In the course of this week I attended our quarterly meeting held at this time at Westbury. It was a season of close solemn searching, and through the animating influence of the divine light and life, the hidden things of Esau or the first nature, were brought to light and judged. Although some, who had long covered themselves as with thick clay, and were solacing themselves in their ceiled houses, kicked like Jeshurun of old, when they were made to feel the piercing edge of that sword which divides between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart; yet the truth had its way over all their opposition, and in the closing meeting reigned triumphant over all. Blessed be the Lord for his unspeakable gifts dispensed to his faithful children. First day, the 26th. My mind in our meeting to-day, was led to reflect on the excellency and powerful effect of true faith. As the subject opened, I found it my place to spread the prospect before the meeting; in the communication whereof, life sprang up and the truth was raised into dominion over all, and my heart was made thankful for the unmerited favour. The rest of the week I was busily employed in my domestic affairs, and in taking the oversight and care of my stock; the weather being very cold and frosty, and the earth covered with snow. Attended our meeting on fifth day, at which there was a funeral of a deceased Friend, an ancient maiden. I sat the greater part of the meeting in silence, in which time there were two short testimonies delivered, but without much apparent effect, as the seed of immortal life was too much pressed down, as a cart with sheaves; and nothing is sufficient to raise a meeting from such a state of death and stupor, but the life-giving presence and powerful word of Him, who raised Lazarus from the grave. As I patiently endured the necessary baptism for the dead, towards the close of the meeting a little gleam of light appeared, in which was brought to my remembrance that passage of the wise man, that “Righteousness exalteth a nation.” And as my inward eye was kept to the opening, it spread, and light sprang up, in which I felt the truth of that saying, that “the Lord’s people are willing in the day of his power;” and as I yielded to communication, the life was raised into dominion, and ran as oil over all. Surely it was the Lord’s doing and marvellous in mine eyes. CHAPTER XIII. Engagements at and near home, 1817.--Visit to some parts of the yearly meetings of Philadelphia and Baltimore, 1817.