wisely withheld in order to show me that, although it is our indispensable
duty to persevere in digging for it, yet it is only in His own time that
we are permitted to drink thereof.


His just appreciation of the nature of meetings held for the discipline of
the Church, and of the spirit in which they are to be conducted, is shown
in an early part of the Diary.


3 _mo_. 15.--Was at our Preparative Meeting. The queries having to be
answered, I was led into deep thoughtfulness respecting the same, and
inwardly solicited that the Father of mercies would lend his divine aid,
in the performance of such important duties; which I have reason to
believe was in some measure answered, for they were gone through with a
degree of ease and comfort to my own mind. May I ever keep in remembrance
the testimonies of his love which are so often manifested!

8 _mo_. 17.--Meeting for discipline at Burton. The forepart was
conducted, I think, to edification; but in the latter, one subject
occupied much time unnecessarily, and did not conclude to general
satisfaction. When some whose spirits are not well seasoned, speak to
circumstances which they may not have sufficiently considered, it
sometimes does more harm than they may at first apprehend.


The entries in the Diary at this time shew many alternations of
discouragement and comfort, and of that deep searching of his own heart
from which he seldom shrank, and which is the only way to the liberty and
peace of the soul.