The 30th we attended the monthly meeting at Providence, consisting of the particular meetings of Providence, Middletown, Springfield, and Chester. Things in this meeting appeared in a low state, as to the right ordering of the affairs of the Church. Numerous, and great, were the apparent deviations among them; many of their youth were gone out into the foolish fashions and vain customs of the world to such a degree, as not to retain any marks of true primitive plainness. “O how is the gold become dim; how is the most fine gold changed!” Many parents, who retain a good degree of outward plainness themselves, for want of dwelling enough in the pure spring of divine life, have suffered the eye of their minds to be so far blinded by the god of this world, as not only to suffer these improper indulgences in their families, and among their children, but, in some instances, are ready to plead for them. The sense of this much affected my mind, and under this exercise I was led forth in a line of close searching labour among them, to stir up Friends to more diligence, and honest care in those respects; which, I trust, afforded a degree of comfort and strength to the honest-hearted, and procured peace to my own mind, which is a treasure I prefer to all this world’s glory and honour. The 1st of 5th month we attended the meetings of Springfield, and Haverford; both favoured, profitable seasons. The 2d we were at Newtown, where, in a line of close searching labour, I was led to show the danger of trusting the salvation of our souls to any thing short of a full surrender of our wills, and an entire dedication of our hearts to the Lord, in an humble circumspect walking before Him; and separating ourselves from the world, its spirit, manners, maxims, governments, honours and customs; all of which are polluted, and arising from the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eye and the pride of life. Truth rose into victory, softening many hearts, and comforting and strengthening the faithful. Surely God is good to Israel, although in a state of great revolting; yet he delighteth in showing himself merciful; praised and magnified be his great and adorable name, over all for ever. The 3d and 4th we attended meetings at Radnor and Merion; and then passed on to Philadelphia, to attend their quarterly meeting, which opened on the 5th, with a meeting for Ministers and Elders, and closed on third day the 8th of the month, with a meeting for the youth, and one for the black people, in the afternoon. I think, in general, it was a time of favour, through much hard labour in the several sittings. Indeed we have no reason to expect to come at the spring any other way, than by faithfully digging, as with our staves, while there remains so much rubbish on the well’s mouth.