We remained in the city over first day, and attended the forenoon meeting at Market-street, which was very large. My spirit was set at liberty, and ability afforded to divide the word among them, according to their varied conditions, in a large searching and effectual testimony; whereby a holy solemnity was witnessed to spread over the meeting, to the great rejoicing of the honest-hearted. But alas, how oft are those seasons of comfort interrupted and hurt, by the indiscreet forwardness of some who have been called to publish the gospel; but, for want of dwelling enough in the root, have branched out in the fertility of their own natural abilities, and become too active in their own spirits; and are thereby not only in danger of losing their gifts, and falling into a bewildered state, but often hurt the service, and take off the savour of many of our most favoured solemnities. This was affectingly the case at this time, by the addition of a long, but very lifeless testimony; and although delivered in sound words, yet being destitute of the life and power, tended greatly to burden the living, and grieve the upright in heart. Great advantage would redound to the Church in general, and to this class of its members in particular, if those, who stand in the station of Elders, were more deeply centered in their minds to the well-spring of eternal life; waiting for, and feeling after a spirit of right discernment, that so they might be enabled to judge righteous judgment, and distinguish rightly between the living and the dead. Then would the hand be seasonably laid upon the head of this _transforming spirit_, and those, in danger of being deceived thereby, witness preservation. On second day, the 27th of 4th month, we left the city, and passed over into West Jersey, in order to take some meetings which I had not been at. We were at five in the course of the week; and although the life and virtue of true religion appeared to be at a low ebb, among those professing with us, in too general a manner, in those meetings; yet as public notice was given of our attendance, many of the neighbouring inhabitants came in. There were, I believe, some seeking minds among them, and these generally add life to meetings, and draw down the compassion, and tender regard of the heavenly parent, who, in his condescending goodness, made way for the gospel to be preached among them, in those several meetings, in a good degree of divine authority. Many minds were tenderly affected, and the assemblies solemnized; the lukewarm aroused, and the hypocritical, worldly-minded professors forewarned of the danger their situations exposed them to. My spirit was made thankful for the relief I obtained, although through a line of deep inward travail and baptism with the oppressed seed; but the Lord’s power rose in victory over all, to the honour of his right worthy name, who will be glorified in his saints, and sanctified in all those who come near him.