First day, the 2d of 2d month, 1817. I was largely led forth in our meeting to-day, on the different dispensations communicated to man by his gracious Creator, in order for his recovery out of the fall, and pointing out to the people the difference between the law state and that of the gospel: showing that the former was a mere figure or prelude to the latter, and that the first, with all its elementary rituals, ceased where the latter begun; the first only affecting the body, the latter principally the soul; the first only the shadow of good things, the latter the substance of all good to man; by which he is altogether redeemed from sin and death, as he submits willingly and fully to the power of the gospel, and is thereby prepared for an inheritance in eternal life. In the course of this week, besides giving the necessary attention to my temporal affairs, I made several friendly visits to the families of some particular friends, in company with my wife and daughter Elizabeth. Although I met with some occurrences, one in particular, which produced considerable exercise on my mind, yet I had satisfaction in the visits; believing that when they are properly made, they often prove mutually comfortable and encouraging. Sat our meeting on fifth day in silence. First day, the 9th. Had a silent meeting to-day. This week afforded occasion of deep inward exercise, and seasons of heart-searching, in a view of the manifest declension of many among us from that honest simplicity and faithfulness which so eminently characterized our worthy predecessors, as also the increase of vanity and immorality among the people without; and which I fear may have been increased by the want of faithfulness among us, in the right and full support of our Christian testimonies. First day, the 16th. Soon after I took my seat in our meeting to-day, my mind was quickened and led into a sympathetic feeling with the state of Elijah, when he fled from the wrath and persecution of Ahab and Jezebel, and when under great discouragement and dismay he bemoaned his condition; saying, that they had pulled down the Lord’s altars, slain his servants, and he only was left and they sought his life; but the Lord told him for his encouragement, that there were seven thousand yet left in Israel, who had not bowed their knee to the image of Baal. But these no doubt were so scattered and dispersed among the people, that Elijah could scarcely find one to whom he might open his mind, and therefore felt himself as one alone. This no doubt is the lot of some of the Lord’s most faithful servants in the present day, and was it not for the same divine help and succour that Elijah experienced, some of these at times would be altogether cast down and discouraged.