26_th_.—­This evening had about a dozen serious persons to tea.  After a long conversation, we read a chapter, and made some remarks:  there was also a time of silence, with supplication.

10 mo. 1. First-day.—­This afternoon we attended a meeting at Schwabenheim, a few miles from here.  Notice had been given of our intention to be present, and the company was consequently larger than usual.  They meet in an old convent, the other end of which forms the parish place of worship.  After the singing and a short prayer, the good old A. Tiegel read a chapter in the New Testament, and was proceeding to make some remarks upon it, when I stopped him, feeling something on my mind to say to the people.  I was led to recommend a patient waiting upon God for the renewed help of his Spirit, and also to speak on the progress of the Gospel Church from Isaiah ii. 2, 3, &c.  My M.Y. spoke a little in German on the “still small voice,” and the teaching of the Spirit.  I did not in this instance feel quite easy to put aside the whole of their service.  After meeting we had coffee with Tiegel, and took back in our carriage a few of our Kreuznach friends who had walked to the meeting.[13]

4_th_.—­Yesterday evening we had a few friends with us two hours, by appointment, to speak concerning the rules, &c., of our Society.  Many questions were asked, and a pretty detailed account given by us, as well as we were able.  The company were all satisfied, and wished to come again.

6_th_.—­To-day we received a visit from a young English lady.  She came to ask how we understood the passages in Paul’s Epistles forbidding women to speak in the church.  We soon gave her an answer, and handled the matter so fully that she was quieted down before she left, little thinking, as she acknowledged, that so much could be said in defence of the practice among Friends.  She even said she thought it to be a general loss to the Christian Church that women are not permitted to take part in the ministry.  She is a thorough Millenarian, and said the prophecy in Joel, that the Spirit should be poured out on all flesh, referred to the coming of Christ to reign on the earth, until I reminded her of what happened on the day of Pentecost, when Peter said expressly that it was the fulfilment of the prophecy of Joel.  Two other ladies were with her.  We parted friendly, and she thanked me for the information I had given her.

7_th_.—­Went to Treisen to a meeting.  The little company meet only about eight persons usually, but we found about thirty assembled in a small room.  I thought it one of the most lively meetings we have had.  They wished me to conduct it in our own way.  I told them we always commenced our worship by sitting in silence.  They said, We will also sit still.  I was favored with strength to speak to them of the pool of Bethesda, when the angel troubled the water, and on the nature and advantage of true silence before God.  At the close, none seemed to wish to depart, but entered into serious conversation.  I think I never saw more satisfaction exhibited at receiving books than on this occasion.  After coffee, we returned to our lodgings with thankful hearts.