We returned to the city on seventh day, and attended the quarterly meeting of Ministers and Elders; in which I was led, in a short, but relieving testimony, to call Friends’ attention back to primitive simplicity and integrity; the great need there is of being more separated from the world, its spirit, manners, maxims, and customs; and to live daily under an exercise and travail, for the arising of that life and power, which only can enable us to separate from those things, that have a tendency to hurt and defile; and through which life and power, Ministers and Elders can only be rightly qualified to lead and feed the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made them overseers, consistent with divine appointment. For want of this fervent labour and travail, great weakness is apparent amongst us as a people, in many places; and the great and worthy name by which we are called, ofttimes dishonoured, to the grief of the upright in heart, who are exercised for Israel’s prosperity, and Jerusalem’s peace; and who go almost daily, as with their hands on their loins for very pain. On first day, we attended the north meeting, in the morning, and that in Market-street in the afternoon. They were both instructive edifying seasons; wherein I had full opportunity to relieve my mind, being, through gracious assistance, led in the clear openings of the divine light, to set forth the great danger of mixing in with the spirit of the world, which leads to strife and contention, and the promotion of parties and party animosities in civil governments: all of which have a direct tendency to engender war and bloodshed, and are therefore inconsistent for us, as a people, to touch or take part with, or to suffer our minds to be agitated thereby; as it always has led, and always will lead those, who are leavened therewith, out of the meek spirit of the gospel, which breathes “peace on earth, and good will to all men.” This was the Lord’s doing and marvellous in our eyes. Friends were much comforted and united in this day’s exercise, and my spirit made joyful in the saving help, and continued mercy of Israel’s true Shepherd, who is over all, worthy, and blessed for ever. The quarterly meeting was held on second day, which was likewise a time of favour. Divers communications were made, tending to unite Friends in an exercise for the advancement of the testimony, that the numerous causes of weakness, which brought pain, and many deep baptisms on the living part of the body, might be done away, and the camp cleansed.