Some items in the TriCollege Libraries Digital Collections may be under copyright. Copyright information may be available in the Rights Status field listed in this item record (below). Ultimate responsibility for assessing copyright status and for securing any necessary permission rests exclusively with the user. Please see the Reproductions and Access page for more information.
Memorandum Diary of John Hunt
--March 1788-- 4th of the Third Month, 1788. My wife, Abigail Stokes and I visited Darling Conrow his family, he being afflicted with the loss of the use of his limbs and his wife requesting to be joined to Friends with her children. Then we visited S. Longstaff, a young woman who had made request. Then we visited Phebe Burr confined with the consumption. And I think it was a day of favor in a good degree especially the last night. 6. We visited our school and came off well though close plain dealing was necessary. [Left marginal note: Darling said at parting he could not express the consolation he had in our company and was tender even to tears.] 7. Was our Monthly Meeting. I met the committee on Negro cases. There appeared encouragement to labor with some not professing with us and Friends seemed under the concern and care of divers matter. Monthly Meeting came on and on the whole it was I thought a favored time. There appeared strength to go through the business in the authority of truth to good satisfaction. [Right marginal note: Turned out the spectators and favored strengthening time.] [Left marginal note: On review: in this week's work this language was revived by my wife.] 8. Was select meeting. Close scraping work was my lot. On the whole it was thought a favored profitable time. This morning we, that is my wife and I and Joseph Thorington and wife, went to see Isaac Haines' family who is lame we had a sitting and a favored time. It was remarkably so with my wife,* in dealing close and plain with him and several of the children. His wife not at home. [Left marginal note: *Great and marvelous are thy works O Lord] 9. Was First Day. At our meeting, a full crowded meeting. One of our doctors came in with his hat in his hand and the magistrate with him and divers others seldom seen there, the Lord was pleased to favor us with victory over a light speculative state and a good solid meeting it was this afternoon we stopped at the house. The burial of Ephraim Stiles his wife who died very suddenly. Has some satisfaction came off middling well. 10. At work at some plows. 11. Was our meeting. William Roberts and E. Grinslade was married and we had a great shower of strangers. R. Willis, Samuel Emlen, Nicholas Waln, William Savery and John Cox. We had a great deal of preaching and very good. Nicholas did give it to us soundly right down hum twang, truth triumphed. 12. About some plows. 13. Do. Afternoon I went to see John Hollinshead involved in great trouble thought to be in danger of loosing his reason. 14. I went after a load of rails. 15. Dressing out plow. This [afternoon?] went to see Kain sick. 16. First Day. I went to Evesham meeting. The forepart was hard but after a hard tugging time it ended to my satisfaction so that it was no hardship to travel on foot. 17. About home at plows. 18. Went to our meeting. Had a sad time. Something the matter with me or some of my Friends. I could not get a long. A sickening time. 19. At work at home. 20. Was our select meeting at Haddonfield. A poor low time as I thought. 21. Was Quarterly Meeting. We had a great deal of preaching but I thought it but a poor time. I proceeded towards Philadelphia with Solomon Gaskill, Thomas Scattergood, William Rogers and divers others. Thomas Scattergood, William R. and I stopped to see John Burroughs who has lately has his leg cut off and is very low, hardly like to recover. I thought we had a favored time with him and he expressed satisfaction with the visit.
We went to Joseph Kaighn's to lodge. Had a sitting with his brother's family in the evening and another in the morning with his to some advantage I hope. 22 of the Third Month, 1788. Was select meeting at town which was solid and thought by the elders committee to be well conducted. I went this afternoon with Joshua Lippincott, John Collins, and William Rogers to see Leah Middleton, business which concerned our Monthly Meeting a close solid time. Here I saw the workings of the mystery of iniquity and the abominations that are in the earth, the seeds of desolation, and one of the strong holds of sin and Satan. It made me think of the Sodomites and sins of Sodom. We lodged at T. Scattergood's. 23. Was First Day. After considerable struggling of thoughts about going to Frankford meeting, the way seemed to open clear for I to go and Deborah Basit to go with me. This is the place where Thomas Chalkley formerly lived near this meeting house. It appeared to be a poor little cold starved place, but few burden bearers, but Deborah had lively good service. But I could not please myself as at some times. We dined at John Roberts's. Had a sitting to satisfaction and so returned to town and though we were caught in a shower, All was well and seemed right. This Deborah is a precious innocent sweet spirited creature and this time had a tendency to nearly and sweetly to unite us. This evening, I was at bank meeting. James Thornton and William Savery was highly favored, the last in prayer but it was a distressing time with me. Had taken some cold numbness and pain in the Head though I believe it was a highly favored time with many and mine ear received a little thereof before it was over. Lodged at Scattergood's. 24. Select Meeting met again at 8. Committee reported as their sense the several public meetings were favored. A certificate was produced for James Thorington to visit Friends in Europe which was signed with great unanimity and freedom. Adjourned till three afternoon. Went to Pine Street. Debe Basset had good service. Likewise Peter Yarnall and William Mathews. Select Meeting met again. William Savery had most uncommon service, extensive council to ministers and elders. Likewise John Lloyd and Samuel Emlen. It appeared I thought that Friends were journeying forward, though poverty does so much abound in the little meetings up and down. [Left marginal note: Relieved of the pain in my head remarkably.] 25. Came up to our meeting on foot. Blind Solomon Gaskill, Abner Rogers walked with us. Thomas Vickers was at our meeting but was silent. I thought Solomon and I came off pretty well satisfactory.
26th of the Third Month, 1788. Went to the burial of Darling Conrow. Solomon Gaskill went with us from Moorestown. I hope it was a pretty solid time and the more so for our being there, both having considerable to say at the house, one at the grave this afternoon. My wife, Joseph Warrington and I went to see Joseph Buzby, to all appearance near his end. We could have no conversation with him further than this, when we bid him fare well he had strength enough to call our names bid us fare well and said I wish you all well. [Left marginal note: Dined at Joshua Bispham's. Had a sitting with the heads of the family to some relief.] 27. Got home about noon and made greatest part of a plow for A. Nichol. 28. About home clearing new ground etc. 29. Do. Thomas Vickers was here and I went to show him the way to Theodocea Lippincott's. At work at the new ground etc. 30. Was First Day at our meeting and I thought there was something pretty lively and smart for us. Rather gained ground I hope. We dined with the widow Grinslade and had a sitting with the family. Came off beyond expectation, with a degree of satisfaction. Second Day Samme and I went to splice a pump for Phinehas Lord and put the pump into the new well. Due to me [crossed through with notation �paid� �1-2-6] --April 1788-- [1.] 3[rd day]. Went to make a pump for Jonathan Brown. [2.] 4[th day]. At work at Brown's pump. Put down Brown's pump but it won't tighten. [3.] 5[th day]. We made a pump for William Keys 16 feet long. He paid part 7[s] 6 and left [Crossed through with notation �paid off� and symbols above:] 1-4-0. [4.] Sixth [Day]. We took up Jonathan Brown's pump and put it down again. His pump was paid for 36 feet long. All this pump, this week's, work was done with cedar. Came home, stopped to see a young woman under great trouble about religious matters. Found all pretty well at home. [5.] Seventh Day of the week at work at plow for Amos Haines and John Barton both paid. 6th of the Fourth Month, 1788. Having liberty and the united concurrence of our Monthly Meeting I appointed a meeting at Long�a- Coming. Joshua Lippincott, John Collins and Enoch Evans were appointed to bear me company. My wife went with me. The inhabitance met scatteringly which was a hurt and the expectation of the people a great deal too much outward. Afterwards, a spirit that I thought should be famished. Solomon Gaskill was there and had considerable to say but it was a lowish time with me. I could not feel that raised into dominion which my soul longed for, however I thought there was something at last a little lively and Friends concluded on comparing notes that the meeting ended well. I remember J.C. words were, well John, all is well that ends well. I believe there is a little remnant of well minded people there and divers expressed great satisfaction with the meeting. One was at our house a few days after and had a pretty deal to say about the meeting. Said he should be glad to have one every First Day there. [At Evesham Monthly meeting held 3mo 1788, Hunt �laid before this meeting an engagement that had for some time attended his Mind, and of late had revised with increasing weight, to have a meeting with the inhabitants at and near [feet] [feet] longscoming, requesting our sympathy & concurrence therein, which was obtained; and he Left at liberty to proceed therein as way may open� (Minutes of Evesham Monthly meeting, 3mo 1788).]
7th of the Fourth Month, 1788. Making a plow for Amos Haines paid for. 8. Was our preparative meeting. A poor time with me. No satisfaction. I begin to think it is time to lay by. 9 and 10. About making a plow for Thomas Hollinshead and mending fences. [Left marginal note: M X and C To P] 11. Was Monthly Meeting. Negro Committee met this morning. Friends seemed under a good degree of care of the business but some cases like to suffer loss for want of time to attend. Monthly Meeting came on. I thought the first sitting ended well and solid. Solomon Gaskill I thought spoke well. Elizabeth Collins appeared in prayer. And myself had something to say concerning building the house, that there was not the sound of an iron tool to be heard, neither ax, saw, or hammer. If thou lift up thy tool upon it thou hast polluted it. However when business was entered upon, I think I have not seen of late more of the creaturely part in transacting the business. Hammering work. I am afraid we shall get so cunning we shant be able to do any thing to purpose. Council was darkened with too many words without knowledge, even about trifles. Not weighty in spirit. I am sick of it. Conclude it is time to lay by. No satisfaction. [At this meeting, Joshua Lippincott �on behalf of the Committee appointed to accompany John Hunt in a visit to the meeting at [feet] [feet] longscoming, reported that the same had been performed to general satisfaction" (Minutes of Evesham Monthly meeting, 4mo 1788).] Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the Lord. [Judges 5:23] Let condemnation be placed on all that doth not advance the truth. 12. Making a plow for Thomas Thorn. 13. First Day. Went to our meeting. A tendering good humbling satisfactory time to me. The savor remained several days. 14. Went to Robert Bishop's to make a pump 22 feet long he had the log hewed and we bored it and put it in when we settled he was 35 shillings in my debt, and I had fifty shad of him. At five dollars per hundred the shad---- 18 �9 [Crossed out] ---------- 16 =3 Due to me [Later addition: Paid all off now.] 15. Came up to our meeting a hard tugging time not much satisfaction. [Left marginal note: My wife expressed it a favor to her very great] 16. Trying mend Jacob Hollinshead's pump. A troublesome job. 17. About home clearing a bit of new ground. 18. At work at new ground and about home etc. 19. About a plow for Amos Haines. 20. Was First Day. At our meeting. We conclude it was a pretty solid good meeting, a time of favor. This afternoon we went to visit Jonas Cattle's family who is about to remove to Redstone. With this family we had a sitting with them to some advantage I hope. 21. About some plows, hauling rails etc. 22. At our meeting. John Haines and Elizabeth Hollinshead was married. The meeting was low forepart but ended lively and well, as I thought. A young woman � Langdale � from Philadelphia helped us out bravely. 23. Finished one plow for Benjamin Archer and one for William Cooper and after hay. 24. Went to make a pump for Samuel Webster at Timbercreek Abborfors [?] place. 25. Finished the pump 25 feet long. Six dollars due to me. Came home and brought a load of rails from Amos Haines. 26. I was making a screw for Joseph Robert. Samme made a plow: N.H.
27th Fourth Month. 1788. Was First Day at our meeting, but lowish. This afternoon was a meeting at Evesham for Blacks. John Simpson and Benjamin Swet was there. John had good service. The meeting advantageous and encouraging. 28. About home. 29. At our meeting � low though not unpleasant in the end. 30. At market. Went to a vendue there and had cause to repent it save that more care was necessary every way. --May 1788-- The rest of the week about home. 4th of the Month. I went with William. Rogers, John Collins, and John Roberts to visit Mary Clements under dealings and had a pretty clever time. I went to Newtown Meeting. Thomas Scattergood and Arthur Howell was there. The meeting was very low forepart but ended better and Scattergood and Howell took me to do after meeting for being too backward and sitting in the way. This afternoon was a meeting for the Blacks which was a very low poor time as I ever have remember. The meeting was very much hurt by the ministry. A grievous time as I ever seen, sickening and sorrowful. T.S. was not there. Afternoon I went with Joshua Lippincott and Joshua Evans to visit Jacob Brown on account of holding slaves. He treated us courteously and manly. Had an open time with him. Though he did not at that time agree to take our advice, there was a hope the labor would not be lost. Many very pertinent hints were dropped to him and close remarks made and he seemed to have an ear to hear us which was satisfactory. 6. Was our preparative meeting things very low as I thought. 7. At work clearing a piece of new ground. 8th. Do. 9. Was our Monthly Meeting. John Parrish, James Cooper and wife and John Tatham was there. I think the first meeting was lively and ended well and the meeting for Business pretty lively and well. One case of M.C. was very straightening, some for accepting her and other for disown and returning acknowledgement. The tightest work I ever seen and know not how it will end. 10. Was Select Meeting. The above mentioned strangers were there. On the whole it was an open time and close searching work concerning some matters. We had at our last Monthly Meeting an uncommon number of cases concerning outgoing in marriage and fornication [John Hunt's Journal gives "unchaste conduct" (249).] which seemed to much affect these strangers and they said it close on our select members to take under their care and get together and see if way would not open to enter into a labor with heads of families on account of the custom of young peoples keeping company, improper Indulgences and allowance of wrong things. Friends seemed to get und the weight of the matter and Fifth Day before our preparative meeting agreed on [it] to meet at Evesham.
11th of the Fifth Month, 1788. First Day. At our meeting which to me was a favored strengthening time and I thought there was a good degree of quietude and solidity covered the meeting. 12. At work at a piece of new ground. 13. Went to our meeting which was a low time, though I had something to say which M[y] W[ife] T[hought] D[id] S[ome] G[ood]. 14. Getting ready to plant. Had some trials amongst us, upon or after which Samme wrote the following lines which was found set upon the mantelpiece or door post. [The �lines� referred to have not been found in Hunt's journal or other papers.] 15:16:17. About home planting etc. 16. Was at our meeting, somewhat lonely. Friends gone to Salem Quarterly Meeting. I believe came off pretty well. 19. 20. At our meeting. Not to be complained of though might been much better. The remainder of this week about home. It was so wet we could not plant nor did not finish till the last of this week. 25 Was First Day. I went to Cropwell Meeting. I don't know that there was cause of complaint. Came off pretty well. At noon I went to brother Enoch's and Samuel Allinson and E. Hope. I went to see Isaac Andrews on account of his sending word to our monthly meeting that he intended to appeal to the quarter. I had satisfaction in clearing myself and a hope of advantage to him. 26. At home. 27. About a cheese press. 27. Went to our meeting. I made a blundering hand of it but got a long at last without loss. After meeting went to Joseph Warrington's and to see Ruth confined to her bed. 28. At work at a cheese press. 29. Fifth of the week. I went to Evesham meeting. John Lloyd was there and all our select members. Elizabeth Collins and John had good service and I had good satisfaction and a favored good meeting. Select members had a sitting this afternoon to consider of the custom of our young people's company keeping and what could be done to prevent our book from being so stained with account of outgoing in marriage, fornication and the like enormities. Friends seemed to be getting under the weight but no way open to go much forward as yet. Adjourned to meet this day month. 30. I set off to Egg Harbor Yearly Meeting with John Lloyd, Joseph Worinton, Enoch Evans, William Rogers and many others. Met on the road six or nine wagons. Was at a select meeting on Seventh Day the 31 which was a very dull beclouded drowsy time as ever I seen. I omitted, held back too much I fear. Lodged at Thomas Bilanges. --June 1788-- 1st of the Sixth Month. Was First Day. We were at their yearly meeting and came off very well. This afternoon I was at a schoolhouse meeting which ended well and to good satisfaction. 2. At the old meeting house. John Lloyd had good service. It was concluded the meeting was well conducted, satisfactory in a good degree to me. This afternoon was their monthly meeting. Things are low there, but I hope rising. Had sittings in divers families and returned in peace.
3rd of the Sixth Month, 1788. I returned from Egg Harbor with Enoch Evans, William. Rogers, Charles West and a great many more in company. 4 and 5. At work at a cheese press for Joseph Burroughs. 6. Negro Committee met again monthly meeting morning. Request a release. A new committee is appointed: John Lloyd and Solomon Gaskill. John Cox was there. The first meeting ended well. Lloyd had good services but we had a troublesome job in the last meeting, tight work, different sentiments about Mary Clement's case. I think never before seen the aptness and danger of falling into rule and form. Time past, all that gave papers for outgoing in marriage were received, now all disowned. Let the state of men be ever so different if the life is not kept to. If we go at all, then rule or form is followed here. I believe many, not only individuals but whole societies, have fell and suffered great loss even after knowing great and good beginning. As William Penn mentions some who were for a time a burning and a shining light and being confident and confirmed their beginning was right, I believe many societies and sects of people have degenerated into the form without the life and so have been building up a babble from age to age and generation to generation and this I believe hath spread through whole nations. It is much easier to mankind or creaturely will to walk by form and rule than to keep to the dictates of the spirit of Truth within. Whilst we keep to that we have a safe guide but when we don't keep to that, rule and form is directly sought for, and oh! what mountains of human inventions have men raised up of forms and rules in religion, which is but form and fruitless speculation! 7. Was First Day. Went to our meeting and was favored. When my wife asked me at night if I got any pay I could say yes. 8. About home. 9. Went to our meeting, no satisfaction, no pay. I hardly know what's the matter. Made six plows this week: one for James Hale, Jacob Kay, Isaac Stiles, two [for] William Vinicomb, and Ezekiel Linsey, and tending corn etc. 15. First Day. Went to our meeting. Some sad blunders since last meeting day. Little ugly black clouds arose for want of more watchfulness. Not exemplary. My wounds stink because of my foolishness yet after a dull suffering time forepart I thought the meeting ended pretty well and satisfactory. Yet perfection does not consist in teaching truth but in doing it. Because he is neither the greatest saint not the wisest man that knows the truth most, but he that practices it. [Right marginal note: The doers of the law shall be justified (Romans 2:13).] 16. About home at work a cheese press for Sam Clements. 17. Went to our meeting. I had something to say, but low times though I hope rather for the better. The rest of this week about home tending corn. About two plows for Joseph Stiles. I heard this week of people eastward grinding oats to make bread and of their making potato bread. The Hessian Fly and hard frost hath destroyed the wheat in many places especially eastward. I heard a letter read giving an account that the frost had been harder than any could remember in Chester County. The wheat killed, so that without a favorable summer they despair of bread. But wheat hath been low here, 6 [s] bushel. What ups and downs. John Lloyd told me for six miles with [?] them hard is the seed of wheat.
22nd of the Sixth Month was 1788. Was First Day. I was at our meeting. Poverty and lukewarmness, indifference and ease was complained of by the little preachers and one recommended a care not to rob God this afternoon by applying the time to please ourselves which is set a part for his service and for divine meditation, which I endeavored to practice in reading the Scriptures this afternoon and other good books but seem to have no appetite for any till most night. Tasted of one and of another till I found this in William Penn's Select Works, page 250: 1. From Diogenes his constant scholar and Friend take this one very true and notable saying: of spiritual exercitation Laertius makes him speak to this purpose in his account of his doctrine, that where men's souls are deeply and frequently employed in that spiritual retirement and waiting for divine strength and are after exercised in meditation upon the eternal mind, holy revelations, or illuminations will occur which enlighten the soul and enable it the better to like and act virtuously. Now see Isaiah XL: 31, and Psalms XXV and 14. After this I heaved ins of a dismal rock* which I have seen, nay got fast upon for a time many times before. Was favored to get off afloat again pretty soon. [Left marginal note:* a stony heart] 23. About home at work at cheese press. [Left marginal note: Called to see Sarah Hamil, ill of the dropsy. Has sat in her chair three weeks.] 24. Was at our meeting and thought it a favored time with me, strengthening and satisfactory. Went to mend M. Pipit's pump. Heard of the death of Lydia Lamb an ancient Friend whose end was remarkable. She was helping to doctor or do something to a grandchild which was poisoned. It so fell out that a needle in her daughter-in-law's sleeve pricked her arm and it soon began to be painful, swelled and mortified and killed her and in a few days. Some few months ago in that neighborhood or that way towards new mills I was told of a man that scratched his arm with a pin in his sleeve loading wood, and it killed him in a very few days. A Dutch man servant to Robert Stiles some years ago was whittling a bit of cedar one First Day morning making a plaything for one of the children, pricked his wrist with his knife, it soon mortified had his arm cut off but it killed him in a few days. Thomas A. Kempis speaking of the uncertainty of time and the slender thread our lives seems to hang upon, says, which the least crumb or fly may put an end to. 25. At work at home cheese press. 26. Went to the burial of John Hollinshead which was a satisfactory favored time with me at the grave. Joseph and Rebecca Roberts, Abraham Stokes and my wife and I went to Samuel Stokes. Had a sitting with the family which was I think in a good degree a favored time (and open). This John Hollinshead had got in debt, involved in difficulty, gave way to discouragement and so to despair and thought he was not worthy of the necessaries of life and so refused to eat and so starved three weeks and took nothing for part of the time but what they forced down him but eat a little before he died. It was thought that serving constable office was a great hurt to him. I think I scarcely ever saw a poorer corpse. He complained of no other disorder but trouble of mind. Starved to death. [Left marginal note sideways: In 1794 L. Lamb's son F. Haines died with a pain in his toe mortified.]
27 and 28. About home at work at cheese presses. 29. First Day at our meeting. A large crowded meeting I hope we came off pretty well. My wife thinks so. What a favor to be preserved above contempt. 30. Samme and I went to Mount Holly to make a pump for William Rossel 14 [feet] and a half long the new part, spliced 8 feet of the old one to it, comes to 34 [s] and 7 which he paid off. --July 1788-- 1st of Seventh Month 1788. Went to Jacob Shavers in Holly to make him a pump 14 and a half long, paid for 13 now. Finished. He was not at home. 2. We took up a pump and bored it over again for George West and put it in order and mended one for Stacey Budd, and then went their preparative meeting. Things were very low and a dull poor time it was forepart yet I had no cause to repent being there. Went among the women and no loss but rather satisfaction in trying to do as well as I could. Muddy waters are sometimes better than none to a thirsty man and almost any kind of trash will do to throw in to stop a corrupt stream and I thought Friends seemed more near to me as if they owned me than heretofore at this place, but I thought I seen how poverty and formality abound amongst them. �Hold thy religion in the spirit,� said William Penn. See his preface to John Banks Journal in his new Penn's Select Works. [William Penn, The Select Works of William Penn. 5 vol. London: James Phillips, 1782, vol. 1, p. clv.] This afternoon I went with Solomon Gaskill, Elizabeth Atkinson, and Mary West to visit Benjamin Bispham who seems in a poor state of health hardly like to recover. We had a sitting in the family and the service if there was any fell to me. I believe many pertinent sentences were dropped. It is thought by some he has hurt himself a tavern keeping and drinking to excess, but he now seems humble and willing to receive his Friends. Though time past refused to set with them. Came home with pleasantness this afternoon. [Right marginal note: Benjamin Bispham died with a cancer in 1818.] 3. My wife, Abbe Stokes and I went to Evesham meeting. The meeting was but dull and low but grew better. O how does a spirit of drowsiness beset our meeting! I think I never saw it to be such a monster before and so dismally dangerous. Our select members and overseers sat again to consider the case and custom of company keeping. A very low time forepart, but so we got to work. It grew better till at last it was a lively strengthing time. Adjourned till this day two months. Friends gave in lively satisfactory accounts of their labors and visits to divers families within the compass of each meeting, so conclude to attend as truth might open the way till we meet again in the Ninth Month next. Members of each preparative meeting agreed to meet on the occasion in two weeks. 4. I was at home making a pair of shelvings etc. 5. Went to Abram Warrington's to splice a pump a new piece 12 feet long and boxes and 1-5-6 [with symbols above]. All settled and made even.
6 of the Seventh Month, 1788. First Day. Read John Foxe's Acts and Monuments, (brought one volume from Holly) Book of Martyrs: The Sufferings of Ridley and Latimer � their Godly conference in prison p. 365: says, �So that now we have no need to say who shall climb up into heaven or who shall go down into the deep to tell us what is needful to be done. Christ hath done both and hath commended unto us the word of faith, which also is abundantly declared unto us, in his word written so that hereafter if we walk earnestly in this way to the searching out of the truth it is not to be doubted but through the certain benefit of Christ's spirit which he hath promised unto his we may find it and obtain everlasting life. should men ask council of the dead for the living faith? Isaiah: Let them go rather to the law and to the testimony etc. Christ sendeth them that he desires us to know the truth unto the Scriptures saying, search the Scriptures.� �I remember a like thing well spoken of Jerome, �Ignorance of the Scriptures is the mother and cause of all errors,' and in another place as I remember in the same author, �The knowledge of Scripture is the food of everlasting life,'� and a little after notes these words, �'Whatsoever things were written,' saith Paul, �were written for our learning.'� This book or volume contains 959 pages in folio. My wife and I went to Haddonfield which was a very poor time. Warm weather, harvest time, people worked hard, and were very dull and heavy. I felt as if I had got on Mount Gilboa where there was neither dew nor rain nor fields of offering [2 Samuel 1:21]. We had an opportunity to some satisfaction with Hannah Griscom and then went their afternoon meeting. Low, low, low times here indeed. However I strove to encourage them of honest hearted and to stir up the negligent. 7. About hay and mowing etc. 8. Went to our meeting which was preparative meeting and it was a favored strengthening time. It seemed as if I could have run through a troop or leaped over a wall [2 Samuel 22:30, Psalms 18:29]. 9. About hay very wet weather. 10. Do. Do. 11. Was Monthly Meeting which was pretty well on the whole I hope, though I fear not altogether so clear of the creature as I should be. 12. About hay. 13. Was First Day at our meeting came off pretty well I hope. This afternoon in Foxe's Acts and Monuments, page 773, an account of John Hunt and Edward [sic. Richard] White, being in prison, as usual one evening went to prayer but could not utter a word but was overcome with great weeping and tenderness of heart, but the cause they knew not, but so continued a great space bursting out into tears. After that night as the morning come, the first word they heard was that the chancellor their great enemy was dead, the time of whose death they found to be the same hour when as they fell in such a sudden weeping. The Lord in all his works be praised, say the author.
14th of the Seventh Month 1788. About hay etc. 15. Went to our meeting. Robert Willis was there, had good service considering the meeting was very small harvest time. It was a strengthening time to me so that it seemed as if I could have went through the world and made my best Friend seem more near. A high favor. May it humble me, and keep me so. The rest of this week we were getting in hay and grain etc. 20. Was First Day. My wife. R. Cowperthite and I went to Cropwell Meeting. Elizabeth Collins was there. My wife thinks it was a good lively favored time. After meeting a committee of men and women Friends had an opportunity with Sarah Lippincott concerning an acknowledgment she made to our meeting respecting outgoing in marriage with one too near of kin. Friends were favored to sift the matter and fix it in its proper place I believe. [The Committee was appointed by Evesham Monthly meeting held 10mo 1787 to �inform her that the meeting has come to a judgment to Disown her� in consequence of her outgoing in Marriage within a degree of kindred prohibited by the Rules of our Discipline� (Minutes of Evesham Monthly meeting, 10mo 1787).] Dined at Theodocia Lippincott's. A number of youth and other Friends being there, we had a sitting which at first was very low poor and dull, a tugging time, but it ended better. Some advice to the youth respecting company keeping may be of use and from information have cause to conclude it had. A satisfactory account. A testimony bearer in practice since that places. 21. About home. 22. At our meeting which was low. I had a purge given me which went down hard as it came. Rough about a little matter. Went to I. Warrington's and some further on business. I informed sister Becke of what happened and she sent me this letter [not included]. This week was but an unpleasant time in worldly and outwardly. We were getting hay and the weather very catching and wet. 28. Was First Day. Went to our meeting and was taken with the ague and fever so could not sit half the meeting. Went to brother Joshua's. Came home on a bed. Had one fit of the ague the Sixth Day before. Next day was better. 29. This day as I was raking hay � very catching weather, very wet- it came into my mind how that divers Friends' families have been stripped of their children. See Ellis Pugh's Salutation to the Britons, page |X|. It is there said three of his children died in one month in the flower of their age who from their youth walked orderly and hopeful. He mourned not as one without hope 1708. See Chalkley's Journal, page 265, in the year 1734, an account of his only son's decease. He was a lad much inclined to read the Holy Scriptures and other good books, especially religious ones etc. And see William Penn's account of his son. Sorrow and joy in the loss and end of spring, Penn, page 51. He died in his one and twentieth year. See the excellent account of these youth's 1696 and see James Gough Journal, page 117, an account of his oldest son, worth reading. He died soon after the 26 of the Tenth Month, 1769. A young man and bright example, a complete pattern in every virtue that (says the author) I have heard many in London and Bristol say they never saw one of his years like him. He is happily gone before safe, landed in the port of rest. Joshua Evans, his oldest son died about 21 years of age. On his death bed desired a pair of metal buckles that were carved brought to him and with a pair of pinchers broke them to pieces and threw them in the fire saying them things did not be long to Friends. Stacy Atkinson a young man near Moorestown on his death bed expressed a concern about the ruffles on the bosom of his shirt and now see William Penn's Works, page 150. [Left marginal note: Isaac Horner's son a young man, very rich, only son.]
Also pride, a warning to young people against it in the remarkable repentance of Susannah Whitrow, see Sewel's History, 766 page, and see the remarkable account of Isaac Shoemaker much like the above.. When Abel Thomas was here I was told he had his oldest son's great coat who lately died a young man. Mark Reeve had a pious daughter died a few year ago about the time or rather before she arrived to the age of a young woman concerning whom a paper of memorial is in the neighborhood. But what am I about here or where might I stop when I look round and consider what incitement to watchfulness and fear and humility! How many instances might be collected of not only youth being snatched away in the prime of life, but no age exempt from death, nor no station in the church (see Job I chapter and 19 verse) � parents from children and children from parents. There comes disorders about that strips off sometimes children almost and sometimes quite whole families and sometimes the parents. Instances: there have been many both being taken away near together, the pleurisy, fevers, the small pox, the measles, the sore throat and flux and perhaps numberless numbers of other disorders which far as I can see the best of people are not exempt from. William Abit died and Hannah Lippincott both of dismal cancer, worthy good Friends. I have been told that John Estaugh was stuck with the apoplexy once as he was speaking in Haddonfield meeting, but recovered it. But see a Collection of Memoirs, page 188, Robert Jordan was suddenly summoned with a fit of the apoplexy and from the account few ever better prepared or any that have been more industrious and more eminently engaged in their great Master's cause. [John Hunt's Journal as published in Friends Miscellany either quoting from a different version of the passage, or with sweeping editorial license replaces "I have been told that John Estaugh...Great masters Cause" with "How suddenly many are removed by apoplexy and other diseases!" (251)] [Left marginal note: Since I penned this I heard that about this time John Worinton's house was struck with the thunder and only stunned him and several others and shattered the house some and Joseph Burrough's house a few weeks ago.] O what, not only lists of such instances, but whole volumes might be noted and collected which loudly calls for humility fear and preparation. But if we take a more extensive view and see how people in days past have been swept away by thousands in heaps in times of war in many ages and many nations. See 2 Kings 19:35: In the camp of the Assyrians an hundred and fourscore and five thousands smote in one night and see Isaiah 37:36. In the time of the plague in London how many thousands swept away? Near 100,000 they say, in a little time. Read now the 39 of Isaiah, the 12 verse to the 31 and again in another way, by way of persecution. See the 11 of Hebrews, 37 verse, They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted were slaid with the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins being destitute, afflicted, tormented. And of more latter time, since the time of Daniel and the tyranny in Rome, Shadreck, Masheck and Abednego and Nero's days. But in Queen Mary's reign how many thousands were burned and since the sufferings of Friends in New and Old England. O what a world of wickedness this is! [Left marginal note: See Penn, 138, In one night thousand perished and by frosts and snow.] [Left marginal note: 13,200 houses burned in London.] [Left marginal note: Rome burnt by Nero's command.]
Well might David pray that the Lord would create a clean heart and renew a right spirit within him. Now add to this consideration the murder of the many thousands of the poor Blacks. See John Woolman's book, page 318, in their wars and bringing them from their native land.. And from good accounts the thousands that destroy themselves by drinking spirituous liquors, wretched men that are who shall deliver us for our state is like to that of standing on a sea of glass mingled with fire. Therefore blessed indeed is the man or set of men or nation whose minds is stayed on the Lord and whose confidence and hope and God the Lord is. [Left marginal note: Since I penned these lines I heard of the death of Judiah Clements, a poor drunken sot. Went out alone and died out in the field or woods and lay several days before they found him. Buried yesterday. Another account says he was really hanged and his wife and children to be tried.] See Judges 1:4: They slew of them in Bezek ten thousand men. See Judges 3:29: And they slew of Moab at that time about ten thousand men all lusty and all men of valor and there escaped not a man. Judges 3:31: And after him was Shamgar which slew of the Philistines six hundred men with an ox goad. Judges 15:15: And Samson slayed with a jawbone of an ass, heaps upon heaps, with the jawbone of an ass have I slain a thousand men. 1 Samuel 4:2: The Philistines slew of Israel 4000 thousand men. 1 Samuel 22:18-19: The massacre of Doeg � Doeg fell upon the priest of the Lord and slew fourscore and five persons � and Nob the city of the priests, smote he with the edge of the sword both men and women children and sucklings and oxen and asses and sheep with the edge of the sword. What wretched work here was. 29:5 of the same: Saul slew his thousands and David his ten thousands. 2 Samuel 8:5: David slew of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men. David slew the men of 700 hundred chariots. 1 of Kings 18:13: Jezebel slew prophets of the Lord. 17 and 25 The Lord sent lions which slew some of them. [I Kings 20:36?] See here neither princes nor priests or people escape. 2 Chronicles 22:8: Jehu found and slew the princes of Judah. 2 Chronicles 28:6: Pekah slew of Judah in one day an hundred and twenty thousand, which were all valiant men; because they had forsaken the Lord God of their fathers. Nehemiah 9:26: They slew thy prophets who testified. Esther 9:16: the Jews slew of their foes 75 thousand but they laid not their hands on the prey. See Psalms 78:31 Wrath of God slew the fattest of them. Psalms 78:34 When he slew them then they sought him and the little children did not escape. Herod sent and slew all the children. [Matthew 2:16?] [Left marginal note: [cut off] manach [cut off] 67 in brief [Chro]nology [m]ention made of the great massacre in France 195 years since . I have heard years past some tell a little of the massacre in France but now I have the opportunity of seeing in Foxe, Acts and Monuments what dismal work there was. In Queen Mary's reign about religion in England abundance were burned, racked, tortured, whipped and famished in prison and not only in England but in many other nations the like persecution and cruelty was committed. The author says in the conclusion of his narrative, page 931, Thus have we taken a view of the extreme afflictions and oppressions of the reformed churches in many parts of France wherein, within a few weeks well nigh thirty thousand were [illegible] put to death 1572. Next the author says, Now in the year 1573 many places where the faithful were fled for refuge, were assailed by open war. Namely, in the first place that of Sancerre, the history whereof you have here in a short view presented, in France being besieged with five hundred horsemen and about five thousand footmen. The 9th of January 1573 with their deliverance being (saith the story) compassed about with irreconcilable enemies
From about the beginning of April, the want of victuals having caused them to gather together all the asses and mules they had in the city, they were eaten up in less than a month. Then they came to horses, cats, rats, moles, mice and dogs. After these were spent they fell to ox and cowhides, sheepskins, parchment, old shoes, bullock and horses hoofs, horn and lanthorns, ropes and horse harness, leather girdles etc. In the end of June the third part of the besieged had not bread to eat, such as could get hemp seed, ground it and stamped it in mortars and made bread of it. The like they did with all sorts of herbs mingling the same with bran if they had it. There they eat meal of chaff, nutshells and of state, excrements of horses and men. Yea the offal which lay in the streets was not spared. The nine and twentieth of July, a poor man and his wife were executed for having eaten the head, brains, and entrails of a young child about three years old which died of hunger, having made ready the other parts to eat at another meal. An old woman lodging in the house, eating a part of this mournful diet died in prison within a few hours after her imprisonment. They were found guilty of other offences: but this aggravated the same the more all children under twelve years of age died, it was lamentable to hear the pitiful voices uttered by poor parents for the misery wherein their eyes beheld their languishing and dying infants. To which purpose you may take notice here of a memorable accident a boy of ten years old being ready to yield up the ghost, seeing his father and mother weeping over him (whose arms and legs when they handled them, felt as if they had been dried sticks* said unto them wherefore weep ye thus, in seeing me famished to death? Mother said he, I ask you no bread, I know you have none: but seeing it is God's will I should or must die this death, let us be thankful for it. Did not the holy man Lazarus die of famine? Have I not read it in my Bible? In uttering these and the like speeches he yielded up the ghost the 30th day of July. [Left marginal note: Now see Lamentations 4:8.] That all the people died not of famine in the end of this month it was by reason of certain horses which were reserved for service if need should be, and six kine which were left to give milk for sustenance of young infants. These beasts were killed and their flesh sold for the sustenance or relief of such as were living, with a little corn, which by stealth some brought into the city, so that a pound of wheat was sold for half a crown. There died by fight in Sancerre but eighty-four persons, but of famine more than five hundred. Many soldiers getting forth as they could out of the city flying from the famine chose rather to die by the sword of the enemy, wherefore some were slain, others imprisoned, and the rest put to death by the executioner. But when all help of men failed, the king having sworn he would make them eat up one another, the King of Kings delivered them by his wonderful providence, for at this instant the ambassador from Poland came into France to accept the Duke of Anjou for their king at whose entreaty (which could not well be denied) poor Sancerre, more than half famished was now set at liberty by raising the siege, who otherwise were determined to leave their bones there rather than yield themselves into their enemies hands. In regard they had often threatened them with a general massacre, whereas now, by the king's appointment they were permitted to pass out of the city armed, if any would terry, that they should not be molested, having liberty granted them to dispose of their affairs as they pleased, with promises of conserving the honor and chastity as well of virgins as of women etc. Now let us come to the city of Rochelle which being at this instant strongly besieged by the forces of France both by the sea and land, with about forty and fifty thousand men, was yet in the end also delivered, though not without many hot conflicts, by the
by the immediate hand of God namely thus: the ambassador of Poland arriving in France the seventeenth day of June, a truce was made on the sudden, articles of peace drawn and sent to the king who consented to them and sent answer in for an edict granting to those of Rachel, Montauban, Nismes and others which stood upon their defense, liberty for the exercises of their religion, the rest to live peaceably in their houses and therein to minister the sacrament of baptism and marriage as they had want to do, so as their assemblies exceeded not the number of ten besides the parents. He restored to Rochellers and others the rights and privileges, letting fall all the decrees given out against approving of their defensive war, giving them leave, according to their ancient custom to retain in their cities, towers and fortresses men and munitions, yea to receive in governor among them provided that they were such as they had no cause to suspect or except against. By virtue of this edict, upon the tenth of July about ten of the clock in the forenoon, the Sieur of Biron entered into the city at the gate called de-Coigne, with an herald of arms, and four of the kings' trumpeters, at which hour peace was proclaimed in the most eminent places thereof accompanied with the lieutenant of city and with the lord of villiers after which dining at the major's house he soon after retired, being conducted a long till he came without the city. The same day many small vessels laden with biscuits, corn, meal, fish, and other provisions entered into the haven. At this siege the Duke of D: Amaule lost his life, with Cosseins who had broken into the admiral's lodging and began the massacre at Paris, besides many great lords, gentlemen, captains, lieutenants, ancients to the number of threescore the great part of which having their hands imbued in those others massacres, being come thither received their reward. Namely either present death or wounds so incurable or wounds so incurable that they escaped not with life. [Left marginal note: See 2 Chronicles 22 and 28 Joshua slew princes of Judah] One* thing ought not here to be passed over in silence, to wit, the provision of victuals which God furnished this besieged people with all when all other provisions began to fail them, namely an infinite number of small fishes never seen before in that haven, which every day yielded themselves to the mercy of the necessitous inhabitants. But as soon as the edict was published and the Rochelers set at liberty by the arriving of the Polish ambassadors, these sea fish withdrew themselves. [Left marginal note: see Exodus 16:31, Numbers 11: 31-32, Psalms 10: 5-40: Account of the quails the Lord sent to sustain Israel. Although this relation following, touching another siege of this city of Rochelle suits nothing at all with the order of time, happening as it did in the year 1628 [From The Columbia Encyclopedia: La Rochelle is the principal French fishing port on the Atlantic coast. Chartered in the 12th cent., it soon became one of the chief seaports of France. It was a Huguenot stronghold during the Wars of Religion and successfully resisted Catholic besiegers for half a year (1572�73). However, when Cardinal Richelieu resolved to crush the Huguenots, La Rochelle fell after a siege of 14 months (1627�28).], yet for as much as it seems to me to have some affinity with the terrible famine, wherewith both the City of Sancerre and it were affected, let not the reader be offended for placing the same here somewhat out of place being a thing so worthy of note: An extract of a letter written on board the Saint George his Majesty's ship in Saint George's Islands. There died in this siege of Rochelle the 30 of October 1628 sixteen thousand persons. The rest endured a world of miseries, most of their food being hides leather and old gloves other provisions being very scarce were at an excessive rate: viz. a bushel of XX Ii. A pound of bread XX [S]; A quarter of mutton vi: 18 old money; a pound of butter XXX [s]; an egg VIII [s]; an ounce of sugar II [s] vi [d]; a dried fish XX [S]; a pound of grapes XII [s]; a pint of milk XXX [s]. Also it is reported, that through the famine young maids of fourteen or sixteen years of age did look like old women of [Left marginal note: Read the 6 and 7 chapter 2 Kings: Ass's head and dove's dung sold.] [Right marginal note: See 2 Kings 6:25: Doves dung sold in siege Samaria.]
old women of a hundred years old. The famine was such that the poor people would cut off the buttocks of the dead as they lay in the church yard unburied. All the English that came out looked like anatomies. They lived two months mice frogs being all spent. And this with a world of other miseries did they suffer, in hope of being relieved by others. Thus much I thought good to let you understand. Now it is likely many would hardly believe this account, but let us a little consider that the scriptures testify concerning such thing. See 2 Kings 6:2, And it came to pass after this that Ben Hadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up and Besieged Samaria and there was a great famine in Samaria and behold they besieged it until an ass's head was sold for fourscore pieces of silver and the fourth part of a Cab of doves dung for fives pieces of silver, and as the king of Israel was passing by upon the wall there cried a woman unto him saying help my lord a king and he said if the Lord do not help the whence shall I help the out of the barn floor or out of the wine press, and the king said unto her what aileth the, and she answered, this woman said unto me, give thy son that we may eat him to day and we will eat my son tomorrow, so we boiled my son and did eat him and she hath hid her son. But see in the next chapter 7th 2 Kings how remarkably they were delivered. Now see Jeremiah lamenting Jerusalem�s misery, Lamentations Chapter 11:19: Arise, cry out in the night, in the beginning of the watch pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord. Lift up thy hands towards him for the life of thy young children that faint for hunger in the top of every street. Behold a Lord and consider to whom thou hast done this. Shall the women eat their fruit and children of a span long. Shall the priest and the prophet be slain in the sanctuary of the Lord. 4 chapter 9 verse: They that be slain with the sword are better than they that be slain with hunger for these pine away stricken though for want of the fruits of the field. 10: The hands of the pitiful women have sodden their own children. They were their meat in the destruction of the daughter of my people. Now see in early time this was threatened in Deuteronomy 28 chapter where we may see blessing promised for obedience and curses for disobedience. 52 verse: And he shall besiege thee in all thy gates until thy high and fenced wall come down wherein thou trustest. 53: And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body, the flesh of thy sons and thy daughters which the Lord thy God hath given there in the siege and in the straightness where with thine enemies shall distress thee. Read 58 verse and 59 verse following aye the whole chapter. We read in Ezekiel 14 and 21 of four sore judgments: the sword, the famine, the noisome beast and pestilence, but as John Woolman remarks our land hath not yet been visited with famine as other nations in ages past. Although we have had broad signs and threatening prospects of it many times divers ways and especially in some besieged places in the times of the last war, we have as yet but had a taste of these things in comparison to what hath been know in scripture. I think there is above fifty places mention made of famine and between thirty and forty of pestilence. Although the stroke was heavy on many last war, in many places great desolation. Many thousands lost their lives one way or other many forced into exile to Nova Scotia. But how we forget it. [Left marginal note sideways: See the account of the sickness in Philadelphia in 1793.]
It appears from some chronological accounts of curious inquirers who have taken a view of the bulk of mankind as a family at large that the human species rather increase than decrease, notwithstanding the number that are and have been destroyed by wars and removed by death other ways and that upon the best computation that those curious ingenious inquirers are able to make of the number of mankind now on the globe. (And as was mentioned by the prophet, All flesh is as grass which withereth and one crop dies and gives way for another [1 Peter 1:24], so it is with mankind one generation passes away and another comes.) These searchers and calculators have concluded on the whole that consequently eighty one thousand seven hundred must die and six two die every day. John Foxe the author of the Books of Martyrs hath these word at the conclusion of his 3rd volume, page 959, which he terms a true declaration of the massacre of Voltolines. �Therefore it appeareth most clearly every wat that the aforesaid persons underwent those sufferings for no other cause, but only for the truth of the Gospel even as by the eternal decree of God, the holy prophets, Saint John Baptist, the holy apostles, yea even our Lord, and head, Jesus Christ himself and after him those many millions of the elected martyrs in all ages have done before, and especially in these miserable last times in Germany, France, England, Scotland, low Countries, Bohemia, Italy, Spain, Portugal etc. � [Right marginal note: 20 of the Twelfth Month, 1789. I have an author [Arthur] O�Leary, [An Essay] On Toleration, says, page the 8th persecution has thinned the world of fifty millions of human beings.] Which martyrdom they endured willingly, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer blame for the name of Christ Jesus remembering the promise of this our Lord, blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness sake, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Blessed are you when others shall revile and persecute you and shall falsely speak all evil of you for my sake. Rejoice and triumph, for your reward is great in heaven for so have they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Read to this purpose, 1 Peter 4:12-16 which word of all good Christians are to be well pondered and weighed. For first by such trial we perish not. Secondly we are thereby made conformable to Christ our Head. Thirdly such sufferings cause unto us greater joy than sorrow. Fourthly they are infallible marks that the spirit of God rests upon us. Fifthly they manifest to all our unfeigned love to Christ and his Gospel. Sixthly, hereby we have good proof that the Lord doth correct us, not as a severe judge but as a loving and most tenderhearted father to whom therefore with his blessed son and Holy Spirit be all glory and honor ascribed in all the churches of the saints, world without end. Amen. Book of Martyrs, page 488, John Philpot�s Martyrs [Philpot is one of the martyrs]. In examination he was asked how old his religion was. Answered it is older than yours, a thousand years. The examiner says, I pray you, where was it fifty years ago? Philpot says, It was in Germany apparent by the testimony of Hus, Hieronymus of Prague and Wicklif [sic], whom your generation an hundred years ago and more did burn for preaching the truth unto you and before their time and since hath been, although under persecution it hath been put to silence. And then next he alludes to the passage where it is mentioned that the true church should be driven into the wilderness and suffer great persecution. [Reference to John Philpot�s testimony in 1555 as recorded in John Foxe�s Acts and Monuments. This book was frequently reprinted and the edition used by Hunt has not been identified.] [Left marginal note: Just such a question one of our Friends was asked in the time of their persecution.]
--August 1788-- 3rd of the Eighth Month 1788. Was First Day. I having been very poorly with the ague and fever several days and yet very weak. The morning wet and my wife sick with the chill and fever. I concluded not to go to meeting, till about ten o'clock it slacked raining. After a close near trials about being late, I got a long and a favored time it was. I like to lost or forgot all my weakness both of body and mind till I came off. R.R. asked me how I was and I told her very poorly. O, said she, the gets strength by coming out amongst thy Friends. A satisfactory opportunity. 4. About home but poorly. 5. Was our preparative meeting. I had a choice in sitting still but have been doubtful I was too much my own carver which tended to poverty in the first meeting. After meeting with Humphrey Owin I had an opportunity with a young man under dealing. After meeting I went with John Warrington to visit George Conrow by appointment of our Monthly Meeting. 6. John Collins, Rebekah Roberts and her daughter R.C. and I visited Charles French's family on account of the custom of the youth's company keeping � which was a favored lively time. Then we went to Joseph Roberts. Had a sitting with his family which was very low at first but ended pretty well. From thence to William Matlack's which was a hard tugging time. An opposing spirit to be felt, however we tried to do as well as we could. 7. About home going to mill and sundry other little matters. 8. Was our Monthly Meeting. Hannah Reeve and Deborah Basit on their way homewards having been to the eastward ever since our Quarterly Meeting in the spring was there and Joshua Evans and William Bradaway, companion for the women Friends. The women Friends was very large in their public service, had a great deal to say. The meeting for business was a smart lively time. Joshua Evans and I went in amongst the women and it was a scraping time chiefly respecting the conduct of our youth in company keeping, outgoing in marriage, fornication, and the improper indulgence and allowance of wrong things and that of the use of the spirituous liquors, private dram drinking and retailing strong drink. Abundance of these things now uncommonly prevail. [Left marginal note: Hannah Reeve with the palsy reduced to a child's state. Now in 1806 Deborah Basit dead two years ago] 9. This afternoon Joshua Evans was here and we went to Cropwell to a meeting appointed for Hannah Reeve and Deborah Basit who had a great deal to say which I hope will be of service to many. 10. Was First Day. Mark Reeve* and his wife Deborah Basit and Thomas Vickers was at our meeting Hann Reeve did most of the preaching in the forenoon. Mark appointed a meeting in the afternoon. Hannah and Deborah went to Haddonfield Afternoon meeting. Thomas Vicker had a great deal to say. B[ut] P[oor] L[ow] T[ime] W[ith] M[e] I M: I N S [Left marginal note:* 27 Eleventh Month: we heard of the death of Mark Reeve] 11. Went to make a pump for Elijah Burdfil. 12. Finished 23 feet, 6 [inches]. Paid all. 13. I went the General meeting at Woodbury which was large and many ministering Friends was there. Daniel Offley and Nicholas Waln was chief speakers. I thought the meeting ended solid and pretty well. 14. I was at Newtown Meeting appointed for Hannah Reeve and Deborah Basit who had a great deal to say. 15 and 16. About home wet weather.
17th of the Eighth Month, 1788. Was First Day. I went to Cropwell Meeting. Robert Willis was there and I thought we had a smart lively good meeting. After meeting we went to Samuel Burrough's to dine. Joshua Lippincott, Enoch Evans and wife was there. We had a sitting which as far as I know was pretty well. Robert had a pretty deal to say. 18. About home. 19. Went to our meeting through a most uncommon hard rain. The waters so high it looked dangerous crossing the Brieds the water being over them. The meeting was very small and lowish. The rest of this week I was about home about some plows etc. Samme and Job made a pump for Japhet Garwood 16 feet long, paid for it all even. 24. Was First Day. We went to our meeting which was a favored time with me. After meeting my wife and Joseph Warrington and I went to Joseph Busby's. 25. We went to Burlington Quarterly Meeting at which was a large number of ministering Friends from different quarters. It was thought to be well conducted but I thought I seen a great room for improvement. Our monthly and quarterly meetings is too much taken up with preaching which lays waste or does not give time for the discipline and to dip into the state of society I had something to do amongst my Friends and came off well. We went to Aaron Wills to lodge. 26. Went to their youth's meeting at Burlington. W. Matthews and Daniel Offley was chief speakers. This meeting was to the reputation of the society. Came home this evening. 27. Went to make a pump for John Stokes doctor. Settled of 29 feet, 6 inches [Crossed through:] long and boxes. 28. My wife and I went to Evesham Meeting which was to me and I believe some others a low laborious time though she says it was a favored time with her. This afternoon Friends met according to adjournment to further consider the case of company keeping amongst our youth and what was for us to do in laboring for a reformation in that respect and Friends gave in satisfactory accounts of their care labors and visits therein, then adjourned. 29. I went to Jacob Hollinshead's to put a new bottom piece to his pump. 30. At J.H. finished. 31. Was First Day. Went to our meeting which to me was low at first and I thought I labored after a state of true resignation. My wife says the meeting ended well and I came off with a good degree of satisfaction, a favor. --September 1788-- 1 of the Ninth Month. I was finishing a plow for William Roberts etc. 2. Was our preparative meeting. Joshua Evans was there. A poor low time it was. Answering our queries is very dull work. I having a concern for some time to visit the retailers of strong drink mentioned it to my friend Joshua and he agreed to go with me. 3. We proceeded to an old Scotchman at Sam Evan's schoolhouse who sold rum to them men that murdered the widow Jenkins some time ago, but he was not at home. Then we went to Upper Evesham Preparative Meeting, which was a poor low time answering queries as I ever seen though in the first meeting of worship we came off middling well. Then went to John Riley's who has a still house and store for rum but he was not at home.
Then we went to Solomon Haines's who follows the stilling business. Had a close time of labor with him and his wife and next morning we had a solid time with the family with which they expressed satisfaction. [Later addition:] In 1798 his wife died a Second wife [unclear if refers to Haines or Edward]. 4. We proceed to Joseph Edwards [Later addition above: his wife died a few years after], a retailer of rum. Had a solid opportunity with him and his wife and they seemed to have ears to hear. Next to Richard Edwards is a retailer of spirituous liquors and had a seasonable time with him and his wife. Both of these expressed satisfaction with the visit. Then we went to Mount Holly Monthly Meeting which was a very poor low time. Nothing to be done seemingly to much purpose though some of our elders say maybe they will remember some of the hints and pick it up another day after meeting. We had an opportunity with William Sleeper and his wife respecting their selling rum. [Added later: He died in 1793 at Otego.] They appeared open to receive us and we left them with satisfaction. Then it so fell out that we had an unexpected opportunity with a young man, a retailer that lives at Juletown who came to Holly for a hogshead of rum and molasses. He likewise appeared open to hear advice and said he was obliged to us. Then we had a pretty good opportunity with some young women in George West's family. Then came to Joseph Engle's to lodge. 5. This morning we had a sweet opportunity in a sitting with their family. Then we went to visit Benjamin Borton a distiller of cider. We had a full opportunity to clear ourselves and they or he at least expressed satisfaction with the visit. Then we came to our Monthly Meeting which was a good solid meeting and pretty well conducted. 6. Was our Select Meeting which was but low forepart but ended better. I have been long pained on account of answering our queries and much confirmed in my mind at our superior meetings that a superficial form of answering queries hath been years past fallen into and although our Yearly Meeting hath of late closely pressed it on inferior meetings to send honest explicit answers but our elderly Friends seem as if they cannot bear to leave the old form and here I have been closely pinched. I had almost awhile like to have give out, but endeavored to ease my mind and it made a way and a down right close scrapeing battle we had and I came off with satisfaction. [John Hunt's Journal adds "May others be faithful." (252)] I remember some words of Samuel Neale from Ireland at our meeting. Said we have a little sister etc. What shall we do for her in the day that she shall be spoken for? If she be a wall we will build upon her a palace of silver, if she be a door we will enclose her with boards of cedar and spoke encouragingly to some and said if their bow abode in strength, their branch should grow over the walls of opposition, now to the king's gate, as Mordecai and Daniel sat at the king's gate. 7. Was First Day. Went to our meeting a very stormy day. A small meeting but a choice good one to me. A favored time. My wife and I went to a Negro meeting this afternoon which was but small but much favored. A lively time. 8. About home. 9. Went to our meeting [illegible] came and the tavern John Cox and wife about their selling drink to those whose families suffer to good satisfaction. [Left marginal note: To good satisfaction. The said they were obliged to us.]
Ninth Month the 10:11:12 and 13, 1788. I was about home. Made several plows. Samme and Job made pump for the widow Lad, 21 feet and one a few weeks ago for Jophet Garwood 16 feet long. 14. Was First Day which was low forepart but ended better I hope. 15. About getting home plow stuff. 16. Went to our meeting which was a strengthening time of favor to me. The rest of this week I was about home getting plow stuff, doing something at a bedstead and sundry things. 21. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. A large full crowded meeting of various persuasions and some Methodists. I think the meeting ended well or at least satisfactory to me. 22. About sowing. 23. Went to our meeting. A very poor time I had of it. Some little cross occurrences before meeting put me out of sorts, however, I thought I got pretty calm and settled in meeting but something was the matter somehow, either the conduct of a man passing by the door and then stopping at the window put me out or something else. So it was I thought I made out but poorly. Came home sick of myself and stripped of all my clothing. I was this afternoon with John Col. and John Roberts trying to settle a difference, to little purpose except clearing ourselves it was to be feared, at D. Benevill's. 24. About home sowing etc. 25. Was our Select Meeting at Haddonfield which I thought was but low the forepart. John Simpson was there and we had some searching work at last, I hope to profit. Job and Elizabeth Collins came home with me. 26. Was Quarterly Meeting. A large concourse of people but it was a poor time in my apprehension. Nothing near as well as Burlington Quarter a few weeks ago though John Simpson had good service and spoke well to divers matters in the last meeting. This evening I went to Joseph Burrows with John Simsons, Phillip Dennis and divers private Friends from Salem and Greenwich was there. It was low stripping time with me but we had a sitting in the evening and I thought of use to me and perhaps to the family. 27. Went to Select Meeting at town which was to me but a poor time. Rebecca Wright had lively service and it might be a good solid time to some. Samuel Emlen spoke very largely on the subject of the youth and liberties in their dress etc. Came home this evening. There is at this time an alarming prospect something like a threatening of scarcity of bread. The Hessian fly have come thick in great armies. John Simpson says many reaped none and he got not more than his seed of wheat. Last harvest I had conversation with Friends at this time from Pennsylvania and Maryland who gave account of their sick wheat. A kind of blast or rust struck their wheat this wet season and produced a small red grain and made the people sick and vomit that eat it. A Friend told me that he had tried the dog, the fowls and the hogs and they would not eat of it, that they would take it in their mouths and put it out again, that it lay in the hogs' trough several days and they would not eat it. Now how have our foolish nation for the sake of gain sent out the wheat to sea and had rum in exchange which make so many sick and vomit. O that we could read this! [John Hunt's Journal expands "Oh! that we could read the language of Divine Providence in these things!" (252)]
28th of the Ninth Month, 1788, Was First Day was at our meeting and came off bravely. I believe a good strengthening time to me. Went Philadelphia next morn. --October 1788-- 5th of the Tenth Month 1788. I was at our meeting which was to good satisfaction though I had a pinching trial this morning which I did not stand as well as I could wish. 6. About home. 7. Was our preparative meeting. A very stormy day. The meeting small. For a beginning from one we had this language: Be still oh ye Isles and let my people know their strength. O that we might know our minds brought into stillness by the influence of the Holy Spirit. And I thought it come as if she had some acquaintance with that Spirit. Come off pretty well the first meeting, but in the last it was a sorrowful shameful time. Our elderly Friends got uneasy about the new method of answering queries and a sad fretting time not fit to do anything. 8:9. About home. A sweet time, a time of love and Divine favor. 10. Was our Monthly Meeting. I met the Committee on Negro Cases at 9 hour. Friends seemed pretty well under the care of their business and expressed gladness that I was with them, though not of their committee at this time. Monthly Meeting came on. I thought the first sitting for worship we came off pretty well and J.C. thinks so too. The meeting for Business to me was not so lively as our last month. Some might far better and think otherwise. 11. I went to mend a pump for D. Benevil at Moorestown. 12. Was First Day at our meeting. John Hustton and Isaac Kersey from town was there, young preachers. Come off middling well I hope. This afternoon I went to see my beloved friend Joshua Evans, very ill of the bilious colic but seemed to be getting better. 13. This morning we had a sitting in his room with the family to profit I hope. Joshua expressed great satisfaction with my company and appeared to be much favored with a composed resigned mind at parting. I said I hoped he would be spared a while longer with us and that his affliction would tend to his further refinements. He answered and said he had not felt afraid to die and felt peace of mind which had supported and enable him to bear his great pains and expressed the value of that peace at such a time that it was more than all this world could afford and expressed the clear sight he had of the looking too much to doctors at such a time what a tendency it had to unsettle the mind. I came up to Haddonfield Monthly Meeting which was a shut up time with me but grew better at last. 14. Went to our weekday meeting. Isaac Zane was there. I thought the meeting was but lowish, however not the worst. After meeting a number of Friends stopped to consider of the case of company keeping. The matter and business seemed to go on but dull and heavily. 15:16:17. Making an apple mill at home. 18. I went to Joshua Hunt's to mend his pump. A very troublesome job.
19th of the Tenth Month 1788. Was First Day. Went to our meeting and through unspeakable favor I don't know but that we came off very well and that we had a good solid meeting. 20. A very stormy day. 21. William Coat's child was buried at our meeting. The meeting was but low. I thought I made out but poorly. 22. Husking corn etc. 23. I set off towards Shrewsbury. Was at Evesham Meeting which was very dull at first and grew worse and worse (through my backwardness) for a time but ended better. This afternoon William Rogers and Thomas Lippincott and I went on to my uncle John Harvey. 24. Set forward toward Shrewsbury. Fell in company with John Lloyd and divers others Pennsylvania Friends. We rode through Freehold, as it is called where there was the large farms and fields that ever I seen in my life by far. John Lloyd said he had seen those fields at this time of year covered with wheat and fat cattle, but now there is very little seed for harvest put in and but little Indian Corn. The Hessian fly amongst the wheat and the worms and lice amongst the Indian Corn seems to have laid this country desolate. Their farms in miserable fence and the timber very much destroyed and gone. Freehold being much inhabited by the Dutch, it was thought that their intention was to fence their farms with hedge and white thorn. Some of thorn I seen but a death amongst the hedge a few years ago cut off their prospect that way so that this with these armies of reptiles, flies, lice, frost and blasting spreads a melancholy prospect, for they have no wheat but what they get from York. We lodged at Edmund Williams. 25. We went to Select Meeting at Shrewsbury which I thought was but low, yet ended more lively. Things seem low in that spot, but from Hardwick and Rahway there is a valuable number of Friends be longing to that Quarter and I believe the strangers had service amongst them. This afternoon William Rogers and I were invited to sit with a number of Select Members, a committee on Schools. They seemed under a lively concern but have as yet got forward but little. We lodged at Joseph Wardel's. 26. Was First Day. The meeting at Shrewsbury was very large and heavy at first but Sarah Lunde and John Lloyd were favored. We went down to the shore and crossed Shrewsbury River to lodge with Robert Hartshorn, an elder and father in the church. We went this afternoon atop of a very high mountain where we had a prospect of the great ocean whose waters came to the foot of the vast high steep mountain. We stood on after we came down. This evening we had a sweet opportunity with the family. Sarah Lunde, a worthy minister and her husband being with us and was much favored. After we went to bed I remembered a dream I had a few weeks ago. I dreamed that I was got on an exceeding high mountain and looked down and it seemed awful to see a great lake or water. With several other things, nearly as I saw in the dream seemed to come to pass. 27. We went to the Quarterly Meeting which was lively and satisfactory to me. We lodged at Benjamin Curliss. Had a solid sitting in the evening. Jacob Lunde and his wife was there and she was much favored. 28. Went to the youth's meeting which was a solid good meeting. Thomas Scattergood and John Lloyd was much favored in the exercise of their gifts. We went to William Tiston's to lodge where we found a large number of Friends with whom we had a favored sweet sitting in the evening. Jacob and Sarah Lunde was there. We parted with great nearness and satisfaction. 29. Set homewards. Dined at Thomas Middleton who is blind. We had a pretty good sitting with them and came to David Ridgeway's to lodge. 30. Had a good opportunity in a sitting with them, then came home and found all well. 31. About corn etc. --November 1788-- 1st Eleventh Month. Do. Do.
2nd of the Eleventh [Month], 1788. Was First Day. We had a very full crowded meeting and a highly favored time it was with me than ever, in treating with those that are like the dispersed and scattered, an uncommon number of which was there. 3. About corn etc. 4 was preparative meeting which was much better than last month. Got along pretty well. 5. Went to the burial of Ruth Packer. Our Friends Aaron and Joseph and their wives and Robert Willis was there. We had a meeting which ended well. Went to the house to Joseph after burial and Robert had a good service amongst us and I thought it was a time of favor and satisfactory. 6. Plowing and sowing etc. 7. Went to Monthly Meeting. Joseph Pots and James Wood and John Wilson was there and a highly favored time it was. My wife thinks it was the most favored time she ever seen there, the most favored day she ever seen in her life and I think I never seen the men and women part to go on business with more solemnity. It was really a solemn time. Joseph had weighty service. He and I went in amongst the women and had close labor. 8. Was our Select Meeting. First part was dry and barren but it ended better yea quite a lively searching good favored meeting, the clerk minuted it so, however; the fruits of honest labor. [Left marginal note: At this Select Meeting our elders were free to say in our answers that we are favored with a lively edifying ministry, a fine thing if it does but hold.] 9. Was First Day. I think there is latterly an improvement in the still quiet solid manner of the sitting of our First Day meetings if it does but hold. 10. About home. Samme lies very ill of a fever but is favored with a resigned mind, and most easy not to apply to a doctor saying many run to the doctors because they know not where to stay their mind and fix their dependence. I had one evening some solid conference with him. He said if the fever continued it would soon fetch him down. I said there was not much in this world to tempt us to stay here he answered, O! no the greatest in the world would not tempt me (not that alone). My way, says he, has been much shut up of late. It seemed as if I could not see far before me. I have been concerned to get something in this world but I think I never craved much, yet maybe too much. It is a great thing to be resigned in everything. I said I hoped there was not much in his way if it should be so ordered that he should be taken from us. He mentioned some weaknesses that had attended him but said he felt nothing to lay heavy on his mind but said he was much resigned though said maybe I am insensible. He metioned the sick soldiers some years ago and said poor creatures, poor creatures we are and afterwards said he had endevoured to conduct right of latter time. 11. Went to our meeting, through a most violent rain and wind. The rest of this week I was about home making cider etc., corn etc. Samme got some better. 16. Was First Day. Went to our meeting which was pretty well I thought. 17. About home. 18. Went to our meeting. I. Zane was there and came home with us. 19. Hauling out dung etc etc. Samme grow much worse but much resigned.
20 of the Eleventh Month 1788. Isaac Zane, my wife and I and Rebekah Cowperthwait went out to visit divers families. Was at Isaac Lippincott�s which was an open favored time, then to Joseph Morgan�s which was a low hard time but ended some better. 21. I went to the doctor for Samme he being very ill of a fever. 22. I was hauling our manure on the grass ground. 23. Was First Day. I was at Cropwell Meeting with Isaac Zane, which after a time close labor I thought was a very favored meeting (to me at least). 24. I was out with Isaac Zane visiting several families, Joseph Stokes�s and John Smith. The first I thought was a favored good opportunity. 25. Went to our meeting which was to my relief and satisfaction. 26. About home. Samme continues very ill of a fever. 27. I was at Evesham meeting. A poor time I had of it and no wonder. Robert Walker�s advice was not taken (which was to go to master for breakfast before we go out to work) but quite the contrary. O the need there is of more watchfulness and fear least the enemy trip up our heels. 28. William Rogers and wife came to pay us a visit. 29. My wife and I went market we have had an uncommon long spell of wet dull weather but warm. 30. Was First Day went to our meeting which at first was low and I had like to over stayed the tide however it ended with a very satisfactory to me and I believe to my Friends. John Collins very pleasantly gave me his hand and said how clever it is when folks do well. --December 1788-- 1 of the Twelfth Month 1788. Our poor son lies very ill but I believe favored in mind and at divers time repeated passages of Scripture, the words of Job, The Lord gives and the Lord takes away and shall we receive good at the hand of the Lord and shall we not receive evil [Job 2:10]. If the righteous scarcely are saved where will the wicked and ungodly appear [1 Peter 4:18]. I answered that his affliction might be much heavier to bear if had had spent his time in riotous sinning and among harlots. He then mentioned that no unclean thing or unholy could enter the kingdom and mentioned some little weaknesses that had hung about him and told me about midnight when all were asleep but he and I that there was some little things that he had put off complying with which he thought he must if he got well. I asked what they were. He said he had been uneasy with his buckles and thought he must put them by if he got well and said he hoped if he should be raised again that he should be made an instrument in the hand of the Lord for good. I told him he had been a great comfort and help to us hitherto and I mentioned how sensible I was that he and his mother had been favored whilst I was gone to Shrewsbury. He said yes it was a very favored time.* I mentioned something of my weakness but yet was favored at last. He said, O yes it is evident, very evident. [Left marginal note sideways: I thought it was like it was in the Mosaical law they that stay by the stuff were divided the spoil, as well as them that went to battle.]
2nd of the 12th. Went to our preparative meeting which was a poor time. [Right marginal note: Samme said he had not the least doubt but his afflictions were for his good.] 3. About home. 4. I was at a stand about leaving Samme to visit the school but he took me by the hand and said, dear father, I don't want to keep thee at home. Go, said he, maybe thee will be of some weight there and weightiness and solidity is wanting. I used to think so when I went to school. So I then went and I thought we had good solid time with the children. Rebekah Cowperthwaite was there and I thought I never seen her more favored, solid, savory and weighty and T. Redman. 5. Was Monthly Meeting. The Quarter's committee, D. Cooper, M. Miller, and T. Redman on the case recommended from the General meeting respecting extending a labor to discourage distilling, retailing and using spirituous liquors. In the first sitting I gave way to reasoning and discouragement till the meeting parted I believe to my own and the meetings hurt loss and poverty. The business above mentioned was lively and smartly handled. A large committee was appointed to join the quarter's committee. They met next day and I understand they had a lively favored strengthening conference. 6. About home. Our poor son lies very ill and seems in danger if he recovers of losing one eye. 7. Was First Day. We had a meeting with the Black people at our schoolhouse. Joshua Evans, B. Swet and his wife, E. Collins and R. Roberts was there. The poor Negroes were long a gathering which was a hurt and one thing more seemed against us which I, and I found others, thought for a time was like to have hurt the meeting and yet for all we were favored with a good profitable solid meeting on the whole and in the conclusion. 8. About home. Samme being sick we have many coming and going so that there seem little to be done to turn to any account. Money is very scarce, the like I think I never knew. There seems no way of coming at any to help ourselves with and other thing so trying that I don't bear them with that patience I ought to do. O that I could once be healed of that old disorder impatience with the care and cumber of the world. 9. Went to our meeting. A very stormy day and to me a poor time. 10. About home getting firewood etc. 11. Killing hogs etc. 12. Cutting up pork and salting it up etc. 13. About home at sundry little matters. 14. Went to our meeting. Did my work to the halves and had but poor pay. [Left marginal note: First Day] 15. I went to settle some business with Joshua Borton and several others. 16. At our meeting. E. Atkinson was there. All shut up. A very poor time indeed. 17:18:19:20. About home. Our poor son lies yet very ill. The weather very cold. Very little of business to be done. A very trying time with me. The heavens seem as brass and the earth as iron. My props seem to be taken from under me. [Left marginal note: *Robert Willis and Aaron Wills came to see us. Had a sitting to profit and satisfaction.] 21. Was First Day. Was at our meeting. A poor time. I don't know but I hurt myself and the meeting by giving way to reasoning too long though I have been spoke to on that account by several of late. 22. About home Solomon Gaskill and Samuel Atkinson came to see us. 23. At our meeting. S. Gaskill was there a very poor time. 24:25:26:27. About home. Very cold weather indeed. Could do very little but get firewood and fodder. 28. First Day. Went to our meeting. A very stormy day the meeting but small and things low and poor though I think better at last. I felt some better.
29th Twelfth Month. About home. Samme lies very low and weak. 30. Went to our meeting. Something lively attended the meeting. 31. About home. Samme remarked how he was tried and afflicted and said maybe he was not enough humbled yet. January 1789 1 of the First Month 1789. I went to Evesham Meeting which was pretty well. Elizabeth Collins was there and I thought it ended well. After meeting, friends had a conference concerning the business of company keeping to some advantaging so far as I know. The rest of this week about home. Joshua Evans was here to see us. I was on the shoals and beset with divers griping, grinding trials. 4. Was First Day. I was very unwell with a cold. Stayed at home. 5. About home. 6. Went to our preparative meeting which was strengthening to me and healing. 7 and 8. About home. 9. Was our Monthly Meeting. John Simpson, John Parrish, Daniel Offley and Solomon Gaskill was there. The first sitting was silent though solid and the last for business was pretty well. Simpson and Offley went in amongst the women and had lively service. Simpson labor was chiefly on that of company keeping amongst the youth very close in both men and women meetings. I had a share in the labor and some satisfaction though did not fully clear myself in divers matters. I thought I came away in debt to some and should never have the like opportunity Simpson spoke in that of drunkenness and state policy etc. 10. About home hauling wood etc. 11. We went to Cropwell Meeting. John Simpson was there and had a great deal to say. After meeting my wife and I dined at Theod Lippincott's. Had a sitting in which John Simpson had very extensive service. The 12 about home. 13. At our meeting. Hannah Langdale, a young woman from town, spoke. I think it was a low time, though we owned her about home the rest of the week. 18. Was First Day. Went to our meeting and I think came off pretty well considering all things. 19. About home. Joshua Evans was here, but oh how shall I relate it? It was a time of sore grievous trial to me. When shall I be healed (wretched man that I am)? J.E. had a sitting with the family, but it was a low time with me. [Left marginal note: at the burial of Joseph Morrel] 20. Went to our meeting. Joshua Evans was there and J.C. thinks he got a long very well. Scraping work I think. The rest of the week I was about home, a time of trial and trouble. I was ready to apply that passage to myself, when tribulation or persecution arises etc. My weakness is prevail over me. Samme lies very helpless yet and low though mending.
25th of the First Month 1789. Went to our meeting but no satisfaction though the silent part of the meeting not the worst. I must endeavour to wash my hands in innocence, that I may compass that that will produce peace and satisfaction � for how can I live so. Poor low times with us at meeting. A want of more patience in trials about home. Chiefly very cold winter weather. --February 1789-- 1st of the Second Month 1789. At our meeting: Silent and poor, I think we lose ground. 2. About home. 3. At our preparative meeting. Had a conference respecting the day of holding weekday meeting. 4. About home forepart. Joshua Evans came here. We went to [Mount] Holly. I mended a pump for Samuel Carr fitted up the boxes and put the old pump into a new well. 5. We were at their monthly meeting at [Mount] Holly. Things are very low there, dry and formal. It was a time of good sleighing and several couples passing meeting. Abundance of young people was there and I thought we came off very well. Had a pretty lively time with them. Joshua and I went in amongst the women and think it was a favored time with me. I came home. Very cold after night. 6. Was our monthly meeting very large and full crowded. John Tatham, Solomon Gaskill was there and I think we had a smart lively time. Friends seemed to get a long and do business. Appointed a meeting of conference for parents and heads of families and appointed a committee to visit the Black people and a testimony was raised against divers wrong things, particularly that of driving about and going pleasuring a sleighing and sundry other things. I think a favored time. 7. Getting firewood etc. 8. Was First Day. Was at our meeting and I think it was a favored time with me. 9. Went to Samuel Shutes to make a pump 13 [feet] long 7 [shillings] 6 Boxes he paid 8 [shilings] 4. 10. We came to our meeting, which was to my satisfaction. This evening Joseph and went to make a pump for Joseph Evans 15 [feet] 6 [inches] long Boxes 7 [shillings] 6. He paid 15 shillings. 11. We finished and we came home. [Presumably added later:] All paid off. 12. I went to Evesham to the marriage of William Vinicomb and Theo: Lippincott. I came off middling well, I believe having had a kind invitation. I went home with them. There was a pretty many people and especially of youth and they seemed light and airy. After dinner a sitting was proposed which for a time seemed not like to be complied with, but Joshua Lippincott and seated ourselves with several other Friends and at length they gathered a room crowded full and many very raw and light made the undertaking the more weighty to me but it was a highly favored time and we left them much quieted and stilled I thought. 13. I was cleaning some rye and took it to mill about 15 bushels. Then Joseph and I went to Joseph Champion's to make a pump 17 feet 8 inches long, all settled. 14. We finished and came home. Very cold weather. 15. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. Things seemed but low. Indolence I fear too much prevails, though I came off pretty well as far as I know, though did not get a long with that life as at some times.
16th Second Month, 1789. About home. 17. Went to our meeting. To me it was a low time. I believe some fared better. The rest of this week I about home getting plow stuff. Very winter like weather. I did mend Joshua: Lippincott's pump and haul a load of rails from John Wilkin's. A great snow fell last of the week. 22. Was First Day. Went to our meeting which was to me a very favored strengthening time. 23. My wife and I went to the meeting of conference appointed for parents and heads of families which was a favored lively time. I do believe that light did arise and some of us did see clearer than ever where we were with respect to that of training up children and the custom of company keeping after the families are gone to bed. I do believe it was a strengthening time to many and the testimony raised into dominion. John Tatham and Job Whiteal was with us. 24. The rest of this week I was about home. Very cold weather. A great snow on the ground. Getting wood etc. A poor time with me, trials and weaknesses prevail. --March 1789-- 1 Day, Third [month]. Was First Day. I went to our meeting and to me low and silent. 2. About dressing out plow stuff etc. 3. Was our preparative meeting. A very poor time indeed. Had a conference on that of the Day of the week to fix our weekday meeting. A jumbling time. 4 and 5. About home. 6. Was monthly meeting which was but low and poor to what some have been of late but not much cause of complaint, except one thing, a little matter, made a sad jumble. I went to Joshua Lippincott's to lodge. 7. Was Select Meeting. Job and E. Collins was there. I thought it was but a poor time at first but growed better after some. 8. First Day. I went to Cropwell Meeting which was very small, the Measles being at almost every family in the neighborhood. It seemed so low and poor to me at first that I questioned whether I was right in coming, but it was on the whole very strengthening and satisfactory. A highly favored time to me. 9. We went to Haddonfield Monthly Meeting. I thought I came off middling well. I went in amongst the women, not to any disadvantage I hope. Things seemed low dry and formal amongst them and no wonder, everything considered. 10. Was our week day meeting. I wanted to stay away having been this five days running but it so fell out that we went and I was favored as soon as we sat off with a broken heart and my contrite spirit and in it ardent petitions for the preservation of my children. After meeting we went to see Phebe Burr who seemed near her end. 11. Dressing out plow stuff. 12. Triming orchard and making fence. 13. Heard of the death of Phebe Burr and Ann Tomlinson. 14. Went to the burial of Phebe Burr. Had a meeting not satisfactory to me. Consider why and improve thereby. 15. First Day. A poor low time to me. 16. At work at plows.
17 of the Third Month 1789. At our weekday meeting. Isaac Gloveyer and Phebe Duel was married. Robert Willis was there but it was but a poor time I thought. It ended better. 18. About plows etc. 19. I went to Select Meeting at Haddonfield. I thought it but a poor time. 20. Was our Quarterly Meeting. Job Scott from New England was there and had excellent service in both meetings. A good profitable meeting. 21. I with J. Collins, Joshua Lippincott and E. Evans went to Select Meeting at Philadelphia which was a good solid meeting. I stayed in town till Second Day night meeting ended about 8 at night and then came up with J. Lippincott, E. Evans and got home about 12 at night. 24. Went to our meeting which was to my satisfaction. The rest of this week I was at work at plows and making fence etc. Mended Samuel Allinson's pump. 29. Was First Day. I went to a meeting at Long-a-Coming appointed by Solomon Gaskill which was a hard laborious time at first but ended pretty solid and well and one of our elders thought it might be a comfortable time to some though I thought it might been much better. [Right marginal note: Had a sitting in A. Inskeep's family to some satisfaction.] 30. About plow making. 31. Went to our meeting. A poor time with me. --April 1789-- 1 Fourth Month. About some plows. 2. My wife and I went to Evesham Meeting which I thought but poor but I found after it was a profitable strengthening time to us. Committee on Negro Cases met to advantage I hope and believe. 3 and 4. About a pump for John Allinson, 46 feet long. 5. First Day. Went to our meeting. Solomon Gaskill was there and had a great deal to say. The meeting middling well. 6. I about plow work. [Right marginal note: Had a sitting J. Mich Linch's family with S. Gaskill and went to see J. French] 7. Was our preparative meeting. The Quarter's Committee on the Case of Spirituous Liquors was there. The testimony did not rise as I could wish though I believe it gained ground at that time. 8. We went to the burial of Samuel Haines, a young man suddenly snatched away in the bloom of life. We had a meeting and a pretty solid good time I believe it was to some. 9. We finished J. Allinson's pump 46 feet long finished. Was there and, had good service and lively solid good meeting. 11. I went to the burial of Jamime French a poor shutup time. I made plow for T. Ballinger. 12. First Day. Went to our meeting, a satisfactory strengthening time to me. Art thou in health my brother etc. 13. About home.
14th of the Fourth Month 1789. I was at our weekday meeting and a very poor time it was. 15 and 16. About home. 17 and 18. Made a top piece for a pump 12 [feet] 6 [inches] long for J. Parker at River shore. 19. At our meeting on First Day. A pretty lively time to me. A solid meeting. [Right marginal note: First Day] 21. About a plow for Joseph Coles, paid for. 22. Rebekah Wright was at our meeting. Notice thereof being given on First Day, a many got there. A most distressing trying dull heavy time I thought it was and I found R. Wright thought so too, for after a long time she got up and told us that it seemed to her we had been sitting together in a way that seemed very discouraging. However she went on and had a pretty lively time and so the meeting ended better on the whole, but it was a poor time to me. 23:24 and 25. Hauling out dung and 26 Made a plow for John Stokes, paid. 27. Was First Day. I went to a meeting at Micajah Willits' up in the Barrens which was but small and middling. After meeting we had a pretty clever opportunity in the family. A tendering time it was to some and Enoch Evans and I had another pretty close time on the way home in Jonathan Crispin's family. I lodged at Enoch Evans. 28. Got to plow. 29. Went to our meeting, a poor time. 30. Plowing. 31. We went to Haddonfield meeting to the marriage of John Thorn and Mary Dubre, she being brought up with us was somewhat like an adopted daughter. The meeting was somewhat favored and solid. The people after dinner was sober and orderly as is common to say but a right spirit not prevalent, according to my mind. The worldly conversation too much prevailed, so the way did not open for a solid sitting and we did not experience our water turned into wine as they of Cana of Galile. --May 1789-- 1 of the Fifth Month. Plowing. Our cousin John Biseel was here. 2. Plowing and we went in the evening with our cousin Bissell to Joseph Warrington's. 3. Was First Day. We went to a meeting with Solomon Gaskill and other Friends at Moses Hamil's near the river shore and a highly favored time we had amongst the Methodists who behaved respectful and well and we parted with them with sweetness and great satisfaction. Having had an open time this afternoon we visited several Negro families which were favored times and to good satisfaction. An highly favored day.
4th of the Fifth Month, 1789. About home getting ready to plant. 5. Was our preparative meeting. S. Gaskill was there. The meeting for worship was middling but that for business was a grevious poor time. 6. About home. 7. I went to help put up the shed at the meeting house. 8. Was monthly meeting. The first sitting and forepart of the meeting for business was pretty well, but it grew lower and poorer, but towards the last it revived a little. 9. Was select meeting and a distressing poor time it was for the most part, though we had some pretty close scraping and scratching about answering queries. 10. Went to our meeting. Came off bravely. A strengthening time. 11. About home. 12. Went to our meeting which was but low though instructing to me. The rest of this week about planting. 17. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. Came off middling pretty well only I hurt myself hurrying too much. 18. About planting. 19. At our meeting. A sorrowful, dull poor time as I ever saw. Sixth Month 19 and 20. About home. 21 Fifty [Day] of the week. I set off toward Fairfax Quarterly Meeting, pursuant to an appointment of our last Yearly Meeting, respecting a division and arrangement of meetings to be laid off to Baltimore Yearly Meeting, to which service James Pemberton, Abraham Gibbons, Jacob Lindley, William Savery, Benjamin Reeve, John Hunt, Benjamin Mason, Samuel Smith, William Hartshorn, Joseph West and William Richardson are appointed to attend the Quarterly Meetings of Fairfax and Pipe Creek. 22. Proceeded on. Dined at Joshua Baldins. Had a little opportunity at parting. Went as far as Isaac Cots's. 23. After a little opportunity in the family, William Savery, William Hartshorn, Elish Kirk and myself went on to Yorktown and lodged at E. Kirk's. [Left marginal note: Crossed the Susquehanna River] 24. Was a First Day. We went to their meeting which to me was a poor time. Perhaps my giving way to diffidence was a hurt to the whole meeting. William Savery preach but all did not seem to do. In the afternoon, having had a little hammering, I took courage and we had a good open favored time. I had good satisfaction. Here are several choice Friends: Elisha Kirk, Peter Yarnall and William Mathews, a father in Israel. 25. William Savery, William Hartshorn and I rode on through a very wet day through divers flourishing towns. At Hanover or Mecolister we seen what they called an American lion. It was about the size of a calf of four weeks old. Its shapes much like a cat and color like a deer. Its tail three feet long. Said to be 18 months [old]. [Left marginal note: I had a very satisfactory time with some young women at P. Yarnals just after meeting, sisters of Ruth Kirk.]
We got to Allen Farquhar's at Pipe Creek to lodge. 26. We traveled from Allen Farguhar's to Joseph Janney's at Fairfax. 27. Quarterly Meeting began which on the whole was a much favored time. I thought I came off bravely. J.L. Took M B the H. 29. Was youth's meeting. William Savery, Jacob Lindley and Abraham Gibbons were much favored in the exercise of their gifts. A door of utterance was opened and it was, I doubt not, a favored time with many and I believe generally speaking solid good meeting, but to me it was a time trial and close striping and poverty. This afternoon my brother Robert Hunt and I came over Potomac River towards Pipe Creek. Lodged at Richard Richardson's, near old Manoquancy meeting house where my cousin William Hunt was born. Here I wanted to have a meeting, but through diffidence and fear came away not easy. I sadly missed it. So no trade wind today, except at one Whitcraft's where we dined a little opportunity. So on to old Allen Farquar's to lodge. 30. I went select meeting at Pipe Creek. Here were harpers: see Revelations 5:8 and 14:2 and diverse played to good purpose. 31. I went to a meeting, with William Savery, A. Gibbons and Isaac Everett, appointed at Fredericktown a few miles this side [of] Munockacy. The meeting was held in a Baptist meeting house not finished. I thought it was but a poor time though a pretty deal said. This afternoon we had a meeting at Woodsburough to very good satisfaction. A solid favored time. I got some acquaintance with Isaac Everett a great minister and father in our Israel. His company and conversation was very edifying and comforting. We rode 42 miles and had two meetings. I lodged at Moses Forquhair's. --June 1789-- 1st of the Sixth Month. Was Quarterly Meeting at Pipe Creek which was but middling. It seemed hard laboring though ended pretty well. I lodged at Moses Forquehar's. 2. This morning I had a good time in Joseph Wright's family and a number of strangers there. This day was youth's meeting at Pipe Creek which was a hard poor time, though we had a pretty deal of preaching, the laborers complain. I with B. Mason, A. G. and several women Friends came on our way about six miles towards Baltimore. I lodged at Nathan Hain's. 3 of the Sixth Month. This morning at parting I had a good favored time in the family, then came 12 miles to an appointed meeting at little Winchester at which I fared but poorly for want of something, but William Mathews being old and hardy labored through all. We dined at one G. Guess's, a Negro master and had a close time with him respecting his Negroes. Maybe he may remember it another day, though he seemed then very hardened. We had also on his a close conference concerning a hireling minister then rode twelve miles to Roysters town lodged at a tavern. 4th. We had a meeting in this town in a Methodist or Presbyterian meeting house where the people are much unacquainted with Friends. To me it was a trying undertaking, but we were favored to come off pretty well and with satisfaction. After meeting we rode eighteen miles to Baltimore. I took up my lodging at John Brown's and found most excellent entertainment. 5. We had little to do, except the town to view, and visit our Friends which we did to great satisfaction. 6. Was Select Meeting, which for a time was to me hard and laborious, but life arose and it was a pretty lively time. On the whole, I thought edifying. This afternoon I attend their Meeting for Sufferings. Friends seemed under a good degree of care for the poor Black whose situation at this time is deplorable in some parts of Maryland and Virginia. Friends were stirred up to diligence and faithfulness. 7. Was First Day. Jacob Lindley was largely opened in his gift but I thought it a hard labor our time at meeting this afternoon, which was to me a poor time though William Matthews and several were largely opened. I hope it will be gathered another day.
9 of the Sixth Month 1789. I went to a meeting held in the courthouse which was an open time as to the ministry. William Savery and Peter Yarnall were largely opened but poor times with me this afternoon. The Yearly Meeting for business began. I got a little better a long. Select Meeting met again. I thought I seen something to do, but waiting for a confirmation another and another etc. etc. took up the time and some met again minutes being read and committees appointed to inspect accounts etc. Adjourned till 10 next day and accordingly met. All went on very well. Next select meeting met. I thought a pretty lively time. The consideration of the state of society was entered upon and many lively sentences communicated. Next Yearly Meeting met at 10 at which setting our business respecting the arrangement of the meetings was concluded with great unanimity. Met again at 4th hour. Minutes of the Meeting for Sufferings was read. The subject respecting the poor Blacks was taken up and a very lively conference held and an address to the Assembly agreed to be draw up and signed at large. Much unanimity and zeal appeared in this matter. 11 of the week the state of society was taken up and a highly favored lively time it was. The testimony was raised into dominion in divers respects in the afternoon likewise are had a very good favored time on the subject of spirituous liquors in which much unity and zeal appeared. 11. I had a sitting this morning in the tent house. 80 they say or there abouts in family. [John Hunt's Journal expands "I had a religious opportunity with the large family in the tent-house, about eighty in number, -who were mostly such Friends as had come to attend the Yearly Meeting, and board themselves." (256)] Came off very well satisfied. Mary Berry, one of their family from the Eastern Shore, had good service. A lively minister. How wonderful it is that the Lord raises up some in almost every place. Met at 10th hour on business. A distressing poor time. Yesterday we could run through a troop and leap over the walls of opposition and today stumble at a trifling matter [2 Samuel 22:30, Psalms 18:29]. Did nothing this sitting to purpose. Met again at 4. Got a long pretty well. 12. Had three sittings this day with the Select Meeting, then the meeting concluded. On the whole I think it was a favored time in which the testimony of truth gained ground in divers respects. Its cause of humble thankfulness that I went out with full unity of my Friends and I hope parted with my friends and fellow laborers so at Baltimore, though it was a very tendering humbling thing to leave home on such business. 13th of the Sixth Month 1789. I with William Hartshorn and Joseph Ast. set off from Baltimore and rode 69 miles toward Wilmington. Lodged at Caleb Byrns, a kind Friend and had a little opportunity in the family at parting. 14. Was First Day I was at Chester meeting in Delaware where things are at a low ebb with Friends. I came off middling considering all. I got home to my family and found all well about 10 or 11 at night. [Left marginal note: Miles: 44 from Caleb Byrns. 113 miles in two days.] 15. I was unwell. 16. I was at our meeting at which a marriage was accomplished. I thought it was a pretty solid lively time. 17. I went to the burial of Michael Linch. I had a favored time at the gave, to good satisfaction and peace of mind. This afternoon John Collins, John Roberts and I went to see a retailer of rum newly sat up near us. There appeared room to hope the visit would be of use to them, and tend to the peace and clearing of our own mind what I said. The rest of this week home about tending our corn and about a cheese press for William Coat. 21. At our meeting First Day. I came off middling well, passable. 22. About home. 23. At our meeting a most distressing dull drowsy time indeed. The rest of this week about home. 28. Was First Day. Came off middling* well but a great room for improvement. 29. About a pump for G. Githirs, 15 long. [Left marginal note: J.C. said my spirit was with them.] 30. Went to our meeting which proved in the end very satisfactory to me. --July 1789-- 1 of the Seventh Month. With John Hinchman who this morning departed.
2 of the Seventh Month 1789. We went to the burial of John Hinchman, buried at Haddonfield. Benjamin Swet had a pretty deal to say but to me it was a poor shut up time. We were out of season getting to meeting, which was a hurt to the opportunity, I thought. 3. This day as we were at work at hay in the meadow there arose a whitish cloud out of the south and as it gathered and rose up it began to thunder. When it came nearly right over us, it thundered very hard. There seemed to be two claps that struck, however one struck a walnut tree at G. Githin's and struck the shop that stood very near the tree, set the shop on fire. They soon put it out and it did but little damage. It stunned and very much surprised several in and near the house. There was no rain in the cloud and I think it must have went three-quarters of a mile from the cloud to the shop. A few weeks ago when I was in Virginia I seen a letter from William Dikson at Redstone giving an account of his son about 19 being killed with the thunder the 15th of the Fifth Month last as he sat at dinner with others of the family. His mother and sister were gone to meeting. He was not perceived to breath after he was struck down. A dog under the table yelped out and went out of the house and laid down and died immediately. Elizabeth Atkinson informed me that up at the Black Horse or near there three boys went to a well to drink. Drawed some water and one handed the cup to the other, and then thunder struck the well pole and killed one of the boys in the spot. At Baltimore a vessel was struck and I am informed. The news gives account of several cattle being killed all this spring or summer. 4. About hay. This night was a time of terrible heavy thunder after a very hot dry spell of weather. 5. Was First Day. At our meeting. I think I had a favored good opportunity. This afternoon Enoch Evans, Samuel Allinson, John Collins and I went to visit R.S. on account of retailing spirituous liquors and had a pretty lively time as to clearing ourselves. But O how doth a bribe blind the eyes, how dark a body is the earth and how are many eclipsed! Then we went to see Joseph Lee, not a professor with us, on account of his keeping a Negro a slave. I have a hope a use will arise from the visit though they seemed then deaf to entreaty and impatient with council. But the Negro got free soon after. 6. About hay. 7. Was our preparative meeting and a most miserable poor time it was. I could wished myself away before it was over. Search for the cause and labor to have it removed that the effect may cease. 8 and 9. About hay. 9. Went to our monthly meeting. Joshua Evans and Solomon Gaskill was there. The meeting I thought not so much favored as some, but I thought I came off bravely. A strengthening time of favor. [At this meeting, �John Hunt returned� the Copy of a Minute granted him in the 5th Month last, with an account of the satisfaction he witnessed in the course of his journey� (Minutes of Evesham Monthly meeting, 7mo 1781).] 10. About reaping and hay etc. A sad affair happened. The gates of confusion opened and I went in too far.
12th of the Seventh Month 1789. Was First Day. I went to Cropwell and after a time of poverty, the meeting being small, I think I had a favored time. However my friends owned me as fare as I could discover. Went to I. Lippincott to dine afternoon. We had a Negro meeting which was but a poor low time and few laborers; however after a hard tug I thought it ended a little better. 13. About our hay and harvest. 14. Went to our meeting which was a distressed poor dull time I believe. The rest of this week we were getting in our hay and harvest and were favored to get a long through with it very cleverly and had a good crop of grass and grain which is cause of thankfulness and a great favor. See Genesis chapter 11 15 verse, ay from verse 13 to the end. 19. Was First Day. I went with Joseph Warrington over to Byberry meeting. Came off middling I believe. 20. About home. 21. At our meeting. Heavy work. Something is the matter. I labored hard but no satisfaction. The rest of this week about home at corn. 26. Was First Day. Joseph Clerk and William Ashby from Philadelphia was here and went etc. with us to meeting. Jesse Kersey was there also and we had a favored solid lively meeting I thought and I find J.C. says so too, but I missed and hurt myself for want of more deliberation though came off pretty well. 27. About tending corn etc. 28. At our meeting. My wife says it was the best weekday meeting she had seen there this some years, but I can't say so, though I don't know that I had much cause to complain. She thinks I was favored. 29. About corn and went to look timber for S.R. [Samuel Rudrow] pump. 30 and 31. About a pump for Samuel Rudrow, 23 [feet] 6 [inches] long. --August 1789-- 2 of the Eighth Month. Was First Day. I had a rousing time but refining from the Lees. See Jeremiah 48:11 and Zephaniah 1:12. 3. Went after timber for John Thorn's pump. A very wet day. 4. Went to our preparative meeting. Silent and low, poor. 5 and 6. At work at Thorn's pump at home here. 7. Went to our monthly meeting. A young man from Philadelphia, John Hutton made a notable prayer. The first sitting pretty well but as to the business dullness and heaviness prevailed with many. I fear we grow more dry and formal people work and weary themselves in the heat at harvest and hay till they are in no capacity for a religious services but are like creatures just come out of the water half drowned stupid dull and heavy drowsy. 8. At work at plows for John Barton and S. Roberts's and in the afternoon we put in J. Thorn's pump 35 feet long.
9th of the Eighth Month, 1789. My wife and son Joseph and I went to Ancocas meeting. Robert Willis was there. Things seemed very low. Robert labored and tugged hard and seemed to raise the life a little at last. I came off middling, I believe, for low hard times. We went to brother Aaron's to dine. Spent the afternoon in pleasant conversation in the company of our Friends, Robert Willis being there, but on review I thought I seen where we might have spent it much better and to more satisfaction if we had called the young people and family together and as William Penn says let every visit be a meeting and every family a church and every head of a family a minister etc. We went to Joseph Buzby's to lodge. 10. We got home about noon and I finished S. Roberts plow. 11. Went to our meeting, a low poor time till last. I got up and got a long beyond expectation and to some satisfaction. 12. Samme and I went to make a top piece for Enoch Evan's pump twelve feet and a half long. 13. I went to Evesham meeting, a hard dull time. I labored, but to little purpose I fear, though I know no what others thought. Sort of rough work but no pay. Finished the pump, paid. 13 and 14. About some hay, sowing turnips etc. Joseph Clark was here. Most uncommon hot weather I think as I ever seen. 14:15. About some hay. 16. Was First Day at our meeting. John Huttoon was there and I thought we had a pretty good solid meeting. J. H. came home with me. This evening was a hard thunder shower. Lawrence Welester's barn was burnt with lightning and one horse killed in the stable. 17. I went up to Samuel Carr's to make a pump. It was very wet weather. The pump was 26 feet 6 inches long. Finished the pump. [Left marginal note: All settled and paid off] 20th. I was at Holly weekday meeting and a very dull poor dwarfish place it seemed to be. I thought I was given up to suffer with the seed, but At last I had something to do I hope to no disadvantage at least. 21 [or 20]. I came down to Evesham meeting. Solomon Gaskill was with me and we had a smart time of labor I thought. 21. I made a plow for Nathan Haines. 22. Cutting briars. 23. Was First Day. Enoch Evans went with me to Vincent Town meeting, which was very small dull poor and dwarfish I had very hard labor and but little satisfaction though I hope did not hurt. They are just on the point to conclude to let their meeting fall and give out. We came to Lawrence Webster's to dine. Had a sitting with the family with which Enoch Evans expressed good satisfaction and said he did not begrudge going and Lawrence said he was glad of our company. E. Evans said the hints were very pertinent and they may be [illegible] but to me it was a day of hard sort of labor. I wanted more of the life and love of truth. 24. Cutting briars etc. 25. At our meeting. A hard laborious time to me, though I find my wife thinks I did very well. A degree of life attended. 25. I went after a pine log for a pump. 26. Went make a top piece for Samuel Stokes: his pump 13 long. 27. Finished. 28. Dressing out plow stuff.
30th of the Eighth Month, 1789. Was First Day. I went to our meeting. We came off middling well I believe. Jnde Fatham was there. I went to Joseph Warrington's. 31. Joseph and Beke and I went to Burlington Quarterly Meeting. The first sitting, there was but little said, but I thought there was something of a solemnity over the meeting and there was a time in answering queries in which there was life attended and divers lively sentences were dropped tending to raise the testimony in several thing considerably. To my satisfaction it appeared that a lively concern was spreading with respect to the advice of the Yearly Meeting tending to discourage the use of spirituous liquors. I had good satisfaction amongst them. We went to brother Aaron's to lodge. --September 1789-- 1st of the Ninth Month. We came to the youth's meeting which for a time was a very hard laborious time, but at last truth arose into dominion seemingly through the labors of Samuel Emlen and Thomas Scattergood, the last being raised in great eminence in the exercise of this gift and a highly favored time it was in the end. In his testimony, he spoke much to and closely warned and cautioned the youth and mentioned a very alarming instance of four young people being buried in one grave to which he said he was lately an eye witness and said they had just before been solemnly warned at such a meeting as this. The case, as I was afterwards informed, was this: A company of young people after the Quarterly Meeting at Rahway went out in a party of pleasuring and for recreation went to the sea shore as it was said. Seven of them went at low water a long the shore to gather little sea shells. They at entering on the sand bar at low water had crossed a low place and, whilst they were diverting themselves a long the shore, the tide arose so high that it prevented their getting across the low place, the tide or the sea coming in very rapidly and no boat of relief could be had. At this surprising prospect, it is said, they screamed and cried out most grievously, the young women clinging fast to one young man that was with them and so seven of them were drowned and four of them taken up. A part of the clothes said to be found of the others and supposed the bodies of them were eaten by sharks. [Left marginal note: It is said one young man swam ashore and was saved.] This seemed to revive in memory several instances of some at different times being drowned going to the beach at Egg Harbor. Last Seventh Day Silas Applegate of Ancocas went to market and was taken very suddenly with a pain in his head and Ears and died on First Day night. They say his ears turned black and purged. They took him up as far as Richard Fenimore's and there he died before they could get him home. 2:3:4. About home making a pump for Samuel Corr and other things about the place. 5. I went to take Isaac Carr's pump home, 21 feet long. 6. Was First Day at our meeting which I do think was a favored solid meeting. I had good satisfaction, a favor time since I came from Burlington. My wife and I went to see Joshua Bispham and wife who are far advanced in years and I hope in a good degree of [innocency?]. This evening Samuel Mattacks child was buried with the flux. I like to forgot being at the burial of Abraham Warinton's child last Fourth Day with the flux. I thought I had a favored lively time at the house.
This 6 of the Ninth Month 1789, we heard of the death of Richard Fenimore. This day week S. Applegate died at his house but it seems it had but little effect on him. This R. Fenimore was a man favored with a good estate and was twice married. Had valuable women to his wives and lived reputably a number of years, but giving way to drink to excess and in the time of the last war he went out lay out got cold and it fell in his eyes and he lost his eyesight and has been blind many years. His last wife died a few years ago. He continuing in drunkenness and very self wiled. At last, as was said, refused to go to bed. The people of the house quenched the fire out or nearly out however in the morning they found him on the fire across the hand irons, burnt to death. His side etc. next the fire burnt to a crisp. 7. About home. 8. Was our preparative meeting. John Cox was there and spoke well and seems very hopeful. There seemed something in the first sitting. But as to the business � answer queries � it was a painful time of poverty. David Cooper was there. 9 and 10. About a bedstead at home. 11. At monthly meeting. John Cox Jr. was there and David Cooper. I thought the meeting on the whole was middling. Some things very lively. 12. Was Select Meeting. John Cox was there. I thought it was a hard laborious scraping time to me and no satisfaction. 13. Was First Day. My wife and I went to Cropwell Meeting. I sent some notice I intended to be there and should be wiling to see the people generally together and oh how did Satan exert himself and his instruments to lay waste the opportunity. The forepart of the meeting was hard and dull and I had a close conflict but after a while got a little settled and a favored lively time to good satisfaction. I thought the meeting ended very well. We went to Joshua Lippincott's to dine and in the afternoon went to the Negroes' meeting. Robert Willis and Hannah Cathril was there and a lively favored time it was. Several Friends had good service. Hannah Cathril especially was savory and lively. We heard of the death of Joseph Wilsheir's wife who died very suddenly. Went to bed well as usual and awaked in the night, hastily desired her husband to rub her hand and said it felt numb. He according did and asked her if he rubbed it right and when she answered he found her speech failed and then he got up and got a light and found she was dying. He sent for some neighbors but she was dead before any came. 14. About home. 15. At our meeting. Robert Willis was there and had good service. I thought when he sat down there was a solemn covering over the meeting, but there was a stubborn self-willed fellow, Samuel Lawrence, that Friends at Mount Holly (for preaching) had disowned. He disturbs us and hurt the conclusion with it though two Friends desired him to sit down. The rest of this week about sowing rye.
Was First Day. Went to our meeting. Joshua Evans was there and I.C. thinks he never heard him a more lively and I came off bravely as far as I know. Went after a load of pine in Barrens. S. Stokes with me went to our meeting and at it again to the s[atisfaction] of some, I believe what ever others thought of it. Went to the burial of Sam Stokes' child, four years old. Maybe it was a poor shut up time, though the people were orderly. 24. I went to Select Meeting at Haddonfield. Rebekah Jones from Philadelphia was there and had weighty service and thought there was a sweetness in the silent part of the meeting. A pretty good solid meeting. 25. Was Quarterly Meeting at Haddonfield. It was very full crowded and more I believe than the house would hold. Rebekah Jones from Philadelphia was highly favored in the exercise of her gift in the ministry, raised indeed in great eminence and it had a reach upon many, though our young women were too light in their appearance, fluttering their fans whilst our dearly beloved friends D. Offley and R. Jones were laboring in so solemn and weighty a manner, concerning which I found it my business to go into the women's meeting to clear myself of the young women and came off with satisfaction. The meeting for business was pretty well conducted though there was not that openness for labor and the testimony raised as I could wish respecting some matters and as at some times. Our brother Aaron Wills was here and he with me went to Joseph Mickel's to lodge. E. Evans and some other Friends from Egg Harbor was there. 26. This morning we had a sitting in the family to general satisfaction as far as I could discover and I believe it was so. Then we went over to Philadelphia to the meeting of ministers and elders: which to me in the forepart but dull and trying. I had been unwell and could not sleep the night or too before, but John Lloyd had good service in the first sitting and William Savery, John Simpson, and James Simpson had lively service in the last on the subject of love and unity. A harmonious labor together for the honor of the truth. John said we could not buy peace too dear and concerning keeping our covenants and amongst our friends neighbor and in our families how great a thing it was to maintain the unity and the way to do it was to keep faithfully our covenants, for if we lost that badge of discipleship we lost all. I came home this evening. Brother Aaron was a few years ago been a captain in the wars, a carpenter by trade and a very drunken profligate man. A few weeks ago came home on Seventh Day night from his work very drunk and as usual very abusive to his wife and family next night was taken very ill. After lying a few days he begun to be much alarmed with death and appeared much surprised and very penitent. He sent for a Methodist, a Negro man whom he had derided, to pray for him, which he did. Near the last of the week he sent for one to make his will, but when the man came he said it was too late he could not do any thing at it. He appeared all a long to the very last very sensible after desiring his brother to take care of his business and his wife and children and his effects etc. He seemed always in prayer and desired them about him to pray for him especially the last day or two. A few hours before he went of he asked what o'clock it was. When he was told he said (naming the hour) at such an hour I shall go off and be with Christ and died exactly as he had said. [Left marginal note: See Sewel's History, page 605, 606 and 607 and Penn's Select Works, 400. See Sewel, 673 and 766
27th of the Ninth Month 1789. First Day. My wife and I went to Cropwell Meeting and although not so clear of some spots as I could wish, yet after a time of some suffering and hard labor it was a tip top highly favored time with me. We went to see sister E.H. at Elisha Hooton's. --October 1789-- 4 of the Tenth Month, 1789. Was First Day. We went to our meeting. Jonas Cattle, Benjamin Linton and I thought there was a covering of solemn silence in a good degree over the meeting towards the last, but for my part I got no satisfaction, perhaps for want of better guarding against right and left hand errors as we were cautioned last week. 5. About laying out flax etc. [Right marginal note: 5 we went to the burial of William Shute, where I did not quite please myself in timing the matter.] 6. Was our preparative meeting. A poor time guard strictly against one weakness perhaps I missed it on the opposite side. 7:8. About husking corn etc. 9. Was our monthly meeting. Samuel Lawrence came there as if it was on purpose to disturb the meeting, which he did and the first sitting was broke up over his head and so ended in confusion or too much so to what it should be. And then several couples being to pass meeting, our young people seem elevated and a spirit of lightness prevailed to which the weightier part was not a sufficient balance, for so upon the whole it was but a poor time to what it might, or what it should have been. One shot to my satisfaction. More humility, circumspection and reverent care I see is wanting. John Morton, one of our neighbors, was buried whilst I was at the Yearly Meeting. I had been several times to see him whilst he was sick, which was but a few weeks. When he was first taken amiss, his wife one First Day after meeting came to me and asked me to come and see her husband and said he seemed very poorly, but could hardly tell what ailed him, only said he seemed low in his mind. Next day I went to see him and found him very humble and weighty in his spirit. After some conversation he said, O John I am not sick like a dying man, but I believe the Lord has a mind to stop me. He seemed tender and weighty. I advised him to labor for a state of resignation and to endeavor to keep his mind stayed on the Lord. Ah, said he, it's an easy thing to talk of, but it's a hard thing for such a one as I to come to it. I am now going on towards sixty year old. I have been this forty years now in the wide world in all manner of wickedness, drunkenness and whoring etc. I went again and he told me he never expected to go out of his room till he was carried out. I told him that must be a solemn awful prospect. He said he did not desire to continue here any longer, that he was now only waiting to be prepared. He said it seemed as if all that ever he did came before him, things that he never expected to think of any more come into his mind. I told [him] I thought it was a good sign and that it was the good remembrances that was near who told the woman of Samaria all that ever she did. I have a hope of his being one of the happy number whose sins go beforehand to judgment, as we read some men's go beforehand to judgment. And some follow after I told him we had been favored with a good meeting, he said he was glad to hear it and wished it might continue. Now whilst I write this I hear of the death of Hannah Allen, daughter of Anthony. A lusty fat healthy young woman in the bloom of life between eighteen and twenty years old. Died with the measles. [Right marginal note: See Penn's Select Works page 400 and Sewel's History [cut off] 05, [cut off]06, [cut off]09, See Sewel's History [-cut off 73. Very [R]emar[k]able [pas]sage [on page] 66 [w]ell [w]orth [r]eading. ] 10. About our corn. 11. Was First Day at our meeting and what shall I say about it? Upon the whole I think it was a time of favor and ended very well solid and a solemnity at last covered the meeting, and yet our elders not well pleased nor myself altogether. Need of getting still a little deeper and a little deeper, R. Jones said and more and more out of the mixture. 13. Went to the burial of Aguila Lippincott and a distressed shut up dull dry time it was at meeting. I thought not reputable. 11[?] about our corn.
11. Tenth Month, 1789. Most of this week about corn. 16th. On Sixth Day evening Robert Willis came to see us and staid all night and his company was very comfortable and edifying. 17. I went with Robert Willis to Joshua Lippincott's and there we had a sitting in the family. Came off pretty well, I hope. 18. Was First Day. Came off middling so so. A time of close tight contest about some matters between me and some of my Friends. I hope we shall get over it. 19. Gathering in winter apples etc. 20. Went to our meeting, which was better than common for our weekday meetings, though many were very drowsy. The rest of this week gathering apples and sundry things about home. Samuel and Job and Lydia are gone to Egg Harbor. 25. Was First Day. I was at our meeting, came off but so-so indifferent. 26. About husking corn and making some cider. 27. Went to our meeting and a most distressing poor poor time it was. About our corn etc. the rest of this week. --November 1789-- 1st of the Eleventh Month, 1789. Was First Day. My wife very poorly. I and the children went to our meeting, but no satisfaction. Things grow worse and worse till a door seemed to open wide to destruction which was humbling. 2. I went to mend a pump for brother S. Stokes and one for Caleb Lippincott. 3. Was our preparative meeting which was a very poor time to me. Ready to conclude it is time to shut up and lay by. 4. About home unwell with a sort of a disorder very general like a bad cold with which our family most of them were pretty much afflicted. 5. I went to Evesham Preparative Meeting which was a favored strengthening healing time to me to good satisfaction. 6. Was our monthly meeting. Thomas Scattergood was there and Robert Willis. A good solid meeting. Divers young couples passed meeting and that business transacted with a good degree of solidity more so than at some other times. 7. Was our Select Meeting. Robert Willis was there. The forepart was low and dull but it ended lively and well or pretty well, though great room for improvement. 8 Was First Day: I went to Cropwell Meeting and am in hopes. Came off pretty well this afternoon. Samuel Lippincott and John Reeve had a meeting at Cropwell. A large door of utterance was opened which I hope will be as bread cast on the waters and found after many days. I heard of the death of E. Braddock, a young woman about 19, died with the disorder noud [nowdays?] prevalent. 9. I went to get a log for J. Stiles pump. [Right marginal note: This young woman's sister died in 1798 and John Evans's son.] 10. Was our weekday meeting. J. Reeve and S. Lippincott was there and had an open time in gospel labor and the meeting was solid. John commended their orderly gathering and sitting as I was told afterwards. 11. I went to Thomas Hollinshead to make a top piece for his pump, 11 feet long. 12. I went to Evesham Meeting at which was a marriage, William Haines and Agnes Lippincott. I thought I came off pretty well. A solid time of improvement. We finished the pump for T. Hollin. 13. I set off to Salem with Joshua Lippincott. I was very poorly. We lodged at Joseph Sharp's where we were very kindly received. I heard of the death of William Cowperthite's wife, a valuable woman. He was my old fellow apprentice. 14. Was Select Meeting at Salem. Thomas Scattergood had most beautiful and most excellent service. [Left marginal note sideways: Joseph Sharpe died 2nd 1784]
15. Eleventh Month, 1789. Was First Day. We were at Piles Grove meeting at which was buried David Davis Jr. his wife. Daniel Offley was there and had extensive service. 16. Was Quarterly Meeting. At the close of the first sitting Thomas Scattergood did speak most beautiful and most sweetly, like apples of gold in pictures of silver [Proverbs 25: 11]. This afternoon in meeting of business was a favored time with me, more so than ever before. At that place I found J. Li., Thomas Scattergood, J.C. and others were much pleased. 17. Was youth's meeting which I thought was but poor and low though not for want of words. 18. We came home and found all well. I had divers good satisfactory sittings whilst I was out, one at Christopher Smith's and one at D. Basit's and at J. Mason's. 19. Went to make a top piece for Thoms Stiless pump, 11 feet long. 20-21. We finished Stiles his pump, I went to mend I. Dudley's pump and to see some Friends from Virginia. 22. Was First Day. I thought I came off but poorly at meeting, but we, that is my wife and I had a favored tendering time with some from Virginia, my old schoolmates. 23. About home. 24. Went to our meeting but no satisfaction. Some thing is the matter somewhere, somehow. 24. Went to Samuel Allinson's about a pump. 26. Was a very stormy day. I went to the burial of James Hollen, a poor man on the town, crazy and died at the hospital, but they brought him up here to bury, but it was so stormy and so few come they did not bury him. 27. I went to the burial of James Hollen at Mount Holly here. Joshua Evans met with me and I went with him to David Ridgaway's to lodge. We had a sitting with the family to advantage I hope. 28. We went to Chesterfield Select Meeting, which I thought was but a dry time, though Joshua had some lively service. We went to Isaac Collins at Trenton to lodge. 29. Was First Day this morning. I had a satisfactory sitting with a Negro family, then went to their meeting at Trenton, where are but a few Friends, though the meeting to me in the forepart a very baptizing season, but Joshua was favored in the exercise of his gift and I had a share at last in the labor to good satisfaction and the meeting ended very well and solid. After meeting we had a sitting with a family that was just about to set off to the back new country, which was pretty well as far as I could see. Some seemed tender and after that we had a sitting with Isaac Collin's family, which was I thought pretty lively then we came to John Wright's and had another sitting to satisfaction. 30. Was Quarterly Meeting at Chesterfield. [John Hunt's Journal: In the latter end of the 11th month, I accompanied Joshua Evans to the Quarterly Meeting held at Crosswicks- We were also at Trenton meeting" (257).] Daniel Offley and William Savery and divers others, John Simpson, the meeting I thought but low to what it might have been, though in both meeting for business and the other at times there was something lively. --December 1789-- 1 of the Twelfth Month, 1789. Very youth's meeting. William Savery and D. Offley had chief of the service of the day. Some things were very well and some very painful dry and formal. We came to my uncle Job Harvey's to lodge where we had a sitting with his son's family and with the old people and parted with them with satisfaction. 2. We came to Mount Holly Preparative Meeting and I thought we came off bravely after meeting. We visited three brothers separately, poor drunken stupid sots like to destroy themselves with strong drink, sons of H. Paxton, a valuable Friend. One of them had just before got his leg broke. And then we visited William Sleeper on account of his selling rum, launching into trade etc. to satisfaction. 3. We came to Evesham meeting, which was I thought a time of favor.
Got home this afternoon and found all pretty well. 4 of the Twelfth Month, 1789. We went to the burial of Sarah Evans and had a meeting which ended pretty well. E. Collins seemed favored. Died with a swelling in her thigh. It seems a very sickly and a mortal time. 5. I was getting some firewood and taking up flax and in the afternoon my wife and I went to the burial of Edward Darling. There was for a time a silent calm and pleasant quiet attended the large gathering. He was buried near his own house. Elizabeth Collins and one more had something to say at the grave and the people seemed orderly but I have seen since that it might have been much better. Great room for improvement, more solidity and deep thoughtfulness and weightiness and life. 6. Was First Day. Went to our meeting, which was I think a favored time with me but hurt myself by hurrying. Not deliberate enough. 7. Went to get a pine tree for a pump and mended a pump for William Davidson [Crossed through with notation �paid off Eleventh Month 1790�:] 3 [s]. 8. Was our preparative meeting which was a distressed poor poor poor time indeed. Did something a pump for J. Kain. 9. We went to Isaac Stite's to put a bottom piece to his pump and I went to mend one for Isaac Armstrong. Put in a new box. [Crossed through:] 5 [s] 6. 10. Finished at Stite's and made all even between us. Stopped at Joshua Robert's to mend their pumps. [Crossed out:] 1 [s] 6. Then I visited our school to some satisfaction. 11. Was our monthly meeting. Robert Willis was there and Rebc Wright and both very excellent. A highly favored very large solid good meeting, though divers couples, four, passed meeting, solidity and good order was maintained till just dark. 12. We were killing hogs. [Right marginal note: I had an opportunity amongst the women in the afternoon.] 13. Was First Day. John Cox and Hannah Langdale was at our meeting. 14. About cutting up pork etc. 15. At our meeting and I thought came off pretty well, but met with a very pinching trial soon after. It seemed as if the gates of Hell and confusion opened wide before me and I found I stood in greatest need of the doctrine I communicated. *O what a world of trials, trouble and confusion, what scenes of sorrow, trouble and dissolution there is all round us! What lessons of instruction many ways and yet how we forget them. One taken away on one side and another one, one of one disorder and another another, one of a pleurisy another of a consumption, ulcers and cancers and accidents many ways and some yea many make way with themselves. Some conduct so as to get hanged � one tried last week for his life � and many now a days go crazy, loose their reason. A sorrowful instance at present of a neighbor's son Joseph Coles, lost his reason and like to have killed several in probability, so that he is now confined. A very hopeful young man hanged himself. Yesterday I heard of Job Clement's wife had lost her reason. John Lanim's son bad with an ulcer.
16 of the Twelfth Month, 1789. A very stormy day. At work in the shop. 17. Mending William Robert's pumps. 18. I went to take James Kain's pump home and finished it 16 feet long and he paid for it. 19. I was mending the wagon put a new fell in the wheel. 20. Was First Day at our meeting. Came off middling well I believe. 21. About home making sleigh runners. 22. Went to our meeting. Rather better than some of our weekday meetings. Went with A.S and R.C. and my wife to see S. Conrow. I mended John Sharp's pump. 23. I went to look a tree for a pump for John Jesup. 24. About home. 25. My wife and I went to Cropwell Meeting, the first we were ever at of a weekday at that place and a lively good favored time it was. We went this afternoon to see Job Coles's wife who was just recovered of a spell of sickness. 26. Went to work at a pump for John Jesup in Evesham. 27. Was First Day, a stormy day. The meeting was long a gathering which was a hurt, yet I thought the meeting was favored with some solidity at last. 28. About home. Finished Jessup's pump. 29. Samme and I went to our meeting. A most terrible stormy day of snow and rain. The meeting was very small and very poor. Abundance of rain about this time though it clears up moderate and the weather very fine warm even like spring. We have had very little cold weather as yet. About home the most of making a Sled and I went with my wife to Moorestown to get her blooded and mended John Hollinshead's pump B. S. --January 1790-- 3 of the First Month 1790, was First Day. I went to Upper Evesham meeting, which ended well to my satisfaction and as far as I could discover it was to the satisfaction of Friends in general for they seemed respectful and very kind. I heard of the burial of Uriah Moor, a young man at Lower Evesham who had been crazy several weeks and got out from the family a very stormy night, went to the creek, stripped off his great coat, swam through and laid down in the meadow and there perished with the cold. He was John Woolman's sister's son. 4. About home, turning pump boxes etc. Joseph Coles has got quite brave so as to go about his business. 5. Went to our preparative meeting the time Friends took J.W. out of meeting. 6. I went after a load of sand up in the Barrens. 7. I was very unwell. 8. We went to our Monthly. Joshua Evans was there and I find several thought it was a favored time but if it was I had but little share with them in that and no wonder for I did not keep humble and watchful enough after a time of favor. 9. About home at sundry little matters. 10. Was First Day. I was at our meeting, but not fully satisfied and see the cause. 11. I went to Haddonfield Monthly Meeting. 12. At our meeting, which was silent though not the poorest.
13:14:16 of [First Month]. About home. Abundance of wet weather. I went in the evening to John Haines's near Lumberton. 17. Was First Day. Solomon Gaskill, J.H. and I went to Mount Holly meeting, which to me was an open favored time. 18. We came down to Evesham to a large committee meeting of about thirty-six Friends to consider the extracts. Joshua Evans was there and I think on the whole it was a lively favored time with them. 20. About home. 21. I went to Haddonfield meeting. J. [Joshua] Evans had some service. A conference was held respecting the advice of the Yearly Meeting on spirituous liquors and the subject was very lively spoken to. A pretty solid time. 22 and 23. Getting some plow timber. [Right marginal note: Joseph Coles got quite crazy again.] 24. Was First Day. We went to the burial of my old aunt Elizabeth Toy, my mother's sister. She was buried at the church. It was a very poor time with me. There seemed to be a rent in my net or a leak in the lamp that let all the oil run out. Arise and trim your lamps, is necessary. Yet when I came to look over the day I thought it a time of deep instruction and saw the necessity of dwelling in a state of more watchfulness and incessant labor so as to be in readiness for every good work. 25. I was dressing out plow stuff in the evening, was taken with a pain in my bones chills and fever followed and I have been very poorly. 26:27:28th. Got a little better. Joseph Coles, a comely hopeful youth, has now lost his reason � again � so that they are forced to keep him chained and many such scenes of sorrow we hear of nowadays, but people choosing rather to go to the house of mirth than to the house of mourning. They seem to be soon forgotten, but were the accounts of such sorrowful instances cast together what a volume they would make. There was James Hollen and Uriah Moor died in that crazy condition lately. Some years ago John Matlack, after being kept chained several years died and his sister died crazy and their mother not quite right in her mind. N. Middleton's wife died quite raving distracted. John Inskeep's daughter, a comely young woman, being crossed in love quite lost her reason and Rachel Woolman and her sister P. Moor but she is got better. There was one Moses Haines run about many years crazy; it was supposed was killed at last. A. Hewlings sent to the hospital for a time. Got some better, but far from being right in his mind yet. And there is Jonas French and one J. Fish at this time very much disordered in mind. Some years ago Ephraim Stiles arose and heard of several more but this is but just a few that now occurs at the hospital there are great numbers seemingly in the most sorrowful crazy condition. John Hollinshead � I had like to forgot � through some cross occurrences gave way to despair, lost his reason, refused to eat and starved himself to death. There was some lost their reason by fits, viz. W. Warrington and now one in Evesham, William Snowdon's son, a young man.
31 of the First Month, 1790. I have been confined to the house with a chill and fever but got so much better as to get to meeting, though very weak in body. It was a very much favored time with me. --February 1790-- 1 of the Second Month. About home. 3. Was our preparative meeting. I came off middling I believe. 3 and 4. John Collins, brother Joshua and I went to visit a sad drunken family and a tavern keeper and storekeeper. There seemed to be but little impression to be made, though we endeavored to clear ourselves. I mended H. Cowperthwait's pump. 3-5. About home very poorly. 5. Was monthly meeting. [The Committee on the Extracts appointed the previous month reported that �there were several matters contained therein by way of recommendation, which, although they do not particularly require an Ans: to Superior meetings and therefore not apprehended to come under their immediate attention, yet appear of such importance as to induce them to spread the same before this meeting for further solid attention.� Another committee, to which Hunt was also appointed, was formed to �proceed therein as they may be enabled in the Wisdom of Truth, and report their service to this meeting in the 8th Month next� (Minutes of Evesham Monthly meeting, 2mo 1790).] I met a committee at 9th hour on spirituous liquors which was a pretty lively time and I hope to profit. Meeting came on. The first sitting was silent and I have thought since that I and the whole meeting suffered loss for want of my not communicating what opened to me. Just before the meeting parted this and one other matter which was worse I apprehend was the cause why we had a most miserable poor dull time. I had not satisfaction. Only a little time amongst the women and one sentence amongst the men. 6. Very cold. About home. 7. Was First Day. I was at our meeting. 8. I went to Isaac Armstrong's to finish a top piece of his pump, 16 feet long and 5 [s] 6 the mending before which makes in all [Crossed through with notation �all paid now�:] 37 [s] 6. 9. Went to our meeting. Grace Bocanon had some service to advantage. 10. At work at a pump for John Ridgaway here at home. 11. We went to the burial of William Matlack's youngest daughter about 18 years of age. We held a meeting. I thought it but a low time both at the house and at the meeting though the meeting was better at last and ended pretty well. 12. My wife and I went to Cropwell Meeting and thought it was pretty well though room for great improvement. 13. Getting some plow stuff home etc. 14. Was First Day we was at our meeting I hope we came off without loss. 15. I went to Evesham to a committee meeting of men and women Friends appointed to consider the state of society and to have the care thereof as it was recommended from the Yearly Meeting in the extracts concerning the neglect of meetings, drowsiness, deviation respecting plainness, Friends living above their ability, bankruptcies faithfulness respecting our testimony against war and paying taxes for the support or to defray the expense thereof etc. and it was a very lively favored close searching time. The meeting held about five hours and none seemed weary or restless. At last it was concluded for the committee of each meeting to join and assist the overseers and meet once a month and proceed to a private labor as way might open till the time of adjournment in the Eighth Month next. Joshua Evans was here. 16. Went to our meeting. John Cox was there. The meeting low at forepart, but ended pretty well I hope. [Right marginal note: At [Mount] Holly I had with William Sleeper a time of conference about selling rum again to satisfaction.] 17. [Crossed through with notation �all paid off now":] I went to take a pump home to Mount Holly for John Ridgeway 29 long at 1[s] 6 a foot and 7[s] 6 the boxes, the timber and hauling 20 shilling makes 71 shillings and he now paid 15 shillings the rest remains due to me.
18th of the Second month 1790. On my return from Mount Holly I stopped at Evesham meeting. John Tatham was there and John had good service I believe, and I thought there was something savory and a pretty pleasant feeling over the meeting at last. Last week and for some time before we had a spell of very sharp freezing weather and directly after it moderated a very heavy thundershower the lightning and the thunder was very sharp and heavy and coming in the middle of the night it was very awful alarming and unexpected. 19 and 20. About home at work in the shop about plow stuff etc. From some cross occurrences and perplexing things I met with a very close trial and stood it but poorly. I find the caution to one formerly is very needful to be remembered. Take heed to thyself etc. lest I become a castaway and make shipwreck of faith etc. [I Timothy 1:19]. The gate seemed to open that leads to blackness and darkness forever. But the way to heaven is said be by the gate of Hell, not go in at them, but if ye do, we should, like the earnest traveler when he gets into a wrong road turn, back at once and get into the right one as soon as he can. In war, if men can get in between their enemies and their storehouse they sometimes make great conquests. And so it is in a spiritual relation. When the enemy gets in between us and the inexhaustible fountain, we really have to walk in and stand on slippery places. It may well be compared to a sea of glass mingled with fire. 21. Was First Day. Before I got up, my mind was turned to this passage of scripture, Isaiah 58 and 13: "If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath from doing thy pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord Honorable and shall honor him not doing thine own ways and finding thine own pleasure nor speaking thine own words. 14: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth and feed the with the heritage of Jacob thy father for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken." I went to our meeting and a poor time it was with me, though Rebekah Roberts had some acceptable service. 22. About home at work in the shop. 23. Went to our meeting in which I was favored with a renewal of strength but met with a trial that disturbed my mind very soon after. But it went off and I went to visit the school with many other Friends at Moorestown and it was a satisfactory time at last. 24. I went to see Theodocia Vinicomb who was very weak and low. Joshua Lippincott, Samuel Coles and I stopped at Thomas Hollinshead and had a sitting with them to good satisfaction though it was very unexpected and seemed to me providential, his wife being then in great trouble on account of burying her daughter. 25. At home dressing out plow stuff. 26. And about home in the shop. 27. This afternoon I met Joshua Lippincott, Rebekah Roberts and Esther Hunt brother Joshua's wife at Hinchman Bispham's by appointment from our last monthly meeting. We had a sitting with them. The way opened to communicate very suitable council but there was not that life I could have wished to have felt, though no cause of complaint. Some cross occurrences and perplexing things had a tendency to spot, stain and defile the temple this week. More watchfulness is wanting and patience.
28. Was First Day. We went to our meeting which was very full crowded and inany [irony?] apprehension, but a low poor time. But it is no wonder it was so with me and indeed with others. The careless indifferency luke-warmness and erase that prevails and idleness. --March 1790-- 1st of the Third Month 1790. About home. 2. Was our preparative meeting. Joshua Evans was there. The meeting in the forepart was very dull and poor but Joshua got up after a while and gave us home spun. I thought it exceeded anything I ever heard him do in my life. I thought I saw a prospect of his making an advancement or an improvement in his gift. But our preparative meeting was a most miserable poor time, indeed as it mostly has been of latter time answering queries. I heard a few days ago that Levi Bud in Philadelphia cut his own throat and was buried last week. and that two school boys in Philadelphia had some difference and one pulled out his knife and stabbed the other in his arm, cut the vein and it killed him immediately. Levi Bud was crazy, lost his reason for some time before. To realize and bring such scenes of sorrow Chest [?] home how terrible it must be [Right marginal note later my ink: George Bud cut his throat at Long-a-Coming. Four instances of the like near one time in Pennsylvania.] 3 and 4. At work at plow work. 5. Was monthly meeting. The Committee on Spirituous Liquors met and gave in some account of their stewardship tending to strength. monthly meeting came on. Joshua Evans was there and was much favored with weighty service. The first sitting concluded with a good degree of solid weight and the business was a pretty good lively time. The abundance of business holding till just night rather hurt the service. 6. Was our Select Meeting. Joshua Evans and David Cooper was there and it was on the whole a good profitable meeting. Joshua was remarkably favored, I think. Certainly his master has given him a new lesson, or put a new song in his mouth. 8. Was First Day at our meeting. Elizabeth Collins was there. I thought the meeting ended pretty well. William Rogers and wife and E. Collins came here and we went the 8 to Haddonfield Monthly Meeting. Robert Willis was there and was favored. Elizabeth Collins, Grace Rogers and myself on 9 went to Woodbury Monthly Meeting. R.W. and E.C. had good service. 10. David Cooper, Grace Rogers, E. Collins and I went down to Mullica Hill to visit families having the full unity of our Friends at first sitting: Edward Panocost's � not in unity but a very good time, to Aaron Pancost's � Elizabeth Collins was highly favored, then to the widow Lippincott's to lodge. This was a dipping striping time with me for some hours yet came off brave at last. A very great snow fell and it had been very exceeding cold just before several days. A man froze to death near Byberry at this time.
11 of the Third Month 1790. We went in a sleigh six miles to Upper Greenwich meeting. A poor hard time it was, but I hope ended with degree of life. We came to William Hollinshead's to dine and had a sitting, to Garrot Gruf's, then to Thomas Enoch's to lodge. Had a sitting. 12. To Joshua Moore's, Levi Stratton's (two families), Samuel French's Dined and had a sitting with them, then to widow Ellis Thomas [illegible] and to Joseph Allen's to lodge. 13. To Benjamin Moore's, Benjamin Moors, Jr., then to Job Ridgeway's, then to Job Kelle's, William Matlack's, and then to George Colson's to lodge. 14. Was First Day. We went to Piles Grove meeting which to me was a poor time and no wonder. There was a plain reason for it. Dined at George Colson's, had a sitting with them. Then to Joseph Ridgeway and one Hosman with their wives, two young couples together, a favored sweet time. Lodged Enoch Allen's. 15. Went to Joseph Zane's, James Casaday's not in membership, a favored time, Thomas Sharp's, then to their school, came off pretty well, Amos Wille's, Abel Nicholson's, Matthew Allen's, Chattin Zane's, to Enoch Allen's to lodge. 16. Went to the widow Strattan's- two families together, Samuel Brakny's, I. Zane's � his wife he was gone out, William Eldrige dined, and then to Isaac Zane's and Enoch Eldrige's together. Then we came up to David Cooper's and lodged at Anthony Allen's � had a sitting. 17. Came up to John Hurlies. Had a sitting with his wife and he was gone out from home. Then we came up to my house and found all pretty well. We had been nearly united together in the labor and although at times had some baptizing seasons of deep dipping and poverty of spirit so that I was ready to adopt the language of old, see Isaiah 2:19 who so dumb and blind as I. Yet we generally met with a very open reception and were often favored with very good sweet satisfactory times in families and on the whole it was a very favored strengthening time, I having had a prospect of a visit of this sort a considerable time past to the people of this place, many of whom came from our parts to settle here and many of them stood in a disunited state, one of the heads of the family a right and the other not. [John Hunt's Journal expands "one of the heads of the family having a right among Friends, and the other not" (258).] And now upon looking back at our visit I feel no uneasiness of mind about anything we have done or left undone, but true peace and solid satisfaction. 18:19:20: Made several plows. 21. Was First Day. I was at our meeting and I thought it was a highly favored time with me. A solid good meeting, yet not without great room for improvement. Some misses and some hits. 23. At our meeting. E. Langdal was there and did very well but not so with me. No satisfaction but far from it. 24. At work at home making a plow. 25. Went to our Select Meeting at Haddonfield. To me a poor dull dry time. 26. Was Quarterly Meeting. Forepart was low, but Samuel Hopkins and Daniel Offley was favored in the exercise of their gifts and the first sitting ended pretty well. That for business I thought but middling. 27. I did not go to Select Meeting at Philadelphia as usual but was at work at a pump and went to see D. Davies who is very ill.
28th of the Third Month 1790. I was at our meeting. To me at last was a favored time Tip Top Tap Lash[?] About this time we heard of several very suddenly snatched away. One Walker, an old woman was taken with a pain in her thumb and died in a few hours and another towards Salem died very suddenly. 29. I went to Philadelphia to Select Meeting, all well. 30. Went to our meeting, which was a very poor low time. 31. We went to put in a pump for Thomas Porter at Moorestown, 51 feet long. [Later addition:] All settled. --April 1790-- 1 of the Fourth Month and 2 and 3. A very great rain. A work at home making several plows. 4. Was First Day. I went to Cropwell Meeting and a time of favor I think it was. A good solid meeting. Went in the afternoon to a Negro meeting at Evesham which was a poor hard time to me, though Elizabeth Collins had good service. I.L. says I did very well but I did not please myself. 5. At work at plow making. 6. Was preparative meeting. I had an unpleasant talk on the subject of a spirit of slumber. 7 and 8. About home at work at plow making. 9. Was monthly meeting which on the whole I think was not to be complained of. A pretty lively good meeting. John Collins and I were sent in amongst the women to confer with them respecting men and women sitting down in their apartments at monthly meeting and from that got on the subject of holding of wedding or accomplishing marriages. Came off with satisfaction. 10. About home plow making. This afternoon my wife and I, Elizabeth Evans, and Abraham Warrington went over the river to see our kinsman Joseph Thorington in a poor lingering state of health. Here we found divers valuable Friends. 1.1 Was First Day. We went to Byberry meeting where was a number of choice Friends, viz. the Irish women Friends Mary Ridgeway and Jane Watson, John Pemberton, Nicholas Waln, and James Thorington and yet the meeting the forepart was low and poor, but Mary Ridgeway. After a while was favored in the exercise of her most sweet and beautiful gift. This afternoon, these Friends had a sitting at Joseph Thorington's. Jane Watson spoke very well. We came home this evening. 12. About home. 13. About home plow making. Was a marriage at our meeting, Edmund Darnel and Rac Dudley which was but a very poor time to me. The sun seemed to be eclipsed to Earth. It's to be feared had covered divers wretched worldlings there. O Earth, Earth! Hear o Earth!) This afternoon, we mended F. Porter's and N. Middleton's pump. 14 and 15. Making plows. 16 and 17. We made a pump for Daniel Offley in Evesham, 20 feet 8 inches long. All settled and paid off. 18. Was First Day at our meeting. A very very stormy day. A satisfactory meeting. 19. About a plow etc. 20. At our meeting. I think it was a time of favor with me. 21:22:23. About a plow making. Met with a most piercing trial so that it seemed as if I was within one step of ruin and disgrace. It went off and I felt like a bird escaped out of the hands of the fowler. 24. I went to mend a pump for Joshua Bispham. 25. Was First Day. Wrote a letter to the Negro master this morning in Pennsylvania. A most sore trying time I had again and stood it but poorly. A poor meeting this afternoon. My wife and I and A. Warrington and Martha Dudley went to see Samuel Franklin, a tavern keeper to good or pretty good satisfaction. They received us freely and parted kindly, though they not in membership. 26. Plow making etc. 27. Was at our meeting. A favored healing time. seemed to set all to rights in the true resting place.
27:28:29:30th. About home plow making etc. Nothing material except this: Gideon Burroughs, one of my old schoolmates was killed with a tree falling on him. Hurt him over the hips and back so that he lived but a few hours, but very sensible to the last and reflected much on his misspent time and past conduct. It is to be feared he was very much unprepared. Samuel Burroughs Jr. was buried a few days ago of a short illness. --May 1790-- 2nd of the Fifth Month. Was First Day. We went to our meeting. Came off pretty well. This afternoon Rebekah Roberts and R. Cowerthwait and Joshua Roberts and I went to visit several young new married people. Dined at Jacob Hollinshead's. Went to Jac. Holn. Jr. then to John Haines's. It was very hard laboring but maybe best we were there. Some satisfaction. 3 and 4. Was preparative meeting, which was some better than common but great room to meeted. 5 and 6. About home. 7. Was monthly meeting. Joshua Evans was there. But a lowish time. life was wanting, though it might have been worse and much better. [At this meeting, �Joshua Lippincott on behalf of the Committee on Spiritous Liquors proposed for consideration the appointment of meetings for conference on that subject for herein might be revived several Minutes of Discipline suitably adapted to the occasion, which after attention given united the meeting in the appointment of one at each particular meeting which constitute this, to be held the Week preceding the Preparative Meetings.� Hunt and others were appointed to �select such minutes as is proposed, attend said meetings and report their sense thereon to next meeting.� (Minutes of Evesham Monthly meeting 5mo 1790).] 8. Was Select Meeting, a low dull time though we had some close labor about it and it ended better. This afternoon J. Evans and I went to see a Scotchman in Evesham on account of his selling rum to the poor drunken people. He received us with great openness and treated us kindly and we had a full opportunity to satisfaction. We lodged at Caleb Evans's and a sitting with them and no cause to repent it. 9. Was First Day. We went to Cropwell Meeting which was at first a very heavy dull time to me for a while, but it growed better. This afternoon, I went to Negro meeting which was very dull and poor at first. Hard, hard labor, but I thought it growed better after a while and I hope ended pretty well. 10:11. Was at our meeting. 12 and 13. About home. 14. After finishing a plow I set of with John Collins to Salem Quarterly Meeting lodged at David Brown's. 15. Rode twenty-two miles to Salem Select Meeting. John Simpson was there and had good service. What right have we to demand a full spread table more than the children? was some of his words. It was a dull poor time. 16. Was First Day. I was at Salem meeting both forenoon and afternoon meeting, which were both exceeding dull heavy poor though, maybe to some of us very profitable meetings. In the first, Mary Newbold had good service very lively and likewise John Simpson so I thought we just escaped the scoffer. The afternoon was more dull and poor. 17. Quarterly Meeting came on which was but low at first, but in the afternoon it was a fine lively time and especially respecting the use of spirituous liquors. Great unity appeared and we seemed to go on conquering and to conquer. 18. youth's meeting or Yearly Meeting at Salem came on, which was a good meeting and ended solid savory and well. Then John. Collins and I set off and came home. I got home about the 11 hour at night. At Salem we had settings in the families in most places where we dined and lodged and some to very good satisfaction.
19 of the Fifth Month. Finishing planting corn etc. 20. Came a gentle rain after a dry spell of weather. 21. Washing sheep, preparing for market etc. 22. Went to market. 23. Aaron Wills and Samuel Woolman was at our meeting it was a very low time. I found hard labor but came off with some pay. I was with these Friends etc and this afternoon to good satisfaction at J. Though. [Left marginal note: First Day] 24. Shearing sheep etc. 25. At our meeting. A little better. 26. I went with Joseph Warrington to the burial of Joseph Thornton over to Byberry. A large concourse of people and a large number of valuable ministers, to wit James Thornton, John Pemberton, Samuel Emlen, Nicholas Waln, Samuel Wilson, Thomas Scattergood, John Parrish, Samuel Gomery and myself at meeting. But no good was scattered. A very dull silent poor meeting. I came home this evening with Enoch Evans. At the house after dinner, Thomas Scattergood and Samuel Emlen had good lively service. 27:28 and 29. About home making several plows and some screws for cheese presses etc. 30. Was First Day. I was poorly but at our meeting. A very poor time. 31. I was making a cheese press for Samuel Matlack. In the evening went to see Enoch Clemens who lays very ill. About six days after, he died. --June 1790-- 1 of the Sixth Month. Went to our meeting. Joshua Evans was there. A conference held and some ancient advices and minutes were read respecting the use of spirituous liquors, I hope to good advantage though many seem to hang back too much. About this time there was a man killed at Darby with a standard of a wagon, a difference between two about the tax etc. 2. I went to Upper Evesham to attend on the subject of spirituous liquors in company with Joshua Evans pursuant to the direction of our Quarterly and monthly meeting. It was thought to be a solid time and the matter weightily and feelingly spoken to. [Right marginal note: Samuel French died with the pleurisy at C.F.] 3. We, that is Joshua Evans and me, attended Lower Evesham and had a very solid favored time. I thought and find I was not alone in that opinion. The testimony was raised into dominion over all. 4. I was very unwell and could not attend at Cropwell this day. Have been very poorly all the week and grow more so with a disorder called the influenza, a very general and common complaint at this time. In meeting I don't remember that I felt poorly, only hoarse like a bad cold, but out of meeting could hardly set up or keep of my bed. 5. About home very poorly. 6. Was First Day. I went to our meeting and I think it was a highly favored time with me. 7. About home. 8. Was our preparative meeting and miserable poor time it was I think. 9 and 10. About a cheese press for H. Bispham. 11. Was monthly meeting which was but dull at times but some pretty smart work especially amongst the women. 12. About home. 13. Was First Day but low water with me. I think I know something of the cause. 14. About home.
15 of the 6 Month 1790. Went to our meeting. John Cox Jr. was there and had good service as I thought. [Marginal note, top left: A sad time of trial some days ago] 16-17. I was making a plow for William Matlack and one for Jna. Thorn. 18. I went to the burial of Nathaniel Lippincott and I think I had a favored time at the grave. It did me good I believe if no other. 19. About a plow for William Matlack. 20. Was First Day. I went to our meeting and poor. I did feel not water enough to turn the wheel. This afternoon went to see Joshua Sreeve, who lies very ill in a deep consumption, to some satisfaction. He died almost a week after. 21. About home. 22. At our meeting. Very dull time to me. I was very unwell. 23 and 24. We were making a pump for Samuel Shute 17 and a half [feet] long paid all off. 25 and 26. About home at plow. 27. Was First Day. I was at our meeting and do believe it was a pretty good meeting to me. A time of favor if I am not mistaken. Aunt Mary Harvey came to see us. 28. About home mending fence. Warm weather, hard labor and I not very well. 29. At our meeting and a most miserable grievous poor time it was. 30. At home. --July 1790-- 1. I went to Haddonfield on business of several sorts. I was at Haddonfield meeting at which was a conference on the subject of the use of spirits etc. Some former minutes and advices was read, but it was a very poor low time, a small meeting, things very low to what it should be, yet I had a hope some good was done. Divers which ought to be foremost seemed very fearful of going too fast and they seemed an over balance for a number that stand fair in the work. 2 of the Seventh Month, Sixth of the week. I was at Cropwell Meeting. A busy time of year. The meeting very small and my wife thinks to her but poor and low, but I think I got pay for the time and labor, though I had to walk home on foot. 3. About hay and I thought was the better for the labor of yesterday. 4. Was First Day. I was at our meeting and I thought it was a highly favored time to me. See Psalms 138:17: How precious also are thy thoughts unto me O God. How great is the sum of them etc. Visited two families this afternoon with J.C.. R.R. and [illegible] [Left marginal note: I and R.R. and J.C. and R.C. visited E. Hollinshead and S. Lan families to some satisfaction] 5. About hay. 6. At our meeting-- preparative. A very very poor miserable but very little life to be felt or seen from end to end except a little at last. 7. About plowing corn. 8. I went to Newtown Meeting which was very small and very poor. There seemed to be nothing if not worse than nothing at all. 9. Was monthly meeting. Thomas Vickes was there and spoke very well. The Meeting for Business I thought was but a poor time. Its harvest time; our meetings are generally small and very drowsy. 10. Reaping. 11. Was First Day. I went Eversham meeting and thought I came off pretty well this afternoon was the meeting for Black people. Thomas Vickers and Elizabeth Collins was there. E.C. had some service but it was a very poor dull time to me except toward the last it was better. 12. About Mowing, getting hay etc. 13. Went to our meeting. Thomas Vickers was there and I thought I had good service on the subject of the nature of the gospel of Christ. Peace on Earth and good will amongst men. I had a satisfactory time, also my Friends owned me. 18. Was First Day, A poor low meeting. I went with Joshua and R. Roberts to visit William Burr and his wife newly settled.
19. About hay and getting in harvest and all this week. 20. At our meeting a Methodist. A very solid sober looking man. I heard afterwards he was a minister. A poor time, not satisfactory to me. 21. Getting hay. 25. Was First Day. Went to our meeting which was a satisfactory time to me. I thought there was something solemn and quieting at last. 26. My wife and I attended a committee meeting in order to draw up an account to send forward to our superior meetings. Friends of the different committees had lively accounts to give in of their care and attention on the several cases to which they were appointed, to wit on spirituous liquors, the case of the Blacks, and on schools. Though life did not arise as I could have wished for, yet not much cause of complaint. 27. Was our weekday meeting. A very miserable poor full time it was. About hay etc. 28 and 29. About hay etc. 30. I was at Cropwell Meeting, a poor low time. 31. About home, sundry matters. --August 1790-- 1 of the Eighth Month. Was First Day. At our meeting. A poor time with me. Search for the cause. Went to the burial of Daniel Heritage's wife this afternoon. A low poor time much so. [Right marginal note: I am told D. Heritage's wife was resigned and willing to die favored.] 2. About a cheese press for William Matlack. 3. At our preparative meeting. Elizabeth Collins was there but says sumptuously she did not fare a poor time. The rest of this week we was making a lower part for Samuel Heritage's [Xing through begins; notation "all settled�:] pump 30 feet long [Xing through ends] and finished both that and the press and went to monthly meeting, which was was the forepart pretty well but there was a matter which very much hurt the meeting at last Is[?] Wit. Case. 8. Was First Day. I went to Evesham Meeting which seemed very low and weak, many very raw. I thought I labored after a state of resignation and it was a favored time. At last I had sweet satisfaction and the people was very respectful and pleasant when we came out. See Barclay's Apology, page 353 and so on several pages on silent meetings, ministry etc. I went this afternoon to visit T.D. Had a full opportunity with him in company with my Friend Joshua Owin concerning his neglect of meetings and the use of spirituous liquors but seemed no impressions to be made. 9. About home. 10. At our meeting. A low poor dull time. The rest of this week, nothing material unless it was this: divers things and some very trying vexing and perplexing tending to disquiet discompose and disturb the mind, which to escape and prevent requires great watchfulness circumspection and care truly to preserve the vessel clean or to steer to straight, that when we look back as not to see where we have missed our way, or not made quite strait steps to our feet. I was at market which seems like a place of confusion to me, or like disturbed troubled muddy waters. Though I had a little time with a couple of sweet spirited Friends J. Parrish and T. Scattergood at their houses. Scattergood is gone up to Cropwell. Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see [Matthew 5:8].
15th of the Eighth Month, 1790. Was First Day I and my wife and children a wagon load of us went to Cropwell Meeting. Thomas Scattergood was there. The meeting was at first or forepart very low and poor but growed better Thomas Scattergood had good service, especially amongst the youth some of whom I believe were reached and tendered and some close scraping work amongst the fore rank. 16. My wife and I met some Friends at Moorestown. Consulted together and divided ourselves into three companies and proceeded to visit some families that were dilatory or neglectful of attending of meetings. H. French and her son R., my wife, and I went to J. Hack, Joel Middleton's, and Jh Dudley's. We found dull hard work but tried to do as well as we could and I have a hope and belief there will be a use in this labor, tending to strengthen the visitors and stir up the careless and negligent. 17. Was our weekday meeting Benjamin Jones and John Cox was there. B.J. said nothing but John did speak very well. 18. I was about home and 19-20-21 went to hew a pump for D. Haines. 22. Was First Day. I was at our meeting and believe it was rather a better meeting than it is common for us to have. Something solid and satisfactory to me. 23. At work at D. Haines [Crossed through with notation "Twelfth Month paid all off�:] pump 19 long. 24 and 25. I went to work at a press for T. Hollinshed. 26. I got up about 3 o'clock in the morning and set off with Samuel White to the Quarterly Meeting at the Falls in Pennsylvania, about seven miles beyond Burlington or Bristol. Got there in good season. John Lloyd had good service in the first sitting and in the meeting for business there was something good and lively at times, but it seemed to me there was not industry enough to keep it or to keep to the life and it was very troublesome. Contentious men come in with their appeals at last and the meeting thereby much hurt and hardly ended in good order. Lodged at Jonathan Kirkbright's. 27. Was their youth's meeting. Rebekah Wright was there, Hannah Wilson, and divers others, but the service as to ministry fell to John Lloyd and Benjamin Linton who I thought did very well, but it was a distressing poor dull time to me. A large concourse of people but very idle as to a true labor for spiritual bread. Though I believe there is a few names there preserved, yea many, though few compared to the whole or what I should be. We came home as far as brother J. Buzby's was stopped, a hard rain, lightning etc. [Right marginal note: At this time as we sit in Joseph Buzby's there was a very sharp lightning and by account a terrible time in Pennsylvania. Storm tore down houses.] [Left marginal note: I had a sitting in a Thoms his family. John Simpson was there. Came off pretty well.] 28. I was at brother Joshua Hunt's vendue. I thought the people live as orderly. 29. Was First Day. I was at our meeting. I thought the meeting sat very solid and was middling well. When I was over the river at the fall Quarterly Meeting, I heard that the grasshoppers were so thick in places that they eat up the clover and J. Simpson said they were so thick last summer in New England that they destroyed the corn and eat up the cabbage to the very stumps in places and was informed that the like account is now in the newspapers in New England. 30. I was making top piece for Ind. Matlack's pump 10 feet. 31. At our meeting. Something lively. My wife thinks however [leaves off there].
--September 1790-- 1st of the Ninth Month, 1790, Fourth of the week. I went to Upper Evesham Meeting appointed for Peter Yarnall. There was something calming, sweet and solemn covered the meeting from the very first to last. Peter had very extensive service and to me it was a satisfactory meeting. [Right marginal note: Peter labored till he sweat like a mower.] This afternoon Peter had another meeting at Lower Evesham. I thought there seemed something like a cloud to cover at first and was soon confirmed. Peter stood up and said it's a cloudy time both inwardly and outwardly. Clouds of thick darkness have spread themselves and so went on. Said he expected to have hard labor amongst them. A scraping threshing time it was. [Right marginal note: This is going to the both of things said one.] 2. Peter Yarnall was at our meeting. Peter had a great deal to say, but I thought there was not the door of entrance as I could wish, though Peter was eminently raised in the exercise of his gift. I dined at brother J. Warrington with P. and brother A.W., Wr. R. and Jna Cox. 3 and 4. Made a pump for Jn. Ostler 24 feet long. He paid three dollars. All paid now. 5. Was First Day. Cousin P. Ellis was here and wife. At our meeting I thought the people sat very still and commendable, but to me it was but so so indifferent. This afternoon divers Friends had a sitting with brother Joshua Hunt's family. They were just going off next day off to Redstone to settle. 6. I was About a pump for the widow after 21 feet. Samme and Job finished it next day. She Paid 15 [s]. [Later addition:] 1791 Ninth Month paid of all. 7. I was at our preparative meeting. A tugging time but I hope to profit. 8. I went to John Smith's to hew a top piece for his pump. 9. From the stump [?] this day we took a white oak tree and made a [Xing through begins; notation "Twelfth Month paid all off�:] pump 18 feet long [Xing through ends] for Daniel Zille. 10. Was our monthly meeting. Samuel Lawrence was there, a disturber of meetings. The business was to me but a low laborious time, but I got pay at last and came off with satisfaction. 11. I did something at a pump, both before and after our Select Meeting, for John Smith. Our select meeting, though close hard labor to me, in the end was a strengthening time and satisfactory. 12. Was First Day. I went to Cropwell Meeting I think in the end was a time of favor to me at least. I was at the Negro meeting this afternoon and a distressing dull heavy time it was to me (I was unwell). But Elizabeth Collins had good service among the Negroes and the meeting ended reputably. Its a query whither I did not miss it in not going to John Lanin's burial this afternoon. I was with him several times in his illness. He died with a swelling on the pit of his stomach. 13. I went to finish John Smith's pump 12 feet 6 inches long. 14. Went to our meeting, which seemed like lost time to me. No satisfaction. 15. About home the rest of this week. About home sowing etc.
19. Was First Day. I was at our meeting, which was some disturbed by one a little unsettled in mind, though I hope the meeting ended middling well at last. 20. Plow making. 21. At our meeting. Robert Willis was there. The meeting was much disturbed again by the same person, R.S., but Robert had a good deal to say at last and I believe hit several states. 22. I went to hew a beam for Joseph Warrington's cider press. 23. I went to our Select Meeting of ministers and elders at Haddonfield. John Simpson was there and had excellent extensive service. A scraping smart lively time to my satisfaction in a good degree. 24. Was Quarterly Meeting. Peter Yarnall had good service this day in the first meeting and John Simpson much so in the last. Daniel Offley and divers others a pretty smart lively. I went this evening to I. Kain's to lodge. 25. I was at our Select Meeting at Philadelphia. James Thorington had close searching service toward ministers. John Lloyd and one of the women from Ireland also. Adjourned Select Meeting Fourth Day morning. I came home with J.R. and E. Evans. 26. Was First Day. I was at our meeting. A favored time. I think it was a solid good meeting. Here comes on our Yearly Meeting. 27. My wife and Samme and I went down to the Yearly Meeting, a narrative of which I kept in my pocket. --October 1790-- 3rd of the Tenth Month, First Day. I came up to our meeting with J. Warrington and several others. Mary Newbold was there and spoke most sweet and excellent and I think I had a favored time. A good satisfactory meeting. I do think the critic, scoffer and gainsayer was put to silence if any was there. It's a favor we come of with any degree of reputation. 4. I was very unwell having taken a bad cold. 5. I went to our meeting though hardly able to set up. Rebekah Wright was there and Alice Needham from New England and Benjamin Swet and his wife and we had abundance of preaching till I began to think of Exodus 36:7: For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it and too much. 6 and 7. I was about home a good deal unwell, trimming some casks etc. 8. Was monthly meeting. Alice Needham from New England was there, Benjamin Swet and his wife and upon the whole I do think it was a very lively open good meeting to my satisfaction in a good degree. I thought the strangers had good service amongst us. 10. Was First Day. We went a wagon load of us to our meeting. A very stormy day and I thought it was but a poor time. The meeting was disturbed by Rac Shute. 11. I went to Lawrence Webster's to mend his pump. 12. Finished and come home. I went in company with Elizabeth Collins and divers others to visit H.S. which was a time some of us won't soon forget, I believe, though not satisfactory. The rest of this week about home.
18th of the Tenth Month, 1790. First Day. At our meeting. Not so satisfactory as some a little back. 19. About home laying out flax etc. 20. At our meeting. Joshua Evans was there forepart. Joshua Evans had good service but it did not end so well as I could wish and I think seen where the miss was. Instant in seasons, as J. Cox said to me once in meetings. I don't know whether I have not had the messenger of Satan to buffet me of late. Great heights end in great depths etc. We have had some favored meetings. Some weeks past it seemed as if I could not bear the cumber and care of so large a family which seemed to haul me down into the earth or earthly concerns. About home the rest of this week gathering winter apples etc. 24. Was First Day. I went to Evesham meeting. Robert Willis was there, Aaron Wills and wife. I thought I came off pretty well satisfied. Robert was silent. I went to William Rogers to dine. Spent the afternoon very pleasantly with the Friends but upon retrospection think we might spent it better. William Rogers and I in the evening went to Job Haines and there had a sitting, so I went to see the widow Jaskill who lay very ill with a cancer. All her nose is quite eat away with it and she not like to live long. 25. About our corn etc. 26. At our meeting which was not satisfactory to me. More charity or something is wanting. 27 and 28. About husking corn etc. 28. My wife and I with brother Roberts wife went to Cropwell Meeting which was a time of favor to me and strengthening but as Mercy Redman once said: when we have been at a religious meeting and have had our minds seasoned with the seasoning virtue of truth let us endeavor to retain it I have found it difficult say she to retain it I could not discover that I was a burthen to the living: so pass along. [Left marginal note: We went to E. Hooton's and S. Stokes] 30. Was First Day. Abraham Griffe was there and was favored as we thought in the exercise of his gift. --November 1790-- 1st of the Eleventh Month, 1790. About our corn. 2. Was preparative meeting. A distressing poor time to me. 3 and 4. About our corn. 5. Was monthly meeting. John Simpson, Abram Griffe, and Thomas Vickers was there. John had very excellent extensive service. I think he beats every thing as it is common to say but in this case perhaps the most proper. 6. Was Select Meeting. John Simpson had very edifying good service amongst us. 7. Was First Day. Thomas Vickers and John Cox was there. Thomas and John both spoke and I find it was the united opinion of several that it was pretty satisfactory. 8. About getting in our corn. [Right marginal note: On First Day afternoon I was with Thomas Vickers and other Friends at R. Smith's, John Matlack's, and Samuel Coles. The last was pretty well.] 9. I was with Thomas Vickers at Robert Howey's and Samuel Lanin's on a family visit. Came off pretty well, though the waters seemed low. Then went to meeting. Solomon Gaskill and Samuel Shin was there on their return from a visit in Pennsylvania. Solomon had good service, said a great deal and Samuel Shin seemed pleasant and cheerful, though his barn was burnt with the lightning a few nights ago whilst he was out with Solomon. I seemed unexpected released from Friends in their family visit. The rest of this week about getting in corn etc. 14. Was First Day. My wife Abigail Stokes and I set off to Salem. Was at Woodbury meeting which I thought was but low. I went to see John Laning, a young man much wounded with a blow on his head in a difference with one Fleming. I seen the doctor cut away the flesh, scrape the skull and bore a hole through the skull. We went as far as Benjamin Wright's. 15. Was at Quarterly at Salem. John Simpson had good service in meeting of business in the other was but little said.
Lodged at Mark Millers. 16. Was youth's meeting at Salem. Benjamin Reeve and Daniel Offley spoke. Daniel was very large. We came up as far as Christopher Smith through a hard rain. Many Friends was there. A house almost full. Some young people. We had a sitting to good satisfaction. 17. We came up with James Cooper and his mother as far as their house and lodged. The storm still continued very hard. Had a sitting at Cooper's I hope. 18. Come on our way home. Stopped to see John Laning. The doctors were dressing his head and there seemed a prospect of his recovering. We went to cousin James Whitall's to dine and had an opportunity tended to the increase of true unity and so to good satisfaction. Then home and found all well. 19 and 20. About making a new screw to our cider press. 21. Was First Day at our meeting Thomas Vickers was there and think had a good service. Pretty solid good meeting, I thought. Joshua Roberts and his wife and I visited Isaac Dudley's and Jacob Hollinshead family in company with Thomas Vickers. 22. I was about home. Thomas Vickers on his family visit with Josha Roberts and wife and Jacob Hollinshead Jr. family in company with Thomas Vickers 22. I was about home. Thomas Vickers on his family visit with Joshua Roberts and wife. And Jacob Hollinshead, Sr., had a sitting at our house which was a time of favor in some good degree. 23. I went with Thomas Vickers on a family visit first to Dorcas Haines's, not a professor with us, who had requested a visit and received us very openly and I think we came off bravely. There was a man from Virginia there and sat with us who was looking for a Negro with him. We had an opportunity, then to Joshua Lippincott's and he went with us to Samuel Allinson's, John Haines's, then to Joshua Lippincott's to lodge. 24. We proceeded to Abraham Inskips (in company with J.L. and wife) then to John Stokes's, Isaac Borton's, Jane Eves's, Eliza. Lippincott, John Inskip's, then to I. L. to lodge. 25. To William Whitin's, Benjamin Matlack's, Thomas Lippincott, Martin Durit's, James Lippincott's, Abigail Saxton's. 26. To Samuel Burroughs, then to Cropwell Meeting which our elders say was to their satisfaction, then to William Vinicomb's and William Davison which J.L. says wound up well. We have had fine weather, but now a storm of snow hail and rain and very cold. 27. To William Evans's, Enoch Evans's, and Isaac Andrews's. This was the last within the compass of Cropwell Meeting. We lodged at Enoch Evans's. 28. I parted with our Friend Thomas Vickers. He went to Evesham and I came to Cropwell Meeting, which was a time of favor to me to good satisfaction in this visit to these families. The waters were so low at times and places we had hardly enough to float or navigate us but at some times pretty much favored with lively satisfactory opportunities to our satisfaction and the people I think generally expressed their satisfaction with the visit. 29. About home, hauling wood. [Left marginal note: First Day] The 4th of last month there was a hard thundershower and a terrible hurricane which blew down George Githin's chimney. It broke through the roof floor and all and narrowly missed of killing several of them, though but one was hurt. Last summer their shop was struck with the thunder and sat on fire. It was but about a year ago Ann Morton's chimney blew down in a time of a hurricane broke, through the kitchen roof floor and all and narrowly missed killing her. [Left marginal note: See Ezekiel 1:4, Behold a whirlwind cometh out of the North.] 1790 27 of the Eighth Month. There was a most uncommon hard wind in Pennsylvania, a thunder show which made most ruinous work. I think the like I hardly ever heard of in our parts. Killed some creature, tore up orchards, blew down buildings, and blew some parts of buildings, as it was said, some miles.
We have had a very exceeding great fruit year of all sorts of fruit, apples in particular. I never saw the like and I believe there never was so many at one season before. A general complaint for want of casks to hold cider. The apples kept very sound and hung on the trees full till very late and the ground covered with apples in some places till the snow came, which was 27th of the Eleventh Month 1790. When I was at Christopher Smith's, on our return from Salem Quarterly Meeting several Friends were telling of a great death amongst their apple trees. Several young orchards, they said, were almost all dead or likely to go with a kind of a worm of something at the roots. Some years ago the fruit, especially the apples, were blasted by one means or other in many places. The rose bugs eat up the young apples so that for many years together there was but very little fruit, not apples for house use, so that some said they that had no orchards were better of than them that had for they had none to cumber the ground. But now there is not casks to be had to hold the cider and abundance they get distilled, make molasses of it, let the creatures eat them and yet now in places abundance of choice sound apples under the snow. So we are tried both with plenty and with scarcity. O that we might learn like the apostle how to behave when we abound and otherwise. We have had a pretty good season for grain and some here away have very good crops, but at Salem John Wister tells me they had a very dry summer especially the forepart and on places there about much complaint of the louse in the Indian corn. Some fields I heard of almost whole field being destroyed with the worms like pismires [?] and much complaint of the birds: crows and blackbird. With some of these thing one piece of ours was so hurt in the Spring that it was not more than half a crop. Probably 30 of the Eleventh Month went to our meeting. John Simpson was there and I conceive the people believe he exceeds all. A most excellent time, some thought it was. I went to Joshua Lippincott's with John Simpson and brother A. Wills. John Simson's subject in part was concerning the state of our society. Many goodly people, he said, dwell, as it were in a pleasant land like the land of Gilead and are like the people formerly not willing to pass over Jordan, but he said it is polluted and they that dwell in this easy state and pleasant land were nearer pollution than they were aware of and pressed the people to come a little further. He very much enlarged on this subject and spoke very beautiful to the school children in most endearing language. --December 1790-- 4. I was finishing a pump for John Robert 21 feet long. 5. Was First Day at or meeting. More deliberation still wanting. I hope to mend of that yet. 6. About home. 7. Was preparative meeting. But low times. 8. About home. 9. Went after some pine and I visited Cropwell school to pretty good satisfaction. A very cold freezing time. 10. Went to monthly meeting. A very poor low time it was. There must be a cause. Search for the cause. 11. Was a very wet day. I was mending shoes etc. 12. Was First Day at our meeting. Came off but very poorly on examination. I had to remember Samson. He shook himself and thought to go out as at other times etc.
13th of the Twelfth Month, 1790. Killing hogs. Thomas Cowperthite's wife was buried. 14. I was at our meeting. A very low time, though not destitute quite of some life. R.R. 15. Salting up pork etc. 16. There came on a great storm of snow and very cold weather. 17. Jacob Haines's wife was buried but we did not hear of in time to attend. 18. Very cold. I was hauling wood etc. [Right marginal note: She died very suddenly.] 19. Was First Day at our meeting which I thought was to profit. Came off pretty well I hope and believe. What a favor it is to be preserved above contempt. Several I observed looked very pleasant after meeting. 20. We were killing a beef and dressing it-- a bull-- in the afternoon. Samuel White and I went to see Joshua Evans who has been very ill but getting better. He tells me he has been much favored with quietude and resignation of mind and that the Lord owned his plain way and his singularities. 21. Went to our meeting but poor times, very cold snowy weather. 22 and 23. About home. 24. I went to Cropwell Meeting. Came off pretty well I hope. 25. Making a meat tub. 26. Was First Day. I was at our meeting. Amos Willis was there. A poor distressing time to me, the silent part the best. The rest of this week I was getting plow stuff. An exceeding cold snowy time. --January 1791-- 1 of the First Month 1791. A snowy cold day I was hauling logs to the saw mill for plow stuff. 2 of the First Month. Was First Day but poor low times. 2. About home. 3. Was our preparative meeting, something better than some. 4 and 5. Getting plow stuff. Very cold, snowy weather it has been, but now grow warmer. The snow taken away. 7. Was monthly meeting, Came off pretty well. More lively than last. 8. Was First Day. We went to Evesham with Lucas Gibbs from home here. The meeting was very low. After meeting my wife and I with Lucas Gibbs went to see three young men under dealings for the neglect of meetings. We labored to clear ourselves but they seemed deaf the entreaty and but one would sit with us. Their names were Sharp. A very rainy, freezing time. The ground all glazed with ice. 10. I went to Haddonfield Monthly Meeting which to me was but a low time, though perhaps to some profit and advantage. Here I met with our ancient Friend, Thomas Vickers with a view of accompanying him a few days. We went to Woodbury, lodged at S. Miccle's. 11. Was at Woodbury Monthly Meeting. Things seemed very low. However, maybe some good was done. We went to Samuel Paul's to lodge. 12. At Upper Grinage [Greenwich], which to me was a very low suffering time. D.C. says he believes it's so to everybody that goes there. T.V. had a great deal to say, though the life and power I thought was wanting. This afternoon we had a meeting at Mullica Hill I think was a time of favor with a good degree of the savor of life. After this meeting I returned homeward eight miles after night as far as D. Cooper's. 13. Got home and found all well. I thought to go to work but a call further out from home again. 14. I went to Cropwell Meeting at which was a marriage Samuel Lippincott and Ammer Haines. The meeting was low but ended something better.
15th of the First Month 1790. I went to the burials of Agnes Lippincott. She died very suddenly, raving distracted, a young widow, daughter of John Inskip. There was a very large concourse of people. I had a pretty solid opportunity with them to some good satisfaction to myself and W.R., one of our elders, says it was so to him. [Right marginal note: See back 13 of Ninth Month 1789 the account of the death of her husband.] 16. Was First Day. I was at our meeting. A low time with me. 17. About home. At our meeting. low times. I was about home this week dressing out plow stuff. Cold weather. Nothing material this week except this: it was as to the inward state a cloudy time of contrary winds, a purging time. 23. Was First Day. At our meeting and I think favored again with a satisfactory time to myself and as I could discover it was so to my Friends. 24. At work at a pump for Isaac Peacok 37 feet long. John Collins and wife paid us a visit to my satisfaction in a good degree. 25. At our meeting Isaac Hutch was there and had acceptable service though the meeting was very low. There is many ways to gratify self etc. Extensive expressions. The rest of this week I was about I. Peacock's pump alone. The boy goes to school. 30. Was First Day. I went to Cropwell Meeting and a good to me. [A] solid favored time it was I believe. After meeting I went to brother E. Evans's to dine and then went to see Jacob Evans who lies very ill. Then we went to visit John Inskip's family, one of his sons being lamed with the kick of a horse. 31. Getting moldboard for plows. --February 1791-- 1 of the Second Month. At our meeting. A poor low meeting it was. After noon we put in Isaac Peacocks pump 36 feet 8 inches long. The rest of this week I was about home getting firewood and about plow work. 6. Was First Day. We were at our meeting. Came off middling well. After meeting we went to brother J. Warrington's and to see John Stokes his family and had an opportunity to some satisfaction, though he was not at home (a poor intemperate creature striving to reform). 7. About home. 8. Was our preparative meeting and a good favored time it was to my satisfaction. I believe Friends were generally sensible that it was a better meeting than common. 9. At work in the shop. Very stormy weather as to the outward but no so inwardly though a little time past it was so. 10. My wife and I went to Evesham Preparative Meeting. The meeting, I thought, was middling. After meeting the Committee on Negro Cases met and had a lively conference on their business. 11. Was monthly meeting. Benjamin Reeve was there about to visit the Select members. I thought it was a pretty good lively meeting. 12. Hauling plow stuff from the sawmill. 13. Was First Day. I went to Vincent Town meeting. A small low meeting with hard labor. I thought I came off pretty well. No cause to repent going there. I called to see Elizabeth Collins who has been very ill but getting better. 14. Making a lye tub for Hinchman Bispham. 15. Went to our meeting, which was very low and poor till last it ended with a good degree of life and satisfaction to me and J.C. says so too. 16. Joseph and I went to make a pump for William Burr. 17. I went to Evesham meeting. Came off bravely. The Committee on Spirituous Liquors met. Conferred on that and other business. [This Committee �on the subject of Spiritous Liquors,� to which Hunt was appointed, was formed by Evesham Monthly meeting held 12mo 1790 in accordance with the Extracts of the previous Yearly Meeting. The Committee was charged with �reporting their service to this Mtg at or before the Monthly meeting in the 8th Month next, in order to enable it to send an account thereof to the ensuing Quarterly Meetings as recommended� (Minutes of Evesham Monthly meeting, 2mo 1790).]
18th of the Second Month, 1791. I went to the burial of Jacob Evans. A poor low dry time till just at last at the grave I had a satisfactory opportunity. It seemed as if my horse went the better for it and I did not mind the cold this afternoon. Afternoon I went and finished William Burr's pump and he paid for it, 20 feet 4 inches long. 19. I came home through a great storm snow, hail and rain, and visited forepart of this week. It was so warm the frogs was singing, but by the middle of the week it was most extreme cold pressing violent windy weather. Some thought it exceeded all we have had this winter. [Left marginal note: William Cox to good satisfaction] 20. Was First Day. I was at our meeting but something is the matter. little or no satisfaction. 21. About home at work in the shop. At Joshua Burrows's vendue afternoon. 22. At our meeting. Isaac Huch was there and did very well, but this meeting sat with me like physic on my stomach. The rest of this week about home at work in the shop. Very cold weather and stormy. 27. Was First Day we was at Evesham meeting. Old Thomas Wilkins was buried, aged 91 years as is said. There was a large concourse of people and I thought we came off pretty well, however W.R. signified he thought so. It was a strengthening healing time to me. This afternoon I set off to go to the burial of my aunt Mary Harvey. Went as far as William Rogers's and he sat of with me next morning. 28. Was a very hard rain like a shower in which we got very wet and the roads being extreme miry, through which with the rain and badness of the roads we concluded we could not get to the burial in season. So we went to Burlington Quarterly Meeting, which was small it being very stormy and bad roads. People were long a gathering which spoiled the first sitting very much, but in the afternoon we had a pretty lively time on the queries and other business William R. and I and Joseph H. lodged at Samuel Rogers's in Burlington. --March 1791-- 1 of the Third Month 1791 was their youth's or general meeting which was large and much favored with a powerful living ministry, Mary Ridgeway and Jane Watson being there and favored in the exercise of their gifts. Mary was eminently raised with life and power. [Right marginal note: We had a very lively time at parting the Select number.] Ezra Comfort and his companion Thomas Shoemaker was there and come with William Rogers this evening to perform an errand for our meeting to a young woman gone out in marriage. And I think we had a good favored time with the young people, then with the revive. And then called to see a relations of William R. and come off with satisfaction and finished the day's work. Got back to our Friends to Joseph Buzby's about 8 clock at night. 2. We were at Ancocas meeting which was very low the forepart, but growed better and ended very well and I believe to general satisfaction. I proposed in preparative meeting going into the women's meeting and Ezra agreed to go with me and no cause to repent it. We dined at brother Aaron Wills's. A large company. Aaron come with us to Mount Holly and there we parted with the Pennsylvania Friends and I got home and found all pretty well. About home at work in the shop the rest of the week. 6 of the Third Month. Was First Day. I went to see Samuel Allinson who lies very ill Benjamin Swet was there we had a little sitting with him and wife and than we went to Cropwell Meeting which to me was but lowish though not much cause of complaint [Left marginal note sideways: At Burlington Quarter met May Ridgeway [who] told us there was a sore famine in the land and it required hard labor to get anything to live on etc. etc. etc.]
7th of the Third Month, 1791. Joseph and I went to make a pump for cousin Samuel Wills. A top piece 13 and a half [feet] long paid off all. 8. Finished the pump. Went to see William Buzby who lies very ill. He served his apprenticeship with me. Had some satisfaction. 9. We were at Ancocas meeting I thought I came off but poorly, but brother A: W: says come comparatively pretty well. Got home this evening. At work in the shop. 11. Was monthly meeting. I thought it pretty well, though some matters, one in particular in which there was diversity of sentiments, in which there was something not pleasant nor exemplary. I went to see sister A. Evans who has been very poorly but getting better. 12. Was Select Meeting. Joshua Evans was with us and it was agreed that it was a time of favor so the clerk minuted and the meeting agreed to it though I thought there seemed a lowness yet there was many close searching and some lively remarks. Joshua Evan and Joseph Kaighn came here and lodged at the schoolhouse by J. Cowp and Friends agreed it was a time of favor in some good degree and no cause of discourage though the number of the Black people was but small, perhaps for want of their being properly notified. 14. At work in the shop. 15. Went to our meeting, which the number with whom I had something to do, I thought I discovered some were satisfied better than I was. 16. There was a large meeting appointed for Mary Ridgeway and Jane Watson from Ireland. Samuel Emlen, Thomas Scattergood, and Robert Willis were there. The women were highly favored. Mary especially was raised in great eminence, with good demonstration, life and power. The stream and main stress of their testimony was against a worldly spirit and a state of carnal security in own society. Scarcely a word to the drunkards and profligates. Likewise at Haddonfield, verse. they had very close tight scraping work. Jane said the people were so taken up with their worldly schemes and earthly concerns that it seemed as if they had forgotten they must die or that they had but a little time to stay here on earth. Mary began with this saying, We are ready to say sometimes, by whom shall Jacob arise for he is small [Amos 7:2] and so went on in a lively powerful manner. Jacob, she said, was so little in his own eyes that he said he was a worm and no man and signified it was the case with some now a days. Now worms, she said, was a thing that was frequently trod upon* and some were so cruel in their nature that they delighted to tread upon them and would tread them to death. Thomas Scattergood had also very good service [Left marginal note sideways: "This doctrine concerning treading on worms made me think how Joshua Evans had been trampled upon amongst the people and oppressed at this place. Now see Sewel's History page 657, William Dewsbury's words.]
After meeting I went to John Glovyer's and he went with me to settle some business with some Black people. 18 of the Third Month, 1791. I went to Cropwell Meeting. Ezra Comfort and his companion was there. The meeting was but small; it was thought one reason was the smallpox by inoculation was much in the neighborhood. Ezra was very poorly. I thought the meeting ended pretty well. The weather at this time was very warm like summer so that the people sweat and we could hardly set in the house without hoisting the windows. 19. I went with Ezra Comfort and his companion Thomas Shoemaker to Upper Evesham, but what shall I say of the meeting? Though there were many gospel truths delivered, the people seemed asleep. I thought it seemed as if the people had been taking sleepy drops, anodyne or Laudanum and it seemed as if there was no waking of them, though there seemed something of a solidity at last. This was a very stormy day. Rain in the morning and violent storm of snow in the afternoon through which these Friends rode down to Philadelphia homewards. A very great change of weather though it was so worm yesterday, the ground covered with snow the next day, clears up again still and fine. 20. Was First Day. Ezra was to have been at our meeting, but being unwell thought best to go homewards. The meeting was but a poor time far from being satisfactory to me. There must be a cause. 21. I was making a plow for Samuel Roberts. 22. At our meeting and a very poor low time it was though I had after meeting a satisfactory time with Mary Howe in company with our women overseers on account of her outgoing in marriage. Robert Howe shewed we his cancer on his breast and a dismal hole it has eat on the pit or upper part of his breast bone. The hole is as big as the palm of one's hand or bigger. 23. I went to Hugh Cowperthite's to make a pump. 24. At work at the pump. Left the boys at it and I went to select meeting at Haddonfield. Mary Ridgeway and Jane Watson from Europe was there and had most excellent searching service amongst the elders in particular. After meeting I went and finished Hugh Cowperthite's pump, 18 feet 4 inches. This night before we got home it was very dark and we met with some trouble. Run against another wagon and broke of one of the wheels and after that it was so dark we were much beset to find the way home. We were forced to leave the wagon and then on horse back. The boy got lost behind me. His horse got out in the swamp and a time of most dreadful thunder and lightning it was. After a time of blowing the horn and going out with the candle we got the lad home, but the dreadfulness of the thunder increased until midnight. It was really an humbling awful time to me. Very rare to see the like so early in the season. [Right marginal note: See Sewel's History, 357] I was informed that M. Ridgeway and J. Watson was very much affected with this time of thunder. It is said its not common to see the like in their land. [Left marginal note sideways: 24. This night there was a house struck with the thunder, the bed singed where some children lay and not hurt, in the midst of the town of Mount Holly.] 25. Was Quarterly Meeting at Haddonfield which I think was but lowish. The women Friends were quite shut up though there was several lively little testimonies delivered. I went down to town or to the river to Joseph Kains to lodge with William Rogers. Robert Willis was there and well in health. 26. We went to Select Meeting at Philadelphia and a most highly favored time it was. Mary Ridgeway and Mary Berry Had most excellent service. Mary Ridgeway's words was little children keep yourselves from idols and said she looked on herself to be one of those little children. And further she said a fear had possessed her mind least some there had been unhappily prevailed on to set up idols in their heart, in their mouths, and houses and mentioned the declension and that blindness in part had happened to Israel. Mary Berry was much on the same. [Left marginal note sideways: I was told that at Upper Evesham Jane Watson told the people it was better to have an empty house than a bad tenant. I said the drunkard was a bad tenant and destroyed the house. The whoremonger also was a bad tenant etc.]
27. Was First Day. I went to Cropwell Meeting, which I believe was in some degree to general satisfaction. After meeting went to see Samuel Lippincott, very ill, like to die. See 14 of the Twelfth Month last. 28. I went down to town with John Collins. Went to Select Meeting and very lively time and deeply instructing it was. Many lively sentences were dropped on the state of society. Meeting of worship began at 10. I went to Pine Street meeting. John Simpson had edifying service on the subject of drunkenness: drunk but not with wine but with anger etc. Peter Yarnall also was very notable and lively in Prayer. A good edifying meeting it was. Select Meeting at 3. Jacob Lindley had lively service, some of which was this: he said we should never be made perfect but by suffering. John Pemberton's case concerning his going to England again was considered and referred. The meeting concluded and here I thought I seen some of the most beautiful creature in the world and that is innocent sweet spirited men and women: bright stars in the firmament of the Lord's power, polished shafts in his quiver, as the prophet Isaiah expresses it. 29. I came up home on foot with William Rogers and John Collins at this last Select Meeting, though there were many bright shining examples, I had to look round and think of many that time past were such, but now seem to have got hitched by the way and wounded in their reputation and were not there. To wit, M.P., H.R., R.H., I. Ha: and A.H., J. Sa., J.R. and many others, which seemed to revive this caution: he that thinks he stands let him take heed least he fall. For it is so indeed we stand in slippery places, comparable to a sea of glass mingled with fire [Revelation 15:2]. [Right marginal note: I am told that the thunder of the 24 struck a house in Mount Holly and singed a bed where some children lay, but did not hurt them.] 30. About home. 31. Brother Robert was here. --April 1791-- 1 of the Fourth Month 1791. Brother Robert and I went up to see our relations at Springfield, uncle John Harvey's and others and we had some temporal Interest to attend to. 2. We came home. 3. Was First Day. It was a most distressing poor time. dullness, stupidity and insensibility prevailed. There seems no getting a long with any thing at such times to any purpose. How dreadful is our state what dismal risks we run Must we be wicked if we are great and if we are poor undone. Almost all our money making men [illegible] are very drowsy and good for nothing at meeting. 4. At home. 5. Was preparative meeting. John Cox was there and had I thought a clear view of the state of the meeting. 6 and 7. At work at home. 8. Was monthly meeting. James Thornton was there and had most excellent lively edifying extensive service. I thought the meeting of business was not attended with that life as at some other times, though no cause of complaint. 9. Making a plow for Jacob French. 10. Was First Day. I was at our meeting and I think it was a pretty good meeting. Came off with good satisfaction. This evening I went to see Samuel Lippincott who lays very ill. No cause to repent. 11. Making a plow for Benjamin Archer. 12. This evening James Thornton and cousin Hannah Thornton came to see us. 13. At our meeting was a marriage [illegible] Sharpe and Ann Lanin. James Thornton had a fine favored time. I do think it was a solid good meeting. I had an opportunity at the house Lanine.
13 of the Fourth Month, 1791. About home plow making etc. 14. I went to Evesham Meeting and a poor dull time it was. After meeting not so well as I could wish. On the whole it was a profitable strengthening time. 15. About home. 16. Made a plow for T. Lippincott. [Left marginal note: Went after fish] 17. Was First Day. This day Robert Wilis is to be buried. He died with a short sickness at Joseph Kaighn's a few days ago. I was with him at Ancocas meeting and at our meeting and as he eyed to tell us so it is with him time will rub off after a while. We had some struggling of mind about going to our ancient worthy Friend Robert Willis his burial, but some things prevented, so we went to our meeting and had but a lowish time, though not the worst. 18. Joseph Buzby and wife was here. I was about a plow for G. Gilkins. 19. At our meeting, but so so sort of a time. Had an opportunity with I. [name indecipherable] who made request to be taken in amongst us. 20. I went to make a pump for John Borton. [Right marginal note: 1799 he died with the consumption.] 21. At work at Borton's pump and I went to Evesham Meeting and I think it was a time of favor, strengthening and satisfactory. This afternoon we finished Borton's pump, 25 feet long paid for. 22. We came home. Dressing a calf and preparing for market. 23. I was at work at a plow for Noah Haines and went to the sawmill. 24. Was First Day. My wife and I went to Upper Evesham meeting, which was a poor time as I thought. No satisfaction but very far from it, though I hope it will prove an instructing time. After meeting John Coln and sister A.E. and my W. and I had an opportunity with M.H. by appointment from our monthly meeting to pretty good satisfaction. [Hunt and Collins were appointed by Evesham Monthly meeting held 4mo 1791 to visit Mary Haines �for giving way to Temptation and thereby became the Mother of a Bastard child; requiring the assistance of this meeting in further treatment with her� and report their sense of her disposition of Mind to next meeting� (Minutes of Evesham Monthly meeting, 4mo 1791).] 25. At work at a plow for S. Shute. 26. Went to our meeting and came off middling with some satisfaction. 27:28:29:30. About plow making. This week a very strange accident befell a young man. Malon Matlack was hooked by a cow in the crotch so that his life was despaired of. I went to see him and he is getting better. Stroke after stroke, call after call. A few years ago they had their house burnt. --May 1791-- 1 of the Fifth Month. Was First Day at our meeting. I thought we came off but poorly. This evening brother Joseph Worinton and I had opportunity with H.C. respecting intemperance. 2. About home. 3. Was preparative meeting. I thought it but poor times with us to what it might have been. After meeting John Roberts and I and E. Hollinshead went to visit Hezekiah Garwood (through a heavy rain) on account of intemperance. 4 and 5. About home. 6. Was monthly meeting. Jonathan Kirkbidge and William Blake was there. We had a hard sort of a laborious time, though I hope to some profit. 7. Was Select Meeting and a time of poverty and dryness as I thought. 8. Was First Day. My wife and I and Enoch Evans and his wife went over to Ancocas meeting which was but a low time and went to see Rachel Wills who was some better but weak. Had a pretty good opportunity with her � came home this evening. And this afternoon was a Negro meeting held at Evesham and a Negro man preached from Burlington. 9. About planting etc. 10. At our meeting. Came off middling well. 11:12. Planting, shearing sheep etc.
13 of the Fifth Month, 1791. I set off towards Salem with Hannah French and sister Rebekah Warrington and was at Woodbury Meeting which was middling. B. Swet was there. We lodged at Caleb Lippincott's. A fine rain after a dry time. 14. This morning through a hard rain we got to Salem Select Meeting, which was a profitable solid meeting. Lodged at James Mason's. I had an opportunity with some young people and in a Negro family hard by to some profit I hope. 15. Was First Day. We were at Salem Meeting which was highly favored with a living ministry Huson Langstroth from Philadelphia, a young bright shining instrument lately raised up, was there and had a good service. In the afternoon at Salem the meeting was but low and almost silent. Lodged at Lucas Gibbs. Had an opportunity with the oldest children, the heads of the family: to advantage I hope. 16. Was Quarterly Meeting, which on the whole I believe was a pretty good edifying time especially in the meeting for business. Lodged at Heze Bates. 17. Was youth's meeting, which to me was but a poor time though it might not be so with some others. We came up to John Jesups to lodge. 18. Got home and found all pretty well. About home the rest of this week. 22. Was First Day at our meeting. Full crowded meeting. Came off middling well. I am in hopes. 23. About home. 24. At our meeting. A shameful dull time. 25. About home unwell. 26. I went to Evesham meeting, which was a much favored time with me. The watchword after meeting: was from J.C.: Now take care, its a time of danger. After meeting, our Committee on Spirituous Liquors met to confer on their business. Went to William Rogers's to dine. I found he was of the same mind respecting the meeting. 27 and 28. About home at work in the shop, replanting etc. 29. Was First Day. I was at our meeting and came off middling well I believe. 30. I went to Samuel Sokes to hew timber for a pump. Very worm weather. 31. At our meeting and down right hearty good one it was to me and several others could not or did not hide their thoughts and opinions after meeting. It was, I think, really a time of favor and strengthening. --June 1791-- 1st of the Sixth Month went to work at brother Samuel Stokes's pump. 2. We finished it, 30 feet long, and I went with them to Haddonfield meeting and came off middling well I hope. Mary Swet took me by the hand as it were and united in labor which seemed comforting and strengthening. I came home this evening and here I found our much esteemed, well beloved, worthy, ancient Friend John Lloyd. 3. I went with John Lloyd as far as Enoch Evans. He was going to Egg Harbor Yearly Meeting and I was sorry I could not go with him. I went to work at Caleb Lippincott's. Got to work at the pump log about 9: o Clock. Hewed it and bored it and dressed it off and had like to have finished it, 20 feet and a half long. 4. We went to the burial of Samuel Allinson. Daniel Offley, Nicholas Waln and John Parrish and divers others were there, but it was a poor low shut up time. But I find since J.C. and some others did not think so. I had something to do. 5th of the Sixth Month. Was First Day. Miscellanies Moral and Instructive, page 138: it is said it was the practice of Vespastian the Roman Emperor [Vespasian (69-79 AD)] to call himself to an account every night for the actions of the past day, and as often as he let slip one day without doing some good he entered upon his diary this memorial "I have lost a day Count that day whose low descending sun, Views from thy hand no worthy action done. I went to Cropwell Meeting and a good favored time I think it was to me and went to see S. Allinson's family.
6 of the Sixth Month 1791. I went to make a pump for Amos Haines and Left the boy to finish it, 15 feet long all settled. 7. At our preparative meeting. A poor low time I thought. 8. Mending some old plows. 9. At work at Samme Stokes pump, a bottom piece. The other proved not tight. 10. I went to monthly meeting under considerable affliction with a bad bite but had no cause to repent getting a long. Though I might have done better in one or two matters, yet hit it in some others maybe. 11. I made a plow for Samuel Matlack. 12. Was First Day. I was at our meeting which was not altogether to my satisfaction, though I don't know that there was much cause of complaint, though it might have been better. 13. Making a plow for John Barton. 14. At our meeting. There was two couples married, Joshua Lord and William Evans. On the whole at last I had good satisfaction. 15. Making a plow for Samuel Allinson's widow, then About home tending corn etc. till 18 I went to mend a pump for E. French. 19. Was First Day. I was at our meeting. John Cox, Jr., was there and think spoke very prettily, came off middling well. We went to brother I. Worinton's to dine and this afternoon at our meeting. John Reeve and Benjamin Reeve had a meeting at our meeting house which was middling as to life. 20. John and Benjamin Reeve on a religious visit to the select members of our quarter had a sitting in our family in which much pertinent council was communicated. I then went with them to Joshua Roberts, Ha Cowpert, Robert French's and brother Joseph Worinton's, then to John Collins to lodge. Here I left these Friends and came home. 21. Was at our meeting. I having been out late several nights past lost some sleep and took some cold. Had a numb pain in my head and a most distressed poor dull meeting we had. Whilst I was in company with John and B: Reeve they informed me that there were two men and two women drownded just below they left home on the strand or beach or water shoals in a party of pleasuring, like them at Rahway a few years back. Walked out [illegible] that in kind of bravado got out of their depth got [illegible]. The women clinged fast to the men and all drowned together, some of them having children grown up and married. Another thing John Reeve told me I thought worth notice concerning a man, one of his neighbors, much given to strong drink and exceeding abusive to his wife when drunk so that she seemed often in great danger of her life and frequently came to their house when he turned her out, who was much surprised by two men, as he thought, who came to him dressed in white and opened a prospect to him what would assuredly be his doom if he held on in his wicked course, which so surprised him that he betook himself to performing religious duties in the way of the Baptists and so continued very temperate and religious for two years and then broke out to drinking again. John said he thought he was one of the most profuse [?] men in language before, but after his taking to it the second time, if it was possible, he was ten times worse than before but lived not long after. Died in his bed. No body knew how his wife found him a corpse. 22. About tending corn etc. 23. Samme and I went to Caleb Evans to splice his pump, paid for. 24. We went to John Maxfield's to make a screw cheese press. 25. Finished it: and mended Nehemiah Leeds pump. 26. Was First Day. I was at our meeting and after a hard struggle with an indolent spirit had a pretty satisfactory meeting. I thought it ended well. 27. About hay and harvest. 28. At our meeting, which was small and not satisfactory to me somehow.
About hay and harvest work. [Right marginal note: Under considerable affliction with a bad bite] --July 1791-- 3rd of the Seventh Month 1791. Was First Day. Went to our meeting which was a full large meeting and many not professors with [scribbled out]. I came off with good satisfaction which was cause of Humility and thankfulness. A pretty good meeting. 4. About reaping. 5. At our preparative meeting, a lowish time. 6 and 7. Finished reaping. 8. Was monthly meeting. Elizabeth Collins had good service in the first sitting and the business was pretty well conducted. 9. Getting in grain and hay etc. 10. Was First Day I went to Cropwell Meeting which was satisfactory and went to the Negro meeting this afternoon which I think was not to be complained of. Elizabeth Collins had good service amongst them this day. Elizabeth Bud, daughter of Benjamin Cooper, was buried, who died with a cancer in her breast. 11. About mowing. This day William Tallman was tried for his life at Woodbury and condemned to be hang for robbery. 12. At our meeting which was not a satisfactory time to me somehow. 13. About mowing. 14. I went to Evesham Meeting and came off with satisfaction after meeting. The Committee on Spirituous Liquors met to consider that matters. 15 and 16. About. Hay and hauling in grains etc. 17. Was First Day. I went to Woodbury meeting, which was a low shut up time with me. This afternoon I went to see William Tallman, a young man about 21 years of age under sentence of death for stealing. John Tatham went with me into the prison and had a good deal to say to him and he seemed affected and tenderhearted after we had been peaking to him. [Right marginal note: He was executed the Seventh Day following.] 18. Joshua Burroughs sent for me to come and see him under great affliction with an ulcer and not like to continue many days. He seemed under very great concern about his future state and greatly desirous of a full assurance of his peace being made. I believe I left him more easy in mind. 19. Went to our meeting, which to me was somewhat satisfactory. 20 and 21. About hay. 22. We went to the burial of Joshua Burroughs. Rebekah Wright was there. We had a meeting after the burial and a solid profitable time I believe it was. It ended I thought solid savory and well. I had good satisfaction. Rebekah Wright had good service. This young man told me the other day when I was with him that he had been greatly troubled about giving way to much to fashionable dress and said if he got well again there should never be a coat with cross pockets come on his back and said he did not want to live longer, only to set his house in order etc. He had the fall-down collar and unnecessary capes taken off before. 23. About home hauling wood etc. 24. Was First Day. I went to Cropwell Meeting and came off pretty middling well, I am in hopes. After meeting brother Enoch Evans and I visited three families, one on account of selling strong drink and the others respecting the use of it in time of harvest and they all three expressed hearty satisfaction with our visit and particularly their wives. 25. We went to Cropwell Meeting appointed for Zachariah Faris from Wilmington, who had good service and a good solid profitable meeting I think it was and ended with life and savor. Zacheriah and his two companions, Robert Johnson and William Canby came home with us after having a sitting to profit, I hope, at William Siniamly.
26 of the Seventh Month, 1791. Went to our meeting. Zachariah Faris had very excellent service and was favored in Supplication at last. I went with these Friends to Joshua Bispham's to dine and then we went to William Rogers's to lodge. 27th. We were at Upper Evesham and came off bravely, I believe, though great stupidity prevailed amongst a many professors. We lodged at William Snowden's. 28. We came to Lower Evesham. A full crowded meeting it was and a lively time, especially towards the latter part. It ended with solidity and with a good degree of the savor of life. Here I left these Friends with feeling nearness and uniting regard. This morning before meeting we had an opportunity in two families, T.B. and N. Leeds, to a good degree of satisfaction. It seemed as if I could have went through the world with these Friends. 29 and 30. About home making a plow for Thomas Stokes and at work on the place. 31 of the Seventh Month 1791. Was First Day. I went to Cropwell Meeting and it was a good satisfactory meeting to divers of us. William R. says it was to him. At this meeting notice was given of the burial of John Stokes. William Rogers and I went to the burial and a poor shut up time it was. He was killed with a fall from a horse. As he was running of him, the horse threw him against a gate post near against our meeting house door. Broke his skull and killed him instantly. Much in drink, he was perhaps one of the greatest drunkards of his age and one of the most profane with his tongue that was ever raised in these part, though a wealthy Friends son of a reputable family. I think I never saw more hard heartedness, unfeeling, unsympathsing, insensibility prevail at a burial in my life. If the Scriptures had told us that all that die drunk and all the drunkards should Surely go to heaven it would not be so admirable. When William Tallman, a young man about 21 years of age, was hanged the other day at Woodbury for robbery, I was informed it was a serious, solemn time and many were affected with tenderness, even to tears but no such thing here. And here the retailers of strong drink could come to the burial as unconcerned as the rest. O! how custom has blinded our eyes and drawn a veil or brought a thick cloud over us. William Rogers informs me that a young man from Maryland brings straight and clear intelligence that at Maryland they have had no rain for three months and so pinched with the drought that they are forced to feed their creatures with corn to keep them from starving to death. --August 1791-- 1 of the Eighth Month 1791. About home at work on the place hauling rails wood. 2. Went with Joshua Evans (who was here, lodged with us) to our preparative [meeting]. The first for worship, I think, was pretty well but the business went on dull, though Joshua and I went in amongst the women and had a lively favored scraping time, tending to the increase of strength. 3. I visited Mary Hilman and her husband on account of their outgoing in marriage and came off with satisfaction to myself and to them, as they divers times expressed. [Hunt and William Rogers were appointed by Evesham Monthly meeting held 7mo 1791 �to take a solid opportunity� with Hillman �for outgoing in Marriage� (Minutes of Evesham Monthly meeting, 7mo 1791).] I also got a tree home for E. Hollinshead's pump. 4. I went in company with William Rogers to Mount Holly Monthly Meeting. There was William Shatterthite and Isaac Hutah and I think we had some lively close work especially in answering queries and yet I think cause why it was so. Great weakness prevails there, a taking up a rest and dwelling on the surface of things and content with the form and not willing to alter or be roused up. I lodged at William Rogers's. 5. Went to our monthly meeting. Met a Committee on Spirituous Liquors to agree on a report, which we did to mutual satisfaction and strengthening comfort.* [Left marginal note sideways: But we had but a dull time in meeting for business, though there was something quieting at the close of the first sitting and I had satisfactory time amongst the women.] 6. I put in a bottom piece in Ellenor Hollinshead's pump, 25 feet 6 [inches] long. Preached to others etc. A thorn in the flesh etc.
7th of the Eighth Month 1791. Was First Day. Almost every few days of late the sound of mortality hath been heared with us. Jacob Evans buried his wife and one child with the flux which seems spreading. Thomas Potter at Haddonfield buried his wife last week. A young Couple went to our meeting. Solomon Gaskill was there and had good service and I thought we had a very good meeting strengthening comforting and healing to me after a wounding time. [Right marginal note: Joseph Butcher died with a small cut in his leg mortified. Had a young son.] 8. I made a plow for William Rogers. 9. Went to our meeting and a most distressing poor dull time it was. A lethargic drowse seemed to cover all. I mended two pumps afternoon, one for Samuel Hackney and one for I. Wortington. 10. I went to mend James Lippincott's pump and found it quite rotten. 11. I went to mend some pumps for Nehemiah Leeds, all settled. 12. I went to work at a top piece for James Lippincott's pump, 18 feet 6 inches long and went to Cropwell Meeting. James Thorington was there and Solomon Gaskill and abundance of preaching we had and I think it was a solid good meeting. 13. We finished James Lippincott's pump. 14. Was First Day at our meeting and came off pretty well, I hope, though not so well but it might have been much better. 15. At work at a cheese press for John Evans. William Rogers and his wife was here. 16. At our meeting a most shocking poor dull time it was I believe to almost all, but Rebekah Roberts seemed to have some life about her. 17. At work at home. 18. Was like for rain. I took John Evans his cheese press home. 19. Went to work at a pump for Joseph Gardiner. 20. We finished J. Gardiner's pump, 22 feet long, paid all off. 21. Was First Day went to our meeting and I think there was something of solidity covered us and am in hope came off pretty well. 22. Met at John Collins's. John Collins's, Enoch Evan's, and Joshua Owin and I went to visit the retailers of spirituous liquors in Moorestown. Had an opportunity with John Cox and wife to clear ourselves but they are settled on their lees and blinded through dark and wicked customs. Had an opportunity with the widow Wood endeavoring to persuade them to be careful not to sell strong drink to them that have no government of themselves and of the bad effects of such practices. R. Smith was not at home, but we had a full opportunity with the magistrate, Reece Edwards, to no satisfaction except clearing ourselves. 23. Was at our meeting. The forepart I thought was a favored time in silence, but it did not end to my satisfaction, though perhaps to my instruction and profit, something like a dose of physic. Remember John Churchman, ay and divers others: Bownas, Maplebeck. 24. I went after a load of bricks and mended Joshua Lippincott's pump. 25. Made a plow for Samuel Davis. 26. Went to make a pump for Edmund Hollinshead. 27. Finished E. Hollinshead's pump, 25 feet, 10 inches long. 28. Was First Day. I was at our meeting and a time of favor I think it was. I.C. after meeting said, Well, John thee has mended thy misses. I went home with brother Joseph Warrington. 29. We went to Burlington Quarterly Meeting. Huson Langstroth had good service and in the afternoon on business we had a favored time, came off bravely. Went to brother Aaron Wills's to lodge. I went to see Hannah Stokes, a young woman lays very ill of a fever.
30 of the Eighth Month, 1791. Was youth's meeting at Burlington. Thomas Scattergood had extensive service, Rebecca Wright and some others. A famous meeting it was and very strengthening to me. Got home this evening. [Left marginal note: Very hot; very hot weather.] 31. I went up in the pines after some pump logs. --September 1791-- 1 of the Ninth Month. Making a pump for George Gange, 16 feet 6 inches long. 2. Do. Do. 3. About a pump for Dorcas Haines, 17 feet long 4 inches. Finished both. [Left marginal note: cold morn] 4. Was First Day, a very stormy day. Went to our meeting and after a hard tug came off with good satisfaction. 5. I went to John Rudrow's to lash timber for two pumps and got it home. 6. Was our preparative meeting. About our queries, my Friends and me cannot agree. We had a fighting time. Some seem to pass a long smooth and fine as if all was well. 7:8. I was at work at two pumps, one for Joshua, others done for John Rudrow's and put in a pump for Nathan Haines 23 [feet] 6 [inches]. The bottom pieces was an old one 16 feet long. 9. Went to monthly meeting which was a time of close labor and rough work for me, but rather gained ground. I have heard tell of states attorney and king's attorney etc. and of old Benjamin Lay. I think come of pretty well on the whole but it might have been better. 10. Went to Select Meeting which was a time of close rough labor to me. I made greatest part of a plow for Joshua Bispham and sent Ostler's and Rudrow's pumps home, each near 17 feet long, all settled but N. Haines. 11. Was First Day. I was at home, our son Samuel having been about a week past very ill of a fever and purging and sickness at stomach and having been broke of my rest. A very great rain today and having a bad boil I attended no meeting today. There was another Negro meeting this afternoon. 12. About home making a plow for [Crossed out:] Joseph Coles. 14. I went to Woodbury Monthly Meeting, but Samme being so ill I did not get there till very late this afternoon. I mended John Tatham's pump and I went to John Jesup's on some urgent business. 15. Came home. 16 and 17. I was very poorly afflicted with a boil and fever. 18. Was First Day. I was at our meeting and think there was a good degree of quiet and orderly stillness over the meeting and I hope it ended pretty well. This afternoon Joshua Evans came here and lodged. 19. We went to the burial of Thomas Dudley's daughter about 18 years. We had a sitting after the burial and a good deal was said, but it seemed to be a hard laborious time and the life wanting. Many there who seldom ever get to meeting, settled on their Lees. 20. I went after a log for a pump instead of going to meeting. 21. I went to Joseph Warrington's to work at a pump to little purpose for it seemed as if wind and tide was against us. 22. I went to Select Meeting at Haddonfield. Robert Nesbet and his companion John Luptun from New England-- Robert had most exceeding close searching service and I think it was a pretty smart, searching, lively good meeting. This evening Isaac Coats and William Fisher from Pennsylvania came to see one and Job Collins and his wife all lodged with us and next morning had a sitting with Samme who lies very ill of the fever. The company of these Friends was truly sweet and satisfactory. 23. We went to our Quarterly Meeting. Robert Nesbet from New England had most excellent close home searching service and in the meeting for business we had a very favored time. The bells seemed to ring clear with good favor (the bell and the pomegranate together) [Exodus 28:34, 39:26]. I think it was the most favored time to me that I ever had at that meeting. A smart searching time. 24. I could not get to select meeting at town as usual. Finished Jacob Hay's pump, 21 [feet] long. [Left marginal note sideways: Robert Nesbet seemed very bold in his business and told us of a case of a young man in the time of the wars whom the soldier met with and told him he must go with them. No, said he, I am a Quaker, I can't fight. You a Quaker! said they. Yes, said he, I have a right. But, said they, you have not got the marks. So they took and cut of his hair for he had it tied. They cut off his cross pockets and some buttons.
[Left marginal note: Samme lies yet very ill.] 25 of the Ninth Month 1791. Was First Day. I was at our meeting and thought there was a very commendable quiet and stillness and I hope it ended pretty well. Hudson Middleton from Virginia after meeting informed me that, what with the drought and the wars [?] their grass was cut off, so that where they used to mow five hundred load of hay they would not this season now mow five load, and that R. Haines who used to mow a great deal would not mow or had not mowed a handful. And that they were driving their cattle this way to sell and had to go fifteen miles for water in places. And from some Friends from the eastward, they say that in some parts there is hundreds of acres of corn that will not produce the seed that planted it. Another account says that there is thousands of acres that will not produce five bushels to the acre. That it is not higher than a man's waistband. Surely these accounts are enough to make people look round them and consider what they have been doing with the Lord's outward blessing in times of plenty and even we here by this time should have been in a most languishing condition before now, if the pinching drought had continued till this time. But now there is abundance of choice pasture and we seem to have forgotten the threatening prospect that appeared a few weeks ago. Bother Joshua Hunt was here from Redstone. 26. I went down to the Yearly Meeting with him. Meeting of Business began at the 10 hour and opened in a solid manner. Proceeded to read the accounts brought up in the queries of the state of the meetings. At the close of this sitting I had one right fair shot to very good satisfaction. After meeting I met with Samuel Emlen and he told me he was glad to hear my voice lifted up amongst them. I told him I hardly expected I could attend any more on account of my son's being so ill at home. He said, I believe thee came to do what thee did and further said, whatsoever thine hand finds to do, do it with all thy might. I stayed the next sitting this afternoon which was to my satisfaction. We had some right down sharp shooting, perhaps pursuant to the command shoot at Babylon spare no arrows [Jeremiah 50: 14]. Robert Nesbit from New England was the archer and the subject was concerning a conformity to the world and uniformity amongst ourselves, especially active members, concerning which a deficiency and want appeared in that great meeting which was looked upon to be the greatest on the continent and therefore much looked up to. For example, a certain something was closely spoken to which had been an exercise for some years past to many well concerned Friends and that was the assistant clerk who had been clerk wore cross pockets and very high collared clothes. We had a close searching time but it all settled a way quietly and the meeting went on orderly and solid, by so it is to be hoped all of it will work together for good. I came home and found my poor son growing worse as to the disorder but in a very tender favored frame of mind. He expressed divers very affecting edifying exhortations and tender cautions and advice to his little sisters. He called them to him took them by the hand told them not to set their minds on fine things and said there was a great Lord who loved good children and loved to do them good, but them that set their minds on fine things the Lord did not love so well, for they mostly did bad things and said the Lord behold the proud afar off and he told them there was a good country where good people went to when they died, where they should have no more sorrow nor trouble and spoke something to them of the bad country and asked them if they thought (it was a very tendering time) they would remember what he said. One of them answered yes and said she never thought it was right. The fever continued very violent which caused him to be lightheaded, unsensible at times but at this time I believe he was very sensible and asked me if I thought it was possible for such a one as he to be made fit for that glorious place concerning which it was said no unclean thing can enter. I told him I had no doubt of it, and that he had for the most part done pretty well and that I hoped he would be accepted. He said they were close sayings, where no unclean thing can enter and then expressed a desire that he might have a full clear evidence of his peace being made. And then he wanted to know of me how the Yearly Meeting went or how we fared. He said perhaps not so favored as at some other times. I told him it opened solid and well and business went on well as long as I stayed. I had good satisfaction. He said he was glad to
to hear it and said he that it was a pity I should be hindered from the Yearly Meeting (of this he had always appeared very tender) and that he was sorry to keep me from the meeting. I signified to him I was resigned. His disorder, the fever, seemed to return with greater violence (notwithstanding all that the doctor or we could do) which deprived him much of his senses yet he was sensible in part. At times would call his Friends and neighbors by their names that came to see him and showed very loving and affectionate to all of us. Once he said to me, O Father, * How I love thee. I love thee. I think I love thee. [Left marginal note: *his arms around my neck] His uncle Aaron Wills came to see him, but his fever was so violent he could not converse much. But yet he did ask his uncle if he thought they should ever see one another again in this world. His uncle told him he could not tell, but said he was in hopes it would be for the best if they did not. His fever still seemed to rage and weaken him very fast yet I it appeared he had some right sense and knowledge of things till near the last moments: he would take drink etc. He appeared to be exceedingly afflicted and in great distress both of body and mind, till the 30 of the Ninth Month about 5 o'clock in the morning he departed this life and I hope suffered his last. 1791. The day after our Quarterly Meeting William Allinson and two other young men, strangers, came to see him and he spoke to them in a very tendering affecting manner. He told William Allinson that he had thought he felt great nearness to him of late, that they had been engaged to walk together in one path or one way and desired he might persevere, with something more to that effect which seemed to have a very tendering reach on the young men. He told his mother afterwards he believed it was a favored time with them. He had during his illness several opportunities with his little brothers and sisters advising them to be good boys and said to Benjamin, be a good boy and then there is nothing will hurt the hardly. Which advice was dropped in such a manner that it made very tendering impressions. Whilst I was at town he expressed himself after this manner, which was expression such a manner that his mother desired a neighbor to write it down, viz: O Lord, be pleased to strengthen me that I may appear before thee, with something more which she could not well recollect clearly. He one day asked the doctor what he thought of him, who seemed not hasty in answering. He told the doctor he need not be afraid to speak for he had been favored not to be alarmed, and said divers times he thought he was pretty much resigned but said his fever was so hard he had not or could not think much about it. I remember in the forepart of his sickness there was some conversation passed in the room respecting great and high letter learned ministers he said the Lord is certainly able to raise up ministers without it. He in the time of his illness told his little brothers that he had endeavored to set them a good example but had missed it sometimes and then had to suffer for it. As I was one day holding back in his chair whilst his bed was making, I was saying something about his having a great deal of sickness and that may be it might be for the best and work together for good he answered he had no doubt of it and said there seemed not room for a single wish. This was after I had been mentioning the affliction of Lazarus who was full of sores: and so it seemed to be with him. The doctor had laid blister plasters on him for the fever and then there came boils very bad boils near where the blisters were drawn so that he was sorely afflicted and yet bore it with great patience and said both in this and his last sickness that he had no doubt but it was all in best wisdom. So was not heard to murmur or complain. He was born [blank space left in manuscript for birthday never filled in] He has been a steady youth, a near dear dutiful and affectionate child to me, of great comfort and help in my temporal affairs in taking care of my business when I was from home and tending markets for me and buying necessaries for the family, and likewise in religious matters he strengthened my hands. We often had religious conversation together when alone and on passages of Scripture in which he had a strong and clear memory, never much at a loss to find almost any passage we conversed on. I thought his judgment was beyond his years in his younger days, and his stability and steadiness superior to most of his contemporaries.
He has preserved a good name and I believe in good esteem among not only his intimate friends and near relations but wherever he was known, so I hope there is little or no room to doubt but that our loss is his gain and that he now rests with the righteous where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest where none of the inhabitance ever shall say I am sick, as it is mentioned by the prophet. --October 1791-- 2d of the Tenth Month. Was First Day. The people met here at the 9th hour to the burial of our dear son Samuel. James Thornton came here with divers of our relations on Seventh Day night up from the Yearly Meeting went with us to the burial. A very large concourse of people there was and James Thornton had most excellent service and especially amongst the youth and divers times made mention of our dear son, of his steady example and innocent circumspect pious life and said without any reserve or exceptions but positively, he is now safe out of the enemy's reach where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest. I do think he was highly favored and that it was a very solid affecting time to many. Thomas Scattergood and Abraham Griffen was there but was silent. Thomas Scattergood came home with us with a considerable number of our relations. After dinner we had a sitting and Thomas Scattergood had most excellent service and especially amongst the youth, a number of which were present and he likewise divers times made mention of our dear deceased son Samme and of his great troubles and afflictions he had passed through and mentioned that passage of Scripture in the Revelations of St. John the Divine, the question what or who are these; these are they that have come through great tribulation etc. [Revelations 7:14] and said as J.T. had said, and alluded to his words in the meeting, and concurred with his testimony and said without reserve positively to this effect that he was gone out of the reach of trouble and centered in a state of endless bliss and happiness. He told us of the weakness that had attended him ever since he had left his home and said he had not one syllable to say in the meeting. But, says he, this is my meeting and now I know what I came for, and a highly favored tendering time it was. 3. I went to N. Barton's and brother S. Stokes on some business; unwell. 4. Was our preparative meeting. Weakness in a spiritual relation prevailed till it seemed as if I could feel it in my joints. 5 and 6. I was finishing Joseph Warrington's new pump. After noon went to the burial of Samuel Coles's daughter who died with the flux, a young woman. Rebekah Roberts's son had something to drop at the grave pertinent and lively. 7. Was monthly meeting. There was something very calming, soon covered and I think it was a lively edifying meeting and though some miss might happen, on review I had sweet peace and good satisfaction. 8. I went to take up Nathaniel Barton's old pump and get some logs for pumps. 9. Was First Day, which as to me silent I thought. R: R and R: C: had good service. 10. I went to mend a pump for William Snowden and sundry other errands. 11. Was at our meeting. Came off but so so indifferent. 12:13. About husking corn, gathering winter apples etc. 14. I went to the burial of Samuel Coles's child and one of George French's children and came off middling well I am in hopes. 15. I went to hew timber for N. Barton's pump. 16. Was First Day. Another of George French's children was buried with the flux. I thought we had a pretty good solid quiet meeting ended well, I am in hopes.
17th of the Tenth Month 1791. I went to Nathaniel Barton's and we bored the pump 45-6 long I left the boys to finish and came home. A great storm come on. 18. I went with Thomas Thorn to meet Robert Nesbit and his companion at S. Cooper's ferry through a violent storm and it was so cold that there was some snow and the trees was glazed with ice like winter. The wind was so high that they could not cross the river but went up on the other side so we were disappointed and went up to Burlington and met them there. The meeting broke up just as we got there but we had a favored tendering opportunity with divers Friends from * Philadelphia and others at John Hoskins next morning. [Left marginal note sideways "*Hugh Davis and Casper [?] Haines was there and both soon after appeared in the ministry. Hugh is hopeful.] 19. Went with Robert Nesbit and his companion John Upton to a meeting at Mount Holly at which Robert had extensive service. We came home. 20. Hauling in corn and so forth, saving stalks. 21. Was 6 of the week. I sat off for Shrewsberry Quarterly Meeting with Thomas Thorn and his wife. Lodged at Joseph Thorn's about two miles above Crosswicks. [At Evesham Monthly meeting held 10mo 1791, Elizabeth Collins �opened�a concern that hath for some time attended her Mind to pay a religious visit to some meetings of Friends within the compass of Shrewsbury and Rahoway Quarterly Meeting with other meetings adjacent, as Truth may open her way.� Rebeca Cowperthwaite and William Rogers were appointed to accompany her. (Minutes of Evesham Monthly meeting, 10mo 1791).] 22. We arrived at Shrewsberry, lodged at Richard Lawrence's. Here we found John Pemberton and Thomas Scattergood and had a comfortable sitting this evening. [Right marginal note: Robert Nesbit died 1796 after a tedious Illness] 23. Was First Day. Robert Nesbit, Thomas Scattergood and E[lizabeth] Collins had acceptable service. We lodged at George Corlisss and had a sitting with a number of friends which to me and I believe to them was a time of favor strengthening and satisfactory. Elizabeth Collins was with us. 24. Was Quarterly Meeting, which was highly favored with a powerful living ministry and vast concourse of people of almost all sorts. The meeting for business was middling. Some maters smartly handled. 25. Was a General meeting in which Thomas Scattergood was highly favored* in the exercise of his gift. After meeting we had a very pretty opportunity again at Richard Lawrence's with the family and many others there, both aged and youth. Joshua Morris and Mary Newbould was there so we parted with Shrewsbury Friends and came homewards about nine miles to John Manmarters [?] house to lodge (Joshua Morris with us). He was not a Friend but entertained us with great kindness and openness here. We had a sitting with them, his Negroes and all together, and to very good satisfaction. [Left marginal note: *Robert Nisbet gone to York.] [26.] We started [on] the 26th homewards about peep of day. Rode about sixty miles and got home this evening and found all well or as well or better than I left them, my wife being unwell when I left home. And although I had divers satisfactory opportunities in families where our lots were cast, where we stopped: one at a tavern on the road toward at Joseph Thorn's, the last T.T. said he thought the time was well spent, though we were in haste homewards, and Isaac Hutchin and I had one at a tavern in Shrewsbury with a number of Negroes and others fiddling and dancing, yet all a long a fear possessed my mind least I had not left home in that clearness I desired and thought I would know better what I was about in time to come. Isaac Martin and I went to the burial of a woman Friend at Shrewsbury and Isaac had considerable to say at the house. [Left marginal note sideways: The canker worms stripped their orchards bare this summer about Shrewsbury and Freehold.] 27. Getting in corn etc. 28. Finishing a pump for Rebekah White. [Crossed out with notation "paid all off�:] 13 feet long. 29. I took Rebecca White's pump home to Mount Holly. All settled. 30. Was First Day I was at our meeting and I thought it was a good solid meeting, strengthening and satisfactory to me. 31. I went after pine in the Barrens. --November 1791-- 1 of the Eleventh Month. At our meeting but a poor low time. 2. About at several places on little errands settling some business at M. Allinson's. 3 and 4. About home. 5. I went to Select Meeting with John Collins at Philadelphia. I thought it was but a low time, though somewhat instructing as one formerly concerning the field of the slothful. I saw, say he, and considered it well. I looked upon it and received instruction. 6. Was First Day. Hannah Reves was at our meeting and spoke very well. I thought there was something solid attended the meeting.
7th of the Eleventh Month 1791. About home. 8. Went to our preparative meeting and a poor time I think it was. 9. I went up to Long�a-Coming to see after some cedar rails. Very rainy day. 10. At work at home. Mended Dorcas Hain's pump �1 [s] �10 [d]. 11. Was monthly meeting. John Pemberton, Joshua Evans, and Hannah Reeve was there and I think it was a lively favored time. I had sweet satisfaction and true peace. 12. Went to our Select Meeting. Joshua Evans was there and a scraping, threshing time it was therefore. Not very pleasant, but I am in hopes profitable. Some of us cannot agree to walk in so easy a way as others seem to choose. Brother Robert's children: Joshua, Mary and her husband, Jacob Painter, came to see us from Virgina. 13. Was First Day we went to Cropwell Meeting and a good favored meeting it was I had an open satisfactory time with them then went to Elisha Hooton's and to Samuel Stokes's. 14. I was at Haddonfield Monthly Meeting. 15. Went to our meeting. Hannah Reves was there and spoke very well. 16. Went up in the pines to get pump logs with T. Thorn etc. 17. At work at Coles pump a top piece 12 feet long. 18. I set off to Salem Quarterly Meeting with Joseph Warrington and his wife. We aimed to get to our sister's and the widow Ballinger's but missed our way, got lost in the woods and so lodged at Daniel Basits. 19 Went to Select Meeting at Salem. Joseph Pots was there and a poor low meeting we thought it was, though Joseph had some service. 21. Was Quarterly Meeting. The meeting for Business was a time of favor particularly when that part of the Yearly Meeting's advice in the extracts came under consideration, recommending a labor respecting trading in spirituous liquors. A solemnity life and weight attended. Daniel Offley was there. The testimony was raised into dominion. I had a share in the labor to good satisfaction though it was very unwell. Benjamin Reeve, Joshua Evans, John Tatham, James Cooper, Thomas Redman and were nominated as a committee to labor with those who retail, distill etc. 22. Was a General meeting and the house full crowded. Daniel Offley took up the chief part of the meeting said a great deal and I thought a solidity attended though I was very unwell and hardly able to judge. Lodged one night at William Goodwind where was a large number of Friends, ten in the line of the ministry. We had a sitting. Joseph Pots had a lively time and likewise at Letis Millers in the evening. Parted with Friends with increasing nearness and rode after meeting up to Phineas Lord's. 23. Got home very poorly but found all well.
24. I finished H. Coles pump all settled even, 12 feet 6 inches long. 25. Visiting some neighbors with our relations from Virginia. 26. At work at a pump for Jahu Lord 21 feet 6 inches long. 27. Was First Day at meeting, but not much satisfaction though I thought the people sat very still and orderly. 28. I went to Squire Grifisss on some business and mended Noah Haines pump. Colt was taken to Samuel Davis's. 29. At our meeting, a poor meeting I thought it was. 30. I went to James Whiteal's to make a pump. --December 1791-- 1 of the Twelfth Month. At do. 2. I was at Woodbury meeting which somewhat satisfactory. This afternoon I put in a pump for Jahu Lord in Woodbury which we made at home and took down with us, 21 feet 6 inches long paid for it. 3. I finished J. Whiteals pump 34 feet 6 inches long all settled. 4. Was First Day. Joseph Potts was there and had good service, came off pretty well. Joseph and his companion Nathan Cleves came home with us. 5. We had a meeting at Cropwell to good satisfaction to me. Dined at Joshua Lippincott's and had a sitting in the family which was well satisfactory. Joseph went of to Egg Harbor. 6. At our preparative meeting. Ebenezer Miller was there. 7. Killing a beef and bored a bottom piece for a pump 23 feet long for Martin Duril. 8. I went to mend a pump for William Snowden 4 [s] 2. 9. Was monthly meeting, a pretty searching time of hard labor. 10. Killing hogs. 11. I went to a meeting at Long-a-Coming appointed by J. Potts. It was a time of hard labor and to me low and poor however it was concluded we rather gained ground. [Left marginal note: First Day] 12. Cutting up pork. 13. Went to our meeting and came off pretty well I am in hopes. 14. Hauling wood in the snow, very cold weather. 15. At work at Martin Durils pump. 16. Do: finished it 32 long. We settled and concluded he was 56 Shilling in my Debt. He helped to work at it. 17. cutting up and salting beef etc. Did something at J Thorn's pump 16 feet 6 inches long. 18. Was First Day at our meeting. So so low and poor. 19. I went up to the iron works and got a Stove. 20. At our meeting came off pretty well. Put in boxes in a pump for Samuel Roberts. 6 Shilings all settled now. 21. Boring Thorn's pump. 22. I was at home unwell with a bad cold Robert Bishop was buried. 23. I went to Joseph Kekneys to make a pump but he not at home, did nothing. Went to mend Edmund Hollinshead's pump. 24. Went to the burial of old Cuffe, a Negro man perhaps 75. I had an open solid time strengthening and satisfactory. 26. Was First Day at our meeting. A time of favor. Had something to say about keeping Christmas day. 27. Had a long wearisome journey after cedar rails. 28. At our meeting, a sad sorrowful time. No satisfaction. 29. Finished J Thorn's pump all settled.
30. of the Twelfth Month 1791. I was splicing a pump for Durlin Haines all settled. 31. I went to the burial of Hannah Gawsling, an old woman. A hard laborious time to me. None seemed to help, in deep trouble. I went to mend a pump for John Smith, bought a colt off Joshua Lippincott. A sad trial befell me and stood but poorly. --January 1792-- 1 of the week and 1 of the year. Went to our meeting no satisfaction. 2. About a pump for Joseph Hackney. 3. At our preparative meeting. low times and no wonder. 4. Boring a pump for James Sloan and finishing J. Hackney's pump 29 feet 4 inches long. 5. I went to mend James Lippincott's pump, settled even. 6. Was monthly meeting. Joshua Evans was there and had a good service. 7. Joshua Evans was here and we went to visit S: Allinson's widow and family. 8. Was First Day. Went to our meeting. low times with me perplexing. 9. Unwell with a bad cold. 10. At our meeting. 11. Finishing a pump for James Sloan, 15 feet long paid off. 12. I went to James Sloan's to take his pump home. 13 I was at Newtown Meeting which was an open satisfactory time to me, though the weather was very cold and I was very unwell. 14 and 15. About home unwell with a very bad cold. 15 [or 16] was First Day at our meeting stayed the tide or something was the matter not much satisfaction. 17. Went to our meeting, a low time. 18. Getting home timber for plow stuff. 19. About home mending shoes. 20. I went to Cropwell Meeting, which was an open satisfactory time in the afternoon. Visited the school to a good degree of satisfaction. 21. About home unwell. 22. Was First Day at our meeting middling. 23. About home. Very cold weather. 24. At our meeting, not the worst, though it might have been much better. Visited our school pretty well. 25. About home. Very cold weather. But poorly with a bad cough. 26. I went to B. Pine's mill with a load of grain. 27. Went after a load of cedar rails to Enoch Evans. 28. Do Do Do. 29. Was First Day. A low time. None of us seemed to get a long with life. 30. I was seized with a chill and fever followed and a very poorly time I have had both as to body and mind going on two weeks. --February 1792-- 10 of the Second Month 1792. Was monthly meeting. T. Scattergood was there a favored time they say. I not able to go though some better. 17. My wife and I went to Cropwell Meeting. Had I think a pretty good satisfactory meeting. Friends seemed very pleasant and kind. After meeting this was the first time I have been out of doors since I was taken ill. I was very weak hardly able to sit the meeting. 19 Was First Day. I unwell weak and poorly stayed at home the weather very cold. 20. My wife and I attended a committee meting at Evesham, which I think was attended with a good degree of life, Indiring [?] into a concern to revive some minutes of advice to revive etc. at a suitable time; and divers other matters.
21 The weather was extreme cold and I was very weak and poorly. Did not go to our meeting but am informed John Cox Jr. was there and had good service. Joshua Evans also was there but had but little to do. 22. At home writing, reading, learning the little children their books etc. 23. I went with Samuel White to Evesham Meeting and as to the feelings of my own mind or what I could discover by the looks or conduct of my Friends, I was not a burden to the living. After meeting I sat with a committee on spirituous liquors to some advantage I hope. 24. About home weak and poorly. 25. Went to N. H after some corn. 26. Was First Day. Went to our meeting which was very large and full Cruded I thought there was something of a solemn quiet covered the meeting: strengthening and satisfactory. 27. About house poorly and weak. 28. Our meeting. I. Lippincott and J Evans was there. A low time shut up. About home the rest of this week. About this time the snow went away. --March 1792-- 4 of the Third Month. Was First Day. At our meeting which was full crowded and a strengthening satisfactory time to me, but missed in being too jealous and hurrying. 5. About house mending shoes etc. 6. Was our preparative meeting. In the forepart of answering our queries there was something so dry and formal that I hung down my head and concluded to give out and try no more but give up and let all go: but directly after that life arose and right good searching satisfactory time I had. I came off with flying colors. 7 and 8. About home. stormy weather. Finished H. Bispham's [pump] 22 feet, 6 inches long. 9. At monthly meeting Benjamin Reveves and John Tatham was there the meeting for worship was a lively solid time of favor and that for business in a good degree so too: a healing strengthening time on the whole. 10.* Was our select meeting and a very poor dull time it was. [Left marginal note: *It was agreed again that we were favored with an edifying ministry.] [Right marginal note: B. Reves there, John Tatham.] 11. Was First Day. W. was at our meeting and a highly favored time it was to me, tending very perceivably to the increase of unity, love, life and strength, one of the most open times I ever had. 12. I went to Haddonfield Monthly Meeting, met the others of the Quarters Committee on spirituous liquors, appointed to labor to discourage the Traffic therein and unnecessary use thereof. I thought there seemed a lowness and want of life yet ability was given to labor and things were laid close home in an extensive manner, so no cause of complaint or discouragement. 13. At our meeting and came off brave. Had the countenance of my Friends perceivably. What ups and downs! I have see Joseph White's Affectionate Address in manuscript, page 34: For may it not without reserve be named, confirm'd apostates never were reclaimed Or have we heard or did we ever know A bold apostate solid Christian grow Yet in our pilgrimage we often find Both times of ebbing and flowings in the mind And from a want of steady watchful care Receive a wound from Satan's poisoned spear And yet not lost but be again restored And reconciled through grace to their offered Lord, etc. So it is and so best. 14 and 15. About dressing out plow stuff etc. 16. Went to Cropwell Meeting. Had an open satisfactory time. 17. About a plow. 18. Was First Day at our meeting John Cox Jr. was there but was silent. Aaron Wills and Hannah Buzby was there. I came off pretty well I believe.
19th of the Third Month 1792. My wife and I attend a meeting or conference at Evesham appointed for parents and heads of families wherein some minutes of our Yearly Meeting respecting the care and education of the youth was read. Thomas Scattergood and Joshua Evans was with us and a highly favored time it was. The testimony was raised into dominion over all against divers undue liberties but most particularly against the custom of company keeping among the youth. The meeting was well conducted and ended in a very savory solid manner. 20. At our meeting Enoch Roberts and Hannah Shute were married. Thomas Scattergood was there and had most excellent extensive service very particular to the worldly minded. I omitted or put of opening the door till he got in and opened it in the very way and the words I had opened to me. 21. Work in the shop plow making. 22. Went to Select Meeting at Haddonfield. Thomas Scattergood was there and had excellent service. The last sitting for business things to me seemed low got a long middling so so. 23. Was Quarterly Meeting. Mary Newbold spoke first most sweetly and Thomas Scattergood took up the greatest part of the meeting, very long and very notable. The stream of his testimony was chiefly towards the youth. He mentioned the sorrowful instance of the young people that were drowned at Rahway just after being solemnly warned at such a meeting as this. Went out in a party of pleasuring and seven were drownded. One of them beside what he heard at meeting was remarkably warned in a dream, yet would venture to go and was drownded. Four were taken up and buried together. the others three it was thought were eaten by the sharks. In the meeting for business I had good satisfaction. When meeting broke up Thomas Scattergood said to me, thou mayst be encouraged. So came home with an answer of peace. 24. Was Select Meeting at town but sickness in the family prevented my attending. At work in the shop plow making. 25. Was First Day. At our meeting. Came off pretty well I believe. 26. At work in the shop plow making. 27. At our meeting. Job Dudley and Rachel Roberts were married. A laborious time with an earthly spirit. I went to the wedding house. After hard labor and something like wading we came off pretty brave and well. 28:29 and 30. About plow making. 31. In the afternoon I went as far as Aaron Wills to lodge. --April 1792-- 1 of the Fourth Month. First Day. Aaron and I went to the burial of uncle John Harvey who had lost his reason some months before he died. He gave way to despair and refused to eat and so died like John Hollinshead in a sorrowful manner. Mary Newbold was at the meeting and had excellent service and the meeting ended solid and well after a time of poverty and hard labor. I had an opportunity at the house after meeting pretty well. 2. About plow making. 3. Was our preparative meeting which was pretty well. Some matters lively. 4 and 5. About plow making. 6. Was monthly meeting and I think it was a lively good meeting some matters respecting passing meeting and marrying very lively and profitably spoken to. 7. About plow making. 8. Was First Day. Our meeting hurt by a restless spoke and going out and in amongst the youth, but got more settled and ended well I believe.
John Hunt Journal, 1788 3mo. 4 - 1792 9mo. 4
This diary of New Jersey Quaker Minister John Hunt covers March 4, 1788 - September 4, 1792
Hunt, John, 1740-1824
1788 - 1792
94 p.; 22.5 cm
reformatted digital
RG5/240
John Hunt Papers, SFHL-RG5-240 --http://archives.tricolib.brynmawr.edu/resources/5240johu
A0011521