On sixth day I attended the funeral of a kinsman, a neighbour, who had spent much of his life in a careless irreligious manner, very seldom attending any religious meetings, and was very ignorant as it respected the things of God and his own salvation; but for a year or more before his death, he was greatly afflicted with bodily indisposition, from which he suffered long and very deeply. It brought him to a solemn consideration respecting his latter end, and I had a hope it worked for his good, as he manifested a state of resignation; so that he bore his affliction with much patience and quietude of mind. My heart and my mouth were opened on the occasion, to warn the people, and to call their attention to the necessity of an early preparation for death; showing them that it bordered even on presumption, for such poor impotent helpless creatures as we are, whose time is dealt to us by moments, even to dare to close our eyes to sleep, without first being well assured that our peace was made with our great and gracious Creator. Many minds were considerably humbled, and I hope the labour will not be lost, but be as bread cast upon the waters, that some may gather after many days. First day, the 9th. We had a comfortable favoured meeting to-day. My mind was set at liberty to preach the gospel in the clear demonstration of the spirit; and to show unto the people that the reason why they were not healed of their many infirmities, was not because there was not “balm in Gilead,” and “a Physician there;” but because they were not willing to seek him in the right way, and receive him in the way of his coming, which is inwardly, as a refiner with fire, or a fuller with soap; to purify from all the old leaven of self, and to cleanse the heart from all self-righteousness, and self-sufficiency; that a thorough crucifixion of the old man, with all his unrighteous deeds may be witnessed; and the creature set at liberty to serve the Lord in newness of life. The meeting closed with solemn supplication and thanksgiving to the Lord for his continued mercy. Second, third, and fourth days. Spent in my family affairs, mostly attended with sweet peace of mind; although accompanied with much bodily pain, which is more or less my common lot. But what a great portion of severe bodily pain may be endured without a murmuring thought, while accompanied with true peace of mind, and a conscience void of offence toward God and man: a rich consoling treasure.