SW_JE1796E_Page_78

I was endow'd by my Great Master with an innocent boldness, in whichI could use great freedom in solid conversation with the most leading men; forthey mostly quartered where we did; which gave me a full opportunity to re-lieve my oppressed mind. 8th. The prospect seems gloomy, whether anything can be done at this time for the Relief of our distressed fellow Men,yet I would not have my friends here be discouraged: The Cause is Surelygood; And I have no doubt but way will be made for this poor people's libe-ration, but what way, or how Soon must be left to the Lord. My mind wasturned to think of trying for a religious public Meeting in the placewhich some of those we conversed with, spake in favour of, if the Wayshould be opened, and the Business they were met on, would admit of it: It wasalso thought the house where they sat in would be the most suitable place; But after wait-ing a while to see how matters would turn with respect to a publickopportunity, it seemed scarce likely to be obtain'd in the present Circumstances.I was therefore the more free to make use of private opportunitieswith the Members of the Legislature and others; which was to my ownsatisfaction &; to theirs, as far as I saw: There being here now alarge collection of those of the first rank, Gentlemen, so called: most ofthem being Men in some Office, Civil or military. I thought the res-pect they shewed me was marvellous: For my simple Appearance, singularas it was, some of them confessed it was instructive to them; that their own Conductand way of living was luxurious, &; they allow'd much might be spared; Saying that I looked as well s they did, altho' they had great variety of roasted, baked,&; boiled provisions &;c; whilst mine was about half a pint of milk and as