We left the city that afternoon, under a grateful sense of the Lord’s goodness, and rode to Flushing, where we had a large public meeting that evening, mostly of those not in membership with us. It was a solemn season, instructive and edifying. I returned home the next day, and found my family in a reasonable state of health; surely may I not, with propriety and humility of heart, exclaim with one formerly: “What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me?” Are not his mercies new every morning? his faithfulness faileth not. Sixth and seventh days. I was industriously occupied in my family affairs, and the week ended with peace of mind. First day, the 17th. I was led in our meeting to-day, to call Friends’ attention to the cross; assuring them, that if we lived without the cross, we must expect to die without the crown. For as the cross consisted only in doing right, and doing right only in a conformity to the will of our heavenly Father, and doing all our works agreeable to his good pleasure and not our own, therefore, doing right is always a cross to our fallen nature, as nothing can do right in the sight of God, but a birth or child of God. For although a man in his fallen state may do a moral act, that in itself is a right work, yet, doing it for his own pleasure and will, and not because it is agreeable to the will and pleasure of his Creator, it cannot be accepted as a good act, because the motive and principle were evil, being selfish and not of God. Second day. Busily employed about home and in home affairs. Third day. Visited a sick friend at his request. Assisted him in settling his business and wrote his _will_. Surely this is a work which requires sound judgment and discretion, therefore ought always to be done in time of health, with proper deliberation, and not in haste. Fourth day. Attended Westbury monthly meeting, to my own, and I trust, my friends’ comfort and satisfaction. I believe it was a season of instruction and profit to many who were present; may it fasten as a nail in a sure place.