What a vast portion of the joys and comforts of life do the idle and slothful deprive themselves of, by running into cities and towns, to avoid labouring in the field; not considering that this is one of the principal sources, that the gracious Creator of the universe has appointed to his creature man, from whence he may derive great temporal happiness and delight. It also opens the largest and best field of exercise to the contemplative mind, by which it may be prepared to meet, when this mortal puts on immortality, those immortal joys that will ever be the lot of the faithful and industrious. First day, the 24th of 7th month. I went to our meeting to-day in much poverty of spirit, and in full expectation of passing it in silence; but I had not sat long before my mind was led into a view of the singular benefit derived to the children of men, by the denial of self, and a daily and faithfully taking up, and bearing the cross; as it is the only way by which we can come to experience real sanctification and justification. The subject spread and opened to communication, in which things were laid home to the states of many present, in a clear manner; and the danger of their situations exposed. It brought a solemn covering over the meeting, for which I was thankful. Second and third days. I spent in securing my harvest. This week being the time of our quarterly meeting, the meeting for Ministers and Elders opened on fourth day at the tenth hour. It was a season of close search; the deficiencies of Ministers and Elders were laid open; and the hurtful tendency thereof exposed. A number appeared deeply concerned, on account of the prevailing weakness of some in those exalted stations in society. On fifth day the meeting for discipline was held. It was also a very searching time, a season of deep exercise to my mind; in which the hurtful tendency of many apparent deficiencies was laid open and exposed; and Friends exhorted to greater faithfulness and diligence, in the right support of those noble testimonies, given us to bear, for the promotion of righteousness and peace on the earth. On sixth day was a general public meeting, in which my mind was enlarged in gospel communication, wherein truth was exalted and raised into dominion, to the comfort and edification of many minds; and to the sweet peace of my own. After this Friends separated to their several homes in much nearness of affection, and mutual love. Seventh day. Spent in my temporal concerns. First day, the 31st of 7th month. A silent meeting to-day, for which I was thankful. Although faithfully labouring in the Lord’s vineyard produceth peace and joy to the willing mind, even should it have to bear the burden and heat of the day; yet when permitted, a season of rest is also sweet and grateful.