meeting. My wife and I met the committee [the Committee on Negro Cases] at the 9th hour. Had a lively time. Friends having attended to the service were enabled to give in very satisfactory accounts. 11 manumissions were procured from John Cox. Thomas Scattergood at this meeting and had excellent service. A lively meeting. 8. Was our select meeting. Scattergood was there and was highly favored. A profitable meeting, though answering queries was low dull work this afternoon T.S., E.C., William Rogers and wife and I and some others had a sitting at Thomas Wilkins, he and his wife ancient Friends, to good satisfaction. I left Friends at Joseph Thornton's and went home with William Rogers. 9. Was First Day. This morning had a favored tendering opportunity with their Eldest daughter and one of the sons. William Rogers went with me to Vincent Town meeting. A very little poor meeting it is. Things very low yet we came off pretty well satisfied. We had a close time of labor with a young man J:S: and a young woman at William Bishop's. After meeting on my way home I stopped to Se[e] Nem Leed his wife who requests to be joined with Friends to the relief of my mind. 6 Month, 5th of the week. [Entry out of order?] I went to the burial of Susannah Jenkins who was murdered by some wicked fellows in the night who were taken up examined and sent to Burlington jail. It appeared she was cut with a stal [?] knife cut of side of her thumb and up her wrist a span long and bled to death. [Left marginal note: All three hanged at Burlington 29 Ninth Month.]
10. I went to see Job Cowperthwaite and Rachel Shute. Job was sick 3 and doingly something at a plow for Daniel Saxton. 11. Went to our meeting. Thomas Scattergood was there and had a great deal to say. I had a satisfactory time. A lively good meeting. I dined at Richard Smith's with Thomas and other Friends. Thomas had a great deal to say in the family. A much favored time. 12. About a pump for Humphries his widow till meeting time, then went to Cropwell. Thomas had a great deal to say but it was a very dull time with the meeting. I believe I worked too hard before meeting and was beset with dullness and hard struggling, however after Thomas had done I had a satisfactory opportunity. I dined with Friends at Thesdace Lippincott's and Thomas was largely opened in the family with pertinent matter to the widows and the children who appeared tender. [Left marginal note: Very warm; very warm weather.] 13. About a plow for Daniel Saxton. 14 and 15. Finishing sowing. A heavy wind and thunder. Lightning. 16. Was First Day. I went with Thomas Scattergood to a meeting at Long-a-Coming amongst the people not professing with us. They behaved sober and still but have no idea of the use of silence. Much looking out for words, and Thomas had a great deal to say. A door of utterance was opened but a door of entrance was wanting. However we came off with reputation and the people seemed pleased requesting another such a meeting. We dined at Isaac Borton's and had sitting which was satisfactory to me and may be of advantage to others. Thomas was favored to speak to the states of divers present and we were united together in the labor. [Left marginal note: Cold smart frost] 17. At work at a piece of new meadow sitching. 18. Was our weekday meeting. Robert Willis was there. The meeting take it at large was distressing poor and dull, but ability was given to labor. Robert had a good deal to say but it seemed hard hobbling work. I had some satisfaction. My wife thinks the meeting ended well and that the people got the penny. 19. At work at home [illegible; looks like �ritching� or kitching�]
20 of the Ninth Month, 1787. Was our select meeting at Haddonfield. William Mathews and Rebekah Wright was there, just returned from England. Also Rebekah Pincher and Charity Cook from South Carolina Bush River. The meeting to me was but middling though the strangers had good service and especially Rebekah Pincher in last meeting on that of bringing up our families with us to meeting and encouraging them of our household whither they professed with us or not. It was indeed a most excellent sentence and she appeared to me to be a most pure piece of household furniture. [Left marginal note: Zimri Gaunt companion for the Carolina Friends] 21. Sixth of the week. Was Quarterly Meeting but to me it was rather a place of striping. I was unwell; however I found others thought it a favored time. Daniel Offley was favored in prayer. The last or meeting for business seemed middling well but not very lively and open. By accounts the women had a very fine open tendering time. The strangers were favored in the meeting for business remarkably. O how many are the celestial showers with which we are favored of late! Remember what was said concerning the ground that drank in the rain and brought forth briers and the sinner that being often reproved. 22. I went down to select meeting at Philadelphia. A solid good meeting. James Thoring ministered council to ministers not to hunt for openings or visions but keep to the life and simplicity: all centers here. William Mathews, Rebecca Wright, Patience Brayton, Zacharias Dicks, Ann Jessup gave in satisfactory account to me in the appearance of divers Friends from the remote parts of Carolina. Three women and two men Friends traveling in truth's service, left large families. One weaned her child to come. [Right marginal note: [Patience Brayton] weaned her child when she left home, it is said.] 23. I was at our meeting and a favored strengthening time it was, though I see wherein I might have done better. Went to see Samuel Coles about to leave these parts. [Left marginal note: First Day] 24. Second of the week. I, my wife, Samme and Abby went down to Yearly Meeting. Attend all the sittings of this meeting but the last. It was expressed by several Friends to be a most favored meeting they ever knew at that place, but for my part I cannot say so but
but there was indeed divers very lively much favored opportunities both in select meeting and in the Yearly Meeting, as well as in some of the meetings for Worship. The last sitting of the select meeting was really a very fine favored time. Ann Jessup appeared in prayer. Zacharias Dicks spoke, but Mary Husband exceeded all, though the others were favored. Mary's testimony was chiefly to the elders encouraging them to faithfulness and to get out from home: Leave the bleatings of thy flocks etc. O it was most excellent. A testimony was raised in the Yearly Meeting against many things which are frequently complained of in the queries but most particularly against the importation and retailing rum. Jacob Lindley said he had been informed from good authority that there was ten hundred thousand gallons brought into Philadelphia yearly. J.L. and Warner Mifflin did lay on heavy blows respecting that of retailing spirits. It seemed as they had got to laying ax to the root of the corrupt tree. Warner laid it on that retailing rum was in some sort worse than highway robbing. I think Isaac Zane gave in some account concerning the continuation of the import of Negroes, that there had been twelve thousand imported within this four years. On Sixth Day last, 28 of this Month, them three men was han[ged at] Burlington for murdering the widow Jenkins to [page missing] the 6 of this month. 30. Was First Day went to our meeting divers Friends was there. Hannah Reves did all the preaching and spoke very well. --<<October 1787>>-- 1 of Tenth Month. About home at work. 2. Was our preparative meeting. Thomas Nichers was[s there] and Rice Calader from Redstone and Elizabeth [missing] and I think it was a lively time. Rece went wi[page missing] the women's meeting. Came off pretty well. [page missing] a sitting with John Grinslad.* Rece had [page missing]. [Left marginal note:*J Grins [illegible; page broken]] 3. About home. 4. At work at Charles [?] about a screw for [page missing] a monthly meeting. Mark Reve and his wife [page missing] 5. Thomas Vickers the [?] had a great deal to say [page missing] this was but a poor time with me [?] [page missing]
6 of Tenth Month 1787. Went to the burial of John G[page missing]. Benjamin Swet spoke at the grave. 7. Was First Day. I was much Afflicted with a disorder my eyes and hard beset to see to write at this time. They tell me Vickers was at our meeting and said a great deal. 8. About home. 9. Went to our meeting. R.R. had something to say. 10. About home. Something better with the disorder [page degraded]. 11. I went to Evesham meeting. Isaac Zane was there. Came off middling well. Friend were collecting certificates for the Black people to send to England. 13. Joshua Lippincott and I. Zane came to see me. 14. Was First Day. William Savery was at our meeting and [illegible] a great deal to us and very well. 15. About getting fire wood etc. 16. At our meeting 17. I went to Upper Evesham to meet a committee and Josiah Th[------- -------- ----] that I came off pretty well though the meet was very small. An essay was read of a petition for the assembly to prohibit the retailing spirits etc. 18:19:20. About our corn. [21.] Was First Day. Isaac Zane was there it was but a low time though something stirring amongst us. This afternoon we had a meeting with us for the Negroes. It was a stormy day and but few attended. Late a gathering. Things looked very dull at first but there was something lively at last, lost no ground, do pretty well. 22. About corn. Went to our meeting. I had not that satisfaction [I] could wish [24]. About our corn this evening. The constable took our son Samme off to gaol for refusing to pay his tax. He went of in a composed commendable manner, having I believe well considered the matter. Getting in corn.
Tenth Month 1787. I went to Burlington to see my son in prison. He appeared to me to much favored to bear the trial in a proper commendable manner. William Savery, Daniel Troter, Thomas Scattergood, John Hoskins and John Cox had been to see him and he told us all he could not see wherein he had missed it in suffering himself to be put in prison for refusing to pay his tax to defray the expense of war. 28. John Roberts and his wife and my wife and I went to meeting which was a favored time. I had good satisfaction. We went to visit Caleb Lippincott his wife and to inform her of the judgment off our Monthly Meeting concerning her outgoing in marriage with one too near of kin. We stopped at Charles French's and were favored through the day so as to come off with satisfaction at each place. We dined at John Haines's and had a little sitting after dinner with the family to satisfaction. [Left marginal note: First Day] 29. About our corn. This evening Samme got home from Burlington goal. We had reason to think that doctor Beneville paid the constable his demands. Took a letter from him to the sheriff and so he was discharged and informed if he would go to Sterling's the storekeepers he might ride home with Doctor Beneville in his chair. It was a favored time with us which made his imprisonment easy to us and so that we had no desire that any one should take him out in that manner. Joseph Gilkins came to me and I told him I had rather he would not so. After some [o]ther conference he concluded to drop it. [missing] J. Neaver was more full and clearly confirmed [ missing]. Truth owned that testimony and the longer he [page missing] the more easy it was made to me. [page missing] our meeting and I think it was a favored time. [page missing] of this week we were about our corn etc. [page missing] me was First Day two remarkable accidents, [page missing] Ridgeway * Drawed a tooth for his Negro boy and it [~fell in] his wine pipe and killed him in about 5 [page missing].
--<<November 1787>>-- 4th of the Eleventh Month, 1787. Was First Day. Went to our meeting and I thought came off pretty well. Went to Joseph Warrington's a[fter] meeting. Joseph informed me of several great fired be[page missing] out in town. One house burnt down in the daytime and D[page missing]. He likewise informed us of a woman that had hanged herself in Philadelphia, who had several children. A few weeks ago a young man, a very sober hopeful Friend near Chesterfield or Crosswicks hanged himself. It was thought about a young woman's marrying to another man, which young woman he had courted time past. David Davis his wife has been to Shrewsbury Quarterly Meeting. Returned last week and informed me that on the way they seen people plowing up their wheat fields and sowing rye in its stead because of the Hessian flies which had destroyed the wheat and are spreading very fast. [Left marginal note: A famous gristmill at Holly burnt. This is the two where they kill dry corn like Eyrs is Town mills.] 5. Hauling out dung etc. 6. Was preparative meeting. A low poor time it was Joshua Evans was there I think we grow worse and weaker. 7. Went to pine lands to get pump log. 8. About home. 9. Was preparative Monthly Meeting. John Tatham and David Cooper and Solomon Gaskill was there. The first M[eeting] was a solid good meeting, but it was a poor low [page missing] carrying on business. There must be a cause for [page missing]. 9. Was select meeting and a poor time it was [page missing]. Things in general grow lower. I fear some other [page missing] hath got in amongst us. 10. First Day morning, heard of the death of H[page missing] and of Job Elkinton being killed Runin [page missing] or riding from watering towards La[page missing] helped me make a pump a few years ago [page missing]. Went to our meeting came off pretty well C[page missing] I had met with an ugly close brush at our Sel[page missing] but it was favored and by my Friend persuaded not [page missing]. 11. I went to Burlington to take a pump for [page missing] he and I settled all of. [two lines follow, illegible]
13:14:15:16 Eleventh Month 1787. About home shingling [?] paint house and sundry other matters. 17. Was First Day. Went to Evesham Meeting came off middling well however E. Lippincott said it was an acceptable time to her. I went to see William Vinicomb who has had a sore spell of sickness I called also to see John Maxfield very sick, struck with a shock of the palsy. 18. Went to mend a pump for William Night near the ferry; settled, made even. 19. Went to our meeting. A poor sickening time to me. 20:21:22:23. About home sundry matters. 24. Was First Day. Went to our meeting and played the coward even till meeting broke up. There is that withholds more than is meet and tends to poverty so I find it. 26. About home at work. 27. I went to Cropwell Meeting. Ezra Comfort and Joseph Potts from Pennsylvania was there and a favored time it was. Both spoke well. Able sweet ministers. I got somewhat recruited, had satisfaction, but through fear and diffidence was not deliberate enough or I might have done better. Dined with the strangers at S. Allinson's. Joseph spoke at the table and again after dinner very sweetly. We went to see Mary Lippincott who seemed near her end. On the road Joseph spoke to me about being too backward. He said we might sit in one another's way as well as stand. I mentioned my failing and loss in hurrying too much he said he hardly ever in all his life got through without suffering loss on that account. 28. At home. 29. I went to Evesham. E. Comfort and J. Potts was there and had good service. Potts was very lively and large. 30. Potts and Comfort was at our meeting and was L[scribbled out] Large. Potts was very lively. Enoch Evans and J. dined with them and rode as far as Burr's mill with them. --<<December 1787>>-- 1. About home.
2nd Twelfth Month, First Day. John Reves was at our meeting and had a great deal to say but some complain of poverty. 3 of Twelfth Month, 1787. We went to the burial of Mary Lippincott. James Cooper and B. Swet spoke at the meeting but it was a very poor time as I thought. 4. Enoch Evans, Samuel Allinson, Joshua Lippincott and I went to see Levi Eyres on account of his buying a Negro but he nor his wife was not at home. 5. At work at home. 6. About home. 7. Went to Monthly Meeting. John Reeve and Mary Newbold was there. The Meeting for Business was a lively favored time especially the forepart. 8. Went to Upper Evesham meeting. John Reeve and Mary Newbould spoke. John was large. I hope it was a profitable time to some but dullness appeared in [white strip obscuring word] meeting. Mary Newbould seemed in a pretty hopeful [white strip obscuring word]. 9. Was First Day was at our meeting which was crowded and we thought more solid than common. I came off middling. Went to R.F. on business that required Friends' care I hope to some advantage to one or more. 10. Went to Nemiah Leeds about a pump. 11. Took a great deal of pains to get to our meeting to little advantage I fear. However we concluded it was a very poor low time, sad doings weakd day the poorest. 12. Finished Leed's pump, 29 feet and brought a load of rails from al W. 13. Putting new axel trees in little wagon. 14. Getting some plow stuff home from Ab Matlack and dressing. [Left marginal note: Had some service for truth in visiting Thomas Wilkins and the school and Michele Linch and [page missing] Darnils.] 15. Hauling rails from J. Wilkins. 16 Was First Day. I went to Evesham meeting, a low time. Enoch Evans and Samuel Allinson and I met Levi Eyres at [white strip obscuring word]. I had an opportunity with him and his wife respecting their Negro lad to some satisfaction. [Right marginal note: Third Month 1793 Levi Eyres was buried] 17. Killing hogs. 18. At our meeting. It was a sad low time, though some satisfaction in mentioning it. 19. John Collins and Joseph Thorington and Edward Darling [and I] went to see Isaac Andrews again and I then went to [white strip obscuring word] Milkinss to make a top piece for a pump 10 feet long. 20. Finish Wilkin's pump. 21. Went to Robert French's about pump [page missing]. Left Samme to finish. 22. Went to Long-a-Coming after a load of rails.
John Hunt Journal, 1776 12mo. 24 - 1787 12mo. 22
This diary of New Jersey Quaker Minister John Hunt covers December 24, 1776 through December 22, 1787.
Hunt, John, 1740-1824
1776 - 1787
204 p.; 21 cm
reformatted digital
RG5/240
John Hunt Papers, SFHL-RG5-240 --http://archives.tricolib.brynmawr.edu/resources/5240johu
A0011519