SW_JE1796E_Page_28

Ministers. It came into my mind that in a season of drought, wewe looked to the clouds for rain; sometimes many clouds produce but little -rain, so when divers preachers are in the gallery, &; the minds of thepeople turned towards them, &; not to the bishop of Souls, a disappointmentoften happens. 24th. I have done no good thing. For several days after this, I was closely engaged in visitingthe sick, and in assisting, and pleading the cause of the poor, to mycomfort, and I hope, to their benefit. 2nd month 1st. I was at Burlington Mo.ly Meeting, &; had some serviceboth amongst Men friends &; the Women, tho' it seemed hard work, becauseof lukewarmness, and I feared the World was likely to gain Ascendancy. 2nd. Attending also the Mo.ly Meeting at Chesterfield, it appeared to bea low season, &; part of the time unprofitably spent; Some who had moreof the form than substance urging sentiments to carry their Point, I thought it was distressing to some younger persons, &; so it was to me. 3rd. Springfield Monthly meeting held to day, I thought was a morefavour'd time in the management of their business; Friends seemed tobe united, &; the Youth sat solidly, which was pleasant to observe.I had a comforting time in a Family yesterday evening; the Chil-dren appear'd in a good degree of innocence. (C. Newbolds.) 4th. At the Monthly Meeting of Mount-holly, I thought matterswere in a low condition, scarcely managed to the honour of Truth:as life seem'd wanting. -- In the evening I visisted one whohad been an old Professor, hurt by taking strong drink to excess; I dealtclosely with him, as I took him to be deceiver.