The three following days, we were at Concord, Birmingham, and Bradford, all favoured meetings, through fervent labour, and the prevalence of truth; may the Lord make it effectual, and fasten it as a nail in a sure place. The 21st we were at East Caln, mostly silent. The 22d, and first of the week, we were at Uwchlan; the meeting was large, wherein I had to expose the danger of self-righteousness, or a trust in natural religion, or mere morality; showing that it was no more than the religion of Atheists, and was generally the product of pride and self-will; and, however good it may appear to the natural unregenerate man, is as offensive in the divine sight, as those more open evils, which appear so very reproachful to the eyes of men. I was favoured by the spirit of truth, in a large searching testimony, to the convicting and humbling many hearts, and comfort of the faithful. The 23d we attended the meeting at Nantmill, mostly in silence. The three following days, we were at Pikeland, Valley, and Willistown meetings; all in a good degree favoured. The 27th we were at Goshen; the meeting was large. I had to caution Friends against mixing with the people in their human policies, and outward forms of government; showing that, in all ages, those, who were called to be the Lord’s people, had been ruined, or suffered great loss, by such associations; and manifesting clearly by scripture testimony, and other records, that our strength and preservation consisted in standing alone, and not to be counted among the people or nations; who were setting up party, and partial interests, one against another, which is the ground of war and bloodshed: these are actuated by the spirit of pride, and wrath, which is always opposed to the true Christian spirit, which breathes “peace on earth, and goodwill to all men.” Those, therefore, who are in the true Christian spirit, cannot use any coercive force or compulsion by any means whatever; not being overcome with evil, but overcoming evil with good. Although there were many opposing spirits present, who, in their creaturely wisdom and human policy, are pleading for those kinds of associations, and taking part in those political governments, yet truth favoured, and came into a good degree of dominion over all, strengthening and encouraging the true travellers for Zion’s prosperity. The 29th, and first of the week, we attended Middletown meeting; and at the fourth hour in the afternoon, were at Providence; both large crowded meetings, more than the houses could contain. I was favoured by the power of truth, in an eminent manner, especially in the former meeting; where many hearts were deeply bowed, from the sensible evidence of the prevalence of divine power, which was in dominion over all, tendering the hearts of most present. It was a precious season, worthy of thankful remembrance, and humble gratitude to the blessed Author of all our rich mercies and blessings, “who is over all, God blessed for ever.”