7 mo. 27.—­“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name.”  Notwithstanding my many seasons of poverty and inward distress, the foregoing language is sometimes put into my heart on my return from our meetings, which are, in the bathing season, almost always crowded with strangers.  Their manner of coming in and going out during the time of worship is exceedingly disturbing, and yet I cannot but admire the stillness which prevails when anything is delivered.  The help which I at times experience in these trying seasons is wonderful in my eyes.  When I am concerned to stand up in His dread and fear, what have I else to fear?  This fear would always cast out the fear of man which ever brings death; and yet so weak am I, that after all these precious helps and comforting times, I tremble when the meeting-day comes again lest, I should fail in doing the Lord’s will.  Such is my fear before I can rise to my feet in meetings that I say with Samson, Be with me this once more that I may bear testimony to thy name; then, if it be thy will let me die for thee, and I will not think it too much, to suffer.  O that He would be pleased to enlarge his gift in my heart, and he unto me mouth and wisdom, and give me tongue and utterance to declare his name unto the nations.

7 mo. 30.—­Our Fourth-day meeting to-day has been a precious heavenly season.  Much more weightiness of spirit appeared to exist in the strangers who attended, and consequently more stillness.  I had not long taken my seat before I believed it right to stand up with the words of the apostle, “Awake to righteousness and sin not, for some have not the knowledge of God:  I speak this to your shame.”  The women’s side was nearly full of richly-clad females; they bore the marks of worldly distinction, and were indeed as fine as hands and pins could make them.  But the tenderings of divine love reached the hearts of some among them in a particular degree.  I felt such a nearness of spirit towards them that I had great openness in speaking of the things which came before me.  After meeting they very willingly accepted of some books.  One of them was much reached, and went into the little plantation to weep.  Another went to her to comfort her; but she replied, Go from me and leave me alone.  We may truly say with the apostle that God is no respecter of persons, but those who fear him and work righteousness will be accepted of him, to whatever nation, kindred, tongue or people they may belong.  All distinctions of religious sects and party spirit are laid aside when our hearts become prepared to embrace each other in true Christian love.  I do believe the Lord’s work is begun in the hearts of many in this land; and the fervent prayer of my spirit is that he may be pleased to carry it on to perfection, and that we may live to see the glorious day when righteousness shall cover the earth as the waters cover the channels of the sea.  O Germany, Germany, what does my heart feel on account of thy inhabitants!  It seems as if I could tread thy soil for the remainder of my days if I could only be made the instrument of helping on their way those scattered ones who are athirst for the sincere milk of the word of life.