purse nor scrip; and that if this state of poverty of spirit was any badge
of discipleship, some of us might claim to wear it. The language of the
weeping prophet came also before me--"O that my head were waters, and mine
eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of
the daughter of my people." It was hard work for me, a poor stripling, to
have to intimate such close things; but the conclusion was easier to the
natural part, I having to address a few to whom the language seemed to go
forth, of "Mary, the Master is come, and calleth for thee."

I went from thence to the Quarterly Meeting at York, which was thinly
attended. The meeting for worship seemed a cloudy season; however a little
matter impressed my mind which I was thankful in being enabled to get rid
of, though hard to flesh and blood, it being the first time my voice has
been heard in this Quarterly Meeting in ministry. The meeting for business
was long and tedious, being protracted four and a half days by an appeal.
It was disagreeable in its nature, but was conducted in a way to afford
information and instruction to the minute observer of men, manners and
things.


1820.--Our first extract from this year's diary contains a short but
beautiful reflection:--


2 _mo_. 18.--I am convinced it would be better for us to live more in
the inward spirit of prayer; we should live in nearer union with the
Father of love; receive more of his heavenly embraces; the heart would be
prepared to know more of his holy will, and receive power to perform it.