THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES
 
 JOURNAL 
 
 O F T H E 
 
 Life, Travels, and Labours 
 
 IN THE 
 
 WORK OF THE MINISTRY, 
 
 O F 
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 PRINTED ANI> SOLD BY 
 
 JAMES PHILLIPS, 
 
 IN GEORGE-YARD, LOMBARD-STREET, 
 
 M.DCC.LXXIX.
 
 S II3RARY 

 
 Aa 
 
 A TESTIMONY from the MONTHLY- 
 MEETING of WITH AM, in ESSEX, 
 
 CONCERNING 
 
 JOHN G R I F F I T H, dec. 
 
 TH E character of this our well belo- 
 ved Friend being fo generally known, 
 we efteem it unneceliary to extend our 
 TefHmony concerning him, further than the 
 time of his arrival and reiidence amongfr. us. 
 In the year 1747, being a member of the 
 monthly-meeting of Derby, Chefler-coun- 
 ty, in Pennfylvania, he was concerned to, 
 vilit the churches in Great-Britain and Ire- 
 land; during which engagement his mind 
 was impreffed with apprehenfion of duty to 
 fettle in this nation ; the importance where- 
 of was attended with earner! fupplication 
 to the Lord, that he might be rightly di- 
 rected therein; and, after deliberate conside- 
 ration, finding the expediency of his remo- 
 val clearly confirmed, he returned to Ame- 
 rica, where, having fettled his affairs, with 
 the concurrence of his brethren, he removed 
 to England; and entering into marriage- 
 covenant with Frances Wyatt, of Chelmf- 
 ford, became a member of this meeting; 
 wherein, we truft, the fruits of his labour 
 afford fubftantial evidence of able talents 
 faithfully applied. Few were his companions 
 zealoufly concerned for the reftoration of 
 good order, which rendered the talk more 
 arduous ; yet in regard to the exercife of 
 
 difcipline,
 
 difcipline, compared with the ftate in which 
 he found it, confiderable regulation hath 
 been effected. 
 
 His gift was eminently adapted to fervice: 
 in miniftry found, powerful, and clear ; 
 in difcipline, diligent and judicious; fearch- 
 ing impartially into the caufes whence the 
 circulation of life was obftrucled, which 
 operative care, difturbing the falfe reft of 
 lukewarm profeflbrs, hath, at times, ex- 
 cited their difpleafure ; yet being mercifully 
 preferved from the fpots of the world, and 
 endued with authority to fpeak feelingly to 
 the ftates of his hearers, in him that proverb 
 was remarkably verified, " When a man's 
 " ways pleafe the Lord, he maketh even 
 " his enemies to beat peace with him." 
 
 In doubtful cafes, he manifefted an ex- 
 emplary tendernefs and forbearance, parti- 
 cularly refpecting fuch as appeared prefump- 
 tuous in launching into religious engage- 
 ments above their qualification, being dif- 
 pofed to afford full opportunity for trial -, 
 obferving, upon thefe occafions, it would be 
 moft acceptable, that deluded perfons per- 
 ceived their error by its effects : but when 
 thoroughly convinced of unfoundnefs, he 
 faithfully difcharged the duty of an elder, 
 in the application of plain-dealing, which, 
 indeed, was his peculiar talent ; yet fo tem- 
 pered with difcretion, both in miniftry and 
 difcipline, that we believe few have filled 
 thefe important ftations with more 5 ' general 
 approbation : nor were his amiable qualities 
 
 confined
 
 (Hi ) 
 
 confined to the notice of our fociety, having 
 a large {hare in the efteem of others, efpe- 
 cially thofe of his neighbourhood. 
 
 Much of his time was devoted to pub- 
 lick fervice : in confequence whereof, a 
 foretafte of the reward promifed to them 
 who perfevere in well-doing, proved his 
 fubftantial fupport through a long courfe 
 of painful infirmity, being affedted with 
 an afthma about fifteen years. At length 
 the diforder, producing a dropfy, ftrong- 
 ly indicated his diffolution near; yet in 
 this condition, he continued about eight 
 months ; during which feafon of deep trial, 
 the fruits of faithfulnefs were confpicuous: 
 being, at intervals, favoured with ftrength 
 to fpeak intelligibly, the frame of his mind 
 Appeared to be centered in fweet confolation, 
 which, in great meafure, overcame the fenfe 
 of bodily pain, though evidently hard to bear. 
 
 His mental faculties feemed rather en- 
 larged in quicknefs of feniibility, having 
 frequently to exprefs thankfulnefs and ad- 
 miration, that during this marp probation, 
 infinite goodnefs had not fufFered his mind 
 to be clouded, but continued to lift up the 
 light of his countenance upon himj under 
 the influence whereof, his fpirit was en- 
 gaged to encourage thofe prefent to faith- 
 fulnefs, through the happy effect which he 
 experienced at that awful period. 
 
 Divers who amfted during his illnefs, 
 have declared, that his patience in fufrering, 
 kind acknowledgment of their care, and in- 
 ftruclive admonitions, fo far alleviated their 
 
 anxiety,
 
 anxiety, occafioned by the fharpnefs of his 
 conflict, that they efteemed it a favour to 
 attend him. 
 
 After a laborious winter, gradually de- 
 clining, he quietly departed this life, the* 
 i^th of the 6th month, 1776, and was in- 
 terred in friends burial-ground at Chelmf- 
 ford, the 23d of the fame; aged about 63 
 years ; a miiiiller about 42 years. 
 
 Signed in and on behalf of Witham 
 monthly-meeting, held at Chelmsford, the 
 28th of the loth month, 1776. 
 
 Frances Griffith- Jofeph Shelton 
 
 Sufannah Marriage John Mayott 
 Martha Levitt Stephen Levitt 
 
 Sufannah Mayott John Hurnard 
 
 Jane Hurnard Robert Greenwood 
 
 Mary Greenwood Richard Oiboftone 
 
 Mary Marriage Thomas Puplitt 
 
 Sufannah Playel Jofeph Marriage 
 
 Sarah Levitt. J onn Plant Wheeler 
 
 John Ruilel 
 Jofeph Docwra 
 Jofeph Shelton, jun. 
 Daniel Wood. 
 
 The annexed Teflimony being read in our 
 quarterly-meeting, held at Coggemall, the 
 nth of the 3d month, 1777, was approved 
 and figned in and on behalf thereof, by 
 
 JOSEPH DOCWRA, Clerk. 
 A JOURNAL
 
 THE 
 
 J 
 
 J 
 
 o 
 
 OH 
 
 u 
 
 N 
 
 R 
 
 O F 
 
 G R I 
 
 N 
 FF 
 
 A 
 ITH. 
 
 L 
 
 IT hath been much upon my mind 
 (efpecially of late) to write fomething 
 by way of journal, of my life, travels, and 
 experience in the gracious and merciful 
 dealings of the Lord with me, through the 
 courfe of my pilgrimage in this world ; to- 
 gether with fome remarks on the ftate of 
 our fociety in my time, interfperfed with 
 divers obfervations relating to our conduct, 
 in various ftations of life, but chiefly in a 
 religious fenfe; to remain, when my body 
 is laid in the duft, a lafting memorial and 
 teftimony to the truth. And as the Lord 
 {hall be pleafed to open my underftanding, 
 I may alfo afford profitable way- marks to 
 fome weary travellers, who are feeking a 
 A city
 
 2 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 city that hath foundations, whofe builder 
 and maker is God. 
 
 I was born on the 21 ft day of the 5th 
 month, 1713, in Radnorshire, South Wales ; 
 being favoured with parents who had the 
 fubftance of religion in themfelves, and 
 were confcientioully concerned to train 
 up their children in the fear of God. 
 The names of my parents were John 
 and Amy Griffith -, my mother (as I re- 
 member) was educated in fociety with the 
 people called Quakers, and a fteady valua- 
 ble friend me was ; having at times, a few- 
 words, by way of teftimony, tenderly to drop 
 in religious meetings, which were accept- 
 able to friends. My father, as I have heard 
 him relate, was convinced of the blelTed 
 truth after he had arrived to man's cflate, 
 and found it a great crofs to join in fociety 
 with the defpifed Quakers ; he being the 
 only one of the family, which was pretty 
 large, that joined in fociety with that peo- 
 ple. But the Lord making hard things 
 eafy to him, he gave up, in earneft, to 
 the heavenly difcoveries, and, in procefs 
 of time, had a difpenfation of the gofpel 
 of peace and falvation committed to him ; 
 wherein he laboured, in the parts where 
 he lived, with remarkable fmcerity and up- 
 rightnefs ; being indeed a truly living mi- 
 nifter, and an heavenly-minded man, as I 
 well remember, though I left him when I 
 was young, and never law him again. He 
 
 finished
 
 JOHN' GRIFFITH. 3 
 
 finifhed his courfein this world, on the 24th 
 of the 2d month, in the year 1745; it is 
 added in the regifter of the monthly meeting 
 to which he belonged, thus, viz. " He was a 
 " minifter many years, and left a good report 
 " behind him among all forts of people/' 
 , Hewas a ferviceable instrument in the Lord's 
 hand againft undue liberties, which were 
 then creeping in - y and was very deeply 
 affected with the declining ftate of the 
 church in thofe parts (many having remo- 
 ved to America) which fince his deceafe 
 are become almoft a defoiation. 
 
 Having thus paid a fmall tribute, which 
 I thought due, to the memory of my worthy 
 parents, I mall proceed to give an account 
 of myfelf. 
 
 I was favoured with the heart- melting 
 vifitations of God's love, I think, when 
 about feven or eight years old; and fre- 
 quently experienced his name to be in the 
 aiTemblies of his people as precious oint- 
 ment poured forth; whereby my defires 
 were greatly railed to attend meetings for 
 divine worfhip. For although, like Samuel 
 of old, I was as yet unacquainted with the 
 voice of God, neither did I clearly under- 
 ftand from whence that precious confola- 
 tion, which I felt, came ; yet, I well re- 
 member fomething working powerfully in 
 my tender weak mind, by way of oppofition 
 to that fweet heavenly enjoyment, in order 
 to deprive me thereof, by prefenting to my 
 A 2 view
 
 4 THE JOURNA'L OF 
 
 view fome tranfitory delight, and by filling 
 my mind with vain unprofitable, and fome- 
 times wicked and blafphemous thoughts, 
 which were a very great affliction to me. 
 Then he, whe was a liar from -the begin- 
 ing, would fuggeft to my weak mind, that 
 the only way to get over fuch uneafinefs, 
 was to give way to thofe thoughts, and to 
 be utterly regardlefs of what parTed through 
 my mind. I found the flefh wanted eafe, 
 and, to fave its felf, willingly joined here- 
 in with the temptations of Satan, whereby 
 I got a kind of prefent eafe ; but it was by 
 fuch gratifications as tended to heap up 
 wrath againft the day of wrath, and the re* 
 velation of the righteous judgments of God. 
 So that, notwithftanding the falfe eafe con- 
 trived by my foul's enemy, I did, at times, 
 very fenfibly feel, as I grew up, this peace 
 difturbed and broken by a fenfe of God's 
 wrath, revealed from heaven againft my un- 
 righteoufnefs ; and great bitternefs of fpirit 
 I was often in, when the chaftening of the 
 Lord was 'upon me for fin. I would, at 
 fuch times, enter into covenant with the 
 Lord, promifing amendment - y but as thofe 
 promifes were made much in my own will, 
 they were foon broken, and that would in- 
 creafe the weight of my horrour and dif- 
 trefs : the Lord, in infinite mercy, being 
 pleafed to find me out, and to plead with 
 me as in the valley of decilion. - In wri- 
 ting this, my mind is greatly moved with
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 5 
 
 pity and bowels of companion towards 
 inconfiderate youth ; who for the fake of 
 trilling vanities, flighting their own mer- 
 cies, are fubje&ed to diftrefs of mind : and 
 the cafe is ftill worfe, when by repeated dif- 
 obedience and rebellion againft God's un- 
 merited grace, they have almoft flifled his 
 divine witnefs in their own hearts, and 
 go on with impunity; for an awakening 
 time will come, foon or late, which muft 
 ftrike all fuch with horrour and amaze- 
 ment. May it be in mercy ! 
 
 My godly parents were very careful to pre- 
 vent my falling into evil company; notwith- 
 ftanding which, I frequently, without their 
 knowledge, found fuch, and joined them in 
 thofe vanities which are incident to youth ; 
 and perhaps was not a whit behind any of 
 them therein : yet in the cool of the day, 
 I was marply reproved for the fame ; nay 
 fome times, in the very midft of my folly. 
 But by this time I wanted to* filence that 
 pure witnefs againft evil in my heart. Oh! 
 I have often lince, with deep reverence, 
 thankfully admired the long-fufFering of a 
 gracious God, in that he did not cut me 
 off, when I wilfully refitted the reproof of 
 his inftrudion, which is the way to life, 
 becaufe I wanted my living in the vain plea- 
 fures of this periming world. 
 
 When I was about the age of thirteen 
 
 years, a friend who had lived fome time in 
 
 Pennfylvania, being in our parts, and fre- 
 
 A 3 quently
 
 6 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 quently at our houfe, gave a very pleafing 
 account of that country. I having two 
 uncles and one aunt there, fome of .whom 
 had before written to encourage our going 
 over thither, my inclination grew very 
 ftrong to go;*though my parents, efpecially 
 my father, was at firft very much againft 
 it. But I was as one immoveably bent for 
 going; which when my parents faw, and 
 that an elder brother inclined to go with 
 me, they at length confented thereunto, and 
 procured a certificate of our being in unity 
 with Friends. There being a family of 
 Friends, out of the compafs of our month- 
 ly meeting, alfo going over in the fame 
 {hip, we were delivered under their care, 
 and in the year 1726, we embarked at Mil- 
 ford-Haven, on board the Conftantine gal- 
 ley of Briftol, Edward Foy mailer. We 
 had a paiTage of about eight weeks from 
 land to land. We were about eighty or 
 ninety pafTengers, generally healthy, a- 
 mongft whom three children were born 
 whilil on board, and none removed by 
 death. My uncle, John Morgan, who 
 lived about 12 miles from the city of Phi- 
 ladelphia, hearing of our arrival, came on 
 board, and conducted us to his own houfe, 
 where I continued for fome time, my bro- 
 ther, being a weaver, fettled at my aunt 
 Mary Fennel's, following his trade. 
 
 Removing from under my parents watch- 
 ful care over me, for my good, furnlilied 
 me with great opportunity to gratify a vain
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 7 
 
 mind, in the foolifh amufements of a tran- 
 iitory world, towards which I had but too 
 great an inclination. But I have this to 
 fay, in order that parents may he encoura- 
 ged to exert their godly endeavours for the 
 prefervation of their children, that I do 
 iledfaftly believe, the religious care of my 
 parents over me in my youth, imprefied fo 
 great an awe upon my mind, that, through 
 the bleffing of Dr.ine Providence, it was 
 a great means of my prefervation from 
 grofs enormities j though J had great op- 
 portunity of being plunged thereinto, after 
 I left them. I hope ever to retain a grate- 
 ful and thankful remembrance of thofe 
 gracious prefervations, when I confider, 
 how narrowly I have efcaped thofe rocks, 
 upon which many have been {hip wrecked 
 and ruined. 
 
 I was fometimes viiited, and in degree 
 awakened to a fenfe of my undone con- 
 dition without a Saviour, after my arrival 
 in America, though not fo frequently as 
 when I was younger. As J had often, oh 
 very often ! knowingly withflood it, my 
 tafte for worldly pleafures being now grown 
 ftronger, I was very unwilling to give up 
 to the call of Chrifl. I could plead abund- 
 ance of excufes, concluding among other 
 things, that I was but young, and might 
 live a great many years ; that if I did take 
 my fwing a few years, 1 might become re- 
 ligious (boner than many others had done, 
 A 4 \vha
 
 8 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 who were brave men in their day. I would, 
 however, to make myfelf the more eafy for 
 that time, fully determine to be a very re- 
 ligious good man, at one time or other ; 
 but it muft not be yet. Thus, through 
 the grofs darknefs which had covered my 
 mind, I who had no certainty of feeing the 
 light of one day more, was prevailed upon, 
 by the fubtilty of Satan, to run the dread- 
 ful hazard of a future repentance and 
 amendment of life, and fo became worfe 
 and more hardened in evil, though ftill 
 preferved out of grofs pollutions, or what 
 are commonly fo efleemed ; I was afraid to 
 tell a lie, except to embellim, or fet off 
 a pleafant or merry tale or ftory; appre- 
 hending it no great crime to tell a lie in 
 jeft. I never remember to have fvvorn an 
 oath, or uttered a curfe in my life. Nor 
 was I ever prevailed upon, in my cufto- 
 mary conversation, to depart from the rules 
 of my education, refpedling the plain lan- 
 guage, thee and thou to one, and you to 
 more than one ; all this time preferving a 
 pretty fair character amongft men, as none 
 could charge me with any thing accounted 
 fcandalous. I retained much love and re- 
 gard for thofe I thought truly religious ; 
 efpecially weighty fubftantial minifters of 
 the everlafting gofpel ; and I believe had a 
 better fenfe of their fpirits and labours, than 
 fome of my companions had, and therefore 
 was afraid to defpife or fpeak contempti- 
 bly
 
 JOHN GRIFFtTH. 3 
 
 bly of fuch, as fome of my affociates did. 
 In this carnal degenerate ftate, I did com- 
 monly, in a cuftomary way, attend firft- 
 day meetings, and moftly had the liberty 
 of going on other days of the week, when 
 any minifters from diftant parts came to 
 vifit Abington meeting, to which I belong- 
 ed : but alas ! it was to little or no good 
 purpofe, as the labour beftowed upon me, 
 by mimfrry or otherwife, was like water fpilt 
 upon a ftone, that foon runs off again with- 
 out any entrance ; I being indeed for fome 
 time, like the heath in the defart, not 
 knowing when good came : and if at any 
 time, the feed of God's kingdom fell upon 
 my heart, which was like the high-way 
 ground, it was foon taken away, and I 
 prefently loft the favour thereof. 
 
 When I had arrived to upwards of nine- 
 teen years of age, I was, through infinite 
 mercy never to be forgotten, vifited in an ex- 
 traordinary manner ; concerning which, as 
 it was the happy means of turning my 
 mind, in a good degree, from the periming 
 vanities of an uncertain world, to the God 
 of all fure mercies, I intend to be fome- 
 what particular. One evening, being with 
 divers of my companions in vanity, and 
 under no reftraint, as the heads of the fa- 
 mily were not at. home, we carried our 
 frothy vain converfation, and foolim rude 
 actions, to a higher degree of wicked mad- 
 nefs, than I ever was guilty of before, in 
 
 which
 
 io 'THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 which I fuppofe I was as a ringleader. On 
 this account, I felt fome (harp lafhes of 
 confcience as I went to bed that night -, and 
 a thoughtfulnefs took hold of my mind, 
 that we had not a being in this world for 
 fuch a purpofe, or to fpend our time as 
 above mentioned, of which I gave fome 
 hint to my bed-fellow ; yet this convkfaon 
 did not fink fo deep, but that I pretty foon 
 got to fleep. I had not flept long, before 
 a mefTenger alarmed me with an account, 
 that one of my jolly companions, who was 
 then in the houfe, and who, I think, had 
 been the beft of us, was dying, deiiring 
 me to go immediately to him, which I 
 did. I was exceedingly ftruck with horrour 
 of mind, at the thoughts of the manner 
 in which we had fpent the evening before, 
 and the fudden ftroke that followed upon 
 this poor man. But when I came to his 
 bedlide, and faw the dreadful agony he was 
 in, my horrour was increafed beyond all 
 expreflion ; as none of us expected he could 
 live many hours. For my part, I was fo 
 deeply plunged into anxiety of mind, that 
 it feemed as if the pains and terrours of hell 
 had laid hold of me already ; and I was then 
 in full expectation there was no deliverance 
 for me therefrom -, but that I mould die, 
 with the weight of that diftrefs which was 
 upon me, before morning. This happened 
 on a feventh-day night, and though the 
 young man in time recovered, yet he was 
 
 not
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. n 
 
 not fit to be left next day, which hindered 
 me from going to meeting, to which I 
 was exceedingly defirous to have gone ; for 
 by this time I was pretty thoroughly awa- 
 kened to a fenfe of duty -, and it being a week 
 before the like opportunity prelented to me 
 again, it feemed the longeft week I had ever 
 known. Oh, how did I long to prefent 
 myfelf before the Lord in the arTemblies of 
 his people ! that I might pour forth my in- 
 ward cries before him, in a ftate of iincere 
 repentance, and deep contrition of foul^ 
 which, through the effectual operation of 
 his power in my heart, I was then in a 
 condition to do. Now I clearly faw, that 
 repentance is the gift of God, and that his 
 Jove, wherewith he hath loved us in Chriir, 
 Jefus our Lord, leads finners thereinto. 
 The flemly will being, for the prefent, 
 overcome and filenced, there was a giving 
 Up, with all readinefs of mind, to the 
 Lord's requirings. There was not any thing 
 then too near to part with for the real and 
 fubftantial enjoyment of the beloved of my 
 foul ', for I was brought in degree to expe- 
 rience, that he came '* for judgment into this 
 " world, that they which fee not might fee; 
 " and that they which fee might be made blind, 
 I could no longer look upon my former 
 delights with any fatisfacliion, but inftead 
 thereof, had a glorious view of the beauti- 
 ful fituation of mount Sion, and my face was 
 turned thitherward, and for the joy which 
 
 was
 
 12 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 was fet before me/' I was made willing to en- 
 dure " the crofs of Chrift, and to defpife the 
 " mame/' and though I became a wonder and 
 a gazing ftock to my former companions, I 
 did not much regard it, knowing I had juft 
 caufe fo to be. My great change ftruck 
 them with fome awe, for I obferved they 
 had not the boldnefs to mock or deride me 
 before my face. 
 
 The young man, who was an instrument 
 in the divine hand for my awakening, and 
 his brother, were both greatly reached and 
 deeply affected, for the prefent, by the above- 
 mentioned wonderful vifitation, and there 
 was a very vifible change in them fora time; 
 but, like the feed that fell on the ftony 
 ground, they withered away, and did not 
 become fruitful to God. 
 
 I greatly rejoiced when firfl day came, 
 that I might go to meeting ; which proved 
 to me indeed a memorable one, there being 
 two publick friends, ftrangers, fent thither, 
 as I thought, on my account ; for mofl of 
 what they had to deliver, appeared to me 
 applicable to my ftate. Now did I, in 
 fome degree, experience the fubftance of 
 what was intended, by the " baptifm of water 
 " unto repentance; the warning of water by 
 " the word; and being born of water and the 
 " fpirit." All which would be fully feen, and 
 clearly underftood, by theprofeflbrs of Chrif- 
 tianity, were they rightly acquainted with the 
 " gofpelof Chrift 3 which is the power of God 
 
 " unto
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 13 
 
 <e untofalvation." This power, inwardly re- 
 vealed, is alone able to work that change in 
 them, without which, our Lord faith none 
 ihall fo much as fee the kingdom of God. 
 But alas ! being carnal in their minds, a fpiri- 
 tual religion doth not fuit them; for, as laith 
 the fcripture, "the natural man receiveth not 
 " the things of the fpirit of God, for they are 
 *' foolifhnefs unto him ; neither can he know 
 " them, becaufe they are fpiritually difcern- 
 " ed." Hence it is, that the profefTors of the 
 ChrifHan name, retain figns and fhadows, 
 whilft the fubftance is neglected; pleading for 
 the continuance of types, when the antitype 
 is but little regarded: where this latter is ex- 
 perienced, all madows and types vanim 
 and come to an end ; as did the legal types, 
 when Chriil:, the antitype, came, and intro- 
 duced his difpenfation, which is altogether 
 of a fpiritual nature. And, what is yet 
 more wonderful, and an evidence of great 
 ignorance, is, to find thofe happy and blefled 
 effects, which are only produced by the bap- 
 tifm of Chrift with the Holy Ghoft, attribut- 
 ed or annexed to the ceremonies of fprinkling 
 a little water by a prieft in a child's face : 
 for, when that is done, the prieft prays, 
 f that old Adam in the child may be bu- 
 ried -, that the new man may be raifed up in 
 him ; that all carnal affection may die in 
 him ; and that all things belonging to the 
 fpirit may live and grow in him.' Then he 
 prays, that the element of water may be 
 
 fanciifled
 
 14 THE JOURNAL OF- 
 
 fanctified to the warning away fin. The 
 child is then faid to be received into the 
 congregation of ChrifVs flock, and figned 
 with the fign of the crofs : when this is 
 done, they acknowledge the child to be 
 regenerate, and grafted into the body of 
 ChriiYs church, and return thanks to God, 
 in that he hath been pleafed to regenerate 
 that infant with his Holy Spirit, and to 
 receive him for his own by adoption. 
 Concerning a child fprinkled, they fay, 
 ' who being born in original fin, and the 
 wrath of God, is now, by the laver of re- 
 generation in baptifm, received into the 
 number of the children of God, and heirs 
 of everlafting life.' They fay, by baptifm, 
 viz. fprinkling infants, that they have put 
 on Chrift, and that they are made child-, 
 ren of God and of the light. They hold 
 children baptized,, dying before they com- 
 mit actual fin, are undoubtedly faved ; 
 which feemeth to imply, others are not. 
 Being now weary of reciting thefe palpable 
 errours, I fhall proceed with the account of 
 my own progrefs, in the real experience of 
 this great work of regeneration, or the 
 new birth, which, I well know, is not ob- 
 tained at fo eafy a rate as above-mentioned. 
 This adminiftration of water by the word 
 continued in a remarkable manner upon me, 
 for about three months, in which I found 
 great fatisfadlion, as it was accompanied 
 with an heavenly fweetnefs, like healing 
 
 balfam
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 15 
 
 balfam upon my wounded fpirit - t my heart 
 being melted before the Lord, as wax is 
 melted before the fire. Great was my de- 
 light in reading the holy fcriptures, and 
 other good books ; being favoured, at that 
 time, to receive much comfort and im- 
 provement thereby. But this eafy melting 
 difpenfation, was to give way to a more 
 powerful one, that the floor might be tho- 
 roughly purged, even the baptifm with the 
 Holy Ghoil and fire : for the former dif- 
 penfaticui of the Lcrd to my foul feemed 
 much to refemble John's baptifm with 
 water unto repentance, as being the real 
 thing fignified thereby, in order to prepare 
 the way of the Lord. 
 
 Under this difpenfation I was for a time 
 exceedingly diitrelTed, in a fenfe of the great 
 alteration I found in the ftate of my mind ; 
 attributing it to fome caufe given by me, 
 that I was thus, as I thought, forfaken. 
 All the former tendernefs was gone, and I 
 was as the parched ground. My agonies 
 were fo great, that when it was day I 
 wifhed for night ; and when it was night I 
 wimed for day. In meetings for wonhip, 
 where I had enjoyed moft fatisfa&ion, I now 
 was under the greateil weight of pain and 
 diflrefs, even to that degree, at times, that 
 I could fcarcely forbear crying aloud for 
 mere agony. When meeting was over, I 
 would fometimes walk a confiderable way 
 into the woods, that unheard by any mor- 
 tal,
 
 16 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 tal, I might, in mournful accents, give 
 vent to my greatly diftrefled foul. In this 
 doleful ftate of mind, the grand adverfary 
 was permitted to pour forth floods of temp- 
 tations. I was almoft conftantly befet with 
 evil thoughts, which exceedingly grieved 
 me ; for though I was in fuch a dark dif- 
 treffed condition, my mind was, by this 
 time, too much enlightened to allow of, or 
 join with, wicked and corrupt thoughts : 
 yet I often judged myfelf, and I believe at 
 times not without caufe, being apprehen- 
 five, I was not earneft enough in refilling 
 thofe evil thoughts and temptations. But, 
 oh ! I was exceeding weak in thofe days ; 
 and I am perfuaded the Lord, in gracious 
 condefcenfion, looked mercifully at the fin- 
 cerity of my intention, not marking all my 
 failings, or I could not have flood before 
 him in any degree of acceptance. Very 
 great were my temptations, and deep my 
 diftrefs of mind for about a year; in which 
 time I was but as a little child, in under- 
 ftanding the way and work of God upon 
 me, for my redemption. Yet, he who 
 will not break the bruifed reed, nor quench 
 the fmoaking flax, until he fends forth 
 judgment unto victory, by his invifible 
 power, bore up my head above the rage- 
 ing waves of temptation, fo that the enemy 
 found he could not overwhelm me there- 
 with : the Lord teaching my hands to war, 
 and my fingers to fight under his banner, 
 
 through
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 17 
 
 through whofe bleffing and affiflance, I 
 found fome degree of victory over the beaft, 
 viz. that part which hath its life in flefhly 
 gratifications. Then began the falle pro- 
 phet to work with figns and lying won- 
 ders, in order to deceive my weak and un- 
 fkilful underflanding -, as it is written, 
 '* Satan is transformed into an angel of light:" 
 fo I found him, at leaft in appearance. He 
 that goes about feeking whom he may de- 
 vour, perceiving I was too much enlighten- 
 ed from above, to be ealily drawn into fen- 
 fuality, craftily attempted my deftruction 
 another way, viz. by fetting himfelf up, 
 undifcovered then by me, for a guide in the 
 way of mortification, which I was then re- 
 folved, through divine affiftance, to walk 
 carefully in, by denying myfelf in all things 
 which appeared inconfiftent with the di- 
 vine will. This fubtil transformer, tak- 
 ing advantage of the ardency of my mind 
 to prefs forward in this neceflafy concern, 
 fuggefted that my work would be much 
 eafier in obtaining a complete victory over 
 evil, were I to refrain for a time from 
 fome of the neceffaries of life, particularly 
 from eating, and taking my natural reft in 
 ileep, except juft as much as would preferve 
 life - y and that I muft conflantly keep my 
 hands employed in bufinefs, as idlenefs is 
 the nurfery of vice ; neither was he want- 
 ing to bring fcripture, and paiTages out of 
 other religious books, to confirm thefe re- 
 B quirings.
 
 i8 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 quirings. I then really believed it was the 
 voice of Chrift in my mind commanding 
 thefe things, and therefore endeavoured to 
 be faithful therein, till my natural ftrength 
 abated, and I found my body grew much 
 weaker thereby* Greatly diftreffed I was, 
 when at any time I fell fhort of what I 
 apprehended to be my duty in thefe refpefts, 
 he that required this fervice being a hard 
 matter j though he had power to deceive, 
 yet he could not give me faith that I mould 
 overcome. My views in thofe days were 
 indeed very difcouraging, my poor afflicted 
 foul being almoft funk into defpair. My 
 friends took notice that I was in uncommon 
 diftrefs. The family in which I then 
 lived, as they could not be altogether ig- 
 norant, though I concealed it as much as 
 I could, of my wandering about in the 
 fields, &c. at nights, and much refraining 
 from food (my deep diftrefs being alfo very 
 legibly imprinted on my countenance) 
 feared, as I afterwards underftood, leaft I 
 mould be tempted to lay violent hands on 
 myfelf. I was forbid in myfelf to tell my 
 condition to any, as that would be feek- 
 ing relief from without ; a very improper 
 and unworthy thing. 
 
 Notwithftanding which, the God of all 
 grace, who permitted this uncommon af- 
 fliction to fall upon me for a trial, and not 
 for my deflru<ftion, was pleafed, in wonder- 
 ful kindn-efs, to move upon the heart of a 
 
 minifler
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 19 
 
 minifter belonging to our meeting, to vifit 
 me, and to open a way for my deliverance. 
 He ftriftly inquired concerning my inward 
 condition informing me that friends were 
 much concerned about me, as it was very 
 obvious I was under fome uncommon tempt- 
 ation. I was at firft very unwilling to open 
 my Irate to him, however he at length pre- 
 vailed, and took the opportunity to fhew me 
 that I was under a grofs delufion of Satan. 
 Being thus, through the Lord's mercy, 
 delivered from the wicked defign of mine 
 enemy, which undoubtedly was to deftroy 
 both foul and body, I had, in reverent 
 thankfulnefs, to rejoice in his falvation. I 
 then clearly faw, that Satan in his religious 
 appearance, was alfo carefully to be guarded 
 againft; as nothing in religion can be accept- 
 able to God, but the genuine product of 
 his unerring fpirit, diftinclly heard and 
 underftood by the ear of the foul, and the 
 renewed underflanding. " My fheep," faid 
 Chrift, " hear my voice;" which I now began 
 to experience fulfilled ; blefled be the Lord 
 for ever ! I had many precious openings into 
 the divine myfteries about this time ; and 
 when I read the holy fcriptures, they were 
 opened to my underftanding, far beyond 
 whatever they had been before, fo that I 
 had very great comfort ; my hope being re- 
 vived, and my faith much ftrengthened, by 
 thofe things that were written aforetime. 
 I am well aiTured, by certain experience, 
 B 2 that
 
 20 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 that the myfteries couched in thofe hofy 
 writings, cannot be profitably underftood, 
 but by the fame fpirit which infpired the 
 penmen of them : therefore it is vain pre- 
 fumption, for fallen and unregenerate man, 
 by his earthly wifdom and human learning, 
 to attempt the unfolding heavenly myfteries. 
 The lip of truth hath fignified, they are hid 
 from the wife and prudent of this world, and 
 revealed unto the humble dependant babes and 
 fucklings \ thofe who fenfibly experience 
 their fufficiency for every good word and 
 work, to proceed immediately from God 
 alone; and that Chrift " is made unto them, 
 '* wifdom and righteoufnefs, fandtification and 
 " redemption." The want of this inward 
 living fenfe, hath been the caufe of, and hath 
 opened the way for, that great apoftafy, dark- 
 nefs, and error, which have overfpread Chrif- 
 tendom, fo called. There is no way for its 
 recovery, but by humbly fubmitting to 
 Chrift inwardly revealed, and learning the 
 nature of true religion of him, the great 
 author thereof: for I am well aflured, 
 that forward active and inventing felf muft 
 be denied, abafed, and laid in the duft for 
 ever, and the Lord alone exalted in our 
 hearts, before we can come up in the feve- 
 ral duties of religion, with divine appro- 
 bation. This I faw, in the divine light 
 which began to mine out of my darknefs, 
 and feparated me therefrom, was the great- 
 er light which was to rule the day of 
 
 God's
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 21 
 
 God's falvation, and that . all the faved of 
 the Lord mud carefully walk in this light, 
 wherein there is no occafion of {tumbling. 
 I alfo faw, that when it pleafed the Lord in. 
 wifdom, for a trial of my faith and pa- 
 tience, to withdraw this holy light, and 
 there was a fitting in darknefs, and as in the 
 region of the fhadow of death for a time, fo 
 that I had no diftinft knowledge therefrom 
 what to do; that it was my indifpenfible 
 duty to ftand ftill, and wait for my fure 
 unerring guide : if at thofe times, felf 
 would arife and be uneafy, it muft be 
 brought to the crofs, there to be flain. 
 By fuch experience, I found I was nothing, 
 and that God was all things neceiTary for 
 foul and body; that if I was brought into 
 a ftate of perfect reconciliation with him, 
 J muft know all things made new. 
 
 About this time I had a diftant view of 
 being called into the work of the minifhy j 
 my mind being at times wonderfully over- 
 ihadowed with the univerfal love of God, in 
 the glorious gofpel of his Son, to mankind, 
 to that degree that I thought I could, in 
 the ftrength thereof, give up to fpend and 
 to be fpent, for the gathering of fouls to 
 him, the great Shepherd of Ifrael ; and that 
 I could lift up my voice like a trumpet, to 
 awaken the inhabitants of the earth : but 
 J found all this was only by way of prepa- 
 ration for this important work, and that I 
 }iad not yet received a commiffion to engage 
 B 3 therein,
 
 22 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 therein. A fear was upon my mind, and 
 care, left I fhould prefume to enter upon 
 this folemn undertaking without a right 
 call ; it appearing to me exceeding danger- 
 ous to fpeak in the name of the Lord, 
 without a clear evidence in the mind, that 
 he required it of me ; which I then fully 
 believed he would in his own time, which 
 was to wait for. From this time, until I 
 was really called into the work, I frequently 
 had, but efpecially in religious meetings, 
 openings of fcripture-paffages, with lively 
 operations of the divine power in my 
 mind ; and fometimes with io much energy, 
 that I have been almoft ready to offer 
 what I had upon my mind, to others. But 
 as, through an holy awe which dwelt upon 
 my heart, I endeavoured to try my offering 
 in the unerring balance of the fan&uary, 
 I found it was too light to be offered, and 
 was thankful to the Lord for his merciful 
 prefervation, in that I had been enabled to 
 avoid offering the facrifice of fools. But 
 when the time really came that it was 
 divinely required of me, the evidence was 
 fo indifputably clear, that there was not 
 the leaft room to doubt ; yet, through fear 
 and human frailty, I put it off, and did not 
 give way thereunto. But oh ! how was 1 
 condemned in myfelf ! The divine fweet- 
 nefs which had covered my mind in the 
 meeting was withdrawn, and I left in a 
 very poor difconfolate ftate, wherein I was 
 
 ready
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 23 
 
 ready to beg forgivenefs, and to covenant 
 with the Lord, that if he would be pleafed 
 to favour me again in like manner, I would 
 give up to his requiring. At the next firft- 
 day meeting, the heavenly power over- 
 jfhadowed me in a wonderful manner, in. 
 which it was required of me to kneel down 
 in fupplication to the Lord in a few words : 
 I gave way thereunto, in the dread of his 
 power, with fear and trembling. After 
 which, oh, how my foul was filled with 
 peace and joy in the Holy Ghoft ! I could 
 then ling, and make fweet melody in my 
 heart to the Lord. As I remember, I was 
 twenty- one years of age, the very day I firft 
 entered into this great and awful work of 
 the miniftry ; which was the 2ift of the 
 5th month, old ftile, 1734. 
 
 I have found my mind engaged to be fome- 
 what particular concerning the manner of 
 my entering into the work of the miniftry, 
 to ftand by way of caution and proper en- 
 couragement to others, who may perufe 
 the fame ; having in the courfe of my 
 obfervation had caufe to fear, fome have 
 taken the work of preparation, as before 
 hinted, for the thing itfelf ; and fo have 
 proceeded very far, to their own great 
 wounding, and the hurt of others, in bring- 
 ing forth untimely fruit, which is exceed- 
 ingly dangerous, and carefully to be avoid- 
 ed. Nothing is a fufficient guard to pre- 
 ferve therefrom, but the fingle eye, through 
 P 4 the
 
 24 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 the divine bleffing, awfully confidering 
 what a great thing it is for dufl and afhes to 
 fpeak as the apoftle Peter diredls, viz. " As 
 " every man Jiath received the gift, even 
 " fo minifter the fame one to another, as 
 * f good flewards of the manifold grace of 
 " God. If any man fpeak, let him fpeak 
 " as the oracles of God; if any man mi- 
 " nifter, let him do it as of the ability 
 " which God giveth." The author to the 
 Hebrews faith, that " no man taketh this 
 *' honour to himfelf, but he that is called 
 < of God, as was Aaron." So that what- 
 ever fome may pretend to, and intrude 
 themfelves into, unlefs they are really caU 
 led of God, they will have no mare in that 
 honour that cometh from God only. 
 
 The church of Chrift hath not been with- 
 out its trouble from falfe miriifters, neither 
 in the primitive times, nor in ours. That 
 excellent gofpel liberty of all who feel 
 themfelves infpired thereunto, whether male 
 or female, fpeaking or prophefying one by 
 one, hath been, and ftill is, abufed by falfe 
 pretenders to divine infpiration; yet the 
 liberty ought to be preferved inviolable, 
 and other means found out to remedy this 
 great inconveniency , which would not be 
 difficult, were the members in a general way 
 fpiritually minded, rightly favouring the 
 things that be of God. Forward and un- 
 fanftified appearances, by way of miniftry, 
 would then be eafily awed and fuppreiTed, 
 
 fq
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 25 
 
 fo as not to difturb the peace of the church. 
 The cafe has been otherwife, as I have 
 obferved in fome places; but little minded, if 
 the words and doctrine were found, and no- 
 thing to blame in the converfation. Here 
 the main thing, which is the powerful 
 demonftration of the holy fpirit, is little 
 regarded : and if a few are deeply pained 
 at heart with fuch lifelefs miniftry, they 
 find it exceeding difficult to lay hands there- 
 on, for want of more ftrength j efpecially 
 when they perceive what ftrength there is 
 againft them : for formal profeflbrs love to 
 have it fo, rather than to fit in filence. 
 And I have obferved fuch pretenders all 
 mouth or tongue, and no ears to receive 
 instruction ; fond of teaching others, but 
 very unteachable themfelves. I pray God 
 to quicken his people, and raife the fociety 
 into a more lively fenfe of that blefled 
 arm of power which gathered us to be a 
 people ; or, I fear, the great evil above 
 hinted at will prove a very growing one: 
 profeffion without pofferBon, being the 
 proper element for fuch a miniftry to grow 
 and flourilh in. I am not quite free to 
 omit a remark on this head, as I am fully 
 perfuaded the living members of the church 
 of Chrift, groan under a painful fenfe of 
 this forrowful token of a declined fociety. 
 May the Lord of fabbath hear their cries, 
 and regard the anguifh of their fouls in 
 fecret, fo as to work by his invifible power 
 
 for
 
 26 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 for his own name's fake, and their enlarge- 
 ment, by turning his hand again upon our 
 Sion, to purge away her drofs, and to take 
 away her tin and reprobate filver ; that her 
 }udges may be reftored as at the firft, and 
 her counfellors as at the beginning; that 
 many, having their feet mod with the pre- 
 paration of the gofpel of peace, may yet ap- 
 pear beautiful upon the mountains ! So be 
 it, faith my foul ! 
 
 I have given fome hints bow it was with 
 me, by way of preparative for the great and 
 important work of the miniftry, and the 
 danger of my being mifled j even at fome- 
 times when I had right openings, and felt 
 the fweet efficacious virtue of the love of 
 God, through Jefus Chrift, to mankind : 
 which, doubtlefs, is the fenfible experience 
 and enjoyment, at times, of every faithful 
 follower of Chrift, who ^ever was called 
 to the work of the miniftry. ' I was in thofe 
 days apprehenfive of fome danger of being 
 led out at that door -, but I have fince more 
 fully and perfectly feen the danger of this 
 and other by-paths, which would have led 
 me to give that away to others, which I 
 was to live upon myfelf ; and out of the 
 humble dependant ftate, in which only 
 there is fafety, to have a will and way of 
 my own, that I might be furnimed and 
 enriched with much treafure. But fincerity 
 of heart, and my endeavours to preferve the 
 {ingle eye, through the watchful care of 
 
 Divine
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 27 
 
 Divine Providence over me, brought the 
 day of the Lord upon it all : fo that I came 
 clearly to fee, and experimentally to know, 
 my fufficiency was of God ; that there muft 
 be a fteady dependance on the Lord, to be 
 immediately fitted and fupplied, every time 
 I was to engage in this folemn fervice. I 
 ardently defire, that all who have the lead 
 apprehenfion of being called into the work 
 of the miniftry, may dwell in an holy dread 
 of the divine prefence, and know their own 
 wills wholly fubjedled to the divine will, 
 waiting for a diftinft and clear certainty of 
 the Lord's requiring?, not only in entering 
 upon it at nrfr, but alfo at all other times. 
 And as felf comes to be laid in the dufl 
 forever, they will receive undeniable evi- 
 dence, in their own minds, of the certainty 
 of their miffion; and they will not be with- 
 out a teftimony thereof, from the witnefs 
 for God in the confciences of mankind, 
 amongft whom they are fent to minifter. 
 They will be a favour of life to the living 
 in the truth, and of death to thofe who are 
 in a ftate of death. Let it ever be remem- 
 bered, that nothing of, or belonging to, 
 man, can poflibly add any luftre or dignity 
 to fo divine a gift. Neither will the beft 
 and mofl curioufly adapted words or doc- 
 trine, ever fo truly and conflftently deliver- 
 ed, be any more than as founding brafs, or 
 as a tinkling cymbal, without the power, 
 light, and demonftration of the fpirit of 
 
 Chrift.
 
 2 8 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 Chrift. There is no occafion at all, for 
 thofe who regard his power as the fubftance 
 of their miniftry, to be any wife felicitous 
 about words ; as the loweft and moft fim- 
 ple are really beautiful, when, fitly fpoken 
 under that holy influence. 
 
 Having thus entered upon the folemn and 
 awful fervice of the miniftry, I gave up for 
 the moft part, as I found the requirings of 
 truth, through the divine power and effi- 
 cacy thereof, moving upon my heart, and 
 fubjefting my will, to utter a few words 
 in a broken manner, with fear and trem- 
 bling 3 the Lord being exceeding merciful 
 to me, as a tender father, taking me by the 
 hand, and making me willing by his mighty 
 power, to be counted a fool for his fake and 
 the gofpel's. 
 
 The meeting I then belonged to was large, 
 and a valuable weighty body of friends 
 therein -, who, as far as I could obferve by 
 their carriage, did own and approve of my 
 weak and low appearance in this fervice : 
 yet they ufed Chriftian prudence, not to 
 lay hands fuddenly, but gave me full oppor- 
 tunity to make proof of my miniftry, and 
 to feel my feet therein. 
 
 About this time, a fine fpring of minif- 
 try was opened within the compafs of our 
 Yearly-Meeting j there having, by account, 
 about one hundred opened their mouths in 
 publick teftimony, in little more than a 
 year ; divers of whom became powerful able.
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 29 
 
 miniilers, and fome of them withered away 
 like unripe fruit. About ten appeared with- 
 in that time, . in the particular meeting of 
 Abington, to which I belonged. 
 
 As I was enabled to wait on my minifrry, 
 I experienced a conliderable growth and en- 
 largement ; and, in a faithful difcharge of 
 duty therein, great peace and heavenly con- 
 folation, like a pleafant refreshing ftream, 
 flowed into my foul. I alfo found, that it 
 was a means of engaging the minds of 
 friends, in a fweet and comfortable near- 
 nefs of unity with me, which I had never 
 before fo largely and livingly felt. Many 
 young well-minded people, and fome others 
 of little experience, feemed to admire my 
 gift, and would fometimes fpeak highly 
 of it, which they did not always forbear in 
 my hearing. But oh how dangerous this is, 
 if delighted in by minifters ! It may be 
 juftly compared to poifon, which will foon 
 deftroy the pure innocent life. My judg- 
 ment was againft it; yet I found fomething 
 in me, that feemed to have no averfion 
 thereunto, but rather inclined to hearken 
 to it, yet not with full approbation. The 
 fame thing in me would want to know, 
 what fuch and fuch, who were in moft 
 efteem for experience and wifdom, thought 
 of me. I fometimes imagined fuch looked 
 fhy upon me, which would much caft me 
 down ; all which, being from a root or 
 fibre of felf, I found was for judgment, 
 
 and
 
 30 THE J O U R N A L OF 
 
 and muft die upon the crofs, before I wa$ 
 fit to be trufted with any great ftore of 
 gofpel treafure. I begun alfo to take ra- 
 ther too much delight myfelf in the gift ; 
 which had not divine goodnefs in mercy, 
 by a deep and diftreffing baptifm, kindly pre- 
 vented, might have opened a door for fpiri- 
 tual pride (which is the worft of pride) to 
 have entered in, to my ruin. I have reafon to 
 think, that folid friends, by obferving my 
 large growth in the top, with fpreading 
 branches, were in fear of my downfall, in 
 cafe of a ftorm. However, in the mid ft of 
 my high career, the Lord was pleafed to 
 take away from me, for a time, that which 
 he had given me, viz. the gift of the mini- 
 ftry, and with it all fenfible comforts of 
 the fpirit: fo that I was, as I thought, in 
 total darknefs ; even in the region and fha- 
 dow of death. In this doleful ftate of mind, 
 I was grievoufly befet and tempted by the 
 falfe prophet, the transformer, to keep up 
 my credit in the miniftry, by continuing 
 my publick appearances. It might well be 
 faid of him, that he would " caufe fire to 
 " come down from heaven, in the fight of 
 " men, to deceive them ;" for fo I found it. 
 It is hard to imagine, how near a refem- 
 blance he could make, how exact an imi- 
 tation he could form of the very thing it- 
 felf, to the ftate of mind I was then in ; 
 even to that degree, that I have at times 
 been ready to fay, ' Ah ! I fee and feel the 
 
 fire
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 31 
 
 fire of the Lord coming down to prepare 
 the offering' j and have been almoft ready to 
 give up thereunto, when a godly fear would 
 feize my mind, and a defire yet to try it ; 
 by which means, the ftrong delufion hath 
 been difcovered, and the falfe fire rejected. 
 My foul hath been plunged into deeper 
 anxiety, by this falfe heat, than I was in 
 before. No tongue nor pen can fet forth 
 to the full, the deep and almoft conftant 
 anguifh of my foul, for about the fpace of 
 four or five months ; being as near as I 
 can remember the time this fore affliction 
 was upon me. It fared with me in fome 
 degree, as it did with Job, refpecting my 
 friends ; fome conjecturing one thing, and 
 fome another thing, to be the caufe of this 
 fall, as it was apprehended ; though, 
 through mercy, they could not charge me 
 with any evil as the caufe thereof. The 
 moft probable reafon to them, of this alte- 
 ration was, that I had been too much fet 
 up by others, and fo had loft my gift ; and 
 this, I think, came the neareft to the truth 
 of the cafe. Yet it was not fo loft, but 
 that when my gracious helper faw my fuffer- 
 ing was enough, he reftored it again, and 
 appeared to my foul as a clear morning with- 
 out clouds : everlafting praifes to his holy 
 name ! My mind was deeply bowed, in hum- 
 ble thankfulnefs, under a fenfe of the great 
 favour of being again counted worthy to be 
 intrufted with fo precious a gift ; therefore i; 
 
 was
 
 32 THE J O U R N A L OF 
 
 .was careful to exercife the fame in great 
 fear and awfulnefs, and more in a crofs to 
 mine own will than before - t as that which 
 was but too likely to have decked itfelf 
 therewith, was, for the prefent at lead, in 
 a good degree flain. I have very often, in 
 the courfe of my religious experience, had 
 caufe to adore and admire divine wifdom, 
 in his dealings with me for my preferva- 
 tion in the way of peace ; being well afiured, 
 that he will fo work for mankind, if they 
 are fufficiently given up in heart and foul 
 to him, that it will not be poffible for them 
 to mifs of everlafting happinefs : for none 
 are able to pluck thofe out of his almighty 
 hand, who do not firft incline to leave 
 him. 
 
 After I had appeared in publick fome- 
 what more than two years, I found fome 
 drawings of gofpel-love, as I apprehended, 
 to vifit the meetings of friends in fome 
 part of New-Jerfey ; and being but young 
 in the miniftry, I was in great fear, at times, 
 left I mould be miftaken, in that which I, 
 at other times, thought to be the divine 
 requirings : for I much dreaded that of run- 
 ning when and where the Lord did not 
 fend me, left I mould bring dishonour to 
 his blefled name, and expofe myfelf naked 
 and void of proper qualifications for fo great 
 an undertaking, to wife and difcerning 
 friends. Great indeed was my diftrefs, 
 night and day, crying to the Lord for 
 
 greater
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 33 
 
 greater confirmation ; which he gracioufly 
 heard, and was pleafed, by a dream or night- 
 vifion, to afford me fuch full fatisfaftion in, 
 that I do not remember I had any doubt 
 afterwards concerning the fame. 
 
 I entered upon the faid journey the 7th of 
 the 8th month 1736 -, having a companion, 
 much older than myfelf every way. We 
 vifited the following meetings, viz. Piles- 
 grove, Salem, Aloes-creek, and Quohanfey, 
 where my companion left me, and returned 
 home, being under fome difcouragement 
 about the journey in his own mind. But 
 as I found the Lord by his blefled power 
 near, opening my mouth, and enlarging 
 my heart abundantly in his work, I was 
 encouraged thereby to proceed, being join- 
 ed in travel by an innocent friend belong- 
 ing to Aloes-creek-meeting, who had a few 
 words to drop in meetings. We went from 
 Quohanfey, through a great defart or wilder- 
 nefs, for about forty miles, without inhabi- 
 tants, to Cape May, where we had a meet- 
 ing. From thence to Great and Little Egg- 
 Harbour, and had meetings. From thence, 
 through the wildernefs, to the yearly-meet- 
 ing at Shrewlbury, which was large, and 
 much favoured with the divine prefence : 
 divers miniftering friends from Pennfylvania 
 were there, viz. Thomas Chalkley, Robert 
 Jordan, John and Evan Evans, Margaret 
 Prefton, and others. 
 
 C It
 
 34 THE JOURNAL 6t 
 
 It neither fuited with my growth in ths 
 miniftry, .nor my inclination, to take up 
 much time in thofe large meetings. I there- 
 fore, for the moft part, gave way to fuch as 
 were better qualified for the work, and in 
 my efteem worthy of double honour. I 
 had a great regard in my mind for thofe 
 whom I thought as pillars in the houfe of 
 God, whether minifters or elders ; and really 
 think, if fuch had given it as their fenfe, 
 that J was wrong in my offerings, at any 
 time, I mould have been more likely to 
 have depended on their judgment than my 
 own. I looked upon mylelf, for many 
 years, as a child in experience every way ; 
 and therefore thought a fubjedtion was due 
 from me, to thofe who were fathers and 
 mothers in Ifrael, and never, that I remem- 
 ber, manifested any difregard to them ; 
 which is now a fatisfaftion to my mind. 
 But, I confefs, I have at times fince had 
 caufe to marvel at the forwardnefs of fome, 
 who though but children, if rightly child- 
 ren, have undertaken the work of men, 
 hardly difcovering a willingnefs to give the 
 preference to any ; and when they have been 
 admoniihed by thofe of much more experi- 
 ence than themfelves, they have been apt to 
 retort, or to plead a divine commiffion, and 
 that it is right to obey God rather than 
 man j as if they had the fole right of fpeak- 
 ing and judging too. I had divers times 
 feen the great danger of being deceived and 
 milled by the transformer; and therefore was 
 
 afraid
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 35 
 
 afraid of being over confident of mine own 
 fight, and looked upon it the fafeft way 
 to ftand quite open for inftrudlion, come 
 from what quarter it would ^ there being 
 nothing more defired by me, than to be 
 right. 
 
 This large meeting ended well, and fweetly. 
 Praifes to the Lord over all for ever ! From 
 thence I went to the following meetings, 
 viz. Chefterfield, Trent-town, Bordenftown, 
 Mansfield, Upper Springfield, Old Spring- 
 field, Burlington, Brirtol, the Falls, Ancocas, 
 Mount-holly, Evemam, Chefter,Hadonfield, 
 and Woodbury Creek ; from whence I re- 
 turned home. The Lord made my journey 
 profperous, and was to me, at times, as a 
 fountain unfealed, furnishing daily for the 
 work he had engaged me in ; being, in 
 wonderful condefcenfion to my weak eftate, 
 both wifdom and utterance; as it is written, 
 <f Out of the mouths of babes and fucklings 
 " thou haft ordained ftrength." Praifes to 
 his holy name for ever ! 
 
 Notwithstanding the Lord committed un- 
 to me a difpenfation of the gofpel, and was 
 pleafed to reward my iincere labours therein, 
 with the fweet incomes of peace and joy in 
 the Holy Ghoft, and with the, unity of the 
 brethren, in a comfortable degree; yet great 
 were my temptations, and various the. com- 
 bats I had, for divers years after, with my 
 foul's enemies. Oh ! how hard I found it 
 to keep from being defiled, more or lefs, 
 C 2 with
 
 36 Tut JOURNAL OP 
 
 with the polluting floods, which were al- 
 moft continually poured out of the great red 
 dragon's mouth, in order to carry away my 
 imagination into unlawful delights, from 
 which I did not always wholly efcape j being 
 fometimes prevailed upon to fet bounds to 
 myfelf, that though I would not directly fall 
 into the evil I was tempted to, yet I might 
 take fome diftant delight and fatisfaclion, 
 in approaching as near thereunto as I thought 
 was lawful. Thus, for want of a watchful 
 care, not only to fhun that which I knevr 
 to be really evil, but alfo every appearance 
 of evil, I fometimes brought great anguifh 
 and deep diftrefs upon my own mind -, and 
 when I had gone but a little out of the right 
 way, I found many, oh ! many weary fteps 
 and painful heart-achings, before I was re- 
 ceived into the way and favour of the hea- 
 venly Father again. I have often lince been 
 humbly thankful for his prefervation, even 
 out of grofs evils, confidering my danger- 
 ous tampering therewith at times in the 
 imagination. How can weak mortals deter- 
 mine what length they will go, when any 
 way is given ? Moft certain it is, they go 
 out greatly to their hurt, who take any plea- 
 fure at all in the thoughts of forbidden 
 things. I have found, by woful experience, 
 that when the leaft way is given to the 
 enemy, he gains much advantage over us, 
 and we are greatly enfeebled thereby; fo 
 that, inflead of growing as willows by the 
 
 water-
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 37 
 
 water-courfes, there is danger of withering, 
 and becoming of thofe that draw back, in 
 whom the Lord hath no pleafure. I have 
 found it the firft fubtil working of Satan, 
 to draw me off from a conftant care of 
 bringing all my thoughts, words, and adtions 
 to be tried by the light of Chrift in mine 
 own heart ; and inftead thereof, to examine, 
 them by my partial reafoning part. Here, 
 many things really evil in their nature, or 
 tendency, or both, would carry the appear- 
 ances of indifferency ; the pleading would 
 then be, there is no harm in this, that, or 
 the other thing: yet there hath been a 
 doubt perhaps in the mind to reafon away, 
 not duly confidering, that he who doubt- 
 eth, is condemned if he receive. So I have 
 many times found it, when the judge of all 
 hath been pleafed to arife, and to find me 
 out, with my fig-leaf covering on ; having 
 very imprudently, by giving way to wrong 
 things, in a great meafure loft the garment 
 of innocence, and an holy confidence to- 
 wards God. Oh ! how very hot hath my 
 neglect occafioned the furnace to be made, 
 that fo the drofs might be done away. 
 Thus it was with me, until the many chaf- 
 tenings of the heavenly Father had brought 
 me into more fear, care, and fubjedtion. 
 I could not be quite eafy to omit giving 
 thefe hints of my many weaknefTes, and 
 failings, that others may learn thereby to be 
 aware. This I apprehend to be the chief 
 C 3 reafon.
 
 38 THE JOURNAL OP 
 
 reafon of our having the failings and mif- 
 carriages of God's people tranfmitted to us 
 in the holy fcriptures. Thou traveller Sion- 
 ward, look forward to the joy fet before 
 thee, not fuftering thine eyes to wander 
 about thee, left they convey fuch delight 
 to thy heart, as may infect thy foul with 
 pernicious diftempers, by which thou mayeft 
 be rendered unable to proceed on thy jour- 
 ney towards the holy city ; and through the 
 defect occafioned thereby to thy fight, thou 
 mayeft, in a great meafure, lofe the glori- 
 ous profpect of its beautiful fituation, and 
 the fplendour of its ftructures. Beware thou 
 do not load thyfelf with the feeming plea- 
 fant fruit of that country through which 
 thou travelleft : although they may appear 
 to hang plentifully on each hand, they will 
 neither be of any ufe to thee in that hea- 
 venly country whither thou art going, nor 
 for refrehment on the way thither. If thou 
 haft a mind to make thine own way pro- 
 fperous, look fteadily forward, with a fingle 
 eye, to the recompence of reward. Bring 
 every motion towards feeking of fatisfaction 
 in forbidden places, immediately to the 
 crofs, and thou wilt much fooner find the 
 yoke of Chrift made eafy, and his burden 
 light; all his ways pleafant, and his paths 
 peace. This is abundantly better than that 
 uneafy in and out way of travelling, finning 
 and repenting, repenting and finning again ; 
 v/hich lays a foundation for murmuring, 
 
 labour,
 
 - 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 39 
 
 labour, and toil ; crying out, as fome do all 
 their days, there is no complete victory to 
 be obtained over fin on this tide of the grave. 
 Miferable finners we muft remain, when 
 the caufe thereof is wholly in themfelves ; 
 becaufe they will not come into, and abide 
 in, the help of the Lord, againft the mighty 
 enemies of their fouls happinefs, which is 
 altogether fufficient to give a complete vic- 
 tory over them j yea, to give power to tri- 
 umph, and fay, " We are made more than 
 " conquerors through him that hath loved 
 " us." 
 
 The 8th month 1737* I fet out in order 
 to vifit fome meetings in Eaft-Jerfey ; hav- 
 ing Richard French, an ancient friend, to 
 bear me company. We had meetings at 
 Stonybrook, Bethlehem, Lebanon, and at 
 a BaptiiVs houfe near Black-River. None 
 of our fociety were thereabouts, but there 
 were fome ranters of Rogers's followers, 
 who had taken upon them the name of Qua- 
 kers, to the great fcandal of friends in that 
 remote place : they came to the meeting, 
 being moftly women. Their impatient reft- 
 lefs fpirits would not fuffer them to let 
 us hold our meeting quietly ; yet they did 
 not feem inclinable to contend, but rather 
 to flatter and applaud us. Some of them 
 itood up, after we had feverally delivered 
 what we had upon our minds, to fignify 
 their unity with our doctrine, pretending it 
 to be the fame they held forth to the peo- 
 C 4 pie,
 
 40 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 pie, though not enough regarded by them. 
 But we were not free to receive their tefti- 
 mony, any more than Paul and Silas could 
 that maid's who was poflefTed with an evil 
 fpirit ; but rebuked them openly, and pub- 
 lickly declared our difunity with them, de- 
 firing the people not to look upon them, as 
 belonging to the fociety of the people called 
 Quakers, as we could affure the meeting it 
 was not fo j and that we had no more unity 
 with thofe pretenders, than they had. I 
 thought the chief fervice we had at that 
 place, was to teftify againft thofe wild fran- 
 tick people, who we found had, by being 
 accounted Quakers, caufed the way of truth 
 to be evil fpoken of. This unexpected op- 
 pofition raifed their flighty fpirits, fo that 
 they became very troublefome, being full 
 of words, and afking frivolous questions. 
 Whereupon that of Paul, to fome fuch wo- 
 men in the Corinthian church, came frefli 
 into my mind. I therefore called out aloud, 
 " Let your women be filent in the church;" 
 and opened to them, that it was fuch women 
 as they were, that the apoftle rebuked and 
 commanded to be filent ; who not experi- 
 encing their fpirits to be truly fubjefted, 
 that they might know how to fpeak con- 
 cerning the things of God with a right un- 
 derftanding, ought to learn in filence : not 
 meaning to exclude thofe of mine own fex 
 in the like cafe ; the fame being as nece/Tary 
 for them. We left them as full of tnem- 
 
 felves
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 41 
 
 ftlvcs as we found them, and went from 
 thence to Whippany, where, in a friend's 
 houfe, we had a precious meeting. The 
 greater! number being of other focieties, the 
 tefttmony of truth flowed forth freely ; they 
 appearing to be much tendered and affecled 
 therewith. After meeting, fome of them 
 took us by the hand, and in an affectionate 
 manner expreiTed their fatisfaclion with 
 our labours amongft them. From thence 
 we went to Plainfield, and Woodbridge, 
 where we had meetings. After which we 
 returned home ; having been favoured to 
 accomplish this little journey to my own 
 fatisfadtion. 
 
 Sometime before I entered upon the be- 
 fore-mentioned journey, I found my mind 
 pretty ftrongly drawn, and much inclined, 
 to enter into a marriage ftate with a young 
 woman belonging to the fame meeting, with- 
 in the compals of which I had lately taken 
 a farm, and to which I was then joined by 
 certificate. Her name was Rebekah, the 
 daughter of Joiiah and Sarah Fearn, and 
 grand-daughter of John Blunfton : me being 
 a valuable branch of a good flock. By the 
 death of her brother, me was then poffefled 
 of that part of her faid grandfather's eftate, 
 where he had lived, and entertained friends 
 from almoft the firft fettlement of Pennfyl- 
 vania, until his death ; which afterwards 
 was continued by his widow many years, 
 but of late years had been laid afide. 
 
 It
 
 42 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 It was in Lower Derby, about fcven miles 
 from Philadelphia, near a large meet- 
 ing; the meeting-houfe being built on 
 fome of that tract of land. The reafon of 
 my being fo particular in this account, is to 
 fhew the Lord's kindnefs, and gracious con- 
 defcenfion to me, in fo fully anfwering what 
 I had fo often defired, viz. that in cafe I 
 ever married and fettled, I might be fo 
 placed and circumftanced, as to entertain 
 the Lord's fervants and mefTengers in an 
 agreeable manner : on which account, as 
 well as that he was pleafed to give me an 
 affectionate virtuous wife, I had, and have 
 great caufe of humble thankfulnefs. We 
 took each other in marriage the 3Oth of the 
 loth month 1737, at a large and folemn 
 meeting, held in the meeting-houfe before- 
 mentioned, under the precious overfhadow- 
 ing of the power of divine love ; I think to 
 a larger degree than I had often, if ever, 
 known before : which was no fmall confir- 
 mation of our being rightly joined together; 
 it being that alone which can truly enable 
 to make and keep covenant rightly with 
 each other. 
 
 After marriage, I conftantly attended our 
 particular meeting, both on firft and other 
 days of the week ; alfo the quarterly and 
 yearly-meetings as they fell in courfe, and 
 frequently vifited adjacent meetings. I vi- 
 fited friends in the county of Bucks twice, 
 but have no account by me of the exact 
 
 time.
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 43 
 
 time. I fignified to my wife, fome time 
 after we were married, that I did expect, in 
 a few years, I mould find a concern to leave 
 her for a longer time than I yet had done, 
 and gave her a hint what time I thought it 
 would be; which fell out accordingly: 
 having then a diftant view of vifiting New- 
 England. 
 
 When the time for undertaking that jour- 
 ney appeared clear to me, I gave up thereto, 
 in humble relignation and faith in the fuf- 
 ficiency of that divine power which I be- 
 lieved required it of me ; yet not without 
 fome intervals of difcouragement, and rea- 
 foning in myfelf what would become of 
 my family and outward concerns: neitherdid 
 I then know of any companion to join with 
 me in this great undertaking, but at times 
 believed I mould be favoured with one, if I 
 gave up thereunto. However, I laid my con- 
 cern before the monthly-meeting to which I 
 belonged, requesting their concurrence and 
 certificate ; if upon a weighty confideratioa 
 thereof, they had unity with my concern. 
 A certificate was prepared, whereby I was 
 left to my liberty to proceed ; but I had 
 not yet heard of a companion, and greatly 
 feared going without. Our quarterly-meet- 
 ing falling quickly after, I went to it, 
 where I foon made inquiry, of my much 
 efteemed friend, John Churchman, whether 
 he knew of any fuitable companion for me. 
 He readily told me that his brother-in-law, 
 
 William
 
 44 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 William Brown, had procured a certificate 
 in order for the fame journey, and did not 
 then know of any companion, but believed 
 one would be provided for him. This was 
 very acceptable to me. When William 
 Brown and I had an opportunity of con- 
 ferring together, which was the fame day, 
 we found our concerns and views fo exact- 
 ly agree, and our fpirits fo clofely united 
 for the fervice, that our hearts bowed in 
 thankfulnefs to the Lord, for his care and 
 providence over us ; believing what we 
 were about to engage in, was agreeable to 
 his will, and in his counfel, It being the 
 meeting for minifters and elders that day, 
 we laid our concern before that meeting, 
 where it appeared to be well approved, 
 which was no fmall ftrength to us. I did 
 then, and hope ever mall, greatly love and 
 highly value the unity of the brethren - 
 having found it no fmall ftrength and en- 
 couragement to me, in many low and try- 
 ing times ; which are necefTary and unavoid- 
 able in that folemn engagement of vifit- 
 ing the churches ; efpecially now in their 
 low declined ftate. It became indifputably 
 clear to my underftanding, that it is alto- 
 gether impoflible to adminifter, in a feel- 
 ing effectual manner, to people's feveral 
 ftates, unlefs we are baptized thereinto. 
 Well adapted words, and found dodri.ne, 
 as to the external appearance, may, with- 
 out much difficulty, be attained j feeing we 
 
 have
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH, 45 
 
 have the holy fcriptures, and many other 
 good books, containing the principles of 
 truth, and the Chriftian experience of the 
 Lord's people : yet all this, delivered with 
 the tongue of men or angels, will prove an 
 empty, fruitlefs found, without the power 
 and demonftration of the fpirit of Chrift, 
 who enables his upright-hearted minifters 
 to fearch all things, yea, the hidden myf- 
 tery of iniquity, as well as the deep things 
 of God, even as he led his prophet Ezekiel 
 to look through the hole in the wall, that 
 the moft fecret abomination may be brought 
 to light, and teftified againft. 
 
 I took leave of my dear wife, and fet out 
 with my before-mentioned companion, the 
 5th of the yth month, 1741. Faffing through 
 New Jerfey, we had a meeting at Chefter- 
 field. We crofled Staten-Ifland, and came 
 to an arm of the fea, called the Narrows, 
 which feparates the before-mentioned ifland 
 from Long-Ifland. The wind blowing very 
 ftrong, and the fea running exceeding high, 
 we were obliged to wait fome time; the 
 ferry-men being afraid to run the hazard 
 pf carrying us (and divers others who were 
 there alfo waiting) over. Towards evening, 
 the wind fomewhat abating, they appeared 
 willing to venture, if we would ; and we 
 being defirous to proceed, agreed to go. I 
 think we had eight or nine horfes, beiides 
 people, in the boat. They fet all their heads 
 to the wind, which proved of fingular fer- 
 
 vice,
 
 46 THE J O U R N A L OF 
 
 vice, in bearing up the boat againft it* 
 otherwife it did not feem altogether impro- 
 bable, but that (he would have been laid 
 on her fide. We ran over in about ten 
 minutes, which is accounted at leaft two 
 miles and an half. We were thankful for 
 prefervation ; as I believe moft, or all of us, 
 when we were on the water, apprehended 
 fome confiderable danger. We made but 
 little flay on Long-Ifland, only taking New- 
 town meeting in our way. Then crofling 
 the water, to the main land in New- York 
 government, had meetings at Memarinack, 
 Long-reach, and the Purchafs. From thence, 
 having a guide provided for us, we fet out 
 for our journey, about 200 miles through 
 the colony of Connecticut to Rhode-Ifland. 
 We met with kind reception and entertain- 
 ment for our money, at a very low rate, 
 amongft the high profefling Prefbyterians of 
 this colony : the cafe was very different 
 formerly, when our friends were banifhed 
 from thence by a law. I remarked, as I 
 patted along, very good order obferved in 
 their inns; and, as far as could be difcovered, 
 the people in general appeared to be fober, 
 and religious in their way ; far from being 
 fo vitiated and corrupt, as I have found 
 thofe in the mother-country, as they call 
 them. We were attacked divers times by 
 fome of them on religious fubjects, but, 
 through divine favour, were enabled to an- 
 fwer them in fuch a manner, as that I hope 
 
 neither
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 47 
 
 neither we, nor the truth profefied by us, 
 fuffered thereby. I can fay with thank- 
 fulnefs, I never was at a lofs in giving 
 anfwers to thofe that alked a reafon of the 
 hope that was in me, when I had my chief 
 dependence on the Lord to be furnifhed im- 
 mediately by him alone, without leaning to 
 mine own underftanding. We were kind- 
 ly received by our friends, at Newport on 
 Rhode- Ifland, where there is a large body; 
 fome of whom we found much hurt by 
 differences and parties about government 
 affairs j which caufed hard clofe work for 
 us in their meetings. From Rhode-Ifland 
 we went to the ifland of Nantucket, where 
 is alfo a large body of friends, amongfl whom 
 we had good fatisfacftion. We then returned 
 to the main land, vifiting meetings-as follow- 
 cth, viz. Sandwich, Yarmouth, Suckanefiet, 
 and a quarterly meeting at Pembroke, where 
 we met our friend Samuel Hopwood, who 
 was arrived at Boflon from England, a 
 few days before, in company with Mofes 
 Aldrich, on a religious vifit. From thence 
 we went to Boiion, where we had a 
 meeting, there being a fmall number of 
 friends in the town ; but truth never pro- 
 fpered much there : it feemed to me, that 
 fomething of the fame fpirit was yet alive, 
 and to be felt, that formerly would have 
 wholly extirpated our friends, and truth, 
 as held by them, from the face of the 
 earth, and prevailed to inflict cruel fuffer- 
 
 ings
 
 48 THE JOURNAL' 01^ 
 
 ings on many of the Lord's fervants ; four 
 of whom they put to death ; as is related 
 at large, in a book entitled, New-England 
 Judged, written by George Bifliop ; and in 
 Sewel's Hiflory of the People called Quakers. 
 Happening to walk into the prifon-yard, t 
 obferved a very ancient building, which I 
 judged, by its appearance, might have been 
 the fame our friends had formerly fuffered 
 very great hardmips in. Upon which, I aiked 
 fome prefent, if that was the prifon their 
 forefathers put our friends into ? A woman 
 anfwered, Yes ; and added, ' It was a very- 
 wicked thing of the rulers of that time, for 
 the land had fuffered for it ever fince ;' or 
 to that import. A friend of Bofton related 
 to me, what he faid he had from an ancient 
 inhabitant of that town, who had feen that 
 wicked aft, of putting to death the four 
 friends, as above hinted, viz. that he could 
 well remember fine wheat growing about 
 and near Bofton ; that he never knew, nor 
 heard of any wheat blafted, or peafe eaten 
 by bugs, until they put the Quakers to 
 death ; and that they never could raife ei- 
 ther wheat or peafe near that town fince ; 
 perhaps not within 15 or 20 miles : though 
 I fuppofe the inhabitants were fo often 
 difappointed formerly, that they have not 
 attempted to raife any lately, the land being 
 generally turned to grazing, and for raifing 
 Indian corn. They feem fenfible of the 
 extraordinary alteration ; but I fuppofe few 
 
 of
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 49 
 
 of them are willing to attribute it to that 
 caufe. I had fome difcourfe with one of 
 the inhabitants, as we were riding toge- 
 ther near Bofton, concerning the above- 
 mentioned wonderful event. He pretended 
 to argue a natural caufe for it ; but I en- 
 deavoured to {hew him, that (according to 
 my apprehenfion) thofe very reafons which 
 he advanced to prove a natural caufe for 
 the change, if they proved any thing, I 
 thought it was dire&y the contrary of what 
 he intended, viz. he urged, that clearing 
 away the woods might have fo changed the 
 nature of the air, as to have produced a 
 blafling quality therein. But if the airy, 
 any thing refembles the watry element 
 herein, the freer its courfe, and the lefs the 
 obftruftion it meets with, the more it purges 
 and purifies itfelf, and is therefore the lefs 
 capable of producing hurtful conferences, 
 either to vegetables or animals, 
 
 We paired on from thence, and had meetings 
 at Lynn, Salem, Cochechy, Dover, Hampton, 
 Haveril, Amfbery, Newbery, Taunton, Cox- 
 ctt,and to Dartmouth yearly-meeting, which 
 was held there and at Akufhnet four days : 
 it was a large meeting. After which, we had 
 meetings at Rochefter, Freetown, Swanzey, 
 Leicefter, Smithfield, Providence Woods, 
 at one Harris's, Greenwich, South Kingftony 
 Connanicut-Ifland, Portfmouth, Tiverton, 
 Little Compton, and fo to Newport again : 
 divers of which meetings were large. The 
 D Lord
 
 50 THE JOURNAL OP 
 
 Lord was gracioufly pleafed to furnifli u$ 9 
 according to the occafion, painfully to la- 
 bour amongft the profeflbrs of truth in thofe 
 parts , many of whom appeared to us igno- 
 rant, in a forrowful degree, of the life and 
 nature of true religion. Our fpirits were 
 often very deeply baptized on their account, 
 in great travail, that Chrift might be formed 
 in them. It was a very exercifing laborious 
 journey, but the Lord mercifully made all 
 up to us, by the comfortable enjoyment of 
 his love and peace, flowing into our hearts. 
 Glory to his name for ever ! 
 
 From Newport we fet our faces home- 
 wards, taking Wefterly meeting in our way, 
 and proceeded through the colony of Con- 
 necticut to Long-Iiland; upon which w 
 had meetings at Cowneck, Jofeph Lea- 
 tham'sj Jericho, Weftbury, Metinicock, and 
 were at the quarterly meeting at Pluming. 
 From thence we crolled the water to Weft- 
 chefter, on the main j got thither fome 
 time before the hour appointed for the 
 meeting, and ftaid a while at an inn in the 
 town. The landlady coming into our room 
 in a pleafant manner, faid, ' I fuppofe you 
 are travelling friends ?' My anfwer was, We 
 are travellers, and we are friends ; therefore 
 we are travelling friends ; < But I fuppofe, 
 faid (he, you are preachers $' and added,- 
 ' I like your way very well, as you come 
 up to the command of Chrift, in travel- 
 ling about as you do, more fully than our 
 
 minifters.
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 51 
 
 irninifters : but there is fome thing lack- 
 ing with you.' What is that, faid I? ' Why, 
 faid fhe, you mould baptize as well as preach.' 
 I then afked her what we mould baptize 
 withal. She replied, * With water to be fure; 
 for it is not in the power of man to baptize 
 with any thing elfe.' Upon which, I (hewed 
 her, from the holy fcriptures, that the 
 primitive minifters of Chrift were fo gifted, 
 as to be able to baptize believers into the 
 name, or power, of the Father, Son, and 
 Holy Ghoft ; inftancing, in particular, that 
 paiTage of Peter, at the houfe of Cornelius, 
 Acts xi. 15, 16. " and as I began to fpeak, 
 " the Holy Ghoft fell on them, as on us at 
 " the beginning. Then remembered I the 
 " word of the Lord, how that he faid, 
 " John indeed baptized with water $ but 
 " ye mall be baptized with the Holy Ghoft." 
 It is evident from this account, that by the 
 effectual preaching of Peter, the Gentiles 
 were baptized with the Holy Ghofl; and as 
 the difpenfation of God to man is the fame 
 now it was then, and he has gracioufly pro~ 
 mifed to be with his minifters always to the 
 end of the world, and man, by nature in a 
 fallen degenerate eftate> as much involved 
 in fin, and a ftranger to God as he was thenj 
 no good reafons can be given, why the fame 
 powerful efficacious means are not as 
 neceffary for his recovery, by a reconcilia- 
 tion with his maker, as they were at that 
 time. The woman was very attentive t 
 D 2 what
 
 52 THE JOURNAL of 
 
 what was faid on the occasion, and feemed 
 pretty much affefted, being quite filenced 
 as to that fubjedt. We invited her to our 
 meeting ; fhe told us, it was what fhe in- 
 tended, and alfo to prevail with her huf- 
 band to go too, if fhe could, but doubted 
 being fuccefsful therein. However, fhe and 
 her hufband were both at the meeting, and 
 the Lord was gracioufly pleafed to give us 
 a precious opportunity together, wherein I 
 am perfuaded fhe was made in fome degree 
 fenfible of that baptizing power, which, 
 in a comfortable degree, accompanied the 
 miniftry that day. She was tendered, and, 
 at parting, with tears defired us to remem- 
 ber her, and pray for her. 
 
 After this meeting, we proceeded home- 
 wards, taking three meetings in the Jerfeys as 
 they fell in our way, viz. Elizabeth-Town, 
 Woodbridge, and Stonybrook. I got home 
 the yth of the loth month, and found my 
 dear wife and family well, which was 
 caufe of mutual thankfulnefs >, having per- 
 formed near as much in about three months, 
 as was ufually done in about four. It is 
 very necefTary to avoid both extremes in 
 travelling on truth's account ; neither to be 
 over-hafty, nor too dilatory : yet I have al- 
 ways found great fatisfaction and peace, in 
 being as diligent and expeditious therein, 
 as fits eafy on the mind, and the conftitu- 
 tion of body will bear j that all may have 
 caufe to be fully convinced, we travel not 
 
 for
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 53 
 
 for outward pleafure, but from a neceffity 
 laid upon us; which will certainly add con- 
 fiderable weight to our fervice, and greatly 
 tend, in the eyes of mankind, to maintain 
 the credit of that truly difinterefted gofpel- 
 miniftry, the Lord hath been pleafed to 
 raife up amongft us as a people. 
 
 Having ftaid at home fbme time, to 
 make necefTary provifion for an increafing 
 family, I found a concern upon my mind to 
 vifit friends a fecond time on Long-Ifland, 
 and the main land in New-York govern- 
 ment, and fet out in order thereunto, the 
 a/th of the 8th month, 1743* being ac- 
 companied by my well efteemed friend, 
 John Sikes. The firft meeting we attended 
 on the ifland, was a yearly-meeting, which 
 was held on a firft day at Metinicock. It 
 was a large precious meeting -, many not of 
 our fociety being there, the Lord was plea- 
 fed to open the doctrine of his kingdom 
 largely, and his glorious truth was over all: 
 to whom alone be the praife for ever ! 
 Notice was given at this meeting, of our 
 intending to be on the next firft-day at 
 Weflbury, not far from this place ; and 
 that week we had meetings at Brook- 
 haven, lilip, Bethphage, Rockaway, Henry 
 Willis's, and fo to the before-.- mentioned 
 meeting on firft-day. Friends came to it; 
 from divers parts of the ifland, and alfo 
 many people of other focieties, fo that it 
 a very large meeting. Their expecta- 
 D 3
 
 54 THE JOURNAL OP 
 
 tion was greatly out after words, which the 
 matter of our afTemblies did not fee meet to 
 gratify -, for we were almoft wholly fhut up 
 as to miniftry ; which I hope proved a pro- 
 table lefTon of inftruclion to many. After 
 this meeting we crofTed the water, and had 
 meetings at Weftchefter, Memarinock, Long- 
 reach, and Ryewoods ; we then returned 
 to the ifland, and had meeting at Flufhing, 
 Oyfter-bay, Cowneck, Pluming again, and 
 Newtown. Having rinifhed our fervice 
 thereaway, we travelled homewards, taking 
 meetings as we paffed along in Eaft-Jerfey, 
 at Raway, Plainfield ? and Woodbridge ; 
 and in Weft-Jerfey at Upper Springfield, 
 and attended the quarterly meeting at Crof- 
 wicks ; after which I returned home, and 
 have to fay, with thankfulnefs, that the 
 Lord was to me in this little journey, 
 flrength in weaknefs, and riches in the 
 time of poverty ; and was pleafed to con- 
 duel me fafe to my dear wife and family 
 in peace. 
 
 About the latter end of the year 1744, I 
 found my mind drawn to vifit friends meet- 
 ings in the weftern part of our county ; 
 and had meetings at Eaft and Weft Not- 
 ingham, Deer-Creek, New-Garden, Lon- 
 don-Grove, Ockefhan, Kennet, and Con- 
 cord. The Lord enabled me^ either to do 
 or fuffer, in this little journey, as the fame 
 appeared to be my duty. At Ocke&an I 
 was quite fhut up as to words, yet had 
 
 peace.
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 55 
 
 peace ; believing it was my bufinefs that day, 
 as it hath been many times fince, in order 
 (as I apprehend) to lead others into filence 
 by example; as being the moft profitable 
 ftate, they or I can poffibly arrive at in 
 mutability, in order to attain a right un- 
 derftandmg of all religious duties. 
 
 Soon after my return home, I went into 
 Weft-Jerfey, to vifit the following meet- 
 ings, as I found my mind drawn thereunto, 
 viz. Hadonfield, Chefter, Evefham, Mount- 
 Holly, Ancocas, Old Springfield, Trent- 
 town, and Burlington quarterly-meeting, 
 in which I had good fatisfaclion. I think 
 it was about this time I went, in company 
 with my well-beloved friend Michael Light- 
 foot, to the yearly-meetings at Cecil, and 
 Treadhaven in Maryland, wherein we 
 were greatly favoured. He returned home- 
 wards from Maryland, but I went to fome 
 meetings in the lower counties of Kent and 
 Newcastle, had a meeting at Duck-Creek, 
 and went to the yearly-meeting at Little- 
 Creek, which was a very precious meeting, 
 divine goodnefs greatly overshadowing the 
 the fame, to the tendering many hearts. 
 From thence I went to George's-Creek, and 
 Newcaftle, and returned home. 
 
 I have no account by me, of any other 
 journey in the fervice of truth, until the 
 2d month 1746, that I went in company 
 with our worthy friend before-mentioned, 
 to the yearly-meeting at Salem, in Weft- 
 Jerfeyj -and vifited Cohanfey, and Pilef- 
 D 4 grov$
 
 56 T H ft JOURNAL OF 
 
 grove meeting. la the 3d month the fame 
 year, I went to Cheiterfield quarterly- 
 meeting in the Jerfeys, and had meetings 
 at Stony-Brook, Burlington, and Hadcn- 
 field. 
 
 In the 5th month the fame year, I vi- 
 fited the county of Bucks, and had meet- 
 ings at Middletown, Briftol, the Falls, 
 Wrights-Town, Buckingham, and Plum- 
 fled ; taking North-Wales meeting in my 
 return home. The Lord was my fure 
 help, and fufficiency in all thefc journies, 
 affording the comfortable enjoyment of 
 fweet peace in my return : to whom the 
 praife (if any fervice was done) is, and I 
 hope ever will be, freely offered up j for he 
 alone is worthy thereof for ever ! 
 
 Soon after my return home, great and 
 inexpreflible afflictions were permitted to 
 befal me, and my greatly afflicled family, 
 tnoft of whom were feized with the bloody- 
 flux ; of which diftemper I buried a daughter 
 between four and five years old, and was 
 taken very ill myfelf of the fame diforder : 
 in which time, my dear wife was deliver- 
 ed of a child, and for a week or ten days 
 after appeared hopeful to do well and 
 recover ; but being, in that condition, taken 
 with the before-mentioned diftemper, was 
 in a mort time removed from me by- 
 death, leaving me three fmall children -, 
 the youngeft about two weeks and three 
 days old. I found the Lord near to fup^ 
 
 port
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 57 
 
 port my diftrefled drooping fpirit under 
 this great affliction. I well remember, 
 when my dear wife lay with great fymp- 
 toms of death upon her (having alfo fome- 
 times, as I thought, intervals of hopeful 
 fymptoms) my mind was in a very great 
 and painful fluctuation between hope and 
 fear. It feemed to me then impoffible to 
 give her up for death, and to be wholly 
 feparated from fo valuable a companion ; 
 but the Lord, who formerly rebuked the 
 winds, and allayed the ragings of the fea, 
 was pleafed, as in an inftant, to bring an 
 holy calmnefs over my mind, in which 
 there was an intire reiignation to his divine 
 will ; fo that I could fay, with Job of old r 
 " The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh 
 " away, blefTed be his name." I did not, 
 from that time, look upon her as any more 
 mine, but gave her up into his hands, who 
 had kindly beftowed her upon me. I write 
 this by way of encouragement to others, 
 that they may live in the fear of God, 
 and give up in fteady obedience to his re- 
 quirings j and then, I am well allured, they 
 may lean upon him in all their afflictions, 
 and they will find, to their comfort, that 
 thofe things which appear impoffible with 
 man, are poffible with God ; who will make 
 hard things eafy, and bitter things fvveet to 
 his humble followers. She departed this 
 life the 22d of the 7th month, 1746 ; we 
 having lived together near nine years. 
 
 I
 
 58 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 I have this fhort teftimony to give con- 
 cerning my dear deceafed wife; that me 
 made it her early care to lead a fober and 
 virtuous life ; and I know a godly concern 
 remained upon her mind, to keep a con- 
 fcience void of offence, both towards God 
 and man ; being engaged (according to abi- 
 lity received) for the promotion of the 
 blefled truth, and gladly entertained the 
 Lord's faithful labourers ; efteeming it a 
 blelling to be favoured with their company. 
 And when I found a concern to travel 
 abroad in the fervice of truth, me freely 
 gave me up thereunto ; having, with great 
 iatisfaction, to acknowledge the Lord's 
 goodnefs, in favouring her with true peace 
 and contentment in my abfence -, and alfo, 
 in a fteady truft and dependence on his 
 providence, for our fupport every way in 
 a faithful difcharge of duty. 
 
 She was favoured with great calmnefs 
 and refignation to the divine will, in her 
 laft illnefs, either to live or die ; fignify- 
 ing, that me did not find any thing in. 
 the way ; and that, if it pleafed the Lord 
 to remove her out of this world, me hoped 
 it would be a glorious change to her, and 
 that me mould go to her little innocent 
 babes who were gone before her ; often 
 confeffing the Lord's goodnefs in giving 
 her fo much eafe both of body and mind. 
 She was very loving to thofe who vifited 
 her in her illnefs, and faid, fhe had nor 
 
 thing
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 59 
 
 thing but love and goodwill to all. She 
 took her leave of our children in a very 
 tender and affectionate manner, committing 
 them to divine providence, and expreffing 
 her belief, that his watchful care would 
 be over them when me was gone. The 
 apprentice and fervant boys were called for, 
 at her requeft ; me took them by the hand, 
 and in a loving tender manner, gave them 
 good advice 3 an heavenly fweetnefs accom- 
 panying her words, which much affected 
 thofe prefent. She difcovered great near-, 
 nefs of affection to me, to almoft the very 
 laft, and fo departed this life in fweet peace, 
 of which I was favoured, after her removal 
 from me, with a certain evidence to my 
 unlpeakable fatisfaction ; whereby I plainly 
 faw my great lofs was her everlafting gain, 
 and was enabled to bow in humble ac- 
 quiefcence to the divine will, who knows 
 what is beft, and orders all things in per- 
 fect wifdom. 
 
 Being apprehenfive that I mould be con- 
 cerned to travel pretty much abroad in the 
 fervice of truth, for fomc years -, I thought 
 it my duty, as foon as I conveniently could, 
 to place my children where they might be 
 trained up in the way of truth, and to go 
 myfelf out of bufmefs. This view or ap- 
 preheniion of things, had been gradually 
 coming upon my mind for a coniiderable 
 time y but now the weight thereof much 
 fncreafed ; the time alfo of entering there- 
 upon,
 
 6o THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 upon, appearing pretty clear to my mind ; 
 having found it my incumbent duty, not 
 only to wait for a full confirmation of a 
 right call, to travel abroad in the work of 
 the miniftry -, but alfo to know the accept* 
 able time for engaging therein ; all which 
 will be fully difcovered by fuch as, with 
 a fingle eye to God's glory, defire, above 
 all things, to be found faithful. 
 
 The firft journey I entered upon, was 
 a fecond vifit to friends in New-England. 
 I fet out in order thereunto, the 23d of the 
 3d month, 1747, and was at two meetings 
 in Burlington next day. From thence I 
 went to a quarterly-meeting at Chefter- 
 field j after which I got to Pluming, on 
 Long-Ifland, the 27th . Next day I at- 
 tended their week-day meeting. The year- 
 ly-meeting for that province then came 
 on, which held four days. It was large, 
 and the divine prefence appeared therein, to 
 our mutual comfort and ftrength. 
 
 The 2d of the 4th month, being four 
 in number, we fet out for Rhode-Ifland $ 
 pafling through the colony of Connecticut, 
 we met with civil courteous ufage, as be- 
 fore, when I travelled through that country. 
 J felt great love in my heart towards them, 
 in which I had a ftrong perfuafion, if not 
 fomething of a forefight, that truth, in the 
 Lord's time, will break forth and fpread 
 in that colony. For though I believe fuper- 
 ftition and bigotry are very predominant 
 
 amongft
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 61 
 
 amongft them; yet they appeared to me 
 in general, a cleaner people in their mo- 
 rals, than in many other places where I 
 have travelled. At New-Haven, in that 
 colony, they have a college, in order to 
 train up their minifters, &c. I found an 
 inclination to go amongft the collegians, 
 who gathered about me, carrying them- 
 felves civil and refpedtful. I had much 
 difcourfe and reafoning with them con- 
 cerning our principles : they appearing de- 
 firous of information, I anfwered their 
 queftions in a concife manner ; referring 
 them to Robert Barclay's apology (which I 
 fuppofed they had in their library) for a 
 further explanation thereof. I could not 
 help remarking, with pleafure, the becom- 
 ing order they obferved in their queftions 
 and anfwers : one at once, without the leaft 
 flout, jeer, or any thing like mockery. I 
 found work alfo amonglt them, to remove 
 the prejudice fome had imbibed againft us 
 as a people, on account of the wicked and 
 frantick behaviour and conduct of one 
 Rogers, and his followers ; who^ I think, 
 dwelt about New-London, in that pro- 
 vince, calling themfelves Quakers ; and 
 as there were none of the right fort, that 
 people might fee the difference, they were 
 ready to conclude, that all the people cal- 
 led Quakers were fuch, to the great re- 
 proach of our fociety. I declared to them, 
 that their actions were as much abhorred 
 
 by
 
 6i THE JOURNAL of 
 
 by us, as they could be by any people what- 
 ever ; that Rogers and his company of ran- 
 ters were no more of our fociety, than they 
 were of theirs ; that it would be very hard 
 and unjuft, if we, as a people, mould be de- 
 famed, by means of a crew, whom we 
 had nothing farther to do with, than to 
 let the world know our abhorrence of their 
 practices, and that they took our name upon 
 them, in all probability, as a cloak to cover 
 their wickednefs. Thefe young ftudents 
 readily admitted what I faid to be very juft 
 and reafonable. I believe this opportunity 
 tended to the reputation of our fociety ; 
 and am fure it was to my comfort and 
 fatisfaftion ; feeling the love of God flow 
 in mine heart towards thofe young men, 
 fome of whom I did not think far from 
 the kingdom. I called again to fee them 
 in my return, and gave them fome books, 
 viz. two letters written by Samuel Crifp, 
 giving reafons why he joined with the peo- 
 ple called Quakers ; a Treatife on Bap- 
 tifm, by William Dell ; and I think fome 
 others, but do not now particularly re- 
 member ; which they received very kindly, 
 ftill carrying themfelves refpectful to me. 
 Now I am on thefe remarks, I cannot well 
 omit taking notice of the great difference 
 obferved by me fince in the nation of Eng- 
 land, at the two great univerfities, in the 
 behaviour of the ftudents, whom they pre- 
 tend to be training up for gofpel-mini- 
 
 flers >
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 63 
 
 fters, and for fome other employments to 
 get a living by. Oh ! what floutings, jeer- 
 ings, mockings, and deriding of that which 
 is ferious, and humble like true religion ! 
 as though to work out our falvation with 
 fear and trembling, were not now the "way 
 to the kingdom of God -, but that a fuf- 
 ficient affurance, to feoff at and ridicule 
 what in the primitive church, and by the 
 people of God in all ages, was accounted 
 religious, were now the diflinguiming mark 
 of true Chriftians, and minifters-' of the 
 gofpel. How have they frequently broken 
 in upon our peaceable quiet meetings, 
 like the raging foaming waves of a troubled 
 fea, cafting up mire and dirt ! Such a con- 
 duct gives fober difcerning people, caufe 
 to look upon them as a neft of unclean 
 birds ; who, inflead of promoting true re- 
 ligion, may be inftrumental to fubvert it. 
 I have often wondered, feeing the condud: 
 of many of thefe pretended gofpel-minifters 
 is obvioufly fo very bad, not only whilft 
 they are learning the trade of preaching, 
 but alfo in their following the fame for 
 a livelihood ; how it comes to pafs that the 
 people bear them. One reafon that appears, 
 is, the laws of the land are much in their 
 favour ; but the principal reafon is, that 
 people, in almoft a general way, are flran- 
 gers to the life and power of true religion ; 
 being fatisfied with a profeffion thereof, 
 and having itching ears, heap to them- 
 
 felves
 
 64 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 felves teachers ; erroneoufly fuppofing the 
 principal part of religion to confift in per- 
 forming what they call religious duties ; 
 as hearing fermons, prayers, and finging 
 pfalms, &c. fome of the hearers being fo 
 dark as to fay, fuch a one is a good teacher, 
 though, perhaps, a drunkard, a fwearer, or 
 guilty of other evils. It is plain, that the 
 ftrength and fecurity of fuch minifters, is 
 in the darknefs and ignorance of people's 
 minds. We do not read in the Revela- 
 tions, of the locufls coming upon the earth, 
 until the fmoke arofe out of the bottomlefs 
 pit, and darkened the fun and air; and 
 whenever the children of men mall, in a 
 general way, turn to the light of the Sun 
 of Righteoufnefs in their own hearts, 
 myftery Babylon, the mother of harlots, 
 muft fall, and thefe her merchants will 
 be wholly rejected. All their abominable 
 craft will be fully difcovered. Great will 
 be their torment, fear, and diftrefs in that 
 day \ The Lord Almighty haften the time, 
 for his own name's fake, when all craft, 
 violence, and ihedding of human blood may 
 be at an end ; and righteoufnefs cover the 
 earth, as water covers the fea J 
 
 Some of the inhabitants of New-Haven 
 fignified their defire that we mould appoint 
 a meeting there, but we did not find fuf- 
 ficient ftrength and courage to anfwer their 
 requeft ; fo proceeded on our journey, and 
 got to Newport, on Rhode-IHand, the 8th 
 
 of
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 65 
 
 of the yth month. Here we were kindly 
 received by friends, and attended their 
 yearly-meeting, which begun at Portf- 
 mouth, where it held only one day, being 
 a meeting for wormip ; after which, the 
 meetings for wormip and bulinefs were 
 held four days at Newport : they were very- 
 large, and divinely favoured, fo that thole 
 who depended on the Lord alone for wif- 
 dom and ftrength, were enabled to come 
 up in the difcharge of their refpeclive duties, 
 to their peace and comfort. When this 
 great meeting was over, I had meetings at 
 Tiverton, Little Compton, Cogufett, and 
 Ponyganfett, on firft-day, and was at their 
 monthly-meeting on fecond-day. Next 
 morning, about eight o'clock, I went on 
 board a veflel bound to the iiknd of Nan- 
 tucket, John Hanes mafter, where we ar- 
 rived about one o'clock next morning. I 
 flaid upon this ifland about fix days, and 
 was at their yearly and monthly meetings; 
 having good fatisfaftion therein. I re- 
 turned in the fame veflel, and landed on 
 the continent in about fix hours ; had a 
 meeting at Falmouth ; and went to their 
 monthly-meeting at Sandwich, and attend- 
 ed the quarterly-meeting which was held 
 there. Here I met with divers friends from 
 our parts, who were on the fervice of truth. 
 We had very clofe fearching laborious fer- 
 vice amongfi them, as things were very low, 
 and much out of order ; in part owing to 
 E the
 
 66 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 the neglect of fome members, whofe minds 
 had been too much taken up with earthly 
 things, to watch over the flock, as thofe 
 who muft give an account. We endeavour- 
 ed to lay the weight of things more clofely 
 upon the active members, and left them to 
 the Lord's dealings ; knowing, *' that al- 
 " though Paul may plant, and Apollos may 
 " water, it is he alone that can give the 
 " increafe." 
 
 I went from hence to Pembroke, where 
 I had a meeting; and through Bofton to 
 Lynn, where I had a meeting alfoj thence to 
 Salem monthly-meeting, and returned to 
 Boilon, and had two meetings there, being 
 firft-day. From thence I went directly to 
 Rhode-Ifiand, and had meetings at Portf- 
 mouth, and Newport, to good fatisfadtion : 
 the Lord giving power and dominion, by 
 the bleiled efficacy of his pure word of 
 life, over all of a contrary nature to itfelf, 
 whereby I was enabled to clear my mind, 
 to my great eafe and comfort. I then re- 
 turned homewards, with much fatisfaction 
 and peace of mind ; taking meetings in my 
 way at Connanicut-Ifland, and South 
 Kingfton -, fo proceeded on my journey 
 through Connecticut, and lodged at New- 
 Haven. I fpent part of a day in conver- 
 fation, and reafoning with fome well dif- 
 pofed people, to fatisfaction. I alfo vifited 
 the ftudents, as before hinted; after which 
 I proceeded on my journey to Long-Reach, 
 
 where
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 67 
 
 Where I had a meeting, and went to the year- 
 ly-meeting at Weft-Chefter. From thence 
 I travelled homewards, having, as hereto- 
 .fore, caufe to be humbly thankful to the 
 fountain of all goodnefs, who was near to 
 help as the eye was fingle to him, in all 
 proving times, whether in heights ordepthsj 
 and as he was waited upon, gave wifdorn 
 and utterance. I defire he alone may for 
 ever have the praife and glory, if any good 
 is done ; as there is no good but what 
 proceeds from him. I had not been long 
 returned from the before-mentioned jour- 
 ney, when I laid before the monthly- 
 meeting I belonged to, a concern which 
 had been upon my mind fome years, to 
 vifit the churches in divers parts of Great- 
 Britain and Ireland -, defiring their con- 
 currence and certificate, if, upon weighty 
 deliberation, they found unity with my 
 propofal j intimating the time for entering 
 upon that folemn undertaking had appeared 
 to me for fome time to be drawing near, 
 and that I mould look out for a paflage 
 before the end of the year. A certifi- 
 cate was prepared, fetting forth their unity 
 with my fervice in the miniftry, and with 
 my intended journey; defiring my la- 
 bours therein might tend to the edifica- 
 tion of the churches where my lot mould 
 be cart, and for my return to them again 
 in peace -, alfo expreffing that I had fet- 
 tled my outward affairs to the fatisfaction 
 E 2 of
 
 68 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 of that meeting : for I had acquainted 
 friends how I had fettled them, as I thought 
 it concerned them to be fatisfied in that, 
 as well as other things j it being my ear- 
 neft defire to have the full concurrence 
 of my brethren in fo great an under- 
 taking. 
 
 I took fome little turns in vifiting adja- 
 cent meetings ; and before the yearly-meet- 
 ing came on, I went to North-Wales meet- 
 ing, and about twenty miles further up 
 the country, to Richland, in order to take 
 my leave of fome friends and relations, as 
 well as to vifit that meeting. In my re- 
 turn homewards, I was taken very ill of 
 what is there called the yellow fever; be- 
 caufe the patient is thereby turned as yellow 
 as if he had the jaundice. I reached to the 
 'houfe of my worthy friend, Thomas Falks, 
 who, with his good wife and children, 
 were as affection ately kind to me, as if I 
 had been one of their neareft relations. But 
 this malignant fever greatly increafed upon 
 me. My fifter was fent for, and feveral 
 doctors were employed. Thofe who faw 
 me, concluded all was over, and that I muft 
 depart out of this life. I took little no- 
 tice of any thing ; yet I think I was for the 
 moft part fenfible, and could perceive I 
 was given up for death, by thcJfe who had 
 the care of me. Once they thought I was 
 near drawing my laft breath ; they therefore 
 drew a pillow from under my head, and 
 
 unbuttoned
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 69 
 
 unbuttoned the neckband of my mirt, out 
 of kindnefs, to make the laft ftruggle be- 
 tween life and death the eafier. For my 
 part, I could not fee how it would go with 
 me ; but had not much, if any, apprehen- 
 fion of being taken away by death at that 
 time. This fore illnefs happening in the 
 yearly-meeting time, which was held that 
 year at Philadelphia, I requefted the cer- 
 tificate I had obtained of the monthly- 
 meeting, for my intended journey into Eng- 
 land, &c. might be laid before the yearly- 
 meeting of minifters and elders (as is ufual 
 in fuch cafes) for the concurrence of friends ; 
 and if they found freedom and unity there- 
 with, to fignify the fame to the brethren 
 in England, by an indorfement thereon. 
 It was laid before the faid meeting, by my 
 good friend Michael Lightfoot, and the 
 meetings free concurrence obtained ; it was 
 iigned by a very great number of friends. 
 This was done, when many thought there 
 would be no occafion for a certificate, as 
 they fully expected it was near over with 
 me, as to this world. But I was not eafy to 
 mifs fo good an opportunity of having a 
 concern of fo great importance folidly weigh- 
 ed, by fuch a fubftantial body of friends ; 
 as I was not likely to have fuch another 
 opportunity, if the Lord fhould be pleafed 
 to raife me up again. This fore illnefs 
 brought me very low indeed, fo that when 
 the fever abated, and I was fit to be helped 
 E 3 out
 
 70 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 out of bed, I could not ftand alone ; yet I 
 recovered to admiration ; being able, in 
 about a week, to ride home in a chaife, 
 about twenty-fix miles ; which I bore very 
 well. On my return home, my friends and 
 neighbours came to fee me ; greatly rejoice- 
 ing at my recovery, which they did not 
 expect, from what fome had feen, and 
 others had heard ; for feveral of them vifited 
 me in my illnefs. This was a time of deep 
 probation to me, both inwardly and out- 
 wardly; being tried, as I fometimes have 
 been when great weaknefs of body hath 
 been upon me, with fore and diftreffing 
 poverty of fpirit -, not having diftinct fatis- 
 faction and clearnefs in my own mind, 
 how it was with me as to my inward con- 
 dition, judging an evidence of peace and 
 comfort from the holy fpirit would be a 
 wonderful fupport, at fuch times of bodily 
 affliction ; and have found it fo, when it 
 hath pleafed the Lord to favour me there-, 
 with. But he knows what is belt, and moft 
 fuitable for us ; and therefore I find by ex- 
 perience, it is the fafeft way to refign our 
 wills to his holy will ; as we muft, for the 
 moft part, whilft in this militant ftate, 
 walk by faith, and not by fight. I am fully 
 perfuaded, fuch trying difpenfations of di- 
 vine providence to us, are greatly profitable 
 for our growth, in the way that is well 
 pleafing to him$ and if patiently borne, 
 \vill, in his time, be a means to work for 
 
 us
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 71 
 
 us a far more exceeding and eternal weight 
 of glory. 
 
 Soon after my health was reftored, an 
 ancient friend, whofe name was Peter 
 Davis, from New-England, came to Phi- 
 ladelphia, in order to take a paflage for 
 England, and our friend Thomas Gawthorp, 
 having performed a religious vifit to friends 
 on the continent of America, intending to 
 embark fhortly for the fame, with Ifaac 
 Greenleaf, a friend on trade, I joined, 
 them j all agreeing to take our paffage in 
 a new fhip bound for London. 
 
 One thing I would juft remark, that 
 fome friends, and, as I underftood, fome 
 others alfo, taking notice how providentially 
 publick friends had been preferved during 
 the war, which was then with France and 
 Spain, fo that none of them had been 
 taken by the enemy, did prefume thereon ; 
 and would fay There is no need to infure 
 goods in that {hip, as fo many publick 
 friends are going in her; me will doubt- 
 lefs go fafe. I much difliked this (as I 
 thought) unjuftifiable confidence, feeing the 
 judgments of the Lord are a 
 
 being unfearchable, and his ways ^paJtour 
 finding out. It becomes us, in all our 
 undertakings, to commit ourfelves, and all 
 we have, into his hands, in humble re- 
 fignation to do or fuffer whatever his wif- 
 dom may point out, or permit to fall 
 upon us, for the trial of our faith and 
 E 4 patience;
 
 72 THE JOURNAL or 
 
 patience; as his mercy, power, and goodnefs 
 are as confpicuous in preferving, defending, 
 and carrying us through great and uncom- 
 mon probations to his glory, confequently 
 to our own advantage in the end, as in 
 wholly exempting us from them. Even 
 Job had no caufe to complain of his un- 
 parallelled afflidions, when they were over, 
 and he faw how greatly he had profited 
 thereby. A friend faid to me before we 
 embarked, he did not pretend to determine 
 whether we mould be taken or not; but 
 however that might happen, he did be- 
 lieve fome friends in our ftation would be 
 taken; not only to check that unwarrantable 
 confidence in fome, both friends and others, 
 but he alfo apprehended, a fervice might 
 arife from fuch ; being caft amongfl thofe 
 dark people, though againft their will. I 
 did not pretend any ailurance in my own 
 mind, of prefervation out of the enemies 
 hands ; but was made willing to commit 
 my foul, body, and all that I had unto the 
 Lord, as into the hands of a faithful Creator, 
 not doubting the fufficiency of his power 
 for prefervation in every condition of life. 
 
 On the 3Oth of the 9th month 1747, the 
 before-mentioned friends, who were to be 
 my companions upon the mighty ocean, 
 fet out from Philadelphia, in order to em- 
 bark at Chefter, in company with many 
 friends, and called for me at my houfe 
 in Derby, being the direct road, Myfelf, 
 
 a;nd
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 73 
 
 and a confiderable number of friends and 
 neighbours joined them, and proceeded to 
 Chefter that night; where, at the houfe of 
 our ancient friend Grace Lloyd, we had a 
 folemn meeting. Next day, being the ift 
 of the loth month, about two o'clock in 
 the afternoon, we took leave of friends, 
 in great love and tendernefs, and went on 
 board the fhip, which fell down the river 
 that evening, a little lower than Newcaftle. 
 Next day in the evening, we came to an 
 anchor near Reedy-Ifland, where we were 
 detained by a great florm of wind and rain, 
 until the 5th in the morning, when we 
 fet fail with a fair wind, taking our depar- 
 ture from the Capes of the Delaware, about 
 fix the fame evening. The wind continued 
 fair for the mod part, though very ftrong, 
 and a following fea running exceeding high 
 until the i8th; when, according to their 
 calculation, we had run about two-thirds 
 of our pafTage ; feldom having more than a 
 forefail fet, and that fometimes reefed ; and 
 at other times double reefed. As we had 
 fuch a high following fea, it was thought 
 the fhip was a-head of their reckoning. 
 From the i8th to the 23d the wind con- 
 tinued pretty fair, but more moderate than 
 before. Then it turned about to the eaft- 
 ward, and blew exceeding hard, with a very 
 high fea, until the agth, in which time we 
 lay,. to, and drove about whitherfoever the 
 wind and waves could carry us. We could 
 
 get
 
 74 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 get very little or nothing forward, but were 
 exceedingly toiTed. This was indeed a very 
 trying time ; the motion of the waves was 
 fo violent, that though me was a ftrong new 
 fhip, (he was beat upon with fo much force, 
 as to make her crack from end to end in a 
 Shocking manner, as if me would have 
 been broken to pieces. I then thought thofe 
 in my fituation had good reafon to know 
 well what they were about, and what they 
 expofed themfelves to fuch dangers for; 
 that they had great need to have the mighty 
 Ruler of the fea and land for their friend. 
 For if he had been pleafed to withdraw 
 his protection, there was only about a two- 
 inch plank between us and eternity, which 
 was to me very awful at that time to think 
 of; for I was not without my toflings and 
 combats of mind, at times, during thefe out- 
 ward probations. The 29th proved a fine 
 day, fo that they had a good obfervation, 
 and judged we were then about an hundred 
 and fifty leagues from the Land's-End of 
 England. Next day, being the 3Oth of the 
 I oth month, Thomas Gawthorp, having had 
 a very reftlefs painful night, by troublefomc 
 dreams, &c. had fome expectation of our 
 being taken (as he afterwards intimated) he 
 ftepped upon deck about eight o'clock in the 
 morning, and immediately efpied a fail upon 
 our windward quarter, giving us chace. 
 He quickly raifed the carelefs captain, 
 who ought to have been looking out before 
 
 that
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 75 
 
 that time, and to have watched more nar- 
 rowly than he did, coniidering the trufl re- 
 pofed in him. The captain, when he per- 
 ceived we were chafed, appeared much con- 
 cerned, giving the fhip up for taken in his 
 mind already. We urged him to put out 
 all the fail he could croud, and to exert 
 his utmofl endeavour to efcape, offering to 
 affifl all in our power, as we often had 
 done before, being very poorly manned; 
 in part owing to the failors unwillingnefs 
 to go into mips bound to London, left they 
 mould be prefled on board men of war. 
 It happened to be a moderate wind, fo that 
 we could have borne all the fail belonging 
 to the mip -, but through neglect before, 
 neither topgallant-fails, nor fleering- fails, 
 were in a condition to be fet; neither 
 would the captain be prevailed upon to 
 have a reef taken out of the mainfail. The 
 veffel was very badly fleered, as the French 
 remarked when they had taken us. The 
 captain ordered her to be clofe hauled to 
 the wind, vainly hoping, as he intimated,- 
 we mould get to the windward of them, 
 being deeply laden. But this was very ill 
 judged, if really the effect of judgment, as 
 the way of the fhip was thereby much 
 hindered, to what it would have been, if 
 me had gone large, taking the flrength of 
 the wind. Notwithflanding this, we held 
 the privateer in chace about nine hours. 
 She came up with us about five o'clock in 
 
 the
 
 76 * THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 the evening, and fired a gun under French 
 colours ; upon which, our people lowered 
 their colours and topfail, by way of fub- 
 mitting to them. They hoifted out a frnall 
 boat to fea, the Tea running high, in which 
 came the fecond captain and a lieutenant, 
 with feven or eight failors, to take poiTefiion 
 of a very valuable prize. She was a fnow 
 privateer belonging to Bayonne, mounting 
 ten carriage guns, and about one hundred 
 men, commanded by one Peter Garalon. 
 As the boat was rowing towards us, the 
 people therein made fuch a dark, mean, 
 and contemptible appearance, that our poor 
 failors cried out, in a very mournful affec- 
 ting manner, We mail all be ufed very bad 
 and cruelly, like dogs, for they are a piti- 
 ful crew, and no officer amongft them : but 
 in this they were miflaken. For my part, 
 the Lord being exceeding gracious to my 
 Youl, by the blefled fupport and folacing 
 comfort of his holy fpirit, all that day I 
 was quite calm and eafy : all fear of the 
 enemy, or whatever I might have to pafs 
 through in fuch a time of trial, was wholly 
 taken away for the prefent ; my mind being 
 filled with humble refignation to the divine 
 will ; yet was willing, as I thought it a 
 point of prudence, to ufe endeavours for 
 efcaping out of their hand, if it were prac- 
 ticable. 
 
 The before-mentioned fecond captain of 
 the privateer, whofe name was Andrew De 
 
 St,
 
 JOHN G R I F F I T H. 77 
 
 St. Andrew, boarded us with a naked cutlafs 
 in his hand, and nine or ten more at his 
 heels. He fpoke to us in good Englifli 
 very chearfully, faying to this effect ; ' Your 
 fervant, gentlemen ; it is the fortune of the 
 war, although it is ours to day, it may be 
 yours tomorrow ;' and promifed good uiage. 
 He then ordered the captain, mate, and 
 failors, except ttvo, and we who were cabin 
 paffengers, being ten in number, to go on 
 board the privateer j upon which the boat 
 was loaded, and went of. He took notice, 
 that we were of the people called Quakers $ 
 by which he gave us to underftand, that he 
 was not altogether a ftranger to us as a peo- 
 ple. The chief reafon of fending thofe on 
 board a prize away, being for their own 
 fecurity, left there might be danger of 
 their rifing, and recovering the fhip again ; 
 we conceived fome hopes, from the known 
 peaceable principles we profefs, to be fo 
 far indulged, as to have remained on board 
 the prize j and therefore did not incline 
 to go with the firfl boat-full; making 
 ufe of that fpace of time, in an earneft 
 felicitation to remain there, having much 
 better accommodation than we could reafon- 
 ably expect on board the privateer ; but 
 all the arguments we could advance feemed 
 ineffectual. When the boat relumed, he 
 ftill urged the orders he had from the head 
 captain, to fend us all on board : upon 
 which I flepped over the* fide of the velleL, 
 
 taking
 
 78 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 taking hold of the hand-rope, with a defigri 
 to go into the boat : when there, it ap- 
 peared to me exceedingly hazardous, the 
 lea running very high. I turned about, and 
 looked this French captain full in the face, 
 and exprefied myfelf in as moving terms as 
 I was capable of, concerning the danger he 
 was about expofing us to unneceflarily ; 
 which, through divine favour, took fuch 
 imprefiion upon him, that he took me* by 
 the hand, and drew me into the fhip again, 
 faying, You mall ilay here to night how- 
 ever. He had before demanded the keys of 
 our chefts, under pretence it was to prevent 
 their falling into the hands of the common 
 men, whereby they might plunder our 
 chefts ; but the true reafon was, that he 
 and the other officers might do it themfelves 
 firft ; which they did after we were gone 
 to-bed that night, returning our keys next 
 morning, with large promifes of protedion- 
 and good ufagej which, every thing con- 
 iidered, they in a good degree fulfilled. 
 We could not help looking upon it as a 
 kind providence, which made way for our 
 remaining on board the prize ; having there 
 the free ufe of our private ftores, and being 
 better waited upon than before we were 
 taken, having two cabin boys for that pur- 
 pofe. Captain Andrew, to give him his 
 due, carried himfelf refpedtfully to us ; fre- 
 quently filling our plates plentifully, though 
 he might, at tim^, have lefs left for him- 
 
 felf;
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 79 
 
 felf; and when he wanted any liquors, 
 or other proviiions, out of our chefts, he 
 would afk us for them in a fubmiffive man- 
 ner, as if he had no authority to demand. 
 This kind carriage of his gained much 
 upon us, to place fome confidence in him, 
 which in the end he made ufe of to his 
 own advantage, by craftily getting from 
 us to the amount of about 200 fterling, 
 the particulars of which would be too 
 tedious to relate. After the French had 
 got pofleffion of our (hip, they put her in 
 a fine trim for failing, fo that it was plain 
 me could outfail the privateer that took 
 her by much. Captain Andrew informed 
 us, we were, when they took us, about 
 eighty leagues from Cape-Clear in Ireland, 
 and about one hundred twenty-five leagues 
 from the Land's-End of England. 
 
 The next day came on board the chief 
 captain, to examine the cargo, &c. He made 
 this Andrew captain of the prize, of which 
 we were glad, as he could fpeak Englifli 
 well, and from what we could conceive of 
 him, there was reafon to exped: favourable 
 ufage under his care ; which was alfo pro- 
 mifed us by the head captain. They found 
 the cargo fo valuable, that it was concluded 
 the privateer mould keep us company, in 
 order to convoy us fafe to fome port of 
 France or Spain. Now having new mafters, 
 we had a new courfe to fteer ; but the 
 wind fct againfl us, blowing very hard and 
 
 ftormy.
 
 80 THE- JOURNAL OF 
 
 ftormy. We lay to often, and were ex- 
 ceedingly tolled for the moft part, for about 
 two weeks, and did not in that time think 
 ourfelves any nearer Bayonne than When we 
 were taken. They wanted more prey, 
 therefore efpied and chafed feveral vefTels, 
 who had the good fuccefs to get away from 
 them. We were once chafed ourfelves, by 
 a fine large (hip ; they took her to be an 
 Englifh man of war, and appeared to be 
 greatly alarmed j but when me came up, 
 they" found her to be a privateer belonging 
 to the town called St. Maloes, mounting 
 twenty carriage guns, and about three hun- 
 dred men. We left the privateer that took 
 us, a great way during this chace, our fhip 
 being fixed upon, at a great diftance, for the 
 beft booty. 
 
 It was the 22d of the i ith month before 
 we faw any land, and when we did, they 
 proved much miftaken, thinking themfelves 
 fixty or feventy leagues nearer Bayonne than 
 they, upon better information, found. We 
 had pleafant failing near the land on the 
 Spanifh Coaft, which borders on the Bay of 
 Bifcay : it being high land, afforded con- 
 iiderable delight to us, as we had been long 
 confined to the fight of water only. The 
 24th in the dufk of the evening, we had 
 near entered the port called St. Sebaflian, 
 when the wind chopped in right a-head, 
 and drove us out to fea again. The pri- 
 vateer got into a place called Port-PafTage, 
 
 about
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 81 
 
 about a league from thence next morning 
 early. But we, being forced farther off by 
 contrary winds, had great difficulty to get 
 in that day, being for many hours towed 
 by fifteen boats, in which were one hundred 
 and fifty men labouring at their oars. They 
 appeared very anxious to get our vefTel into 
 fome port, as they feared fome Englifh mip, 
 cruizing in the Bay, might call them to an 
 account. We poor captives went on more 
 the a6th in the morning, being glad and 
 thankful to have the opportunity of fetting 
 our feet again on firm land, although in an 
 enemy's country; for, fetting afide the 
 great affliction of being taken by an enemy, 
 it had been an exceeding rough boifterous 
 trying pafTage, of about eight weeks. It 
 was very mild fpring-like weather there, 
 though about the middle of winter. We 
 diverted ourfelves with walking about in 
 the day, and lodged aboard at night, 
 whilft we ftaid in that fmall place, which 
 was till the 29th, when horfes were pro- 
 vided for us to travel by land, about thirty 
 miles, to Bayonne ; the doclor of the pri- 
 vateer being all the guard and guide we 
 had. There was a very plentiful dinner 
 provided for us, at a fea-port town in 
 France, called St. Jean-de-Luz. I was not 
 at all pleafed with the forward wanton car- 
 riage of the women ; fuch as I had never 
 feen before : I reproved them, but fome, 
 by way of excufe, faid, the principal 
 F thing
 
 82 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 thing they intended thereby, was to cheer 
 up our fpirits, in our captivated ftate 3 yet 
 I could hardly believe their defign was fo 
 innocent. 
 
 We had been told by Captain Andrew, 
 that on our arrival at Bayonne, we that 
 were cabin-pafiengers mould immediately 
 have a parole of honour granted us ; but 
 we did not find it fo. Being brought be- 
 fore the commiiTary, he ordered us to be 
 taken into the caftle; yet we had the liber- 
 ty there to hire rooms, with beds in them 
 (fuch as they were), and to have provifions 
 for our money -, of which we foon found 
 we had need to be well ftored, as they 
 had a notable knack of getting it from us ; 
 for we could not buy any thing ourfelves, 
 but all muft come through the hands of 
 fuch as knew how to make a property of 
 us. I never knew any people fo thorough- 
 ly furnifhed with artful ways to get money, 
 as the French. Their tongues were very 
 much at command, and they could ufe 
 them with great wit and addrefs, in order 
 to gain our good opinion of them, but 
 I never perceived they meant any thing 
 elfe in the main, thereby, but advantage to 
 themfelves ; and therefore, faw it necefTary - 
 to be as much as I could on my guard. We 
 were very much impofed upon on account 
 of provifiona, and our money went very fafh 
 Not being quite without fear, if they 
 fhould difcover we had fufficient, fome other 
 
 way
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 83 
 
 way might be found out to get it 
 from us, we made inquiry, whether any 
 could be found willing to fupply us with 
 money, and take our draught upon Lon- 
 don, allowing them a premium. We foon 
 found they were very willing to do it> 
 merely upon the credit of our fociety : 
 fuch reputation hath the real poiTeffion of 
 truth gained our friends, far and wide; 
 but, to our forrow, the bare profeffion of 
 it, in divers mournful inftances of late, 
 hath produced quite the contrary effecT: ; 
 fo that there hath been reafon to fear, 
 the great credit gained by our worthy pre- 
 deceilbrs, forjufticeand punctuality, is in 
 danger of being, in fome meafure, loft to 
 the fociety, by the mifcondudt of fome of 
 their defcendants. They told us, that di- 
 vers of the people called Quakers had been 
 amongft them, but they were not like us; 
 that they looked upon us to be precife 
 fliff Quakers; but thofe, who had been 
 there before, behaved in a complaifant man- 
 ner, not flicking at the punctilio of the 
 hat, &c. We let them know, that our be- 
 haviour in thofe refpetfts, was no other than 
 what is confident with our principles ; that 
 we could not anfwer for thofe who were 
 hypocrites, profeffing one thing, and prac- 
 tifing another. We could diicover, that 
 upon all occafions, they feemed to have a 
 greater dependence on our veracity, than 
 that of the reft of our company ; and upon 
 F 2 the
 
 84 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 the whole, fhewed us full as much, if not 
 more kindnefs. Our confinement and ufage 
 in the caftle grew very difagreeable to us; 
 we therefore took the opportunity, when 
 the commiffary came (which we underftood 
 was ufual once a week) to lay before him 
 the treatment we met with, and to requeft 
 our liberty upon parole. He pretended to 
 make fome difficulty of it, and we found 
 many then in the caftle had been endeavour- 
 ing fome time to procure that liberty, and 
 could not. But when we difcovered danger 
 of being put off, as they had been, we prefT- 
 ed it upon him with more earneflnefs. 
 Hereupon we had a parole of honour 
 granted for upwards of twenty. The 
 place fixed upon for our refidence, was 
 Dax, an ancient town, about forty miles 
 up Bayonne River. We were fent thi- 
 ther by water, and were in the boat all 
 night, having very difagreeable company, 
 the worft of whom were Englifh and 
 Scotch. Thefe had laid a fcheme to pre- 
 vent our being admitted into the fame boat, 
 which was very ungrateful in them, as they 
 knew we had been the principal inftru- 
 ments of procuring that liberty, efpecially 
 for fome of them. Without doubt, their 
 reafon for that attempt was, that they might 
 enjoy the intended frolick, without any 
 rebuke or interruption from us. We bore 
 their filthy obfcene difcourfe and behaviour 
 
 for
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 85 
 
 for fome time; but, at length, being exceed- 
 ingly burthened, Thomas Gawthorp and I 
 I were concerned to reprove them very 
 feverely, calling them to confider, what 
 the French people in the boat could 
 think of thole, who called themfelves 
 Proteftants. Some of them feemed at firfl 
 to retort, but the weight of our fpirits 
 came over them ; we being on truth's 
 fide, which is ftrongeft of all, they were 
 foon overcome and filenced. From that 
 time we kept them at a diftance, not look- 
 ing upon them worthy of our notice in a 
 way of intimacy, fo that when we came 
 to Dax, we feparated from them, boarding 
 by ourfelves. On our arrival there, we 
 were brought before the governour of the 
 caftle ; and our manner of appearing before 
 our fuperiors being different from that of 
 others, with which we did not expect he 
 was acquainted, and might probably put an 
 unfavourable conftruftion upon ; we there- 
 fore defired our interpreter to inform him, 
 that we did not ftand before him covered in 
 contempt, or any ways in difrefped; it 
 being our principle and practice fo to ap- 
 pear before our fuperiors in our own nation, 
 His anfwer was to this effect, viz. ' I am 
 not at all offended with their appearance ; 
 I know fomething of thofe people/ He 
 gave us the liberty of the town and country 
 around $ and we got pretty good quarters, 
 F 3 and
 
 86 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 and lived much more to our minds than in 
 Bayonne Caftle. 
 
 This town is now a mean place, but 
 there are ftill remains of its ancient great- 
 nefs. I find by hiftory, it was once the 
 capital of Aquitaine, and was then called 
 Aqua Solis, from its hot waters. At one 
 place I found the heat fo furprizingly great, 
 that I could not bear my fingers in the 
 water a quarter of a minute. This water was 
 jnclofed with ftone walls of about twenty 
 yards fquare, having brafs or iron cocks or 
 fpouts, to convey water for the ufe of the 
 inhabitants j it anfwering the purpofe of 
 boiling water, for warning linen, &c. There 
 arifes a fleam or fmoke therefrom, like unto 
 a vaft furnace, or lime-kiln. We being 
 there in Lent-time (as they call it) were 
 told, the priefts were uneafy at our being 
 indulged with flcfh, and that they requefted 
 the governour to give orders for preventing 
 it. We were informed, that he turned very 
 fhort upon them, and faid, ' I will give no 
 fuch orders. What have they to do with 
 your Lent ? Cannot you be contented to 
 keep it yourfclves ?' He carried himfelf very 
 civilly to us, and came once in perion to 
 invite us to a bull-bating, offering, as we 
 were ftrangers, to prefer us to the befl 
 place for the purpofe of feeing j which was 
 the balcony in the front of his houfe. We 
 acknowledged his civility, but at the fame 
 
 time
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 87 
 
 time gave him to underftand, we did not 
 allow ourfelves to attend fuch kind of 
 diverfions. I understood they bait bulls 
 there with men inftead of dogs -, but I did 
 not fee it. 
 
 There are many worfhip-houfes, and two 
 nunneries in Dax. Their clergy, of vari- 
 ous orders, fwarm like locufts, who fleece 
 the people to that degree, that it may be 
 truly faid, of much the greater part, they 
 are in a ftate of abjecT: poverty and vafTa- 
 lage ; ftupidly devoted to follow thefe blind 
 guides, whitherfoever they think proper 
 to lead them, not daring to judge at all 
 for themfelves in matters of religion. Oh, 
 happy England ! Oh, land blefled with 
 liberty ! What haft thou not to anfwer for, 
 if right ufe be not made of fo great a 
 privilege ? 
 
 We went one day to vifit and converfe 
 with the nuns, which we did through large 
 iron grates, by an interpreter. They beha- 
 ved themfelves very civil, courteous, and 
 free in difcourfe. One of the fitters lay 
 dead in an apartment. The corpfe was laid 
 in a coffin drefTed in black, having twelve 
 wax candles lighted, and fet in filver can- 
 dlefticks, fix on each fide, and fome at 
 her feet, and a black crofs fixed between 
 her fingers on her breaft, as if me was look- 
 ing at it. Several of the nuns were about 
 her, fome kneeling, and others fitting on 
 F 4 the
 
 88 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 the floor, with books in their hands, pray- 
 ing for the foul departed, as we conjectured. 
 One was ringing a bell, perhaps it was what 
 they call a holy bell, that at the found 
 thereof, all the evil fpirits might be chafed 
 out of the foul's way, in its flight towards 
 the other world. We went from this to 
 the other nunnery, but could not be imme- 
 diately admitted to fee the nuns, as they 
 were employed in finging pfalms, or fome 
 kind of religious fongs, which we could 
 hear at a confiderable diftance : it was 
 thought by fome of the company, the 
 fineft mufick they ever heard ; but I neither 
 am, nor defire to be, a judge thereof. We 
 flood in an open entry, before a fine chapel, 
 but did not go into it, though the door 
 was open -, for indeed, I had no freedom to 
 go into any of their idols temples, yet we 
 could fee many upon their knees praying, 
 fome before one image, and fome before ano- 
 ther. As we waited here, not intending 
 nor expecting to give any offence, it being 
 an open entry (but I fuppofe it was hal- 
 lowed, or confecrated, as they call it, 
 though .not difcovered to be fo by us), there 
 came a monk to us in a great paffion, and 
 talked very faflin French. We faw he was 
 angry, but did not underftand what he faid, 
 and therefore aiked the interpreters, hav- 
 ing, I think, two with us then. They told 
 us, he faid we had polluted that holy place, 
 
 viz.
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 89 
 
 viz. in keeping our hats on, inafmuch as 
 their Lord God was there -, that if we had 
 no more manners, they had a way to teach 
 us better. We then departed, being depri- 
 ved of the intended vifit to the nuns, but 
 that was no great difappointment. Their 
 crofTes, either of wood or ftone, are very 
 numerous, being eredled in all the crofs 
 roads, and alfo at many places in and 
 about their towns and villages ; on fome 
 of which, images are fattened, with an 
 imitation of the crown of thorns, the reed, 
 fpear, and fpunge. That the people's great 
 poverty may more fully appear, I mall 
 give a fhort defcription of the fhoes moft 
 of them wear, who wear any fort : they 
 are wholly made of wood, being hollowed 
 out for the feet, except a piece of leather, 
 about three inches broad, acrofs the inftep. 
 They appear very inconvenient to walk in, as 
 they do not yield at all to the feet. I am, 
 perfuaded there is not one in fixty, in that 
 part of France, who wear any other fort of 
 fhoes. Many waggon loads of thefe fhoes 
 are brought to Dax market every week. 
 
 The 2 1 ft of the i2th month, a mefTen- 
 ger from Bayonne brought us the agreeable 
 news of a cartel-fhip from England being 
 arrived at Port-Paifage. An order came 
 foon after for our return, and that we 
 might be ready to embark therein the 24th. 
 We hired 4 boat for that purpofe, and went 
 
 in
 
 90 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 in her to Bayonne, being on the water all 
 night. It was very cold fnowy weather, and 
 I differed much thereby, taking a great cold, 
 which I did not get over for many days. 
 What flill added to our diftrefs, was the 
 commiflary's receiving us very roughly, 
 and ordering us into the caftle again. I 
 know of no reafon he had for being in that 
 ill-natured difpofition ; neither do I re- 
 member he gave us any. I was ready to 
 imagine, it was only to furnim a pretence 
 to get fomething into his own pocket, by 
 Cur confinement. One thing made me 
 think he had a feeling in the profits 
 there, was his unwillingnefs to give us, 
 and others, a parole. However, when it 
 appeared that we muft go to prifon again, 
 the captain of the before-mentioned cartel 
 fhip being prefent, demanded our liberty; 
 which I fuppofe the commiffary durft not 
 deny him ; by which means, we had the 
 liberty of the town a few days, until 
 matters were fettled for our travelling to- 
 wards the fhip. 
 
 One thing I am not willing to omit, 
 as it will be a fpecimen of the unaccount- 
 able fuperftition and idolatry of thofe peo- 
 ple amongft whom our lot was cart. Tho- 
 mas Gawthorp and I taking a walk, as we 
 often did, into the fields, came to a fmall 
 building, which was fomewhat in the na- 
 ture of a conduit, as there ifTued out at one 
 
 end
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 91 
 
 end, fpouts of water, over which was enclo- 
 fed, in net-work, an image whofe head 
 feemed as if cut off, or fevered from his body. 
 It appeared to be a fine fpring of water. 
 But that which came moft under our no- 
 tice, was, to obferve fo many worfhipping 
 this water, and beheaded image : I fuppofe 
 not lefs than fifteen on their knees, fome 
 much nearer thereunto than others. We 
 inquired the meaning thereof ; but none 
 understood Englifh, nor we French enough, 
 to converfe one with another ; fo that we 
 ftill remained in the dark, until by mak- 
 ing inquiry in the town, we received the 
 following account, viz. that it is St. Leon's 
 well, who is the titular faint of Bayonne. 
 That this Leon was the firfr. gofpel miffio- 
 nary fent thither, in the pagan times, and 
 that he was greatly perfecuted by them, 
 and laft of all beheaded on a hill above 
 that place, where the well now is. That 
 when his head was fevered from his body, 
 it rolled down the hill, and fell upon this 
 place, upon which there immediately ifTued 
 out a fpring or fountain of water. That 
 it is now the conftant practice of confef- 
 fors, to fend people to do penance at St. 
 Leon's well ; who muft fix themfelves on 
 their knees, nearer or farther off", accord- 
 ing to the nature of their crimes. 
 
 When our captain had fully fettled things 
 with the commiiTary, relative to us, we 
 
 proceeded
 
 92 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 proceeded on our way towards the fhip, as 
 far as the town called St. Jean-de-Luz, 
 where we abode fome time, taking up our 
 quarters at a large inn. One day when at 
 dinner, we received a viiit from two friars, 
 one of whom being an Jrimman, could fpeak 
 Englifh well ; the other had very little 
 Englifh. We underilood the defign of 
 their coming was to ufe endeavours, in 
 their pretended catholick fpirit, for our 
 conversion, by bringing us into the bofom 
 of their church, out of which, they fay, 
 there is no falvation. This Irim friar foon 
 began to afk queftions, which, for a little 
 while, feveral of us anfwered > but the dif- 
 pute feemed too much in a promifcuous 
 and fcattered way, which was not quite fatif- 
 faclory; neither did it appear altogether 
 fair, for fo many to engage with one ; for 
 the other friar could be of little ufe in 
 argument, as he had not the language. I 
 therefore finding my mind pretty much 
 opened, and warmly engaged, entered into 
 a clofe difpute with him, which my com- 
 panions obferving, left it to us. I foon 
 found that his main fupport in argument 
 was, the authority and infallibility of their 
 church, but more efpecially of the Pope j 
 I therefore told him, it was altogether fruit- 
 lefs to fupport arguments againlt me, by an 
 authority I had no faith in : but feeing he 
 and I both allowed the holy fcriptures to j 
 be of divine authority, it would be much 
 
 bettef I
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 93 
 
 better for us to back our arguments by 
 that authority only. It was exceeding diffi- 
 cult to bring him to this, as I believe he 
 clearly forefaw, I mould there be too many 
 for him : which fell out accordingly, to 
 that degree (the Lord being near, opening 
 my underftanding), that the poor man was 
 fo confounded, he knew not what to anfwer, 
 nor how to fupport an argument thereby ; 
 his memory fcarce ferving him to quote 
 one fcripture paffage truly. This I fome- 
 times helped him in, repeating the paf- 
 fages he aimed at, to fee what ufe he 
 could make of them ; but I found him as 
 deficient in applying, as he was in remem- 
 bering the holy fcriptures ; which induced 
 me to think, that even their clergy, fo cal- 
 led, find thofe facred writings make fo 
 little for the fupport of their religion, that 
 they do not much regard them. The dif- 
 pute continued moft of the afternoon -, in 
 which I muft fay, he carried himfelf with 
 good nature and civility, at leaft in ap- 
 pearance. He would fometimes exprefs 
 his wonder at my memory ; faying, he 
 thought I could repeat all the fcriptures 
 by heart, from the beginning of Genefis, 
 to the end of the Revelations. But I knew 
 who gracioufly helped me ; for I did not 
 go againft him in my own ftrength, the 
 Lord being with me in fuch a manner, 
 that I thought I mould not have been afraid 
 to have engaged with an hundred of their 
 
 moft
 
 94 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 moft crafty priefts : and therefore I did, 
 and do offer the thankfgiving and praife 
 to him alone, who is eternally worthy ! 
 Towards the conclufion, he alked me, what 
 I thought of their eucharift. I felt (as I 
 thought) a fnare in his queftion, where- 
 upon I afked him, whether he intended 
 to enfnare me by that queftion : which he 
 did not offer to deny. I was, however, en- 
 abled to anfwer him in fuch a manner, as 1 * 
 that he could take no advantage thereof, to 
 bring me into trouble. I often cried unto 
 the Lord to preferve us in maintaining our 
 teftimony, agreeably to what he knew was 
 right in his fight ; and at the fame time, to 
 be exceeding watchful over our own fpirits, 
 left they fhould be too much heated and 
 raifed in a falfe zeal, with indignation againft 
 the deteftable idolatry and abominations of 
 thofe dark counties, that we might not 
 thereby imprudently put ourfelves into their 
 power ; not doubting, if the Lord required 
 any fervice of us amongfl them, he would 
 fupport us therein, for he hath all power 
 in heaven and earth. The friars took their 
 leave of us in the evening, fignifying they 
 would vifit us again ; but they never did, 
 nor I hardly believe they intended it. 
 
 From this place we went into that part of 
 Spain where we firft landed, and ftaid there, 
 and at Sebaftian, feveral weeks for the cartel 
 fhip's failing. The Spaniards are much, 
 more difagreeable to live amongft, than the 
 
 French.
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 95 
 
 French. The men appeared to us in a 
 general way, poor, proud, and exceeding 
 lazy j filled with high conceits of them- 
 felves, both in a civil and religious fenfe. 
 They fauntered about, walking with their 
 cloaks over their moulders, looking upon us 
 with contempt, as we neither could bow 
 to their pride, nor to their religion ; nor 
 could we look upon them in a favourable 
 light, when we obferved what flaves they 
 made of their wives, and of the women in 
 general, who are employed in all or moil 
 of the drudgery, even in rowing their boats. 
 I have feen near the two laft mentioned 
 places in their ferries, and other bufinefs on 
 the water, to fpeak within compafs, more 
 than a hundred women thus employed ; and 
 fcarcely a man is feen to touch an oar, 
 unlefs he goes a fiming ; and then his 
 wife, or fome woman, muft bring his cloak 
 or fword to the water- fide again ft he comes 
 on more, and carry the fim home on her 
 head, while he walks in ftate to the town. 
 This one of the friends who were with me 
 allured me he faw. I am far from envying 
 our Englifh women their happinefs -, 1 
 think fuch indulgent ufage is due to the 
 tendernefs of their fex every where : yet I 
 think, that were they to fee even what I have 
 feen, as above hinted, they would be very 
 thankful to the Author of 'their being, for 
 cafting their lots in England, or the En- 
 glim dominions. And indeed, conlidering 
 
 fome 

 
 96 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 fome difficulties the fex labours under, 
 which the men are exempt from, fuch as 
 child-bearing, nurfing, &c. which render 
 them very unfuitable for fuch laborious em- 
 ployment, it difcovers great cruelty in the 
 men, to impofe it upon them. 
 
 The darknefs of popery feems greater 
 
 here than in France ; although it may be 
 
 feen and felt there beyond all expreffion-s. 
 
 Oh the pain and diftreis of foul I was almofl 
 
 continually under, by the muddy rivers of 
 
 Babylon % in thofe lands of darknefs ! the 
 
 harp being indeed, as it were, hung upon 
 
 the willows. No fweet melody nor long of 
 
 Sion could be echoed forth (the Lordknow- 
 
 eth) under the power of the king of the 
 
 bottomlefs-pit, who rules in the myftery of 
 
 iniquity. Yet fo it muft remain, until that 
 
 Almighty arm of power, that cut Rahab, 
 
 and wounded the dragon, is pleafed to arife 
 
 and put on ftrength, that he may turn and 
 
 overturn -, pouring forth the phials of his 
 
 wra^h upon the feat of the beaft and falfe 
 
 prophet, thereby making the fcarlet whore 
 
 of Babylon defolate, and burning her flem 
 
 with fire ; that the nations may no more 
 
 be intoxicated with the abominations of" 
 
 the wine of her fornications. b May the 
 
 Lord, for his opprefled feed's fake, haflen 
 
 that day, fo that the people and faints of 
 
 the Moft High, may obtain the kingdom, 
 
 a SeePfalm 137. Ifaiah 51. and Revelations. b Daniel 7. 
 
 and
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 97 
 
 and the earth enjoy her fabbath, when fweet 
 incenfe in every place on the Lord's foot- 
 jftool may be offered up to him with gra- 
 cious acceptance. 
 
 I took notice at Port-Paffage, that a per* 
 fon went about the flreet every evening, 
 tinkling a hand-bell, as if he had foine- 
 thing to fell, yet I could not fee any thing 
 he had, which made me afk the reafon of 
 it : I was told, that it was to remind peo- 
 ple of the fouls in purgatory, that they 
 might pray for them. The maid of the 
 houfe where we boarded brought a crucifix, 
 defiring us to kifs it ; which fome of the 
 Englifh then prefent did, to pleafe her; 
 but upon my refufal, and withal giving her 
 a gentle rebuke for offering me fuch an 
 affront, me alarmed the houfe with com- 
 plaints, what a bad Chriftian I was, for 
 refufmg to embrace that niece of brafs. 
 Having foon after to pafs through an en- 
 try, I found two men, I fuppofe, lying in 
 wait for me. One of them came flily be- 
 hind my back, laying faft hold of both 
 my arms, in order to confine me, whilft 
 the other brought the image to my fice ; 
 intending, no doubt, to force me into that 
 which they could not bring me voluntarily 
 into. I foon perceived what they were 
 about, and prefently freed myfelf from their 
 (to me) very odious defign ; mewing them, 
 by a ilern countenance, and fome fharp ex- 
 G preflions,
 
 98 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 preffions, that I was much difpleafed with 
 their uncivil treatment. 
 
 I cannot fully account for the caufe, but 
 whilft in Spain, I felt at times, or at leaft 
 1 thought fo, fomething like fnares laid to 
 do us mifchief. However that was, the 
 Lord gracioufly preferved us, and gave abi- 
 lity to maintain our teftimony, as far as he 
 was pleafed to require of us, in thofe coun- 
 tries ; which was chiefly in feeling the dif- 
 treffing weight of death and darknefs, that 
 covers the holy feed fown in the hearts of 
 mankind, and which is preffed down by their 
 fuperftition, idolatry, and wickednefs " as 
 " a cart is prefTed that is full of {heaves." 
 It as furely groans for deliverance, as Ifrael 
 did under Egyptian bondage. In fympathy 
 therewith (as I take it) my foul was moft- 
 ly in deep anxiety - 3 being, as it were, 
 dumb with filence, and clofed up in pain- 
 ful death and darknefs ; ready at times to 
 fay, Surely I am in the fame fpirit with 
 them. But the material difference was this; 
 it was their element, wherein they lived plea- 
 fantly, and delighted to breathe ; whereas, 
 I could neither live nor breathe therein ; fo 
 far from it, that I often looked upon my- 
 felf in a manner quite dead. But let ever- 
 lafting praife afcend to the God of the 
 living, world without end ! He was plea- 
 fed to bring me through this horrible death 
 and darknefs, to enjoy the glorious day of 
 his falvation again, and to be one of thofe, 
 
 though
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 99 
 
 though unworthy, who have the Lamb flain 
 from the foundation of the world for their 
 light and leader. Then I faw, that even 
 in that day of uncommon trials, both with- 
 in and without, my life wasr fure (though 
 not difcerned by me), being hid with Chrift 
 in God. 
 
 It was fome time after my arrival in Eng- 
 land, before the thick darknefs before- 
 mentioned quite wore off my mind ; yet I 
 was favoured, at times, with the mining of 
 the Sun of Righteoufnefs, as it were break- 
 ing through a thick cloud, to my unfpeak- 
 able joy and comfort, and I believe, in 
 the work of the gofpel, to the great fatis- 
 fadtion of many others, to whom I was, 
 through deep fuffering, in fome degree, 
 qualified to fpeak, even as deep calleth 
 unto deep. 
 
 We arrived in England, and came to an 
 Anchor in Torbay, the 26th of the ift 
 month, 1748, after a pafTage of five days. 
 The mip was bound for Plymouth, but the 
 failors, who had been prifoners in France, 
 being in fear of another confinement, by 
 being prefTed on board of the men of war, took 
 the command of her from the captain, by 
 fomething, in appearance at leaft, like 
 force. He told them he had a fafe pro- 
 tection from the government, whereby they 
 would be fecured from what they feared, 
 by going to Plymouth. But they did not 
 regard that, neither was he, as we thought, 
 G 2 averfe
 
 ioo THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 averfe to going into Torbay, as he had the 
 failors to lay it on; for we had reafon to 
 apprehend he did not keep us waiting in 
 Spain fo long for nothing > fo that the Bay 
 might fuit his purpofe better alfo. It being 
 the i ft day of the week, in the evening, 
 when we came to an anchor, Thomas Gaw- 
 thorp and I had a great mind to go on more, 
 that we might endeavour to find a meet- 
 ing of friends. Next day fome of the com- 
 pany fignifying their intention of going 
 about midnight, that being the time, when 
 I fuppofe the tide would ferve beft -, we 
 therefore requefted they would call us, 
 which they did. The fhip lay a confider- 
 able diftance from the town of Brickmam, 
 where we intended to land. We had been 
 in the boat but a little while, when a 
 great ftorm of wind and rain beat furioufly 
 againft us, fo that the men at the oars 
 found it hard to keep the boat up againft 
 it. We encouraged them all in our power, 
 to work for their own lives and ours, let- 
 ting them know, if they would bring us 
 fafe to land, they mould be well rewarded 
 for their pains. The danger of being dri- 
 ven back to fea was very apparent, and I 
 believe much feared by all in the boat. 
 The poor men exerted their utmoft en- 
 deavour, which, through the good provi- 
 dence of God, proved fuccefsful, in bring- 
 ing us fafe to land. This I looked upon 
 as a merciful prefervation, having feldom, 
 
 if
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 101 
 
 if ever, in the courfe of my life, appre- 
 hended greater danger. We were exceed- 
 ingly wet with the rain, but having good 
 fires made for us, and other neceffary ac- 
 commodations, did not fuffer much there- 
 by. By enquiry, we found there was a 
 meeting of our friends held near a place 
 called Newton-Bumel, about ten miles of, 
 to which we went, being truly thankful 
 for the great favour of a fafe arrival in Eng- 
 land, and the opportunity of lifting down 
 in a meeting of friends again ; though we 
 did hold meetings amongft ourfelves, in 
 our captivity, on firft-days, when it ap- 
 peared practicable. This meeting was but 
 fmall, and the life of religion feemed to 
 me at a low ebb. I had nothing to deliver 
 unto them by way of teftimony. Friends 
 were very loving to us. On fecond-day 
 we proceeded towards London, as far as 
 Exeter, where friends entertained us kindly 
 that night. Next day Thomas Gawthorp, 
 Ifaac Greenleaf, and myfelf (leaving our 
 ancient friend, Peter Davis, with friends 
 there) hired horfes as far as Honiton. 
 There I bought a good ferviceable mare, 
 that carried me fafe and well through moft 
 of my travels this journey, in England and 
 Wales. We took Bridgport in our way, 
 and lodged with our worthy friend, Samuel 
 Bownas, who, with his houfe-keeper, en- 
 tertained us with affectionate kiridnefs. 
 Now did we begin to enjoy the fweetnefs 
 G 3 of
 
 102 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 of brotherly love again. The quarterly- 
 meeting for Dorfetfliire was held next day 
 at that place, to which we went. It was 
 very fmall, and the power of truth, which 
 is the crown of all our religious meetings, as 
 I thought, was very low therein. We muft 
 live in that power at other times, if we ex- 
 pect its gracious affiftance, in the weighty 
 affairs of the church, when met for the ma- 
 nagement thereof; for that which is born 
 of the flefh is but flefh, and cannot enter 
 into the kingdom of God ; nor fo much as 
 fee it. All is^ certainly of the flefh that 
 hath its principal delight, and fatisfaction in 
 fublunary things. So that, although fome 
 may maintain the character of God's peo- 
 ple, as to the outward appearance, yet if 
 the love of earthly things hath the chief 
 room in their hearts, the love of the Father 
 is not in them ; and therefore, it is impof- 
 fible they fhould be qualified to do God's 
 work. Such is church-government, accord- 
 ing to the difcipline he in his wifdom hath 
 eftablimcd. But with the fame natural rea- 
 fon, and underftanding their outward affairs 
 are managed by, thefe fpeaking and acting 
 in their own ftrength and wifdom, which 
 although capable of the one, is altogether 
 unfit for the other : for " the world by wif- 
 " dom knows not God," confequently, 
 are not likely to understand his work ; but 
 in their pretended endeavours to promote 
 it, they mar it, and frequently darken 
 
 counfel
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 103 
 
 counfel by a multitude of words without 
 right knowledge. Inftead of raifing life in 
 a meeting, they bring death and darknefs 
 over it, to the great pain of the upright- 
 hearted, who are not always ready (like thofe 
 above hinted at) but experimentally know- 
 ing their fufficiency to be of God, for 
 every good word and work ; they dare not 
 move until it pleafe him, by moving upon, 
 their hearts, to open their underftandings, 
 and to be a fpirit of judgment unto them : 
 in this only, there is binding and looting, 
 remitting and retaining, with divine ap- 
 probation, which is livingljr known and 
 fealed upon the" understanding' of the faith- 
 ful, by the holy fpirit of promife. Our 
 way was quite fhut up as to miniftry, or 
 other publick fervice in that meeting. After 
 which we purfued our journey for London. 
 But I found conftant riding very painful, 
 not only becaufe I had not rode much 
 for a confiderable time, but having, accord- 
 ing to the cuftom of America, been ufed 
 to an eafy pacer. My mare now being a 
 trotter, was hard to bear, until I was more 
 accuftomed thereunto -, which then proved 
 very agreeable. Our friend John Hunt and 
 his wife, met us on jih day at Staines, and 
 being in a coach, prevailed on me, as I was 
 weary with riding, to go with them there- 
 into, and took me to their houfe, where I 
 was kindly entertained, not only that time 
 pf my flay in the city, but alfo at divers 
 G 4 other
 
 104 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 other times during my travels in this na- 
 tion. I continued about two weeks in the 
 city, vifiting meetings as they fell in courfe, 
 being moftly low and pretty much difcou- 
 raged in my mind, with a deep fenfe of 
 mine own weaknefs, the gre^tnefs of the 
 work which was before me, and the mourn- 
 ful ftate of the church, as it appeared to 
 me in London. I had but little opennefs 
 as to miniilry, yet endeavoured to wade 
 along as patiently as I could ; it appearing 
 to be my principal bufinefs then to fuf- 
 fer with the opprefled feed, mourning with 
 a fenfible remnant, who I could perceive 
 had fackcloth underneath, for the preva- 
 lence of worldly wifdom and grandeur in 
 that great city -, the little low meek thing, 
 which by tbe power of God was exalted 
 amongft us, in the early time of our being 
 a people, was in too general a way over- 
 looked and disregarded ; and man's will and 
 wifdom taking its place, was grown very 
 high, affumed the government in a large 
 degree, where the wifdom of God for- 
 merly bore rule. But this did not profper; 
 inftead thereof, greater wafte and defolation 
 prevailed. The breathing panting babes, 
 after heavenly fubftance, were greatly dif- 
 couraged, being ready to fay, All is gone ! 
 The glory is departed from Ifrael ! What 
 can be done now ? But I faw they were to 
 be raifed, in the Lord's time, as an army to 
 fight his battles, againft the uncircumcifed 
 
 in
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 105 
 
 in heart and ears ; and that the victory 
 over that fpirit, was to be obtained through 
 fufferings. Thus I have given a fhort hint 
 of the afflicting view I had of the ftate of 
 our fociety in the city of London ; which 
 place I mall leave for the prefent ; as I 
 {hall, in the courfe of this journal, have 
 occafion, divers times, to make fome far- 
 ther obfervations thereon, which may tend 
 to explain the above. 
 
 I had an antient mother in Radnorfhire, 
 South Wales, whom I had not feen for 
 about twenty- two years. I therefore pur- 
 pofed taking meetings in my way thither, 
 and alfo in my return to be at London 
 yearly-meeting. I fet out in order to be 
 at Reading quarterly-meeting the i6th of 
 the 2d month, which I attended to good 
 fatisfaclion. After this meeting, I took 
 the following in my way, viz. Henley, 
 Warborough, Witney, Gloucefter, and Rofs. 
 The Lord being my gracious helper, either 
 to do, or fuffer, in which I endeavoured to 
 be faithful, according to the difcovery I 
 received of the divine will. The 26th 
 I got to my mother's houfe, having fent a 
 meffenger a little before, left a fudden fur- 
 prife, although arifmg from much joy, 
 might prove too great a mock for my dear 
 antient mother to bear, without fome in- 
 conveniency. I fuppofe our meeting might 
 fomewhat refemble that of Jacob and his 
 fon Jofeph's, Jt doubtlefs afforded much 
 
 comfort
 
 io6 THE JOURNAL OP 
 
 comfort to my worthy mother ; me being 
 a valuable religious woman ; not only to 
 fee me again, but alfo that I was come upon 
 a fervice me fo greatly loved and valued. 
 My honoured father had then been dead 
 about three years. I had a brother and 
 iifter then living with my mother ; and 
 another fifler married, who lived not far 
 from her. I ftaid thereabouts fomething 
 more than two weeks; in which time I 
 had divers very large, and fome very open 
 precious meetings ; many of other focieties 
 flocking to them, who feemed much reach- 
 ed by the teftimony of truth. But, alas! 
 I found things very low there, as to friends, 
 which was caufe of forrow to my mind. 
 Wrong things creeping in, and very few, 
 if any, who had judgment and courage 
 enough to deal plainly with diforderly 
 walkers. I was at their monthly meet- 
 ing, and endeavoured to ftir them up to a 
 more diligent and zealous exercife of whole- 
 feme difcipline ; but they appeared weak. 
 On the ad day, the i6th of the 3d month, 
 I took leave of my dear mother, brother, and 
 fitters, and fet out, in order to be at the 
 yearly-meeting in London, Edward Jones 
 bearing me company. I took the follow- 
 ing meetings in my way, viz. Ammelly, 
 Leominfter, a quarterly held at Broomfgrove, 
 Worcefter, Evefham, Shipflon, on firil-day 
 had two meetings at Lonycompton in the 
 morning, and Chippingnorton in the after- 
 noon ^
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 107 
 
 noon ; then to High Wickham, Chefham, 
 and Uxbridge. I had divers open fatisfac- 
 tory meetings, and fome very trying and 
 afflicting. The Lord was pleafed to be my 
 help and fupport, to whom be humble 
 thankfgivings, for his gracious condefcen- 
 fion to the low eftate of his poor fervants. 
 I got to London on the yth day of the 
 week, and the day following attended Grace- 
 church-ftreet, and Devonmire-Houfe meet- 
 ings j but I had very little opennefs there- 
 in. My fpirit was very low, and greatly 
 deprefled, fo that I feemed to myfelf near 
 fainting under the weight of my burthen, 
 which was very great. On 2d day the 
 yearly-meeting began. The firft was a 
 meeting of minifters and elders in the morn- 
 ing. Many brethren were met from divers 
 parts of the nation. Amongft whom, I 
 looked upon myfelf as a mere child, hav- 
 ing much fear and reafoning in my mind, 
 left I mould dishonour the great mailer's 
 caufe, and difcover my great weaknefs, as 
 the fame appeared in my own view, to 
 thofe pillars in the church, and experien- 
 ced fervants in the Lord's work. But he in 
 great mercy condefcended to my very low 
 eftate, and regarded my humble breathings, 
 giving me the word of life to preach, with 
 demonftration that day, which much opened 
 my way in the minds of friends, and was 
 of considerable advantage to me in my fu- 
 ture fervice ; for very much depends on our 
 
 having
 
 io8 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 having good place in the hearts of the faith- 
 ful, and that cannot well be, until they know 
 us. Chriftian prudence teacheth, not to 
 lay hands fuddenly on any ; therefore fuch 
 muft fee and feel the fpirits one of another, 
 in fome degree, before they can unite. Was 
 there not great care and caution in this re- 
 ipect, grofs hypocrify, putting on the out- 
 ward appearance, might be encouraged, 
 which would be a very grievous wound to 
 God's caufe ? Many friends after this meet- 
 ing mewed affectionate regard to me ; but 
 none more than that fubftantial minifter of 
 the gofpel, Samuel Bownas. It had a pro- 
 per effect upon my mind, to ftrengthen it, 
 and raife humble acknowledgements to the 
 Lord, for his mercy herein. It being my 
 fervent prayer, that whatever I might go 
 through, on account of the unfaithful, my 
 fervice and labours might be acceptable to 
 the faints - y and that I might be favoured 
 with a fenfe of the unity, and help of their 
 fpirits accompanying me therein. I at- 
 tended the yearly-meeting conftantly, both 
 the meetings for worfhip and discipline, 
 as they fell in courfe. The power and 
 virtue of truth was near, to the itrengthen- 
 ing and comforting our fpirits, in a good 
 degree : but I have known a much fuller 
 enjoyment, and overfhadowing thereof ; even 
 when all the hills and mountains have been 
 melted, as it were, before him, who is 
 glorious in holinefs, and fearful in praife, 
 
 working
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 109 
 
 working wonders for the help and prefer- 
 vation of his people. O then we could ex- 
 perimentally fay, the Lord of awful majefty 
 prefideth amongft us, being a fpirit of 
 judgment to them that fit in judgment, and 
 all we flood in need of; even as a place of 
 broad rivers and ftreams, where nothing 
 of man's invention could obtain any place ! 
 Thefe were times of rejoicing in the pre- 
 fence of the Lord, and drinking freely of 
 the wine and milk, without money and 
 without price. O how hath my foul faid, 
 it is good to be here ! Having a deiire, with 
 Peter, to tabernacle there ; much dreading 
 to defcend into this vale of tears again, 
 where I mufl ftruggle with my many in- 
 firmities, which I did not then much feel: 
 but I do not inftance this, with defign to 
 juftify thofe anxious fears, and taking 
 thought for the time to come ; but rather 
 as a mark of my great weaknefs, and want 
 of growth in the moft precious faith, which 
 is the faints victory, whereby, as we grow 
 therein, ftrength and patience is received, 
 to endure hardnefs as good foldiers of Jefus 
 Chrift ; not to view with much anxious 
 fear thefe light afflictions, which are but 
 for a moment ; feeing, in due time, if we 
 are properly exercifed thereby, they will 
 work for us a far more exceeding and eter- 
 nal weight of glory. 
 
 On the fixth-day of the next week, after 
 the yearly-meeting, I fet out, in order to 
 
 be
 
 no THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 be at the three eaftern yearly-meetings, being 
 accompanied by my friends John Hunt and 
 his wife, and Chriftopher Wilfon, who was 
 to be my companion. We lodged that 
 night at Brentwood ; next morning early, 
 we palled on to Chelmsford -, the weather 
 being extremely hot, and breakfafted at my 
 dear friend's, Frances Wyatt's, who after- 
 wards, through the kind providence of 
 God, became my truly affectionate wife. 
 Divers friends went forwards towards Col- 
 chefter, but my companion and I ftaid at 
 Chelmsford meetings on firft-day. The 
 weather continuing very hot; I think then 
 equal for heat to our weather in America ; 
 there arofe a ftorm of thunder and rain in 
 the time of the meeting : one clap of thun- 
 der, whilil I was upon my feet, fo terrified 
 friends, as to take away their attention for 
 the prefent, that I expected to have been 
 obliged to fit down ; but waiting a fhort 
 time, friends recovered, and I went on. A 
 boy was killed thereby, as he was playing 
 near Springfield fleeple-houfe, about a mile 
 from Chelmsford. We went after meeting 
 to Kelvedon, and next morning were ac- 
 companied by feveral friends towards Col- 
 chefter ; but I was fo extremely ill of a 
 fever, that I was obliged to alight at Lex- 
 ton, about a mile from the faid place. We 
 mounted our horfes again after I had re- 
 covered a little ; but before we had pro- 
 ceeded on the way above half a mile, there 
 
 came
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH, in 
 
 came x>n fuch terrible thunder, as is feldom 
 known in this part of the world. The 
 lightning appeared to glide in flreams of 
 re on the furface of the earth, a confidera- 
 ble way, and there feemed, as I thought, 
 a ftrong fmell of fulphur. The thunder 
 frighted my mare to fuch a degree, that I 
 being poorly, could fcarcely fit her ; but 
 through mercy I received no hurt. I con- 
 tinued ill at Colchefter, fo that I did not 
 attend many of the meetings. The yearly- 
 meeting ended there on fourth-day. On the 
 fixth-day following, I was fo recovered as 
 to ride in a chaife to Maningtree, and had 
 a meeting there the lame day. On feventh- 
 day we went through Ipfwich to Wood- 
 bridge, in order to attend the yearly and 
 quarterly meetings there for the county of 
 Suffolk. We were at their meeting on 
 firft-day ; on fecond-day was held their 
 meeting for difcipline, wherein the power 
 and virtue of truth feemed to me low and 
 depreffed; and, although I was fully per- 
 fuaded there were divers living, concerned 
 members therein, who had the caufe of 
 truth at heart, yet they appeared alfo de- 
 prefled. The chief reafon whereof I then ap- 
 prehended, and have more clearly feen fince, 
 was giving two much place to a few bufy 
 forward members, in whom man's will and 
 wifdom was too much exalted j arTuming 
 the rule and government of that meeting ; 
 which they were too much indulged in, 
 
 by
 
 ii2 THE JOURNAL ,OP 
 
 by the cowardice of thofe, whofe proper 
 bufinefs it was to work for God ; that by 
 his bleffing and affiftance, they might exalt 
 the weight and authority of truth over 
 fuch fpirits. For the dominion and ma- 
 jefty of truth in a meeting foon foils and 
 overcomes them, as it is abode in by the 
 heirs thereof; but if they are flack and 
 negligent, in pofTefling their right, ufur- 
 pers will often take it from them, in this 
 lenfe. So that thofe called to work for 
 God in his church, by holding back more 
 than is meet, not only bring poverty and 
 leannefs upon their own fouls thereby, but 
 alfo open a door for the fpirit of anti- 
 chrift to enter in. I have often feen, that 
 when the wife woman neglects to build the 
 houfe, the foolifh woman, by pretending 
 to build, hath pulled it down with her 
 own hands : this hath been no fmall caufe 
 of the wafte and defolation in fome places. 
 I have had much labour with that bufy 
 active forward .fpirit fince, both in meet- 
 ings, and in private plain-dealing, as alfo 
 in ftirring up, and encouraging the right 
 minded to ftand their ground ; which I hope 
 hath not been altogether without fome good 
 effect. I could not well be eafy to proceed, 
 without making the above remarks, as a 
 caution to fuch, into whofe hands this may 
 come, fince it is no fmall thing to be 
 guilty of negligence in the work of God, 
 nor to engage therein without a proper qua- 
 lification.
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 113 
 
 lification. Meetings for wormip were held 
 on third and fourth days, wherein we were 
 favoured, with a good degree of that hea- 
 venly virtue, in which there is renewal of 
 flrength, and comfortable fellowship one 
 with another. From thence we proceeded 
 towards Norwich, taking Brandifton and 
 Layfton meetings in our way; where true 
 religion appeared to be mournfully low. 
 At Norwich we were favoured with con- 
 fiderable opennefs, and fatisfaction in their 
 meetings on firft-day. The quarterly and 
 yearly meetings for the county of Norfolk 
 were held on fecond, third, and fourth 
 days. Divine goodnefs was felt amiling in 
 clofe exercife and labour, for the help and 
 recovery of a declined people ; and heavenly 
 fellowship fweetly enjoyed with thofe who 
 preferred the prosperity of the city of God 
 to their chiefeit joy. On fifth day we had 
 a meeting at Wymondham, wherein we 
 were opened in gofpel fervice, to our com- 
 fort and relief in a good degree. Next day 
 we had a meeting at Tafborough, which 
 was a very painful trying time ; my duty 
 therein was to fet an example of filence. 
 Here my agreeable companion (who had 
 been with me ever fince I left London) 
 and I parted. Now being alone, as to any 
 conftant companion, I attended Norwich 
 meeting on the firfl-day following, to pretty 
 good fatisfaclion ; and had the following 
 meetings appointed in my way to Lynn on 
 H the
 
 ii4 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 the firft-day; viz. Lammas, North Walfam, 
 Holt, and Wells ; in moft of which, I had 
 clofe laborious fervice : being led, as was 
 often my lot, to Air up and awaken (if pof- 
 fible) carelefs lukewarm profeffors. Our 
 friend Edmund Peckover, accompanied me 
 to Lynn, where we had two meetings on 
 the firft-day ; they proved very painful and 
 laborious : I had very little opennefs as to 
 miniftry. From thence we went to Wif- 
 beach, which was a fmall meeting, and 
 things appeared very low. The next meet- 
 ing we had was Gedney, things being alfo 
 very low. From thence we went to Spald- 
 ing, .and had a heavy laborious meeting : 
 here my friend Edmund Peckover left me, 
 and returned home. The fame day was a 
 confiderable eclipfe of the fun. The next 
 meeting I had was at Broughton, which 
 was very painful and afflicting. The great 
 lofs fome in that part of Lincolnfhire 
 (through which I patted) have fuftained, by 
 forfaking the fountain of living water, and 
 the commonwealth of our Ifrael, that they 
 might embrace this prefent world, Demas- 
 like, was forrowfully felt : although fome 
 of them might retain the outward form ; 
 yet having loft the dew of their youth, they 
 were become dry and formal : by whole 
 means, and the undue liberties indulged in 
 too many of the youth, a thick darknefs 
 was raifed, that might be felt ; which did, 
 in a forrowful degree, tend to eclipfe the 
 
 beauty
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 115 
 
 beauty of our Sion. I travelled from thence 
 through Newark, and a conliclerable way 
 by the pleafant river Trent, to Nottingham. 
 Being firft-day, I was at the meetings there, 
 both fore and afternoon. Truth greatly 
 favoured, in opening doctrine and counfel 
 in the morning j the afternoon not quite 
 fo open, but in a good degree to fatis faction . 
 From thence to Oxon meeting, which was 
 fmall, yet open. From thence to Manf- 
 field, and had a painful trying meeting 
 there. The next was at Chefterfield, where 
 the meeting was but fmall, yet truth livingly 
 favoured, opening counfel for our help and 
 encouragement, in the way of well doing. 
 Notice being previoufly given, I had a large 
 meeting at Matlock on firft-day. There 
 were a few friends, and many others, at this 
 meeting, which proved heavy and laborious 
 for fome time j yet divine goodnefs afforded 
 ability to work through \ and the holy 
 power of God was in a good degree exalted; 
 praifes to his name for ever ! The next 
 meeting I had, was at Hanfworthwood- 
 Houfe, on the borders of Yorkfhire. There 
 were but few friends, and of thofe few, 
 moil of them feemed to depend too much 
 upon the labour of the ministers, as is 
 forrowfully the cafe in too many other 
 places. I had nothing to adminifter unto 
 them, but an example of filence, that ap- 
 pearing beft adapted to their ftates -, for 
 unlefs the great benefit thereof is experien- 
 H 2 ced,
 
 ji6 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 ced, there can be no real advancement in 
 true religion. I went from thence to Shef- 
 field, which was a large meeting, and tlte 
 doctrine of truth was largely and livingly 
 opened therein -, I believe to general fatis- 
 faction, and to the comfort of the upright- 
 hearted. From thence I went to Highflats, 
 and was at their meeting, it being firft-day, 
 which was very large ; being compofed of 
 plain country friends. The Lord was plea- 
 fed to favour us with a precious oppor- 
 tunity together, in the comfortable enjoy- 
 ment of his love med abroad -, under which 
 holy influence, the doctrine of truth was 
 largely opened ; the glorious powerful name 
 of the Lord was magnified, and his hum- 
 ble* dependent children were encouraged 
 to ferve him, with a perfect heart and with 
 a willing mind. The next meeting I had 
 was at Brighoufe, which was to pretty good 
 fatisfaction j truth owning and comforting 
 our fpirits therein. Next day I had a very 
 painful afflicting meeting at Halifax, hay- 
 ing reafon to fear but few of the members 
 were rightly acquainted with the quickening 
 virtue of true religion in themfelves : 
 when this is the forrowful cafe, it makes 
 heavy work for painful travellers. My la- 
 bour amongft them was in a clofe roufing 
 way, but it did not appear to have much 
 impreffion. From thence to Gilderfome, 
 where I had a pretty open comfortable 
 meeting j and next day one at Leeds, to 
 
 fatisfaction.
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 117 
 
 fatisfaction . This being a large meeting, 
 I ftaid over firft-day, and am purfuaded 
 there were a feniible weighty body of 
 .friends belonging thereunto j yet there 
 ftemed to me a much larger, as to num- 
 ber, who contented themfelves in the pro- 
 feffion of truth, and in hearing the report 
 of others, concerning the heavenly coun- 
 try. The indifference of thefe, together 
 with their eagernefs after words, appeared 
 to me a caufe of painful anxiety of fpirit 
 in that meeting, which I had to fuffer 
 under, both morning and afternoon. Here 
 my friends, John Hunt and his wife, from 
 "London, met me, with intent to accom- 
 pany me to fome meetings in that county, 
 of which I was glad, being alone, often 
 low, and much difcouraged in mind, in a 
 deep feeling of mine own weaknefs ; as alfo 
 having to wade from place to place, in a 
 painful fenfe of a greatly declined people, 
 whom I was concerned to labour amongft $ 
 fo that, had not divine goodnefs at times, 
 made me fenfible his everlafting arm was 
 underneath, to fupport my afflicted foul 
 in various probations, I had certainly faint- 
 ed. But, blefled be his holy name forever, 
 he was often gracioufly pleafed to open a 
 way for me to hold on, when I could fee 
 none, leading me by the hand like a tender 
 merciful father, one ftep after another ; 
 and giving me more place in the love and 
 regard of his people, than I looked for, or 
 H 3 could,
 
 n8 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 could, as I thought, reafonably expeci. I 
 was many times greatly abafed in mine own 
 fight - y ready to fay, to what good purpofe 
 do I vifit the churches ? for I feem to move 
 in an untrodden pajk.as under .the .weight 
 of ~the' hills and mountains of exalted un- 
 fruitfulnefs ; and often, as it were, groping 
 in the chambers of death, with fuch con- 
 jftant afflicting views, that I was ready to 
 fay, with the prophet, I am a man of un- 
 clean lips, and I dwell amongft a people of 
 unclean lips ; but the live coal from the 
 holy altar, foon removes all that tincture, 
 or feeming defilement, which doth not 
 proceed from our own fins and mifcarriages, 
 but from thofe of others. Thou deep wader 
 for the good of fouls, this is wrote prin- 
 cipally for thy fake, that thou may fee 
 others have gone the fame way before thee -, 
 and be encouraged fo as not to fink under 
 thy burthen. I found in the Lord's time 
 (as thou wilt, if thou patiently hold on 
 thy way) that tribulation worketh patience, 
 and patience experience, and experience 
 hope. The Lord gave me thereby clearly 
 to fee, I muft thus feel the wounds, bruifes, 
 and putrifying fores of the fons and daught- 
 ers of Sion *, or I could not fpeak to their 
 ftates and conditions feelingly, and effec- 
 tually for their help and recovery. Our 
 Lord and Saviour Jefus Chrift, was touched 
 with a feeling of our infirmities. He bore 
 the weight and painful fenfe of the fins 
 
 of
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 119 
 
 of the whole world, tafting death for every 
 man ; whereby he reached forth a merci- 
 ful hand, of help and falvation for the re- 
 covery of all ; fufficient for all who be- 
 lieve in him and obey him ; and his faith- 
 ful meflengers muft know, in degree, a 
 drinking of the fame cup, and being^bap- 
 tized with the fame baptifm he was- bap- 
 tized with, not only 'on their own accounts, 
 but alfo on the account of others. He 
 Hill fufFers by his fpirit, as under the 
 weight and oppreffion of fin and iniquity, 
 in the hearts of the children of men ; fo 
 that all thofe, who are one in fpirit with 
 him, muft in meafure feel his fufferings, 
 and fympathize with him therein - s travel- 
 ling in pain, that Chrift may be formed in 
 the hearts of mankind, ruling in his king- 
 dom on earth, as he rules in heaven. 
 But thefe things are too myfterious for the 
 wife and prudent of this world to under- 
 ftand; being only revealed to thofe who 
 are indeed born of God. 
 
 We ftaid at Leeds until fifth-day, there 
 being a burial, which was large, both of 
 friends and others. Truth opened our way 
 in the miniftry to good fatisfaction. Next 
 day we had a fmall meeting at Knaref- 
 borough, where we found things very low. 
 From thence we went to Thirlk, and on 
 firft-day had a precious open meeting there ; 
 in which the teftimbny.of truth was greatly 
 exalted, and the upright-hearted fweetly 
 H 4 comforted.
 
 120 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 comforted. The praife of all belongs to 
 the giver of every good and perfect gift. 
 Next day we went to vilit our antient 
 honourable friend, John Richardfon, at his 
 houfe near Hutton in the Hole. He had 
 fcarcely ^ght enough to diflinguifh us one 
 from the other. We were received and 
 entertained by him with true love and bro- 
 therly affection. He was much at liberty 
 in his fpirit, and very free in difcourfe 
 about religious things, in which his life and 
 great delight appeared to be. He mewed 
 us (in manufcript) a journal of his life 
 and travels in the fervice of the gofpel, 
 fince published, wherein are many very 
 ufeful obfervations and remarkable occur- 
 rences ; which I hope will be of great fer- 
 vice in the world. On third-day we had 
 a meeting at Hutton, wherein we were fa- 
 voured with fome degree of opennefs ; yet 
 truth did not rife to any confiderable de- 
 gree of dominion : but all is beft as the 
 Lord is pleafed to order, for from him alone 
 proceed the iiTues of life. On fourth- 
 day morning we took leave of our faid 
 worthy friend, in much affection, and had 
 a fmall meeting at Bilfdale : things were 
 low, as to the life of religion, in that 
 meeting ; after which I parted with my 
 friends, John Hunt and his wife. John 
 Scot, of Leeds continued with me, who 
 was an honeft labourer for the arifmg of 
 Jife in meetings, and I thought of confi- 
 derable
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 121 
 
 derable help to me. The next meeting we 
 had was at North Allerton j which was ra- 
 ther low and heavy to wade through. We 
 went from thence to Darlington, in the 
 county of Durham. I had clofe painful 
 labour there ; earthly-mindednefs in pro- 
 feflbrs, is often the caufe of fuch hard 
 work, as it obftructs the current of life, 
 both in themfelves, and alfo frequently in 
 our religious meetings, like the Philiftines 
 flopping up the wells, which the true feed 
 hath opened in the hearts of believers ; 
 fo that many times, inftead of their having 
 to iing, Spring up, O well, and we will ling 
 unto thee ! there is mourning and painful 
 labour, in fympathy therewith, to have them 
 opened again, that the flock of Chrift's fold 
 may all be watered with the rcfrefhing 
 ftreams of that river, which flows from the 
 prefence of God. The next meeting I 
 went to was Raby, being on a firft-day - y it 
 was a large heavenly meeting, truth having 
 great dominion, and friends were fweetly 
 comforted together. At Bifhop Auckland, 
 the Lord favoured with matter and utter- 
 ance, to a coniiderable degree of eafe and 
 fatisfaftion. From thence I went to the 
 city of Durham, and had a hard painful 
 meeting in iilence ; alfo at Newcaftle, we 
 had a clofe, trying, laborious meeting j 
 occafioned, as I apprehended, by undue 
 liberties in thinking and a<5ting, which had 
 darknefs, to be felt in that meet- 
 ing.
 
 122 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 ing. We had an open comfortable meeting 
 the next day at Shields. We went to 
 Sunderland, and attended their meetings on 
 fir ft- day : that in the morning was very 
 open and fatisfaftory, the telHmony of 
 truth going forth freely to the feveral flates 
 of thole prefent, who were much affected 
 therewith. In the afternoon it was a heavy 
 afflicting meeting; but little felt of that 
 which crowned the meeting in the morn- 
 ing. We often find afternoon meetings are 
 the moft heavy and painful, occafioned, no 
 doubt (in part at lead) by anfvvering the 
 cravings of nature to the full ; whereas they 
 fhould be denied a full gratification, as 
 little fuftenance would, for that mort fpace 
 of time, anfwer much better, and be no 
 injury to the confutution. If any think this 
 hint, by way of caution, impertinent, there 
 is reafon to doubt, that they are yet too 
 much Grangers to the nature of true wor- 
 mip, and the many impediments in the way 
 of its due performance ; what I have above- 
 mentioned, is none of the leafl. I was 
 quite fhut up as to miniftry in the after- 
 noon. Here I met my valuable friends, 
 Jonathan and Margaret Raine, of Trawden, 
 in Lancamire, being the firffc time I faw 
 them ; concerning whom, more hereafter. 
 On fecond-day we had another meeting in 
 the city of Durham, wherein the Lord was 
 gracioufly pleafed to exalt his glorious and 
 powerful name, over all diforderly and cor- 
 rupt
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 123 
 
 rupt libertine fpirits ; there being fome 
 fuch in the meeting, which was evident to 
 me, from the main fcope of the teftimony 
 I had to deliver amongft them. It was with 
 remarkable authority and marpnefs againft 
 fuch, who having departed from the divine 
 light, wherewith all mankind are enlight- 
 ened, choofing rather to be in darknefs, 
 were fo loft in a maze of error, as even 
 to call i'n queftion the truths of the Chrif- 
 tian religion. I was afterwards informed 
 that there were fome fuch in that meeting, 
 who had imbibed the dark and wicked 
 principle of deifm, or free-thinking, fo cal- 
 led ; but I had no outward information 
 concerning the ftate of any there before the 
 meeting, which I always carefully munned. 
 The next meeting I had was at Stockton, 
 to pretty good fatisfaction, as truth opened 
 my way to difcharge the fervice required ; 
 yet the meeting was fmall, and things ap- 
 peared low, as to the life of religion. I 
 went from thence to Yarm in Yorkmire ; 
 had a meeting there, and at Yatten, and 
 Mooriliam, to a good degree of fatisfaction. 
 The next meeting I had was at Caftleton. 
 The two laft named were on the Moors, 
 amongft a very plain people, who appeared 
 to be in a low ftation of life, but I found 
 the favour and virtue of truth amongft them, 
 efpecially at the latter -, to which that fub- 
 ftantial minifter of the gofpel, Luke Cock, 
 4id in his life-time belong : the remem- 
 brance
 
 124 T HE JOURNAL OF 
 
 brance of whom, although I never perfon- 
 nally knew him, was very frefli, and living- 
 ly before me in that meeting, as if his fpirit 
 had been prefentj I could, as I thought, 
 perceive the good eftedls of that worthy 
 man's Chriftian labours amongft thofe peo- 
 ple ; and a precious meeting the Lord 
 favoured us with together : to whom, for 
 the multitude of his mercies beftowed upon 
 us, poor unworthy helplefs creatures, be 
 humble thankfgiving and praife, now and 
 for evermore. Whitby was the next meet- 
 ing I attended, being on flrfl-day, where 
 I had very clofe laborious work. An earth- 
 ly lofty fpirit had taken too much place in 
 fome of the profeflbrs ; the tendency where- 
 of is, by darkening the underftanding, and 
 blinding the judgment, to account various 
 weighty branches of our Chriftian teftimony 
 fmall trifling things. Here the flem, that 
 warreth againft the fpirit, having the af- 
 cendency, its language is quite oppofite 
 thereunto. The Hem faith, there is little in 
 drefs ; religion doth not confift in apparel ; 
 there is little in language ; there is little in 
 paying tythes, &c. to the priefts ; there is 
 little in carrying guns in our mips, to de- 
 fend ourfelves in cafe we are attacked by 
 an enemy. To which, I think, it may be 
 fafely added, there is little or nothing in 
 people, who plead as above hinted, pretend- 
 ing to be of our fociety ; for if they can 
 caiily let fall the before-mentioned branches 
 
 of 

 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 125 
 
 of our Chriftian teftimony, I am fully per- 
 fuaded, they will maintain the other no 
 longer than they apprehend it will fuit 
 with their temporal intereft. I have often 
 wondered why fuch continue to profefs 
 with us at all. They are not really of us, 
 who are not concerned to maintain thofe 
 principles and teftimonies the Lord hath 
 given us to bear. I was, through mercy, 
 enabled Jto difcharge the fervice required of 
 me, and went from thence to Scarborough, 
 where the Lord, in gracious condefcenlion, 
 was pleafed to open doctrine and counfel 
 for their help ; who appeared to me moftly 
 low and weak, as to a real growth in true 
 religion. From thence I went to Picker- 
 ing, where the Lord gave us a very precious 
 opportunity together, in the comfortable 
 enjoyment of his power and refreshing 
 prefence ; to the exaltation and renown of 
 his great name, who is worthy for ever. 
 Next day I had a meeting at Malton, being 
 a clofe fearching time ; truth feemed at a 
 low ebb there. The next meeting at 
 Cranfick was very fmall, but the Lord 
 was pleafed to own and comfort us toge- 
 ther, affording counfel for their help and 
 encouragement. I went from thence to 
 Bridlington, and was at their meeting on 
 firft-day ; it was fmall, and things very low 
 amongft them, as to the life of religion. 
 Oh how greatly is that, and many other 
 meetings declined, both as to number and 
 
 a
 
 126 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 a lively experience of true religion : fomc 
 friends informed me, as I remember, that 
 they knew the time, when fourteen or fif- 
 teen miniftering friends belonged to that 
 meeting; and now perhaps, not a much 
 greater number of members, of all forts, 
 belong to it. Once there was a wonderful 
 time of gathering into the vineyard of 
 Chrift ; but fince, with forrow and lamen- 
 tation it may be faid, there has been a loling, 
 fcattering, and dwindling away in many 
 places ; the principal occaiion whereof 
 feems to have been, an inordinate love for 
 tranlitory enjoyments, lawful in themfelves 
 and places, but not to have the chief pof- 
 feflion of the mind. When that becomes 
 the forrowful flate of any, they cannot 
 favour the things that be of God, but the 
 things which be of men ; and are of confe- 
 quence deprived of that all-fufficient help, 
 fo to live and walk, as to anfwer the wit- 
 nefs of God in others ; to train up their chil- 
 dren in the nurture and admonition of the 
 Lord ; and to maintain the teftimonies of 
 truth with a convincing ftrength and efficacy. 
 So that although the form is retained, in a 
 confiderable degree, by fuch, and they may 
 alfo be fortified with arguments, to main- 
 tain the confiflency of our profeffion, with 
 the primitive plan laid down in holy writ, 
 yet, wanting the fait of the kingdom in 
 themfelves, all their pretenfioas without it 
 will prove nothing ; yea, worfe than noth- 
 ing*
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 127 
 
 ing ; feeing, by how much more they have 
 had the opportunity of knowing more than 
 others*, by fo much their condemnation 
 will be greater. Next day we had a fmall 
 meeting at Hornfey, and from thence went 
 to Ouftwick, and had a large meeting, 
 wherein truth favoured in opening doctrine 
 largely, and to a considerable degree of 
 fatisfaction. The next meeting we had 
 was at Hull, which was indeed a very pain- 
 ful exercifing time of filence, in a mournful 
 fenfe of great declenfion. We find it re- 
 corded in the holy fcriptures, that we mufl 
 enter the kingdom of heaven through many 
 tribulations. It is indeed a very wonderful 
 mercy, that fuch unworthy creatures as we 
 are ihould be fo highly favoured, as to 
 be admitted thereinto on any terms. I have 
 confidered, that our afflictions in this day, 
 both in the manner and caufe, differ much 
 from the trials of our worthy predecelTors. 
 Their bodies were frequently imprifoned, 
 and grofsly abufed by people of different 
 religious perfuafions ; but our fpirits, when 
 engaged in the work of the gofpel, are often 
 'imprifoned, deprefied, and greatly afflicted, 
 by means of the great unfaithfulnefs of 
 many, under the fame profeffion with our- 
 felves ; being at times, on account of fuch, 
 fo clofed up in a painful fenfe of death and 
 darknefs, as to be fomewhat like the pro- 
 phet of old, quite fhut up and dumb with 
 filence. This may be occafioned by fuch, 
 
 who
 
 126 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 who are fo far alienated from the fenfibfe 
 reaches of that meafure of grace in their 
 own minds, as not to be opened thereby to 
 receive the word preached to advantage ; 
 for the word goeth not forth in vain - } but. 
 will accomplish that for which it is fent, 
 and it may alfo be neceflary, on account of 
 thofe who have often been comfortably re- 
 frelhed, by fitting under a living miniftry, 
 yet neglecting their own duty in a fpiritual 
 labour for heavenly bread, may look too 
 much for food from the labour of others : * 
 which unjustifiable dependence and expec- 
 tation, is often difappointed and mortified. 
 The main delign of gofpel miniftry, is to 
 turn the children of men to the grace of 
 God in themfelves, which will teach them 
 to work out their own falvation, and dili- 
 gently to feek the Lord for themfelves, in 
 whom, their Strength being renewed, their 
 fpirits would unite, and greatly help and 
 relieve the ministers in their gofpel -labours. 
 From Hull I went to North Cave, where 
 I had an open comfortable meeting. Thence 
 to Howden, where the meeting was fmall, 
 and things very low ; it was held in filence. 
 I went next to Selby, and attended their 
 meetings on firft-day. I had fome Strength, 
 and opennefs for fervice in the 'morning ; in 
 the afternoon I had to fit in filence ; 1 could 
 rind but very littleof the life of religion there. 
 Next day I had an open comfortable meeting 
 at Rawcliff; thence at Pontefra<ft, where 
 
 things
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 129 
 
 things were low and painful. The next meet- 
 ing was a fmall one at Wakefield, wherein I 
 was quite clofed up in lilence ; the flate of 
 the meeting, as I apprehended, requiring 
 it. I went from thence to Leeds, and 
 next day to the houfe of my efleemed 
 friend, William Hird, intending for Brad- 
 ford monthly meeting, which was held on 
 iixth-day, wherein I had thorough fervice, 
 and the blefled truth had great dominion, 
 to the joy and comfort of many hearts. I 
 returned to Leeds, and attended their meet- 
 ings on firft-day. They were low, and 
 rather painful j my fervice therein was in 
 a clofe fearching way ; but thofe who are 
 at eafe in Zion, likefmooth things beft, and 
 are almoft ready to fay now, as fome did 
 formerly, to the feers, fee not, and to the 
 prophets, prophefy unto us fmooth things. 
 I went from Leeds to the quarterly-meet- 
 ing at York, wherein I had confiderable 
 opennefs in fervice ; yet my fpirit was in- 
 wardly and fecretly pained moil of the 
 time -, the caufe whereof, as I apprehended, 
 was the numbnefs and earthly-mindednefs 
 of many members of that very large anem- 
 bly; in which, there were notwithitand- 
 ing, a wife lively fubftantial body of friends; 
 which, by account, hath continued in afuc- 
 ceffion from the early times of our fociety. 
 When this meeting was over, I fet out, 
 in company with feveral friends, in their 
 home, in order to vifit fome meetings 
 I in
 
 130 TH : E JOURNAL OF 
 
 in the Dales, on my way to Kendal quar- 
 terly-meeting ; John Scott being alfo with 
 me. The firft meeting we had was at Bane- 
 bridge, in Wenlley Dale, which was large, 
 being on a firil-day. It was a very clofc 
 trying laborious meeting. I had very little 
 to fay by way of miniftry, but fuffered deep- 
 ly in fpirit, under a forrowful fenfe of car- 
 nality prevailing. Next day I had a very 
 comfortable reviving meeting amongft a 
 few plain friends in Grifdale. After which, 
 I went home with that plain faithful minif- 
 ter of the gofpel, Alice Thiftlethwaite, who 
 had borne me company from York, to her 
 houfe in Dent Dale, where we had a meet- 
 ing next day, which I hope was in a good 
 degree ferviceable, although things were 
 but low. After this we went to the 
 houfe of that worthy elder, and minifter of 
 the gofpel, James Wilfon, Hear Brigflats, 
 where, next day, the Lord was pleafed to 
 favour us with a powerful glorious meet- 
 ing; fo that, we could thankfully witnefs 
 truth was over all. Such thorough open 
 meetings, but feldom fall to our lot in this 
 declined flate of things. Yet the Lord is 
 all-fufficient for the help and fupport of 
 his faithful fervants, in all times and dif- 
 penfations of his providence to mankind ; 
 fo that we cannot only fay, fufficient to 
 the day is the evil thereof; but alfo, fuf- 
 ficient to the day is the ftrength and wif- 
 dom afforded for our aiMance in the 
 
 Lord's
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. i 3 t 
 
 Lord's work. Next day I went to Ken- 
 dal, being accompanied by the before- 
 mentioned worthy friend, who entertained 
 me on the road with divers very pleafing 
 accounts concerning the fpreading of truth 
 in thofe parts, and the wonderful convince- 
 ments there abouts, by that memorable fer- 
 vant of the Lord, George Fox, which the 
 faid friend had heard related by eye-wit- 
 nefTes, who were themfelves convinced at 
 that time ; this made the journey exceed- 
 ing pleafant to me, nothing difagreeable 
 therein, but its being too foon over, as that 
 put an end to this delightful converfation. 
 
 There appeared to me a valuable body of 
 friends in and about Kendal yet left, al- 
 though divers in that town had been remo- 
 ved by death, but a little time before ; the 
 lofsofwhom was much lamented by the 
 furvivors, as they had been ufeful mem- 
 bers in their day. It alfo appeared that 
 good order was well maintained, and that 
 excellent difcipline eftablifhed amongft us, 
 in the wifdom of truth, feemed to be as 
 duly put in practice, as in moft places 
 I have obferved amongft friends ; yet my 
 way was much clofed up in fuffering, du- 
 ring the quarterly-meeting : I ftaid their 
 meetings on firft-day, and was largely open- 
 ed in the morning, truth having great do- 
 minion ; but in the afternoon was fhut up 
 in filence. On third-day, being Winder- 
 mere general meeting, I went to it -, truth 
 I z greatly
 
 132 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 greatly overfhadowed that large aflembly, 
 and the teftimony thereof was much exalted, 
 to the edification and fweet refrefhment of 
 the upright in heart, as well as deeply 
 affecting the minds of many, I hope to their 
 lafting advantage, who had taken more 
 liberty than truth allows of. Next day I had 
 a fmall meeting at Grayrig, where things 
 were low. At Prefton the Lord was pleafed 
 to favour us with an open comfortable 
 meeting, and truth's teftimony was exalted. 
 After which I went to Kendal, and had a 
 very comfortable meeting amongft friends 
 there. From thence I went to Swarthmoor, 
 and was at their meeting on a firft-day, in 
 a meeting-houfe built near the hall, by 
 George Fox ; I could not difcover much 
 lively fenfe of true religion there, it being 
 a time of painful fuffering filence. From 
 thence to the Hight meeting, which was 
 to pretty good fatisfaction -, and thence to 
 Hawkmead ; the meeting there was low and 
 afflicting. My principal fervice was to give 
 an example of filence, which frequently 
 fell to my lot ; the Lord favouring with 
 refignation to his divine will. Next day I 
 had a fmall open fatisfaclory meeting at 
 Kefwick, and went to Ifel meeting ; I had 
 nothing to deliver by way of teftimony, 
 being wholly Ihut up. From thence to 
 Pardihaw, which, I think, is the largeft 
 country meeting in England, and friends 
 there generally made a plain becoming ap- 
 pearance,
 
 JOHN- GRIFFITH. 133 
 
 pearance, much refembling many meetings 
 in Penfylvania, both for largenefs and other- 
 wife j the view whereof gave me fingular 
 pleafure, and abundantly the more, as the 
 great matter of our afTemblies was gracioufly 
 pleafed to honour and comfort us with his 
 living prefence, in which there is fulnefs of 
 joy : matter and utterance was given by him 
 to a difcharge of duty, in which there was 
 peace. I had an open fatisfaftory meeting 
 in the evening, at my friend and old com- 
 panion, Chriftopher Wilibn's. Next day I 
 had a meeting at Whitehaven. Thence to 
 Broughton, where I had a meeting. I en- 
 deavoured to lean upon the Lord -alone, for 
 guidance in my fervice, and by him was 
 frequently much opened, in the ftates- of 
 meetings and individuals prefent. The next 
 meeting was at Cockermouth, which was to 
 a good degree of fatisfaftion. Thence to 
 Allonby, where truth favoured with a good 
 degree of opennefs and peace. From thence 
 I went to Holme, a meeting remarkable for 
 having been, I fuppofe, more than iixty 
 years interrupted, and grievoufly difturbed 
 by a wicked unruly company of ranters. 
 It began in fome of the Pearfons, and when 
 they were removed, others fucceeded in 
 the fame fpirit. Some of them were at the 
 meeting when I was there. A woman of 
 the party fpoke feveral times in fuch ran- 
 cour, that I do not remember ever to have 
 taken notice of a voice fo much tindured 
 I 3 with
 
 134 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 with a dark diabolical fpirit; but friends, 
 in the blefTed enjoyment of the powerful 
 truth, were quite over it, and them, and I 
 believe, had therein been in a good degree 
 preferved -, as that meeting appeared to me 
 the livelier! of any thereabouts, having, as 
 I remember, five or fix public friends 
 belonging thereunto. The next meeting I 
 had was a fmall one at Bolton ; truth fa- 
 voured with a comfortable degree of open- 
 nefs therein. Thence I went to Wigton, 
 and attended both their meetings on rlrft- 
 day; it was an exceeding painful exercifing 
 time. My mouth was, as it were, clofed 
 up in mournful ulence, yet nor without 
 a pretty clear view and fenfe of the forrow- 
 ful ftates of thofe amongft them, who had 
 been the principal caufe of the death and 
 mifery which I felt; I faw what they were 
 doing in the dark, as it were, through the 
 hole in the wall. O ! what a great fnare 
 bright genius, and extenfive natural abilities 
 are to fome, when they are deluded by Satan 
 to truil in them, and prefumptuouily to 
 imagine, they are fufficient to anfwer every 
 purpofe for guidance and help in this 
 world, without fupernatural and divine aid 
 immediately communicated. I have met 
 with no ftate more at enmity, nor in greater 
 oppofition to the truth ; nor from whofe 
 fpirits more pain and dirlrefs is to be met 
 with, than from thcle worldly wife and felf-^ 
 fufficient people, who, no .djoubt, would 
 
 deride
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 135 
 
 deride this obfervation, or any thing elfe 
 that affects an inward fenfe of things. They 
 are very much out of the way of being 
 reached unto and helped ; therefore they 
 are in great danger of being left alone, 
 that they may wonder and perifh. I lin- 
 cerely wifh, that the tender-hearted, both 
 youth and others, may be preferved from 
 the infeclion of that poifon of afps which 
 is under their tongues. Next day I had a 
 poor fmall meeting at Kirkbright, where 
 my buiinefs was to example them with 
 filence. From thence to Moor-houfe, where 
 I had fome opennefs and fatisfaction, though 
 things were but low, as to religion in that 
 meeting. The next meeting was in the 
 city of Carlifle j my way was clofed up in 
 painful filence. I had a fmall open meet- 
 ing next day at Scotby ; then went to a 
 meeting at Sovvport, where there were but 
 few friends, and things very low amongft 
 them, as to the life, and fenfible under- 
 ftanding of religion ; but there came in many 
 of the neighbours, towards whom I found 
 great opennefs to declare the truth, and it 
 was a good meeting. I went to Kirkling- 
 ton, or the border meeting, next, being 
 on a firft-day. Friends having, without 
 my knowledge, given notice to their neigh- 
 bours, and to divers ^ iple of account in 
 the world j it is I *hey expected great 
 things from one coifl fo far to vifit them -, 
 and fome perhaps -.op^l to g?t credit by 
 
 that
 
 136 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 that day's work ; but we fee fometimes, when 
 man appoints, the Lord difappoints ; which, 
 in the iffue, feems to have been the cafe 
 here ; as I fat, the meeting, which was 
 very large throughout in lilence, to the 
 great mortification of many prefent, fome 
 of whom, one might have expected, from 
 their appearance and pretenfions, to have 
 better underftood the nature of fpiritual 
 worfhip, than to have been fo anxious after 
 words, or outward declarations -, it proved, 
 I think, as painful and exercifing a meet- 
 ing as ever I knew, to which the expec- 
 tations of friends and others did not a little 
 contribute. At the conclufion, I was fully 
 fatisfied I had difcharged the fervice requir- 
 ed of me that day, in an example of filence, 
 in which I had peace. I could perceive 
 great unealinefs in many under our name, 
 at the filence of the meeting. It evidently 
 difcovers a mournful degeneracy, feeing 
 filent worfhip is fo directly confiftent with 
 our Chriftian profeffion, of the inward 
 teachings of the grace of God that brings 
 falvation, which hath appeared to all men, 
 and teaches all thofe who diligently hearken 
 thereunto, that no time is more fuitable than 
 when aiTembled together, unitedly to wait for 
 this blelTed teaching, and thereby, a renewal 
 of our flrength. He vabfurd then is it, for 
 thofe who profefs this teaching, and accefs 
 to the fountain of all good, to depart there- 
 from, and gaze at tfee Igftds, or depend on . 
 
 the 

 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 137 
 
 the conduits and water-fpouts, as if it was 
 in their power to fill themfelves, and fo to 
 fupply all their wants ? for although they 
 have, at times, by the Lord of all, been 
 ufed as a means for our help and edification, 
 yet fuch means or helps are not fo effen- 
 tially neceffary to the fpiritual wormip pro- 
 feffed by us, as a people, but that it may 
 be as effectually, and confequently as ac- 
 ceptably, performed without them, in an 
 awful folemn filence : than which nothing 
 can be more reaching and convincing, to 
 thofe in whom the divine witnefs is re- 
 garded, and which may alfo tend greatly to 
 raife that in the minds of fuch where it is 
 depreffed. Some have remarked, that thofe, 
 who have been convinced in the filence of 
 our meetings, have generally flood their 
 ground in religion beft. The reafon is 
 plain, becaufe they have at the very firfl laid 
 hold of, and embraced the very fubftanceof 
 religion ; whereas, the underftanding may 
 be, in a great meafure, convinced by tefti- 
 mony, and the mind much tendered and 
 affected with lively declarations of the truth; 
 but all this goes offfooner,and will leave fuch 
 minds deflitute, unlefs they happily come to 
 be fixed under the teachings of the grace of 
 God in themfelves, and have to fit under 
 their own vine, and under their own fig- 
 tree, where none can make them afraid. 
 None need be afhamed of a folemn awful 
 filence before God, and in the fight of men ; 
 
 feeking
 
 138 THE JOURNAL OP 
 
 feeking the Lord, who will be found of 
 all fuch, and will, by his fecret invifible 
 power, vindicate that fort of filence, in the 
 hearts of all who fuffer his pure witnefs to 
 arife. All who reject the voice of this 
 holy witnefs, mayjuftly be difregarded by 
 God's people, fo as not to be difcouraged 
 by what they fay on that account. But on 
 the other hand, when any thing of this 
 nature is done in the form, and by way of 
 imitation only, there being nothing fuper- 
 natural to fupport and defend the fame, it 
 mufl neceffarily fall under contempt, and, 
 like the fait that hath loft its favour, will 
 be trodden under the feet of men. That 
 fcripture paiTage is very obfervable, where 
 fome undertook to cart out devils in the 
 name of Jefus, whom Paul preached. It is 
 plain the evil fpirits knew, notwithstanding 
 their pretences, that they wanted power to 
 fubjecl: them ; and therefore anfwered thefe 
 imitators and pretenders, ' Jefus I know, 
 " and Paul I know, but \%ho are ye ? and 
 " the man in whom the evil fpirit was, 
 " leaped upon them, and prevailed againft 
 " them, fo that they fled out of the houfe 
 " naked and wounded." I inftance this 
 paiTage to mew, how inefficacious imita- 
 tion is : they would do well to confider this, 
 who, upon a ferious examination, do not 
 find the Lord with them in their religious 
 performances ; for affuredly nothing can 
 ftand approved in his fight, nor maintain 
 
 a dig-
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. *- 39 
 
 a dignity worthy of him, in this flate of 
 probation, but the real product of his own 
 fpirit in us ; therefore, let all who profefs 
 fpiritual worfhip, greatly dread being found 
 in fenfelefs ftupid filence, although it be in 
 the very fame form the people of God have 
 been, and are ftill led into ; knowing, that 
 the beft and mofl confident form, is alto- 
 gether contemptible without the heavenly 
 power. I felt and perceived divers of them 
 were much offended with me, for abiding 
 in that ftation the Lord placed me in that 
 day, which they did not altogether forbear 
 letting me know by words ; neither did I 
 let them pafs without fomeclofe remarks on 
 their forrowful ftate and great blindneis. 
 In about a week after, I received a long 
 letter upon the fubjed:, from one, fetting 
 forth, amongft other things, how great a 
 myflery it was to him, that a perfon in my 
 ftation, traveling from one nation to ano- 
 ther, mould difappoint people, friends, and 
 others, by fuch unaccountable filence ; had 
 not I difcovered fufficient caufe to believe, 
 this friend was not then what he had been, 
 his letter would have been as great a myftery 
 to me, as my filence in that meeting was to 
 him. When I had perufed the faid letter, 
 I was mofl eafy to let it pafs, as not worth 
 anfwering. This was a time of very great 
 anxiety to my mind, having made the above 
 remarks thereon, as I felt my mind opened 
 thereunto ; for no other reafon, than as a 
 
 caution
 
 140 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 caution or warning to all pro fellers of the 
 blefTed truth, into whole hands this may 
 come, that they may watch and pray con- 
 tinually -, left, by departing from the pure 
 leadings of truth in themfelves, they fall 
 into the like absurdities ; manifefting to . 
 others, that they are but mere pretenders 
 to fpiritual worfhip ; and alfo, for encou- 
 ragement to painful travellers in the work 
 of the gofpel, whofe lot, in the courfe of 
 their fervice, may fall amongil fuch, to 
 whom they may be as iigns and gazing- 
 itocks, becaufe their time is not always 
 ready. What makes fuch examples more 
 neceflary in fome places, is the bufy for- 
 wardnefs of unikilful miniflers amongft 
 themfelves, who may be two apt to feed 
 the people with a multitude of words ; per- 
 haps frequently recommending filence in 
 \vords, but not fufficiently by example. 
 I have feen it much my place, efpecially 
 at home, to mew friends, by my example, 
 the benefit and necefiity of filence, and, as 
 it were, to lead them into it. And as may 
 be feen by this account, I many times 
 found it my duty to fit meetings appointed 
 for me in filence - y being at times greatly dif- 
 trefled in a fenfe of the ftates of the people, 
 like a fign unto them, of what they ought 
 to be more in the practice of. This indeed 
 was no eafy tafk to flefh, as the expectation of 
 people was greatly towards me, being come 
 from far to vifit them ; yet there was no 
 
 remedy
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 141 
 
 remedy but patience, and refignation to 
 the divine will, without whofe affiftance, 
 I knew it was in vain to attempt any 
 thing by way of miniftry. My way of 
 travelling, as above hinted, often iilent, 
 was looked upon then, by many, as a 
 ftrange and unufual thing; but fome 
 others have been led pretty much in the 
 fame track ; however, I had moilly great 
 peace, and inward ftrength to ftand my 
 ground therein, as all will, who follow the 
 Lord whitherfoever he mail be pleafed to 
 lead them. 
 
 -I had a meeting on third-day, at the houfc 
 of Cuthbert Wigham, in Northumber- 
 land, which was a fvveet refrefhing time, 
 and tended much to fbengthen and revive 
 my drooping fpirit. Next day I had a 
 pretty open ferviceable meeting at Allondale. 
 From thence to Alilonmoor, where the 
 Lord was pleafed to favour me with a tho- 
 rough roufing opportunity ; and God's 
 everlailing truth was exalted. The next 
 meeting I had was at Penrith, where things 
 appeared to me but low. I went from thence 
 to Coldbeck, and was at their meeting on 
 firft-day. It was a very hard diftrefling 
 time. There I felt, as I thought, fome 
 of thofe hard dark fpirits, which had occa- 
 fioned great anxiety at fundry places in that 
 county ; who might, as I apprehend, be 
 compared to the bulls of Bafhan, that com- 
 pafied David about. It is like they would 
 
 feoff
 
 J42 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 feoff at the expreffion of their fpirits being 
 felt, but the time will foon overtake them, 
 wherein their fpirits will feel, though now 
 perhaps pall feeling, in a great meafure. 
 Next day I had a fmall, but pretty open 
 meeting, at MaiTdale. From thence to 
 Terril, where I had a good open fatisfactory 
 meeting, truth being exalted, and friends 
 comforted. The next meeting was Strick- 
 land, which was but fmall, yet to good 
 fatisfaclion. I went from thence to Ken- 
 dal, and attended their meetings on lixth- 
 day, firft-day, and third-day. Moft of 
 them were to me trying laborious meet- 
 ings. I was not much opened as to mini- 
 jflry. Friends in many places had need 
 to be brought from words, to the one eter- 
 nal infpeaking word. On fourth-day at 
 Yealand, in Lancamire, I had a clofe fearch- 
 ing meeting. The next day I was favoured 
 with an open comfortable time at Wray 
 meeting. From thence I went to Bentham, 
 where truth affifted to difcharge what I had 
 before me, to a good degree of fatisfac- 
 tion. From thence to Settle, where on 
 firft-day we were favoured with a precious 
 open meeting. The testimony of truth 
 went forth freely, and affeclingly, to the 
 tendering many hearts : Praifes and thankf- 
 giving to the Lord for the fame. Next day 
 I had a fmall, but a very open meeting at 
 Monybent. From thence to Soly meeting, 
 which appeared to me in a very weak, low 
 
 condition,
 
 JOHN GRIFFIT H. 143 
 
 condition, as little of the life of religion was 
 to be found therein. After meeting I went 
 to the houie of my kind friends, Jonathan 
 and Margaret Raine ; and from thence to 
 Marfden Height meeting, in which the 
 Lord's power was livingly felt, whereby 
 the teftimony of truth was delivered with 
 clearnefs and good demonstration. Next 
 day a meeting at Trawden. On firfl-day 
 I went again to Marfden meeting, which 
 was a thorough good opportunity, and we 
 were fweetly comforted together. 
 
 Being now pretty much fatigued with 
 conftant travelling and clofe labour, I refted 
 at Jonathan Raine's about a week, and 
 then went to a large meeting of friends in 
 Latherfdale, where I was much favoured, 
 and largely opened to deliver the doctrines 
 of truth, with good demonftration, and to 
 my own peace. The next day I had a com- 
 fortable open meeting at Airton ; my friend 
 Jonathan Raine bearing me company. From 
 thence to Skipton, and had a meeting; 
 things were but low. I had that evening 
 a good open opportunity amongft our wor- 
 thy friend, David Hall's fcholars. Thence 
 I went and had a meeting at Fairfield, which 
 was fmall, but pretty open, and I hope fer- 
 viceable. The next meeting was at Ne- 
 therfdale, where I had very laborious fearch- 
 ing work ; the teftimony was clofe and 
 {harp againil formal profeffors, yet, through 
 divine favour, I was enabled to get through 
 
 to
 
 I 4 4 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 to very good fatisfadtion, and the meeting 
 ended comfortably. I went from thence to 
 Afquith, where was a fmall open meeting. 
 The next meeting was at Rodan, and being 
 on a firft-day, it was very large : a plain 
 folid body of friends belonged thereunto. 
 We were favoured with an open meeting, 
 the teflimony of truth being exalted. Next 
 day I had a very comfortable open meeting 
 at Bradford, and went to Keighley, which 
 was alfo an open fatisfa&ory meeting. There 
 I received, from my worthy friend, David 
 Hall, by the hands of his wife, a truly fub- 
 ftantial and encouraging letter : as it con- 
 tains matter of weighty inftruftion, I wil- 
 lingly give it a place here, not doubting 
 but it will be very agreeable to fome read- 
 ers', and think it is not capable of hurting 
 any. 
 
 Efteemed and well-beloved Friend, 
 
 IN the fweet fpirit, and fellowship of the 
 everlafting and glorious gofpel of peace, 
 I hereby kindly falute thee, and thy dear 
 companion and fellow-labourer, in the ac- 
 ceptable work thou art now engaged in ; 
 not forgetting his worthy confort, Margaret, 
 when thou feeft her. Be not at all difcou- 
 raged on any account, for I truft, thy good 
 Lord and mafter, whom thou ferves, who 
 made thee willing to leave thy outward habi- 
 tation, and little ones, and to traverfe the 
 
 rugged
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH: 145 
 
 rugged ocean with thy life in thy hand, as 
 an ambafTador in Chrift's ftead, to preach 
 glad tidings of good things to the meek -, to 
 call upon and roufe the indolent and care- 
 lefs ; to dired: the ftraying meep unto the 
 fold of reft ; to raife the drooping ones, 
 that are now too low, and endeavour to 
 bring down the lofty, that are too high, 
 to the true centre, even the midft of the 
 path of judgment : in fhort, to bring unto 
 us the pledges of thy matter's love and 
 thine, and to receive ours -, who, after he 
 had in his wifdom and counfel, fufrered 
 thee to be taken captive for the trial of 
 thy faith, in mercy ranfomed thee as an 
 evidence of his power, will never leave thee 
 nor forfake thee. I have unity with thy 
 fpirit, gift, and with the manner of the 
 administration thereof. I intreat thee, dear 
 brother, keep to thy fteady bottom way. 
 The prefent ftate of the church loudly calls 
 upon us, for the entire refignation, faith, 
 hope, charity, and patience of the minifters 
 of the gofpel. 
 
 The diverfities of gifts, operations, and 
 adminiftrations, from the one fpirit, are 
 beautiful and ferviceable : as the ftars in 
 the firmament are not all of one magnitude; 
 have not all one ftation nor degree of luf- 
 tre, but are each ornamental and fervice- 
 able, in their refpedtive places and feafons. 
 The Lord blefs thee, be thy Ihield and ex- 
 ceeding great reward in time here, and in 
 K eternity
 
 146 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 eternity hereafter. Now as the apoftle, in 
 a paternal way, advifed his fon Timothy, to 
 drink no longer water, but ufe a little wine 
 for his ftomach's fake, and his often infir- 
 mities : I defire, as thou ferveft not an 
 auftere man, or hard mafter, but the moft 
 merciful and bountiful King of Kings, and 
 Lord of Lords, thou wilt take due care of 
 thyfelf, and rightly confider thy conftitu- 
 tion. Do not drive on too fail in this 
 cold climate, and feafon of the year ; con- 
 fider, nets are not always to be fpread and 
 caft into the fea, but fometimes to be 
 mended and repaired. Thou finds the good 
 feed lies low in many bofoms, and many 
 meetings ; experience teaches thee, that 
 where and when our mafter fuffers ; who 
 faid, where I am, there mail my fervant 
 be -, we ought to be content to fufFer with 
 him ; that when he reigns, we may alfo 
 reign with him : fhall the fervant think to 
 reign, when and where his Lord and mafter 
 fuffereth ? There are, my dear friend, thou 
 knoweft, times of fitting at the king's- 
 gate; a fafe, honourable, and profitable 
 iituation, previous to advancement : they 
 that are faithful in this low, fafe fitting, in 
 due time receive a call from the king to 
 put on his royal robes, mount his horfe 
 and ride around, which is a high dignity, 
 and a high day -, yet thofe fo favoured, muft 
 not expecT: always to fit in that faddle, nor 
 always^ to be cloathed with that royal ap- 
 parel,
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 147 
 
 parel, but as certainly difmount, as ever 
 they mounted ; and muft by no means for- 
 get the road to the honourable king's-gate, 
 and their honourable feat there. We mould 
 be glad to fee thee here 'once more. Pray 
 write to us. My wife joins with me in 
 dear love to thee, and thofe above-men- 
 tioned. 
 
 I am thy truly affectionate friend, 
 skipton, thei 9 thof DAVID HALL. 
 
 ioth month, 1748. 
 
 After this meeting, I went home with 
 my companion Jonathan Raine, to Traw- 
 den. From thence I went next day to 
 Todmorden, and had a laborious exercife- 
 ing meeting there : yet through the ex- 
 tending of heavenly help> I was enabled to 
 difcharge the fervice required, to mine own 
 eafe and comfort in a good degree. I had 
 a fmall poor meeting at Oldhain next day ; 
 filent labour feemed to be my proper bu- 
 jQnefs therein. On firft-day, the 25th of 
 ioth month, I went to Crofhawbooth, in 
 Roflendale, which was a pretty large meet- 
 ing ; but I was in fo weak a ftate of body, 
 being much fpent with travelling, and deep 
 clofe labour, having for fome time but a very 
 poor appetite, that my fpirits were greatly 
 exhausted -, fo that finding my mind engaged 
 in that meeting, I flood up in order to de- 
 liver what feemed to be required, but was 
 K 2 obliged
 
 14$ THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 obliged foon to fit down again, being fo 
 very weak and fpent I could not raife my 
 voice, fo as to be heard. I then concluded 
 it was time to take forne reft, in order to 
 recover ftrength, if it was the Lord's will 
 as formerly -, but I did not then much ex- 
 pect that, as I thought myfelf fo far gone : 
 nor indeed did I defire it ; for my afflic- 
 tions, feveral ways, about that time, were 
 very heavy, which made me weary of this 
 world, and had it been, the Lord's will, 
 mould have been glad to have embraced 
 death rather than life; yet I endeavoured 
 to be refigned to the divine will. Great 
 care was taken of me, with affectionate 
 kindnefs, by my worthy friends, Jonathan 
 Raine, his wife, and her fifter Ann, who 
 lived then with them ; having often the 
 company of that valuable family, the Ec- 
 royds of Edgend : I was brought very near 
 thefe two families in that love that think- 
 th no evil ; being by illnefs, or rather 
 weaknefs, detained there about nine or ten 
 weeks. It was an exceeding wet feafon ; 
 being alfo the dead of winter, yet I got 
 moftly out to their meeting, which was 
 near ; and went divers times to Marfden- 
 Height meeting, about four miles off; and 
 once to Skipton, and Lotherdale, about 
 eight or ten miles off: in moil of which 
 meetings, the Lord was with me, to my 
 great comfort ; enlarging my heart in fer- 
 vice for him and his people, to my fatis- 
 
 faction
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 147 
 
 faction and encouragement. As foon as I 
 was pretty well recovered, and the weather 
 more fit to travel in, I fet out for Lan- 
 cafter; my kind friend, Jonathan Raine, 
 bearing me company; and attended both 
 their meetings on firft-day, being painful 
 and laborious. I had nothing given me to 
 delifer by way of publick teftimony ; divers 
 friends there appeared to me then, and more 
 fince, lively and fenfible of the work of true 
 religion ; yet I apprehend, the expectations 
 of too many were out after words that day, 
 which was to be difappointed. O that all 
 were really turned to the more fure word, 
 that they might never be difappointed ! I 
 was next day at their monthly meeting of 
 bufinefs, which was low, truth not having 
 much dominion therein. I went to Wyerf- 
 dale, and had a pretty open meeting; re- 
 turned to Lancafter, where next day we 
 were, through divine goodnefs, favoured 
 with a heavenly baptizing meeting, to our 
 great joy in reverent thankfulnefs ; friends 
 being fweetly united in the precious enjoy- 
 ment of the pure love and goodnefs of 
 God ; having an additional confirmation, 
 that when the Lord is pleafed to fhut, 
 none can open, and when he is pleafed to 
 open, none can fhut. As there had been 
 very little opennefs at divers meetings there 
 before, and at this the Lord opened places 
 of broad rivers and flreams, to the unfpeak- 
 able pleafure and refrefhment of thirfty 
 K 3 fouls j
 
 150 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 fouls ; in a fenfe thereof I took my leave 
 of friends, being accompanied by my efteem- 
 ed friends, William Backhoufe, and Jona- 
 than Raine. We had a pretty open com- 
 fortable meeting at the Fylde. Next day 
 had a thorough awakening opportunity at 
 Freckleton, being enabled to divide the 
 word with great plainnefs to their ftates ; 
 wherein I had eafe and peace. We then 
 went to Prefton, where the number of 
 friends was exceeding fmall, and but little 
 to be felt of a fpiritual travail, or lively fenfe 
 of religion amongfl thofe few ; there hav- 
 ing been a mournful declenlion ; yet I found 
 the Lord's merciful loving-kindnefs gra- 
 cioufly extended towards them for their 
 help and recovery. From Prefton I went 
 to the following meetings, viz. Cappul, 
 Afliton, BickerftafT, and Leverpool : in all 
 which, the Lord was gracioufly pleafed to 
 afford wifdom and ftrength, to open doc- 
 trine and counfel, for the ftirring up care- 
 lefs lukewarm profeffors, as well as to 
 the encouragement and edification of the 
 fmcere-hearted, alfo to mine own eafe and 
 peace in a good degree. I went from Lever- 
 pool to the houfe of Gilbert Thompfon, 
 and was at Penketh meeting on firfl-day ; 
 where my fpirit was deeply afflicted, under 
 a fenfe of too many profefTors fitting down 
 at eafe, feeking to be fed with words, and 
 outward declarations concerning the things 
 of God. I have, by experience, found this 
 
 much
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 151 
 
 much the cafe at fome places, where eminent 
 inftruments have dwelt. Friends have fuf- 
 fered their minds to be too much drawn 
 from a diligent fpiritual labour, to receive 
 the bread and water of life immediately from 
 the fountain thereof ; to depend upon the 
 labour of fuch inftruments, who are but as 
 clouds, or water-fpouts ; having no power 
 to fill themfelves, nor to feed the flock 
 profitably, until furnimed for that purpofe, 
 by the bounty of the inexhauftible treafury 
 of wifdom, and all we (land in need of. 
 Here the fountain is forfaken for the ftream's 
 fake ; the eye being more to the gift, than 
 to the giver, which is an abufe of the gift, 
 and provokes the Lord to jealoufy ; giving 
 himjuft caufe to withhold fuch inftrumen- 
 tal means from people. The reafon of fuch 
 a dangerous miftake to me is obvious, viz. 
 becaufe it is found eafier for flem to receive 
 by fuch a meditfm; " Let not God fpeak 
 " unto us, left we die, faid the people of 
 te Ifrael, but let Mofes, the inftrument, 
 *' fpeak unto us," There is a life that ought 
 to die on the crofs, which is eafier faved 
 alive under teftimonies, be they ever fo fub- 
 ftantial and excellent, than under the im- 
 mediate teachings of Chrift ; whofe voice 
 is as a fire againft evil of every kind, and 
 affords no peace after it is difcovered, until 
 it be given up for deftrudion, and to be 
 purged away by the fpirit of judgment and 
 burning. This pure voice fpeaks to us in 
 K 4 fuch
 
 152 THE JOURNAL or 
 
 fuch a manner, as that we can by no means 
 * turn it off from ourfelves, by applying it 
 to the ftates of others ; which may be done 
 under the moil fearching testimonies -, there 
 being a partiality to ourfelves, which, 
 through the deceitfulnefs of the heart, we 
 are but too apt to fall into ; and alfo to flat- 
 ter ourfelves, by fuppoling the pleafure we 
 take in hearing the doctrines of truth de- 
 livered, arifes from the good in us, when 
 it may be no other than the ftate of thofe, 
 to whom the prophet Ezekiel's words and 
 declarations were as a lovely fong, of one 
 that hath a pleafant voice : for they heard 
 his words, it feems, with pleafure, but did 
 them not ; their heart going ftill after their 
 covetoufnefs. I have lengthened this re- 
 mark the more, becaufe of the very hurt- 
 ful confequences I often have feen and felt, 
 by an over-anxioufnefs in people after out- 
 ward declarations ; even to the neglect of 
 that great and neceffary work, of drawing 
 near to God with true hearts, in full af- 
 furance of faith ; wherein is our only fafety 
 and . help. May this confideration deeply 
 engage all minds to return unto him, the 
 great fhepherd of Ifrael, who puts his own 
 fheep forth, and goeth before them, lead- 
 ing into green pa/lures 3 bringing them up 
 from the wafhing-pool, bearing twins, none 
 being barren amongfl them. I found it my 
 place to give that meeting an example of 
 jilence. From thence I went to their 
 
 monthly-
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 153 
 
 monthly-meeting at Hartmaw, wherein I 
 fat a confiderable time in filent waiting 
 upon, and feeking the Lord, who was 
 pleafed in his own time to open a living 
 fpring of miniftry, and truth greatly pre- 
 vailed, to the comfort and edification of 
 friends : there being alfo divers not of our 
 fociety prefent, during the meeting for wor- 
 fhip, amongft whom one, who expreffed a 
 fenfe he had of an awful folemnity to be 
 felt in the meeting, before any words were 
 uttered, which to him exceeded words or 
 outward declarations, or to that effect : as a 
 friend told me afterwards. This, doubtlefs, 
 would be much more the cafe with many, 
 who at times come amongft us, were our 
 religious meetings held more in the fen- 
 fible feeling of the divine power. From 
 thence I went to Manchefter, and had a 
 meeting there, which was low and afflict- 
 ing. Some who mould have been way- 
 marks, and leaders of the flock, not keep- 
 ing their own fpirits in due fubjection to 
 the peaceable fpirit of truth, had not main- 
 tained the unity thereof, which is the bond 
 of peace : to the hurt of that meeting, the 
 pernicious effects whereof were painfully 
 felt. I ftaid there until their firft-day 
 meetings were over, where the Lord was 
 pleafed to afford fufficient ability to dif- 
 charge the fervice required, to mine own 
 eafe and comfort, in a good degree. I 
 went from thence to Stockport, in Che-
 
 I 5 4 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 {hire, and had an open comfortable meet- 
 ing, to the reviving of thofe few who la- 
 boured to keep their habitations in the 
 truth, and warning of carelefs profefTors. 
 I had next day a fmall poor meeting at Mao 
 clesfield. I went from thence to Morley, 
 where, although the appearance of pro- 
 feflbrs was large, yet very little to be felt 
 of the life of religion amongft them ; but 
 inftead thereof, a fenfe of death and dark- 
 nefs, occafioned by wrong things. I had 
 no opennefs at that time to adminifter any 
 thing, but an example of filence. I had a 
 meeting next day at Frandley, where truth 
 favoured with a degree of opennefs. I 
 went from thence to Sutton, where things 
 appeared low : I found it my place to fit 
 the whole meeting in filence. The next 
 meeting was at Newton, being on firft- 
 day, where I was favoured with a pretty 
 thorough opportunity to clear myfelf. Then 
 went to Weft-Chefter ; had a fmall meeting 
 there held in filence ; things appeared very 
 low. The next day I had a good fatisfac- 
 tory meeting at Namptwich ; and went to 
 Middlewich, where I met our worthy friend, 
 Jofhua Toft. The meeting was, through 
 divine goodnefs extended for our help, to 
 pretty good fatisfa&ion. I went home with 
 the above-mentioned friend, and had a 
 meeting next day at Leek, in Staffordshire : 
 I fat the whole time in filence ; friends ap- 
 peared to me, in too general a way, at eafe 
 
 in
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 155 
 
 in an empty form of religion -, depending on 
 the labour of others. I went next day, 
 in company with Jomua Toft, to a burial 
 of a friend at Stafford ; there being but few 
 of our fociety thereabouts ; but many others 
 came -, fome of whom were very rude and 
 noify in the meeting. Our way was quite 
 blocked up, as to miniftry. I returned with 
 Jofhua Toft, and went to Leek meeting on 
 nrft-day, wherein I had a thorough routing 
 opportunity j truth being exalted, and the 
 great name of God magnified : who alone is 
 worthy for ever. I went from thence, in 
 company with my dear friend, Jofhua Toft, 
 to the quarterly-meeting for Cheshire, to be 
 held at Middlewich : infinite kindnefs was 
 greatly manifefted at that meeting, for the 
 benefit of friends in general, and the en- 
 couragement of the upright-hearted in par- 
 ticular. Things refpedting truth and friends 
 being, in the general, very low in that coun- 
 ty j yet the Lord, in condescending kind- 
 nefs, extended his love for their revival and 
 recovery. Here I found my mind engaged 
 again to vifit Morley meeting, the aforefaid 
 friends joining me therein. We fent no- 
 tice by friends from the quarterly-meeting ; 
 it was a very large meeting, being compo- 
 fed of friends and others. I had thorough 
 fervice therein ; yet near the conclufion, not 
 finding my mind clear of thofe under our 
 proferlion, others were defired to withdraw, 
 which they immediately did. Our labour 
 
 was
 
 156 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 was very clofe and fearching, amongft thofe 
 under the profeflion of truth, things being 
 much out of order ; undue liberties having 
 crept in. The Lord favoured me with wif- 
 dom and ftrength, fo to difcharge myfelf of 
 the fervice required, as to go away with a 
 peaceful eafy mind. 
 
 I have now to give an account of an un- 
 expected turn I found in my mind, refpect- 
 ing the courfe I was to fleer in my travels, 
 to'what I expected when I left Lancafter : 
 as then I had no other view, than to vilit 
 meetings agreeable to the foregoing ac- 
 count, and to proceed in a pretty direct 
 courfe, ahrough the Midland counties, to- 
 wards London. But, very contrary to my 
 expectation, fome little time before this, I 
 found my way quite blocked up, and flop- 
 ped, as to what is before hinted, and ano- 
 ther fpread before me, viz. To turn into 
 Yorkrfiire again, and take meetings in my 
 way to the quarterly-meeting there j from 
 thence to Lancafter quarterly-meeting ; and 
 to the circular yearly-meeting for the nor- 
 thern counties , to be held that year at Ken- 
 dal ; after which, to crofs the fea for Ire- 
 land. But O, the clofe exercife this un- 
 looked-for turn brought upon my mind : 
 not fo much out of reluctance to obey the 
 Lord's requiring, provided I was favoured 
 with clear certainty thereof, as fears of being 
 miftaken j and great reafonings there were 
 in my weaknefs j yet through divine favour,
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 157 
 
 I was enabled, in a good degree, to get 
 over them, and to yield obedience to that 
 which I believed was required. I there- 
 upon acquainted my friend, William Back- 
 houfe, with the time I purpofed going for 
 Ireland, as he, when with me in the Fylde 
 country of Lancamire, had fignified his de- 
 fire of bearing me company therein, when 
 I found it my duty to undertake it ; al- 
 though neither he nor I thought then it 
 would be fo-foon; however, I received 
 his anfwer, that he intended to prepare 
 againft the time propofed, in order to bear 
 me company. We went from this meeting 
 to Lowlighton in Derbyfhire, where we 
 were favoured with a good open meeting, 
 and fo proceeded over the mountains of Der- 
 byfliire-Peak, to Sheffield in Yorkshire ; 
 where the Lord was pleafed to give us a 
 very gracious confirming meeting : truth 
 and its teftimony being greatly exalted. 
 This blefled opportunity removed all my 
 reafonings, and fears before hinted; for 
 which my foul was humbly thankful to 
 the Lord, my alone helper. After this 
 meeting my much efleemed friend, Jofhua 
 Toft and I took leave of each other ; he 
 returning home. I went with our worthy 
 friend, John Haflam, to his houfe at Handf- 
 worth Woodhoufe ; where the next day I 
 had a very open fatisfactory meeting; the 
 Lord affording doctrine and counfel, fui- 
 table to the ftates of thofe few belonging 
 
 to
 
 158 THE JOURNAL OP 
 
 to that meeting. When at the houfe of my 
 friend before-mentioned, my mind was 
 touched with fomething like his bearing me 
 company to York, and from thence to Ken- 
 dal yearly-meeting, which I informed him 
 of; but he made very light of it, perhaps 
 thinking my motive was only for the fake 
 of having his company. I advifed him to 
 take with him fuch things as he might 
 think neceflary, in cafe he was to go ; and 
 if, when at York, he found no fuch con- 
 cern, he might then return home. We 
 let out together for York, taking meet- 
 ings in our way, at Newel-Grange and Bar- 
 ton, which were precious open times ; the 
 life and power of truth attending to our 
 great comfort. We travelled on to Leeds, 
 and lodged at our worthy friend, Chriftiana 
 Home's, who in her time had been a fuc- 
 courer of many "of the Lord's mefTengersj 
 being a truly open-hearted woman ; a mo- 
 ther in our Ifrael. But me did not continue 
 a great while in mutability after this. Next 
 day we proceeded to York, and attended 
 the quarterly-meetings ; but cannot find any 
 memorandum by me of its ftate, therefore 
 have but little to fay concerning it. I ftaid 
 over their firft-day meetings at York ; they 
 were hard and painful ; I had nothing, by 
 way of teflimony, fave a little at one of 
 them. My truly valuable friend, John 
 Haflam, acquainted me, that what 1 had 
 faid to him at his own houfe, of bearing 
 
 me
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 159 
 
 me company to Lancafter quarterly-meet- 
 ing, and the yearly-meeting at Kendal, 
 had laid fuch clofe hold of his mind, that 
 he could not find freedom to leave me. 
 I had, he faid, by thofe few expreffions 
 (although he did not much regard them 
 at firft) caft fuch a mantle over him, or to 
 that effecl:, that he found he muft go with 
 me, though not fo well provided for the 
 journey as he could defire. We went from 
 York to our friend William Hird's, and 
 from thence to David Hall's, and fo to the 
 monthly-meeting at Settle. In the after- 
 noon the fame day, we were at the burial 
 of a friend there, which was an open fatif- 
 facftory time, truth overshadowing the meet- 
 ing, and the teftimony thereof was exalted 
 to our great comfort. Next day we had 
 a pretty open comfortable meeting at Ben- 
 tham, and went from thence to the houfe 
 of our friend, William Backhoufe, who I 
 expected to find prepared to go with me 
 into Ireland ; but to my no fmall furprize, 
 I found he had reafoned it away, under an 
 apprehenfion, his propofal of accompanying 
 me proceeded more from his love to me, 
 than any real concern at that time. I was 
 fully perfuaded his concern was right, as he 
 had acquainted me it had remained on his 
 mind to vifit Ireland again for fome years : 
 I therefore had a great travail in my mind 
 for him, that he might be brought to a 
 right fenfe and difcerning of the Lord's re- 
 
 quirings -,
 
 160 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 quirings ; being fully fatisfiedhewas a man 
 of fmcerity, who would not wilfully tranf- 
 grefs. 
 
 I took an opportunity with him next 
 morning, and his concern returning, and he 
 abiding fteadily under the weight thereof, 
 he performed the faid journey to his own 
 peace, and was to me an agreeable friend 
 and fellow-labourer. From his houfe we 
 went to Lancafter, and attended their meet- 
 ings on firft-day. In both which I found it 
 my bufinefs to fet an example of filence. 
 I was taken fuddenly that night, after all 
 were a bed, with an uncommon fwelling 
 in my throat, not much unlike a quinfey ; 
 I could fcarcely fwallow liquids for fome 
 time, fo that it feemed very probable to 
 thofe about me, that it would foon be over 
 with me, as to this world. Concerning 
 which, I was very eafy in my mind. A 
 doctor was quickly fent for ; by whofe care, 
 under divine favour, I foon recovered, fo 
 as to attend the yearly-meeting at Kendal. 
 It was very large, there being a great col- 
 lection of friends from many parts, and large 
 numbers of people of other focieties. This 
 meeting was divinely favoured, efpecially 
 at the concluding meeting, wherein God's 
 everlafting truth triumphed glorioufly, and 
 my poor deprefled fpirit, that had long 
 waded under the weight of wrong things, 
 was raifed into comfortable dominion, and 
 obtained, through the captain of our falva- 
 
 tion d
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 161 
 
 tion, complete viftory over thofe hard un- 
 mortified fpirits, undue liberties, and car- 
 nal lifelefs profeflbrs, I had long mourned 
 under a painful fenfe of, in my northern 
 travels ; now I was fet over them all, for 
 I fenfibly perceived, and livingly felt his 
 eternal power fet over all wrong Ipirits, and 
 clearly faw the Lamb and his followers will 
 obtain the victory : and although it hath 
 been, is, and will be, through great fufferings ; 
 yet thofe who patiently fuiter with Chrift, 
 ihall alfo reign with him. This meeting 
 crowned all my fervice in thofe parts ; after 
 which I found my mind quite at liberty to 
 embark for Ireland. I fet out next day for 
 Whitehaven, in company with my good 
 friend Chriflopher Wilfon, William Back- 
 houfe having appointed to meet me there; 
 a very pleafant journey we had, in that fweet 
 innocent freedom which cloathed our fpirits, 
 feeling the confolating fa-earns of that river, 
 which maketh glad the city of God. Here 
 we, in degree, enjoyed the new heavens and 
 the new earth, wherein dwelleth righteouf- 
 nefs : the fruit and effect whereof is quiet- 
 nefs and affurance for ever. I was at Pard- 
 fhaw meeting, being on a firft-day. It was 
 a precious opportunity; truth was greatly 
 in dominion, and its teftimony exalted; 
 the fincere-hearted being fweetly comforted, 
 and united one to another. 1 he next day 
 I went to their monthly-meeting, and had 
 good fervice, both in the meeting of wor- 
 L {hip,
 
 162 THE JOURNAL of 
 
 fhip, and that for tranfafting the affairs of 
 the church. The weighty fervice of vilit- 
 ing families was before that meeting, and 
 I underftood had been fometime obftru&ed, 
 by fome of the members, to the concern 
 and uneafinefs of others. It was clear to 
 me, when it came to be weightily confider- 
 ed, that the power and virtue of truth was 
 livingly with the promoters of fo good a 
 work, and I did fully believe, the Lord 
 would blefs it in their hands. I therefore 
 endeavoured to fift the oppofite fide, as well 
 as I could, to the bottom, and found very 
 little or no weight in what they had to 
 offer againft it. Upon which they were ear- 
 neftly defired not to hinder the fervice of 
 others, in that important work that had 
 fo often, and fo evidently been bleffed -, al- 
 though they might be unwilling to put 
 their own hands thereto. Truth arofe and 
 came over them, fo that friends at that 
 meeting appointed fifteen or lixteen, men 
 and women, to go in feveral companies on 
 the fervice, as that monthly-meeting is large 
 in its extent. This afforded great relief 
 and fatisfadtion to the lincere travellers 
 for Sion's profperity. I went from thence, 
 accompanied by feveral friends, to White- 
 haven, where I met my intended compa- 
 nion, William Backhoufe 3 and a fhip be- 
 longing to a friend, whofe name was 
 James Nicholfon, being ready to fail for 
 Dublin, we went on board of her, the 191!! 
 
 of
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 163 
 
 of the 2d. month, 1749, in the evening, 
 and were foon under fail. We met with 
 contrary winds, and a very rough uneafy paf- 
 fage, as to our bodies ; being five days, and as 
 many nights, before we landed. What 
 made it much harder for William and me 
 to bear, we had given up the beds prepar- 
 ed for us to two women friends that came 
 on board, and were unprovided, they being 
 alfo very fea-fick moft of the time j fo we 
 were under a neceffity of lying down on 
 the cabin floor, or upon fome of the chefls, 
 in our cloaths ; which we did not take off 
 all the while, that I remember. This 
 proved very trying and hard to us, and 
 greatly fpent and fatigued we were, when 
 we landed at Dublin ; where we were re- 
 ceived and entertained with affectionate 
 kindnefs by our friend, Samuel Judd and 
 family ; at whofe houfe we lodged while 
 in that city. The half year's meeting began 
 in the morning of the day we landed ; it 
 being afternoon when we got on more. 
 
 The next day we attended two meetings 
 for the affairs of the church ; and I am 
 fully perfuaded, there was a faithful exer- 
 cifed remnant, painfully labouring for the 
 refloration of antient beauty and comelinefs, 
 and the affairs of the church were tran- 
 facled with very confiderable order and 
 decency ; yet my fpirit was, as it were, 
 cloathed "with deep mourning, and much 
 clofed up in painful anxiety. The caufe 
 L 2 whereof
 
 164- THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 whereof I did not then diflin&ly under- 
 ftand ; but when I had travelled through 
 the nation, vifiting the churches, and for- 
 rowfully viewing thedefolations thereof, my 
 fufferings in fpirit at the half year's meet- 
 ing were no longer a myftery to me. The 
 next day was held a general large concluding 
 meeting for worfhip, in the morning, and 
 a meeting of miniilers and elders in the 
 afternoon ; at both which, efpecially the 
 latter, I had open thorough fervice ; as alfo 
 In their week-day meeting atSycomore-alley, 
 on fixth-day. We flaid at Dublin over firfl- 
 day : at Meath- Street in the morning the 
 Lord was pleafed to furnim largely with 
 matter and utterance, to a good degree of 
 fatisfaftion . In the afternoon, at Sycomore- 
 allty, I found it my duty to be filent. 
 On fecond-day we fet out from Dublin, 
 accompanied by James Evans and wife, in 
 order to vifit the following meetings in our 
 way towards Cork, viz. Ballycane, Wick- 
 low, Errats, Wrights, Cooladine, Wex- 
 ford, Lambftown, Rofs, Waterford, Clon- 
 mel, Kilcomon, Youghall, and fo to Cork. 
 We found things very low indeed in moil 
 of the faid meetings ; my labour in them 
 was generally fearching, painful, and labo- 
 rious. Truth feldom having that comfort- 
 able dominion (by reafon of the prevalence 
 of wrong things) as was earneftly laboured 
 for, both by us, and alfo by a few mourn- 
 ers, fcattered up and down in thofe parts, 
 
 who
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 165 
 
 who waited for, and ardently fought, the 
 profperity of Sion. Such can only rejoice 
 when the righteous feed beareth rule. We 
 had feveral meetings in the city of Cork; 
 where there is a confiderable body of friends, 
 as to number. But oh ! the love of this 
 world, and other undue liberties, hath pre- 
 vailed, to the great hurt of the fociety 
 there alfo. Our labour was, for the mofl 
 part, painful and exercifing amongft them. 
 From thence we went to Kilcomon again 3 
 fo to Camel, Limerick, Jonathan Barns's, 
 and Birr. At feveral of which meetings, I 
 found it my place to example the people 
 with filence, which was the cafe at Birr, 
 having (as it was faid) all the people called 
 Methodifls refiding there, and their preacher 
 at the meeting; than whom, I think, no peo- 
 ple are more at a lofs what to do with filence 
 in worfhip ; I am perfuaded there have been 
 awakenings of merciful kindnefs to them, 
 and they have feen the neceffity of the new- 
 birth ; but their notions about it have been, 
 for the moil part, in the airy vifions, and 
 flightinefs of their own imaginations ; not 
 coming to ceafe from man, or from their 
 own willings and runnings. Oh that they 
 were fo happy as to be emptied ! that God 
 might be all in- all, working in them the 
 will and the. deed j then would they come 
 really to experience true poverty of fpirit, 
 and to abhor forward active felf, whofe time 
 is always ready. In this fafe, felf-denying 
 L- 3 fituation,
 
 166 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 fituation, they would really feel an abfolute 
 neceflity to wait, as with their mouths in 
 the dull before the Lord, until he mall be 
 pleafed to arife in their hearts ; whereby 
 all his, and their enemies would be fcattered. 
 Then would true worlhip be performed, 
 and they eftablimed upon the immoveable 
 rock, that the gates of hell cannot prevail 
 againft. After Birr, we had meetings at 
 the Moat, Old-Caftle, Ballyhaife, Coothill, 
 and Caftlefhane ; which meetings were 
 moftly fmall and painful : truth favoured 
 with a degree of ftrength, to labour for 
 their help and recovery ; but, alas ! the life 
 of religion appeared, to be at a very low ebb. 
 The next meetings we had were at Bally- 
 hagan, and Charlemont, which were large, 
 yet but little to be felt of the life of reli- 
 gion moving or ftirring in them j neither 
 did there appear to be much foundnefs 
 amongft fome of the foremoft rank ; feveral 
 of whom having adminiftered caufe of 
 {tumbling, and difcouragement to others, 
 it had a bad favour and influence ; inftead 
 of gathering, it had tended to fcatter from 
 the fold of Chrifl's flock. I had very clofe 
 fearching-work amongft them, in order to 
 bring the judgment of truth over fuch, as 
 the Lord was pleafed to open my way, and 
 to difcover their ftates to me, being altoge- 
 ther without any outward information there- 
 of. I understood afterwards fome of them 
 refented it, though they faid nothing to 
 
 mo
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 167 
 
 me about it ; but as fome had before, fo I 
 underflood one or more of them did foon 
 after, manifeft a bafe ungodly foundation. 
 We proceeded from thence to take the 
 meetings round Lough Neigh, viz. Tober- 
 head, Colraine, Ballinacre, Grange, and 
 Antrim ; which meetings appeared indeed 
 almoft a defolation, with refpect to the fen- 
 fible poffefiion of truth ; although it was 
 profeffed by fome. A time of deep mourn- 
 ing and diftrefs it was to my foul, to view 
 their captivity and lofs, which themfelves 
 did not feem to have much fenfe of. The 
 next meeting was Ballinderry, being very 
 large, but heavy and painful ; yet the blef- 
 fed power of truth prevailed in a good de- 
 gree. From thence we went to the follow- 
 ing places, and had meetings, viz. Lifburn, 
 Hilfborough, Lurgan, and Moyallan; where, 
 although we found fome true mourners in 
 and for. Sion, yet the bulk of the fociety 
 feemed to love the world, and the things 
 that are therein, to that degree, as to have 
 very little tafte or reliih for the things of 
 God. Even fome of thofe, who, by their 
 ftations in the church, ought to have been 
 lively examples of felf-denial in this refpect, 
 appeared to be as deeply plunged into this 
 mournful caufe of defolation as any. Alas ! 
 what account will they have to give of their 
 ftewardihip, when the chief mepherd fhail 
 appear. From this place we croffed the 
 country Jo Edenderry ; once remarkable for 
 L 4 a brave,
 
 i68 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 a brave, lively body of friends : there are 
 now a large number of profefTors belonging 
 to it; but, alas ! the glory is much depart- 
 ed, and the fountain of living water forfa- 
 ken by many. Oh, how are they gone into 
 captivity by the muddy waters of Babylon ! 
 We attended their meeting on a firfl-day ; 
 but could hear no melody or long of Sion ; 
 all being doled up, and our harps hung, as 
 it were, upon the willows. It was a time 
 of deep filent mourning. About the time 
 of breaking up that meeting, it livingly 
 fprung in my mind, that as they had re- 
 jected abundant favours bcflowed upon them, 
 that they might be gathered to God ; fo the 
 Lord would reject many of them. The 
 next meetings we had, were at Timahoe, 
 Rathagon, Mount Melick, Mountrath, 
 Ballinakill, at James Huchefon's, Carlow, 
 Kilconner, and the province meeting at 
 Caftle Dermot. Pain, diftrefs, and clofe 
 labour, either in teftimony, or an example 
 of filence, attended in the laft-mentioned 
 meetings -, yet the Lord was a gracious fup- 
 port through all. I hope our deep wadings, 
 and painful fervice, was not without fome 
 good effects, both to the ftirring up the 
 carelefs, and comforting the mourners in 
 Sion. I had very clofe fervice at the pro- 
 vince meeting ; yet, by divine favour, was 
 carried through to pretty good fatisfaction, 
 and I believe it was a ferviceable meeting to 
 many. From thence, in our way to Dub- 
 lin,
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 169 
 
 lin, we had meetings at Athy,- Ballytore, 
 and Baltybois, which were very /mall, and 
 true religion very low. From thence we 
 went to Dublin, intending fhortly to em- 
 bark for England. We attended the meet- 
 ings in the city, both on firft, and other 
 days of the week, during our fray, but I 
 had very little opennefs therein ; being made 
 to the profeffors as a fign, and example of 
 filence, from meeting to meeting. Great 
 indeed were my inward diftreffes, on. account 
 of the mournful declenfion of the church in 
 Ireland : the Lord knoweth, and was my 
 only fupport under it. Bleiied be his name 
 for ever ! Divers there were amongft them- 
 felves, who greatly lamented it. The tra- 
 vail of whofe pained fouls, I hope the Lord 
 of fabbaths will regard in his own time, fo 
 as to turn his hand again upon a greatly 
 declined church, that he may, by the fpirit 
 of judgment and burning, purely purge 
 away her drofs, take away her tin, and 
 reprobate filver; that her judges may be 
 reftored as at the firft, and her counfellors 
 as at the beginning. 
 
 It may by fome be looked upon rather 
 imprudent, to lay open the defection and 
 fpiritual condition or ftate of our fociety, 
 which depends fo much upon my own tef- 
 timony of an inward fenfe given me thereof 
 in my travels. In the firft place, no other 
 perfon can do it for me, and I cannot find 
 my mind eafy that it ihould be wholly 
 
 omitted.
 
 170 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 omitted. It hath been fo repeatedly, and 
 with fuch clear evidence to my underftand- 
 ing, confirmed, that I have not the leaft 
 doubt of what I write in that refpecl ; al- 
 though it be with a confiderable degree of 
 reluctance, yet it feems my way, and I am 
 not eafy to go out of it ; intending no other 
 by thofe clofe remarks, than as leffons of 
 inftrudlion, caution, and warning to fucceed- 
 ing generations ; if, when I am removed 
 hence, this be looked upon worth printing. 
 So far I may add, that the laying open the 
 mournful declenfion of the fociety, and 
 pointing out fome of the caufes thereof, 
 as my understanding might be opened there 
 into, was one of the principal things that 
 engaged my mind to write a journal : it 
 never entering into my thought, that my 
 travels and little fervices, iingly confidered, 
 were of fuch confequence, as to merit the re- 
 gard of my friends, fo as to be publimed j but 
 thinking the account of my travels, and the 
 obfervations of the ftate of things, are 
 neceflarily connected together, fo that in 
 doing the nrft, I could not well avoid the 
 laft. I have further to add, that I think 
 myfelf alfo warranted herein, by the exam- 
 ple of God's faithful witnefles in ages paft, 
 with whom it was ufual to lay open the 
 flates of the people, both in an individual 
 manner, and in a more collective body, 
 viz. as nations, focieties, or churches ; alfo 
 fetting forth, for a warning to all fucceed-* 
 
 ing
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 171 
 
 ing generations, thofe particular evils which 
 caufed the Lord's difpleafure, and would, 
 if not turned from, bring down his judg- 
 ments upon them. Wealfofind, that even 
 thefe warnings, and heavy denunciations 
 of judgment, were preferved in writing, as 
 a teftimony for God, and againft themfelves, 
 even by thofe againft whom they were really 
 given forth ; yea, the particular evils and 
 frailties which, through inadvertency, the 
 Lord's choice fervants fell into, and deeply 
 repented of, are recorded ; not only as 
 warnings to all, but alfo to excite charity 
 and tendernefs towards thofe who have fal- 
 len into evil, in cafe they repent and for- 
 fake ; confidering ourfelves, that we may 
 alfo be tempted, and therefore never dare 
 upbraid thofe, who, through their own im- 
 prudence, have fallen amongft thieves, and 
 are naked and wounded, provided they re- 
 turn again to the father's houfe. I have juft 
 further to remark, that I have obferved a 
 prevailing difpofition, in fome of confidera- 
 ble eminence in the fociety, and in a great 
 many others, to cry up mightily for peace 
 and charity, the maintenance of unity, and 
 not to prefs any thing very clofely, left 
 the peace of the fociety mould be there- 
 by endangered -> although, perhaps, the 
 things urged cannot well be objected to, 
 upon any other principle than ground- 
 lefs fears, and a faint-hearted mind, not yet 
 *quite upright to God ; nor wholly redeem- 
 ed
 
 172 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 ed from the praife of men : as there is an 
 unwillingnefs to difpleafe them, though in 
 maintaining the Lord's caufe : " for if I yet 
 " pleafe men (faid Paul) I mould not be 
 " the fervant of Chnft." What makes me 
 take notice of this, is, that I have feen a 
 great fnare in it, wrong things fuffered to 
 remain, and prevail under it -, and the fire 
 of primitive zeal, againfl undue liberty, 
 too much quenched. We have no fuch 
 examples of indulgence, and winking at 
 wrong things, and falfe eafe, in the pro- 
 phets, or in Chrifl and his apoftles. 
 They had no fear of breaking unity, nor 
 disturbing the quiet and peace of any 
 people, in their concern to teftify againft 
 fuch things, let their rank or flation be 
 what it may. Had this noble fpirit of 
 antient zeal been more generally exercifed 
 in plain dealing, and fpeaking the truth 
 one to another, the mournful declen- 
 fion, fo juftly complained of amongft us, 
 as a people, would not have fo generally 
 prevailed. It is but about a century, fince 
 the Lord, by an out-ftretched arm, gathered 
 our fociety, as from the barren mountains, 
 and defolate hills of empty profemon; chufe- 
 ing them for his own peculiar flock and 
 family; as by many evident tokens of his 
 love, and mighty protection, doth fully ap- 
 pear : even when the powers of the earth, 
 like the raging waves of the fea, rofe up 
 againft them, with full purpofe to fcatter and ' 
 
 lay
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 173 
 
 lay wafte. This remarkable inftance of his 
 regard, mutt, I think, gain the aiTent of 
 every coniiderate perfon, who hath not yet 
 a capacity of underftanding clearly the 
 Lord's gracious dealings with his people, 
 in a more fpiritual and myfterious relation. 
 When I view the multitude of his favours, 
 and bleffings to them in this refpect, I am 
 afraid even to attempt the recounting, and 
 fetting forth fo copious and amazing a fub- 
 jec~l; which can better be admired, and the 
 bountiful author adored for the fame. It 
 may bejuftly queried, what could the Lord 
 have done for us, that he hath not done ? 
 Notwithftanding which, what indifference, 
 lukewarmnefs, and infenfibility, as to the 
 life of religion, is now to be found amongft 
 numbers under our name ; nay, in fonre 
 places, this painful lethargy is become al- 
 moft general ; although I hope a few may 
 be excepted, who are much afflicted on that 
 account, being exceedingly burthened with 
 an earthly, carnal fpirit. 'Oh! how doth 
 covetoufnefs, which is idolatry, and an in- 
 ordinate love of things, lawful in themfelves 
 and places, cloak, melter, and hug them- 
 felves, even under a plain appearance in 
 fome ; yet plainnefs is no more to blame 
 for that, than the name difciple or apoftle 
 was to blame, becaufe Judas once bore that 
 name. I could write much more on this 
 mournful fubjedr., having fuffered fo deeply 
 in my travels, on account of the grievous 
 
 declenfion .
 
 174 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 declenfion ; but hope to eafe my mind, by 
 dropping here and there a remark, as I pro- 
 ceed in giving account of my travels. 
 
 We embarked at Dublin the eighteenth 
 of the 5th month in the morning, and 
 landed at Peel, near Swarthmoor-Hall next 
 day. One thing I am not quite free to 
 omit, as I could not well help looking upon 
 it a providential prefervation of my life, 
 viz. the fands being very extenfive there- 
 abouts, and we happening rather too late, 
 as to the time of tide-ferving, to be fet on 
 fhore, could not, by the waters leaving of 
 us, bring the boat up fo as to land in time. 
 We were thus fet faft, about half a mile 
 from firm land. We could therefore think 
 of no better way, in this difficulty, than 
 accepting the poor failors affiftance, which 
 they kindly offered us, viz. to carry us out 
 to land on their backs, which was no fmall 
 undertaking, as we were, efpecially myfelf, 
 none of the lighteft - y however, I was the 
 firft, and believe the failor, who was a 
 ftrong man, would have carried me to land, 
 had not both of us, in our journey thither, 
 fallen into a large quick-fand. The failor 
 immediately left me (his burthen) to fhift 
 for myfelf, whilft he did the fame; but 
 he had greatly the advantage of me, as he 
 could fwim, which I had never learned. 
 However, I was, fome how or other, 
 buoyed up in a wonderful manner, fo that I 
 never was plunged over head; to which, 
 
 perhaps,
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 175 
 
 perhaps, my great coat buttoned about me, 
 might, in fome meafure, contribute. I 
 well remember, that I could feel nothing 
 but water, or foft mud under my feet, that 
 could bear up no more than water ; my head 
 being all the while above water ; I knew 
 which way we tumbled in, and being near 
 the bank, I made fome fhift to fcramble to 
 it, and to climb up of myfelf. I then 
 waded to the more, being exceeding wet 
 and dirty. We went to a poor cottage, 
 where the accommodations were indeed very 
 mean ; but the poor people's kindnefs and 
 hofpitality was very noble ; which we did 
 not let pals unrewarded. We got that night 
 to my affectionate companion's houfe ; hav- 
 ing travelled the before-mentioned journey 
 with great diligence, in much love and 
 harmony one with another, and were not 
 out of England quite three months. The 
 nrfr, meeting I went to, after we landed, 
 was Yeoland, as my companion belonged 
 to it, which was a good open meeting ; 
 truth being exalted over wrong things. I 
 went from thence to Lancafter, where I had 
 a fatisfactory meeting ; the Lord's power 
 having, in a good degree, dominion, to our 
 comfort. I went from Lancafter direclly 
 to Warrington, and was at Penketh meet- 
 ing in the forenoon, being firft-day ; where 
 the Lord was pleafed to favour us with a 
 precious opportunity, truth being exalted 
 over all, and the fincere travellers Sio'nward 
 
 greatly
 
 176 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 greatly comforted, in the fweet enjoyment 
 of the Lord's prefence, which was livingly 
 felt amongft us. Praifes to his holy name 
 for ever ! In the afternoon we had a large 
 meeting at Warrington, where it appeared 
 my duty to fit in filence; the want of 
 which,, properly employed, proves a great 
 lofs to our fociety, in many places. I went 
 next day, accompanied by my worthy friends, 
 Samuel Fothergill and William Dilworth, 
 in order to be at Marfden-Height yearly- 
 meeting, and to vilit my kind friends there- 
 away. I attended Marfden week-day meet- 
 ing on fifth-day, which was fatisfactory. 
 On the firft-day following, the yearly- 
 meeting was held, to which came a large 
 collection of friends from parts adjacent, 
 and a pretty many people of other perfua- 
 iions. The Lord was pleafed to exalt his 
 glorious truth, and the teflimony thereof, 
 in a free and open manner, that day, to the 
 comfort of many hearts. I went from thence 
 to Todmorden, and fo to Manchefter, being 
 accompanied by my affectionate friends, 
 Jonathan Raine and his wife. At Man- 
 chefter we had an open comfortable meet- 
 ing, truth having dominion ; wherein alone 
 the upright-hearted can rejoice, with joy 
 unfpeakable, and full of glory. I went to 
 Oldhain meeting on firfl-day ; which was 
 in a good degree open, and I hope fervice- 
 able. The next day I travelled to my wor- 
 thy friend, Jofhua Toft's, near Leek ; had 
 
 a meet-
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 177 
 
 a meeting there, in which I found it my 
 place to fit the whole meeting in filence. 
 From thence I travelled towards Birming- 
 ham, in Warwickfhire, having my faid 
 friend with me. We attended both their 
 meetings, being on firft-day ; they were 
 very heavy and laborious, through the pre- 
 valence of lukewarmnefs in fome, and un- 
 due liberty in others -, fo that I had but 
 very little opennefs at either of the meet- 
 ings, and was quite fhut up in filence at 
 one of them. The next meetings we had 
 were at Wiganfal, and Atherflone j but 
 found the life of religion very low in them. 
 The yearly-meetings for the wefterly coun- 
 ties being to be held at Coventry, we went 
 thither, in order to attend the fame, which 
 began on firft-day, the fixth of the fixth, 
 month, 1749. The meetings were held 
 in a large town-hall ; conveniency being 
 made therein by friends for the purpofe; 
 fo that one room, which was called the 
 hall, would contain, by computation, not 
 lefs than a thouiand people ; and another 
 under the fame, roofed, it was fuppofed 
 would contain above five hundred. We had 
 a pretty large meeting-houfe befides. Thefe, 
 I think, one or more, were all filled at one 
 time. There was indeed a great collection 
 of friends from many parts, and very great 
 flockings in of others, amongft whom there 
 was confiderable opennefs, and their beha- 
 viour in general was becoming. The gof- 
 M pel
 
 178 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 pel was preached with power, clearneft, 
 and good demonftration. I found myielf 
 much excufed from public fervice, which 
 I accounted a favour; having greatly to 
 rejoice in the exaltation of truth's teftimony, 
 through well qualified inftruments, of whom 
 there were a confiderable number prefent, 
 whom I greatly preferred, and was glad 
 the public fervice fell chiefly upon them ; 
 for I have ever accounted it a concern of 
 great importance, to appear by way of 
 public teilimony in thofe large aiTemblies, 
 and have earneftly prayed they might be 
 conduced in the beft wifdom; which, 
 doubtlefs, would always be the cafe, if the 
 fpirits of all, who undertake the great and 
 awful work of the miniftry, were truly fub- 
 jedled to the alone fource, or fountain there- 
 of: who is, to his humble dependent ones, 
 wifdom and utterance. The meeting ended 
 on third-day, to the comfort of friends, 
 and, as far as appeared, to the general fatis- 
 faftion of others; whofe attention to what 
 was delivered, and behaviour to friends in 
 general, was to their honour, and the repu- 
 tation of the city of Coventry. On fourth- 
 day there was a meeting appointed, at my 
 requeit, in Warwick, to which I went; 
 but when I faw the ^great comings in of 
 people; and, by tneir appearance, many 
 itemed to be of the principal inhabitants ; 
 knowing my own great weaknefs, I was 
 pretty much intimidated, and fell under 
 
 difcourage-
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 179 
 
 difcouragement for a time. My great fear 
 was, left through my means, or that of 
 fome others prefent, truth might fuffer. 
 I cried with earneft concern to the Lord, 
 who feeth in fecret, and he was gracioufly 
 pleafed to hear, and to furnifh with might, 
 by his fpirit, in the inward man j fo that 
 the everlafting truth, and its teftimony, 
 was exalted that day, and the people ap- 
 peared to be pretty much affected there- 
 with. 
 
 I have many times feen it very profitable 
 to be deeply humbled, and awfully prof- 
 trated before the almighty powerful helper 
 of his people - y that fo, what we are in the 
 miniftry may be by his grace only -, hav- 
 ing obferved, where the creaturely part is 
 not wholly abafed, but fome fufficiency or 
 treafure belonging thereunto, is yet faved 
 or referved (it being very clofe work to be 
 Gripped of all) there hath been a mixture 
 brought forth ; a wearing the linen and 
 woollen garment, and fowing the field with 
 two forts of grain ; and when any by 
 cuftom, their own unwatchfulnefs, or the 
 neglect of others, whofe care mould have 
 been over them, become, as it were, efta- 
 blifhed in this mixture, I think they fel- 
 dom get out of it the right way ; by the 
 bad being removed, and the good preferved. 
 Oh, it is a great thing to ftand fully ap- 
 proved in this folemn fervice ! to fpeak as 
 the oracles of God, and to minifter of the 
 M 2 ability
 
 i8o THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 ability immediately given by him. Blefled 
 will that fervant be, who is found, when 
 ; his Lord cometh, dividing the word aright, 
 giving the flock and family of Chrift their 
 proper portion of meat, and that in due 
 feafon. 
 
 Having a defire to take fome meetings 
 in my way into Wales, whither I intend- 
 ed, in order to vifit my dear antient mother, 
 I took the following meetings, viz. Hen- 
 ley, Bromfgrove, and Worcefter. I had clofe 
 laborious fervice in them, as was often my 
 lot where I travelled. I fpent about a week 
 at my mother's, having feveral large tho- 
 rough ferviceable meetings amongft friends, 
 my old neighbours, and acquaintance j 
 their hearts being tendered, and fome much 
 affected. But, alas! things are at a low ebb 
 with our fociety in thofe parts, and the 
 conduct of fome rather adminifters caufe of 
 tumbling, than convincement to others. 
 I travelled from thence to Bewdly, Stour- 
 bridge, and Dudley j my brother Benjamin 
 bearing me company. I had good open 
 fervice at the faid meetings, and went to 
 Birmingham, where I had a hard trying 
 meeting, as before. I went from thence to 
 Hartfhill general meeting, being on a firft- 
 day. It was, through divine favour, an 
 open good meeting. I went the third-day 
 following back to a burial of a friend at 
 Birmingham ; and returned to the houfe of 
 my kind friend, John Bradford, who bore 
 
 me
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. iSi 
 
 me company next day to Hinkley, in Lei- 
 cefterfhire, where we had a pretty open 
 meeting, and went to Leicefter, where the 
 Lord was pleafed to favour us with a fatif- 
 fadlory meeting. Next day I had a fmall 
 meeting at Soilby, things being very low 
 there. From thence to Caftle-Dunington, 
 and had two meetings, being firft-day ; to 
 which many friends from Nottingham came; 
 they were large, and I believe ferviceable 
 meetings to many. Next day I had a fmall 
 poor meeting at Wimes-Wood ; and went 
 to Longclawfon, where I could perceive very 
 little of the life of religion. From thence 
 to Oakham, in Rutlandfhire, and had a 
 comfortable meeting ; truth and its tefti- 
 mony had confiderable dominion. From 
 thence to Leicefter quarterly-meeting; and 
 to Kettering in Northamptonmire ; where I 
 had a good degree of opennefs, and truth 
 prevailed. Then to Wellingborough, being 
 on firft-day, and attended their meetings, 
 fore and afternoon ; the firft was a clofe 
 exerciling time, in a painful lilence, and 
 forrowful fenfe of the indifference and in- 
 fenfibility of many; it being a large meet-!- 
 ing, and to me, the much greater part ap- 
 peared very ignorant of the importance of 
 that worfhip and fervice they profeffed to 
 meet about. In the afternoon I was favoured 
 with wifdom and ftrength to difcharge my 
 mind, in a clofe fearching teftimony. The 
 next day I had a meeting to pretty good 
 M 3 - fatisfaftion,
 
 i8a THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 fatisfaction, at Ranee. The day following 
 I went to the monthly-meeting at Ramfey, 
 in Huntingdonshire, where I had good fer- 
 vice. After which, had meetings at Ives, 
 Godmanchefter, Erith, and Hadenham ; 
 moft of which were pretty open, and fer- 
 viceable, through divine help, for without 
 the Lord's bleffing on our labours* they 
 prove altogether fruitlefs ; for the increafe 
 is from him alone. I went next to Miiden- 
 hall, in Suffolk, where on a firft-day I had 
 a large meeting, to good fatisfadtion. The 
 next meetings were at Bury, and Haverill ; 
 the laft of which, being moftly people of 
 pur focieties, was open, and the teftimo- 
 nies of truth appeared to be well received. 
 I went from thence to SafFron-Walden, in 
 Eflex, and had a very painful afflicting 
 meeting : very little to be felt of the life of 
 religion therein. Oh ! what pity it is, fo 
 many up and down, do fatisfy themfelves 
 with a profeffion of truth; only having a 
 name to live, when they are really dead, as 
 to the quickenings of heavenly virtue. The 
 next meeting I had was at Stebbing; where- 
 in we were favoured with the opening of 
 the living fountain in a good degree ; yet 
 there appeared to me to be fome obdurate 
 unfaithful fpirits under our profeffion, who 
 feemed out of reach, in a forrovvful degree, 
 and very hard to be made fenfible of the 
 weight and importance of our religious 
 jteftimonies ; efpecially in fome branches 
 
 thereof.
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 183 
 
 thereof. Such caufe a fecret pain and an- 
 guifh, which covers the minds of poor tra- 
 vellers in the work of the gofpel, like un- 
 to the iackcloth underneath. I feldom 
 found room and opportunity to put it 
 wholly off, though I was frequently favour- 
 ed with a comfortable evidence, that the 
 Lord was with me, gracioufly owning my 
 fervice for him and his people. At the 
 next meeting at Coggefhall, on firfl-day, I 
 had clofe fearching, laborious fervice, and 
 found fomething exceeding heavy in that 
 meeting ; yet, by divine favour, I was car- 
 ried through to a good degree of fatisfaftion. 
 Next day I had a meeting at Kelvedon, and 
 another the day following at Witham. At 
 both which, my labour in teftimony was 
 very clofe and routing ; in order, if pof- 
 fible, to awaken and ftir up lukewarm, un- 
 faithful profeflbrs ; and by the blefTed effi- 
 cacy of the word of life, the wholefome 
 doctrine of truth was fet over them, and 
 the few upright-hearted had relief. I went 
 from ' thence to Chelmsford, where I had 
 good open fervice at their week-day meet- 
 ing, and alfo on the firft-day followiag : 
 notwithstanding which, a fecret pain ac- 
 companied my mind, occafioned, in a great 
 meafure, no doubt, by thofe unfaithful pro- 
 feflbrs before hinted at, who have neither 
 courage nor fidelity to maintain any branch 
 of our Chriftian teftimony, when there ap- 
 pears any probability of outward loiles, or 
 M 4 fuffering
 
 184 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 fuffering thereby : dealing with our princi- 
 ple in a very lax, indifferent manner, tak- 
 ing what they pleafe, and facrificing the 
 refl to their own felfifh views -, fuch are as 
 fpots in our feafls of charity, and a mourn- 
 ful load to the truly living, in religion ; 
 but the Lord Almighty, who hears their 
 groanings, will in his own time grant re- 
 lief; and thefe mall bear their own bur- 
 thens. I went from Chelmsford to a mar- 
 riage at Dunmow, and from thence to 
 Royfton, in Hertfordmire. Things, as to 
 the life of religion, appeared very low there; 
 I had nothing to minifter unto them, but 
 an example of filence. Next I had a meet- 
 ing at Baldock, which was low, and rather 
 painful. I went from thence to Hitching, 
 and was at their firft-day meetings. They 
 were pretty open and fatisfaclory. From 
 thence to Ampthill, where things appeared 
 low. Then to Hogftyend, where I had 
 fome opennefs and fatisfaction : at Shering- 
 ton I had a low painful meeting. The 
 next meeting I had was at Northampton ; 
 which was a very trying time ; but the 
 Lord, by his powerful word, gave me do- 
 minion, in a good degree, over dark, liber- 
 tine fpirits : things, as to true religion, 
 feemed almoft loft there. The next meet- 
 ing was at Bugbrook, where I had fome 
 opennefs, and got through my fervice to 
 pretty good fatisfadion. From thence to 
 Coventry, and was at their meetings on 
 
 firft-
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 185 
 
 firft-day : in one whereof, I had clofe fearch- 
 ing labour; I was lilent in the other. The 
 next meeting was at Edington, which was 
 fmall, and things but low. I went from 
 thence to a marriage at South-Newton. I 
 found it my place there to fit the whole 
 meeting in filence. The earned expectation 
 of people, efpecially on fuch occafions, may, 
 and J believe often does, obftrud: the cur- 
 rent of right miniftry. Silence, if duly 
 confidered, may be the beft lefTon of in- 
 ftruftion, for thofe whofe life is too much 
 in words, or outward declarations. I have 
 thought fome amongft us are fo void of a 
 right underftanding, as to apprehend a kind 
 of neceffity for fomething to be done, by 
 way of miniftry, at marriages, and funerals 
 efpecially ; it being hard for them to ap- 
 prehend, that they can be fo honourably 
 conducted without. I have therefore ob- 
 ferved fome, though but little concerned 
 in the general, to maintain our teftimonies, 
 by an uniform confiftent deportment, appear 
 very zealous on thefe occafions ; taking a 
 deal of pains, and riding many miles, and 
 fometimes from one to another, to make 
 themfelves fure of having a preacher ; and 
 when they have been fo fuccefsful, as to 
 prevail upon one to come, it would no 
 doubt be a great difappointment, were they 
 wholly filent. In this iituation, the minifter 
 Jiimlelf may, unlefs well-grounded, be ex- 
 pofed to temptation, to gratify fuch. My 
 
 principal
 
 186 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 principal view in this remark is, to mew 
 how remote fuch are from the truth they 
 profefs, and how nearly allied to fome other 
 profeffors of Chriftianity, who make re- 
 ligion chiefly confift in outward perform- 
 ances ; and think it not like a Chriftian 
 burial, when a corpfe is committed to the 
 earth, without fomething faid over it. If 
 that over-anxioufnefs in the people, above 
 hinted, mould prevail on the preachers 
 amongft us, to anfwer their cravings and 
 expectations, both in attending, and when 
 there, in gratifying them with words, with- 
 out a due regard to the holy weight, and 
 impreflions of the word of life, as the alone 
 moving caufe to public fervice, they be- 
 come loft as to the living body, in the fo- 
 ciety ; and although fuch may continue, 
 in a confident form of found words, and 
 found doclrine, as to the external appear- 
 ance, yet the fubftance being loft,, their per- 
 formances are no more than a founding 
 brafs, or a tinkling cymbal. Some, to our 
 forrow, have been obferved to lofe ground 
 by fuch means : what can we imagine more 
 ofFenfive to the gracious, bountiful giver, 
 than to proftitute fuch a precious divine 
 gift; by making it fubfervient to the carnal 
 unfandified defires of thofe, who are ftran- 
 gers to God, and like to be fo ; yet love 
 to hear of him, and his glorious acts, by 
 the bearing of the ear? From this place 
 I went to Hooknorton, and had a meeting; 
 
 wherein.
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 187 
 
 wherein my bufinefs was to example with 
 filence. I then went to Sibford, where I 
 had a meeting, -and fome opennefs ; yet things 
 were but low. From thence to Banbury, 
 and attended their meetings on a firlt-day. 
 I had open thorough fervice in them, and 
 the teftimony of truth was in a good degree 
 exalted. Next day I went to South-Newton 
 again, where I had great opennefs, and truth 
 was comfortably in dominion. Much fatif- 
 faclion is received by following the fafe 
 guidance and conduct thereof, whether in 
 heights or depths, fufferings or rejoicings. 
 I had a good meeting next day, at a place I 
 forgot the name of; and then to Adderbury, 
 where I had a meeting; things but low. 
 From thence to Bicefter, and had a fmall 
 poor meeting; there being but very few 
 under our profeflion, and but little to be 
 felt of the life of religion amongft them. 
 My face being now turned towards the city 
 of London, I had a fmall meeting at Aylef- 
 bury ; there are but few friends thereabouts; 
 I had fome open fervice therein to my fatif- 
 faftion. I went to their firft-day meeting 
 at Jourdans, which was large : my fervice 
 therein, was to example the people, friends 
 and others, with filence ; which I believe 
 was a confiderable difappointment to many ; 
 but I hope it was profitable to fome. Di- 
 vers friends from London met me there. 
 \Ve lodged that night at a friend's houfe on 
 (he way, and got to the city next day. I 
 
 continued
 
 i88 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 continued thereabouts three weeks, viiiting 
 meetings diligently every day in the week, 
 except the laft, and one more. It was a 
 very painful time of deep fuffering in fpirit, 
 even beyond all expreffion. I was as a fign 
 of iilence, from place to place, efpecially 
 at Grace-Church-Street meeting; which, 
 doubtlefs, was a great myftery to many. 
 But it was my way to peace of mind, and 
 I fought after contentment, though it 
 might occafion me to be accounted a fool, 
 by the lofty towering fpirits in that city; 
 who may juftly be compared to the tall 
 cedars of Lebanon. I left London the i9th 
 of the loth month, 1749, to vilit the fol- 
 lowing meetings, viz. Hertford, and St. 
 Albans, where our friend Benjamin Kidd 
 met me, and accompanied me to Hemp- 
 ftead, Wickham, and the quarterly-meet- 
 ing at Oxford. The meeting there for 
 worfhip was exceedingly difturbed, and hurt 
 by a rude company of iludents, who came 
 in like a flood, and allowed little or no 
 ftillnefs, till by breaking up the meeting 
 they difperfed ; by which means, we held 
 the meeting, for difcipline and good order, 
 in a quiet peaceable manner. After meet- 
 ing I went to Witney ; where next day I 
 had a very painful exerciling time, not only 
 under a fenfe of undue liberties prevailing, 
 but alfo an exalted felf-righteous, felf-fuf- 
 ficient ftate ; than which, none are harder 
 to be reached unto, or made any impreffion 
 
 upon;
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 189 
 
 upon : my bufinefs was to fit in filent fuffer- 
 ing with the opprefled feed. I went next 
 to Burford, where there feemed to me very 
 little of the life of religion. From thence 
 I went to Cirencefter, where my fpirit was 
 deeply diftrefTed, under a painful fenfe of 
 wrong things, and wrong fpirits. The next 
 meeting I went to was Nailfworth, where 
 I had clofe fearching labour, in testimony 
 againfl lukewarmnefs, and undue liberties. 
 From thence to the quarterly-meeting for 
 Wiltihire ; being altogether unexpected by 
 friends there, and a Granger; the clofe 
 fearching teltimony given me to bear, ef- 
 pecially relating to the ftate of fome adive 
 members, might be better taken, and might 
 have more effecl, than if the fame had come 
 from one better acquainted with their ftates. 
 I always coveted, to be wholly unacquaint- 
 ed with the ftates of meetings by outward 
 information, in all my travels, and when, 
 by the difcourfe of friends, previous to my 
 attending them, there appeared any pro- 
 bability of their inadvertently opening in 
 my hearing, any thing of that kind, I have 
 generally either flopped them, or walked 
 away out of hearing ; but in general, friends, 
 who entertain us in our travels, have more 
 prudence, and a better guard in thefe re- 
 fpects ; as indeed all ought : for it flreight- 
 ens, and may give much uneafinefs to right 
 fpirited minifters, who have a fure infal- 
 lible guide within, and therefore have no 
 
 need
 
 190 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 need of any outward guide, or information 
 in their fervices. After this meeting, I 
 vifited the following meetings in that coun- 
 ty, viz. at the houfe of John Fry, in Sutton, 
 Cain, Chippenham, Melfham, Cormam, 
 Bradford, Lavington, and Salifbury, and 
 found things moftly low, painful, and la- 
 borious to work through j as thofe under 
 our profeffion appeared to me, in too gene- 
 ral a way, fatisfying themfelves with the 
 religion of their education only ; without 
 much experience in the life and virtue there- 
 of, operating upon their hearts. Some, it 
 is to be feared, undertaking to rule, and 
 acl: in the church, without a proper qua- 
 lification, and fo do not therein feek the 
 honour that cometh from God only. Here 
 the equal balance and ilandard is not kept 
 to; partiality gets place ; men and women s 
 perfons are refpecled, becaufe of riches, or 
 outward fubftance : true judgment is per- 
 verted ; wickednefs efcapes cenfure, to the 
 affecting the whole community : as in the 
 cafe of Achan. Such things provoke the 
 Lord, who is the only ftrength and defence 
 of his people, to withdraw. They then be- 
 came languid -, their hearts became water, 
 and the inhabitants of the land prevail 
 againft them, till they are in the end made 
 defolate. The next meetings I had were 
 Andover, Whitchurch, Baiingftoke, and 
 Alton ; having, through divine help, had 
 fome profitable fervice, tending to warn 
 
 and
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 191 
 
 and excite friends to a more diligent and 
 careful difcharge of the feveral duties their 
 ftations required : but I could not help 
 viewing, with fome painful reflections, a 
 lukewarmnefs and declenfion, which for- 
 rowfully prevails in many places. At Alton, 
 which is a large meeting, I found fome 
 folid weighty friends, to whom my fpirit 
 was nearly united ; having, in the main, 
 good fatisfaction, and opennefs amongft 
 them ; with fearching dole fervice to the 
 unfaithful ; in which I was favoured with 
 the comfortable help of upright fpirits, 
 whofe fincere travel is maintained for an in- 
 creafe of faithful labourers in the Lord's^ 
 vineyard, and the reiloring of antient 
 beauty. 
 
 Now did my deep and painful labours in 
 this vifit begin to wear off, and to draw 
 towards a period, as far as related to my 
 travels, at this time, in Great-Britain and 
 Ireland. I therefore foon expected a full 
 difcharge, as I then faw little before me, 
 fave the city of London. I had meetings at 
 Godalming, Guilford, and Emer, in my 
 way thither; in which I had fome fervice to 
 my own fatisfaction, and I hope to the help 
 of friends. 
 
 I continued in the city fome time, vifit- 
 ing meetings with diligence. My mind 
 being deeply exercifed as ufual in a painful 
 travel, with and for the fuftering feed of 
 God, in the hearts of profefTors, who t 
 
 me
 
 192 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 me appeared, in too general a way, living, 
 moving, acting and breathing, in an airy 
 exalted region, above it. I have often been 
 ready to fay, By whom fhall Jacob arife ? 
 the true feed, for he is very fmall, in the 
 efteem and regard of profefTors of moft 
 ranks. Yet I could fee an afflicted fuffering 
 remnant, lie very low, as under the ruins, 
 panting, and, as it were, ftruggling for life. 
 And although we could fee, and knew one 
 another, and travelled together, under a de- 
 gree of the fame painful feeling fenfe of 
 things -, yet, not having it in our power to 
 relieve one another, our proper bufmefs was 
 to travel under our refpeclive burthen, un- 
 til the Almighty Deliverer was pleafed to 
 appear, calling his fuffering ones to domi- 
 nion and rule with him, who is Lord of 
 Lords, and King of Kings : for the Lamb, 
 and his followers, fhall have the victory ; 
 though they are permitted fometimes to fuf- 
 fer long. I had then, at times, faith to 
 believe he would raife the dry bones, and 
 they (hould fland upon their feet ; an army 
 to fight the. Lord's battles ; to bring the 
 mighty from their feats, and to take the 
 crowns of fome, who feemed to reign as 
 kings, from them ; making their nakednefs 
 appear. Surely the complaints of the Lord, 
 by the mouth of his prophet concerning 
 Ifrael, was mournfully verified in the city 
 of London, refpecting a great part of the 
 ^ociety, viz. " My people have committed 
 
 " two
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 193 
 
 c< two great evils ; they have forfaken me, 
 " the fountain of living waters, and hewn 
 " them out citterns, broken citterns, that 
 <( can hold no water." Such is a profeffion, 
 though of the truth itfelf, without the real 
 porTeffion. Such is truth in notion, fpecu- 
 lation, and imitation only. The fame 
 may be faid of whatever is done in religion, 
 without the immediate influence, direction, 
 and leadings of the holy author's fpirit and 
 power. Sound doctrine may be preached, 
 as to words, and the main fcope thereof, 
 and true principles imbibed from education, 
 tuition, or other outward means ; yet the 
 man's part being alive, active, and always 
 ready, the child's and fool's ftate, neither 
 experienced nor abode in, that knows its 
 fufficiency for every good word and work, 
 to be immediately received from God alone. 
 " For it is not you that ipeak, but the fpirit 
 " of your Father that fpeaketh in you, or 
 by you." I fay all, without this living fenfe 
 of things, is but a broken cittern^ it will 
 hold none of the water of life ; which is the 
 real caufe, that the endeavours, and feem- 
 ing zeal of fome, for the promotion of re- 
 ligion, are fo dry, infipid, and inefficacious. 
 Truth will carry its own evidence. The 
 fpring of action being the holy fpirit of 
 Chrift, it will gain the afTent of all his, 
 and anfwer his pure witnefs in the hearts of 
 the rebellious, far beyond what many con- 
 ceive or imagine. Upon which I would 
 N juft
 
 194 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 juft obferve, that the only way to preferve 
 the ftrength, glory, and dignity of a reli- 
 gious fociety, is for all, who undertake to be 
 ac~Uve in it, certainly to feel the Lord lead- 
 ing and directing them in all their fer- 
 vices ; and, on the other hand, the fure 
 way to defolation is, when the adlive mem- 
 bers in religious things move therein by 
 the ftrength of human abilities only. A 
 great deal depends hereon, more than fome 
 are aware of ; it is obfervable, that the pre- 
 fervation of the Jewifh church in purity, 
 much depended upon the governors, and 
 rulers thereof j and fo does, and will, the 
 profperity and purity of the Chriftian 
 church. 
 
 I had very little opennefs, in refpect 
 to miniftry, but was filent, as ufual, from 
 meeting to meeting. Indeed, my fuffer- 
 ings in fpirit were exceeding great and 
 deep, day and night, in that city, fo that I 
 was weary of this life, and, as it were, 
 fought for death ; being, at times, ready to 
 fay, it is better for me to die than to live. 
 I much wondered why it mould be fo ; but 
 have lince feen, it was in order for the fil- 
 ling up that meafure of the fufferings of 
 Chrift, which was allotted me, which I 
 have feen the great advantage of, with re- 
 fpecl: to giving dominion over thofe things, 
 and fpirits, that were the caufeof thofe great 
 fufferings, which could not be ftood againft, 
 nor overcome any other way-. "For, as faith 
 
 .
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 195 
 
 the apoftle, " If fo be we fuffer with Chrift, 
 " we mall alfo reign with him." And he 
 faid unto them, " Verily I fay unto you, 
 " that ye which have followed me in the re- 
 " generation ; when the Son of Man mall fit 
 (C in the throne of his glory, ye alfo mail lit 
 " upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve 
 " tribes of Ifrael." I have fometimes 
 thought, as I believe it may, by the fore- 
 going account, appear to others, that I was 
 led in a manner fomewhat uncommon, to 
 fee and feel the forrowful declenfion of our 
 fociety, in my travels through thefe na- 
 tions ; though I am very fenfible, divers 
 faithful brethren have mared in the like 
 painful travail ; which, in fome degree, may 
 be compared with that of Nehemiah ; who, 
 under great anxiety and diftrefs of mind, 
 entered upon a long and hazardous journey; 
 went in the night alo'ne, to view the breaches 
 and defolations made in the city of the great 
 king, before he and the people arofe, in 
 the name of the Lord to build the walls of 
 that city, and to fet up the gates thereof* 
 For he found the hand of the Lord upon 
 him, moving and ftrengthening him to feek 
 the good and profperity of his own people. 
 Thefe things are written for encouragement 
 and inftrudlion to the painful labourers in 
 the Lord's work ; that they faint not under 
 the weight and exercife thereof; nor think 
 ilrange concerning fuch fiery baptifms 
 and trials as they may meet with in the 
 N 2 courfe
 
 196 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 courfe of their travels. They may be well 
 aflured, that fuch things are all directed 
 in wifdom ; which, in the Lord's time, 
 will appear to their full fatisfaction and 
 comfort. For it is far from the fountain 
 of infinite kindnefs, to permit fuch heavy 
 affliction to fall upon his fervants un- 
 neceffarily. 
 
 I went from London into Effex, in order 
 to vifit fome meetings in that county, which 
 I had not been at before, and was at 
 Chelmsford week-day meeting on fifth-day, 
 where I had good fatisfa&ion. The virtue 
 of truth being med abroad, to the joy and 
 comfort of the living. On the firfl-day 
 following, I was at Colchefter meetings. 
 My mind was painfully deprefied, under a 
 fenfe, that truth fufrered much in that 
 place, by wrong things : where evil is wink- 
 ed at, and undue liberties, in a religious 
 fociety, are fuffered to efcape judgment or 
 cenfure ; weaknefs, and, as it were, a cloud 
 of darknefs comes over meetings, as well 
 as individuals. The Lord was gracioufly 
 pleafed, for his blefled name's fake, to 
 arife, and in fome good degree, to difpel 
 the darknefs ; whereby truth, and the tefti- 
 mony thereof, was exalted over all corrupt 
 unfanclified fpirits ; and the few upright- 
 hearted were fweetly comforted -, it being 
 a time of relief to their fpirits, in a good 
 degree. I went from thence to the follow- 
 ing meetings, viz. Copford, Coin, Hal- 
 
 ilead,
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 197 
 
 ftead, and Braintree, wherein I had tho- 
 rough fervice, in plain dealing and clofe 
 labour with the unfaithful, of which num- 
 ber there feemed to be many ; and but 
 few who had really bought the blefTed truth. 
 It is fuch only, who know how precious 
 and valuable it is, and who cannot eafily 
 be prevailed upon to fell it for a thing of 
 nought ; nor even for any confideration 
 whatever. But it is not fo with thofe, 
 who have their religion, if it may be fo 
 called, by education only, or derived, as it 
 were, by way of inheritance, like their out- 
 ward poiTeffions, from their anceftors. The 
 principles of religion only, thus received 
 and held, are often fubje&ed to temporal 
 conveniency, and worldly intereft. Where 
 the world and true religion ftand in com- 
 petition with each other, fuch profeflbrs 
 will foon give place to the world ; wherein 
 they do really deny Chrift before men, and 
 will as certainly, unlefs they repent, be 
 denied by him, before the Father and his 
 holy angels. I returned out of Eilex to 
 London ; for though I had but little open- 
 nefs, as to miniftry, there ; yet I found 
 my mind engaged to attend their meet- 
 ings, as I apprehended, in order to fuffer and 
 travail with the true feed, for its enlarge- 
 ment, as well as to be a fign and example 
 of the important duty of filence, to the pro- 
 feflors of truth. They had been long and 
 greatly favoured with living teftimopies ; 
 N 3 even
 
 198 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 even line upon line, and precept upon pre- 
 cept j under all which, for want of a pro- 
 per application, and improvement thereby, 
 the fociety declined, and the antient beauty 
 thereof greatly faded away ; I mean, in 
 what relates to the life and fpirit of reli- 
 
 fion, in the practical part thereof; for the 
 ody of the fociety every where, as far as 
 ever appeared to me, are remarkably one in 
 faith and profeffion ; and that the fame 
 which hath been held, and profefled by us 
 as a people, from the beginning. This 
 wonderful onenefs and agreement amongft 
 us every where, which I have not obferved, 
 neither do I believe it is to be found amongft 
 any other fet of Chriftians, to that degree, 
 is to me a clear evidence, that the original 
 foundation thereof, was the one infallible 
 fpirit of Jefus Chrifl our Lord, who prayed 
 the father, that his followers might be one, 
 as the Father and the Son are one. And 
 jiotwithftanding great numbers in our fo- 
 ciety are refting fatisfied with an empty 
 prcfeffion, and by their unfaithfulnefs, fall 
 greatly fliort of the dignity our worthy pre- 
 decefTors attained unto ; which, conlidering 
 the abundant favours beftowed, from time 
 to time, for the help and prefervation of 
 the fociety, is caufe of deep mourning and 
 fore lamentation j yet, there has been, 
 through the kind providence of God, from 
 the beginning down to this time, a living 
 frody, preferved the fame in faith and prac-
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 199 
 
 tice, with our antients. Thefe are fcatter- 
 ed and interfperfed throughout the whole 
 fociety, like the fait thereof, in order, if 
 poffible, that all may be feafoned. I think 
 there are very few, if any meetings, wholly 
 deftitute of fome of that fort ; fo that I 
 would not have it underftood, by the fore- 
 going mournful complaints, although there 
 may be juft caufe for them, that I think 
 the fociety is become defolate ; or that 
 the glory is departed therefrom : far be. that 
 from me - y I am fully convinced to the con- 
 trary, and at times have faith to believe, 
 the glory will never wholly depart ; nor 
 fhall we ceafe to be a living people : yet I 
 believe, numbers under our profeffion, for 
 their great unfaithfulnefs, and unfruitful- 
 nefs, will be blowed upon by the Lord, and 
 rejected, and others called into the vine- 
 yard, who will be more diligent and 
 faithful. 
 
 After I had continued fome time in the 
 city, apprehending myfelf nearly clear of 
 farther fervice, at this time, in thefe na- 
 tions, and that I might with fafety look 
 out for an opportunity of returning to my 
 outward habitation in America ; I therefore 
 applied to the brethren here, for a certifi- 
 cate of my travels, &c. which they readily 
 granted ; fetting forth their unity with my 
 iervices, and demeanor under this weighty 
 engagement. But as no fuitable opportu- 
 nity appeared likely to prefent, for fome 
 N 4 time,
 
 200 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 time, I had leifure to look into, and care- 
 fully to weigh an affair of great importance, 
 which had by this time fo far prevailed 
 on my attention, that I was afraid wholly 
 to reject it, as I had a confiderable time 
 done, on its firft darting into my thoughts ; 
 looking upon it almoft impracticable to be 
 brought about : which was, entering into 
 a married ftate with my endeared friend, 
 Frances Wyatt, before mentioned. Al- 
 though I never had any other objection to 
 it, than pur both being, as far as appeared 
 then to me, fettled in our places, from 
 which I thought it would be very unfafe, 
 without the beft counfel, to remove. But 
 that objection was wholly removed, by my 
 way opening, as I thought, with great clear- 
 nefs, to fettle in England, on account of 
 my future fervice. I was deeply concerned 
 in my mind, to be rightly guided herein ; 
 which was anfwered fo indifputably clear 
 to my underftanding, that I could no longer 
 hefitate about it. The next thing was, 
 fettling matters relative thereunto with my 
 faid friend ; that fo, if me found no objec- 
 tion, our marriage might be accomplished, 
 if providence permitted, after my returning 
 home, fettling my affairs there, and remove- 
 ing, in order to fettle in this nation. I 
 therefore laid the whole before her, as 
 things relating thereunto had appeared to 
 me, defiring her folid confideration thereof, 
 and anfwer, when me was prepared to re- 
 
 turrj
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 201 
 
 turn me one. I found the lame powerful 
 hand which had removed my objections, 
 was at work in her mind, to remove hers 
 alfo -, fo that me could not be eafy to put 
 a negative upon the propofal, as believing 
 the thing was right, which was ftill con- 
 firming to me. We therefore in the fear, 
 and had caufe to believe, in the counfel of 
 God, engaged with each other, in the rela- 
 tion we the^n flood, and to accomplifh our 
 marriage, when way was made by divine 
 providence for the fame. We had no views 
 on either fide, for worldly advancement: 
 an anxioufnefs after which, appeared to me 
 immaterial, as I was fully perfuaded we 
 were directed in our faid engagement, by 
 the wifdom and counfel of him, who can 
 give or take away outward bleffings at his 
 pleafure. I therefore had not freedom, pre- 
 vious to my engaging with her therein, to 
 jnake any inquiry into her circumflances 
 in the world. All which, however, with 
 the fuperior bleffing of an affectionate wife, 
 and true help-mate, I afterwards found 
 agreeable and comfortable. Having, as 
 above, paved the way to remove and fettle 
 in England, and a good opportunity pre- 
 fenting of a fhip, and the company of feve- 
 ral valuable friends ; I went on board 
 the Speedwell, John Steve'nfon matter, at 
 Gravefend, the 8th of the 3d month, 
 1750, in company with our friends Jonah 
 Thompfon, and Mary Wefton, who were 
 
 going
 
 202 THE JOURNAL OP 
 
 going on a religious vifit to the churches in 
 America. We had feveral freinds on board, 
 and many other paflengers, being fourteen 
 or fifteen of us belonging to the cabin, and 
 ftate rooms. Some of them were bad peo- 
 ple, whofe converfation proved very difa- 
 greeable to us ; fo that we fpent much of 
 our time on the deck, night and day, except 
 when we took our reft in fleep. Our de- 
 parture was from the Start Point, the i ith 
 in the evening, being the laft land feen by 
 us, until we difcovered America. We had 
 a fine gale of wind down the Englifh chan- 
 nel, and a good fet off" to fea by the fame ; 
 but we often had fcant, and fometimes con- 
 trary winds afterwards, which made it ra- 
 ther a flow pafTage, though much quicker 
 than fome have gone. The feventeenth of the 
 4th month, we found ourfelves on the 
 banks of Newfoundland, and in the midft 
 of near twenty fail of French mips, who 
 were fiming there for cod. W T e fpoke with 
 one of them, who told us we had about 
 twenty-five fathom water ; whereupon the 
 captain ordered the fhip to be brought 
 to, that we might take fome frem cod. 
 This was very agreeable to us all ; they 
 fucceeded fo well, that in about two hours, 
 there lay upon the deck twenty-four of the 
 fineft cod fifh I ever favv. This proved an 
 agreeable feaft to us for about one week ; 
 that through mercy, we had very great 
 plenty of proviiions ; yet this was an ac- 
 ceptable
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 203 
 
 ceptable change. It was the 5th of the 
 5th month, about three o'clock in the after- 
 noon, when to our great joy we faw the 
 land of America; and by founding, found 
 ourfelves in about twenty-five fathom water, 
 and entered the Capes of Delaware that 
 night. We had a profperous gale up the 
 bay and river, fo that I landed at Chefter in 
 Penfylvania, about eight miles from my 
 own houfe, on the ji\\ of the 5th month, 
 about three o'clock in the afternoon, and 
 got home that night ; having been on board 
 two months, lacking one day, and from 
 home, in the whole journey, two years, 
 feven months, and eight days ; having tra- 
 velled in that time, by fea and land, I think, 
 on a moderate calculation, 11875 miles, 
 and was at about 560 meetings. I had be- 
 fore concluded, with divine permiffion, to 
 return in the fame fhip, and left a large 
 chefl of ftores on board. When difcharged 
 of her loading, me was to fail for Mary- 
 land, there to take in a cargo of tobacco, 
 where I intended meeting her -, it being 
 about feventy miles from my houfe. In a 
 day or two after my arrival, I went to Phi- 
 ladelphia, where I found my friends gene- 
 rally much alarmed, with news brought by 
 letters in that fhip I came over in (for they 
 had not heard it before) of my intention 
 to return, to marry and fettle in England. 
 Many, I believe, being ignorant of the 
 grounds and motives upon which I acted 
 
 therein,
 
 204 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 therein, judged concerning the fame from the 
 outward appearance only; fuppofing I had 
 let my mind out towards marrying, having 
 found one I liked, and made that the prin- 
 cipal inducement of my removing. Had 
 this been the cafe, I freely acknowledge, 
 that I mould have deferved blame ; as acting 
 upon a very dangerous bottom to myfelf, 
 and fetting an unfafe example for others to 
 follow ; believing fome have fuftained great 
 lois, by inadvertent fteps of this kind, in 
 their travels on truth's account. This was 
 what I greatly feared, in relation to my- 
 felf, and therefore (as before hinted) durft 
 not give way to the thoughts of intangling 
 myfelf therein, until I had repeatedly (as 
 I thought at leaft) received clear evidence 
 in my mind, of its being my duty to re- 
 move into this nation, for future fervice. 
 I do therefore earneftly caution all, to be 
 aware of taking any encouragement from 
 my example herein, unlefs they have the 
 fame evidence, and ad: upon the fame bot- 
 tom as I did, agreeable to what is above- 
 mentioned -, being well afTured of divine 
 direction, as I was. That I was rightly 
 guided in my removal, has not only been 
 fully confirmed to myfelf lince, but, I am 
 perfuaded alfo, to many others : and even 
 at that time, thofe who were free enough 
 to confer with me thereon, appeared to be 
 well fatisfied, whom, for their freedom and 
 opennefs to me on that account, I looked 
 
 upon 

 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 20$ 
 
 upon to be fome of my beft friends -, and 
 as to others, I thought it my duty to bear 
 with patience and meeknefs, all they were 
 pleafed to fay and conjecture, until time 
 made manifefl who were in the right. 
 
 I attended the yearly-meeting held at 
 Burlington, for Penfylvania and the Jer- 
 feys, in the feventh month, wherein the 
 Lord was gracioufly pleafed to overfhadow 
 our large arTemblies, with his heavenly 
 power and prefence, to our great comfort 
 and edification ; having with joy to draw 
 water out of the wells of falvation, and to 
 offer the praife and humble thankfgiving to 
 the alone fountain thereof, who is for ever 
 worthy. 
 
 Having fettled my affairs, and obtained 
 a certificate of removal from the monthly 
 meeting of Darby, in Chefter county, in 
 Penfylvania, to which I belonged, directed 
 to the monthly-meeting of Witham in 
 Eflex, Old England ; myfelf and daughter 
 fet out from my own houfe in Darby afore - 
 faid, accompanied by my fifter Mary, who 
 iince my wife's deceafe, had been my good 
 careful houfe-keeper, together with feveral 
 friends, the i2th of the 8th month, 1750. 
 We travelled to Eaft Nottingham, being 
 about fixteen miles from the place where 
 the mip lay, in which I intended to em- 
 bark. My fifter and one of the friends 
 ftaid with us about a week, and then took 
 their folemn leave. My daughter and I 
 
 ftaid
 
 2o6 THE JOURNAL OP 
 
 flaid thereabouts until the 2d of the 9th 
 month. I viiited fome meetings in the 
 neighbourhood, to good fatisfaftion, and 
 was at many in Eaft Nottingham, it being a 
 very large meeting, and a zealous body of 
 friends then belonged thereto; amongft 
 whom I had good fervice, and great open- 
 nefs j the precious unity of the one fpirit 
 being livingly enjoyed, in which we took 
 a folemn farewel of one another. The ad 
 of the 9th month aforefaid we fet out, ac- 
 companied by divers of our worthy friends, 
 and croffed the great river Sufquehannah, 
 taking our quarters at Jacob Gile's houfe, 
 within fight of the fhip ; but were not or- 
 dered on board until the 8th. We did not 
 fail until the nth at noon. The unfkilful 
 pilot ran us a-ground twice that afternoon, 
 and caufed the poor failors hard labour, 
 and much fatigue, which I was forry for. 
 It was the i8th, about two o'clock in the 
 afternoon, before we got clear of Chefapeak 
 bay ; having then a fine wind, we foon loft 
 fight of land. 
 
 We had been at Yea but about four days, 
 when we efpied a fail or two, who, by their 
 motions, appeared very defirous to fpeak 
 with us, which, at length, one of them 
 belonging to Rhode-Ifland effected, inform- 
 ing us, they were reduced to a very fmall 
 quantity of provifions, and earneftly intreat- 
 ing the mailer to afford them fome afiift- 
 ance. He, to my grief and furprife, gave 
 
 them
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 207 
 
 them a very {hort denial ; pretending we 
 were but newly come out to fea, and did 
 not yet know what we might want our- 
 felves. I was very much troubled in my 
 mind, at the hardnefs of his heart, and im- 
 mediately Hepped up to him, and in as 
 moving language as I was capable of, in- 
 terceded for the poor fufferers. The firft 
 mate being a man of a good difpofition, 
 joined with me herein. We at length pre- 
 vailed fo on the mafter, that he gave them 
 liberty to hoift out their boat, and come 
 on board us ; telling them he would fee 
 what could be done for them ; which, poor 
 creatures, they gladly complied with ; the 
 mafter of the fhip, and four of his failors, 
 being quickly on board of us. It was very 
 affecting, to behold want fo confpicuous in 
 their faces, and to fee how greatly they re- 
 joiced, with thankfulnefs, that kind pro- 
 vidence had, in mercy, caft us in their way, 
 for their relief; in which I could heartily 
 join with them ; much rejoicing we had 
 not inhumanly turned them off without 
 help. The mafter, to give him his due, 
 did at laft hand to them pretty liberally j 
 for which he charged what he thought pro- 
 per, and took that mafter's draft for the 
 money, on his owner in London. I fpared 
 them fome out of my private ftore, for 
 which I wanted no other pay, than the 
 fatisfaction of relieving their great wants ; 
 
 being
 
 THE JOURNAL op 
 
 being very glad I had been inftrumenta! 
 thereunto. 
 
 The next day we had a great ftorm, and 
 an exceeding high fea, fo that we could 
 carry no fail, but fattened the helm, and 
 let the fhip drive, whitherfoever the wind 
 and waves would carry her : we were in- 
 deed mightily toffed ; but through divine 
 favour, my mind was fweetly calm and 
 comfortable, feeling his living prefence, 
 who is God of the feas and the dry land, 
 to be near. My heart was filled with the 
 joy of x his falvation, fo that I could fing 
 and make melody therein to him ; in which 
 I had confirming evidence, as I many times 
 had, under the fame precious enjoyment, 
 both by fea and land, after I left England, 
 that my way and undertaking was approved 
 of the Lord, and would be blefled and 
 profpered by him, which yielded more com- 
 fort to my mind, than any thing in this 
 world could do. The fevereft part of the 
 ftorm lafted but about twelve hours ; but 
 we had two coniiderable florms afterwards, 
 yet for the moft part, it was a ready good 
 paffage. On the i7th of the loth month, 
 in the morning, we founded, and in fixty- 
 nine fathom water, we found ground. The 
 fame morning about ten o'clock, we had the 
 very agreeable light of England. Next day, 
 the wind being againft us, we made but lit- 
 tle advantage of failing. The nineteenth, 
 about eight o'clock at night, we came to 
 
 an
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 209 
 
 an anchor in Falmouth harbour. We went 
 on more next day, and to an inn in the 
 town. Our kind hofpitable friend, Jofeph 
 TregelHs, came and invited us to his houfe, 
 where we had generous entertainment, 
 whilft we were at that place. I was feve- 
 ral times at their meetings, both at Fal- 
 mouth and Penryn, and had opennefs and 
 good fatisfaction. My worthy friends of 
 that town, Andrew Hingeflon and his wife, 
 and daughter, were affectionately kind to 
 me, which I cannot well avoid mentioning, 
 out of a grateful fenfe I retain thereof,, as 
 we were entire ftrangers -, for I had not been 
 that way when in England before. 
 
 Having been detained there about a week, 
 we put out to fea again, in order to proceed 
 to London, whither we were bound. The 
 fecond-day of our being out, towards even- 
 ing, as we were failing within about a league 
 and half of Dover, a boat from thence came 
 on board for letters. The wind then not 
 being fair to go up the River Thames, we 
 went with them to Dover, and next day to 
 Gravefend, where crofting the water at 
 Grays in EfTex, I proceeded from thence to 
 Chelmsford. 
 
 My dear friend Frances Wyatt and I, 
 after proceeding according to the good 
 order of friends, accomplimed our mar- 
 riage with each other, at a large meeting 
 of friends and others in Chelmsford meet- 
 ing-houfe, the. J4th day of the ift month, 
 O then
 
 210 THE JOURNAL OP 
 
 then 1750, in the fweet and fenfible enjoy- 
 ment of his prefence, who faw in the be- 
 ginning, it was not good for man to be 
 alone; and therefore he did, in great kind- 
 nefs, provide an help-mate to be with him, 
 who was bone of his bone, and fleih of his 
 flem. It is therefore faid, they mall be 
 no more twain, but one flefh. The, Lord 
 then joined the man and his wife together. 
 Happy would it have been for mankind, 
 had they never fought, nor found out any 
 other way of joining in that relation iince. 
 But as the fons (or worfhippers) of the true 
 God, formerly looked upon the daughters 
 of men, with an eye that tendeth to pervert 
 this ordinance, making it only anfwer the 
 bafe ends of carnal defire; following the 
 dictates of their own evil heart, inftead of 
 the counfel of God, in this great undertak- 
 ing, and which is evidently the cafe at this 
 day with too many. It is alfo often not 
 fo much what the woman or man is, as 
 what worldly fubflance they have. Where 
 there is plenty of that, many real defects, 
 with refpect to thofe qualifications and en- 
 dowments effential to real happinefs in a 
 married ftate, are over-looked. Thus, by 
 man's ignorantly and prefumptuoufly taking 
 upon him the guidance and government of 
 himfelf, inftigated thereunto by the fubtilty 
 of Satan ; thofe outward accomodations, 
 which were by divine providence intended 
 as blefiings, become quite the reverfe. To 
 
 prevent
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 211 
 
 prevent fuch unhappy confequences to young 
 people and others, I know of no advice bet- 
 ter adapted for their fafety and prefervation, 
 than that of our Lord's, viz. " Seek ye firft 
 " the kingdom of God, and his righteouf- 
 " nefs, and all thefe things mall be added 
 " unto you." Thofe who have happily, by 
 feeking, found this kingdom, and live 
 therein, which confifteth in righteoufnefs, 
 peace, and joy in the Holy Ghoft, have great 
 advantage, even in outward things, above 
 all others ; as the bleffing of God, which 
 maketh truly rich, attends all their worldly 
 affairs. They enjoy what appertains to this 
 life with a proper relim. " BlefTed are the 
 " meek, for they fhall inherit the earth," 
 Mat. v. 5. As it is man's duty and fafety 
 to feek the Lord's counfel and bleffing ; fo 
 it is truly honourable amongft men : for 
 this, Jabez was faid to be more honourable 
 than his brethren -, for he called on the God 
 of Ifrael, faying, " Oh, that thou wouldeft 
 " blefs me indeed, and enlarge my coafl, 
 " and that thine hand might be with me, 
 " and that thou wouldeft keep me from 
 " evil, that it may not grieve me!" And 
 God granted him that which he requefted. 
 Let me conclude this obfervation with ten- 
 der advice and caution to all whom it may 
 concern, into whofe hands this may come, 
 to be aware they do not fall into that dan- 
 gerous fnare of fuppofmg, as marriage is 
 an outward affair, they need confult nothing 
 O 2 further
 
 212 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 further therein than their own inclination, 
 and their own reaibn j it is faid, ' Woe to 
 " the rebellious children, that afk counfel, 
 " but not of me, faith the Lord." And 
 Chrift is called, Wonderful, Counfellor, as 
 well as a mighty God. Now as marriage 
 is allowed to be the moft important affair 
 in this life, and may tend greatly either to 
 promote our happinefs or mifery in the 
 next ; if we have no occafion to feek the 
 Lord's counfel herein, in what are we to 
 expecl: or defire it ? Abraham's fervant, 
 when he was only engaged about procure- 
 ing a wife for his younger mafter Ifaac, with 
 great earneftnefs fought the Lord's guidance 
 and blefling therein, and obtained it in a 
 remarkable manner. What (fay fome) are 
 we to look for, or to expecl a revelation in 
 fuch cafes ? We muft defire the Lord to 
 guide and direc~l our fteps in this, and all 
 other affairs of confequence, in relation to 
 this life, or we (hall certainly mifs our way. 
 But this we cannot clearly underftand, un- 
 til the man's part is reduced in us, and 
 we fee what we are without God, that we 
 may find occafion to pray without ceafing, 
 and in every thing to give thanks. Then 
 the conftant cry will be, Guide me with 
 thy counfel. When this is, with great 
 iincerity, the ftate of the mind, we cannot 
 mils our way, becaufe divine protection is 
 ever prefent, although we do not always 
 fee it ; no more than the prophet's fervant 
 
 did,
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 213 
 
 did, until his eyes were opened *. The 
 great thing is, to have a fingle eye, that 
 whatever we do, may be done to the glory 
 of God. When this is the cafe, we fay, 
 if this or that be not agreeable to thy will, 
 
 God, thou haft all power in thine hand ; 
 do thou, by thy over-ruling providence, 
 direct me according to thy bleffed will. 
 The Lord will keep fuch in all their ways, 
 and be their fure defence. 
 
 We fettled together, after marriage, at 
 Chelmsford, in the county of Effex, where 
 
 1 enjoyed great fatisfaftion and comfort in 
 an affectionate wife. Yet fuch I found 
 the low, and almofl defolate fituation of 
 our fociety, in the faid county; efpecially 
 in relation to good order, and that difcipline 
 eflabliihed amongft us, by the power, and 
 in the wifdom of truth, as a hedge to de- 
 fend and preferve from hurtful things, that 
 it gave me much painful concern of mind. 
 The difference appearing fo very great, as I 
 had before refided where difcipline, in the 
 general, was well maintained. I could not 
 difcover, either by their books or enquiry, 
 that the unfaithful or diforderly walkers 
 had (a few inftances excepted) been for 
 many years regularly dealt with, and their 
 mifconducl: cenfured, either by monthly or 
 quarterly meetings. I diligently attended 
 thofe meetings, but my fpirit was greatly 
 diftreffed therein, as the members feemed 
 to move and ad: in another element (as I 
 
 * 2 Kings vi. 7. 
 
 O 3 may
 
 214 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 may fay) than that I had been accuftomed 
 to, in managing the weighty affairs of the 
 church. The firft thing of importance 
 that laid hold of my mind, as wanting to 
 be reformed, was relating to vvomens meet- 
 ings ; there being no fuch held quarterly, 
 nor at but few of the monthly meetings j 
 and where any thing of that nature was, 
 it was of little or no fervice, in the manner 
 then held. Having therefore the advices 
 and directions of the yearly-meeting, rela- 
 ting to womens meetings, I requeued li- 
 berty of the quarterly-meeting to read the 
 fame therein, which I did, making fuch 
 remarks thereon, as app^red to me then 
 neceffary. At the fame time I propofed, 
 that the meeting mould take that weighty 
 affair, of eftabliming womens quarterly and 
 monthly meetings, agreeable to the repeat- 
 ed preffing advices of the yearly-meeting, 
 into folid confideration ; and if it was 
 thought proper, that a few friends might 
 be appointed to form fome general direc- 
 tions for the affiftance of our women friends, 
 pointing out to them (as for want of oppor- 
 tunity, they were pretty much ftrangers 
 thereunto) how fuch meetings are to be 
 conducted, and the part of church difci- 
 pline, that properly comes under their no- 
 tice, and requires the- management of the 
 women. All which was agreed to, and 
 minuted. The propofed directions were pre- 
 pared by the friends appointed ; brought to 
 
 the
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 215 
 
 the next quarterly-meeting, and there agreed 
 to. The women having previous notice, 
 withdrew at the clofe of the meeting of 
 wormip, into an apartment, to receive 
 what we had to lay before them, and una- 
 nimoufly agreed thereunto. A quarterly 
 meeting of women friends being then efta- 
 blifhed, prefiing advice was fent, by minute, 
 to monthly meetings, that they mould en- 
 courage and eftablifh womens meetings 
 amongft them allb, which was complied 
 with. And although our'women friends, 
 for want of being brought up by their an- 
 ceftors, in the management of the difci- 
 pline, might be* rather unexperienced at 
 firft, yet I am well afTured, this ftep tended 
 much to enlarge our meetings, and to make 
 them more lively, opening the way of fin- 
 cere travellers to a fuller enjoyment of 
 fpiritual good ; wherein alone is bur ability 
 for every good word and work. Some few, 
 from a right fenfe of the importance of the 
 work, joined me in an earneft labour for a 
 general reformation, and as we felt the 
 weight of things upon our minds, we gave 
 up to vifit monthly meetings, to help the 
 weak, and to move forward the wheels 
 of difcipline, which, efpecially at the firft, 
 moved very heavily , for although we had 
 many in the county, under our profefiion, 
 .yet few of them had their hands clean e- 
 nuugh to handle the affairs of the church ; 
 many being, as it were, crippled with un- 
 O 4 faithfulnefsj
 
 216 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 faithfulnefs, efpecially in their mean and 
 cowardly compliance with the anti-chrif- 
 tian demand of tythes, and things of that 
 nature, which of itfelf unfits for fervice 
 amongft us ; for I never faw much, if any, 
 true living zeal for the caufe of God, in 
 thofe who have fallen into this defection. 
 Oh ! the darknefs and caufe of flumbling it 
 has occafioned in this poor county, and in 
 other places where it hath prevailed. We 
 found ourfelves concerned, repeatedly to 
 vilit fuch in their families, labouring in 
 Chriftian love, to bring them into a fenfe 
 of the inconfiftency of their conduct, with 
 their profeffion therein ; which labour, 
 though prevalent with fome, hath been no 
 otherwife fuccefsful in general, than the 
 difcharge of that duty, which one mem- 
 ber of a religious community owes to ano- 
 ther ; and by bringing the judgment of 
 truth in fome degree over them, they be- 
 came more diftinguimed from the faithful. 
 We had great peace in this labour, though 
 hard and unpleafant, as we found them 
 dark and difficult to be reached unto, a few 
 excepted. However, thefe endeavours great- 
 ly tended to exalt truth's teftimony, for 
 which our worthy predeceflbrs deeply fuf- 
 fered. . In procefs of time, through the 
 blefTed affiftance of our holy head, en- 
 gaging a fmall remnant to labour, in the 
 monthly and quarterly-meetings, for a re- 
 formation, good ordei hath been much pro- 
 
 motedj
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 217 
 
 motcd, and our Chriftian difcipline, in its 
 feveral branches, has been in a good degree 
 put in practice ; and fome came to under- 
 ftand, it is necefTary to receive wifdom and 
 ftrength from God, for the maintaining 
 that work. So that although things, in 
 that refped, through the unfoundnefs and 
 lukewarmnefs of many profeffors, are now 
 low, yet the Lord continues to be gracious, 
 in affording us the bleffed afiiilance of his 
 holy fpirit, both in our meetings for divine 
 worfhip, and thofe for difcipline ; whereby 
 fome are enabled in meeknefs to labour for 
 the maintaining his caufe, notwithstanding 
 the difcouragement they meet with, not only 
 from a view of the languid ftate of the fo- 
 ciety in general, but alfo from the brittle 
 jealous fpirits of fome. Having laboured 
 in our own county, according to ability 
 received of God (for without his divine afliir.- 
 ance, I have, by long experience, known 
 I could do nothing) I attended the yearly- 
 meetings in London, as they fell in courfe, 
 therein to join with the fincere travellers 
 for Sion's profperity, in the important care 
 of truth's affairs, throughout the world. 
 This weighty engagement coming more 
 upon fome of us than heretofore, as many 
 of the elders and faithful labourers were re- 
 moved to their reft. Our valuable friends, 
 John Churchman and William Brown from 
 Penfylvania, were at feveral of the firft 
 yearly-meetings after my fettling in this 
 
 nation.
 
 218 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 nation. They laboured in thefe nations, 
 in the fervice of truth, near four years, 
 having left affectionate wives and children 
 for truth's fake. Such noble difmterefted 
 endeavours, without any view towards tem- 
 poral intereft, is a very great myftery to the 
 worldly wife. The above named friends 
 were great and good inftruments, in the 
 Lord's hand, not only at the yearly-meet- 
 ings, but alfo in their travels up and down, 
 for the promotion of difcipline and good 
 order in the churches ; though not without 
 confiderable oppofition from fome, who, 
 under pretence of acting for the good of 
 the fociety, were in reality advocates for 
 undue liberty. Notwithstanding fome fuch 
 difficulties, the Lord hath greatly ftrength- 
 ened the hands of his pained ones for Sion's 
 welfare, and blerTed his work to the pro- 
 moting of good order, as the likelieft means 
 of reviving antient beauty and comelinefs ; 
 there having been great fiirrings, and much 
 ,labour of late years, to bring the feveral 
 members of the fociety into the holy order 
 of the gofpel. May the Lord yet continue 
 the bleffing of wifdom and ftrength, that 
 the work may be carried on, to the praife 
 of his worthy name, and the prefervation 
 of his people, is the earned prayer of my 
 foul! 
 
 I fct out the 1 6th of the 6th month, 1751, 
 intending to take fome meetings in my 
 way to the circular yearly meeting for 
 
 the.
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 219 
 
 the weftern counties, to be held at Broomf- 
 grove in Worceftermire, and from thence 
 to vifit the meetings of friends in Wales. 
 I firrt went to the burial of a friend at Steb- 
 bing, and proceeded through Walden, Cam- 
 bridge, and Huntingdon, to Wellingbo- 
 rough in Northamptonshire ; and attended 
 both their meetings on a firft-day; having 
 clofe earneft labour, in a fenfe of great 
 dullnefs, and much infeniibility prevailing 
 on many profefTors. My fpirit was greatly 
 burthened therewith ; but the Lord was 
 pleafed to arife, and difpel the darknefs in 
 a good degree, giving me thorough fervice, 
 efpecially in the afternoon ; I hope not eafily 
 to be forgot. I went away greatly relieved, 
 and had a meeting at Coventry, which was 
 heavy and laborious, though I was, through 
 divine favour, enabled to wade through to 
 mine own eafe, in a good degree. I had a 
 good open meeting that evening at Nun- 
 Eaton ; there being but one family of 
 friends in the town, but a large number of 
 others were at the meeting ; divers of whom 
 feemed pretty much affected with the tefti- 
 mony of truth. I had a clofe exercifmg 
 meeting the next day at Atherftone, where 
 things were very low, yet truth arofe and 
 opened doctrine for their help. I had a 
 meeting that evening at Polefvvorth, which 
 was open and comfortable. From thence 
 I went to Woolverhampton, where I had 
 a {mail meeting, things being very low. 
 
 After
 
 220 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 After which I went to Colebrook Dale, 
 where I had a meeting, and clofe thorough 
 fervice, tending to ilir up friends to dili- 
 gence, as well as to encourage the upright- 
 hearted. I went from thence to Shrewf- 
 bury : the number of profeflbrs there were 
 very fmall, and the life of religion very 
 much deprefTed, not only by the lukewarm- 
 nefs of fome, but alfo by a blafting, windy, 
 lifelefs miniftry, which they had fat long 
 under; doubtlefs, to the great uneafmefs 
 of the few fenfible amongft them. I had 
 a painful fenfe of the great hurt thereof 
 in that meeting; being concerned to lit the 
 whole meeting through in filence ; I be- 
 lieve, as an example to friends, and rebuke 
 to that forward unfanctified fpirit : the 
 fame foon after was made manifeft to both 
 friends and others, to be very "corrupt, and 
 was defervedly teflified againft, by the 
 monthly meeting. I have divers times, in 
 my travels, perceived great hurt to the pro- 
 fperity of truth, by fuch unfanclined pre- 
 tenders to a divine commiffion, intruding 
 themfelves into the miniflry; but always 
 have apprehended them a bad fort of people 
 to deal with, by advice and caution, as they 
 are commonly very pofitive and felf-willed ; 
 being feldom, in this declined ftate of the 
 church, without a party, who had rather 
 have almoft any kind of miniftry than 
 filence ; which makes it much more difficult 
 for thofe who have a right fenfe of their
 
 JOHN G R I F F*I T H. 221 
 
 fpirits, to bring the judgment of truth over 
 fuch ; as thofe above-mentioned are apt to 
 fcreen them, and cover their heads, unlefs 
 they manifeft themfelves, which hath in the 
 endfrequently happened, by theirbeing guilty 
 of fome immoral conduct. I went after 
 meeting to vifit two friends, who had been 
 imprifoned there a confiderable time for 
 refuting to pay tythes. As foon as I had 
 entered the place of their confinement, I 
 fenfibly felt the Son of peace was there. My 
 mind being brought into great nearnefs, 
 unity, and Chriftian fympathy with them 
 in their fullering ftate, which they appear- 
 ed to bear with chearfulnefs, and true re- 
 lignation to the divine will. The fenfe of 
 the great importance of that teftimony, they 
 were concerned to maintain, by fuiFering 
 for it, and what our worthy predeceiTors 
 went through, in nafty {linking prifons and 
 dungeons, where many of them ended their 
 days in fupport thereof, who may be very 
 juftly numbered amongft the faithful mar- 
 tyrs of Jefus Chrift, overcame my mind 
 with tendernefs to that degree, that I could 
 not prefently difcourfe with them about 
 their fufferings. We had a bleffed opporr- 
 tunity together, and took our leave of each 
 other, in the fweet enjoyment of the pure 
 love of God. Oh, how much more joyous 
 and refrefhing it is to vifit fuch faithful 
 fufferers, than to vifit carnal profefibrs of 
 the fame truth, who violate that precious 
 
 teilimony,
 
 222 THE JOURNAL OP 
 
 teftimony, by voluntary putting into the 
 priefts mouths, leaft they mould prepare 
 war againft them, making religion bow 
 down to their fuppofed temporal intereft, 
 thereby not only declaring themfclves mere 
 pretenders thereunto, but alfo increafmg the 
 fufferings of thofe under the fame profeffion, 
 who dare not temporize ! I returned from 
 thence to Colebrook Dale,where I had a hard 
 trying meeting held in filence; and went 
 to Birmingham, where I had divers times 
 been before, and generally had painful la- 
 borious meetings ; but now it pleafed divine 
 goodnefs to favour with opennefs and good 
 authority, to declare the truth largely; I 
 believe to the ftirring up of the carelefs, at 
 leaft to a prefent fenfe of their duties ; as 
 well as to the comfort and edification of the 
 honeft-hearted, to my own peace and great 
 relief. From this place I went to Broomf- 
 grove, in order to attend the yearly-meet- 
 ing before-mentioned, which began on firft- 
 day, the ift of the 7th month, being held 
 in a barn, fitted up by friends for that pur- 
 pofe : it ended the third-day following j 
 many miniftring friends attended it, fome 
 of whom were largely opened by the power 
 and wifdom of truth, to publim the gof- 
 pel tidings with clearnefs and good demon- 
 ftration. The people, though numerous, 
 being generally very {till, and attentive, 
 appeared to receive the teftimony of truth 
 with pleafure, and things were in the main 
 
 well
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 223 
 
 well conducted. Here my friend John 
 Bradford joined me as a companion. We 
 had a large meeting at Worcefter on fourth- 
 day, in which truth had comfortable domi- 
 nion, efpecially near the conclufion, to the 
 great fatisfaclion and 'joy of many hearts. 
 BlefTed be the Lord our God, for his con- 
 tinued favours to his people ! On the fifth- 
 day we had a fmall poor meeting at Broom- 
 yard, in Herefordfhire ; things being very 
 low in that place, as to truth and friends. 
 On iixth-day we had a meeting at Leomin- 
 fler; the fore part was very cloudy and 
 painful, yet by the gracious fpringing up 
 of light and life, I got through my fervicc 
 therein to good fatisfaclion. The next day, 
 being the feventh of the week, I went to 
 my dear mother's, in Radnorshire. On 
 firft-day, the neighbours being apprized of 
 my being come, flocked to the Pales meet- 
 ing in abundance. The Lord was pleafed 
 to favour me with a large open time, to 
 declare his everlafting truth amongft them, 
 with which they appeared to be much af- 
 feded. I had fuch another opportunity 
 with friends, and many others, at Talcoyd, 
 near my mother's houfe. They feemed 
 greatly afFecled with the virtue of truth ; 
 but I doubt they flumble at the crofs. On 
 fecond-day we had a meeting at a place cal- 
 led the Coom, about fix miles from my 
 mother's, pretty open and comfortable. 
 On fourth-day, the nth, I took leave of my 
 
 worthy
 
 224 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 worthy affectionate mother, relations and 
 friends thereaway, having my brother Ben- 
 jamin for our guide, over the bleak moun- 
 tains into Cardiganshire. The wind blow- 
 ing hard with rain, but through mercy we 
 received but very little harm thereby. Next 
 day we had a fmall poor meeting at one 
 Evans's ; religion being at a very low ebb 
 in that place ; my chief bufinefs, as far as 
 I could fee, was to detect a vile impoftor, 
 who had, by a feigned and hypocritical 
 fhew, got the advantage of the weaknefs 
 and credulity of friends there. I never had 
 feen him, that I know of, before, but my 
 fpirit was exceedingly burthened with his 
 deceitful groanings, and feigned agitation 
 in the meeting, and was then fatisfied his 
 fpirit was very foul and corrupt, as it was 
 like a nuifance to me all the time. I warn- 
 ed friends to be aware of him, and to keep 
 him at a diftance ; but they feemed willing 
 to hope, that there was fome good in him, 
 as he appeared fo much concerned in meet- 
 ings, &c. fo I faw whereabouts they who 
 pleaded that were themfelves, as they feem- 
 ed taken with, and rather to approve of 
 that which was fo very offenfive, and even 
 odious to me in that meeting, viz. his 
 pretended exercife therein. But if people 
 will lay hold fuddenly on fuch, they muft 
 partake with them in their fins ; for this 
 man difcovered himfelf to be very bad, by 
 being guilty of grofs wickednefs. I think 
 
 the
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 225 
 
 the meeting was held in filence. After 
 which, we went to a place called Penbank, 
 in Carmarthenfhire, where a meeting was 
 held next day to pretty good fatisfaction, 
 being f ivoured with matter and utterance 
 for their help ; though things appeared low; 
 the fame day in the evening I had a very 
 poor afflicting meeting at Penplace ; great 
 ilacknefs ajid weaknefs appeared in the few 
 profeflbrs there. We were quite filent as 
 to publick miniflry. We went from thence 
 to Carmarthen, and attended their meet- 
 ings on a firft-day ; had good open fervice 
 therein, efpecially in the afternoon, many 
 of the neighbours coming in : the teftimony 
 of truth went forth freely and largely a- 
 mongfl them, with which they appeared to be 
 much reached and affected ; and might, 
 I hope, tend to remove a prejudice they had 
 imbibed, from the mifconduct of one or 
 more, of high preteniions lately in that 
 place, but then removed. We had a meet- 
 ing on fecond-day in the evening, at Laugh- 
 arn, where very few, if any, properly of 
 our fociety, redded ; many of the neigh- 
 bours came in ; we had a good opportunity 
 amongft them, in the free extendings of 
 gofpel love ; the doctrine whereof feemed to 
 have a confiderable reach upon them. On 
 third-day we had a meeting amongft a few 
 profeflbrs at James-town ; it being their 
 harveft-time, they feemed more concerned 
 about their corn than religion ; feveral rufh- 
 P ing
 
 226 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 ing out, in a diforderly manner, to take 
 care of that, as there was fome appearance 
 of rain. It was with much difficulty we 
 procured a guide to Haverfordweft. At 
 length we prevailed on a young woman, 
 who feemed to have the moft lively fenfe of 
 religion of any amongft them. Having a 
 large ferry to crofs over Milford Haven, by 
 fuch difficulties we were fo hindered, as 
 not to reach the aforefaid place, until about 
 an hour after the time appointed for the 
 meeting, to our great uneafinefs. This 
 meeting was, for the moft part, held in 
 filence -, yet near the conclufion, I had fome 
 things given me to deliver, with conlidera- 
 ble weight and gofpel authority. I went 
 next to Redftone, where the meeting was 
 fmall, yet open and comfortable. From 
 thence we travelled to Carmarthen, and next 
 day to Swanfey, about thirty miles, being 
 a very rough open road ; the day very 
 ftormy, fo that we were exceedingly wet. 
 Great care was taken of us, when we got 
 to our friend Paul Bevan's houfe, fo that, 
 through mercy, we received but very little 
 harm. On firft-day, being the 22d, we 
 attended their meetings : that in the fore- 
 noon was held in a filent labour. In the 
 afternoon I had a clofe fearching teftimony 
 to bear, tending to ftir up and roufe friends 
 to more zeal and fervour of mind ; and was 
 favoured to get through to fatisfaclion. 
 On third-day we had a poor fmall meet- 
 ing
 
 JOHN G R I F F I T H. 227 
 
 ing amongft a few friends at Freeveraque. 
 I had nothing to adminifter, but an example 
 of iilence. We went after meeting to Pon- 
 typool, and next day had a precious open 
 meeting there. The teftimony of truth 
 going forth with good authority and 'clear- 
 nefs, was exalted, and the upright in heart 
 were fweetly comforted, in the enjoyment 
 of the Lord's prefence, returning him the 
 praife, who is worthy for ever ! On fixth- 
 day, the 2yth, we crofTed the Severn at the 
 New-Pafl'age, and went that night to the 
 widow Young's, at Urcott; had a hard 
 trying meeting there next day ; after which 
 we went to Briftol, and on firft-day, the 
 29th, we attended three meetings there; 
 the two firft were held in a painful diftref- 
 fing filence, and the laft alfo, except a few 
 words near the breaking up of the meet- 
 ing. This was the firft of my viliting that 
 city, and a time not eafily to be forgot by 
 me. It was indeed a feafon of fore mourn- 
 ing and lamentation, in a fenfe of their 
 great declenlion. But very little to be feen 
 or felt of that plain nefs, pure iimplicity, 
 humility, and contempt of the world, fo 
 confpicuous in their worthy predeceflbrs ; 
 who trampled upon the glory of this world, 
 counting all as drofs and dung, in compa- 
 rifon of the fmiles of the Lord's counte- 
 nance, and being cloathed with the beauti- 
 ful garment of his falvation. Oh, how was 
 the choiceft vine planted, made to fpread, 
 P 2 and
 
 23 THE JOURNAL of 
 
 and mightily to profper, through great 
 fufferings , and perfecution, in that city, in 
 early times ; fufficiently, one would think, 
 to have deeply eftablifhed the permanency 
 thereof, and to have recommended its fu- 
 perior dignity and excellency to many ge- 
 nerations ! May not that of the apoftle to 
 the Galatians, be juftly applied to them ? 
 viz. " O foolifli Galatians ! who hath be- 
 " witched you, that you mould not obey 
 <f the truth ? Beforewhofeeyes Jefus Chriil 
 " hath been evidently let forth, &c. Are 
 " ye fo foolifli, having begun in the fpirit, 
 " are ye now made perfect by the flem ?" 
 I parted with my companion at Briftol, 
 and turned my face homewards, taking 
 meetings in my way to London, at French- 
 hay, Corfham,Chippenham, Cain, and Read- 
 ing ; in all which I had coniiderable open- 
 nefs, largely, and with good authority, to 
 publim the doclrine of truth, to mine own 
 peace, and I hope to the comfort and help 
 of many ; though in fome places my fpirit 
 was much pained, with a fenfe of prevail- 
 ing indifference and lukewarmnefs, in this 
 day of eafe and outward plenty. On feventh- 
 day, the 5th of the 8th month, I got to 
 London, and ftaid their meetings on firft- 
 day. After which I returned home, and 
 found my dear wife and family well, to 
 our mutual comfort -, being thankful to the 
 kind hand of providence, whofe goodnefs 
 attends thofe who trufl in him, both in 
 
 height*
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 229 
 
 heights and depths ; taking care of their 
 bodies, fouls, and thofe outward benefits he 
 hath bountifully favoured them with - y af- 
 fording real comfort therein, with his blef- 
 fing ; which maketh truly rich, and adds 
 no forrow with it. I was out this journey 
 about eight weeks, and travelled about 740 
 miles, having been at about forty meetings. 
 
 I have preferved very little or no account 
 of fhort journies, and fervice in this and 
 the adjacent counties ; in which, however, 
 I was divers times engaged to labour, both 
 at quarterly and other meetings, for the re- 
 viving ancient zeal and diligence. But, alas ! 
 the inordinate love of worldly enjoyments, 
 good in themfelves, covers the minds of 
 many profefTors, like thick clay, who are 
 exceeding hard to be made fenfible of the 
 chiefeft good, fo that I have often feared 
 fome of them will not hear, until the 
 Lord is provoked to fpeak, with a louder 
 voice, in judgment, which they will not 
 be able to turn afidefrom,orany way to mun. 
 Many in our fociety, as in others, having 
 departed from the life, reft fatisfied in a 
 profeffion of religion : fome alfo have de- 
 parted from the power and form too, in a 
 great degree ; neither appearing one thing 
 nor another. Could they fee themfelves, 
 as judicious perfons fee them, fhame and 
 c'onfufion of face would cover them. 
 
 The next confiderable journey I have any 
 
 account of, was entered jupon the 27th of 
 
 P 3 tbo
 
 230 THE JOURNAL or 
 
 the 8th month, 1753, in order to vifit 
 friends in fome parts of Yorkfhire, Lanca- 
 fhire, Weftmoreland, &c. I met fome 
 friends at \Valden, who were with me ap- 
 pointed by the quarterly^meeting to viiit 
 that monthly- meeting for th-'ir help. I 
 was largely opened in the meeting of wor- 
 mip, to fet forth the beauty, order, and 
 excellent harmony of the feveral members 
 in the church of Chrift; and truth had 
 confiderable dominion therein, to our great 
 comfort, as it prepared our fpirits for clofe 
 and painful labour with wrong fpirits in the 
 meeting of bufmefs, who had the boldnefs 
 to plead the payment of tythes to be juf- 
 tifiable, becaufe enjoined by the laws of 
 the land ; not confidering the grofs abfur- 
 dity of making human laws, however con- 
 trary to the laws of Chrift, to be preferred 
 before his, and made an abfolute rule for 
 Chriftians ; unlefs they .fuppofe it impofli- 
 ble that any human laws can be made fo, 
 which is equally abfurd j as well as that 
 fuch an opinion tends to invalidate the great 
 fufFerings, and martyrdom of all thofe, 
 who gave up every thing they had in this 
 world, and even their lives, rather than 
 actively comply with the laws of the land, 
 when they believed them inconfiftent with 
 the nature of Chriftianity, and therefore a 
 tranfgreflion of God's law. But the ground 
 of that mifapprehenfion, which fuch reafon- 
 ers fall into, appears to be upon a pre- 
 
 fumption,
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 231 
 
 fumption, that the fource of property is 
 in the law, viz. that the laws of the land 
 can alienate the right of one, without ren- 
 dering him any equivalent, and give it to 
 another, who had no right therein before : 
 whereas right and wrong are immutable, 
 and cannot be altered by human laws, 
 which only grant people aid to preierve 
 and recover that which of right appears to 
 belong to them -, fo that human laws cannot 
 bind the conferences, any farther than they 
 are confiflent^ith the laws of God. When 
 a fmcere Chriilian is perfuaded they enjoin 
 any thing contrary to the perfe<ft law of 
 liberty in his own mind, he may not ac- 
 tively refift, but paflively furFer the penalty 
 thereof, whereby he faithfully bears his 
 teftimony againft the iniquity of fuch a law, 
 and contributes all in his power to have it 
 removed. Now paying tythes under the 
 gofpel, being an antichriftian popifh error, 
 the laws enjoining their payment being 
 grounded upon a fuppofition, that they are 
 due to God and holy church ; how then 
 can any clearly enlightened perfon pay them 
 in any mape, as he thereby alfents to that 
 great error, and contributes to fupport it, 
 to the great fcandal and abufe of the Chrif- 
 tian religion, and that noble, free, diiin- 
 terefted miniftry, instituted by our Lord 
 and Saviour Jefus Chriil ; whole direction 
 in that cafe is, " Freely ye have received, 
 " freely give ?" Much more might be faid 
 P 4 to
 
 232 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 to manifeft the abfurdity of fuch a plea for 
 the payment of tythes ; but that I would 
 not be tedious, hoping there are not many, 
 fo blinded by the God of this world, 
 amongft us, as to adopt fuch an argument. 
 Truth prevailed in the meeting, and the 
 teftimony thereof was exalted over all fuch 
 fpirits. Praifes to our God tor his gracious 
 affiftance, mercifully afforded to all thofe, 
 who put their, truft in him alone ! I pro- 
 ceeded on my journey, and had meetings 
 at Godmanchefter, Oakham, and Leicefter; 
 I had clofe fearching labour, in order that 
 carelefs, lukewarm profefTors might be ftir- 
 red up, and awakened to a fenfe of their 
 flates. The teftimony of truth alfo, flow- 
 ing forth at times, as a refreming ftream of 
 encouragement to the mourners in Sion, 
 and fincere travellers thitherwards. From 
 thence I went to Nottingham, and had a 
 meeting ; the Lord gracioufly favouring, 
 with wifdom and utterance, to divide the 
 word aright to the feveral Hates of thofe 
 prefent. Truth greatly prevailed, overfha- 
 dowingthemeeting, to the rejoicingof many 
 hearts. Next day I had a fmall meeting 
 at Furnefs, in Derbyfhire, wherein I had 
 clofe labour with indolent profeiTors, who, 
 neglecting their own proper bufmefs, were 
 too much depending upon the labours of 
 others, to their great lofs, as well as, that 
 fuch unwarrantable dependence greatly tend- 
 ed to load and deprefs the life in thofe con- 
 cerned.
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 233 
 
 cerned, making their exercifes much the 
 greater. The next meeting I had was at 
 Matlock, which was large; the greateft 
 part were people of other perfuafions -, it 
 was, through the bleffed efficacy of the 
 word of life, an open good time, and the 
 doctrines of truth were largely declared ; 
 mewing, that the world by wifdom knows 
 not God, as well as how and to whom he 
 is pleafed to make himfelf known. The 
 meeting was generally pretty much affected 
 with the virtue of truth, which was emi- 
 nently extended that day, and I hope would 
 not be eafily forgot by many. I went from 
 thence to Sheffield, and attended thefr meet- 
 ings on firft-day, which were large. In the 
 morning my fpirit was deeply baptized into 
 painful fenfe of the empty formal ftate of 
 fome, as alfo the undue liberties of many 
 -others. I was made willing, and refigned 
 to go down into fufferings on their ac- 
 count ; that if it pleafed the Lord, I 
 might be the better qualified to adminifter 
 effectually to their feveral flates, as experi- 
 ence hath taught me repeatedly, that I could 
 not fpeak feelingly to mankind, for their 
 help and recovery, any other way. At the 
 afternoon meeting I was largely concerned 
 to lay their feveral flates open before them ; 
 it was a bleffed and feafonable opportunity, 
 tending much to their awakening to a fenfe 
 of duty, and I think it may, with thank- 
 fulnefs, be faid, truth was over all. The 
 
 next
 
 234 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 next meeting I had was at Highflats, which 
 was large, there being a numerous body 
 of plain friends, as to the outward appear- 
 ance, belonging thereunto. It was a labo- 
 rious meeting, but through divine favour, 
 there was ftrength afforded, to lay before 
 them, in a clofe preffing manner, the great 
 danger of retting contented in a decent form 
 of religion, without the life and power 
 thereof. I hope it was a profitable time to 
 many. I went from thence to Brighoufe 
 meeting, wherein matter and utterance were 
 given, tending to roufe the indolent, and 
 to encourage the truly concerned for truth's 
 profperity. The next meeting was at Rau- 
 den, which was very large and open, and the 
 teftimony of truth had great dominion. I 
 had a pretty open meeting next day at 
 Bradford -, after which I went to viiit a 
 friend, who was very low and weak in 
 body, few expecting her recovery. I felt 
 the pure virtue of the holy anointing with 
 her,- and had it given rne to fignify, that I 
 did believe the Lord would raife her up for 
 further fervice, which accordingly came to 
 pafs. I went from thence to Leeds, and 
 attended their meetings on firft-day. In 
 the forenoon the teflimony of truth was 
 g"reatly exalted, in letting forth the power 
 and efficacy of living faith : it was a glori- 
 ous time, truth being over all. In the 
 afternoon, it was thought feveral hundreds 
 attended, moftly of the people called metho- 
 
 difts.
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 235 
 
 difts. I was quite m*ut up as to miniftry, 
 I thought, in order to fet an example of the 
 important duty of filence to friends and 
 others. The meeting concluded with an 
 awful folemnity, which I hope was profit- 
 able to many. I went from thence to Skip- 
 ton, where the meeting was large, and the 
 power of God's eternal truth went forth 
 in a fearching awakening teftimony, as well 
 as in a refreshing flream of confolation, to 
 thofe who flood in need of encouragement, 
 in their travels towards the city of God. 
 I hope it was a profitable time to many. I 
 had a fmall meeting next day at Airton ; it 
 was a heavy painful time of iilence in the 
 fore part ; but the Lord was pleafed to ap- 
 pear, and afford ability to fearch fome bar- 
 ren profefTors, by opening their ftates to 
 them, with which they feemed fomewhat 
 affected ; but alas ! how hard it is to reach 
 effectually unto thofe who are fettled as 
 upon their lees, living in a ftate of mind 
 that can reft fatisfied in an empty profefTion. 
 Next day I had a pretty large meeting at 
 Settle : there I found the life of religion 
 much deprefied, with an earthly formal 
 fpirit; but through divine goodnefs, truth 
 arofe and prevailed over it, for the p relent, 
 and was exalted, as being the one thing 
 needful. I went from thence to Lotherf- 
 dale, where I had a very large meeting ; 
 the Lord enabling me, otherwife a poor 
 helplefs creature, to bear a thorough tefti- 
 mony,
 
 236 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 mony, fuited to the various ftates of thoie 
 prefent ; and his glorious name was exalted 
 above every name. From thence I went to 
 the houfe of my heloved friends, Jonathan 
 and Margaret Raine, at Trawden -, whom, 
 for their tender regard to me, when I want- 
 ed fuccour both for body and mind, I have 
 heretofore, more than once, had occafion 
 to make mention of; as likewife of the 
 Ecroyd's family. We greatly rejoiced in 
 the opportunity of one another's company 
 once more ; truth having nearly united us 
 in our former acquaintance. I ftaid there- 
 away fomething more than a week, attend- 
 ing feveral meetings there, and at Marfden 
 Height ; wherein, efpecially at fome of 
 them, the Lord was eminently with us, 
 opening the wells of falvation, that we 
 might drink together, and fmg praifes to 
 him, the fountain of all good. I had great 
 opennefs in my fervice amongft them -, and 
 we took our leave of one another, in a fweet 
 fenfe of God's love, uniting our hearts one 
 to another. On fecond-day, the firft of 
 the loth month, I fet out for Lancafter, 
 being accompanied by my friend Jonathan 
 Raine, in order to be at their quarterly- 
 meeting. I was at their monthly-meeting 
 there on third- day, where I had fome con- 
 fiderable fervice. Fourth-day in the morn- 
 ing was held their meeting of minifters and 
 ciders ', which was to comfort and edifica- 
 tion. I found myfelf concerned to fet forth 
 
 the
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 237 
 
 the nature of true gofpel miniftry ; as alfo, 
 to point out fome dangers which might, 
 without a fteady care and watchfulnefs, at- 
 tend thofe exercifed therein. It was, I 
 hope, a profitable opportunity to fome pre- 
 fent. The fame day was held the quarter- 
 ly-meeting, wherein the Lord was graci- 
 oufly pleafed, according to his wonted good- 
 nefii, to appear for the help of his fincerely 
 concerned labourers; as, blefled be his wor- 
 thy name, he is found of thofe that truly 
 feek him, and doth not fail thofe who lean 
 upon him ; and not to their own under- 
 ftanding, nor to former experience of his 
 affifting povverandwifdom. Truth was great- 
 ly in dominion, and friends much edified, 
 the unity of the one fpirit being livingly en- 
 joyed. I went next day, accompanied by 
 Samuel Fothergill, William Backhoufe, and 
 William Dil worth, to the quarterly-meeting 
 at Kendal. The felect meeting for miniflers 
 and elders was held that afternoon ; I had 
 fome good open fervice therein, on the 
 nature of gofpel miniftry, and the myfteri- 
 ous workings of Satan in his transforma- 
 tions. It was a time of edification and 
 comfort. Next day was held the quarterly- 
 meeting ; in the fore part for worihip, and 
 after for the difcipline of the church, where- 
 in I had fome fervice. Things were but 
 low : we had a large meeting in the even- 
 ing, both of friends and others ; it was, 
 through the pure efficacy of divine virtue, 
 a blefled opportunity. I was largely open- 
 ed
 
 238 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 ed in teftimony concerning Chrift, the di- 
 vine light, which enlightens every man 
 coming into the world. It ended in folemn 
 prayer and praifes to almighty Qod j our 
 friend Samuel Fothergill being engaged 
 therein, in a very powerful and affecting 
 manner. I flaid at Kendal, to attend their 
 firft-day meetings ; at both which, efpecial- 
 ly the latter, I was very largely opened, 
 to declare the truth with power, which 
 arTe&ed and tendered many hearts, there 
 being a great number of friends, moftly 
 of a younger fort, in that meeting ; it hav- 
 ing been ftripped, like many other places 
 of late, of divers fubftantial elders. My 
 labour was very earnefl, that the riling 
 youth might come rightly under the yoke 
 of Chrift ; that they might be really pre- 
 pared, and fitted to fucceed thofe who are 
 removed hence, having finimed their day's 
 work. I went from thence, accompanied 
 by feveral friends, and had a meeting at 
 Grayrigg, to good fat is faction. The tefti- 
 mony of truth went forth with clearnefs 
 and good demonftration, tending to awaken 
 the carelefs, as well aq to flrengthen and 
 encourage the honeft-hearted. I returned 
 to Kendal, and wen next day, accompa- 
 nied by many friends, to a general meeting 
 at Windermoor. The Lord's hie/Ted power 
 was livingly felt in that meeting, whereby 
 I was enabled, from the expreflions of our 
 Lord to Nicodemus, to mew the necef- 
 
 fity
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 239 
 
 fity of regeneration, or the new birth ; a 
 doctrine highly neceffary to be preffingly 
 recommended to the youth in our fociety ; 
 and carefully weighed by them, left any 
 mould vainly hope for an entrance into the 
 kingdom of God, by fucceeding their ancef- 
 tors in the profeffion, and confeffion of the 
 truth. A lamentable error! many I fear 
 have fallen into, imagining they are God's 
 people, without his nature being brought 
 forth in them ; or, as faith the apoftle, being 
 made partakers of the divine nature, and 
 efcaping the corruptions that are in the 
 world through luft. Great opportunity 
 have fuch, by education, the writings of 
 our predeceffors, and alfo by the gofpel 
 miniftry the Lord hath been pleafed to blefs 
 our fociety withal, to collecl: and treafure 
 up a great deal of knowledge in the fpecu- 
 lative understanding part, even to profefs 
 and confefs the truth in the fame words, 
 or language made ufe of, by thofe who really 
 learned it in the fchool of Chrift. This is 
 no more than an image or picture of the 
 thing itfelf, without life or favour ; there- 
 fore an abomination to the living God, and 
 his quickened people. I have touched the 
 more clofely on this head, being apprehen- 
 five the danger is very great, which the ri- 
 fing youth are expofed to, by dwelling fe- 
 curely, and at eafe, as it were, in houfes 
 they have not built, and enjoying vineyards 
 they never planted -, for great are their ad- 
 vantages
 
 240 THE JOURNAL OP 
 
 vantages above others, if rightly improved ; 
 otherwife, this muft increaie the weight of 
 their condemnation. I h.u-e divers times 
 looked upon the mournful condition of thofe 
 who trufr, as above hinted, in the religion 
 of their education, to be aptly fet forth in 
 the holy fcriptures, by an hungry man 
 dreaming that he eateth, and behold, when 
 he awaketh, his foul is empty. Oh, that 
 all may deeply and carefully ponder in their, 
 hearts, what they have known in deed and 
 in truth, of the new birth, with the fore 
 labour and pangs thereof ! 1 cannot conceive, 
 if they are ferious, ancl confider the import- 
 ance of the cafe, but they will foon difco- 
 ver how it is with them in this refpecl:, by 
 obferving which way their minds are bent, 
 and thoughts employed; whether towards 
 earthly or heavenly things. Thofe who 
 are born from above, or rifen with Chrift, 
 which is the fame thing, it is natural for 
 them to feek thofe things which are above; 
 their affections being fixed thereon. So, 
 on the other hand, that which is born of 
 the flefh is but flefh, and can rife no high- 
 er than what appertains to this traniitory 
 world ; for flefh and blood cannot inherit 
 God's kingdom ; and it is faid, thofe who 
 are in the flefli cannot pleafe God. The 
 apoftolick advice therefore, is to wa'ik in the 
 fpirit; that is, let the fpirit of Chrift be 
 your guide and director, how to order your 
 lives and convention in all things ; for the 
 
 children
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 241 
 
 children of God are led by his fpiritj I 
 hope to be excufed in dwelling a little on 
 this fubjecl:, as my mind has often greatly- 
 feared, that the defcendants of the Lord's 
 worthies who were full of faith and good 
 works, mould take their reft in the out- 
 fide of things, valuing themfelves on being 
 the offspring of fuch : a forrowful miftake 
 which the Jews fell into ! May all duly 
 confider, that it is impoffible to be the 
 children of Abraham, unlefs they do the 
 works of Abraham. 
 
 Truth was greatly in dominion that 
 day, and many hearts were much tendered 
 and contrited before the Lord ; to whom 
 be everlafting praifes, Amen ! The next 
 meeting was at the Height, where I had 
 clofe roufing fervice, in order to awaken 
 carelefs formal profeflbrs. The day follow- 
 ing I had a large meeting at Coltis, near 
 Hawkfhead - y where I was favoured with 
 great opennefs upon the nature of true 
 faith, and that it muft be evidenced by good 
 works ; for faith, when only an aflent or 
 confent of the mind to principles of reli- 
 gion true in themfelves, being alone, is 
 dead, as a body is without the fpirit. The 
 power of truth had great dominion, it 
 being a time not eafily to be forgot. The 
 next day I had a meeting at Swarthmoor; 
 there alfo I was led to fpeak largely of 
 faith, viz. of hiftorical faith, implicit faith, 
 and to let forth the nature of that faith 
 
 which
 
 242 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 which was once delivered to the faints ; 
 being their victory over the world, and 
 all the corruptions thereof. It works by 
 love, to the purifying of the heart, and 
 when the heart is made pure, we can 
 thereby fee God. " Blefled are the pure 
 " in heart, faid Chrift, for they (hall fee 
 " God." And his apoftle faid, " By faith 
 " we come to fee him that is invifible." It 
 is plain, from the holy fcripture, that it pro- 
 ceeds from a divine principle in man ; for 
 it is the evidence of things not feen, and 
 the fubftance of things hoped for. No man 
 can poffibly pleafe God without it. O that 
 mankind would carefully examine them- 
 felves, whether or no they be in this faith ! 
 If they be in it, they cannot be Grangers 
 to Chrift, inwardly revealed -, for he dwells 
 in the hearts of true believers by faith ; 
 his kingdom being within, where all his 
 laws and ordinances are difcovered, clearly 
 underftood, and willingly obeyed. No 
 complaint, when this faith is received and 
 held in a pure confcience, of hard things 
 being required, or his commandments being 
 grievous ; but a foul, endued with this 
 powerful principle, can fay with fincerity, 
 the Lord's ways are ways of pleafantnefs, 
 and his paths are paths of peace. It was 
 a good time, and I hope profitable to 
 many. The next meeting I had was at 
 Prefton, near Kendal ; there I was earneft- 
 ly concerned to flir up friends to more 
 
 faithful-
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 243 
 
 faithfulnefs, and a clofer union one with 
 another. It was a laborious time, but the 
 blefled truth prevailed and carried through, 
 to mine own eafe in a good degree. I 
 went from thence to Briggflats, near Sed- 
 burg. The meeting was large, and for fome 
 time heavy and afflicting ; but it pleafed the 
 great Mafter of our arTemblies to arife, with- 
 out whofe gracious help his poor inftru-- 
 ments can do nothing to any good pur- 
 pofe. It was a folemn awakening time -, I 
 hope to be remembered by many. I had a 
 meeting next day at Raven ftondale, which was 
 a laborious trying time : my way was fhut 
 up as to miniftry ; friends feemed too much 
 at eafe in a profeffion. When this is the 
 cafe, the life of religion is exceedingly de- 
 prelfed; fo that thofe, who feel its ftate, 
 muft fuffer therewith, until it pleafe the 
 Lord to raife his pure feed, in judgment 
 againft evil in people's minds : then man 
 falls under for the prefent, and confefles to 
 that name or power given under heaven for 
 his falvation. But alas! he foon denies it 
 again, by giving way to a contrary power; 
 an enemy to God and his own foul. In 
 fuch ups and downs, changes and conflicts, 
 by the working of contrary powers in their 
 minds, many weary out their days in vain, 
 becaufe they will not refolve to choofe the 
 good, and to efchew the evil, that they 
 might be eftablifhed upon the rock of ages 
 for ever. The next day I had another meet-
 
 2 4 4 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 ing at Prefton - y it was a time of clofe la-> 
 hour, yet through gracious help, I hope it 
 was a ferviceable meeting. I went from 
 thence to Yeoland ; this was a fuffering 
 time, much of the teftimony given me then 
 to bear, went forth fharp again ft fuch who 
 were ftrong, and confident in profeffion, 
 without real experience of the living vir- 
 tue, and holy efficacy of God's eternal 
 truth, to quicken and feafon their fpirits. 
 We find it very hard to gain any entrance 
 on fuch. The teftimony is often felt to 
 rebound, which in low times is a great dif- 
 couragement to the poor instrument. Here 
 the faith and patience of the gofpel mult 
 be exercifed. I understood after meeting, 
 that the ftate of fome prefent had been re- 
 markably fpoken to that day, which tended 
 to humble my mind in thankfulnefs before 
 the Lord, for his gracious help and guid- 
 ance. After thefe exercifing painful times, 
 doubts are apt to enter, and fears to poflefs 
 the mind, left we have been miftaken, in 
 what we apprehend the Lord required of 
 us to deliver. (I fay us, as I do not doubt 
 but it has been the experience of many 
 others, as well as mine.) This ought to 
 be carefully guarded againft, left the poor 
 inftrument fink thereby, below its fervice, 
 by giving away its ftrength and fure de- 
 fence. The foul's armour and weapons 
 being thus imprudently given away, or caft 
 off, our fpirits are weaker than thole of 
 
 others,
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 245 
 
 others, and confequently fall under them. 
 Here that dominion, in which there is abi- 
 lity to teach, may be loft. There is great 
 danger alfo, on the other hand, of being 
 too confident and fecure, as I have obferved 
 fome, after they have darkened counfel, by 
 a multitude of words without right know- 
 ledge, and exceedingly burthened the liv- 
 ing, appear quite chearful, and full of fa- 
 tisfaftion, feeming as if thoroughly pleafed 
 themfelves : which is a lamentable blind- 
 nefs, and difcovers them to be at a great 
 diftance from the dictates and holy impref- 
 fions of truth. This is what all ought 
 earneftly to pray they may be preferved 
 from, walking carefully in the middle path, 
 retaining a jealoufy over themfelves, with 
 a fingle eye to God's honour, and the pro- 
 motion of his truth. Then will their feet 
 be fhod with the preparations of the gofpel 
 of peace, and will appear beautiful as upon 
 the mountains. I went from Yeoland to 
 Lancafter, and attended their meetings on 
 firft-day, where I had good open fervice, 
 truth being comfortably in dominion, and 
 friends thereby nearly united one to ano- 
 ther. From Lancafter I went to the fol- 
 lowing meetings, Filde, Freklefton, Pref- 
 ton, Langtree, and Amton, They were 
 generally fmall, and the life of religion at 
 a very low ebb. I was favoured with 
 ftrength to difcharge the fervice required, 
 in a dole painful labour for their help and 
 QL 3 recovery.
 
 246 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 recovery. But alas ! great is the declenfion 
 in thofe parts, and I fear but little laid to 
 heart. The next meeting I went to was 
 at Hartmaw, being a general meeting, 
 which was very large, and although fome- 
 thing heavy and painful in the fore part, 
 yet, through divine goodnefs, it proved a 
 folemn ferviceable meeting, and by ftrength 
 and wifdo/m received from above, divers 
 weighty gofpel truths were delivered, to 
 the comfort and edification of many. I 
 had that evening a large meeting at War- 
 rington ; but, as heretofore in the fame 
 place, I felt their life and dependance was 
 too much upon and after declarations. I 
 found it my duty to difappoint that fpirit, 
 by fitting the whole time in filence. I went 
 from thence to my valuable friends, John 
 and Jomua Toft's, near Leek in Stafford- 
 mire, having Samuel Fothergill for com- 
 pany and guide. I had a ferviceable meet- 
 ing at Leek ; my labour was clofe in plain 
 dealing with fome, who appeared to me 
 too much exalted in their own wifdom, 
 and conceit of themfelves, whereby the 
 fimplicity of the truth was too much over- 
 looked by them. On fifth-day, the ifl of 
 the nth month, being accompanied by 
 Jofhua Toft, I went to Stafford, and had 
 a fmall poor meeting there. Next day in 
 the evening we had a meeting at Tamworth, 
 which was large, being chiefly made up 
 with the confiderable inhabitants of the 
 
 town.
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 247 
 
 town. The publick fervice thereof fell upon 
 my companion, with which I was well 
 pleafed, but found my* mind not clear of 
 friends belonging to that meeting, and 
 therefore defired to have a meeting with 
 them next day, at a friend's houfe, as I was 
 defirous to have friends only. I had clofe 
 fearching fervice amongft them, yet to my 
 comfort and great relief in the end. On 
 firfl-day, the 4th, I was at Birmingham 
 meetings ; the forenoon was a good open 
 time, wherein the teflimony of truth was 
 exalted - y but the afternoon proved a heavy 
 painful meeting ; my way was quite fhut 
 up as to miniftry. Now apprehending 
 myfelf difcharged from further fervice in 
 this journey, I on fecond-day morning fet 
 my face homewards, and got to Northamp- 
 ton that night, and next day to Hitchind, 
 and got home on fourth-day, the 7th of the 
 i ith month, finding my dear wife and fa- 
 mily well ; being thankful, as we had great 
 caufe, to the fountain of all our mercies, 
 for his providential care over us, when 
 outwardly feparated for his fervice fake. 
 I was from home this journey, about ten 
 weeks and three days, in which time I travel- 
 led, by account, about 760 miles, and was at 
 about fifty-five meetings. In the year 1754, 
 I travelled with my efteemed friend, John 
 Churchman, through Hampmire, the Ifle 
 of Wight, and part of Surry ; the parti- 
 culars whereof I cannot at prefent find ; 
 
 but
 
 248 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 but I remember it was the laft of his travels 
 in this nation, and that we were nearly 
 united in the fervice ; the power and wif- 
 dom of truth being livirigly and comfort- 
 ably with us, enabling us to labour with 
 diligence for the promotion of truth, and 
 our own peace. In the fore part of the year 
 1756, I being in company with my efteemed 
 friend, Peter Andrews, from America, 
 fometimes viliting meetings in the city of 
 London, was feized with a violent diforder; 
 it was with confiderable difficulty I got 
 home, and foon took my chamber, where 
 I continued many weeks under great afflic- 
 tion of body, and alfo of mind at times, 
 which I have divers times experienced as a 
 further trial of my faith and patience. 
 The Lord has been pleafed to withdraw his 
 comforting enlivening prefence j 1 have 
 thought rather more fo in thofe times of 
 bodily afflictions, than others - 3 for wife 
 ends, beft known to himfelf. Oh ! who 
 can underftand or conceive the anxiety of 
 the mind, when this is the cafe, except 
 thofe who have felt the fame ? But, through 
 divine favour, it was not fo with me always, 
 efpecially the laft of my great illneffes, 
 which was the latter end of 1758, when the 
 joys of heaven fo opened upon my foul, as 
 I had never known before, which made me 
 willing to hope that I was near entering into 
 the full fruition thereof. How ftrong were 
 my defires then to be diflblved, and to be 
 
 . with
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 249 
 
 with Chrifl for ever ! Ready to fay, now let 
 thy fervant depart in peace, for mine eyes 
 have feen thy falvation ! but I was not then 
 accepted herein, neither was my mind after- 
 wards free from fome fears and doubts, that 
 I had offended a gracious God, by an over- 
 anxious defire to be removed from a mili- 
 tant to a triumphant ftate. The example 
 of our Lord (though he was the only be- 
 gotten Son) in addreffing the Father, is 
 highly worthy to be ever remembered by 
 us, in all our defires and prayers, viz. 
 " Neverthelefs, not my will, but thine bs 
 " done !" The above hints may fall into the 
 hands of fome poor afflicted perfons, to 
 whom they may afford comfort, by obferv- 
 ing, they are not quite fingular in their 
 trials, and from thence, through the divine 
 bleffings, receive fome encouragement : 
 which is myreafon for penning them, as well 
 as many other remarks in the courfe of this 
 journal ; even on my mofl inward and hid- 
 den trials. I have had great caufe to blefs 
 and praife the Lord, many times fince, 
 when I have obferved the great advantage 
 of thofe very pinching feafons of affliction, 
 how much they tend to refine, and to efta- 
 blim the foul upon the rock of ages, yielding 
 the peaceable fruits of righteoufnefs to thofe 
 who are properly exerciled thereby. I had 
 very little health from the time that I was 
 taken before-mentioned, for about two 
 years j yet was enabled, in 1757, to viiit 
 
 friends
 
 250 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 friends meetings in Kent, SufTex, and fome 
 few meetings in Hampmire, &c I fet 
 out from home the izth of the 7th month, 
 and crofled the River Thames at Gravefend, 
 where by appointment I met my friend 
 Jofeph Taylor, and with him Jofeph Wood, 
 an4 Stephen Jackfon, all from London. 
 We went that afternoon to Rochefter, where 
 about fix in the evening we had a meeting, 
 there being a meeting-houfe ; though I 
 think but one perfon (then) a young woman, 
 who made profeffion with us. Many others 
 came, and there was an opennefs to declare 
 the doctrines of truth largely amongft them, 
 which I hope was not altogether in vain. 
 From thence we all went to Canterbury, 
 except Stephen Jackfon, who returned 
 home. We had a meeting there, made up 
 chiefly of profefTors with us. The tefti- 
 mony of truth went forth in a clofe fearch- 
 ing manner, and, through mercy, it was 
 exalted over all of a contrary nature. The 
 Lord had the praife, and his iincere follow- 
 ers the fatisfadlion and comfort. We had 
 a meeting next at a place called Burching- 
 ton, where there was a meeting-houfe, 
 but none of ourfociety living in that place; 
 the people rilled the houfe, and a pretty 
 many out of doors ; they appeared, in gene- 
 ral, a low ignorant people -, yet the Lord, 
 with whom there is no refpedl of perfons, 
 opened the doctrines of the gofpel largely, 
 and in a reaching affecting manner, by 
 
 which
 
 JOHN G RIFF ITH. 251 
 
 which many feemed to be tendered. Next 
 day we had a meeting at Drapers, near 
 Margate, which was fmall, and things 
 low, as to the life of religion. I had, in. 
 the evening, a very fmall meeting, and Ibme 
 clofe fervice in it at Deal ; after which, 
 one perfon gave me fufficient caufe to fee 
 there was need of it. The next meeting 
 was at Dover, being on fcventh-day in the 
 evening, as I was deiirous of being at Folk- 
 flone on the day following. Truth opened 
 doctrine and counfel for their help and 
 edification, there being fome lately convin- 
 ced of our principles, who appeared tender 
 and hopeful, I had good fatisfaclion 
 amongft the few friends in that place. At 
 Folkftone the meetings were large, but the 
 life of religion mournfully low, and borne 
 down, not only with thofe things com- 
 monly called undue liberties in many, but 
 alfo, with the form of religion, without 
 the power of it in others. I had (as it were) 
 a threming inftrument put into mine hands, 
 and was enabled to difcharge the fervice re- 
 quired, to my great eafe and relief j for my 
 fpirit was exceedingly loaded and bowed 
 down at that place. Oh ! what pity it is, 
 that old profefTors, inftead of being as pil- 
 lars in the houfe of God, and as Aarons and 
 Hurs, bearing part of the Lord's great 
 work (fo happily and gloriouily begun in 
 the earth) mould be a means of obflructing 
 the fame, and by the carnality of their
 
 252 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 fpirits, burthen and greatly deprefs the word 
 of life, in the mefiengers of Chrift, fent in 
 order to carry it on amongft mankind : 
 thereby rendering themfelves altogether un- 
 worthy to be named by his name - y to tafte 
 of his dainties, or to live under this latter, 
 and as glorious a manifeftation of evangeli- 
 cal light and truth, as was ever extended to 
 mankind ! Is not the great defign of the 
 Almightly obvious, in gathering us as a 
 people into his fold, to fit under his teach- 
 ings, and confequently under his glorious 
 manifestation, fhowering upon us great 
 plenty of rain from above, and heavenly 
 dew as upon Hermon's hills, viz. that we 
 might be as the garden of the Lord, full of 
 fruitful plants, and fragrant flowers,, fend- 
 ing forth a fweet fmell, yea, to be as a 
 fountain of gardens, and wells of living 
 water, and ftreams from the goodly beauti- 
 ful mountains of Lebanon : for it is writ- 
 ten, " Out of the belly of him that be- 
 " lieves, mall flow rivers of living water." 
 By which it plainly appears, that the Lord's 
 chofen people are like conduits, channels, 
 or water-fpouts, to convey the water of 
 life into the wildernefs, that it may be- 
 come a fruitful field, and that the defart 
 land may come to rejoice, and blorTom as a 
 rofe; alfo into the fea, viz. amongft the 
 nations, languages, tongues and people*, 
 
 * Sec Ezekiel xlvii, 
 
 to
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 253 
 
 to heal the fifhcs that are in this fea, viz. 
 the backfliders and diftempered of mankind. 
 But oh, how (lowly doth this work go on ! 
 And what a little progrefs it hath yet made, 
 to what was expected by thofe valiants, who 
 firft engaged againft Babylon in the morn- 
 ing of our day, and made that kingdom 
 fhake ! But many under the fame profeffion 
 in this day, are turned againft the truth, 
 and at the fame time they pretend to main- 
 tain its caufe, they are fupporting and 
 ftrengthening the kingdom of Babylon all 
 in their power, which is exceeding ftrange 
 to think, and perhaps would not be believed 
 by hundreds that really are doing it. The 
 reafon is, they fir ft of all have taken fome 
 draughts of the wine > out of the whore of 
 Babylon's golden cup, whereby they are fo 
 intoxicated, as not to know what they 
 are doing ; fo that, when they think they 
 are ferving God, they are ferving Satan. 
 Were not the Jews drunk with this cup, 
 when they dreamed that God was their fa- 
 ther, and at the fame time were in reality 
 of their father the Devil, doing his works, 
 when they thought they were doing God's 
 works? This woeful miftake has been, and 
 is almoft general amongft mankind. When 
 they fupprefs the meafure of grace in them- 
 felves, and drink a few draughts as above- 
 faid, they are then fit to follow antichrift 
 whitherfoever he will lead them ; but he 
 will take care, not to have much crofs to 
 
 the
 
 254 THE- JOURNAL OF 
 
 the will of the flefh in his religion, left they 
 mould be tempted to leave him ; that being 
 the very reafon of the violence they have of- 
 fered to the divine witnefs, which formerly 
 rofe up againft them in their minds, viz. 
 becaufe they faw if they followed that, 
 the crofs muft be taken up, and felf muft be 
 denied. At this they have {tumbled ; and 
 although little fenfe is at prefent retained 
 thereof, by reafon of the intoxication before 
 mentioned, yet when they are fummoned 
 before the judgment-feat of Chrift, and the 
 books come to be opened, all will then fee 
 things as they really are, which do not at 
 all change their natures, though, by a' de- 
 fect in this capacity, they be not feen or 
 underflood at prefent. 
 
 It is worthy to be remembered, and deep- 
 ly pondered by great numbers in our fociety, 
 that it was the rebellion, and unfaithfulnefs 
 of the children of Ifrael, that was the caufe 
 of their being turned back again into a 
 barren, doleful, howling wildernefs, when 
 near the borders of the land of promife. 
 They doubtlefs might then have entered, 
 fubdued the idolatrous inhabitants, and taken 
 full poffeflion thereof, had they believed in, 
 and obeyed that mighty Jehovah, who with 
 an outftretched arm had brought them out 
 of the land of Egypt, dividing the Red Sea 
 in mercy to them, and for the deftruclion 
 of their enemies. But oh ! what a long 
 wildernefs they had afterwards, for about 
 
 the
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 255 
 
 the fpace of thirty-eight years, until all 
 that people had fallen, except Caleb and 
 Joihua, men of upright hearts, whom the 
 Lord honoured with being the leaders of 
 an entire new people, to poflefs the land. 
 Cannot the empty formal profeffors amongft 
 us, who, under great pretenlions, have fuf- 
 fered a heart of unbelief, a rebellious heart, 
 that has departed from the living God, and 
 embraced this prefent world, read their own 
 condemnation in the before-mentioned ac- 
 count ? Shall they ever enter into the hea- 
 venly Canaan ? or be accounted worthy to 
 carry on his glorious work in the earth ? 
 No, verily ; but they muft fall into great 
 condemnation, except they repent, and re- 
 deem their mif-fpent time, and another peo- 
 ple be raifed to maintain this glorious caufe, 
 to whom the Caleb's and Jofhua's in our 
 fociety will be as leaders and directors ; 
 like Prifcillas and Aquilas, to expound unto 
 them (who enquire the way to Sion) the 
 way of the Lord more perfectly ; for I am 
 fully perfuaded, our fociety will not ceafe to 
 be a people, nor the glory ever depart there- 
 from wholly, as it did from the Jewim, and 
 in a great degree the lapfed Chriftian church. 
 I have no doubt, but that a people will be 
 preferved, from generation to generation, to 
 contend earneftly for the faith once delivered 
 to the faints, and to maintain the fame with 
 the doctrine and principle refulting there- 
 from, fo eminently revived in our predecef- 
 
 fors,
 
 256 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 fors, and moft furely believed by us. So 
 that when it fhall pleafe the Lord to awa- 
 ken the nations, there will be no occafion 
 to expert new difcoveries, or other manifef- 
 tations, but the Lord will mew where he 
 feeds his flock, and where they lie down 
 at noon. I do not expect the prefent le- 
 thargy, and almofl univerfal indifference of 
 all denominations of Chriftians about reli- 
 gion, is to continue very long, for the 
 Lord's foul abhors it. I am fully perfuaded 
 he will arife, in dreadful majefty, to make 
 terribly the earth ; the power, wifdom, po- 
 licy, and fplendor thereof, and not only 
 the earth, but the heavens alfo, that he 
 may remove thofe things which can be 
 fhaken, that thofe things that cannot be 
 fhaken may remain. Then mall people fee 
 how empty and fruitlefs their religious pre- 
 tenfions have been. Then will their eyes 
 and cries be to the Lord, to mew them the 
 pafture of the flock of his companions. 
 Then will mankind receive a kingdom, 
 which cannot be fhaken. But, oh ! the 
 bitter cups that mutt be drank, and the 
 phials of God's wrath that mufl be poured 
 upon nations and kingdoms, before mankind 
 in general will be humbled enough, to fub- 
 mit to the yoke of Chrirt, and to learn of 
 him, who is meek and low in heart. But 
 he is Lord of lords, and King of kings, and 
 can turn and overturn, until the inhabitants 
 of the earth are willing that he mould 
 
 reign
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 257 
 
 reign whofe right it is ; (< for when the 
 "judgments of the Lord are in the earth, 
 " the inhabitants of the world will learn 
 " rightcoufncfs." 
 
 Great and marvellous hath been the Lord's 
 condefcenlion and goodnefs, manifefted for 
 our help and prefervation many ways -, one 
 whereof I cannot well omit a mort remark 
 upon, viz. the reviving of antient zeal for 
 the promotion of difcipline and good order, 
 which I find is almoft general throughout 
 the fociety, that fpirit of found judgment, 
 and the burning of that holy fire, which 
 the Lord doth kindle in the hearts of 
 faithful, has never been wholly extin- 
 guifhed, fince we have been a people ; 
 though in fome places, through the neg- 
 lect of rnanyj it hath burned rather faint 
 and languid. This has of late been 
 much augmented, and the number of thofe 
 who will not take bribes (that is, through 
 favour and affecrtion pervert judgment) in- 
 creafed. I pray God, for his great name's 
 fake, and his people's prefervation, this 
 good work may profper ! Publick miniftry, 
 though a great bleffing, help, and comfort 
 to God's people, may be munned, evaded, 
 and turned off by individuals : but the 
 church cannot eafily lofe ground, under 
 a godly, impartial adminiftration of found 
 judgment, and dealing in the way of good 
 order and difcipline, as this brings judg- 
 ment homes Thou art the man. Here in- 
 R dividuals
 
 258 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 dividuals muft condemn the evil, or be dif- 
 united from the body, that it may not be 
 infected, or endangered by their defection. 
 I went from Folkftone to Maizam, where 
 I had a meeting, and fome clofe fearching 
 labour, in order to awaken drowfy lukewarm 
 profeiTors. I had meetings alfo at Amford, 
 Tenterden, and Cranbrooke, where I found 
 things exceeding low as to truth and friends, 
 and but very little of either fubflance, or even 
 form, to be met with. My fpirit was much 
 affected with forrow and mourning, in 
 viewing the deplorable eilate of the fociety 
 in this county; yet I endeavoured with 
 patience to wade along in my fervice, and 
 to difcharge the duty required of me. 
 
 I then proceeded to vifit Suilex. The firft 
 meeting I had in that county, was Gard- 
 ner-Street; I could find but very few, if 
 any, truly alive in religion there. I had 
 hard clofe work with the unfaithful, in fome 
 important branches' of our Chrillian tefti- 
 mony, to which I was immediately led ; for 
 I knew nothing of their flate, by outward 
 information. I had meetings alfo at Lewes, 
 Brighthelmftone, and Arundel. At all 
 which places, I found the life of religion 
 much deprefled. My fervice was clofe and 
 fearching; but alas ! carnal profeilbrs are 
 very hard to be made fenfible of their de- 
 plorable condition. From Arundel I went 
 to Chichefter, where I had a meeting, and 
 good open fervice, not only to ilir up the 
 
 carelefs
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 259 
 
 carelefs to more fervent labour, but alfo to 
 encourage and flrengthen fome tender- 
 hearted travellers Zion-wards. It was, 
 through the holy efficacy of truth, a blef- 
 fed time. I went from thence to Alton, 
 in Hampshire, and- attended their firft-day 
 meeting. There is a large body of friends, 
 amongtt whom, the great Matter of our 
 allemblies opened doctrine and counfel, 
 fuited to their leveral ftates, and the blefled 
 truth was in great dominion that day. 
 The next meeting I had was at Godalming, 
 where I had very clofe heavy fervice, being 
 made fenfible of much indifference, and 
 lukewarmnefs in fome profefTors. It was 
 often my lot to labour for the ftirring up 
 and reviving of fuch : but alas ! it is hard 
 work, yet fufficiently rewarded by the com- 
 fortable returns of true peace, in a faithful 
 difcharge of duty. The next meeting I had 
 was at Staines, which was pretty open and 
 fatisfa<ftory : being livingly engaged to ad- 
 minifter fuitably to the feveral itates of thofe 
 prefent. I went from thence to Uxbridge, 
 where I had open thorough fervice, to good 
 fatisfaftion. After which I went to High- 
 Wickham, and had a heavy laborious meet- 
 ing. The fame day I had an evening meet- 
 ing at Amerfham, in which I had fome 
 fervice, though things were very low. 
 Next day I had a meeting at Jordans, 
 where the blefled truth had great dominion, 
 and the testimony thereof flowed forth 
 R 2 freely
 
 26o THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 freely, in doctrine and counfel, for the help 
 and comfort of thofe prefent. After which 
 I went to London, where I ftaid the nrft- 
 day meetings over. I attended Gracechurch- 
 Street in the morning, where I had good 
 fervice, and the teftimony of truth had great 
 dominion. I went to Devonmire-Houfe in 
 the afternoon, where I had alfo a good open 
 time to declare the truth; finding much 
 eafe and peace of mind. The fervice of this 
 fmall journey being over, I returned home 
 the next day, having been out about four 
 weeks, at 28 meetings, and travelled about 
 350 miles. 
 
 The next journey I have any account of, 
 was chiefly in order to vifit the quarterly- 
 meetings of Lincoln, York, Lancafter, and 
 Kendal. I fet out the i6th of the 6th 
 month, 1758, and, by appointment, met 
 Jofeph Taylor at Cambridge, who was to 
 be my companion as far as York. It being 
 firft-day, we went to their meeting in the 
 morning, which was very fmall, and things 
 exceeding low, as to the life of religion. 
 We went in the afternoon about ten miles 
 to a general-meeting^ at a place called Over, 
 which was large, and I was largely opened 
 therein, in clofe awakening fervice, tend- 
 ing to roufe carelefs profefibrs, of which 
 number there feemed to be many at that 
 meeting. We proceeded after meeting as 
 far as Erith, and next day got to Spalding, 
 in Lincolnfhire, where we met our worthy 
 
 friend,
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 261 
 
 friend, Mordecai Yarnall, from America, 
 who was then on a religious viilt in this 
 nation, and Samuel Neal from Ireland. 
 The 20th in the morning we fet out for 
 Lincoln quarterly-meeting, which began 
 the next day about noon, and ended the day 
 following. Truth is at a low ebb in this 
 county, and the difcipline in the main but 
 poorly managed, and the conduct of divers 
 profeiTors administers caufe of offence ; yet 
 we were, through the extendings of mer- 
 ciful goodnefs, favoured with confiderable 
 opennefs, and pretty thorough fervice for 
 their help, and to our own eafe in a good 
 degree. After this meeting w r as over, my 
 companion and I proceeded on our journey 
 towards York, taking Leed's firft-day meet- 
 ings in our way, which were large, very 
 heavy, and laborious. My proper bufmefs 
 was to wade under a great weight, occa- 
 iioned by the indolent fpirits of thofe who 
 were unwilling to labour, and bear their 
 own burthens, in an example of filence. 
 Next morning was held their monthly- 
 meeting of miniflers and elders, where I 
 had clofe fervice ; and the fame day that 
 for difcipline, which was exceeding large, 
 our fociety being very numerous thereabouts. 
 The teftimony of truth was greatly exalted 
 therein, in treating concerning Chrilt, the 
 everl ailing Rock upon which the church is 
 built, whereupon only itcanftand firm, againft 
 all the attempts of a potent adverfary, and 
 R 3 his
 
 262 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 his emiflaries. Next day we went to York, 
 where the fame evening was held the quar- 
 terly meeting of minifters and elders. I 
 had fome open fervice therein, particularly 
 to minifters. We were divinely favoured 
 in the fucceeding meetings, both for wor- 
 fhip and difcipline, to our edification and 
 comfort. From York I went towards Ken- 
 dal, and was, in my way, at a yearly- 
 meeting held on a firft-day, in a large barn 
 near Bingley ; where (it was thought) were 
 very near a thoufand people, of other religi- 
 ous perfuafions, befides many of our own fo- 
 ciety. I was largely opened therein, to 
 preach the everlafting gofpel, in the autho- 
 rity and demonftration thereof. The peo- 
 ple generally behaved in a fober becoming 
 manner, appearing well fatisfied, which is 
 too often the moft we can fay in our day, 
 concerning fuch memorable opportunities; 
 whereas, our predeceflbrs might have added, 
 perhaps, that feveral hundreds were con- 
 vinced. However, we muft content our- 
 felves with the ftate or condition of the 
 fields of the world, in our day : and al- 
 though we cannot lift up our eyes, as they 
 could, to behold the fields white unto har- 
 veft, yet let there be honeft endeavours to 
 contribute all in our power, for the bring- 
 ing them forward in this refped, and leave 
 the reft to the Lord, in whofe hands alone 
 are times and feafons. I had a meeting at 
 Skipton that evening, to good fatisfaclion. 
 
 I went
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 263 
 
 I went from thence to Settle, and was at 
 their monthly-meeting, where I had good 
 fervice, and fo proceeded to Kendal, ac- 
 companied by divers friends. The fame 
 day was held the meeting of miniilers and 
 elders, wherein our ancient worthy friend, 
 James Wilfon, had excellent fervice, to our 
 great comfort and .edification. Their quar- 
 terly-meeting of budnefs was held next 
 day, wherein I had good fervice, in the 
 opening of gofpel life and power. A blef- 
 fed meeting it was. The Lord alone had 
 the praife, who is for ever worthy thereof! 
 I attended Kendal meetings the firft-day 
 following, which were very large, and pre- 
 cious ; the everlafting truth, and its tefti- 
 mony, being exalted over all of a contrary 
 nature, to the great comfort of the up- 
 right in heart. I went, accompanied by 
 our friend James Wilfon, and many others, 
 to their general meeting, at Prefton Patrick, 
 which was very large. My fervice therein 
 was clofe, fearching, and laborious ; not 
 only in a fenfe of great lukewarmnefs, and 
 indifference in fome, but alfo the heart- 
 burnings, difunion, and fecret fmitings one 
 againft another, of others. It feemed to 
 me, that fpirit had fubtilly prevailed on 
 fome, accounted of the foremoft rank, to 
 their own hurt, and the .wounding of the 
 innocent life. My fpirit had been pain- 
 fully affected with the fame fenfe of the 
 ftate of that meeting, in degree, in my 
 R 4 former
 
 264 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 former vifits to it ; but never had fo much 
 power and comfortable dominion over the 
 fame, as at this time, wherein truth mightily 
 prevailed, to the fubduing, at leaft for the 
 prefent, all that was of a contrary nature. 
 JNear the conclufion of the faid meeting, our 
 worthy ancient, friend, before-mentioned, 
 publickly teftified, that the eternal truth 
 of God was over all, exhorting friends 
 highly to prize fuch blefled opportunities, 
 and carefully to improve thereby. 
 
 In relating what has been done, in mar- 
 vellous kindnefs and condefcenfion, through 
 me a poor weak inftrument, towards the 
 help and reiteration of my fellow-mortals, 
 J do fincerely clefire, if any good is done, 
 the Lord only may have the praife, honour, 
 and glory ; for he alone is worthy, and 
 nothing belongs to the creature, but hu- 
 rnility, reverence, obedience, and laying the 
 mouth as in the dufl. I would be fo un- 
 derftood throughout the whole narrative, 
 though not always expreffed in words. 
 
 I went from Kendal to Lancafter. The 
 quarterly felect meeting for minifters and 
 elders was firft held; wherein our ancient 
 friend, James Wilfon, before- mentioned, 
 bore a noble, evangelical teftimony, to the 
 inftruclion, edification, and great comfort of 
 friends. Next day was held their quarterly- 
 meeting for difcipline, in which, through 
 the efficacy of divine power, I had fome 
 open weighty fcrvice. I cannot well for- 
 bear
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 265 
 
 bear remarking the great fatisfaction and 
 pleafure I had at this meeting, in behold- 
 ing, and having the acceptable company of 
 three honourable, worthy, ancient friends, 
 viz. James Wilfon, Lydia Lancafter, and 
 Grace Chambers ; w,ho, I think, all bore 
 living and powerful testimonies therein, in 
 a very affeding manner,, to th,e holy efficacy 
 of that everlafting truth, which had been 
 with them all their life Ion ?. Oh ! it was 
 
 O 
 
 a time of much humbling encouragement, 
 to fee their greennefs and fruitfulnefs in 
 old age. I looked upon them as patterns of 
 primitive times and friends. There is fome- 
 thing wonderfully great and Excellent, feen 
 only by thofe eyes which the Lord hath 
 opened, in the native ilmplicity of the truth, 
 and that eftate into which it gradually 
 brings a man, who, in a total denial of fclf, 
 hath fully given up to be formed by it. 
 This I take to have been very much the cafe 
 with friends in the beginning, which ren- 
 dered them fo very obnoxious to the fpirit 
 of the world ; than which, there is nothing 
 more oppoiite to a redeemed ftate : fo that 
 the more any are drawn out of the corrupt 
 ways, and fpirit of the world, the *more 
 they are hated by it. This is obvious, 
 when we confider the treatment which 
 Chrift our Lord, in whom the Godhead 
 dwelt bodily, met with. If many in profef- 
 fion with us are nearer in unity and peace 
 with the world now, than our friends were 
 
 formerly >
 
 266 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 formerly, let it not be underftood as a 
 token of their advancement in the nature 
 and fpirit of true religion j but the contrary, 
 viz. that they are fallen nearer thereunto, 
 and become more like it in fpirit, though 
 fomewhat different as to the exterior part of 
 religion, which the world cares not much 
 for, when it finds that, in the main, we 
 are making advances towards them. Our 
 friends formerly delivered them-felves in 
 rainiftry and writing, in a plain, fimple ftile 
 and language, becoming the concern they 
 were fincerely engaged to promote j chiefly 
 aiming to fpeak and write, fo as to convey 
 the power and efficacy of the pure truth, to 
 that of God in the confciences of men. It 
 is no fmall glory to the righteous caufe we 
 are engaged to promote, that it has made 
 fuch a mighty progrefs in the world, upon 
 a better foundation than that of human 
 helps and learned accomplimments. The 
 very firft and mod eminent inftruments, 
 railed to propagate the fame, were illi- 
 terate men, agreeable to what Paul deli- 
 vers, i Cor. chap. i. ver. 26, 27, 28, and 
 29. May thefe things be weightily con- 
 iidered by all thofe, who feem to aim at 
 feeking credit to the fociety, by means of 
 thofe outward embellifhments, from which 
 our worthy ancients were wholly turned, to 
 feek and wait for that living power, and 
 holy authority, which alone is able to carry 
 on the work of man's redemption to the 
 
 end
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 267 
 
 end of time : the departure from which 
 opened the door effectually for the apoftacy 
 to overfpread; then human wifdom and 
 learning became, in the eftimation of de- 
 generate Chriftians, erTentially necefTary to 
 make minifters of the gofpel. But the 
 early miniflers, and writers in the Chrif- 
 tian church, became very eminent another 
 way, as we have great reafon to believe 
 moft of them were illiterate men ; and fuch 
 of them who had attained human learning, 
 when the power of the gofpel was inwardly 
 revealed, laid all fuch accomplimments 
 down at the feet of that power, to whom 
 every knee muft bow, and every tongue muft 
 confefs : fo that we find them counting all 
 that as drofs and dung, to which men, in 
 their corrupt wills and wifdom, give the 
 higheft place for ufefulnefs, as above hint- 
 ed. And I think, fome amongft us fall 
 very little mort of the fame difpofition 
 of mind, though they do not care to own 
 it in words ; for I have divers times ob- 
 ferved, fome have but little relim or tafte 
 for the fubftantial truths of the gofpel, in 
 a plain fimple drefs \ nor to read books, 
 holding forth the fame, unlefs they find 
 fome delicacy in the ftile and compofition. 
 An honeft fubftantial minifter may wade 
 into the feveral ftates of people, in order 
 to bring forth fuitably thereunto, in the 
 native fimplicity of the truth, and his 
 labour herein be feen, gladly owned and 
 
 received,
 
 268 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 received, by the circumcifed in heart and 
 cars, where their lot is caft - y yet the fort of 
 people amongft us above-mentioned, of 
 which I fear there are many, do not know, 
 nor much regard them, fcarcely thinking 
 it worth their while to attend the meetings 
 fuch are engaged to vifit. But if they hear 
 of one coming who is noted for learning 
 and eloquence, though perhaps far fhort of 
 the other in depth of experience, what fol- 
 lowing after them from meeting to meet- 
 ing ! Enough, if the inftrument is not 
 pretty well grounded, to puff it up with 
 a vain conceit of itfelf, and to exalt it above 
 meafure. Some have with forrowobferved, 
 much hurt has been done amongft us, by 
 fuch great imprudence. I have often feen 
 reafon to conclude, popularity and common 
 applaufe is no fafe rule to judge of the real 
 worth of a minifter. I have therefore, 
 when I have heard much crying-up of any 
 inflrument, been apt to doubt its fafe {land- 
 ing, and holding out to the end ; which it 
 cannot poffibly do, if the fame defire pre- 
 vails to fpeak, as there is in fuch people to 
 hear. I am perfuaded, if fuch keep upon a 
 right bottom, they will, at times, find it 
 their duty to ftarve and difappoint fuch 
 cravings after words. 
 
 I had an open fatisfacflory meeting at Lan- 
 cafter the day after the quarterly-meeting, in 
 which the holy virtue of truth greatly united 
 friends, in the bond of love and peace. The 
 
 1 4th
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 269 
 
 1 4th of the ^th month I fet out, in company 
 with my kind friends, Jonathan Raine and 
 wife, William Dilworth,andTabithaEcroyd r 
 and lodged that night at Watton, near Pref- 
 ton. Next morning I took my leave of 
 the above faid friends, in much near affec- 
 tion, except William Dilworth, who ac- 
 companied me to Warrington that day. 
 The next, being the firft of the week, I 
 attended Penketh meeting in the morning, 
 and Warrington in the afternoon. At both 
 which, my labour in the miniflry was heavy 
 and painful, on account of the formal, 
 lifelefs ftate of too many, who, by their age 
 and long profeffion, might have been as 
 pillars in the church ; as well as the chaf- 
 fmefs, and want of folid experience, by their 
 not yielding to the vifitation of truth, in 
 many of a younger rank. Thus it is, when 
 heavenly bleffings have been mowered down 
 upon people, not duly improving thereby, 
 they become more infenfible than others, 
 who have not been fo highly favoured. I 
 was enabled to difcharge the fervice re- 
 quired, in a fearching, awakening manner, 
 to my own relief in a good degree. I went 
 the next day to my worthy friend, fomua 
 Toft's, near Leek, who had then loft his 
 fight, but feemed frefh and lively in his 
 fpirit. We had great fatisfaction in com- 
 pany and converfation with each other. I 
 ftaid one whole day with him and his bro- 
 ther, and then proceeded towards Worcefter, 
 
 taking
 
 270 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 taking meetings at Dudley and Stourbridge. 
 I had fome open fatisfatlory fervice at the 
 firft, and a very laborious painful time, in 
 filence, at the other, where truth feemed 
 to me much deprefled by wrong things. 
 On feventh-day I went from thence to 
 Worcefter, and attended their firft-day 
 meetings, andwas mournfully affected there- 
 in, with a fenfe of lukewarmnefs in many 
 profeffors, finding it very hard for the life 
 and power of truth to arife into dominion, 
 fo as to make them fenlible of their ftates. 
 My labour was for the moft part in filence, 
 though I had fome clofe publick fervice. I 
 went after the lafl meeting as far as Eve- 
 mam, on my way to London, and from 
 thence, the next day home to my dear wife, 
 and found her well ; which, together with 
 other favours, I was, through infinite kind- 
 nefs, made a partaker of in this journey, 
 bowed my mind in humble thankfulnefs 
 to the bountiful author of all bleffings, 
 who is alone worthy of dominion and 
 wormip for evermore. I was from home 
 about five weeks and five days, and travel- 
 led, by account, 664 miles, and was at 37 
 meetings. 
 
 I have preferved no account in writing, 
 of my travelling in the fervice of truth, after 
 I returned from the laft-mentioned journey, 
 until the fore part of the year 1760, when 
 I entered upon my journey, in order to vifit 
 the meetings of friends in the nation of 
 
 Ireland
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 271 
 
 Ireland a fecond time ; having had it 
 weightily upon my mind, at times, for 
 fome years. But when it drew near, I 
 clearly faw the time fixed to fet out, which 
 I did the firft of the 3d month, in the afore- 
 faid year, and went to London. The 
 2d being on firft-day, I went to Grace- 
 church-Street meeting in the morning. My 
 bulinefs therein was to fet an example of 
 iilence. In the afternoon I had good open 
 fervice at Devonmire-Houfe meeting. On 
 fecond-day morning the 3d I went into 
 the Weft-Chefter ftage coach, and arrived 
 at that city on fifth-day night, the 6th. I 
 went next day to Park-Gate, to inquire for 
 a pafTage, where I found divers vefTels ready 
 to fail ; yet the wind being contrary, it was 
 uncertain when -, fome having already wait- 
 ed near a month for a fair wind. I return- 
 ed to Chefter that night, and next day was 
 poorly of a cold, having, fince my great 
 illnefs, been very tender in my lungs, and 
 apt to be afHicled with an ailhmatick dif- 
 order ; fo that travelling, efpecially in cold 
 foggy weather, became very unpleafiat for 
 me to bear, having endured confiderable 
 hardmips in my journey from London, 
 by fuch weather, and the motion of the 
 coach. But all was made up, in the fvveet 
 enjoyment of that pure love, which makes 
 hard things eafy, and bitter things fweet. 
 The 9tb, being firft-day, I was at Chefter 
 meeting, the number of friends being but 
 
 fmall,
 
 272 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 fmall, and the life of religion very low-; 
 yet it pleafed divine goodnefs to extend mer- 
 ciful help, giving me opennefs, in the 
 fpringing up of life, to adminifter fuitably 
 for their advantage, I hope, if rightly im- 
 proved. The i oth in the morning, having 
 hired a guide and two horfes, I fet out for 
 Holy Head, in order to take a paffage for 
 Dublin, in one of the packets, and got thi- 
 ther next day about fix in the evening. 
 Here I found one of the packets was to 
 fail early next morning. I went on board 
 the 1 2th, about fix o'clock in the morn- 
 ing, and landed at Dublin about fix in the 
 evening, the fame day, having had an eaiy 
 paflage, and civil ufage on board, and was 
 kindly received by my open-hearted friends, 
 Samuel Judd and family. I was pretty much 
 fatigued with travelling, being alfo afflicted 
 with a cold upon my lungs, which was 
 aggravated by the thick fulphurous air of 
 Dublin. Yet the pure virtue, and holy 
 anointing of the precious truth, carried 
 through and over all weaknefs, both of 
 body and mind. My foul being enabled to 
 extol, and magnify the God of my falva- 
 tion, for his gracious fupport every way ; 
 for indeed, humanly looking and judging of 
 things, it might not have appeared prudent, 
 confidering my weak and infirm ftate of 
 body, efpecially alone, to have undertook 
 fuch a journey ; but the power of gofpel 
 love gaining the afcendancy over all reaion- 
 
 ings
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 273 
 
 ings and confultations with flefh and blood, 
 made me willing to give up life and all, in 
 anfwering the Lord's requirings, and to 
 purfue what he was pleafed to call me unto, 
 as far as ability of body would admit. 
 This is a great myftery to the carnal man, 
 but it hath as real an existence in a re- 
 deemed mind, as that a principle of felf- 
 love is the fpring of action in an unredeem- 
 ed mind. On fixth-day, the I3th, I went 
 to the week day meeting at Sycamore- Alley, 
 where humbling goodnefs was refremingly 
 near, and opened the doctrines of truth 
 largely and livingly, to the comfort of many 
 hearts. On firil-day, the i6th, I went to 
 Meath-Street in the morning, where I had 
 thorough fervice, to mine own great com- 
 fort and eafe ; though my fpirit was much 
 grieved, to view the havock made amongft 
 friends in that great city, by undue liber- 
 ties ; but moft of all under a mournful 
 fenfe, that the dragon's tail had drawn fome 
 of the ftars down again, into earthly pollu- 
 tions, and caufed a bad favour. This was 
 offenfive to my foul, even as a nuifance in 
 that meeting. May others harm and mif- 
 carriages caufe all the Lord's anointed to be 
 very watchful. I went to Sycamore-Alley 
 in the afternoon, where the meeting was 
 very large. Silent waiting upon God was 
 my fervice therein, in which I had peace 
 and comfort ; and towards the concluiion, 
 there was an awful folemnity, in a remark - 
 S able
 
 274 THE JOURNAL o ? 
 
 able manner, over the meeting, wherein the 
 excellency of lilent worfhip appeared. On 
 fecond-day, the I7th, I went to Baltibois, 
 and had a meeting there. Next day I had 
 dole roufing fervice therein ; the teflimony 
 .of truth went forth very fharp againfl 
 haughty libertine fpirits. There I met my 
 good friend Abraham Shakleton, who tra- 
 velled with me moft of the time I was in 
 that nation. Of him, I think, it may 
 be faid, as was of Nathaniel, " Behold an 
 " Ifraelite indeed, in whom there is no 
 " guile !" He was a great comfort and help 
 to me, and though he did not appearpublick- 
 ly as a minifter ; yet he would drop tender 
 advice at times, in families, in a very affect- 
 ing manner. His whole converfation, looks, 
 and deportment, was fo leavened and tem- 
 pered with the good, that I looked upon 
 him as a preacher of righteoufnefs where- 
 ever he came. I went with him, after the 
 abovefaid meeting, to his houfe at Bally- 
 tore, where next day I had a precious open 
 meeting, and good thorough fervice there- 
 in ; the bleffed unchangeable truth being in 
 dominion over all. The 2oth I had a good 
 ferviceable meeting at Athy, and the next 
 day another at Rathanyon, in which there 
 was a wonderful manifestation of the divine 
 power, and much clearnefs in opening the 
 doctrines of truth ; fo that I believe there 
 were few, if any, but were fenfibly affected 
 therewith. I hope fuch great extendings of 
 
 favour
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 275 
 
 favour will not be eafily forgot. From 
 thence I went to Edenderry, and was at 
 their meeting on firft-day, the 23d, which 
 was a very large meeting, and the power 
 and wifdom of truth was eminently mani- 
 fefted, in furniming with ability, to divide 
 the word aright to the feveral ftates in that 
 great meeting. It was in much dread and 
 weight, not fparing any rank or ftation in 
 the ibciety. All there, I believe, through 
 divine favour, had fome mare of that day's 
 work : I hope not eafily to be forgotten. 
 May the Lord alone have the praife ! for 
 he is the author of all the good that is, or 
 can be done. The 25th I had a large 
 meeting at Mount-Melick, in which I had 
 thorough fervice. The labour was fome- 
 what painful, in a fenfe of indifference, 
 and the infipid formal ftate of too many, as 
 well as the pride and undue liberties of 
 others ; both which have forrowfully pre- 
 vailed in that nation ; yet I found great eafe 
 and peace of mind, in the difcharge of that 
 weighty concern, which was upon me for 
 their help and recovery, and which I hope 
 had a good effect on many. Next day I had 
 a large meeting at Mount-Rath. I was en- 
 abled to difcharge the fervice require 1, in 
 a fearching manner, that carelefs profeflbrs 
 might be ftirred up to their reipective 
 duties, and ancient zeal, ardour, and beauty 
 reftored to the churches. From thence I 
 went to James Huchinfon's, where I had 
 82 an
 
 276 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 an open ferviceable meeting; I hope to the 
 comfort and help of many. The 28th I 
 had a meeting at Ballinakill, where I had 
 a good degree of opennefs, for the help and 
 encouragement of friends in the way of 
 well-doing j but things were very low there, 
 as to the life of religion. I went after 
 meeting to Carlow, in order to attend the 
 province fix weeks meeting. Many friends, 
 from the feveral parts of the province, 
 came to it. It was a large meeting, and 
 confidering the low declined flate of things, 
 we were favoured with wonderful extend- 
 ings of heavenly power, wifdom, and living 
 virtue, in order to heal and reftore back- 
 fliding Ifrael. Great and marvellous is, 
 and hath been, the condefcenfion of the 
 Almighty to his people, through all ages ! 
 the doctrine of the gofpel flowed forth 
 freely to the feveral ftates of thofe prefent, 
 and many were much humbled, in an aw- 
 ful fenfe of the divine prefence, which is 
 the life and flrength of God's people. I 
 had a large meeting at the fame place on 
 firft-day, the 3Oth, it was a blelTed oppor- 
 tunity of favour, and faving help extended 
 to thofe prefent : furely, if thefe high bene- 
 fits are not duly improved, great will be 
 the condemnation of thofe upon whom 
 they are beftowed. I went from thence 
 home, with my kind friends Robert Lackey 
 and wife, and had the next day a precious 
 open meeting, and good fervice therein, 
 
 at
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 277 
 
 at the houfe of our worthy ancient friend, 
 Samuel Watfon, of Killconner. I went 
 from thence to Rofs, where, at the houfe 
 of Samuel Ely, I had a low afflicting meet- 
 ing, but little to be felt of the life of re- 
 ligion. I was quite fhut up as to miniftry. 
 From thence I v/ent to Waterford, where 
 on the 3d of the 4th month, I had a large 
 meeting ; it proved a time of clofe labour ; 
 yet I waded through to mine own eafe, in 
 a good degree. On the 4th, I had an open 
 precious meeting at Clonmell. Oh, how 
 the heavenly virtue did ftream forth ! in 
 doctrine and counfel, for the help, encou- 
 ragement, and ftirring up of friends, and 
 others, to their religious duty. The great 
 name of our God was adored and mag- 
 nified. The 5th I went to Cork, and at- 
 tended their meetings on firft-day. They 
 were large, and although the declenfion 
 from the life and fimplicity of truth is very 
 great, and obvious amongft friends in that 
 city; and many under our name are much 
 defiled with the love of earthly gratifica- 
 tions, preferring their outward interefl to 
 that of religion ', yet great was the extend- 
 ings of divine love and favour for their 
 help and recovery. The doctrines of the 
 gofpel were thereby largely and livingly 
 opened, I hope to the comfort and help of 
 many, caufing the hearts of a fincere, up- 
 right-minded remnant amongft them great- 
 ly to rejoice with thankfulnefs. On third- 
 S 3 day,
 
 278 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 day, the 8th, I attended a very large meet- 
 ing th re, both of friends and people of 
 other religious perfualions ; it being ap- 
 pointed for the marriage of our friend 
 Samuel Neal to a daughter of Jofhua Beale, 
 and grand-daughter of our worthy friend, 
 Jofeph Pike, deceafed. The fore part of 
 this meeting was very cloudy and painful, 
 but the fmcere travail of the upright in 
 heart prevailed with the Lord to arife ; then 
 his enemies were fcattered, and the glorious 
 powerful truth fhone forth in its beauty, 
 whereby the poor had the gofpel to preach, 
 in the blerTed demonstration thereof. It 
 was a time not to be eaiily forgotten ; 
 made fo by his refreshing prefence, who 
 turned our water of affliction into the re- 
 viving wine of his kingdom > to whom, 
 for the multitude of his mercies to his 
 church and people, be humble thankfgiv- 
 ing, fincere obedience, and'praifes for ever- 
 more, Amen ! I went from Cork direct- 
 ly to Limerick, where on the iith I had 
 a thorough open meeting, and the tefti- 
 mony of truth was greatly exalted, I hope 
 to the comfort and help of many. I often 
 much admired the divine condefcenfion, in 
 the open vifitations of his unmerited love, 
 and long- Suffering kindnefs, to a greatly 
 revolted and backsliding people. But what 
 we finite creatures cannot comprehend, of 
 his unfathomable regard to the workman- 
 fhip of his hands, we ought to adore and 
 
 wormip
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 279 
 
 worfhip him for, with reverence and awful 
 fear. So be it, faith my foul, both in time 
 and eternity, i went from thence to Kill- 
 connen-Moor, whereon firft-day, the I3th, 
 I attended their meeting, which was but 
 fmall, and my fervice therein was very la- 
 borious. The teftimony given to bear went 
 forth very (harp againft wrong liberties. 
 I was much afflicted, in a fenfe of the al- 
 moft defolate ftate of that meeting, which 
 that worthy man, John Aihton, being firfl 
 himfelf convinced in that remote place, 
 was the inftrument, in the Lord's hand, 
 by his favoury circumfpecl: life and labour 
 to gather. I had a meeting in the afternoon 
 at Birr, where there are but few of our fo- 
 ciety, but many of the people called me- 
 thodifts, and foldiers came in. The gof- 
 pel of life and falvation was largely preach- 
 ed unto them. The neceffity of the new- 
 birth was urged, and preflingly enforced. 
 The nature whereof, from a degree of ex- 
 perience, being fet forth, the meeting ap- 
 peared to be generally affecled, and, I hope, 
 it was a ferviceable time. Some of the 
 methodifts did in words exprefs their great 
 fatisfadtton, after meeting, beyond what .1 
 choofe to mention. On the I5th I had a 
 very painful exercifing meeting at the Moat. 
 Great indeed was the diftrefs of my mind, 
 viewing the general hardnefs and infenlibi- 
 lity, as well as the vain frothy light fpirits 
 of feme. I had very little opennefs, and 
 S ^ fcarcely
 
 280 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 fcarcely any thing to deliver, but under a 
 fenfe of the Lord's anger being kindled 
 again ft them, by whom, if they do not re- 
 pent, they muft be rejected. Though, I 
 hope, there were fome few had a degree 
 of tendernefs and good defires ; but, alas ! 
 it is a hard lot for fuch, who have a fenfe 
 of feeling, to be incorporated with a peo- 
 ple generally fo infenfible of the life of re- 
 ligion ; but the Lord is all-fufficient for 
 thofe who put their truft in him. From 
 thence I went to the Freeman's, near Old- 
 Caftle, where, on the i8th in the morn- 
 ing, I had a meeting held at their houfe, 
 for our friends only, in which I had matter 
 and utterance given, fuitable to the ftates of 
 the few prefent, who were pretty much 
 aftecTied with the teftimony of truth. In 
 the afternoon I had a large meeting in 
 friends meeting-houfe at Old-Caftle. I 
 underftood after meeting, they were moftly 
 papifts. I had a large opportunity to pub- 
 lifh the truths of the gofpel, with con- 
 derable clearnefs ; /hewing the neceflity of 
 obtaining victory over lin, through the power 
 and efficacy of living faith in Qhriit; by 
 whom only, full remiffion of fin fs to be 
 obtained, upon fincere repentance ; mew- 
 ing, in fome meafure, the great danger of 
 fuppofing the Almighty hath delegated the 
 power of forgiving fins to any man, or fet 
 of men whatever; that all who were delirous 
 to be freed therefrom, muft know the work 
 
 of
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 281 
 
 of God's fpirit in their hearts, to work that 
 change, or to bring forth that new-birth 
 our Lord taught Nicodemus the neceiiity 
 of. The auditory were generally quiet and 
 attentive, appearing to depart well fatif- 
 iied. One of the papifts after meeting did 
 to me exprefs much fatisfadion with the 
 doctrine delivered. But I underftood one 
 or two priefls were much offended there- 
 with, yet they faid nothing to me -, fo all 
 palled off quiet, as was my mind, having 
 fweet comfort in th~ labour of that day. 
 From thence I went to Coothill, and the 
 20th was at their firft-day meeting, where- 
 in I was largely concerned in a clofe rou- 
 ling testimony. It was very marp again ft 
 the inordinate love of the world, which, 
 and other undue liberty, feemed to me to 
 have almoft hid that meeting wafte. Their 
 monthly-meeting of bufmefs was held that 
 day, which to me was another token of 
 their little regard to the great caufe of re- 
 ligion and virtue, that they could not find 
 it in their hearts to beftow another day for 
 tranfacting the weighty affairs of the church, 
 which 1 have always oblerved to be the cafe, 
 where friends are really alive in religion, and 
 not narrowed up by the love of the world. 
 It hath often appeared wonderful to me, 
 how the profeffors of truth dare offer fuch 
 an indignity to the infinite being, and his 
 awful work, and to put it off until it fuits 
 them befl, and when they are likely to fuf- 
 
 fer
 
 282 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 icr the leafl difadvantage in that refpect to 
 their outward affairs. What is pointed 
 out by the offerings under the law, being 
 of the firft year and without blemifh ? And 
 what is meant by offering the firft-fruits to 
 the Lord ? Oh, how ungratefully do fome 
 at, as if any thing, or any time, was good 
 enough to offer unto him ! I have obferved 
 in fome places, though I can with com- 
 fort fay, it was but in very few, that they 
 hold their monthly and quarterly-meetings 
 in the afternoon, and having thus limit- 
 ed themfelves for time, they feem as 
 if they could fpare but little of it in 
 filent waiting, to feek the Lord's bleffed 
 affiftance, and in faith to look for the pour- 
 ing forth of the holy fpirit promiled in 
 this gofpel-day. But I have obferved them 
 to enter on the bufmefs, as they have come 
 out of the world -, moving in thefe weighty 
 affairs in man's natural abilities, whereby 
 darknefs reigns, and the glorious light and 
 life of truth is obfcured, and they come to 
 be fo benighted, as to fee no neceffity to 
 wait for it. Thus all living zeal, and 
 every qualification for carrying on the Lord's 
 work is loft, and vain man thinks he can do 
 without it. I am well affured, by living 
 experience, as well as the practice truth 
 hath led friends in all places (a few except- 
 ed) into, that it is the indifpenfable duty 
 of our fociety, every where, to dedicate a 
 week-day, vi?. a day when they are not 
 
 debarred
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 283 
 
 debarred by the laws of the land to fol- 
 low their outward bufinefs, for tranfacling 
 the weighty affairs of difcipline and good 
 order ; and to meet in the fore-part there- 
 of, men and women together, then and 
 there to wait upon the Lord, for the virtue 
 of his holy fpirit; and when they have 
 thus waited a proper time, then the men 
 and women in their feparate apartments, 
 with awful fear, and a weighty care upon 
 all their minds, as in the prefence of the 
 Lord, to proceed in their refpecftive parts of 
 this great work ; which is the Lord's, and 
 cannot poffibly be profitably done, but by 
 his immediate affiftance. This I leave upon 
 record, as my well-grounded teftimony for 
 God and his church. I attended what 
 they called their monthly-meeting, and by 
 looking a little into the flate of things, I 
 found them much out of order, and did not 
 wonder at it, as I found they had dropped 
 their week-day meeting. At my requeft 
 the women were defired to be prefent, when 
 much labour was beftowed for their help, 
 particularly to revive their week-day meet- 
 ing ; they agreed to endeavour for it, and 
 made a minute for that purpofe, in their 
 monthly-meeting book. But, alas ! the life 
 of religion feemed to be almoft loft ; their 
 ftate being confufed and diforderly, by 
 mixed marriages, and the neglecl: of dif- 
 cipline. They appeared part one thing and 
 part another > which, if it was fo offenfive 
 
 to
 
 284 'THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 to God, and fo diftreffing to his people 
 under the old covenant, how can it be lefs 
 fo now ? But when people's views are car- 
 nal and felfifh, they regard none of thefe 
 things, although the hazard is fo infinitely 
 great. I had a fmall poor meeting at Caftle- 
 ihane next day, where I could not perceive 
 any alive in religion, to my great forrow 
 and pain. Some labour in teftimony was 
 beftowed, but to outward appearance it 
 took very little effecl:. From thence I went 
 to Thomas Greer's, at Dungannon, and on 
 the 23d had a large meeting at Charle- 
 mount, where I was concerned to declare 
 truth, as utterance was given, in a very 
 clofe fearching manner; not without (harp 
 rebukes to fuch, who, by defiling liberties, 
 had brought an ill favour, and caufed the 
 way of truth to be evil fpoken of. My 
 mind was comfortably relieved after the 
 fervice of this meeting was over, being dif- 
 charged of a heavy load. The next day I 
 had a very painful and exercifing meeting 
 at Ballyhagan. The appearance of the pro- 
 fefTors was in general plain -, but, alas ! with 
 refpeft to the life of religion, they feemed, 
 in my view, for the moft part, like pictures 
 or images. Surely the blindnefs and ftupi- 
 dity muft be exceeding great, if it be pof- 
 iible for people in that ftate, to imagine OP 
 dream they are the people of God. I was, 
 through divine favour, enabled to clear 
 myfelf of them, by a marp fearching and 
 
 clofe.
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 285 
 
 clofe teftimony, in the difcharge whereof I 
 had peace. The meeting was very large, 
 as to number. The 25th I went to the 
 province meeting of minifters and elders, 
 held in Lurgan. My fpirit was deeply 
 affected therein, with a forrowful fenfe, that 
 fome of the leaders of the people had caufed 
 them to err, and by their love for, and eager 
 purfuit after worldly enjoyments, had large- 
 ly contributed to deftroy the way of the 
 Lord, fo that the ferious enquirers after the 
 paths, which lead to peace, could not, by 
 obferving their fteps, find them out. Oh, 
 what a deplorable ftate that is ! I was fa- 
 voured with living authority and clearnefs, 
 to difcharge my mind towards fuch, with 
 greatplainnefs, which feemed to fatten clofely 
 on fome : may they profit thereby, and the 
 end will be anfwered. The province meet- 
 ingwas heldnext day, in which I ha4 weighty 
 fervice. But, alas ! they are far gone (a 
 few excepted) from the life and power of 
 religion; yet I found much good- will ex- 
 tended for their recovery and help, and the 
 heavenly power wonderfully opened my 
 mouth, and enlarged my heart, to deliver 
 fuitable dodirine to their conditions, in 
 which I had peace, and many were affeded 
 and reached therewith. Oh, how unwilling 
 is the Lord to give up the offspring of his 
 people ! I attended Lurgan meeting on firft- 
 day, the 26th, which, through the divine 
 manifeftations of heavenly power, was in- 
 deed
 
 286 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 deed a very awakening time to the unfaith- 
 ful, as well as of fweet refreshment to 
 the few mourners in and for Sion. I went 
 after meeting to Lifburn, and had a very 
 open fatisfadory meeting there next day. 
 The teftimony of truth went forth in an 
 affecting manner, to the tendering many 
 hearts. It was a time of humbling en- 
 couragement to the honeft-hearted. The 
 next day I had a very poor afflicting meet- 
 ing at Hillfborough, things being very low 
 there. The 3th I had a very large meet- 
 ing at Ballenderry, in which I had tho- 
 rough fervice. The teftimony of truth 
 went forth with much clearness, and de- 
 monftration, being, through divine favour, 
 an eminent time, and many ftates fpoke 
 clofely to, I hope to their advantage. On 
 fifth-day, the firft of the 5th month, I had 
 a meeting at Moyallen ; which was a painful 
 cloudy time. The teftimony delivered was 
 very fearching, in order to ftir up carelefs 
 profeflbrs ; fome of whom feemed, in a 
 great meafure, to have deferted the caufe 
 of religion, and to have too much embraced 
 this prefent world. The 2d I fet out for 
 Dublin, in order firft to attend the province 
 meeting for Leinfter, and then the half year's 
 meeting, both to be held there in one 
 week. I lodged that night at an inn in 
 Dunlere, and next day got to Dublin On 
 firft-day, the 4th of the 5th month, I went 
 to Meath- Street in the morning, where 
 
 truth
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 287 
 
 truth greatly favoured, in opening doctrine 
 and counlel, to the edification and comfort 
 of many, as well as in caution and warning 
 to the difobedient and lukewarm profeflbrs. 
 In the afternoon at Sycomore-Ally, it pro- 
 ved a laborious painful time of filence, to 
 which, perhaps, the expectation and defire 
 of the people after words might not a lit- 
 tle contribute. On fecond-day, the 5th, 
 was held their province meeting of mini- 
 fters and elders. It was a painful heavy 
 time, but, through divine favour, fome 
 relief was adminiltered towards the con- 
 clulion. Next day was held the quarterly- 
 meeting for Leinfter province, in which I 
 had open thorough fervice, both in minif- 
 try, and alfo in relation to good order, and 
 the difcipline of the church. On fourth- 
 day, the 8th of the 5th month, third hour 
 in the afternoon, began their national meet- 
 ing of minifters and elders, wherein the 
 Lord was pleafed to open profitable in- 
 flruction, to the great comfort and edifica- 
 tion of many. Next day we had a meeting 
 for worfhip in the morning, wherein di- 
 vine favour was plentifully extended, and 
 the doctrine of truth largely opened. The 
 meeting of bufinefs for the -whole nation 
 was held in the afternoon, in which a de- 
 gree of divine wifdom and ftrength were 
 adminiftered for our help in the manage- 
 ment thereof. On fixth-day morning was 
 held a large meeting for worihip at Syca- 
 more-
 
 288 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 more- Alley, which was wondeifally ovcr- 
 ihadowed with heavenly goodneis, and the 
 teftimony of truth went forth freely, being 
 much exalted. In the afternoon the affairs 
 of the church continued; and on fevcnth- 
 day, both fore and afternoon were employed 
 in them. Divine goodnefs was com- 
 fortably near, for the help and recovery of 
 a declined people, fUrring up the hearts of 
 fome, as he did the heart of Nehemiah 
 formerly, to feek the profperity and welfare 
 of the city of God. I found a confiderable 
 alteration for the better, by fome reviving 
 and growth in the life of religion, amongft 
 friends in this nation. That painful flat- 
 nefs and infenfibility, which I former- 
 ly mourned forely under a fenfe of, did not 
 appear fo generally to overfpread the 
 churches now, as then ; though in fome 
 places it was rather worfe than better ; yet 
 I think, upon the whole, things were 
 mended in a religious fenfe. The Lord, 
 in merciful kindnefs to them, not only fent 
 divers fubftantial inftruments from diflant 
 parts, to vifit them; but alfo, as before 
 noted, moved upon the hearts of fome a- 
 mongft themfelves, to labour for reftor- 
 ing ancient comelinefs, by vifiting their 
 monthly and quarterly, or province meet- 
 ings, in order to promote good order and 
 discipline; the reviving whereof, in the 
 wifdom which is from above, proves an ef- 
 fedual means to increafe and exalt the vir- 
 tue
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 289 
 
 tue and power of true religion. A concern 
 of this nature came weightily upon the na- 
 tional meeting at this time, in the feeling 
 whereof, under the holy influence of hea- 
 venly light, friends nominated a certain, 
 number to vifit the monthly meetings in 
 Leinfter province. 
 
 I cannot well omit making a remark 
 upon appointments, as I apprehend fome 
 have, by the fubtilty of Satan, been pre- 
 vailed upon to reject them : I believe all 
 fuch do not defign an injury to the fociety j 
 but he who deceives them, intends there- 
 by the obstructing that great and neceflary 
 engagement, of maintaining good order and 
 difcipline. I ardently deiire, that all who 
 undertake to move and act in the church of 
 God, may be well informed what is the 
 fpring of action to them, and moves them 
 therein. If it be the fpirit of God, they 
 dare do nothing againft the truth, but all 
 in their power in order to promote it, 
 that being their greateft delight. But if it 
 be felf, it will feek its own honour, and be 
 very fond of victory, and be difgufted when it 
 cannot rule and carry matters and things its 
 own way. 
 
 On firft-day, the nth, many country 
 friends being yet in the city, we had, 
 it was thought, the largeft meeting 
 known at that time, for many years, and, 
 by the blefled dominion of the everlafting 
 truth, it was a time of great favour. The 
 Uncere-hearted were fweetly comforted, the 
 T difobedient
 
 290 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 difobedient warned, and in the free power- 
 ful opening of gofpel life, much dodrine 
 and counfel were adminiftered, tending to 
 beget faith in the eternal power of God. 
 The afternoon meeting was, for the mofl 
 part, held in an awful folemn filence. On 
 fecond-day was held a meeting of minifters 
 and elders, wherein divine goodnefs was 
 pleafed to open the free fountain of life, 
 and healing virtue ; in whom we had to re- 
 joice with joy unfpeakable, and full of 
 glory. His name was greatly exalted, mag- 
 nified, and adored amongft us. 'After this 
 meeting, apprehending myfelf now quite 
 clear of any farther fervice, at this time, 
 having, through infinite kindnefs, been 
 much favoured, and enlarged therein, 
 through mofl parts of the nation, but more 
 efpecially at the late great meetings in 
 Dublin, I was very earneft in my mind 
 to embark for England, and fo to kave things 
 whilft frefh and well ; always having an 
 averfion to loitering amongft friends until 
 they flatten. But though there were feve- 
 ral mips ready to fail for Parkgate, yet I 
 could not get away till after their week- 
 day meeting, on third-day, in Meath-Street; 
 to which meeting, I muft fay, I went with 
 confiderable reluctance, for the reafon above- 
 mentioned. But we are very mort-fighted 
 creatures ; for this meeting, notwithftand- 
 ing my unwillingnefs to be at it, proved a 
 memorable time : many country friends be- 
 ing
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 291 
 
 ing ftill in the city, it was a folemn taking 
 leave one of another, in the precious flowing 
 of the holy unity, by the one fpirit. Next 
 day about noon, in company with feven, 
 friends, intending for the yearly- meeting 
 in London, I embarked on board the Kil- 
 dare, captain IVTCulloch, and landed at 
 Parkgate about ten o'clock next morning, 
 where we hired horfes, and proceeded to- 
 wards London. But when we had travelled 
 as far as Coventry, apprehending I might 
 reach home* fo as to have three whole days 
 with my family, before the yearly-meeting; 
 and it being but about twenty miles more 
 riding, I concluded therefore to do fo ; my 
 kind friend Robert Lackey agreeing to bear 
 me company. This being on feventh-day, 
 the i yth, we got to Northampton that 
 night, and ftaid their meeting next day, 
 which was fmall, and the life of religion 
 appeared to me very low there. The 
 meeting was held in filence. I got home 
 on third-day, the 2oth of the 5th month, 
 1760, finding my dear wife and family in 
 good health, to our mutual joy and thank- 
 fulnefs to the Lord, who leads out, carries 
 through, and brings home again in peace, 
 thofe who truft in him. BleiTed and praifed 
 be his worthy name for ever! I was in- 
 deed largely favoured in the before-men- 
 tioned journey, of which-, for mine en- 
 couragement to give up in humble con- 
 fidence in the Lord's power, I had a clear 
 T 2 forcfight
 
 292 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 forefight before I entered upon it, which I 
 efteemed a high favour. I was from home 
 about twelve weeks and three days, travel- 
 led in that time upwards of 1300 miles, 
 and was at about 58 meetings. Myfelf, 
 wife, and our friend Robert Lackey, went 
 to the yearly-meeting in London, which 
 began on feventh-day the 24th of the 5th 
 month, for minifters and elders. An efta- 
 blifhment, which I hope will be of great 
 fervice throughout the fociety, in thefe na- 
 tions ; as inquiries are made at this meet- 
 ing, by calling for anfwers from the feve- 
 ral parts, to certain queries agreed on, re- 
 lating to the conduct of friends, in the fta- 
 tions above-mentioned ; and advice admini- 
 ftered as occafion may require. Common 
 reafon will inform us, that when the main 
 pillars give way, the building muft inevita- 
 bly fall. It is therefore prudent to take 
 due care concerning them. An eminent 
 fervant of the Lord wifely obferved to this 
 effect, viz. That there never was an apo- 
 flacy from the life and purity of religion, 
 until the minifters and elders gave way. 
 How important then are their flations, and 
 what great need have they themfelves, and 
 likewife the church, carefully to oblerve 
 whether or no they ftand upright, feeing 
 fo much depends thereon. On fecond-day 
 following was opened the yearly-meeting of 
 bulinefs, which continued, by adjourn- 
 ments, mofl or all the week; being a iblemn 
 
 weighty
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 293 
 
 weighty meeting, of very great import- 
 ance to the fociety : careful inquiries are 
 there made, into the ftate thereof, in order 
 to communicate fuch help, as in the wif- 
 dom of truth may appear proper and necef- 
 fary. I am free to give a fhort account here, 
 of the beginning or rife of one very import- 
 ant affair, which came before this yearly- 
 meeting, as I mall have occafion hereafter, 
 to make fome mention of its progrefs and 
 fuccefs, viz. A nomination of friends, to 
 vifit all the monthly and quarterly-meet- 
 ings of friends in this nation, for their help, 
 in promoting good order and difcipline in 
 the feveral parts. Upon reading the an- 
 fwers to the ufual queries, from the fe- 
 veral quarterly meetings, great flacknefs and 
 unfaithfulnefs in divers places in fome 
 weighty branches of our Chriftian tefti- 
 mony appeared, notwithftanding the great 
 and earnefl endeavours made ufe of by the 
 yearly-meeting from year to year, by way 
 of advice, caution, and counfel : the fenfe 
 whereof deeply affected fome minds, who, 
 in humble proftration before the Lord, 
 were ready to fay, What wilt thou do for 
 thy great name's fake, and to heal the back- 
 flidings of thy people ? A friend under this 
 exercife, and an awful fenfe of the divine 
 prefence, which was near, ftood up, taking 
 notice of the apparent defection above-hint- 
 ed; and that as all the means hitherto ufed 
 by the truly Chriftian labour of preceding 
 T 3 yearly-
 
 294 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 yearly-meetings, had not proved fufficient 
 to flop the declenfion, which feemed rather 
 to increafe ; that now it behoved that meet- 
 ing, deeply and weightily to confider what 
 remained yet to be done for the help and 
 recovery of the fociety, to its ancient purity 
 and comely order, or to that import. This 
 feemed to open the way for our worthy 
 friend Jofeph White, of Pennfylvania, who 
 was then upon a religious vifit in this na- 
 tion, to lay before that meeting what he 
 faid had been much upon his mind, moft 
 of the time iince he landed, and which 
 feemed to increafe in clearnefs and 
 weight, as that yearly-meeting drew near ; 
 and that he now found it was the proper 
 time to deliver the fame, viz. That the 
 yearly-meeting do appoint a fuitable num^ 
 her of folid, weighty, judicious friends, to 
 vifit all the quarterly and monthly-meet^ 
 ings in England, therein to ufe their Chrif- 
 tian endeavours, in the love of God, for 
 the promotion and revival of wholefome 
 difcipline, and the comely order of the gof- 
 pel in the churches. Great was the awful 
 folemnity which covered the meeting, dur- 
 ing its deliberation, on this very important 
 affair. The weight of the heavenly power 
 was fo exceeding great and awful, that it 
 was very hard for any contrary fpirits to 
 appear ; yet objections againft appointments 
 for fuch fervices were advanced by feme. 
 It was therefore propofed, that friends, who, 
 
 found
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 295 
 
 /bund a concern on their minds, to engage 
 in the faid undertaking, would give in their 
 names. The Lord's heavenly power being 
 at work, like a leaven, in the meeting, a 
 wonderful time of divine favour it was, 
 wherein about fifty-eight offered themfelves 
 accordingly. 
 
 Before I infert any account of the 
 progrefs made in the above-mentioned fer- 
 vice, I have to take notice of a journey into 
 the Weft of England, which I, in company 
 with my friend Richard Brewfter, entered 
 upon the 9th of the 9th month this year. 
 We went to Plaiflow monthly-meeting, 
 where, unexpectedly, I had fome pretty clofe 
 fervice. Next day, being joined at London 
 by my efleemed friend, Thomas Corbyn, 
 we proceeded on our way, in order to at- 
 tend the circular yearly-meeting for the 
 weftern counties, to be held at Wotton- 
 under-Edge, in Glouceflerfhire, which be- 
 gan on firft-day, the i4th of the 9th 
 month, and ended on the third-day fol- 
 lowing. Many of our fociety, from divers 
 parts, attended, and a vaffc concourfe of 
 other people, who generally behaved in a 
 becoming manner, carrying themfelves very 
 refpedtfully to friends, and I hope the meet- 
 ing was, in the main, ferviceable > yet the 
 heavenly power was not exalted to fo high 
 a degree, as thofe whofe life and all is 
 in it, could have defired. It is that 
 alone, which is able to open people's way 
 T4 rightly
 
 296 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 yightly to our Sion ; not the fineft and 
 moft confiftent fet of principles, curiou- 
 fly fet forth and difplayed without it. 
 All minifters mould therefore, upon all oc- 
 cafions, eye that divine power, as the only 
 thing we (land in need of; otherwife the 
 work will be marred. We went from 
 Wootton to Ann Young's, at Urcott, and had 
 a clofe fearching meeting at Thornbury, 
 on fourth-day. Things were very low there, 
 as to the life of religion. We had a meet- 
 ing next day at Urcott, wherein the tefti^ 
 mony of truth went forth very fharp againft 
 dry, formal, and diforderly proferTbrs. Our 
 friend Ifaac Sharpies was at this meeting. 
 We went from thence to Briftol, and at- 
 tended their meeting on fixth-day, where 
 truth and its teftimony was exalted over 
 wr.ong things; and unfaithful, diforderly 
 walkers, were, in the dominion and autho- 
 rity thereof, warned, and the humble, fin- 
 cere traveller Sion- ward, comforted: it being, 
 through the divine bleffing, a good, profita- 
 ble time. In the afternoon was held their 
 meeting of minifters and elders, wherein 
 we had fome very clofe work with a trou- 
 blefome impoftor, who had given friends 
 there much uneafinefs, by his unfavoury 
 and unfanctified publick appearances. The 
 judgment of truth was fet over him; though 
 he was very unwilling to fubmit thereunto. 
 On firft-day, the 21 ft, we attended three 
 
 meetings
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 297 
 
 meetings there ; and notwithstanding the 
 mournful declenfion, fo vifible amongfl 
 friends in that city, yet the i ord graciouily 
 appeared for their help and recovery ; open- 
 ing the doctrine of truth, in a clear and 
 plentiful manner, to their feveral ftates ; 
 with which many appeared pretty much af- 
 fected. And although there is yet much 
 caufe to lament their degeneracy, in too 
 general a way, yet I hope and believe 
 there hath been a confiderable reviving, 
 in the beft fenfe, amongft fome of them, 
 efpecially the youth, fince I was there be- 
 fore. On fecond-day we had a thorough 
 routing meeting at Portmead, in Somerfet- 
 mire, in the morning, and a large meeting at 
 Clareham, in the afternoon j the latter was 
 exceeding cloudy and afflicting for a con- 
 iiderable time -, but at length, it pleafed the 
 Lord to arife, and to give the word, with 
 underftanding to divide the fame, in a plain, 
 powerful manner, and a very awakening 
 time it was -, it went forth very marp a- 
 gainft indifferency, and empty formality, 
 which greatly depreffed the true feed in 
 that meeting : I hope it was a profitable 
 time. On third-day we had a very open, 
 ferviceable meeting at Sedcott; the tefti- 
 mony of truth flowed forth freely, to the 
 feveral dates of thofe prefent. After meet- 
 ing we went to Bridgewater. On fourth-day 
 was held the Quarterly-meeting for Somer- 
 
 fet.
 
 295 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 fet. In the forenoon we had a larg 
 meeting for worfhip, both of friends and 
 others ; fome previous endeavours, I under- 
 itood, had been ufed, to invite the neigh- 
 bours, which, I think, was not well judg- 
 ed, neither fhould I have encouraged it at 
 fuch a time, had I been confulted. The 
 leadings and pointings out of truth, hould 
 be always minded, in calling or inviting 
 people of other perfuaiions to our meetings ; 
 for I have fometimes thought them a bar in 
 the way of dealing fuitably with profefTors 
 of the truth ; and therefore it is my judg- 
 ment, they mould not be called to our meet- 
 ings, unlefs thofe who travel in the fervice 
 of truth fignify their defire to have it fo, 
 to thofe who have the care of appointing 
 meetings. The power of the gofpel, open- 
 ing and exalting the doctrine thereof, was 
 livingly and comfortably extended in that 
 meeting; yet I apprehended, other people 
 were then rather in the way of our handle- 
 ing the ftate of fome profeflbrs there, in a 
 manner truth would have led to, had friends 
 been by themfelves. The meeting of bu- 
 finefs followed, and was adjourned till the 
 afternoon, wherein truth appeared to the 
 help of thofe, who know their fufficiency 
 to be of God. We, who were ftrangers* 
 had good fervice therein. Next morning, 
 we parted with my friend Thomas Corbyn* 
 who returned home, and my companion and 
 I proceeded on our journey. We had a meet- 
 ing
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 299 
 
 ing at Taunton, on fifth-day morning, and 
 at Milverton in the evening. At both 
 which I had clofe fervice, tending to ftir 
 friends up to more lively zeal, and religi- 
 ous concern of mind. On fixth-day we 
 had a painful laborious meeting at Welling- 
 ton. The tefKmony of truth went forth 
 very clofe and fharp againft thofe, who, 
 under the profeffion of truth, bow down 
 to the world, and the perifhing enjoyments 
 thereof, in their minds. It appeared to me, 
 the life of religion was much deprefled in 
 that meeting. On feventh-day we had a 
 meeting at Cullumpton, which was a cloudy 
 trying time moft of the meeting ; yet to- 
 wards the conclufion, truth obtained the 
 victory, and confiderable dominion over 
 things of a contrary nature to itfelf. We 
 went after meeting to Exeter, and on firfl- 
 day, the 28th, were at two meetings there; 
 and although their number appeared con- 
 iaderable, yet that holy living fenfe and 
 weight of divine virtue, which is the crown 
 and diadem of all our religious aflemblies, 
 was very low, and little felt, through the 
 too general flacknefs and lukewarmnefs of 
 profeilbrs, confequentiy, not much could be 
 done, towards -exalting truth's teftimony a- 
 mongftthem. On fecond-day we went to Bo- 
 vey, and had a poor, laborious meeting, there 
 being very few, if any, that I could find, 
 truly alive in religion. When that is felt 
 $p be the ftate of any meeting, oh ! what 
 
 pain
 
 300 THE JOURNAL OP 
 
 pain and anxiety covers the hearts of poof 
 travellers in the fervice of the gofpel ! The 
 next day we went to King's-bridge, and on 
 fourth and fifth-day attended the quarter- 
 ly-meeting for Devonfhire held there; 
 wherein the great matter of our aflemblies 
 gracioufly condefcended to their very low, 
 weak, and unfkilful ftate, opening doctrine 
 and couhfel for their help ; furniming with 
 clofe admonition to fuch in high ftations, 
 \vho, either indulged themfelves, or families, 
 in undue liberties tending to lay a people 
 wafte, whom the Lord, by an out-ftretched 
 arm, gathered out of the famions and 
 changeable cuftoms of a vain world, to- 
 himfelf, the unchangeable fountain of good. 
 On fixth and feventh days we travelled 
 through Plymouth, and fundry other towns, 
 to Penryn, in Cornwall, and had two open, 
 precious meetings at Falmouth, on firft- 
 day, the fifth of the. loth month. On 
 fecond-day, accompanied by many friends, 
 we went to Penzance, where, on third-day, 
 was held the quarterly-meeting for Corn- 
 wall. Truth wonderfully appeared in that 
 meeting, confidering their low, weak, and 
 unfaithful ftate. The teftimony thereof 
 was much exalted, and went forth with 
 clearnefs, and good demonftration to their 
 ftates, and the meeting appeared to be much 
 affected therewith. There was allb fome- 
 thing very encouraging to the honeft-heart- 
 ed ; I hope it was a time of awakening 
 
 and
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 301 
 
 and profit to many. In the evening we 
 had what was called a felecl: meeting, for 
 ministers and elders ; but it was fo far from 
 that, that the fervice feemed to be wholly 
 obftrufted, by the crouding in of many, 
 who were not fit to be admitted into fuch 
 meetings ; where minifters and elders may, 
 and often are concerned to ufe fuch freedoms, 
 in advice, caution, and counfel, as would 
 be altogether unfuitable for thofe, who are 
 raw and inexperienced, to be privy to, as 
 they might be likely to make improper ufe 
 thereof. I laid before friends the hurt and 
 difadvantage of fuch a prcmifcuous gather- 
 ing, upon that occafion, and advifed to 
 be careful not to lay wafte the fervice of 
 thofe meetings, for the future j for I found 
 myfelf much (heightened, as I could not, 
 with prudence, deliver what feemed to ap- 
 pear before the view of my mind, at that 
 time, for the reafon above-mentioned. On 
 fourth-day, the concluding meeting was 
 held at Market- Jew, wherein truth, and 
 the teftimony thereof, was comfortably ex- 
 alted. But, alas ! forrowful is the declen- 
 iion of the fociety, both as to number, and 
 a holy living zeal, in thofe parts ; yet mer- 
 ciful goodnefs was largely and afYecflingly 
 extended for their help and recovery. 
 From thence we took the following meet- 
 ings, in our return to Plymouth, viz. 
 Auftel, Lifkard, and Germans, where I 
 found the life of religion mournfully low 
 
 and
 
 302 THE JOURNAL cr 
 
 and deprefTed j yet the Lord was pleafed to 
 open the way to fome, I hope, profitable 
 endeavours for their reviving, in the exer- 
 cife whereof I had peace. I attended Ply- 
 mouth meetings on firft-day, the I2th. 
 This was a very painful, laborious time, as 
 but very little of the life and holy efficacy 
 of true religion had place, moft under our 
 profeffion having made large advances to- 
 wards the world, and but few endued with 
 Chriftian courage to make a ftand againft 
 prevailing undue liberties. The flate of 
 a meeting being thus, oh, how doth death, 
 darknefs, and infenfibility gain the afcen- 
 dancy ! My fpirit was deeply afflicted at 
 that place, yet I was, through divine favour, 
 enabled to clear myfelf of the fervice re- 
 quired ; whereby I had fome relief. We 
 travelled from thence directly to Exeter, 
 and on third-day attended a meeting there, 
 appointed for the accomplimment of a mar- 
 riage. Truth mercifully opened the way 
 to fome fatisfadtion, in the difcharge of the 
 fervice required, to the advantage of the 
 meeting. From thence we went to Chard, 
 and had a very fmall poor meeting there, on 
 fifth-day morning, and was deeply affected ' 
 with their low weak date. I had a pretty 
 thorough ferviceable meeting in the after- 
 noon, at Ilminfter j though I felt much 
 pain of mind there alfo, in a fenfe of that, 
 which hath almoft laid our fociety wajte in 
 feme, and exceedingly hurt it in rhoffc 
 
 places,
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 303 
 
 places, viz. the inordinate love of earthly 
 things ; and refling fatisfied in a profeffion 
 of religion only. We took the following 
 meetings in our way to Bath, viz. Yeovil, 
 Long-Sutton, Grinton, Shipton-Mallet, 
 Froome, Hallawtrow, and Bel ton; where 
 things, as to the life, and true feeling fenfe 
 of religion, appear but low in general ; yet 
 merciful kindnefs was extended, in a live- 
 ly, open, large, and powerful manner, both 
 immediately, and alfo inflrumentally, in 
 order to quicken, reftore, and turn a- 
 gain backfliding Ifrael. On firft-day, the 
 26th of the loth month, we attended two 
 meetings at Bath, which were indeed pain- 
 ful, and very afflicting, as the grandeur, 
 friendmip, and vain cuftoms of this world, 
 feem to have almoft erafed, from moft of 
 their minds, the defire of feeking happinefs 
 in mother : yet merciful condefcenfion 
 was remarkably extended, in fome earned 
 and awakening endeavours, to bring them 
 to a right fenfe of things. On fecond-day 
 morning we fet our faces homewards, where, 
 to my great fatisfaftion I arrived on fourth- 
 day in the evening, and found my dear wife 
 and family well ; having been out this 
 journey feven weeks and two days, in which 
 time, by account, we travelled upwards of 
 800 miles, and were at about 51 meetings. 
 Purfuant to the direction and appoint- 
 ment of the yearly-meeting 1760, for vifit- 
 ing the monthly and quarterly meetings of 
 
 friends,
 
 304 THE JOURNAL d * 
 
 friends in this nation; on the nth day 
 of the i ft month, 1761, my efteemed friends, 
 John Emms, Matthew Mellor, Thomas 
 Corbyn, and Jofeph Taylor, joined me at 
 Chelmsford ; we having before agreed (by 
 divine permiffion) to vifit the monthly and 
 quarterly-meetings of friends, in EfTex, 
 Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgemire, Hun- 
 tingtoi.fhire, the Ifle of Ely, Hertford- 
 fhire, and Bedfordfhire. The next day, be- 
 ing the 1 2th, our monthly meeting was 
 held, wherein the above-named friends had 
 good fervice, tending to promote difcipline 
 and good order amongft us. The bleffed 
 efficacy of the living word accompanied 
 their honeft labours, which rendered the 
 fame very acceptable to fome, and I hope of 
 general advantage for the promotion of 
 truth. The 1 4th we vifited Fell ed month- 
 ly-meeting, held at Stebbing -, the ftate of 
 which appeared very low and weak, through 
 the defection and lukewarmnefs of many 
 members, whereby the life of religion was 
 greatly depreffed ; yet the Lord was graci- 
 oufly pleafed to arife, for his great name 
 and people's fake, in whofe living power 
 and wildom much labour was beftowed, 
 for their help and recovery j a few fincere- 
 hearted members amongft themielves, join- 
 ing with us herein. The i6th we vifited 
 Thaxfted monthly-meeting, and by inquiry 
 made, it appeared, many of their members 
 were very flack and defective, in divers 
 
 branches
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 305 
 
 branches of our Chriftian teftimony; and 
 moft of the aftive members were but of 
 little experience, in the eflential qualifica- 
 tions for effectual fervice in the church, 
 which muft all proceed immediately from 
 the great Father of lights and fpirits. It 
 would be very abfurd to imagine a lefs or 
 inferior ability to adminifler juftice, and 
 found judgment, were neceflary under this 
 higher and more glorious difpenfation, than 
 was received by thofe, who judged and 
 ruled for God in the Ifraelitifh church ; it 
 being evident the Lord was pleafed to 
 put his fpirit upon thofe, who had the 
 weight of the affairs of that church upon 
 them, both in their wildernefs ftate of pro- 
 bation, and after they quietly pofTeffed the 
 promifed land. But the fupernatural en- 
 dowment, fo eflential, as above hinted, is 
 not within our reach, as men, neither is 
 it given to us, until we are emptied of our 
 own wifdom, and diverted of all depend- 
 ance upon human accomplimments. 
 
 Our holy head was pleafed to furnifh us 
 with wifdom and ftrength, fuitable to the 
 ftate of that meeting, for their information 
 and help ; and the blefled virtue of truth 
 prevailed, to the tendering of their fpirits. 
 The next monthly- meeting vifited was 
 Coggefhall, on fecond-day, the ipth, but 
 as I did not attend that meeting, I cannot 
 fay further concerning it, than that I un- 
 it was a ferviceable time; much 
 U weighty
 
 3 o6 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 weighty advice and counfel being admini- 
 ftered, to mutual fatisfaction and comfort. 
 The 2 1 ft we vifited Colchefter monthly- 
 meeting, where, though the life of religion 
 appeared low, and feveral diforders had 
 crept in, yet divine goodnefs was extended 
 in a powerful manner, for their help, en- 
 lightening the fpirits of fome to fearch the 
 camp, and to point out how to proceed in 
 reftoring that which had been turned out of 
 the way. The 22d, Manningtree monthly- 
 meeting was held at Colchefter, in which, 
 through the pure efficacy of heavenly love 
 and wifdom, much fervent labour was be- 
 ftowed, for the awakening and ftirring up 
 the feveral members to a faithful difcharge 
 of their refpeftive duties. But, alas ! 
 through the great unfaithfulnefs of many, 
 difcipline was but little maintained, in a 
 manner agreeable to its dignity and worth ; 
 confequently the life of religion was very 
 low. From Colchefter we went toEdmund's- 
 Bury, in Suffolk, and vifited their monthly- 
 meeting the 24th. It was a time of re- 
 markable favour extended, truth bowing 
 the fpirits of friends into an humble, 
 teachable ftate, and, at the fame time, af- 
 fording plenty of fuitable counfel, which 
 was kindly received by divers members of 
 that meeting, with whom we had near 
 union, and great fatisfadlion ; feveral being 
 willing to engage in the work of reforma- 
 tion, which appeared necefTary, The 26th 
 
 we
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 307 
 
 we vifited Woodbridge monthly-meeting, 
 in which the Lord, according to his 
 wonted 'merciful kindnefs, appeared not 
 only in fpreading the awful canopy of his 
 divine power over the meeting, but alfo, 
 in gracioufly condefcending to be a fpirit of 
 judgment and counfel, for the help and re- 
 covery of a declining people; under the en- 
 joyment of which divine favour, much 
 labour was beftowed, and (as far as appeared) 
 was well received. The 28th we vifited 
 Beccles monthly-meeting, where things ap- 
 peared very low, and much out of order; 
 the fpirit and wifdom of man appeared 
 much to rule and acl: among/I them, which 
 is fond of fmoothing over, and daubing 
 with untempered mortar, crying, Peace, 
 when there is no peace. In this difficult 
 mournful ftate of things, the divine helper, 
 in whom our only dependance remained, 
 was near, giving judgment to affign the 
 living child to the proper mother, and to 
 judge down wrong things, in whatever fta- 
 tions they appeared. The 29th we vifited 
 Tivetmall monthly-meeting, in Norfolk, in 
 which, though large, as being compofed of 
 many members, yet very great flacknefs and 
 unfaithfulnefs appeared, in divers important 
 refpedls ; notwithftanding which, we had, 
 with thankful acknowledgments, to expe- 
 rience the awful prefence of the Lord, 
 who is the only ftrength and fufficiency of 
 his little ones ; under the blefled influence 
 U 2 whereof,
 
 308 THE JOURNAL o* 
 
 whereof, great and deep labours were be- 
 ftowed, for the reviving our Chriftian dif- 
 cipline, and promoting the good order of 
 the gofpel - y the teftimony of truth being 
 maintained againft wrong things in that 
 meeting, with authority and clearnefs ; 
 the power thereof fubjefting (for the pre- 
 fent at leafl) all of a contrary nature to it- 
 felf. On the 2d of the 2d month, we 
 viiited the monthly-meeting of Wymond- 
 ham, wherein, on the ufual inquiries, things 
 appeared very afflidting, through the great 
 defection of many ; the few who were con- 
 cerned for good order, were weak and 
 much difcouraged, fo that very little was 
 done to maintain our wholefome difcipline, 
 by vifiting and labouring with the un- 
 faithful and diforderly walkers : yet the 
 Lord, in great condefcenfion, appeared 
 wonderfully for their and our help, ex- 
 tending much advice and counfel, and giv- 
 ing us wifdom and ftrength to contend 
 earneflly for the faith once delivered to 
 the faints - 9 which faith is to be demon- 
 ftrated by works confident therewith. The 
 teflimony of truth was greatly exalted over 
 all fuch as, through a mean compliance 
 with wrorg things, had mournfully deviated 
 therefrom. The 3d we vifited their meet- 
 ing of minifters and elders at Norwich, 
 where the ftate of the members was in- 
 quired into, by means of queries proper to 
 fuch meetings ; folid and weighty advice 
 
 was
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 309 
 
 was given, where any deficiency aj ^ 
 Although I have not before now diftinclly 
 mentioned our vifits to felecl: meetings, yet 
 we had fuch opportunities in mod or all 
 the monthly-meetings where fuch meetings 
 were fettled. One the 4th of the 2d month, 
 we vifited the monthly-meeting of Nor- 
 wich, which was very large, confirming both 
 of the men and women friends ; it being 
 our method, during our labours at the 
 monthly-meetings, to have the company of 
 bothfexes. Through the over-madowing of 
 divine power, it was a folemn awful time, 
 of which friends in general appeared to 
 be fenfible, as a remarkable ftillnefs and 
 patience was abode in, for the fpace of about 
 fix hours and a half, being the time of the 
 meeting's continuance > though a motion 
 was made fooner for our women friends to 
 withdraw, leaft fome weak conftiturions 
 might be injured by long fitting, &c. yet 
 their fpirits being fo flayed and bowed down 
 under a fenfe of heavenly good, they did 
 not accept of the liberty given, but con- 
 tinued to the breaking up of the meeting. 
 We found a valuable body of friends in 
 that city, and difcipline, in the main, well 
 fupported ; yet there appeared great danger 
 of the prevalence of earthly-mindednefs, in 
 fome, and grandeur and wifdom above 
 the fimplicity of the truth, in others ; 
 which, if not guarded againft, might in- 
 trude itfelf to acl: and govern in the church ; 
 U 3 of
 
 310 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 of which friends were warned, and through 
 the effectual opening of the fountain of 
 wifdom and knowledge, much caution and 
 counfel were adminiftered, to mutual edi- 
 fication and comfort. On the 6th of the 
 2d month we vifited the monthly-meet- 
 ing of North-Walmam, where we found an 
 honeft fincere remnant concerned to main- 
 tain the principles of truth, by a conduit 
 confiftent therewith ; yet a great defection 
 appeared in fome important branches of our 
 Chriftian teftimony ; the monthly-meeting 
 not having difcharged its incumbent duty, 
 by way of admonition and dealing with 
 fuch members. Truth opened our way in 
 much plainnefs and clofe labour, in order 
 to bring the unfaithful to a right fenfe of 
 their ftates, and to revive and promote our 
 Chriftian difcipline, as a means to reftore 
 ancient beauty, and a good favour amongft 
 men. The path of the juft, in which our 
 worthy predecefTors carefully walked, was 
 clearly opened before friends in that meet- 
 ing ; the judgment of truth being fet over 
 thofe who had erred and ftrayed therefrom, 
 in this day of outward eafe and liberty. 
 The 9th we vifited Wells monthly-meet- 
 ing, in which humbling goodnefs prevailed, 
 to the great comfort and ftrength of the 
 upright-hearted ; in a living fenfe of the 
 free extendings whereof, much labour was 
 beftowed to reftore good order and difcipline 
 Jn every part, by firft endeavouring to re- 
 move
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 311 
 
 move thofe impediments which appeared 
 in the way. It was a time of fweet com- 
 fort in a faithful difcharge of duty. The 
 1 1 th we vifited Lynn monthly-meeting, 
 wherein our fpirits were deeply afflicted 
 under a cloud of darknefs, which feemed 
 to over-madow that meeting, occafioned by 
 the prevalence of wrong things in many 
 of the members, and their great neglect of 
 the due execution of wholefome difcipline. 
 Much labour was beflowed in order for a 
 regulation, but, alas ! great weaknefs and 
 unikilfulnefs appeared ; neither was there 
 that opennefs to receive help, which we could 
 have defired in the general ; may alfo add, 
 we had frefh occafion to fay, that nothing 
 but an underftanding renewed from above, 
 is capable of labouring fuccefsfully for the 
 maintaining our Chriftian difcipline. Oh! 
 that this important point was duly confider- 
 ed by all active members. The i3th we 
 vifited the monthly-meeting of Wifbeach, 
 in the Ifle of Ely ; it was a fmall meeting, 
 as but few members belong thereto. By 
 inquiry, it appeared, flacknefs and diford- 
 er had prevailed on fome, and things in 
 general were but low ; yet an opennefs was 
 felt to receive proper advice and counfel, 
 which, through the gracious extendings of 
 heavenly help, was freely and largely 
 communicated. We had caufe to believe 
 truth was at work in the hearts of a few, 
 in order to prepare them for fervice ; have- 
 U 4 ing
 
 312 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 ing eafe and fatisfaclion in our labours a- 
 mongft them, and hoping this viiit would 
 prove of confiderable help to that meet- 
 ing. The i yth we vifited the monthly- 
 meeting at Ives, wherein we had painful 
 labour, and found things much out of 
 order, which had caufed darknefs to be 
 felt, and an ill-favour ; fome of the active 
 members did not appear to us rightly to 
 know what fpirits they were of; however, 
 we found they were not one with us in 
 our fervice, which was indeed very clofe 
 and fearching, to all ftations in the church, 
 as it appeared all had need of help, and to 
 look more narrowly to their ftanding. Di- 
 vine goodnefs was gracioufly with us, and 
 carried us through, to our eafe and fatis- 
 faction in a good degree. But, alas ! we 
 have fornetimes caufe to fee, that our dif- 
 cipline does not profper, when managed 
 with unfanctified hands. The i8th we vi- 
 fited Hadingham monthly-meeting, and 
 found things very low, as to the life of 
 religion, confequently as to good order and 
 difcipline ; yet fome appeared hopeful, 
 tender, and defirous of a proper regulation 
 in the affairs of the church, with whom 
 we had good fatisfaclion in our labours for 
 their improvement, which I hope was not 
 in vain. The 2oth of the 2d month, we 
 vifited the monthly-meeting of Royfton, in 
 Hertfordmire ; the ftate of which appeared 
 much out of order -, difcipline was in the 
 
 main
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 313 
 
 main neglected. Very deep and painful was 
 our labour, under a mournful fenfe of that 
 grofs darknefs which had prevailed, by 
 reafon of unfaithfulnefs ; yet the Lord was 
 graciouily with us, and the teftimony of 
 truth was exalted over the heads of difor- 
 derly walkers, and all thofe, who, by a 
 mean temporizing fpirit, had violated fome 
 principal branches of our Chriftian tefti- 
 mony. We were unanimoufly of opinion, 
 that the monthly-meeting of Royfton, in 
 its prefent ftate, was too weak to manage 
 the weighty affairs, proper to a monthly- 
 meeting, and therefore propofed their being 
 joined to Baldock and Hitchin - y which, 
 upon a folid deliberation, was agreed to, 
 and hath been fince effected, to the -great 
 fatisfaclion of friends, who have the prof- 
 perity of truth at heart. The 23d we vi- 
 fited Hertford monthly-meeting, in which 
 heavenly wifdom, and merciful help (as at 
 other places) were largely extended, to the 
 encouragement of a few fincere labourers 
 amongft them, as well as to the warning, 
 and Itirring up of carelefs, unfaithful pro- 
 feflbrs : for indeed, there appeared much 
 ilacknefs in too many, in not improving 
 thofe talents God had given them. The 
 24th, we vifited thofe under our profeffion 
 at Coterhill-head, called a monthly- meet- 
 ing - y but, alas ! upon enquiry, we found 
 but very little done of the buiinefs proper 
 to a monthly-meeting ; neither was it held 
 
 in
 
 314 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 in due courfe, but rather occafionally, for 
 fome particular purpofes ; and when the 
 flate of the members appeared, we did not 
 marvel thereat, feeing moil: of them were 
 unfaithful, in regard to that important tefti- 
 mony, againft tithes, and other anti-chrif- 
 tian demands of that nature : other great 
 diforders alfo had crept in, nor can any 
 other be reafonably expedled, where per- 
 fons are fo void of a right understanding, 
 as to facrifice that noble teftimony. They 
 have not ftrength to maintain other branches 
 in a confiftent efficacious manner, fo that 
 where this defection hath prevailed, we have 
 obferved the moft eflential part in religion 
 (amongft us as a people) has fallen with 
 it. Meetings for worfhip and difcipline 
 are neglected, and if fometimes held by 
 fuch, they are to little good purpofe - y plain- 
 nefs and felf-denial are departed from : this 
 hard, dark, tithe-paying fpirit is fo blind, 
 as to fee but little in any branch of our 
 teftimony, wherein -there is a crofs to the 
 carnal mind. We, upon folid confidera- 
 tion, did not think, that ufing endeavours 
 to regulate that meeting, in its fituation at 
 that time, would anfwer any good purpofe ; 
 but the great thing pointed out to us, in 
 the light of truth, was its being dif- 
 folved, and that the members thereof might 
 be joined to Hertford monthly-meeting ; 
 which had been endeavoured for feveral 
 years, both by their quarterly-meeting, 
 
 and
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 315 
 
 and alfo feveral committees of the 4 yearly- 
 meeting, which had not, till now, proved 
 fuccefsful, as the confent of moft of the 
 members could not be obtained : but this 
 meeting, through divine favour, was won- 
 derfully overfhadowed with a folemn weight 
 of heavenly power, which awed and tender- 
 ed their fpirits, and at the fame time merci- 
 fully enabled us clearly to demonftrate, 
 that they contended only for the name of 
 a monthly-meeting j feeing the fervice of 
 fuch a meeting was not anfwered, fcarcely, 
 in any inftance. They at length generally 
 yielded, and a minute was made to propofe 
 a junction with Hertford, which is fince 
 effected, to the great eafe and fatisfaction 
 of friends. I cannot well avoid remarking 
 here, the very great hurt and obflruclion 
 to the progrefs of truth, which I have 
 divers times, with forrow of heart, ob- 
 ferved to arife by fome aclive members 
 from private views, ilrenuoufly with- 
 (landing the pointings of divine wifdom, 
 for the help and prefervation of the 
 body, which doubtlefs is in the Lord's 
 fight, a crime of a very ofFenfive nature ; 
 therefore all mould greatly dread being in 
 any degree guilty thereof. Let us therefore, 
 at all times, carefully examine what ground 
 we aft upon, in the church of God, whe- 
 ther we always preferve the fingle eye, being 
 cloathed with that pure charity, which 
 leeketh not her own, and filled with that 
 
 univerfal
 
 316 THE JOURNAL or 
 
 univerfal fpirit, that carefully promotes the 
 good of the whole, without relpect of per- 
 fons. The 25th we vifited Hitchin month- 
 ly-meeting, where we found a valuable 
 folid body of friends, and difcipline well 
 maintained in moft of its branches. Hea- 
 venly goodnefs over-fhadowed that meeting, 
 whereby understanding was given to admi- 
 nifier fuitable caution and counfel; particu- 
 larly to point out the great danger of iitting 
 down at eafe, in a becoming decent form, 
 even after being eminently favoured, both 
 with the dew of heaven, and the fatnefs 
 of the earth ; notwithftanding which, 
 there muft be a perlevering in an earneft 
 labour for daily bread, feeing nothing be- 
 yond this can be attained by us, whilft in 
 a militant ftate. On the 27th we vifited 
 the monthly-meeting of Ampthill, in Bed- 
 fordfhire, the Lord's awful pretence being 
 near, as, through infinite mercy, was gene- 
 rally the cafe j this opened the way for a 
 clofe and diligent inquiry into the ftate of 
 that meeting. Things appeared low, and 
 pretty much out of order > the active mem- 
 bers having here, as in many other places, 
 -too much neglected a deep and painful la- 
 bour for a better regulation. Endeavours 
 were ufed, in order to ftir up, and provoke 
 to love and good works, by diligently ex- 
 tending a care over the whole flock, that 
 fo all might be brought into the comely 
 order of the gofpel. On the 28th we vifit-
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 317 
 
 ted Luton monthly-meeting j it was fmall, 
 flacknefs, and the want of right zeal ap- 
 peared ; alfo fome diforders crept in, yet 
 there feemed opennefs in the minds of 
 friends, to receive advice and counfel, 
 which, through divine aid, were largely 
 adminiftered; and I hope the labour of that 
 day was beneficial to divers of the mem- 
 bers, and may proVe a lading advantage to 
 that meeting. The 2d of the 3d month, 
 we viiited Alban's monthly-meeting, held 
 at Charley-wood, where, on the ufual in- 
 quiries, things appeared very low, and much 
 out of order ; yet divine favour was largely 
 and livingly extended for their help and re- 
 covery ; in an humble fenfe whereof, much 
 endeavours were ufed to promote a better 
 regulation ; firft, by the active members 
 taking heed to themfelves, that they might 
 be endued with ancient zeal, and fervour of 
 mind ; then they would take the over-fight 
 of the flock, not by conftraint, but willing- 
 ly : this willingnefs, through a neglect of 
 feeking that divine power, that alone can 
 bring it forth in the mind of man, hath 
 been much loft, or departed from, by many, 
 and appears to be greatly wanting in moft 
 places ; this, without doubt, is one prin- 
 cipal caufe that fo general a defection hath 
 prevailed. Had the foremoft rank flood 
 faithful in the authority of truth, they 
 would have been as a bulwark again ft undue 
 liberties, and happy inflruments to have 
 
 p refer ved
 
 318 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 preferved the body healthy, and in beautiful 
 order. But, oh ! how mall I fct forth, 
 and fufficiently admire, the marvellous con- 
 defcenfion of infinite goodnefs, which fo 
 eminently manifefted itfelf, in all the meet- 
 ings we were concerned to vifit, in order to 
 bring back again the captivity of his people, 
 to build up the wafle places, and to beauti- 
 fy the houfe of his glory. May fuch evi- 
 dent tokens of his merciful regard make 
 deep and lafting imprerTions on all minds, 
 left the Lord be juftly provoked to caft 
 many off, and may move fuch to jealoufy 
 by thofe who are now no people. One very 
 forrowful inftance of much degeneracy, be- 
 ing an inlet for many other wrong things to 
 creep into our fociety, was the great neglect 
 of divine worfhip, efpecially on week-days 3 
 fome week-day meetings being wholly drop- 
 ped, and in many places where they are 
 kept up, attended by few; and many, by what 
 appears, do not feem to think it their duty 
 to attend them at all, nor even firft-day 
 meetings, when fmall difficulties prefent. 
 This difcovers remarkable ignorance of the 
 great importance of that indifpenfable duty, 
 as well as of the great need all have, of a daily 
 fupply from the Lord's bountiful hand. 
 As thefe opportunities of inward retirement, 
 and humble bowing before God, have, by 
 experience, been found times of unfpeak- 
 able refremment, which flows from the 
 prefence of the Lord, who has gracioufly 
 
 promifed
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 319 
 
 promifed to be with thofe who meet in his 
 name, even where the numbers are but two 
 or three, hereby flrength is adminiftered, 
 which enables us to ftand our ground in the 
 Chriftian warfare. It is no marvel there- 
 fore, that the neglecl: of fo important a 
 duty, is a caufe of much weaknefs, de- 
 priving people of a neceffary defence, againft 
 numerous and potent enemies, which war 
 againft the foul. Here he that goes about 
 like a roaring lion, and alfo as a creeping 
 fubtil ferpent, prevails, in order to lay the 
 fociety wafte ; and whilft many are afleep 
 in carnal fecurity, he finds opportunity to 
 fow tares amongft the wheat. Very deep 
 and fervent were our labours in this vifit, 
 to promote diligence in this mofl: import- 
 ant duty, as a great means, under the divine 
 bleffing, for the refloring ancient beauty 
 and comelinefs throughout the fociety. 
 This opportunity at Charley-wood, finifhed 
 our prefent vifit to monthly-meetings ; 
 we having requefted the quarterly-meeting 
 to which they belonged, to adjourn, in fuch 
 order, as to be viiited in courfe by us at 
 one journey, to begin in Luton, for Bed- 
 fordmire, which accordingly was held the 
 8th of the 4th month, 1761, John Emms, 
 Thomas Corbyn, Samuel Stott, Jofeph Row, 
 and myfelf attended the fame, and laid before 
 the quarterly meeting, in writing, the ftate 
 of their monthly-meetings, as the fame ap- 
 peared to us by their anfwers to the quar- 
 terly-
 
 320 THE JOURNAL OP 
 
 terly-meeting queries, and other inquiries 
 made in our late viiit, with fundry remarks 
 thereon ; and through the over-madowing 
 of heavenly power, we were fervently con- 
 cerned to bring the weight of the declined 
 ftate of the fociety there, upon the meet- 
 ing, wherein an engagement of mind was 
 revived for a reformation : may the fame 
 continue, and increafe. On the loth of 
 the 4th month we viiited Hertford quarter- 
 ly-meeting ; where our friend Jofeph Tay- 
 lor, who had been indifpofed, joined us. 
 Having previoufly drawn up the ffote of 
 their monthly-meetings, as the fame ap- 
 peared to us in our late vifit, with re- 
 marks thereon, we laid it before the meet- 
 ing, which they took into their folid con- 
 fideration, and a folemn time it was : the 
 Lord's power being livingly felt, it made 
 a remnant willing to arife, that the breaches 
 made in that excellent hedge of difcipline, 
 fet by divine wifdom about us, as a people, 
 might be repaired; that the heritage be 
 not laid wafte. On the i4th of the 4th 
 month, we viiited the quarterly-meeting at 
 Ives, for Huntingtonmire, Cambridgefhire, 
 and the Ifle of Ely ; where, having drawn 
 up the ftate of their monthly-meetings, as 
 the fame appeared to us in our late vifit, 
 with fome remarks thereon, we laid the 
 fame before them, with earneft labour to 
 awaken the active members, to a lively fenfe 
 of the forrowful declenfion found within 
 
 their
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 321 
 
 their borders. It was a painful exercifing 
 time, great infenfibility having prevailed 
 over many j yet I believe it was a feafon of 
 comfort and relief to a living remnant, 
 who travail for the profperity of truth a- 
 mongft them : may their number increafe ! 
 We had the returns of fweet peace in the 
 difcharge of our duty, and departed with 
 chearfulnefs of mind. On the 2ift of the 
 4th month, we vifited the quarterly-meet- 
 ing for the county of Norfolk, held in 
 the city of Norwich; where, as ufual, 
 having drawn up the ftate of their month- 
 ly-meetings, with remarl^t thereon, the 
 fame was folidly laid before the meeting ; 
 wherein divine goodnefs was manifefted j in 
 the wifdom and ftrength whereof much 
 earned labour was bellowed, in order that 
 all, the active members efpecially, might be 
 ftirred up to an exertion of godly endea- 
 vours, for reftoring comely order and dif- 
 cipline, in divers very weak meetings with- 
 in their county ; not to be at eafe in their 
 cieled houfes, whilft the ark of the tefti- 
 mony of God was expofed to reproach, by 
 the defe&ion of many under the fame pro- 
 feffion. It was a good time, and I hope 
 ferviceable to fome - y yet we could not help 
 lamenting, that the memorable opportu- 
 nity we lately had at Norwich monthly- 
 meeting had not made greater impreffion than 
 appeared by fome not very agreeable in- 
 ilances in this meeting, relating to their 
 X fully
 
 322 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 fully uniting for the county's help, as there 
 was apparent neceffity for the fame. The 
 24th of the 4th month, we vifited the 
 quarterly-meeting of Suffolk held at Wood- 
 bridge, and laid before them in writing 
 the ftate of their monthly-meetings, as the 
 fame appeared to us in our late vifit, with 
 fome remarks thereon. Much labour was 
 beftowed in the free extendings of divine 
 love, which was comfortably med abroad 
 in that meeting, that friends might be 
 thereby ftirred up to ufe endeavours for a 
 general reformation, in which fervent la- 
 bour was beftowed, and clofe admonition 
 extended to fuch as knew not their own 
 fpirits fubjedled by the fpirit of Chrifr, but 
 dared to prefumeto move and ac~l in the affairs 
 of the church of God, by the ftrength of 
 their own understandings as men : thefe, not 
 having true zeal, can wink at wrong things, 
 great diforders, and flagrant unfaithfulnefs, 
 fmoothingall over, and blending all together 
 deceitfully, crying Peace, and all is well, 
 when it is evidently otherwife. Oh, how 
 doth the Lord abhor fuch unfoundnefs ! 
 furely then his people mould fee the weight 
 and authority of his power Handing over 
 fuch. A principal caufe of defolation and 
 wafte in the houfe and heritage of God, is 
 the want of more prepared ftones for the 
 building, hewn and polifhed in the moun- 
 tain. But great inconveniency arifes, when 
 fome are made ufe of as ftones for the ; 
 
 building,
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 323 
 
 building, in their natural ftate, which ren- 
 ders them unfit materials to erecT: a houfe 
 for the glory of God to abide in ; fo that 
 what fuch build, is nothing but a habita- 
 tion for anti-chrift to dwell in ; for he will 
 content himfelf in any form of religion, 
 whilfl he can keep the power out of it. 
 His firft fubtile working in the myftery of 
 iniquity is, to perfuade the minds of men, 
 there is no need of any more power and wif- 
 dom, than they have as men ; that if they 
 will exert their endeavour, they may be 
 ufeful members ; thus withdrawing gra- 
 dually from the fountain of living water, to 
 hew out citterns to themfelves, which will 
 hold no water. Oh, how dry and infipid 
 are all their religious performances ! and 
 what they do, is only to beget, in their own 
 image, carnal lifelefs profeflbrs, like them- 
 felves ; thefe are very apt to be doing, 
 being always furnimed ; but the true la- 
 bourers muft, in every meeting, and upon 
 all occafions that offer for fervice, receive 
 fupernatural aid, and the renewed under- 
 ftanding, by the immediate defcendings of 
 heavenly wifdom and power, or they dare not 
 meddle. Where there are but two or three 
 in each monthly-meeting, carefully abiding 
 in an holy dependance upon God, to be fur- 
 nimed for his work, great things may be 
 done by his mighty power, in and through 
 them. This is evident, by obferving the 
 irate of meetings where fuch dwell, though 
 X 2 all
 
 324 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 all is not done they could ardently defire, as 
 praifed be the Lord, there are many yet up 
 and down, who know and experimentally 
 feel their fufficiency for every fervice in 
 the church to be of God, The 28th of 
 the 4th month, we attended the quarterly- 
 meeting I belong to, held at Coggemall, 
 for the county of EfTex. Having drawn up 
 the ftate of the feveral monthly-meetings in 
 writing, with remarks thereon, it was laid 
 before this meeting; much folid and 
 weighty endeavours being ufed for a gene- 
 ral reformation, by the earneft labour of 
 our friends on the vifit, which was very 
 edifying and comfortable to the honeit- 
 hearted amongft us. We drew up a fum- 
 mary account of the ftate of the fociety in 
 the counties before-mentioned, and our fa- 
 tisfacliion in that folemn undertaking ; with 
 thankful acknowledgment of the Lord's 
 gracious affiftance through the whole, which 
 was read in the yearly-meeting, 1761. Be- 
 fore I clofe this account, it may not be 
 amifs to fay, that fuch was the effect of our 
 labours in mod, or all the monthly-meet- 
 ings, that committees were appointed of 
 their own members, to vilit particular 
 meetings, and allb individual members, for 
 their help, as occaiion might require. The 
 quarterly-meetings alfo appointed large 
 committees to vifit their monthly-meet- 
 ings and others, as they found freedom, 
 for their affiflance. A few days after the 
 
 yearly-
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 325 
 
 yearly-meeting in London, 1761, Thomas 
 Corbyn, Jofeph Row, and myfelf, fet out, 
 in company with divers other friends, in 
 their return from the yearly-meeting, in 
 order to viiit the monthly and quarterly 
 meetings of friends in Yorkmire, Lincoln- 
 fhire, Nottinghamfhire, Derbyfliire, and 
 Leiceftermire ; Matthew Mellor joined us 
 at Oatby, near Leicefler; Jofeph Taylor 
 having concluded to meet us in Yorkmire. 
 On the 24th of the 5th month, we vifited 
 Balby monthly-meeting, held at Sheffield, 
 and found, to our comfort, a living body 
 of friends therein; yet much fhcknefs and 
 defection appeared, in many members of 
 mofr. ranks. Truth opened, and largely 
 furniihed with wifdom and ftrength, to 
 lay before them the dangerous confequence 
 of fame prevailing and undue liberties. 
 Thofe advanced in age and profeffion, were 
 intreated and laboured with, in much ear- 
 neflnefs, to be more zealous and diligent, 
 in a godly care over themfelves and the 
 flock ; as thofe that mail fhortly give an 
 account to the great mepherd. The 25th 
 we vifited Pontefract monthly-meeting, held 
 at Highflats. Here was a very numerous 
 body of friends, whofe outward appearance 
 was very becoming our felf-denying pro- 
 feffion ; and I really believe this plainnefs, 
 in a confiderable number amongft them, 
 was the genuine product of a well regu- 
 fated mind 3 yet I fear, in too many, it was 
 X 3 more,
 
 326 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 more the effedl of education, which, however, 
 I would not condemn, where people are not 
 prevailed upon by the fubtilty of Satan, to 
 take their reft therein ; fince the form muft 
 follow the power, and not the power fol- 
 low the form. We had clofe labour, in 
 order to roufe thofe, who had fettled down 
 in a falfe reft, and alfo to promote a better 
 regulation in fome refpeftsj yet I think it 
 might be faid that difcipline, in moft of 
 its branches, was pretty well maintained 
 in that meeting. It was a time of high 
 favour; counfel and admonition were plen- 
 tifully extended. The 27th we vifited 
 Brighoufe monthly-meeting, held at Brad- 
 ford : here Jonathan Raine, and William Hird 
 joined us. This meeting was exceeding large; 
 fome flacknefs and defection appeared, yet 
 in the main, difcipline. and good order were 
 well fupported, in divers branches. This 
 was indeed a time of fignal favour, as the 
 canopy of divine power and love overfha- 
 dowed this large aflembly, wherein much 
 fervent labour was extended, that all might 
 be brought into, and preferved in, that 
 humble felf-denying way, which leads to 
 lafting peace and happinefs ; and that none 
 might reft fatisfied in a form of religion, 
 without the daily quickenings of heavenly 
 life, whereby only the daily facrifice can 
 be offered, and the abomination that makes 
 defolate kept out of the holy places, viz. 
 the heart of man made and preferved holy 
 
 by
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 327 
 
 by the powerful prefence of God ; no Ion-* 
 ger can it be fo, than his prefence is there. 
 The 29th we viiited Knarefborough month- 
 ly-meeting, held at Rawden. This was 
 alfo very large, perhaps near five hundred of 
 both fexes attended, and near as many at 
 each of the before-mentioned meetings. 
 Here we found a weighty, folid body of 
 friends, who were zealoufly concerned to 
 preferve difcipline, and good order, on its 
 ancient bottom ; yet there was alfo a very 
 heavy, clogging, lifelefs body, at reft in a 
 profeilion, in whom little or no living con- 
 cern appeared, to keep undue liberties out 
 of their families, and to mew exemplary 
 diligence in religious duties. Divine good- 
 nefs, as at other times, was eminently mani- 
 fefted, in which, abundance of found ad- 
 vice, caution, and counfel, were freely ad- 
 miniilered, wherewith many hearts were 
 deeply affected, being made willing to arife, 
 in order to promote a reformation, where 
 things appeared out of order. The ifl of 
 the 6th month, we vifited Settle monthly- 
 meeting ; a laborious exercifing time it was, 
 in a deep and painful fenfe of the numbnefs 
 and formality of too many members, and 
 the great decay of primitive zeal ; yet, 
 through the merciful ariiing of heavenly 
 power and wifdom, ability was received to 
 adminifter fuitable advice, warning, and 
 counfel, in order to awaken the carelefs, 
 J-ukewarm profeiTors, as well as to extend 
 X 4 comfort
 
 328 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 comfort and relief for the encouragement of 
 a fincerely concerned remnant amongft them; 
 that fo, what appeared out of the holy 
 order of the gofpel, might be regulated. 
 The 3d of the 6th month, we vifited 
 Richmond monthly-meeting, held at Aif- 
 garth $ the number of members here was 
 very confiderable, yet the life of religion 
 feemed at a low ebb ; that forrowful miftake, 
 of imagining themfelves God's people, with-, 
 out the real fenfe of the indwelling of his 
 holy fpirit, and of being the children of A- 
 braham, without the faith and good works of 
 Abraham , having, I fear, very much pre- 
 vailed upon the pofterity of faithful wor- 
 thies, who are gone to their reft. In 
 thofe' parts, great flacknefs and defection in 
 fome very important refpe&s appeared in 
 many, who, through the powerful efficacy 
 of the everlafling word, were clofely and 
 very preffingly admonimed to more care and 
 diligence. Great endeavours were ufed, 
 that our Chriftian difcipline might be more 
 duly put in practice ; a living remnant a- 
 mongft themfelves, heartily joining with us 
 in our deep labours, for promoting that 
 falutary end. The 5th, Thirflc monthly- 
 meeting was vifited by us -, Jofeph Taylor 
 joining us here. We were now feven in 
 number, which we did not find too many, 
 the work we were engaged in being very 
 weighty and laborious. In this meeting, a 
 remnant were fincerely concerned to main-
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 329 
 
 tain difcipline and good order, in the fpirit 
 and life thereof; yet great lukewarmnefs, 
 and many deficiencies appeared ; an earthly 
 carnal fpirit having much the afcendency in 
 parents, rawnefs, infenfibility, and a de- 
 viation from plainnefs, in divers of the 
 youth, which caufed us deep and painful 
 labour ; yet, through the defcending of 
 heavenly virtue, we were enabled to fpeak 
 clofely to their ftates, which, I hope, had 
 a good effect on fome of them. This op- 
 portunity afforded much relief to our fpi- 
 rits, and we went away with peace. The 
 8th we vifited Gifborough monthly-meet- 
 ing, held at Kirbymoorfide ; where a very 
 large number of members attended, with 
 an outward appearance becoming our holy 
 profeffion, and we found a truly concerned 
 remnant amongft them : but at this, as well 
 as at other places, we had, with forrow of 
 heart, to view the great defolation that an 
 enemy had made, in the time of outward 
 cafe and liberty, which could not prevail 
 upon our worthy predeceflbrs, by depriving 
 them of their liberty, in jails and ftinking 
 dungeons, feparation by banimment, and 
 otherwife, of thofe in the neareft ties andcon- 
 nexion of life ; nay, the lofs of all their out- 
 ward fubftance, and the lives of many, could 
 not deter them from maintaining their tefli- 
 mony for God in publick wormip, and other 
 things ; yet he hath mightily prevailed on 
 many of their inconfiderate offspring, who 
 
 feem
 
 330 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 feem to have very little befides the hufk 
 left to feed upon. Divine goodnefs was 
 wonderfully extended, in which much fer- 
 vent labour was beftowed, and an awaken- 
 ing time it was. The foundation of the 
 builders upon the fand was fhaken, and 
 Jefus Chrift, the everlafting rock and fure 
 foundation, was exalted, as the only fafe 
 reft and defence of his people. The nth 
 we vifited Mai ton monthly-meeting; the 
 ftate whereof appeared very low, and things 
 relating to our difcipline much out of 
 order ; divine goodnefs being near, our 
 minds were ftrengthened, and our mouths 
 opened, in earned endeavours for their help 
 and recovery ; a fmall remnant amongffc 
 themfelves joining with us herein. I hope 
 it was a profitable time to fome. The I3th 
 we vifited Scarborough monthly-meeting, 
 held at Whitby, where, although we found 
 a fincere remnant, with whom we had 
 unity in fpirit, and they had a fatisfaftory 
 fenfe of our clofe and earneft labours in that 
 meeting; yet many under the fame pro- 
 feflion were greatly backflidden, and revolted 
 from the primitive power and purity of that 
 undefiled religion, which the faithful a- 
 mongft us have been, and are led into: 
 divine counfel was eminently manifefted, 
 in order to heal their backfliding, and to 
 bring them into a due fenfe of the weight 
 and great importance of thofe teftimonies to 
 the blefTed truth, given to us as a people to 
 
 bear,
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 331 
 
 bear, which made good impreffion on fome; 
 but others feemed at ib great a diftance, 
 that it was hard to make them rightly 
 fenfible of their true rntereft. We departed 
 from thence with eafe and peace of mind. 
 The 1 4th, Bridlington monthly-meeting 
 was held, which was very fmall, and the 
 life of religion very low; but little ability 
 and judgment 'to manage the affairs of the 
 church appeared ; it was therefore our opi- 
 nion, they were too weak to fubfift honour- 
 ably as a monthly-meeting, and that it 
 would promote the general good, to join 
 them to fome other monthly-meeting. 
 The I7th, Ouftwick monthly-meeting was 
 held at Hull. Upon the ufual inquiries 
 it appeared, that much lukewarmnefs and 
 defection had crept in ; and for want of a 
 godly zeal in moft of the active members, 
 difcipline had not been ftrictly and impar- 
 tially maintained, fo that darknefs and weak- 
 nefs had prevailed. In this mournful ftate 
 of things, our labours were painful, and 
 exercifing; yet, through divine affiftance, 
 the teflimony of truth, in its feveral branch- 
 es, was exalted, and judgment fet upon 
 thofe who had violated the fame. The few 
 (incere-hearted labourers amongft them 
 were earnestly advifed and encouraged to 
 bear the ark of the teflimony of the Lord 
 as upon their moulders, in the people's 
 fight, which I hope had a good efFect. 
 The i pth, we vifited the monthly- meet- 
 ing
 
 332 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 ing of Cave. The appearance of the mem- 
 bers was plain, yet we found great dead- 
 nefs and infenfibility amongft them, which 
 muft be the cafe, where people are content- 
 ed in an empty form of religion, without 
 the power of it. Much Chrifiian labour 
 was beftowed, in order to kindle a living 
 zeal; but, alas! little impreffion was made 
 on fome, yet I hope this vifit was of con- 
 iiderable fervice to others, and may tend 
 to general benefit ; but all the increafe is 
 of the Lord. The 2ift we vifited York 
 monthly-meeting, wherein appeared much 
 want of a lively fenfe of truth on the minds 
 of active members, and divers deficiencies, 
 and fome diforders, had crept in, and re- 
 mained, by a neglect of proper dealing, and 
 an exercife of found judgment. Here we 
 had caufe to fee, as well as at many other 
 places, that a literal knowledge of our dif- 
 cipline, without heavenly life influencing 
 the minds of thofe exercifed therein, bring- 
 eth nothing effectually to pafs, to God's 
 glory, and the edification of his church 
 and people. Great and deep was our labour, 
 under a weighty fenfe of the divine power, 
 and alfo of the low, languid flate of the 
 church in this city, defiring me might be 
 favoured to arife. and (hake herfelf from, 
 the dull of the earth, ftrengthening the 
 things which remain. This finifhed our 
 vifits to the monthly-meetings in this coun- 
 ty; and though I have not particularly 
 
 mentione^
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 333 
 
 mentioned the opportunities taken by us in 
 feled: meetings of miniflers and elders, yet 
 we had fuch opportunities in moft, or all 
 the monthly-meetings ; where their queries 
 were read, and anfwered j advice, caution, 
 counfel, and reproof alfo, were administered, 
 as we found ourfelves led, and influenced 
 thereunto. The 24th of the 6th month, 
 their quarterly-meeting was held in York. 
 We had drawn up the flate of their 
 monthly-meetings, being fourteen in num- 
 ber, as the fame appeared to us from their 
 anfwers to the ufual queries, and other in- 
 quiries made by us, in our late vifit to them, 
 with fundry remarks thereon, particularly 
 on the great and mournful flacknefs in, and 
 negledt of, divine wormip; efpecially on 
 week-days, which difcovers an indifference 
 and lukewarmnefs, much to be lamented. 
 Earneft labour was beftowed in that great 
 meeting, to faften the weight and great im- 
 portance of qualified members, coming 
 more earneftly and feelingly under a deep 
 fenfe of the care of the churches ; that fo an 
 increafe of zeal and diligence may be exer- 
 cifed throughout -, in warning the unruly, 
 comforting the feeble-minded, and in fup- 
 porting the weak. It was a folemn time, 
 the members being fenfibly afFedted with 
 the great need of a better regulation in di- 
 vers refpecls; a large committee was ap- 
 pointed to vifit and arlifr, the monthly, alfo 
 particular meetings, as they faw caufe, in 
 
 order
 
 334 THE JOURNAL OP 
 
 order to help forward the necefTary work of 
 reformation. The monthly-meetings alfo, 
 in confequence of our vifit, except one, 
 appointed committees to vifit particular 
 meetings, and individuals, as their way 
 might open, for the better putting in prac- 
 tice our Chriftian difcipline. In this city, 
 our friend John Hunt, of London, joined 
 us ; and here we parted with Jonathan 
 Raine, Matthew Mellor, and William Hird. 
 We went next into Lincolnshire, and on 
 the 29th of the 6th month, vifited their 
 monthly-meeting, held at Gainfborough : 
 here John Oxley of Norwich met us. 
 things appeared very low and defective, as 
 to the difcipline, and good order of the 
 church in this place 3 the members, in too 
 general a way, being by indifference, and 
 weaknefs, infeniible of its great worth and 
 ufefulnefs. Our fpirits were deeply bap- 
 tized into a fenfe of their flates, and we re- 
 ceived ability, with great plainnefs to lay 
 before them the dangerous confequence of 
 fuch an unfavoury unfruitful condition, and 
 the great duty, which the members of fo- 
 ciety owed to God, themfelves, and to one 
 another, in a religious capacity, which 
 for the prefent feemed to afFed: their minds ; 
 may the imprefiion be lafting! We had alfo 
 fome things to offer, by way of encourage- 
 ment, to a few fincere, though weak ones, 
 amongft them. The ad of the 7th month, 
 we vifited Wainfleet monthly-meeting, find- 
 ing
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 335 
 
 Ing things diftreffingly low, and much out 
 of order ; and but few who had the caufe 
 of truth at heart, fo as to mourn becaufe of 
 the great defolation and wafte made in 
 the fociety there, by earthly-mindednefs, 
 and other flefhly liberties. Our minds were 
 deeply engaged, that truth might break 
 through, and foften the minds of thofe 
 dry, carnal profeflbrs, who, inftead of help- 
 ing forward the neceffary work of dilci- 
 pline, were great clogs and hinderances 
 thereunto, being as dead weights and bur- 
 thens on the more lively part of the body. 
 Through the holy efficacy of that pure 
 life, which gracioufly attended us from 
 place to place, we were enabled to dif- 
 charge our confciences at that meeting, 
 in much plain-dealing, to our own peace, 
 and the comfort and relief of the few up- 
 right-hearted there. The 4th we viiited 
 Spalding monthly-meeting; much diforder 
 and flacknefs appeared alfo at this meeting, 
 in fome; others, who would feem to be 
 fomething in religion, were but too much 
 like the unfruitful fig-tree, on which, when 
 it came to be nearly examined, nothing 
 was to be found but leaves ; having, like 
 Ephraim and Demas, forfaken the dew and 
 tendernefs of their youth, and embraced 
 this prefent world. Such, though they re- 
 tain fomething of the outward refemblance, 
 cannot profper in religion, as they are dry 
 and infipid. In this low, mournful ftate 
 
 of
 
 336 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 of things, truth arofe, and furnifhed with 
 fuitable matter and utterance, in plain deal- 
 ing with formal profeffors, and proper en- 
 couragement to fome hopeful youth, and 
 others, to come up in a more lively zeal, 
 and concern for God's caufe, than had been 
 maintained pf late at that meeting, which I 
 hope was of good fervice. The 6th we 
 vifited Lincoln monthly-meeting, held at 
 Broughton. This meeting appeared in a 
 very low condition, as to a lively fenfe of 
 truth ; confequently, the difcipline thereof 
 was not rightly managed, as being done too 
 much in the will, wifdom, and temper of 
 man. Some appeared hopeful and tender, 
 efpecially of a younger rank, to whom, I 
 hope, our deep and earnefl labour amongft 
 them was profitable. 
 
 The 8th of the yth month, the quarterly- 
 meeting was held at Lincoln 5 before which 
 we laid in writing, the languid and difor- 
 derly flate of the fociety in that county, 
 with fundry clofe remarks thereon, point- 
 ing out, in fome meafure, the caufe of the 
 great declenlion found amongft them. This 
 was accompanied with our joint and earneft 
 endeavours, to bring the weight of thofe 
 things upon the members, that they might 
 feel a proper engagement of mind to arife, 
 and repair the breaches made, which had a 
 good effect on fome minds, and a committee 
 was appointed, in order to promote the 
 work of reformation ; which was alfo done 
 
 at
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 337 
 
 fct moft, or all their monthly-meetings. 
 From Lincoln, John Hunt and Jofeph 
 Row returned home to London, and John 
 Oxley to Norwich ; Thomas Corbyn, 
 Jofeph Taylor, and myfelf, went into Not- 
 tinghammire. The i3th of the 7th month 
 we vilited Retford monthly-meeting, as it 
 was called, wherein we found a few tender 
 and hopeful, and had fome opennefs to ad- 
 minifter counfel and advice, tending to 
 their help and improvement, which appear- 
 ed to be well received, and fome minds were 
 affected therewith ; yet very little was dif- 
 covered by us of difcipline being put in prac- 
 tice, but almoft every thing relating there- 
 to was neglected. It therefore was our 
 judgment they ought to be joined to fome 
 other monthly-meeting, yet their fituation 
 rendered that fomewhat difficult; however, 
 we concluded to lay the cafe before their 
 enfuing quarterly-meeting. The i4th we 
 vifited Mansfield monthly-meeting, which 
 alfo appeared very low and weak ; but very 
 little of the bufinefs of a monthly-meeting 
 properly done, as the number was very 
 fmall that generally attended them, and in 
 moft of them the efTential qualification for 
 fervice in the church of Chrift much want- 
 ing. It was therefore our judgment, that 
 it would be for the general good, that Manf- 
 fieldmonthly-meetingmouldbejoinedtothat 
 of Chefterfi eld, except Oxon particular meet- 
 ing; which from its fituation might better 
 Y be
 
 338 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 be joined to Nottingham. The i5th we vifit- 
 ed Chefterfield monthly-meeting, wherein 
 divine goodnefs was livingly manifested, in 
 order to adminifter proper affiftance, by way 
 of advice, counfel, and encouragement, to 
 this fmall, weak meeting, wherein difci- 
 pline, in divers of its branches, was much 
 neglected ; yet there appeared an opennefs 
 in the members to be inftructed and help* 
 ed forward in that weighty work, which, 
 through the ftrength and efficacy of divine 
 love, was largely extended to them, in 
 which we had fatisfaction of mind. The 
 i6th we went to Breach, called a monthly- 
 meeting, but we found it, in that refpect, 
 almoft defolate. The teftimony of truth, 
 fo precious to their anceftors, in that place, 
 was by them fuffered to fall, in moft of its 
 branches -, but few of thofe, who were active 
 members, appeared clear in its fupport. 
 Darknefs had greatly prevailed over their 
 minds, yet our deep labour, under the in- 
 fluence of heavenly good, had a tendering 
 effect upon fome of them. One thing aimed 
 at by us, was, that the members of that 
 meeting might be joined to the monthly- 
 meeting' of Nottingham, they being unfit 
 to remain in their prefent condition, which 
 was confented to by them, a minute made, 
 and fome of their members appointed to 
 propofe the fame to Nottingham meet- 
 ing. The 1 7th we vifited Nottingham 
 monthly-meeting ; the number here was 
 
 pretty
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 339 
 
 pretty large, but the pure virtue of heaven- 
 ly goodnefs, without the fenfible experi- 
 ence whereof there can be no profperity in 
 the truth, feemed to be much depreffed 
 and obftructed by earthly-mindednefs, cover- 
 ed over with a form of religion in fome 
 heads of families, by whom undue liberties 
 were winked at in their offspring : fuch not 
 having zeal enough to fupprefs wrong things 
 in their own families, are not like to pro- 
 mote good order and difcipline in the 
 church. We found fome who united with 
 us in a deep and earnefl labour for a better 
 regulation, and much found admonition, 
 caution, and counfel, were adminiftered, 
 which feemed (at leaft for the prefent) to 
 have an awakening effecT: on fome. On the 
 20th of the 7th month the quarterly-meet- 
 ing was held at Nottingham, and, as we un- 
 derftood, a junction of that, and the quar- 
 terly-meeting of Derbyshire, was agreed on 
 between them, and fhortly to be complet- 
 ed. We drew up the ftate of the monthly- 
 meetings in both the faid counties, as the 
 fame appeared to us in our late vifit, with 
 fundry remarks on the mournful declenfion 
 found amongft them -, pointing out to them, 
 in fome meafure, what we apprehended to 
 have been the caufe thereof, that thofe con- 
 cerned might both examine themfelves, 
 and be more watchful, in order to prevent 
 fuch confequences for the future : which 
 was read in this meeting, and endeavours 
 Y 2 ufed
 
 340 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 ufed verbally alfo, that the meeting might 
 come under a folid fenfe of the flate of their 
 monthly-meetings, that proper afliftance 
 might be extended for a general reforma- 
 tion. But, alas! there were but fewamongft 
 them enough devoted, heartily to engage 
 in fo good and neceffary a work j however, 
 we were enabled to clear ourfelves, by 
 leaving the weight of things upon them, 
 and to depart with eafe and fweet peace of 
 mind. All praifes and humble thankfgiv- 
 ings to our holy head, for his gracious and 
 comfortable fupport, in our deep exercifes 
 and labour from place to place. For, alas ! 
 we mould foon have fainted, under the 
 weight of that painful fervice, had he been 
 pleafed to withdraw, even but for a little 
 time; but we found him a never-failing 
 fountain of all we flood in need of, and 
 when our fervice for this time was over, 
 we could not fay we lacked any thing. The 
 2-ift of the yth month we vifited Caftle- 
 Dunington monthly-meeting in Leicefter- 
 {hire, wherein divine favour was largely 
 extended, in which we received ftrength to 
 labour earneftly, for the reviving of a living 
 concern in the members, that difcipline 
 and good order might be better maintained, 
 which, through the indifference of fome, 
 and the backward, cowardly difpofition of 
 others, was but poorly fupported in fun- 
 dry refpefts ; yet this opportunity feemed 
 to have a good effecl:, by a confiderable 
 
 reach
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 341 
 
 reach upon many of their minds, and I hope 
 may prove of great advantage to that meet- 
 ing, as the members thereof feemed rather 
 weak than wilful. The 24th we vifited 
 Hinkley monthly-meeting, which, as to 
 the fupport of difcipline, and gofpel order, 
 appeared to us almoft defolate. Our earneft 
 labour for their help and recovery had 
 little vifible impreffion on fome of their 
 members, the infenfibility was fo great ; 
 though others were awakened to a degree 
 of feeling and tendernefs, who, I hope, 
 received fome benefit thereby. The beft 
 expedient that appeared to us, was their 
 being joined to Leicefter monthly-meeting, 
 which was accordingly recommended. The 
 25th we vifited Dalby monthly-meeting; 
 and as it appeared in the fame ftate as that 
 of Hinkley laft mentioned, I mall refer to 
 hat account, and only fay, we advifed it 
 mould be joined to the monthly-meeting of 
 Caftle-Dunington, except a fmall branch 
 thereof, which lay contiguous to Leicefler. 
 The 27th we vilited Oakham monthly- 
 meeting, where much flacknefs and indif- 
 ference appeared, too many of the active 
 members being at eafe in a profeflion, whilft 
 wrong things prevailed, and death, inftead 
 of life, overfhadowed their meetings. The 
 Lord engaged us, in a deep and fervent la- 
 bour, to ftir them up, that they might 
 arife and make themfelves from the duft 
 ?md clogging things of the earth, to receive 
 Y 3 .the
 
 342 THE JOURNAL OP 
 
 the eye-falve of God's kingdom, whereby 
 they might come to fee their own ftate, as 
 individual members, and alfo the general 
 ftate of the church. Oh, how amamed 
 would fome then be, of their poverty and 
 nakednefs ! We found a few amongft them 
 in a humble, teachable frame of mind, 
 with whom we had good fatisfadion, hope- 
 ing this opportunity might tend to their 
 help and improvement, in the befl things. 
 The 28th we vifited Leicefter monthly- 
 meeting, in which we found fome honed 
 labourers for Sion's profperity, and truth 
 opened our way, as at other places, to look 
 carefully into the ftate of things, and to 
 apply fuitable counfel and advice, as the 
 fame immediately opened, for the reftoring 
 good order and wholefome difcipline, which 
 appeared too much neglected ; and I hope 
 that opportunity was of good fervice to 
 that meeting. 
 
 On the 29th of the 7th month the quar- 
 terly-meeting for that county was there 
 held, before which, we laid in writing the 
 ftate of their monthly-meetings, as the fame 
 appeared to us in our late vifit, with fuch 
 remarks thereon, as feemed to us proper 
 and necefTary; and were deeply con- 
 cerned, to bring the weighty fenfe of 
 their great declenlion upon the fpirits 
 of the active members, and the great 
 neceflity of a fpeedy exertion of their Chrif- 
 tian endeavours for a regulation, leaft a ge- 
 neral
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 343 
 
 neral defolation fhould enfue. But, alas ! 
 the ftupefaclion was fo great in this, as well 
 as other places, that it was hard laborious 
 work ; yet not without hope of a revival, 
 as fome concerned members were, by the 
 overfhadowing of divine power, made wil- 
 ling to give up their names, to contribute 
 their endeavours for carrying on the necef- 
 fary work of reformation, fo happily begun 
 in the yearly-meeting. Here ended our 
 viiit to monthly and quarterly meetings for 
 the prefent; and I have, with deep reve- 
 rence, humbly to acknowledge, that a re- 
 markable evidence of divine approbation 
 attended us throughout ; making us of one 
 heart, by the baptifm of his unerring fpirit, 
 fo that fcarcely a difference of fentiment from 
 one another appeared during the whole 
 journey. Another thing which appeared to 
 me a token of divine favour attending, was 
 the open reception we met with, notwith- 
 ftanding the plainnefs ufed by us, in very 
 clofe fearching inquiries and remarks upon 
 many diforders. I hope my ufual freedom, 
 in laying open the ftates of the monthly- 
 meetings, will give no juft caufe of offence 
 to any, who wim well to Sion, fince noth- 
 ing is more likely to ftrike the minds ol 
 fucceeding generations with fear and care, 
 than to have the lukewarmnefs and defec- 
 tion of many, who have been fo wonder- 
 fully favoured, fet in a true light before 
 them, together with fuch a remarkable ac- 
 
 Y 4 count 
 
 *
 
 344 THE JOURNAL OP 
 
 count of the Lord's compaffion and con- 
 defcending kindnefs, in feeking their re- 
 ftoration, and offering his mercy to heal all 
 their backflidings. How can any, without 
 being fomewhat affected with fear, read the 
 forrowful degeneracy of fome Chriftian 
 churches, even in the apoftles days ; like 
 the firft-fruits in the gofpel vineyard ; par- 
 ticularly that of the feven churches in Ana 
 Minor, difcovered to the beloved John, in 
 his ftate of banifhment for the word of God 
 and the teftimony of Jefus Chrift, and by 
 him with great plainnefs committed to 
 writing, as a call and warning from God 
 to them, and to remain, for the fame end, 
 to all fucceeding generations ? I have no 
 other end in what I have written concern- 
 ing the ftate of our fociety ; for whofe help 
 and prefervation I have been freely given up 
 in body, foul, and fpirit, as well as in what 
 outward fubftance the Lord hath bounti- 
 fully favoured me with, to contribute my 
 fmall endeavours, that her light may go 
 forth as brightnefs, and her faivation as a 
 lamp that burns. 
 
 A fummary account of this vifit and fer- 
 vice was drawn up by us, and read in the 
 yearly-meeting 1762, as was done the year 
 before, when engaged in a fervice of the 
 like nature. The like vifit was alfo per- 
 formed by other friends, who had, fince 
 the yearly-meeting 1761, engaged therein 
 in different parts, whereby it appeared, all 
 
 the
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 345 
 
 the monthly and quarterly-meetings, in that 
 part of Great-Britain, properly called Eng- 
 land, had then been vifited ; which, as far 
 as appeared, had been performed to general 
 fatisfaction. The yearly-meeting then re- 
 commended the care of extending the fame 
 brotherly affiftance to the meetings of our 
 friends in Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, 
 to the friends appointed m 1760, as their 
 way might open in gofpel freedom. Neither 
 did the yearly-meeting omit fending a 
 warm, lively epiftle to thole already vifit- 
 ed, to corroborate, revive, and ftrengthen 
 the great labour beftowed, that the fame 
 might be made effectual. I mall now clofe 
 this narrative with jufl adding, that I have 
 found, by folid experience, that it was a 
 blefled work, and greatly bleiTed in the 
 carrying on. May it be fo in the fruits 
 arifing therefrom, is the fincere delire of 
 my foul ! 
 
 The 2ift of the 8th month, 1762, I fet 
 out, in order to vifit London, and fome other 
 parts, and on firft-day the zad, I went to 
 Ratcliff meeting in the morning, where I 
 had clofe, thorough fervice, truth and its 
 teftimony having confiderable dominion ; it 
 was an 'awakening time to carelefs profef- 
 fors, and of refrefhing confolation to Sion's 
 travellers, of whom I believe there were a 
 confiderable number there; I had with 
 fatisfaction to believe that meeting was on 
 the improving hand. .1 went in the after- 
 noon
 
 346 THE JOURNAL or 
 
 noon to Horflydown ; this was a time of 
 deep travail, and painful labour, as the life 
 of religion feemed to be greatly depreffed, 
 by much indifference of mind in many, and 
 the prevalence of flelhly liberties in others; 
 yet through infinite condefcenfion, at length 
 the power and virtue of truth arofe, where- 
 by the teitimony thereof was exalted over 
 wrong things. On the fecond-day follow- 
 ing I attended the morning meeting, and 
 went on fourth-day to their monthly-meet- 
 ing at the Peel, in which, through the ex- 
 tending of heavenly good, I had open, 
 edifying fervice ; friends being favoured 
 with a degree of that holy leaven, which, 
 as it is abode in, preferves the feveral mem- 
 bers of one heart, and one mind. Oh, 
 then the work goes fweetly on, the body 
 edifying itfelf in love, as well as with one 
 voice giving forth found judgment againft 
 wrong things ! On firfl-day, the 29th, I 
 went in the morning to Weilminfler, which 
 was a very open good meeting, the tefti- 
 rnony of truth went forth freely and 
 largely, wifdom being given to divide the 
 word aright, fo that the difobedient were 
 warned, and the mourners in Sion com- 
 forted. I went in the afternoon to the 
 Peel meeting, which was large and very la- 
 borious, in a fuffering filence throughout ; 
 which, in fympathy with the deprefled feed 
 of God's kingdom, and for an example to 
 the profeffors thereof, appeared to be my 
 
 proper
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 347 
 
 proper bufinefs at that time. I attended 
 the morning meeting on fecond-day, and 
 went on gd day to Plaiftow week-day meet- 
 ing, in which I had fome clofe iervice; 
 but things, as to the life of religion, ap- 
 peared to me low there, where the profef- 
 ibrs of truth neglect a conflant labour for 
 daily bread. I fpent that afternoon, and 
 the next day, chiefly on a vifit to our wor- 
 thy friend John Hay ward, who appeared 
 green in old age. On fifth-day, the 2d 
 of the gth month, I went to Tottenham ; 
 there being two confiderable friends fchools, 
 one for boys, and the other for girls. By 
 the free opening of the living fountain, it 
 was a very precious, comfortable meeting, 
 doctrine and counfel being plentifully hand- 
 ed forth, fuitably adapted to the childrens 
 weak capacities, as well as to thofe of riper 
 age : through the divine bleffing, it was a 
 time of high favour, and humble refrefh- 
 ment to the upright in heart. That after- 
 noon I had a very comfortable reviving 
 time with our friend Jofiah Forfter, and 
 family, he being in a very poor ftate of 
 health, in appearance not likely to conti- 
 nue long in this world ; he, with much 
 tenderneis, expreffed great fatisfa&ion in 
 that opportunity. On fixth-day, the 3d, I 
 went to Gracechurch-Street meeting, which 
 was low, and laborious - y it appeared my 
 proper bufinefs to fit in filence. On firft- 
 day, the jth, I went to Gracechurch-Street 
 
 in
 
 348 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 in the morning, where the meeting was ex- 
 ceeding large, and for a time, very trying 
 and painful ; yet in the latter part, it pleafed 
 the Lord to arife, and his enemies were 
 fcattered ; then was truth exalted, and its 
 teftimony went forth freely, having great 
 dominion. In the afternoon, I went to the 
 Peel meeting, where I had large, open fer- 
 vice, and truth was over all ; it being a time 
 of much comfort and relief to the fmcere- 
 hearted. Next day I was at the monthly 
 morning-meeting of minifters and elders, 
 fo called becaufe the members more gene- 
 rally attend, efpecially the women. It was 
 a blefled time, wherein I had open good 
 fervice, mewing the great difference be- 
 tween the minifters of the letter, and thole 
 of the fpirit : that the letter without the 
 fpirit, though of the holy fcriptures itfelf, 
 kills that which is begotten of God in the 
 hearts of people ; but that it is the holy 
 power, efficacy, and demonftration of the 
 eternal fpirit, that renders the holy fcrip- 
 ture, outward miniftry, and all other means 
 ordained of God, for the comfort, help, 
 and prefervation of his people, effectual. 
 I had to obferve, that the minifters of the 
 letter were moft of all concerned for the 
 external appearance of their miniftry, viz. 
 that the words and dodlrine may be curioufly 
 adapted, not to difguft, but rather to pleafe 
 thofe who have itching ears; on the 'con- 
 trary, the minifters of the fpirit are leaft 
 
 of
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 349 
 
 of all concerned about the outward appear- 
 ance of their miniftry ; having no doubt, 
 if they are careful in the fpring, ground, 
 and moving caufe, which they know mould 
 be the conftraining power of the holy fpirit, 
 that will alfo be agreeable thereunto ; feeing 
 that power is able to render the moft low 
 and fimple expreffion, in man's account, 
 exceedingly efficacious. On third-day, the 
 yth, I fet out, accompanied by feveral 
 friends, in order to have a meeting that 
 afternoon at Charleywood; it was a time 
 of awakening labour, not eafily I hope to be 
 forgot. On fourth-day, the 8th, I" had a 
 precious, open, ferviceable meeting, at 
 Jordan's in the morning ; it was a time of 
 general awakening, at leaft to a prefent fenfe 
 of duty : that afternoon I had a painful 
 laborious meeting at Uxbridge, and what 
 made it more afflicting, was, that the gof- 
 pel endeavours ufed for the help and reco- 
 very of lukewarm profeiTors, feemed to take 
 very little effect upon their minds. On 
 fourth-day, the 8th, I went to Staines 
 meeting, which, in the fore-part, was a 
 time of very heavy, painful, filent labour; 
 in which, as at many other times on the 
 like occafion, I fully expected the cloud 
 and diftrefs would remain, till we feparated 
 one from another? yet near the conclusion, 
 through infinite condefcenfion, truth arofe 
 and obtained a complete victory over wrong 
 things ; * their ftates being fpoken to with 
 
 great
 
 350 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 great plainnefs ; but, alas ! things, as to the 
 life of religion, feemed but low amongfl 
 jnoft of all ranks there. I went next day 
 to a meeting at Godalming, which proved 
 a time of much favour, in the fweet and 
 precious enjoyment of the confolating 
 flreams of that river, which maketh glad 
 the whole city of God j in the blefTed 
 efficacy whereof, the dodtrines of truth 
 were largely opened, fetting forth the na- 
 ture of faith, hope, and charity $ but 
 the greateft of all is charity, as faith 
 will be fwallowed up in open vifion, and 
 hope in the full enjoyment; but charity 
 never fails, nor changes its nature, being 
 the fame in time and in eternity. On 
 firft-day, the i2th, I was at Alton meet- 
 ing, in Hampshire, where we had a very 
 large and precious baptizing meeting ; in 
 the morning, the teilimony of truth had 
 great dominion, and the living members 
 were fweetly comforted together. The af- 
 ternoon meeting there, was very heavy and 
 laborious, and held in filence. I had a very 
 open fatisfaclory meeting at Emer, on third- 
 day the 1 4th, and another at Wandfworth 
 the next day ; after which I went to Lon- 
 don, and the next day, being the i6th of 
 the 9th month, I returned home, finding 
 my dear wife and family well : having, 
 through infinite kindnefs, been much fa- 
 voured in my fervice this fmall journey, 
 and found more opennefs in the city of 
 London than heretofore. It was with great 
 
 comfort
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 351 
 
 comfort I had to fee a growing hidden rem- 
 nant in that city, who will be exalted in 
 Ifrael in the Lord's time; who hath, and 
 will yet open a way, more and more, for 
 his pained travelling children, to exalt his 
 name and truth, by removing the flumbling 
 blocks, and other impediments which yet 
 remain in their way, and hinders them, in 
 fome meafure, to take the rule and govern- 
 ment, which is their due and right in the 
 kingdom of Chrift ; and ufurpers mall fee, 
 none can fit with Chrift upon thrones, but 
 thofe who faithfully follow him in the re- 
 generation, agreeable to' his gracious pro- 
 mife, viz. Mat. xix. 28. and Luke xxii. 30.. 
 To this period of time, being now in 
 the fiftieth year of my age, I have continued 
 an account of divers occurrences of my life, 
 labours, and experience -, with fundry ob- 
 fervations on the flate of the Chriftian fo- 
 ciety, of which I am a member j and though 
 done in a way of plain dealing, yet in truth 
 and lincerity, as my mind hath been im- 
 mediately led, and opened thereunto. Let 
 none therefore take any undue advantages 
 thereby to reproach the fame : no fociety 
 of Chriftians, that I have ever had any know- 
 ledge of, hath any advantage of this peo- 
 ple, either in principle or practice. Here 
 I intend to lay afide my pen, not know- 
 ing that time or ability will be given to 
 add any more, which is all in the Lord's 
 hand; to whom I humMy commit this, 
 
 with
 
 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 with my foul and body, for prefer vation,, 
 during the mort fpace of time he may be 
 pleafed yet to lengthen my days ; befeeching 
 his bleffing may attend what is done ; with- 
 out which, our endeavours are fruitlefs, 
 for all the increafe is in and by him, who 
 is glorious in holinefs, and fearful in praife. 
 To whom be dominion and glory, through 
 all ages and generations. Amen. 
 
 From the year 1762, to the 7th month 
 1765, I have preferved no particular me- 
 morandum of my travels and fervice, that 
 I can at prefent find, and although I tra- 
 velled no confiderable journies, yet, as I 
 always thought it my incumbeat duty, from 
 my firft acquaintance with God's everlaft- 
 ing truth, I diligently attended meetings 
 when at home and well, both firft and week 
 days, alfo the quarterly and yearly-meet- 
 ings, as they fell in courfe; as well as fome 
 adjacent quarterly and other meetings. In 
 the year 1764, I attended the yearly-meet- 
 ings of Colchefter, Woodbridge, and Nor- 
 wich, to good fatisfaclion and comfort, 
 being favoured with free open fervice there- 
 in, efpecially the two laft. In the fame 
 year, having an inclination to vifit London, 
 and fome parts adjacent, as my way might 
 open ; and likewife having a manufcript by 
 me, which I had written about two years be- 
 fore, intitled, Some Brief Remarks upon fun- 
 dry important Subjefts, &c. divers friends, 
 whofe judgment I valued, having perufed 
 
 it,
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 353 
 
 it, exprefTed their unity therewith, gene- 
 rally apprehending there might be a fer- 
 vice in making the fame publick ; being 
 thus encouraged, I laid it before the fecond- 
 day morning meeting of London, as is ufual 
 in fuch cafes ; I attended the revifmg of it 
 for the moft part : friends agreed it mould 
 be printed, which was accordingly done. 
 It was afterwards reprinted here, in Ireland, 
 and in America. 
 
 Having had a view, for feveral years, of 
 vifiting friends in the American Colonies, 
 as I waited with earneft defires to be rightly 
 directed in fo folemn and weighty an under- 
 taking, both as to the thing itfelf, and the 
 proper time to enter thereupon, I was fa- 
 voured with clear and full fatisfadtion, in 
 both refpefts j and had feen, for a conlide- 
 rable time, that I mould embark for that 
 fervice foon after our yearly-meeting 1765 : 
 this I efteemed a particular favour, as I had 
 thereby the better opportunity to order my 
 outward affairs' timely, fo as I might, with 
 more freedom and eafe, leave them fo long 
 a time ; yet, except to my wife, and two 
 or three friends more, who were enjoined 
 fecrefy, I kept all to myfelf, till about the 
 time it became neceffary to lay my concern 
 before the monthly-meeting, of which I 
 was a member: which I did, and reidily 
 obtained their concurrence, and a certificate 
 very fully expreifive of their unity ; which 
 certificate I carried to our quarterly-meet- 
 Z ing,
 
 354 TH E JOURNAL OF 
 
 ing, laying the fame, with my faid con- 
 cern, before that meeting ; I allb obtained 
 their ready concurrence, fignified by an in- 
 clorfement on the monthly-meeting certifi- 
 cate ; which certificate and indorfement, 
 together with my concern, I laid before the 
 yearly-meeting of minifters and elders in 
 London, and after a time of weighty con- 
 fideration, friends drew up and figned a cer- 
 tificate of their full unity with me, and my 
 intended undertaking. The ready and una- 
 nimous concurrence of my much efteemed 
 friends, was a great ftrength and comfort to 
 me in my entering upon and throughout 
 this folernn engagement. I was very fen- 
 iible it was of fuch a nature, that the whole 
 body of friends were deeply interefted in 
 the right and proper performance thereof; 
 and therefore found my mind much refigned 
 to the divine will, and to the determina- 
 tion of his people. I returned home from 
 the yearly-meeting, to complete the fet- 
 tlement of my outward affairs, having part- 
 ly concluded, with divine permiliion, to 
 embark in a {hip likely to fail in two or 
 three weeks. I went to our quarterly and 
 yearly-meeting at Colchelter : here, being 
 taken very ill of a fever, I returned home 
 with my wife in a poft-chaife, being unable 
 to ride on horfe-back. I was confined to 
 my chamber about ten days ; this put an 
 intire ftop to all preparations for my intend- 
 ' cd voyage ; which, on account of my illnefs, 
 
 I had
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 355 
 
 I had wholly given over the expectation of, 
 as to the before-mentioned fhip ; but when 
 I recovered, fo as to be able to move a 
 little about, my mind did not feem eafy to 
 let that fhip go away without me. I there- 
 upon wrote to the merchants or owners, 
 who I knew were defirous I mould go in 
 her, to know what time they could allow 
 me to get ready; their anfwer was, about 
 ten days : the time was fhort, and I was 
 very weak in body, and had fome affairs of 
 confequence to fettle, which would take 
 fome time - y however, the will being good, 
 I fet about them in earnefr., and beyond 
 expectation fucceeded therein, recovered 
 ffcrength apace, and got through my affairs 
 in time to fatisfaclion. I could not help 
 looking upon this a providential fuccefs, 
 as it was far beyond human probability : 
 the Lord, in his dealing with us, his poor 
 dependant creatures, fometimes brings us 
 very low, baffling all our ikill and contri- 
 vance, that he may clearly fhew us, that 
 our fuccefs in fpiritual things, and even in 
 temporals alfo, is by his providence. 
 
 On the 9th day of the yth month, 1765, 
 I took leave of my dear wife and family, 
 accompanied by feveral friends, to meet the 
 fhip at Gravefend, where we were met by 
 about fifteen or fixteen friends from Lon- 
 don ; we dined together, and lodged there 
 that night. Next day, being the loth of 
 the jth month, I took leave of friends in 
 Z 2 much
 
 356 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 much tender afTection, and went on board 
 the Carolina, James Friend, mafler, bound 
 for Philadelphia. We got under fail about 
 eleven o'clock, but it was near a week be- 
 fore we took our departure from the Land's- 
 End of England. We had, fora few days, 
 a pretty fair wind, and a good let-of from 
 the land ; yet on our pafTage we had a great 
 deal of contrary winds, and often a head 
 fea. About the 9th and loth of the 8th 
 month, and for fome time before, things 
 had but a very difcouraging afpect, having 
 got but a little on our way for about twenty 
 days ; moil of the company feemed to be 
 affefted with fadnefs on that account: at 
 the fame time I had a ftrong perfuafion of 
 mind, that the wind would turn in our fa- 
 vour before night, and had almoft an in- 
 clination to have told them fo, in order to 
 cheer their fpirits, but was fearful of pre- 
 fuming too much upon the certainty of 
 what had prefented to my view, left I 
 mould prove a falfe prophet, and thereby 
 bring dishonour to the good caufe; how- 
 ever, it proved true, and held favourable 
 to us a confiderable time, fo that we failed 
 next day feven or eight miles an hour 
 the right way. The 21 ft of the 8th month 
 we found ourfelves upon one of the banks 
 of Newfoundland, having about twenty- 
 eight fathom water. It was fome fatif- 
 faftion to find ourfelves fo far on our way ; 
 I was favoured with very good health, and a 
 
 good
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 357 
 
 good appetite all the time, and,, through di- 
 vine favour, generally with a quiet refigned 
 mind, having full fatisfadion that I was in 
 my place. The captain was very fteady, 
 and well qualified for his ftation, and very 
 kind to me ; the palTengers alfo were gene- 
 rally civil in their behaviour, though they 
 often burthened and wearied my fpirit with 
 their trifling, vain, empty difcourfes, in 
 which I could not j-oin, but was rather a 
 reprover, and a weight againft them, which 
 I am perfuaded they frequently felt, and I 
 am fenfible I was a considerable awe upon 
 them , yet I thought it was prudent, as we 
 were confined in one another's company, to 
 uphold a family refpect. I often reproved 
 their vanity and corrupt converfation, and 
 was enabled, in a good degree, to bring 
 judgment over them, fo that fome would 
 own I was right. Alas, I had forrowfully to 
 obferve, by their manner of converfation, 
 how empty, vain, trifling, and even cor- 
 rupt, the converfation of thofe efteemed the 
 genteel and polite part of mankind, in our 
 day, is become ; little or nothing to be 
 found therein, that conveys folid, ^profita- 
 ble inftrucftion, either in things relating to 
 this life, or the next, but in general it tends 
 to deprave and corrupt : yet many thus void 
 of felf-denial and government of their ton- 
 gues, pretend, with great alTurance, to lay 
 undeniable claim to the holy and undefiled 
 religion of Jefus Chriftj furely, they do 
 Z 3 not
 
 358 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 not give themfelves any time to think feri- 
 oully about the nature of that religion, and 
 muft conclude, the name and profefiion, 
 without the fpirit and life, is all they are 
 to look for, except adhering to a few ex- 
 teriour obfervations : fuch grofs darknefs and 
 ftupefadlion is much to be lamented, but 
 very hard to be helped, when they are fa 
 ignorant of their own ftates. 
 
 It was the loth of the qth month, early 
 in the morning, that we firfl faw land, 
 which proved to be Cape Henlopen j about 
 iix we got a pilot on board, who was a na- 
 tive Indian ; about nine o'clock we entered 
 the Capes of the Delaware, with the tide 
 beginning to make in our favour j about 
 eleven our fhip ftruck the ground three 
 times, but foon got off. We had fine wind 
 and weather, which made it exceeding plea- 
 iant failing up the bay and river j we got 
 up, with that tide, within about fix lea- 
 gues of the city. Next day, about eleven 
 o'clock, we came to an anchor before the city 
 of Philadelphia. I foon landed, and went 
 direftly to my old quarters, being very 
 kindly received, as formerly, by my much 
 efleemed friends, Ifaac and Sarah Zane. I 
 was about nine weeks on board the fhip in 
 all, and about eight from land to land. I 
 attended their week-day meeting on fifth- 
 day, and had fome good open fervice there- 
 in. I went on firft-day to the great, meet- 
 ing, where perhaps was prefent, near, if 
 
 not
 
 JOHN G R I F F I T H. 359 
 
 not quite, 1500 friends, or thofe under our 
 profeffion ; my bufinefs among them at that 
 time feemed to be to fet them an example 
 of filence. I had, with fecret lamentation, 
 to view their remarkable declenlion from 
 a true fpiritual exercife, which appeared to 
 me but too general, looking for words to 
 feed upon ; I found that craving was to be 
 difappointed and famifhed, and therefore 
 was often mut up from publick fervice a- 
 mongft them, especially at the great houfe, 
 though I had fome very clear, open, power- 
 ful times, in the blelled light and life of 
 the everlafting gofpel, there alfo. On fixth- 
 day, the 2oth of the 9th month, I croffed 
 the river Delaware, and went to Haddon- 
 field quarterly-meeting, which was very 
 large, and I was largely opened to declare 
 the truth amongrl: them with good authority. 
 I returned next day to the city, and attended 
 the yearly-meeting of minifies and elders ; 
 things feemed but low : this yearly- meet- 
 ing, which was very large, concluded on 
 fixth-day. It was in a good degree favour- 
 ed with divine wifdom and ftrength, where- 
 in friends were enabled to confider and con- 
 clude fome weighty affairs with unanimity 
 and brotherly lave. The Lord was graci- 
 ouily with me, affording wifdom anc^ 
 flrength to be ferviceable at this meeting, 
 both in miniftry and difcipline, wherein I 
 had fweet peace and comfort. I went the 
 firil-day following to Springfield- meeting, 
 Z 4 -in
 
 360 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 in Chefter county, where I had very open 
 weighty fervice, and the bleffcd truth pre- 
 vailed. In the evening I had a comfortable 
 meeting with a fick friend at Derby, who 
 foon after departed this life. I then re- 
 turned to Philadelphia, and attended both 
 their week-day meetings, which were pain- 
 fully laborious in a filent travail. On fixth- 
 day went to their monthly-meeting, arid 
 was livingly opened therein, to fhew the 
 reafon why the church of Chrift is com- 
 pared to a human body, confiding of many 
 and various members ; I had good fervice 
 ^Ifo in the meeting of bufinefs. Their num- 
 ber is very large, but many appeared to me 
 weak and unfkilful, as to the proper qua- 
 lifications of active members in the church, 
 fome of them did not appear to be re- 
 deemed from fear, favour, and affection in 
 judgment. I had great comfort in the la-' 
 bour of this day. On third-day, the i ft of 
 the loth month, I had a very large meet- 
 ing at Haddonfield, in Weft- Jerfey ; the 
 word was given with clearnefs and gofpel 
 authority, and I had to mew the power and 
 efficacy of true faith, and the weaknefs and 
 infufficiency of an hiftorical or implicit 
 faith : it was a good time, and the glori- 
 ous truth was exalted. I then went to 
 Chefter ; the meeting was very large, and 
 I had clofe, thorough fervice therein, on the 
 fubjecl: of felf- denial," and taking up the 
 daily crofs. On fifth-day, had a very large 
 
 meeting
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 361 
 
 -meeting at Evemam, and had therein 
 weighty fervice, on the nature of that new- 
 birth, without which no man can fee the 
 kingdom of God ; moft of the auditory 
 feemed much ftrangers thereto, which mad? 
 the labour heavier, yet wifdom was mer- 
 cifully given to divide the word, about the 
 fpace of two hours, to this numerous af- 
 fembly. Next day I had a very thronged 
 meeting at Mount- Holly, in New-Jerfey; 
 my labour in the miniftry was very clofe 
 and fearching, to good fatisfaction. On 
 firft-day, the 6th of the loth month, was 
 at Burlington meeting, and had an open 
 time; alfo at their monthly-meeting on the 
 fecond-day following, which was very large; 
 I was livingly opened upon thefe words, 
 " Pray without ceafing, and in every thing 
 " give thanks ;" alfo mewing, that the 
 power of the word of life ought to be the 
 Spring of action in the church of Chrift. 
 On third-day, accompanied by divers friends, 
 I crofted the river Delaware, and had a 
 meeting at Briflol, in Pennfylvania; it was 
 a fmall poor meeting, I laboured according 
 to ability received, to ilir up the members 
 to a more lively concern, but things ap- 
 peared very low. On fourth-day I had a 
 large meeting at the Falls; it was very la- 
 borious, under a fenfe of a dry, lifelefs 
 flate in too many, an.i the inconfiftent con- 
 duel of others ; efpeci.iliy in thatofexcef- 
 i]ve drinking, which I felt to caufe a very 
 
 ill
 
 362 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 ill favour: I was informed after, it had great- 
 ly prevailed upon many in that meeting, 
 and that divers of them, who were there 
 that day, had been difowned on that ac- 
 count. Next day I had a large meeting at 
 Wright's-town ; I was opened therein, to 
 {hew the fimilarity between the travels of 
 the foul towards fpiritual Canaan, and 
 thofe of the Ifraelites towards the outward 
 Canaan. It was a clofe awakening time to 
 dry, formal profeffors. On fixth-day, I 
 had an exceeding large meeting at Buck- 
 ingham; to this great gathering the ever- 
 lafting gofpel was powerfully preached, and 
 the end and defign of true miniftry fet 
 forth ; this was a bleffed time of divine re- 
 frefhment, to the rejoicing of many hearts, 
 and roufing, I hope, of the lukewarm, in a 
 good degree. After this meeting, I felt it 
 in my mind to fpeak to one Thomas Rofs, 
 a friend in the miniftry of that county, to 
 bear me company to the fouthern provinces, 
 which he, after due confideration, and ob- 
 taining his friends concurrence and certifi- 
 cate, complied with ; and not only that 
 journey, but alfo to New-England, &c. fo 
 that I was favoured with the agreeable 
 company of this valuable friend, through 
 mod of my American travels, which was 
 to my great comfort. On firft-day, the 
 i 3th of the loth month, I was at North- 
 Wales meeting, which was very large, and 
 was favoured with a thorough, open time, 
 
 tQ
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 363 
 
 to the tendering of many hearts. The day 
 following had a large meeting at Plymouth ; 
 I was opened upon that pailage, " Believe not 
 " every fpirit," &c. had clofe work with li- 
 bertines, fuch as are commonly called free- 
 thinkers, and was carried over them: truth 
 and its teftimony was greatly exalted and 
 triumphed over that fpirit, and other wrong 
 things. On third-day, had a large meet- 
 ing at Hormam, and was powerfully open- 
 ed on the words of the prophet Joel, 
 viz. " I will pour out my fpirit upon all 
 ** flefh," &c. with fome clofe remarks to 
 thofe who reft fatisfied with a mere profef- 
 fion. After meeting, came a feventh-day 
 Baptift to the friend's houfe where I was ; 
 and if I had fuffered it, would have led me 
 out into a wide field of argument, for which 
 I had neither time nor inclination ; he ad- 
 vanced feveral points, but I kept him fo 
 clofe to fome of them, that he was foon 
 foiled, he found my method of arguing fo 
 different from his ; he being for a multitude 
 of words, and a great deal of ramble, and 
 I was for but a few words clofe to the 
 point, backed with clear fcripture proof, 
 fo we had quickly done j he feemed willing 
 to drop it, and fo was I, for fuch are fo 
 full of notion, and fo fixed therein, that 
 the cleared reafoning feems thrown away 
 upon them. On fourth-day had a very large 
 meeting at Abington, the place which I 
 belonged to in my youthful days, and where 
 
 I was
 
 364 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 I was firft, through infinite mercy, brought 
 to the knowledge of the ever-bleffed truth j 
 and where my mouth was firft opened, above 
 thirty years before, in a publick teftimony. 
 A dark cloud feemed painfully over the 
 meeting in the fore part, yet at length truth 
 prevailed, and utterance was largely given, 
 to declare the doctrine thereof, (hewing that 
 the children of Ifrael feared the Lord all 
 the days of Jofhua, and of the elders that 
 outlived him. It was a very awakening 
 time, and many appeared to be pretty much 
 affe<fled. Next day I had a fmall meeting 
 at Frankfort, things appeared very low and 
 dark for a time, yet at length, wifdom and 
 utterance were given upon thefe words, 
 " Man being in honour, and abiding not 
 therein, is like the beaft that perimeth." 
 There feemed a want of a living concern, in 
 the general. Next day had a large meet- 
 ing at German-town, this was a dark pain- 
 ful time in the fore part ; truth meafurably 
 arofe, and the word was given, viz. 
 " Let God arife, that his enemies may be 
 " fcattered." Went after meeting to Phi- 
 ladelphia, and on i ft day, the 2oth of the 
 loth month, over Schuylkill, to Merion 
 meeting ; things appeared exceeding low, as 
 to the life of religion ; I was concerned to 
 call them to work while it is day, and it was 
 a clofe fearching time. On fecond-day I 
 went to the burial of a valuable friend at 
 Derby, the fame with whom I had a meet-
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 365 
 
 iftg before-mentioned; the meeting was 
 very large, and there was great opennefs to 
 declare the truth with clearnefs and divine 
 authority, even to the confounding liber- 
 tines and gainfayers, of whom I fear there 
 is a confiderable number in that place : this 
 feemed to me the moil favoured time I had 
 had, iince I landed, and being alfo at the 
 meeting I formerly belonged to for many 
 years, it was a precious renewal of that 
 fweet unity fome of us had enjoyed toge- 
 ther many times formerly in that place. 
 Next day I went to Philadelphia ; and the 
 firft-day following to Newtown meeting, 
 in Chefter county, where I had very fearch- 
 ing laborious fervice ; things appeared to 
 me mournfully low, as to the life of reli- 
 gion, many being at eafe in a profemon 
 thereof. I went next day to their month- 
 ly-meeting at Providence, and had fome 
 good edifying fervice to the poor in fpirit ; 
 things appeared very low and heavy in the 
 meeting for bufmefs. On third-day I had 
 a large meeting at Radnor, and laboured to 
 convince them that there is fomething in 
 religion, befides the form and outward pro- 
 femon ; but few feemed to me alive there- 
 in. On fourth-day went to Haverford 
 meeting ; I was opened upon the words of 
 the apoftle, viz. " Great is the myftery of 
 " godlinefs; God manifefted in the fiem." 
 It was a good time, though the profefTors 
 are but few, and in a poor weak flate. I 
 
 went
 
 366 THE JOURNAL 6 F 
 
 went on fifth-day to the monthly-meeting at 
 Derby, the life of religion feemed very much 
 depreffed ; I was filent as to miniftry, but 
 had fome fervice in the meeting of bufinels, 
 and returned to the city that night. I had 
 been indifpofed fome days pair., and in 
 much pain, with a kind of flux; took fome 
 medicine on fix th -day, and was foon better. 
 Next day I went to their quarterlyr-meeting 
 of minifters and elders, where I was living- 
 ly opened on that pafTage, " Him that over-. 
 " cometh, I will make a pillar in the houfe 
 tc of my God, &c." Shewing, that the 
 beaft and the falfe prophet muft be over- 
 come, before we can ftand with fafety and 
 approbation in the great work of the mi- 
 niftry. This quarterly-meeting ended on 
 third-day, at the feveral fittings of which 
 I had good open fervice, particularly at the 
 Bank meeting, on firfl-day afternoon, 
 (hewing that thofe who are more willing 
 to receive, than to make fuitable returns, 
 are neither fo honeft nor grateful as they 
 ought to be; and on third-day, being the 
 youths meeting at the great houfe, which 
 was very large, concerning the nature and 
 neceffity of Chrift's baptifm, with the Holy 
 Ghoft and fire; there was great flowing of 
 love, and enlargement of heart to the young 
 people that way. On fourth-day I was at 
 a meeting appointed for the poor negroes, 
 and had open good fervice amongft them, in 
 the free flowing of univerfal love, wherein 
 
 I was
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 36 
 
 I was enabled to open unto them the way 
 of life and falvation -, divers of them ap- 
 peared to be affected and tendered -, it was a 
 comfortable time. On fifth-day I was at 
 a marriage in the city, and largely opened 
 upon thefe words, viz. " The bleffin'g of 
 " God maketh truly rich, &c." Shewing, 
 there is no real happinefs in any ftation of 
 life without it. It was a good time, for 
 truth prevailed. 
 
 I fet out on fixth-day, the 8th of the 
 loth month, on my intended journey to- 
 wards Maryland, Virginia, and Carolia ; 
 and went that night to my brother-in-law, 
 Micajah Speakman's, at Concord. Next 
 day began their quarterly-meeting : through 
 divine favour, I had thorough fervice at 
 the three meetings held there : on feventh- 
 day, at the meeting of minifters and elders, 
 I was livingly opened upon thefe words 
 of Chrift, " The difciple is not above his 
 t( mafter, nor the fervant above his Lord/' 
 alfo, concerning what was declared of 
 Chriil, " That in his humiliation, his judg- 
 " ment was taken away," &c *. That it 
 is not to be wondered at, if our judgment 
 in the truth is taken away at times, that 
 we may fee who is the giver of it -, it was 
 an effectual reaching time. On firil-day I 
 was mournfully affected with a diftreffing 
 fenfe of the apoftacy of many in that meet- 
 
 * A&s viii. 33.
 
 368 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 ing, from the life and power of religion j I 
 had a very clofe awakening time, and truth 
 mercifully prevailed. On fecond-dny I was 
 largely opened with good authority, on 
 theie and other words, " He that cometh 
 " after me, mud firft deny himfelf," &c. 
 Great weaknefs and want of living concern 
 was felt in that exceeding large meeting, 
 and too much leaning to their own under- 
 ftanding, yet a faithful remnant is pre- 
 ferved ; I was favoured to be ferviceable in 
 the meeting of bufmefs. I took Birming- 
 hafh and Kennet meetings, in my way to 
 the quarterly-meeting at London-Grove; 
 thefe were very large, and I had deep fearch- 
 ing fervice at them ; but, alas ! the life and 
 power of religion is mournfully departed 
 from by great numbers in that highly fa- 
 voured land. On feventh-day, the i6th 
 of the iith month, I went to the quarter- 
 ly- meeting of minifters and elders at Lon- 
 don-Grove j it was a very painful diftreffing 
 time j great barrennefs and carnality appear- 
 ed to have prevailed in too many in thofe 
 ftations, which was caufe of fore lamenta- 
 tion : my publick fervice amongft them 
 was in much dole plain-dealing, {hewing, 
 " that to be carnally-minded is death j and 
 " that the natural man underftandeth not 
 " the things of the fpirit of God." Hfe 
 my intended companion, Thomas Rofs, met 
 me. On firft-day the meeting was very 
 large j I had a clofe learching time, parti- 
 cularly
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 369 
 
 cularly to fome who flood in the foremoft 
 rank ; my fpirit was much diftrerTed in 
 viewing the great defolation made by the 
 prevalence of many evils. On fecond-day 
 I had large thorough fervice to the various 
 ftates of the members, and alfo in the meet- 
 ing of bufinefs, which appeared to be well 
 conducted j fome fkilful members being 
 principally engaged therein. On third-day 
 the meeting was very large, and through 
 divine favour, I was raifed in much ftrength 
 and clearnefs, to divide the word amongft 
 them; mewing, <( That the children of 
 " Ifrael feared the Lord all the days of 
 " Jofhua, and of the elders that out-lived 
 " Jofhua, who had feen the wonders of the 
 " Lord." I was opened largely upon the 
 degeneracy of our fociety, and with great 
 weight and dread, I had to fignify, that 
 the judgments of the Lord would be poured 
 out upon them, and that what they had yet 
 feen, was but like the beginning of forrows, 
 that the ftroke would fall upon their idols, 
 their worldly enjoyments. It came before 
 me many times, that the fruits of the earth 
 would be fmitten, whereby there would be 
 a fore famine in the land, and that judg- 
 ments, much heavier than they had yet 
 known, would fall upon them ; it feerned 
 to me various ways, of which the fword 
 would be one. It was an exceeding awful 
 deep-fearching time as ever I knew $ I hope 
 not eafily to be forgotten. Next day I went 
 A a to
 
 37 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 to Sudbury monthly-meeting, where I had 
 fatisfactory fervice, both in the miniflry and 
 difcipiine. On iixth-day we had a meeting 
 at Lancafter ; divers not under our name 
 came to it ; my concern therein was to en- 
 deavour to open to the understanding of the 
 people, what true religion is : we had a 
 pretty fastis factory meeting at Ifaac White- 
 lock's in the evening. On feventh-day, we 
 crofTed Sufquehannah, at Wright's-Ferry, 
 and -next .day went to Newbury meet^ 
 ing$ .fecond-day to Warrington , third- 
 day to Huntington ; fourth- day to Manallinj 
 at all which places, I had clofe thorough 
 fervice , found things, as to the life of 
 religion, very Jow amongft friends ; yet a 
 remnant was preserved fenfible from whence 
 good comes. We went from thence into 
 Maryland, and had fmall meetings at Pike- 
 Creek, and Bum-Creek; friends were few in 
 number, and feemed low in religious expe- 
 rience. From thence, fording over the great 
 river Patowmack, we entered the province of 
 Virginia, and on third-day, the ^d of the 1 2th 
 month, we had a very large meeting at Fair- 
 fax : truth opened doctrine and counfel 
 largely, mewing, that two things are eilen- 
 tial to the very being of a true Chriilian, 
 viz. The laving experimental knowledge of 
 God, and the knowledge of ourlelves ; the 
 laft being the natural confequence of the 
 firft : ^H.was a highly favoured time, and the 
 living were fweetly comforted. Next day 
 
 I had
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 371 
 
 I had a large meeting at Goofe-Creek; it 
 was an exceeding dark afflicting time : my 
 mind was deeply imprefTed with a fenfe of 
 a corrupt, blafting miniftry being amongft 
 them j and the people having itching-ears, 
 loved to have it fo; this was fo ftrong upon 
 my mind, that I feared for fome time I mould 
 have been under a neceffity of declaring it 
 publickly in the meeting ; I was an intire 
 ftranger, and did not know, by any out- 
 ward information, that they had any who 
 appeared in publick. After meeting, I took 
 fome of the elderly friends afide, and told 
 them how it had been with me, as above, 
 for I was filent the whole meeting; I was 
 informed afterwards, that there was a for- 
 ward unruly man, who had given fenfible 
 friends much trouble in feveral places, and 
 had been much laboured with by way of ad- 
 vice, to refrain from his publick appearance ; 
 that he had for fome time fettled within the 
 compafs of that remote meeting, and was 
 encouraged by many of the members, to 
 the great uneafinefs of fome others. That 
 afternoon I put what was upon my mind, 
 in relation thereto, with a few remarks 
 thereon, in writing, and fent it to fome 
 friends of that meeting, but never heard 
 what effecl: it had. In our way to Opeckan, 
 we had a fmall meeting at a place called the 
 Gap, where gofpel doclrine, mewing the 
 way and means of falvation by Jefue Chrift, 
 was freely and largely preached. On firft- 
 A a 2 . day,
 
 372 THE JOURNAL or 
 
 day, the 8th of the i2th month, we went 
 to Hopewell meeting - y it was an exceeding 
 dark, afHicling time ; great infenfibility and 
 lukewarmnefs appeared, in almoft a general 
 way 3 I was led in as clofe, plain-dealing, 
 and fearching a manner, as ever I remem- 
 ber. The third-day following we had a 
 large meeting at Crooked-Run, both friends 
 and many others attended. My mind was 
 exceedingly low the morning of that day, be- 
 ing lately let out on a great journey, and my 
 horfe was fallen very lame, and it feemed un- 
 likely that I could be fupplied with a fuitablc 
 one in thofe back parts : what to do I could 
 not tell j the more I thought about my dif- 
 trefled condition, the more I funk and was 
 perplexed. In this difconfolate ftate, I 
 went to the meeting : to fee fuch a number 
 of other focieties, and fome of them of high 
 rank, by their appearance, flill added to my 
 diftrefs, in this weak ftate, greatly fearing 
 the blefled truth mould be dishonoured 
 through me ; yet as I endeavoured to look 
 fingly to the Lord, he was gracioufly pleafed 
 to be a prefent help in the needful time, 
 and appeared to my foul, as it were in an 
 inftant, as a clear morning without clouds. 
 An heavenly time I had, upon thefe words, 
 " Truft in the Lord, and lean not to thine 
 "own underftanding ;" mewing clearly, 
 that the foul's falvation was of God, and 
 not by human ability : the oil of glad- 
 nefs ran fweetly. Next day, my horfe 
 
 being
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 373 
 
 being unexpectedly recovered of his lame- 
 .nefs, we fet out on our long journey to- 
 wards Carolina, and he continued well all 
 the time. I write this for the encourage- 
 ment of fome poor travellers, into whofe 
 hands this may fall. After three days tra- 
 velling, we had two poor fmall meetings, 
 where the life of religion feemed to be al- 
 moft, if not wholly loft, viz. Camp-Creek 
 and Fork-Creek \ we had but little fatis- 
 fadion in our gofpel labours, and endea- 
 vours to revive true religion in thefe poor 
 places. From Fork-Creek, to the firft 
 meeting we had in the back fettlements of 
 North-Carolina, was about 235 miles. In 
 our way thither, we had four fmall, poor 
 meetings, viz. Jenito, Amelia, and Ban- 
 nifter, and a meeting at Kirby's, on the 
 banks of Dan-River : to fome of them, 
 many of other focieties came, and gofpel 
 doctrine was opened largely, for their help 
 and information ; in which labour, there 
 was good fatisfaftion ; but, alas! few under 
 our name, in thofe parts, let the true light 
 fliine before men, but were mod of them 
 as Humbling blocks in the way of ferious 
 inquirers : we were enabled to clear our 
 minds to them, and proceeded on our jour- 
 ney. On the 29th of the i2th month, we 
 went to New-Garden meeting, in North- 
 Carolina, which was very large, and moftly 
 of profefibrs with us : a thick, dark cloud 
 over-madowed the fore-part of that meet- 
 A a 3 ing,
 
 374 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 ing, and it was a painful, diftreffing time j 
 moft of them feemed as afleep, (i Thef. v. 
 6, 7.) in the night; yet at length, through 
 merciful kindnefs, truth prevailed in a good 
 degree, and a clofe awakening time it was, 
 and many feemed to be reached and tendered 
 by the virtue of truth, and I found great eafe 
 and liberty of fpirit after meeting. On 
 fecond-day we had a large meeting at Deep- 
 River, moftly of profeffors with us, but they 
 appeared fo generally void of a fpiritual con- 
 cern, that there appeared to me no room 
 for truth to arife into dominion. I found 
 it my place to fit the whole time in filence, 
 which, I believe, was no fmall difappoint- 
 ment. On fourth-day, there being a mar- 
 riage, we went to New-Garden again -, 
 wifdom and utterance were given to fpeak 
 largely and with good demonftration, in a 
 very fearching manner to their ftates. On 
 fifth-day we had a meeting at Centre ; it 
 was extremely cold, and, as fome obferv- 
 ed, the like had not been known there in 
 the memory of man j and being quite an 
 open meeting-houfe, and very little of any 
 thing to be felt amongft them of religi- 
 ous warmth, it was really a diftreffing time, 
 inwardly and outwardly ; yet, through di- 
 vine favour, I was preferved in a good de- 
 gree of refignation. Next day we had a 
 fmall meeting at Rocky-River. I could 
 find very little of the wreftling feed there- 
 in j we fat the whole meeting filent, yet a 
 
 friend
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 375 
 
 friend had fomething to offer very datable 
 to their flates. On feventh-day we went 
 to their monthly-meeting at Cane-Creek; 
 this was large, but moft of the members 
 feemed void of a folid fenfe and folem- 
 nity ; a fpirit of f:lf-righteoufnefs and con- 
 tention was painfully felt; the leaven of 
 the Pharifee feemed to prevail, and the few 
 living fenfible members were borne down 
 and difcouraged : mod: of the meeting of 
 worfhip was held in filence; yet towards 
 the conclufion, fome very clofe remarks 
 were delivered to their ftates, and very plain 
 dealing in the meeting of bufinefs. It feems 
 to me, that when affairs of importance come 
 before fuch a meeting, they are Very likely 
 to be perplexed, and made worfe by ill ma- 
 nagement, which I have reafon to believe 
 has beeri much the cafe in that' meeting. I 
 am perfuaded many of thofe under our 
 name have removed out of Pennfylvania, 
 and other places to thofe parts, "in their 
 own wills, having taken counfel of their 
 own depraved hearts, and when they' -have 
 got thither, have fet up for fomething in 
 the church ; but it feemed to me moft of 
 them were very unfit for the fpiritual 'build- 
 ing, not Having been hewn in the mount. 
 We went to their meeting on firft-day, but 
 there was much darknefs and death' over 
 them ; I found it rny duty to fit the whole 
 meeting in filence. On fecond^day we went 
 to the Spring-meeting; I was led therein 
 A a 4 largely
 
 376 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 largely to fpeak upon the fubjeft of water- 
 baptifm, which I wondered much at, as 
 not knowing of any being there who did 
 not profefs with us ; for as people in gene- 
 ral in thofe parts, clothe in a mean way, 
 the difference is not great in their drefs 
 and appearance. After meeting, I under- 
 ftood that the Baptifts gained ground much 
 that way, and even had prevailed on fome 
 of our fociety to join with them, and 
 that their teacher was there > and alfo a 
 woman brought up amongft us, who thought 
 it was her duty to be baptized, but her 
 hufband oppoied it ; and that the Baptift 
 preacher took her and her hufband into the 
 meetirig-houfe, when the people were gone, 
 to undo (as it was fuppofed) that day's 
 work, or to prevent its having effect upon 
 the woman : it was a time of great favour, 
 and the one faving baptifm was exalted 
 above all types, figns, and {hadows. Next day 
 we had a fmall, poor meeting at the Haw- 
 field's ; and on fourth-day we had a meet- 
 ing at Eno, which was the laft we had in 
 the upper fettlement : this was a labori- 
 ous meeting, by clofe, plain-dealing with 
 wrong fpirits, for which, we underftood 
 afterwards, there was a caufe. On the 9th 
 of the i ft month, 1766, we fet out, hav- 
 ing two guides, for the lower fettlements 
 of North Carolina, being about 200 miles, 
 and had but two fmall meetings in the way, 
 viz. JUchfquare, and at one Stephen's ; at 
 
 the
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 377 
 
 the firft, many of other focieties came in ; 
 the gofpel was freely declared with good au- 
 thority and clearnefs, to the reaching of di- 
 vers prefent : at the other place there feemed 
 to be very little, either form or fubftance; we 
 were quite (hut up as to miniflry. We got 
 to our friend Thomas Newby's, at Pineyr- 
 woods ; on third-day, the I4th, being 
 pretty much fatigued, we refted a few days 
 there. On feventh-day we went to the 
 funeral of a woman friend, and had a meet- 
 ing; after a time of deep wading, the word 
 was given in counfel and fearching doc- 
 trine, to their ftates, who feemed moftly 
 to be fettled in a mere form and profeiiion : 
 after meeting we went to our friend Thomas 
 Nicholfon's. The firft-day following we 
 were at Little-River meeting, which was 
 large, but very low and dark in the fore- 
 part; the profeffors we felt were much at 
 eafe, and in a ftate of indifferency ; yet at 
 length, in great mercy, the bleffed power 
 of truth arofe, and afforded counfel and 
 doctrine fuited to their ftate. It was a 
 fearching time, I hope not eafily to be for- 
 gotten. On third-day had a large meeting at 
 Simon's-Creek ; through divine favour gof- 
 pel truths were opened there, with clearnefs 
 and good demonitration, to the affecting of 
 many hearts. Next day had a meeting at 
 Newbegun, which was pretty large and 
 open. On fifth-day we had a very large 
 meeting at Oldneck, near the centre of 
 
 friends
 
 378 THE JOUR N A L OF 
 
 friends in this fettlement, and others came 
 together in abundance. I was fhut up the 
 whole time in filence, which I apprehended 
 they had not been much ufed to. Next 
 day we had a large meeting at Wells, in 
 which I had a clofe fearching time ; but, 
 alas ! it Teemed to me that the profeflbrs of 
 truth here-away, are many of them far gone 
 from a lively fenfe of true religion, and are 
 become harder to reach than people of other 
 focieties. On firft-day, the 26th of the 
 i ft month, we had a very large meeting at 
 Ringwood's, it being the laft we were to 
 have in Carolina ; fome friends came to it, 
 I believe, from all the other meetings, with 
 many of other- focieties : at firfl it "was a 
 time of painful travail, but at length the 
 great M after was pleafed to give wifdom 
 and ftrength, in gofpel authority, to open 
 the ftate of the fociety in thofe parts, and 
 to divide to them feverally ; alfo to fhew, 
 that in every difpenfation of God to man, 
 he was pleafed to give to thofe who are 
 iincerely attentive, clear evidence of his 
 will, and approbation of their obedience ; 
 it was a highly favoured time, which, I 
 hope, will not foon be forgotten. Next day 
 we travelled into Virginia, and on third- 
 _day had a meeting at Somerton's; the doc- 
 trine of truth was largely opened, and fome 
 very clofe remarks on the ftate of our fo- 
 ciety ; many others alfo being prefent : the 
 teftimony had a confiderable reach, Next 
 
 day
 
 JO HIST GRIFFITH. 379 
 
 day we had a large meeting at the Weftern 
 Branch of Nancemund : thofe under our 
 profeffion appeared too generally unac- 
 quainted with the work of religion upon 
 their hearts; many weighty truths were 
 clofely delivered, but did not feem to take 
 fo much effecl: upon the minds of many, as 
 could have been defired. 
 
 On fifth-day we had a large meeting at v 
 Black-Water; the greater!: number of -Ne- 
 -groes were at it that I ever faw at a meet- 
 ing not appointed on purpofe for them : 
 this was a highly favoured time ; the ever- 
 lafting gofpel was preached with clearnefs 
 and good demonftration, mewing, that the 
 inward and fpiritual knowledge of God, 
 is the fubflance of true religion; and that, 
 according to the prophet, this knowledge 
 was to cover the earth as the waters cover 
 the fea. I had great fatisfaction and comfort 
 in the labour of that day. We went from 
 hence to the quarterly-meeting at Black- 
 Creek ; the number here was large, but, 
 alas! great deadnefs, infenfibility, and dark- 
 nefs were felt to prevail amongft them; 
 clofe labour, in great plainnefs, was ufed, 
 ihewing the caufe thereof: amongft other 
 things, that which appeared none of the leaft 
 was their keeping the negroes in perpetual 
 ilavery. I was often concerned to ufe plain- 
 nefs in families, where I went, in refpecl to 
 this matter, and am fatisfied truth will 
 never prafper amongft them, nor any others, 
 
 who
 
 3&o THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 who are in the practice of keeping this 
 race of mankind in bondage. It is too 
 manifeft to be denied, that the life of reli- 
 gion is almoft loft, where flaves are very 
 numerous ; and it is impomble it mould be 
 otherwife, the practice being as contrary to 
 the fpirit of Chriftianity, as light is to 
 darknefs. Through divine favour, the tefti- 
 mony of truth prevails againft it in moft 
 of the American colonies, efpecially in 
 Pennfylvania and the Jerfeys. We took 
 meetings from this place at Burleigh, Pe- 
 terfburg, at Curl's, over James's River, 
 Wine-Oak, John Crew's, Black-Creek, and 
 the Swamp ; moft of which were very la- 
 borious, in a forrowful fenfe that the life 
 of religion was too generally departed from ; 
 yet in all of them, except Wine-Oak, a 
 degree of wifdom and utterance were given, 
 to labour in the love of the gofpel, for 
 their help and recovery ; which I hope was 
 not altogether in vain. The next meet- 
 ings we went to were Cedar- Creek, and 
 Caroline, being the laft we had in Virginia, 
 they were large; not only thofe under our 
 profeffion attended, but alfo many others, 
 as was often the cafe in thefe parts. I think 
 it may be truly faid, thefe were memorable 
 meetings : the gofpel was preached in the 
 demonftration of the fpirit and with power, 
 which appeared to reach and tender many, 
 if not moft prefent, and my mind was com- 
 fortably relieved, from that painful weight 
 
 of
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 381 
 
 f death and darknefs which moftly attend- 
 ed it, in thefe greatly corrupted colonies. 
 On fifth-day, the 13th of the 2d month, 
 we fet out for Maryland, croffing Rappaha- 
 nock-River at Port-Royal, and Patowmack, 
 about three miles over, at How's-Ferry. 
 We got to Weft-River meeting on firft- 
 day, the i6th of the 2d month. We found 
 very little, if any thing, in that meeting, 
 of that fimplicity and felf-denial, fo con- 
 fpicuous in our antients ; but a conformity 
 to the famions, and corrupt cuftoms of a 
 vain world. The gofpel power arofe, giv- 
 ing ability to fet forth the nature of Chrif- 
 tianity, and how far the profeflbrs had de- 
 viated therefrom, in life and practice. The 
 judgment of truth was fet over libertines 
 and unfaithful profefTors thereof. The next 
 meetings we had, were at Indian-Spring, 
 Sandy-Spring, Elkridge, Patapfco, Gun- 
 Powder, Little-Falls, Bufti-River, and 
 Deer-Creek ; we were alfo at Deer-Creek 
 monthly-meeting next day : in all which 
 meetings, ability was mercifully given, to 
 divide the word fuitably to the various 
 ftates, which feemed, in a general way, 
 much out of the order, and from under 
 the government of truth ; yet the labour 
 tended to folid fatisfaction and peace ; I 
 hope it may be remembered by fome to ad- 
 vantage. 
 
 Thus having vifited the weftern more of 
 Maryland, we crofled the great river S,uf- 
 
 quehaainah,
 
 382 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 quehannah, and went to the houfe of one 
 John Churchman, near Eafly Nottingham. 
 On firft-day, the 2d of the jd month, we 
 went to that meeting, which was very large, 
 the profeffors of truth being numerous here- 
 abouts y to this great aflembly, the gofpel 
 of life and falvation was powerfully preach- 
 ed, mewing the force of truth, how it 
 gained the general aflent of people, yet few 
 were concerned to know the fame in ex- 
 perience or practice. It was a highly fa- 
 voured time, and the meeting feemed to 
 be generally affected. From Nottingham 
 we went to the following meetings, viz. 
 New-Garden, Ockeman, Center, and Ken- 
 net, which were moflly large, abundance 
 flocking to them from adjacent meetings. 
 The travail of fpirit in thefe meetings was 
 very deep and painful; much diftreffing flat- 
 nefs and infeniibility were felt; yet, through 
 merciful help, truth prevailed and largely 
 opened doctrine and counfel fuitable to 
 their flates; mewing, there is not the leaft 
 grounds to hope for happinefs in a future 
 flate, unlefs true religion becomes the prin- 
 cipal concern of the mind ; and abundance 
 more, in the free extendings of gofpel life 
 and power, to the reaching of many hearts: 
 everlaflingly adored, reverenced, and wor- 
 fhipped, be infinite condefcending love. 
 Amen! 
 
 From Kennet I went home with my 
 fitter Speakman to Concord, and flaid 
 
 there
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 383 
 
 there one night, and next day to Gomen 
 monthly-meeting, which was very large ^ 
 there was a great body of friends, generally 
 under a plain appearance; but, alas ! it pro- 
 ved a painful, gloomy time of filent travail 
 to me, the whole time of worfhip ; and 
 through the meeting of bufinefs, though in 
 a good degree regularly and decently con- 
 dueled, the cloud ftill remained ; this I am 
 perfuaded was occasioned by the lukewarm 
 carelefs ftate of many members ; there is 
 great want of that living concern and holy 
 ardour of foul, which the Lord is often 
 pleafed to own in our religious meetings. 
 The members engaging in his work, with- 
 out his prefence to animate and endow with 
 heavenly wifdom, cannot fail of caulin^ 
 thick darknefs, which may be felt by thofe 
 who are truly alive, and have their fpiritual 
 fenfes exerciied. After meeting, my valu- 
 able companion, Thomas Rofs and I part- 
 ed for the prefent, he returning home, and 
 I ftaid Gofhen meeting. On firfl-day, the 
 9th of the 3d month, it w r as very large, 
 and in the fore-part low and cloudy ; yet 
 at length I was favoured with a degree of 
 faith, which enabled me to ftand up, and 
 as I continued in patience, I found an in- 
 creafe, with considerable enlargement to 
 fpeak clofely to their feveral dates, from 
 thefe words, " Truft in the Lord with all 
 " thy heart, and lean not to thine own un- 
 " dei funding." But, alas! very many of 
 
 them
 
 384 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 them feemed to be far gone into the fpirit 
 of the world, and at eafe in a profeflion ; 
 fo that inftead of Goflien being a land of 
 light, darknefs hath prevailed in a forrow- 
 ful degree, and many are not fenfible of it 
 to lament it. I went from thence to Phi- 
 ladelphia, taking Derby meeting in my way; 
 got thither on fixth-day, the i4th of the 
 3d month, having been on this journey 
 about four months. I was received with 
 affectionate kindnefs by my friends in that 
 city, and attended three meetings on the 
 firft-day following ; at two of which I 
 was filent, as was often my lot there, 
 I believe to difappoint and famifh the un- 
 fanctified defires and cravings of many after 
 words. I attended their week-day meet- 
 ings, and had conliderable fervice therein. 
 On feventh-day began their general Spring- 
 meeting, which ended on third-day follow- 
 ing ; fome of thofe large meetings were held 
 moftly in filence. I had then, as has often 
 been the cafe, a deep travail upon my fpirit, 
 that the people might be led by the exam- 
 ple of minifters and elders, to find the 
 comfort and advantage of true filent wor- 
 fhip, every one coming to fit under their 
 own vine and under their own fig-tree, 
 where none could make them afraid. I 
 had, notwithftanding, at fome of them, 
 good, open, publick fervice. I ftaid in 
 the city till their monthly-meeting was 
 
 over
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 385 
 
 over on fixth-day, where I had fome clofe 
 fervice, and then went to the yearly-meet- 
 ing at Wilmington, and was at four meet- 
 ings in two days. At three of them, the 
 truths of the gofpel were largely and with 
 clearnefs declared, to much fatisfaclion and 
 comfort. I returned towards the city, at- 
 tending Derby monthly-meeting in my 
 way, where things appeared mournfully 
 low; fome of the adive members feeming 
 very unfkilful in the management of the 
 difcipline : earnefl labour was beftowed, 
 but I thought it had very little effeft. On 
 fixth-day I went to the youth's meeting 
 in the city ; I fuppofe there were about 200 
 in all, of both fexes. On firft-day, the 
 6th of the 4th month, in company with 
 feveral friends, I crofTed Delaware, at Glou- 
 cefter-Point : the wind blowing very hard, 
 it appeared dangerous ; yet the boatmen be- 
 ing very careful, through mercy we got 
 well over, and went to Woodbury meet- 
 ing, which was very large, and the gofpel 
 power livingly arofe, wherein many -weighty 
 truths were delivered, mewing the great 
 ufe of that propenfity in man, of feeking 
 after happinefs, if rightly directed ; alfo, 
 wherein true happinefs confifts, and how 
 to attain the fame. It was a good time, 
 through the gracious extendings of merci- 
 ful regard. I went home with my n^ar 
 friend, Ifaac Andrews, who bore me com- 
 pany this journey, three or four weeks in 
 B b the
 
 386 THE JOURNAL oP 
 
 the Jerfeys ; we had meetings that week at 
 Upper Greenwich, Piles-Grove, at the head 
 of Alloways-Creek, Salem, and Alloway's- 
 Creek -, thefe meetings were moftly large ; 
 great lukewarmnefs and infenfibility were 
 painfully felt, many feeming to reft in 
 only profeffing the religion of their educa- 
 tion ; for thefe I had a deep concern and 
 travail of mind, that they might come to 
 know Chrift formed in them. The Lord 
 was gracioufly pleafed, in great kindnefs 
 and condefcenfion, to furnifh with matter 
 and utterance, in an awakening manner, in 
 order to make them feniible of the nature 
 and importance of true religion and wor- 
 fhip : may it not be in vain ! On firft-day, 
 the i3th of the 4th month, we went to 
 Greenwich meeting -, the glorious gofpel- 
 power eminently manifefted itfelf that day, 
 by clearly opening divers weighty points 
 of doctrine, fuitable to the various ftates of 
 that large auditory ; among other things, 
 mewing that the true and faving know- 
 ledge of God, whereby we obtain the right 
 knowledge of ourielves, is eilential to the 
 very being of a real Chriftian ; and by what 
 means that knowledge is obtained. It was 
 a highly favoured time, for the Lord's 
 heavenly power was over all, and the peo- 
 ple appeared to be generally affected. Next 
 day we had a large meeting among the 
 Prefbyterians, at a place called New-Eng- 
 land Town; their minifter having conde- 
 
 fcended
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 387 
 
 fcended to give notice of a meeting for us 
 the day before, from the pulpit ; he attend- 
 ed it himfelf, with, I fuppofe, moil of 
 his hearers, who behaved folid and refpecl:- 
 ful. The univerfal love of God, through 
 Chrift, to mankind, was largely fet forth, 
 and people directed from outward obfer- 
 vations, to the fubftance, whereby victory 
 might be obtained over fin : it was a fa- 
 voured time, and the people feemed gene- 
 rally well affected and very loving, though 
 divers things were delivered, which are 
 ufually controverted between us and thofe 
 people ; there was no vifible oppoiition, 
 but all paired off quiet and peaceable. On 
 fourth-day we travelled a day's journey, 
 through the Pine-barren wildernefs, to 
 Cape-May; we had one meeting there, 
 and two at Great Egg-Harbour. We found 
 the number of profelTors fmall, and things, 
 as to the life of religion, low ; yet we 
 were enabled to adminifter fuitably to their 
 ftates, for their help and recovery, and had 
 a good degree of fatisfaclion and peace 
 therein. On third-day, the 22d of the 
 4th month, we had a large meeting at Lit- 
 tle Egg-Harbour ; after a time of trying 
 poverty, and deep travail, gofpel life and 
 power mercifully aroie, in which, doctrine 
 and counfel flowed forth freely, to divers 
 ftates, particularly to a libertine youth. 
 Next day we had a meeting in a new 
 Prefbyterian meeting-houfe, near Barnagott; 
 B b 2 it
 
 388 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 it was a large meeting, and held more than 
 an hour in iilence, which the people were 
 not accuftomed to. At length the word 
 was given with authority and clearnefs, 
 ihewing the neceflity and advantage of 
 filence in worfhip, and diftinguiming Chrif- 
 tians of the letter, from Chriftians of the 
 fpirit, as alfo minifters of the letter, from 
 minifters of the fpirit; and that thofe who 
 are always ready to preach, mufl either have 
 the. fpirit at command, or acl: without it. 
 It was a great and good time ; the people 
 appeared to be generally affected, and all 
 paffed off quietly, without any oppoiition. 
 We travelled on by the fea-iide, to a place 
 called Good-Luck, where we found a large 
 meeting-houfe creeled, though not quite 
 finifhed, by one Thomas Potter, intended, 
 it feems, by him, for all preachers to make 
 ufe of, who would preach freely, except 
 Papifts, who would not be admitted even on 
 thofe terms -, we had a meeting in it, but 
 notice not coming timely, nor Thomas 
 Potter being at home himfelf, it was fmall, 
 and to little fatisfadtion. We met him that 
 afternoon on his return, he feemed forry he 
 happened to be out at that time ; he fees 
 beyond hireling miniftry, and I underftand, 
 inclines moil to friends, of any, but joins 
 to none. On iixth-day we had a poor, low 
 meeting, at Monafquam ; I doubt, but 
 very few therein were alive in religion ; 
 fome gofpel-labours were beftowed for their 
 
 help.
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 389 
 
 help. We went after meeting to Shrewf- 
 bury, intending to be at their quarterly- 
 meeting, which begun on firft-day, the 
 27th of the 4th month. It was exceed- 
 ing large; fome folid friends were prefent, 
 alfo many loofe, libertine people under our 
 name, and of other focieties. In that fad 
 mixture, the life of religion was exceed- 
 ingly depreffed, and my mind in fympathy 
 with it : I could not wade through to get 
 eafe and fatisfaction that day, though I la- 
 boured very hard. Next day the meeting 
 was very large, the power of truth in mar- 
 vellous kindnefs arofe, and the gofpel was 
 preached with good authority and clearnefs, 
 to the various ftates of that great auditory. 
 The meeting of bulinefs followed ; there 
 feemed but little judgment to maintain good 
 order and difcipline : unity appeared not fo 
 general as could have been delired. On 
 third-day abundance of people . flocked to 
 meeting, perhaps with much expectation ; 
 but my way was mut up as to miniftry, 
 and but very little from any other ; I 
 found peace and fatisfaction by abiding in 
 my place. On fifth-day I went to Chefter- 
 field monthly-meeting ; it was very large, 
 and I had deep and painful wading therein, 
 in my publick fervice, fhewing what man is 
 by nature, whatever mode or form of reli- 
 gion he decks and adorns himfelf withal ; 
 for that which is born of the flefh is but 
 flefh, and cannot fee the kingdom of God. 
 B b 3 I go*
 
 390 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 I got through at laft to a pretty good de- 
 gree of fatisfaction, but found much cloie 
 labour in the meeting of bufinefs, and faw 
 great deviation from the right thing, in 
 fome high ruling members, who had car- 
 ried an affair through that meeting, againil: 
 the moil lively part of the body ; which 
 they themfelves had fufficient caufe to re- 
 pent. On fixth and feventh-days, I had 
 meetings at Upper-Freehold, and New- 
 Springfield, and on firft-day, the 4th of 
 the 5th month, had a very large meeting at 
 Mansfield in the morning, and another at 
 Borden-Town in the evening. The people 
 feemed full of expectation from one come 
 fo far; but it pleafed the great Mafter, 
 without whofe gracious aid the poor fer- 
 vant can do nothing to advantage, to fhut 
 me wholly up, as to miniftry, in both 
 places, to the great difappointment of many; 
 but there was no remedy ; I durft not con- 
 trive or form any thing for them : how- 
 ever, I have no doubt, but filence was the 
 mofl profitable leflbn for thofe meetings. 
 I went next day to Burlington monthly- 
 meeting, it was large, and divinely favour- 
 ed ; the doctrine of truth flowed forth 
 freely, mewing what it is to be a fellow- 
 citizen with the faints, and of thehoumold 
 of faith. On third-day I had a laborious 
 meeting at Ancocas, yet had fome good, 
 open fervice towards the latter-end, which 
 feemed to fallen on divers minds. I got to 
 
 Philadelphia
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 391 
 
 Philadelphia next day, and on fifth-day, 
 the 8th of the 5th month, went to the mar- 
 riage of John Pemberton, and Hannah, the 
 daughter of my worthy friends Ifaac and Sarah 
 Zane. It was at the great meeting-houfe, 
 being large, and there appeared too much 
 defire and expectation after words, which 
 often hurts meetings, and blocks up the 
 way of minifrer?, which feemed the cafe 
 now for a while ; yet at length fome, I 
 hope profitable, labour, was befiowed, from 
 the words of our Lord, <f BlefTed are they 
 " that hunger and thirfl after righteouf- 
 " nefs." On firft-day, the nth of the 
 5th month, I attended three large meet- 
 ings in the city, in all which, I thought 
 it my duty to fet an example of filence. 
 Near the clofe of the evening meeting, it 
 was a fweet refreming time ; the thirfty foul 
 had to drink of that river, that maketh glad 
 the whole city of God ; in the enjoyment 
 whereof, there was comfortable folacing 
 reft from the painful labour of that day, 
 and full fatisfaftion, with thankfulnefs that 
 I had been preferved in my place. I flaid 
 their week-day meeting on third-day, which 
 was large ; the power and wifdom of truth 
 opened deep counfel and doctrine, pointing 
 out the different ftates of profeflbrs in that 
 city, that fome of the true wreflling feed 
 dare not choofe or contrive for themfelves, 
 which way to be fed - y whether immediately 
 by the great Shepherd's own hand, or inftru- 
 B b 4 mentally
 
 392 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 mentally by his fervants ; and that there 
 were many others anxioufly choofing to be 
 fed with testimonies and outward declarati- 
 ons, which ftate ought to be famimed ; alfo, 
 that the time would come, when the word 
 of the Lord, by way of miniftry, would be 
 very precious, and he would command the 
 clouds to rain no rain upon fuch ; that it 
 was already a time of parching drought, 
 becaufe of idolatry; yet the Lord would 
 open fprings to the feed of Jacob, in the 
 midft of the vallies, and in his own time 
 bring them to Rehoboth. It was a great 
 and good time, and the meeting was much 
 affe(fled. I fet out next day for New- Eng- 
 land, and had meetings in my way to Long- 
 Ifland, at Bibery, Middletown, and Stony- 
 brook, where my old companion, Thomas 
 Rofs, met me : my fervice was very clofe 
 and fearching at thefe meetings. Alas ! how 
 hath an indolent fpirit prevailed on the pro- 
 feffors of truth ; a fmall remnant excepted, 
 who are prefer ved in moil places, to rejoice 
 in the deep painful labours, in great mercy 
 yet continued to the churches. We, in 
 company with feveral other friends, pro- 
 ceeded on our journey, in order to attend 
 Flufhing yearly-meeting, on Long-Ifland, 
 for the government of New- York. On 
 fifth-day, the 2ad of the 5th month, we 
 attended the monthly and quarterly-meet- 
 ings of minifters and elders, at Flufhing ; 
 in the latter I had comfortable open fervice, 
 
 Vpon
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 393 
 
 upon the bleffing pronounced by our gra^ 
 cious Redeemer, to the poor in fpirit, /hew- 
 ing the neceffity and ulefulnefs of that ftate ; 
 and alfo fetting forth the effential qualifica- 
 tions of a gofpel minifter. It was a blef- 
 fed time, and the upright-hearted were 
 fvveetly comforted. Next day was held the 
 quarterly-meeting, which was fmall, and 
 things, as to the life of religion, were felt 
 to be very low ; a painful gloominefs hav- 
 ing fpread itfelf, through a want of living 
 concern in many of the members, and from 
 fome prefuming to act in the church, too 
 much in their own will and wifdom ; yet 
 the Lord, who waits to be gracious, afford- 
 ed doctrine and counfel fuitable to their 
 flates ; mewing, there is one body and one 
 fpirit, and that all the members who act 
 profitably, muft know a being baptized by 
 that one fpirit, into the one myilical body. 
 I found great numbnefs in the meeting of 
 bufinefs ; my fpirit was deeply baptized in- 
 to fuffering therein, and conftrained to lay 
 their condition before them, by very clofe 
 fearching obfervations, which appeared to 
 take fome imprerlion, and my mind was 
 much relieved thereby. On feventh-day 
 morning the yearly-meeting of minifters 
 and elders was held, which was fmall, and 
 the vital part of religion feemed to be much 
 obftructed > fome clofe remarks were deli- 
 vered, which afforded confiderable relief: 
 at eleven came on the firfl publick meeting 
 
 for
 
 394 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 for worfhip, the time of which was taken 
 up very unprofitably by an unfkilful ap- 
 pearance ; after which, the bufinefs was 
 entered upon, and was a painful diftrefling 
 time ; the forward, bufy, adive fpirit of 
 man was let loofe in a few elderly perfons, 
 who had placed themfelves at the helm of 
 government there, and who feemed to have 
 got fuch an afcendancy over the meeting, 
 as to bear down whatever appeared in the 
 right line of tendernefs and truth's fimpli- 
 city, when they did not fee fit to promote 
 it. The attempt was to lay afide the ne- 
 ceffary queries to be anfwered by inferior, 
 to fuperior meetings j I was favoured with 
 a degree of wifdom and ftrength to with- 
 ftand that fpirit, and to fhew the neceffity 
 of proper queries, in order that the ftate 
 of the fociety might be better underftood : 
 how elfe could fuitable advice be admi- 
 niftered ? But through the cowardice of 
 many prefent, I was left to engage much 
 alone ; yet have caufe to believe, that the 
 weapons given both in the meeting, and 
 afterwards in private conference, wounded 
 that fpirit deeply, and gave honeft friends 
 a clearer fight of it than they had before. 
 Things in the fucceeding meetings were 
 managed with more harmony and peace, 
 and the meetings for worfhip were very 
 large ; wherein the everlafting gofpel was 
 preached with clearnefs and demonftration : 
 many were deeply afFeded, and the great 
 
 Author
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 395 
 
 Author was humbly worfhipped and adored, 
 who is worthy for ever ! 
 
 We went from Flufhing, and had a large 
 meeting at Cow-Neck, in which truth open- 
 ed gofpel doctrine largely, to the tendering 
 of many hearts. Next day we had an 
 exceeding large meeting at Weftbury : as 
 there was general notice, abundance of 
 people came from feveral parts of the ifland, 
 ib that there was near as large a concourfe, 
 as at the yearly-meeting ; their expectations 
 were much after words, but they had none 
 from me, being fhut up in lilence the whole 
 time : the monthly -meeting of bufmefs 
 was held at the clofe thereof. We had very 
 large meetings after, on this ifland at Meti- 
 nicock, Oyfter-Bay, Bethphage, and Seque- 
 tague ; and notwithftanding the low, lan- 
 guid ftate of the fociety, gofpel truths were 
 largely delivered, and livingly opened in 
 them. We then travelled towards the eaft 
 end of the ifland, on our way to Rhode- 
 Ifland, and on third day, the 3d of the 6th 
 month, went on board a veflel about eight 
 o'clock in the morning, taking our horfes 
 with us, and landed fafe at Gratten, oppo- 
 fite to New London, in the colony of Con- 
 necticut, about one o'clock the fame day. 
 We got that night to our friend Peter 
 Davis's, in Rhode-Ifland government, about 
 twenty-two miles. We had a meeting next 
 day at Wefterley, the governor of the pro- 
 vince was at it, and behaved kindly, in- 
 viting
 
 396 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 viting us to his houfe ; but it did not fuit 
 us to go. 
 
 In order to fill up our time before the 
 yearly-meeting, we had meetings at a new 
 rneeting-houfe near James Perry's, South 
 Kingfton, Greenwich, Nefhantecut, and 
 Providence ; and though we found fome 
 honeft travellers for Sion's profperity, yet, 
 for the moft part, things, as to the life of 
 religion, appeared mournfully low, indif- 
 ferency prevailing in many, and divers 
 undue liberties in others. I was much af- 
 flicted at fome of the meetings with the 
 dark principles of deifm, and was favoured 
 with ability to lay open the wickednefs and 
 grofs abfurdity of fuch principles, warning 
 friends and others to fhun the converfation 
 of thofe tindtured therewith, as they would 
 a poifonous ferpent. On the fifth day, the 
 1 2th of the 6th month, the yearly-meeting 
 for New-England began at Portsmouth on 
 Rhode- Ifland : this meeting was very large 
 as to number , but, alas ! it was a dark 
 gloomy time of deep fuffering : the glory 
 and diadem of our religious afTemblies feems 
 to be forrowfully removed from thefe people, 
 and inftead of the meeting being covered 
 therewith, it was overfpread with darknefs. 
 Here I met our friend Thomas Gawthorp, 
 who was upon his third vifit to friends in 
 America ; we both fat the whole meeting 
 in filence. 
 
 The
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 397 
 
 The meetings following, both for wor- 
 mip and difcipline, were held at Newport, 
 and continued till fecond day was over. 
 The publick meetings were exceeding large, 
 both friends, and abundance of other people 
 attended moil of them ; it was fuppofed there 
 were 2000 people. To thefe great afTemblies 
 it pleafed the gracious fountain ,of all good, 
 to open much gofpel doctrine in the de- 
 monftration of the fpirit, and with power, 
 which appeared to be generally well re- 
 ceived, and was to the great comfort and 
 relief of thofe engaged therein j but the 
 meetings of minifters and elders, and thofe 
 for difcipline, were for the moft part very 
 heavy and diflreffing ; great weaknefs, and 
 want of living concern, were painfully felt 
 therein ; little of that divine wifdom, which 
 alone can build the houfe, was attended to, 
 and formality prevailed. Ability was gra- . 
 cioufly afforded to ufe plainnefs of fpeech, 
 endeavouring to make them feniible of the 
 lofs they had fuftained, by forfaking the 
 fountain of living waters, and hewing to 
 themfelves citterns, broken ciflerns, that 
 would hold no water : yet we found a few 
 fincere labourers amongit them, whofe hands 
 I hope were in fome degree ftrengthened - y 
 but things in general were very low. On 
 third day we had a large fatisfadlory meeting 
 on Connaoicut Ifland, to which many 
 from Newport went ; and next day we had 
 a very large meeting at Newport, which 
 
 was
 
 398 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 was the laft we had there. In this meeting 
 wifdom and utterance were given to declare 
 the truth to their feveral ftates, in much 
 plain-dealing, endeavouring to mew them 
 from whence they had fallen, and how vain 
 it was for them to imagine they were God's 
 . people in the ftate moft of them were then 
 in : there was alfo encouragement to the 
 few fincere-hearted. On fifth day we had 
 a very large meeting at Portfmouth, to 
 which came great numbers from Newport. 
 It was a time of great darknefs and deep 
 fuffering with the oppreffed feed : the young 
 people are moftly gone into the air, and 
 undue liberties -, and thofe more advanced 
 (a few excepted) are gone into the earth ; 
 having fo much to do in government affairs, 
 many of them got into the offices, friendiliips, 
 and parties, as well as into the profits, of 
 this world. Next day we went off the 
 ifland, and had meetings in our way to 
 Nantucket yearly -meeting, at Tiverton, 
 Little -Compton, and Coxfet. The two 
 laft were very large, eipecially Coxfet ; the 
 gofpel was largely and with good authority 
 declared in them, to much fatisfaftion and 
 comfort, there being confiderable opennefs, 
 many of other perfuafions attending. On 
 fecond day, being their monthly-meeting 
 at Poniganfet, and notice having been given 
 before of our intention of being at it, it 
 was exceeding large, even like a great yearly- 
 meeting 5 it was fuppofed there were 2000 
 
 people
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 399 
 
 people prefent. In this large affembly the 
 cverlailing gofpel was preached in the de- 
 monftration of the fpirit, and with power ', 
 wifdom being mercifully given to divide 
 the word fuitably to the various flates : the 
 meeting appeared to be generally affected, 
 and the minds of thofe engaged greatly re- 
 lieved. Early next morning we embarked 
 for Nantucket, in company with about 
 twenty friends, and landed on the faid ifland 
 about five o'clock in the afternoon of the 
 fame day. On fixth day the yearly-meeting 
 began, and was very large : a becoming 
 plainnefs appeared in the general ; but, alas ! 
 the life of religion was very much departed 
 from by numbers in that once truly amiable 
 place, fo much noted for a family of love. 
 I went on the ifland as a ftranger to their 
 prefent flate, though I had been there twice 
 before, a witnefs of better times : much 
 diftreffing anguifh was felt in this meeting, 
 and for Tome time I expedted the current 
 of life would have been wholly obftrufted ; 
 but at length, through divine mercy, truth 
 arofe with gofpel authority, fetting forth 
 what a great and wonderful manifestation 
 of evangelical light and truth fprung up in 
 the laft century after a dark night of 
 apoftacy and error ; when the heavenly 
 power being embraced, brought forth the 
 nature and fpirit of religion ; but endea- 
 vours now are too often ufed to fupport the 
 fame principles in a formal way, by the 
 
 flrength
 
 4oo THE JOURNAL op 
 
 ftrength and wifdom of man ; the Lord 
 therefore will not own a people in that ftate. 
 Many things were delivered upon this fub- 
 jecl with great dread, and I felt the Lord's 
 power go forth as a fire amongrl: the briars 
 and thorns ; many were ftruck with fadnefs 
 and fear, and the everlafting name was 
 exalted: Thomas Gawthorp was there 
 alfo, and had good fervice. The meeting 
 ended on fecond day, much gofpel labour 
 having been beftowed in the feveral fittings 
 thereof. Notwithflanding the general flate 
 of friends on that ifland appeared truly 
 deplorable, yet I believe a remnant are and 
 will be preferved frefh and lively in religion. 
 May their number increafe ! 
 
 We left the ifland on third day, the iftof 
 the yth month, and landed that evening 
 at Suckaneket, on the continent, being 
 about fifty in number. We had a fmall 
 meeting on fifth day, at a meeting-houfe 
 near the place of our landing, and went 
 forward to be at Sandwich quarterly-meet- 
 ing. On fixth day we .went to their 
 monthly-meeting, where was a burial of a 
 friend that died fuddenly. There were 
 many Prefbyterians prefent : the gofpel 
 power arofe with coniiderable ftrength and 
 clearnefs, with the words of the apoflle : 
 " Give diligence to make your calling and 
 " election fure ;" with remarks on the 
 great importance of the work, how necef- 
 fary to be allured of its going forward, and 
 
 that
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 401 
 
 that a certainty thereof may be obtained, 
 by the fpirit of God bearing witnefs with 
 our fpirit, according to the apoftolick tefti- 
 mony. This exhortation contradicts the 
 dark opinion of abfolute and unconditional 
 election and reprobation ; feeing this preffing 
 advice to make it fure, implies fomething 
 to be done on man's part, which may be 
 omitted, and he thereby may mifs the elec- 
 tion of God's grace j whereas, according to 
 that, the election is made fo certain, even 
 from the foundation of the world, by an 
 immutable decree, that all man's endeavours 
 will make no alteration, feeing one cannot 
 poffibly be added to the number of the 
 elect, nor one diminifhed : the great ab- 
 furdity of this doctrine was expofed, mew- 
 ing how it reflected much dishonour on in- 
 finite mercy and goodnefsj and fome of their 
 flrongeft arguments in favour of that doc- 
 trine were anfwered. 
 
 I was alfo opened upon infant-baptifm, 
 fo called, fetting forth how unreafonablfe it 
 is to uphold types, figns, and fhadows, un- 
 lefs we expect another and higher dif- 
 penfation : that types always pointed to the 
 anti-type or fubflance, and feeing mofl ac- 
 knowledge the fubitance is come, how weak 
 to keep up the fign. It was a good time, 
 for truth was exalted, and the meeting pretty 
 generally affected j and although thefe dif- 
 putable points were clofely handled, yet 
 there was no oppofition, nor the leaft dif- 
 C c guft
 
 402 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 guft appeared. On feventh-day the quar- 
 terly-meeting was held, in which we had 
 fome, I hope profitable, fervice, in a clofe, 
 fearching, way ; things appeared very low, 
 yet there were fome fincere, honeft labour- 
 ers. We went after meeting about twenty 
 miles, to Plymouth, where it is faid the 
 firft colony of Englifh landed, and fettled. 
 The next day, being the firft of the week, 
 we went to Pembroke meeting, which was 
 but fmall of friends, but a pretty many of 
 other focieties came in, confidering the 
 ihort notice ; the truths of the gofpel were 
 largely delivered amongft them, which 
 feemed to be well and kindly received. We 
 fet out after meeting, intending to pafs 
 through Bofton, and as far to the eaftward 
 as we propofed to vifit friends, leaving no- 
 tice as we went, at the feveral meetings, to 
 take them in our return. We had very 
 large meetings at Colchechy, and Dover; 
 and although we found but little living 
 concern amongft friends, yet the blefTed 
 truth favoured and opened the way for much 
 gofpel labour, fuited to their ftates, in order 
 to revive ancient zeal and ardour. The wea- 
 ther was extremely hot, and the meetings 
 crouded, fo that at times it feemed as if I 
 iliould have been overcome, and faint ; but 
 by divine favour, I was mercifully carried 
 through, to a confiderable degree of fatis- 
 faction and peace. We returned to their 
 quarterly-meeting at Hampton, which be- 
 
 . gan
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 403 
 
 gan for minifters and elders, on feventh- 
 day, third hour, the 1 2th of the 7th month : 
 we were forrowfully affected to find fo little 
 of a living concern amongft the leaders of 
 the people. Next day, being the firft of 
 the week, we had two large meetings, com- 
 pofed of friends and others : a religious la- 
 bour for heavenly bread feemed almoft loft, 
 even amongft thofe advanced in age and pro- 
 fefTion of the truth ; yet in marvellous con- 
 defcenfion, the gofpel power and life fprung 
 up and extended to their various ftates, with 
 great ftrength and clearnefs, even as a flame 
 of fire againft the wood, hay, and ftubble ; 
 mewing, what a great and glorious thing 
 Chriftianity is ; how complete vidory and 
 dominion may be obtained by it over fin ; 
 and the foul of man be endued with fublime 
 virtues : but to view the notion of Chriftia- 
 nity people in general appear now to be 
 contented with, it would feem as if little 
 real religion remained on the earth. In the 
 afternoon I was led to fet forth, that there 
 is one body, one fpirit, one Lord, one faith, 
 and one baptifm ; that by this only, people 
 come to be truly initiated, being buried with 
 Chrift by his faving baptifm into his death, 
 and thereby witneffing with the apoftle the 
 meafure of the fuffcrings of Chrift, which 
 are yet behind, fulfilled in us - y if fo be that 
 we fuffer with him, that we alfo may be 
 glorified together : the deep myftery of 
 man's redemption, through Chrift, was 
 C c 2 largely
 
 404 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 largely opened, it being a time of great fa-* 
 vourj and the people were generally affected. 
 Next day forenoon was held their meeting 
 of bufmefs; but as the power of truth, the 
 main fpring of action in the weighty affairs 
 of the church, appeared to me forrowfully 
 wanting, little could be done to good pur- 
 pofe ; fome clofe remarks were made upon 
 the declining ftate of that meeting, wherein 
 we had very little comfort or fatisfaction. 
 In the afternoon we had a very large con- 
 cluding meeting, wherein Chriit was freely 
 fet forth as the true light, that enlight- 
 ens every man that cometh into the world ; 
 that as the light of the outward fun is necef- 
 fary for tranfacting the affairs of this life, 
 fo the light of the Sun of righteoufnefs is no 
 lefs neceflary to mew us how to perform 
 the great work of our foul's falvation : it 
 was a good time. We then had meetings 
 at Amlbery, Newbury, Salem, Lynn, and 
 Bofton. At Lynn in the afternoon, being 
 firft-day, I found it my place to fet an ex- 
 ample of lilence -, at the other meetings I 
 was largely opened in the fervice of the 
 gofpel, to good fatisfaction and comfort. 
 From Bofton we travelled to Dighton, and 
 dined on the way at Taunton. Our guide 
 being acquainted with a mop-keeper in that 
 town, we were invited to dine with him : 
 after dinner we entered upon much reafon- 
 ing about religious principles, and a clofe 
 difpute enfued. I was, through divine af- 
 
 fiftance,
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 405 
 
 fiftance, enabled to ftand my ground there- 
 in, and to maintain our principles, to the 
 comfort and fatisfaction of my own mind, 
 and I believe in a good degree to his ; who 
 I underftood had been accounted a very zea- 
 lous Prefbyterian, and had entertained an 
 unfavourable opinion of our principles : he 
 confefTed they never had been cleared up fo 
 much to his fatisfadlion before, and feemed to 
 be a good deal affected j we parted in love 
 and friendship. We then had meetings at 
 Free-town, Long-plain, Rochefter, and 
 Akumnet ; in thefe we found things very 
 low and languid, as appeared generally the 
 cafe in New-England; our fbciety, like 
 others, having too much dwindled into form 
 and profeffion. The laft meeting was very 
 large, but my way was quite fhut up as to 
 miniflry ; had in the others clofe fearching 
 fervice. On firft-day, the 2/th of the 7th 
 month, we had a very large meeting at 
 Swanzey, to which came friends from many 
 parts, fome even from Newport ; the power 
 of the everlafting gofpel arofe in this large 
 affembly ; wifdom and utterance were given 
 to declare the truth very largely, from thefe 
 words, " To know thee the only true God, 
 " and Jefus Chrifl whom thou haft fent, is 
 " life eternal." The meeting was much 
 affected ; the Lord's heart-melting goodnefs 
 was fweetly enjoyed by a remnant. Next 
 day we had a large meeting- at Smithfield ; 
 the nature of true religion, from thq apof- 
 C c 3 tie
 
 406 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 tie James's definition of it, was copioufly ' 
 treated of in this meeting : it was a favoured 
 time, and the meeting was generally af- 
 feded. On third-day we had a meeting at 
 Wainfoket, great numbers of loofe, liber- 
 tine people came, who, I fuppofe, rarely 
 attended any place of worfhip ; fuch came 
 rather out of curioftty, expecting fome- 
 thing ; and indeed thofe, for the moft part, 
 who profefs with us there, feem as if they 
 knew little of the nature and importance 
 of religious worfhip -, but it was my duty, 
 in this large meeting, to fit in filence. 
 Next day we had a very large meeting at 
 Mendon, to which came many of our pro- 
 feflion, and a great number of fuch as be- 
 ing diflatisfied with the eftablifhed wormip, 
 and an hireling miniftry, had feparated and 
 held meetings in one another's houfes, hav- 
 ing fuch as thought it their duty to preach 
 freely amongft them : to this meeting the 
 gofpel was largely preached, which feemed 
 to have a general reach. After meeting came 
 a predeflinarian, and a young man, a prea- 
 cher, among thofe feparatifts before-men- 
 tioned, who are quite averfe to that dark 
 opinion : thefe two, it feems, had been en- 
 gaged in a difpute in the meeting-houfe, 
 when all were gone, upon fome points of 
 doctrine delivered that day concerning ori- 
 ginal fin, and the opinion before-mention* 
 ed j and as they could not fettle the points, 
 gt. length {hey agreed to come to my quar- 
 ters,
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 407 
 
 ters, to afk me a few fober queflions, by 
 way of further explanation of fome things 
 delivered. When they informed me of the 
 reafon of their coming, I told them I was 
 very willing to afford them all the fatisfac- 
 tion in my power, but was not very fond 
 of difputes, which feldom tended much to 
 edification, as they were generally managed. 
 The old man Signified he had no intention of 
 entering into any difputes ; however, one 
 thing brought on another, till we got very 
 clofely engaged: the young man, the preach- 
 er, was on my fide, and, I think, had as 
 remarkable a memory in the fcriptures as I 
 ever knew ; and was favoured with a confi- 
 derable understanding in the myftery of 
 them. The poor old man, though I fup- 
 pofe as well furnimed as moft, upon fuch 
 a bad fubjecl, was entirely vanquished and 
 confounded to that degree, that his fpirits 
 appeared to be funk with forrow, becaufe 
 he could not fupport his principles better. 
 The young man and I, with other friends, 
 withdrew into another room, and had a 
 religious conference, particularly upon the 
 nature of gofpel-miniftry and worfhip - y he 
 appeared to be much enlightened, and not 
 far from the kingdom ; but I fear he had 
 entered into the miniflry too foon. This 
 opportunity afforded my mind a good deal 
 of fatisfa&ion. I found many of thofe high 
 profefTors in New-England, in rather an 
 State, fond of flocking to our 
 C c 4 meetings,
 
 408 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 meetings, and they feemed to hear the doc- 
 trines of truth with fatisfa&ion, and there 
 was great opennefs amongft them in many 
 places. But what forrowfully affedted my 
 mind was, that there is fo little of the life 
 of religion held up as a ftandard to thofe, 
 by our fociety, in thofe parts ; yet I believe 
 there will be a gathering to Shiloh, in the 
 New-England colonies. The difference ap- 
 pears very great in their efteem and regard 
 to our friends, to what it was formerly, 
 though perhaps that in part may be owing 
 to many in our fociety being more like 
 them, than our friends were in early times ; 
 yet I believe the cafe is otherwife with 
 many, and that it arifes from their good 
 opinion of moft of our principles. 
 
 On fifth-day, the 31(1 of the 7th month, 
 we fet out, accompanied by two guides, 
 through the back parts of Connecticut, to- 
 wards theOblong in thegovernment of New- 
 York, being about 14.0 miles, through a, 
 Prefbyterian country ; they generally carried 
 themfelves civilly, and we had fome religious 
 conferences to good fatisfaftion. The wea- 
 ther was very hot, and the roads flony, rough 
 and mountainous, and the entertainment 
 but mean in many places, fo that the jour- 
 ney was attended with fatigue to our bodies 
 and horfes. We went to New-Milford 
 meeting on firft-day, the 3d of the 8th 
 month ; I had nothing to offer by way of 
 miniftry, yet in flill quiet waiting, I was 
 
 favoured
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 409 
 
 favoured therein with the firft clear fatis- 
 factory glance of my being at liberty, to- 
 wards the latter end of this year, to return 
 home, which I fully believed, but kept it 
 to myfelf. After meeting we afcended to 
 the Oblong, and a long afcent it was, of 
 near a mile to the fummit of that, called 
 there Quaker- Hill ; the weather being ex- 
 tremely hot, I feared it would have killed 
 my horfe, and I was pot able to relieve him 
 by walking. On third-day we had a very 
 large meeting at a commodious houfe, built 
 by friends, on that hill ; they who attend- 
 ed were generally profefTbrs of the truth, 
 as held by us, and moflly plain and becom- 
 ing in their outward garb ; yet, alas ! when 
 they came to be viewed in the true light, 
 they appeared dry and formal ; many, I fear, 
 having cloathed corrupted nature with a 
 form of religion, and in a plain drefs lit in 
 their religious meetings like dead images. 
 After a time of deep fuffering in the fpirit, 
 with the opprefled feed, the word was .given 
 with good authority, and went forth like 
 a flame of fire, againft the wood, hay, and 
 ftubble, to the roufing, I believe, and awa- 
 kening of many, for the prefent. The con- 
 dition of man, in the tranfgreffiofi, as fet 
 forth by the infpired writers, that he is in 
 a ftate of enmity to, and feparation from, 
 God, confequently, he muft experience a 
 very great change, before he can be accept- 
 able to his Maker : the way was opened, 
 
 fhewing
 
 410 THE JOURNAL OP 
 
 fhewing how this change was to, be effected, 
 and that the operation neceflary thereunto, 
 makes indelible impreffions on the minds 
 of all, who are fo happy as to experience 
 the lame, that none can be true Chriftians 
 without it : truth had great dominion that 
 day. We had a very large meeting next.day 
 at the Nine Partners, and had clofe fervice 
 therein. Next day we had a very painful 
 afflicting meeting at Ofwego ; I was quite a 
 flranger to them, and did not know, by any 
 outward information, that they had any one 
 who ufually appeared in publick among 
 them ; yet my mind was ftrongly imprefTed 
 with a fenfe, that the meeting had been 
 much hurt by a wrong ministry, and for 
 that reafon chiefly, my mouth was ihut up 
 there in that refped: : it feemed as if the 
 very perfon was Ihewn to me in the meet- 
 ing, though I had never feen him before, 
 that I know of; but I found afterwards, it 
 was a true fenfe, and I told friends, in his 
 hearing, how things appeared to me in that 
 meeting, which feemed to ftrike him, and 
 he ftruggled a little, but I left it upon him : 
 may the great and gracious helper of his 
 people, have the praife of his own works, 
 faith my foul, now and for evermore ! On 
 firft-day, the loth of the 8th month, we 
 were at the Oblong meeting again ; my 
 travail the whole meeting was in fuffering 
 ftlence. From hence, in our way to New- 
 York, we had the following meetings, viz. 
 
 Peach-
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 411 
 
 Peach-Pond, North-Caftle, the monthly- 
 meeting at tfie Purchafe, Memarineck, and 
 Wefl-Chefter ; at moft of which, the gof- 
 pel power was largely manifefted, by open- 
 ing doctrine and counfel, in a clofe, fearch- 
 ing manner, to the various ftates of the 
 people. On firft-day, the lyth of the 8th 
 month, we were at two meetings in the 
 city of New- York ; in the morning I was 
 filent -, in the afternoon, truth opened the 
 way to publick fervice, mewing the beau- 
 tiful order and economy of human life; 
 all feeking for fome manlion, poficffion, or 
 fettlement, and agreeable to the laws of pru- 
 dence and juft-ice, endeavouring to increafe 
 their ftore, that they may have fomething 
 of their own againft the time of need : if 
 prudence requires to provide the neceflaries 
 for this fhort and uncertain life, how much 
 more incumbent is it upon us, in regard 
 to the immortal part ; and that our eyes 
 mould be turned to view the order, har- 
 mony, and beauty of the new creation, and 
 to feek an inheritance in the holy city f 
 It was a bleffed time, and many hearts were 
 tendered. I had a good deal of fatisfa&ion 
 among friends in this city, and hope there 
 is a growth in the bed things experienced 
 by .divers. On fecond-day we crofied the 
 Bay, and Staten-Ifland ; ferried from thence 
 at Elizabeth-town Point, and went to 
 Raway. On third and fourth-day we went 
 tQ the quarterly and monthly-meetings at 
 
 Wood-
 
 4 i2 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 Woodbridge ; was enabled to labour largely 
 in a fearching way, with much plainnefs 
 and gofpel authority, for their help and 
 recovery, from a weak, languid, uncon- 
 cerned itate; yet we found fome folid, valu- 
 able friends amongft them. ^ From thence 
 we proceeded on our way to my compani- 
 on's houfe, in Pennfylvania, and had large 
 meetings at Plainfield and King's- Wood, 
 wherein the gofpel was preached with great 
 opennefs, to good fatisfaction. On feventh- 
 day evening, the 23d of the 8th month, 
 having crofTed Delaware at Holland's-Ferry, 
 we got to my companion's houfe, and at- 
 tended two meetings at Wright's-Town, 
 where he belongs ; the next day there was 
 a confiderable number of profeffors, but 
 fpiritual idlenefs was felt forrowfully to 
 have prevailed over too many, craving to 
 be fed with words ; I found it my duty to 
 be filent at both the meetings. Having 
 taken a very great cold, after fome of the late 
 large and hot meetings - y I was much indif- 
 pofed, and ftaid at my companion's till fifth- 
 day, and then went to the quarterly-meet- 
 ing for the county of Bucks, held at the 
 Falls, which was exceeding large : truth 
 greatly favoured that meeting, in opening 
 doctrine and counfel, for the help, r?proof, 
 and encouragement of many, beginning 
 with thefe words, It is efpecially worthy 
 to be noted, that the infpired writers, both 
 in relating their own experience, and in ad- 
 
 minif-
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 413 
 
 miniftering advice and counfel to others, 
 on a religious account, lay the whole ftrefs 
 of religion upon the inward, faving, and 
 fpiritual knowledge of God : it was a great 
 time, and many hearts were tendered. The 
 youth's meeting was held next day at Brif- 
 tol ; it was a low, poor time, and I had 
 nothing to offer by way of miniftry. On 
 firft-day, the 31 ft of the 8th month, I 
 went to Makesfield meeting, it was an exer- 
 ciiing time ; a carelefs, earthly fpirit was 
 felt to be very prevalent ; I had ibme fer- 
 vice there, in a very clofe, fearching man- 
 ner. In the afternoon I had a very large 
 meeting at John Beaumont's, wherein much 
 gofpel doctrine flowed to the people, upon 
 the nature of felf- denial, and bearing the 
 yoke of Chrift -, many, not of our fociety, 
 were prefent, and pretty much affeded ; it 
 was a favoured time. Next day I went to 
 Buckingham monthly-meeting, which was 
 very large, a numerous body of friends 
 living in thofe parts ; I had great opennefs 
 for publick fervice therein, (hewing, that 
 the promifes of God in him, are yea and 
 amen for ever - y yet we are not entitled to 
 them, but upon certain conditions, that is, 
 being in thole ftates, to which they are ap- 
 plied. It was a great and good time, truth 
 being exalted. On third-day I had a large 
 meeting at Plumftead, many attending from 
 Buckingham and other places. The word 
 was given with authority and clearnefs, to 
 
 declare
 
 414 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 declare to this numerous auditory, upon 
 the nature of true religion and worfhip, 
 {hewing, that it principally confifled in an 
 inward exercife of the foul towards God, 
 and efpecially depended on a fpiritual ac- 
 quaintance with him ; it was a highly fa- 
 voured time, and many hearts were tender- 
 ed. For fome time paft I had been indif- 
 pofed, being, through the extremity of the 
 heat, much afflidted with a rafh, called the 
 prickly heat; and having taken a great cold, 
 my afthmatic diforder was much increafed j 
 yet, through merciful help fupporting foul 
 and body, in the great work to which I was 
 called, I was enabled to proceed on my 
 journey, having a ftrong deiire to vifit fomc 
 meetings in the back parts of Bucks, Phi- 
 ladelphia, and Chefter counties, before the 
 approaching yearly-meeting for Penfylvania 
 and the Jerfeys, to be held in Philadelphia 
 towards the latter end of the 9th month : 
 apprehending, if I could accomplish that, 
 I mould have little to do after, except on the 
 eaftern more of Maryland, and in the lower 
 counties upon Delaware. Here my valu- 
 able friend, Zebulon Heflon, joined me for 
 a companion to the back parts. We tra- 
 velled next day to Richland, and the day 
 following had a large meeting there, moflly 
 confiding of thofe under our name : great 
 lukewarmnefs, and want of a living con- 
 cern was felt; yet it pleafed divine good- 
 nefs to favour with ability to labour in the 
 
 gof-
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 415 
 
 pel, with plainnefs, in a very awakening 
 manner, which feemed to have fome ten- 
 dering effect in the general, at leaft for the 
 prefent. We travelled next day to Oley, 
 alias Exeter, and went to their meeting on 
 firft-day, the 7th of the 9th month ; they 
 appeared to me moflly ignorant of the im- 
 portance of that worlhip and fervice which 
 they pretended to meet about, and as if the 
 chief waiting was to hear what the poor 
 fervants had to fay : they were difappointed 
 in refped: to me, finding it my place 
 to fit the whole meeting in filence. We 
 went after to Maiden-Creek, and had a large 
 meeting there the next day. I believe there 
 were fome valuable friends, but many ap- 
 peared in a ftate of indolence, as to reli- 
 gion, looking for words ; there was a con- 
 fiderable fpace of filence ; at length, truth 
 arofe, and obtained dominion, and the gof- 
 pel was freely preached ; mewing the na- 
 ture of the work of man's falvation by 
 Chrift, and the great danger of a neglect 
 thereof. On third-day we had a meeting 
 in Reading Court-Houfe, to which many 
 came, not of our fociety, being moflly Ger- 
 mans, who behaved in a folid, becoming 
 manner ; the word of the gofpel was given, 
 and ability to declare it with good autho- 
 rity and clearnefs, for a confiderable time, 
 to the tendering of many hearts. Next 
 day we croffed Schuylkill, and had meetings 
 at the Foreft, Wantmel, Providence, and 
 
 Pikeland,
 
 4i6 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 Pikeland ; in all which, ability was given 
 to labour in the gofpel, for the ftirring up 
 profefTors to a more lively fenfe of religion, 
 which indeed was felt to be at a low ebb 
 amongft them, as in many other pieces ; 
 fuch caufes there are of mournful com- 
 plaints, where 'people go no deeper into reli- 
 gion than what comes by education or out- 
 ward conformity : many in thefe parts have 
 entered into the outward poffeffions and 
 profeffion of their worthy anceftors, at a 
 very eafy rate ; yet the Lord, in great mercy, 
 is caufing his trumpets to found very loud, 
 to awaken fuch to a fenfe of their danger. 
 On firft-day, the i4th of the 9th month, 
 we went to Youghland, which was a very 
 large meeting of itfelf, and friends came to 
 it from moffc of the adjacent meetings ; the 
 fore part was a time of deep travail and 
 filent labour, in a painful fenfe, that many 
 prefent were at eafe in a bare profeffion of 
 the truth; at length the word v, as given 
 with confiderable weight ai d gofpel autho- 
 rity, {hewing what a powerful efficacious 
 thing Chriftianity was, when it made its 
 firft entrance into the world, and fo con- 
 tinued for a confiderable time, mightily 
 prevailing by its own force , and efficacy, 
 againft all oppofition and worldly intereft, 
 until the world fmiled upon its profeffors : 
 it then fpread as to the name, but gradual- 
 ly lofing the power and life, many difor- 
 ders, great corruptions, and defolating con- 
 tentions
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 417 
 
 tentions about trifles, got in, and clofe ap- 
 plication there was made to the ftates of 
 the inhabitants of this highly favoured pro- 
 vince, earnestly preffing the auditory to 
 feek after the fubftance of religion. The 
 afternoon meeting was folid and comfort- 
 able in filence. On third-day we had a large 
 meeting at Eaft-Calne, in which I had tho- 
 rough fervice, to good fatisfaclion ; and next 
 day we had a very large meeting at Brad- 
 ford, in the Forks of Brandy- wine; things 
 were felt to be much out of order, and re- 
 ligion to be at a very low ebb amongft 
 them, yet, through infinite condefcenfion, 
 gofpel authority was given, with much 
 clearnefs in doctrine, mewing, that in order 
 to poflefs a valuable religion, man mould be 
 feelingly and experimentally convinced, 
 that in matters of religion, he muft wholly 
 relign his will to God, and give him- 
 felf up to be guided by a fupernatural prin- 
 ciple ; until then, he cannot fay, with ac- 
 ceptance to his Maker, " Thy will be done 
 *' in earth, as it is done in heaven." It 
 was, through divine mercy, a highly-fa- 
 voured baptizing time, and the bleffed truth 
 was in dominion over hard, unmortified 
 fpirits. I went home from hence with my 
 brother-in-law, Micajah Speakman, to Con- 
 cord, where I refted quietly three days, 
 after long fatigue of travelling, and hard 
 labour ; yet all was made eafy, through the 
 efficacy of that heavenly power, which mer- 
 D d cifully
 
 418 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 cifully attended from place to place, filling; 
 my foul, at times, with true contentment, 
 and perfect refignation to the Lord's will, 
 either to do or fufFer ; in which happy ftate, 
 my peace flowed as a river. On firft-day, 
 the 2 1 ft of the 9th month, I went to Mid- 
 dle-town meeting, but had no publick fer- 
 vice therein. I went on fecond-day to 
 Philadelphia, attended their week-day meet- 
 ing next day, and on fifth-day I went to 
 Haddonfield, in Weft-Jerfey, to the burial 
 of Thomas Radmon, a publick friend in 
 good efteem, who formerly told me he was 
 firft reached, or convinced, through my 
 miniftry, in the Bank meeting at Philadel- 
 phia, about thirty years ago : the meeting 
 was very large, confifling both of friends, 
 and thofe of other focieties, a prieft and 
 his family being there > the truths of the 
 gofpel were largely declared, with clearnefs, 
 and good demonftration > the auditory being 
 very folid and attentive, truth had good 
 dominion, to the comfort of many. In the 
 afternoon was held their quarterly-meeting 
 of minifters and elders j it was a low time. 
 Next day was held their quarterly-meeting, 
 which was very large ; there feemed to be 
 great expectations, and looking out after 
 words, as is forrowfully the cafe with many 
 in thefe parts, efpecially if the poor inftru- 
 ment had been favoured before, and it 
 pleafed them : this fometimes tends to de- 
 prive them of that which they fo anxioufly 
 
 feek
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 419 
 
 feek after, which I believe was now the 
 cafe, for I was quite (hut up as to publick 
 fervice, but had fome good fervice in the 
 meeting of bufinefs. On feventh-day, the 
 27th of the Qth month, 1 I went to the year- 
 ly-meeting of minifters and elders at Phi- 
 ladelphia, for Pennfylvania and the Jerfeys; 
 it was large, I had fome fervice therein, 
 and informed friends, that I expected liber- 
 ty to return home that Fall, requeuing a 
 few lines, by way of certificate, to my 
 friends in England, according to the good 
 order ufed amongft us ; this was the only 
 one I requefted on the continent of Ame- 
 rica, yet friends, of their own accord, fent 
 certificates from moft, or all the parts I 
 vifited. A certificate was readily granted, 
 and figned by a great number of minifters 
 and elders, testifying their unity with my 
 gofpel labours, and conduct while among 
 them. I diligently attended the feveral 
 fittings of this yearly-meeting, both for 
 wormip and difcipline, and had fome 
 weighty fervice in them. On firft-day, 
 the 5th of the loth month, I went to Fair- 
 hill meeting, and returned to the evening 
 meeting in the city. On third-day, the 
 7th of the loth month, I fet out in order 
 to attend the yearly-meeting on the eaftern 
 more of Maryland, being accompanied by 
 Samuel Eaftburn ; we had meetings in our 
 way at George's-Creek, and the head of 
 Saffifras -, truth made way for clofe, weigh- 
 D d 2 ty
 
 420 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 ty fervice, to the flates of thofe prefent, 
 We went, the nth of the loth month, to a 
 fmall poor meeting for minifters and el- 
 ders, at Cecil, in Maryland; and next day, 
 being the firft of the week, the yearly- 
 meeting began there, to which came many 
 people of divers forts, moft of whom feem- 
 cd loofe, and void of a folid, religious con- 
 cern. Death and darknefs were felt to reign 
 in the general, yet the gofpel power, in 
 great mercy, broke through, and opened 
 fuitable dodrine to their ftates, mewing the 
 general confeht of all ages and nations, to 
 that of the immortality . of the foul, and 
 future rewards and punimments ; and al- 
 though the profeilbrs of Chriftianity were 
 favoured with more clear apprehenfions 
 thereof, than others, yet numbers of them 
 live as if they had no fuch belief, or, as if 
 they did not look upon themfelves to be ac- 
 countable creatures. The fucceeding meet- 
 ings, both for wormip and difcipline, were, 
 I hope, through divine afliftance, profitable 
 to many. The yearly-meeting at Chop- 
 tank, began on feventh-day, the i8th of 
 the loth month, and ended on fourth-day 
 afternoon ; many of the meetings were 
 very large, and the truths of the gofpel 
 powerfully declared in them, and the ever- 
 lafting unchangeable truth was exalted over 
 all of a contrary nature to itfelf: this year- 
 ly-meeting afforded great relief and fatif- 
 &clion to my mind. We fet out on fifth-? 
 
 day.
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 421 
 
 day, in order to attend the yearly-meeting 
 to be held at Little-Creek, in Kent-Coun- 
 ty, on Delaware ; the meeting began on 
 firft-day, the 26th of loth month, and held 
 two days ; I had very open fervice therein. 
 After this meeting I found myfelf at liberty 
 to feek a proper opportunity to return to 
 my native land, and outward habitation, 
 and fo went from hence directly toward 
 Philadelphia ; I attended their monthly and 
 quarterly-meeting there, wherein I had 
 good open fervice. By inquiring, I found 
 a veiTel bound for London, the captain in- 
 tending to fail about the middle of the i ith 
 month. I went on board, accompanied by 
 divers friends ; we fat a while in the cabin, 
 in a folemn filence ; my mind was deeply 
 engaged to be rightly directed ; and finding, 
 as I thought, rather a freedom to go in 
 that fhip, I therefore fignified to the cap- 
 tain and the owners, that I intended to em- 
 bark in her, which they appeared to be well 
 pleafed with. I then went to Chefter- 
 County, to take leave of my relations and 
 friends, and to attend the quarterly-meet- 
 ing at Concord; which I did, and had large 
 open fervice in the feveral meetings, to great 
 fatisfadlion and comfort. On third-day I 
 went to a large meeting at Chefter -, death 
 and darknefs feemed to reign the whole 
 time, fo that I had no power to move, as to 
 mini/try. I got to Philadelphia next morn- 
 ing, the (hip being to fail from thence the 
 
 next
 
 422 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 next day: On fixth-day, about nine o'clock, 
 I took a folemn leave of fundry valuable 
 friends in the city, and fet out for Chefter 
 to meet the (hip ; many friends, from thence 
 and Derby, accompanying me thither ; 
 where, after dinner, in near affection, we 
 took leave, never expecting to fee each other 
 again. I then embarked en board the fhip 
 Phebe, Capt. Mungo Davifon -, we got under 
 fail about two o'clock next morning, and 
 on firft-day, the i6th of the nth month, 
 about four o'clock in the afternoon, we got 
 to fea. 
 
 I find this remark amongft my memo- 
 randums, written, I fuppofe, after I had been 
 fome time at fea, viz. " It is fit to be re- 
 membered, in humble and awful acknow- 
 ledgment, that tjie Lord has been with me 
 ever fince I came on board this fhip, in love 
 and mercy unfpeakable, caufing fweet peace 
 to flow as a river in my foul, fo as to make 
 me forget all my former anguifh. For the 
 former things are all pafled away, fo that, 
 through infinite condefcending love, I have 
 learned to fing the fong of Mofes, and the 
 fong of the Lamb, and even upon the 
 mighty foaming unftable ocean, to fpeak in 
 myfelf in pfalms, and hymns, and fpiritual 
 fongs, making melody in my heart to the 
 Lord, who hath been pleafed to preferve 
 me through many, oh ! very many heights 
 and depths ; heights in my fervice and 
 affections of my friends and others, I hope 
 
 from
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 423 
 
 from being lifted up or exalted above mea- 
 fure, by the revelation I have been favoured 
 with; and through the deep baptifms I have 
 experienced, in fympathy with the preci- 
 ous deprefTed feed, borne down and prefled 
 by the fins of mankind, as a cart is preffed 
 with fheaves j the Lord enabling me to be re- 
 fignedly contented in that ilate : whether in 
 furTering or rejoicing, filence or words, he 
 mercifully gave me this fupport by the 
 power of his own fpirit, and now is fo 
 gracious, as to reward my mind with fweet 
 peace for abiding in that ftation wherein 
 he alone preferred me. I was, through 
 unfpeakable kindnefs, when I fat down in 
 a meeting, moftly enabled to fay, <c Thy 
 will be done, whether in making ufe 
 of me as thy inftrument to found an alarm 
 to the people, or to fet them an example 
 of Client waiting upon thee." What mall 
 I fay or return to the Lord of everlafting 
 loving-kindnefs for prefervation, by fea and 
 by land, in many perils ; I am at a lofs for 
 expreflions to fet forth his bountiful good- 
 nefs, and the greatnefs of his love and 
 mercy to thofe who truft in him. I there- 
 fore humbly defire with filent reverence, 
 or otherwife, as ability is afforded, to mag- 
 nify, worfhip, and adore him, who is glo- 
 rious in holinefs, and fearful in praife, 
 working wonders, who alone is worthy 
 now and evermore ! Amen." 
 
 We
 
 424 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 We had a ftrong new (hip, which had 
 been at fea but one voyage before ; (he was 
 very tight in the river and bay, but we had 
 not been a week at fea before (he fprung a leak 
 to that degree, as to require much labour 
 to clear her of water. This feemed to affect 
 the captain and the paiTengers pretty much, 
 not knowing but the leak would increafe, 
 and we being but poorly manned, the cap- 
 tain having been deceived in fome, whom 
 he had taken in for good hands, proving of 
 little ufe, nay, one of them rather a bur- 
 then. . In this gloomy time, through mer- 
 ciful help, I found a bleiTed fupport to my 
 mind, in humble confidence, that he who 
 is Lord of all (in whofe counfel I appre- 
 hended I was there) would conduct me fafe 
 to my outward habitation ; yet I was forry 
 for fuch an addition of work to the failors, 
 as we were obliged to keep one hand at lead 
 at the pump, night and day, all the paffage, 
 which was ftormy and rough, and very un- 
 pleafant to the body. The captain and paf- 
 fengers were very civil and obliging to me. 
 It was the iQth of the I2th month, before 
 we found ourfelves in foundings on the 
 Englim coaft. After we had failed a con- 
 fiderable way up the Channel, the wind 
 came a-head of us, fo that we beat about 
 therein for feveral days, and were once in 
 great danger of being (hipwrecked upon 
 the Ifland of Alderney. On the 25th of 
 the 1 2th month, in the evening, we put 
 
 into
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 425 
 
 Into the fafe port of Dartmouth. I then re- 
 folved to leave the mip, being about 230 
 miles from home, where I arrived the lafl 
 day of the year, 1766, having been upon 
 this journey one year and a half, lacking a 
 few days. I underftood it was fix or feven 
 weeks before the {hip arrived at London, 
 after I left her. 
 
 As I have already far exceeded in large - 
 nefs, what I intended to leave behind me 
 in the way of Journal, fo I mud forbear 
 adding much more ; yet may juft hint, that 
 in the year 1768, I went to the quarterly- 
 meetings of York, Kendal, and Lancafter. 
 I had divers other meetings in the North, 
 and, accompanied by my worthy friend 
 Samuel Fothergill, had feveral meetings 
 in North Wales, in town-halls, where none 
 under our name refided. I pafled afterwards 
 through a part of England, into South 
 Wales, and fo to Briitol ; from thence I 
 returned home ; having pafled through, in 
 England and Wales, about twenty-five 
 counties, and attended fixty-three meet- 
 ings, and travelled about 1016 miles. 
 
 In the 4th month, 1770, I fet out, ac- 
 companied by my wife, intending to be at 
 the circular yearly-meeting, to be held this 
 year at Ormfkirk, in Lancashire. We were 
 at Manchefler meetings on firft-day, and 
 attended a very large monthly-meeting on 
 the fecond-day following, at Warrington. 
 Truth and its teftimony was exalted, and had 
 E e great
 
 426 THE JOURNAL OF 
 
 great dominion therein, over libertine fpi- 
 rits, to the joy of the upright in heart. 
 The yearly-meeting before-mentioned be- 
 gan the 1 7th of the fame month, and held 
 three days : there was a very convenient 
 booth erefted for the purpofe, which, it 
 was thought, would accommodate 2000 
 people; yet it was not fufficient to contain 
 the numbers who came, fo that other meet- 
 ings were held out in the open air at the 
 fame time. The people in general behaved 
 with civility and refpect -, there was con- 
 fiderable opennefs, and the meetings were 
 well conducted. We returned from thence 
 homewards, taking Warrington meeting on 
 firft-day : the journey was very fatisfaftory, 
 the whole being about 488 miles. 
 
 In the year 1772, I went, in company 
 with my friends, Sarah and Deborah Morris, 
 of Philadelphia, to the yearly-meeting at 
 Briftol ; it was large, and divinely favoured. 
 I attended, this year, four other yearly-meet- 
 ings, to very good fatisfaftion and comfort, 
 viz. London, Colchefter, Woodbridge, and 
 Norwich, accompanied by my wife to the 
 laft four, as well as by the two friends 
 before-mentioned, who were in this na- 
 tion-upon a religious vifit. 
 
 Being now in the fixtieth year of my 
 age, and having laboured twelve or four- 
 teen years, at times, pretty much under 
 an afthmatick complaint, which has caufed 
 
 riding
 
 JOHN GRIFFITH. 427 
 
 riding to be frequently painful to the body, 
 which difficulty age is like to increafe, 
 I exped: therefore, travelling of any con- 
 fiderable journies will of courfe ceafe : 
 and having written fo much already, I here 
 intend to lay down my pen, committing 
 myfelf, and what is done, to the provi- 
 dence and bleffing of God, in whofe power 
 alone it is to grant patience, resignation, 
 and perfeverance, to his poor, helplefs fer- 
 vants, and an increafe of their gofpel la- 
 bours : So be it ! 
 
 FINIS.
 
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