Our quarterly meeting was held this week at Flushing. It was, I think, through the several sittings, a searching, instructive, favoured season. In the meeting of Ministers and Elders, and meeting for discipline, many of the hidden things of Esau, or the first nature, were searched out and made manifest; and their inconsistency with the gospel dispensation, and hurtful tendency, exposed; particularly that of coveting and grasping after riches; to obtain which, many of the members of our society had launched into extensive business, more particularly in the line of commerce, and, in order to carry it on, had involved themselves in debt beyond their ability to pay; and, to keep up a false credit, had, by a show of friendship, and a deceptive appearance of having great possessions, drawn in others to lend them money, and become their sureties for large sums; until both the borrower and lender were involved in utter ruin, to the great scandal of themselves, the distress of their families, and reproach of our holy profession. Others there were, who, for want of keeping close to the foundation principle of our profession, the inward divine light, and faithful testimony-bearer in the heart and conscience, had given way to busy themselves, and take a part in, the political disputes and controversies among the people, relative to the governments of this world; which at this time ran high, and had produced war and distress in the land; by which, they not only grieved their concerned Friends, but brought much reproach upon themselves and their profession. My mind was deeply exercised on account of these things; and I was constrained to bear a full and faithful testimony against all such inconsistent and unchristian conduct; and to call Friends’ attention to the necessity of a more close adherence to the internal principle of divine light and truth, as the only sure Director and Preserver, in times of trial. The closing meeting, held for worship, was eminently favoured with the Divine presence; and the concurring testimonies borne, gave evidence of his presiding power; and his great name was supplicated, and gratitude and thanksgiving were rendered to him for his continued mercy.