1796. 4th mo.
17th.

I thought I saw the enemy had made an inroad amongst us
by stirring up discord, and setting friends at variance with one a-
nother in strong parties, both pleading they were right: when it appear'd
to me, both were wrong, & gave way too much to thinking evil; For this I
was grieved, and laboured with both, to be at peace. The love of the
world was the beginning of this: When that prevails, such are its' fruits.

19th.

I have been visiting the sick: was humbled under a sense of the
speedy calls from time to eternity, in this day of too general depravity.
Many trying days I have to pass through; perhaps all for my good:
these are not joyous; but if they the better prepare me for the Lord's
work, his Will be done.

At Pilesgrove meeting

the 21st I was enabled
to do what I believed to be my part, faithfully. The same day was at
a place where a marriage dinner was soon to be provided for my young--
est son, I had to open my mind on the subject of such entertainments
freely, & with some weight: pressing the necessity of true Moderation, and
advising against what has crept in relating to the ceremony of particular
waiting on the Bride & Groom so called, My advice had a Place in the --
minds of those concerned; The company at that marriage was small, I attend-
ed, and was pleased to see a good degree of right order observed. Much loose
and disorderly conduct at might be prevented by timely care, which
should be exercised, by friends rightly concerned, whether elder or younger.

25th.

For some days, Sorrow, triels and grievous temptations have
attended; Yet I believe I had some service amongst the poor, afflicted
Widows and Fatherless Children, in and near Salem

, whom I have visited.
At Salem Mo.ly Meeting next day, I had much Labour both in
Men's and Women's apartment to good satisfaction. I