me with an unusual measure of bodily health, and, blessed be his Name, not a small measure of inward peace. In family mercies he has abounded towards me, and given me all my heart's desire. In creature fellowship also, he has given me many a refreshing stream: and he has given me to taste in my own mind, also, the sweetness of his promises, manifesting himself unto me as he does not unto the world. Sometimes he has condescended to bring me into his banqueting house, and his banner over me has been love; and this, I can clearly discover, is his gracious design in many an event that relates to me. All the measures of Providence concerning me have been wisely and graciously designed, to direct my heart into his love, and to bring me to live by faith on his promises. I have been one while flattered with creature smiles, and then been made to find my expectations vain. I have been threatened with creature frowns, but the blast of the terrible ones has been like a storm against a wall; terrible to see and hear, but no injury was sustained. In a sovereign way God has rescued me from the world, carried me above it, borne me as the unfledged bird on the wings of his omnipotence, and brought me out of the reach of evil, near to himself. How much of his wisdom, his grace, his power, and his truth, have I to review! Truly the Lord is good: how much has he granted ine! I seem to myself placed in an earthly paradise and while I see one favourite plant withered

or removed, blessed be his Name, he is pleased to enable me to make up the want of it in himself. His mercy and condescension have abounded as creature comforts have failed. In one particular instance, I have lately met with painful disappointment, and in it I have seen most clearly the vanity of the creature it has led my soul to wait only upon God; who, blessed be his Name, has not withheld the manifestations of his love.

In other respects, I have found the uncertainty of creature friendship; but, Lord, "whom have I on earth but thee?" O that I could serve thee with more singleness of heart, and with increased fervour! Blessed be his Name, he hath enlarged my heart, and made me willing to "endure hardness" in his service. I have not consulted with flesh and blood: his service is truly my delight, and it is made the more pleasant to me, by what I experience of his presence with me. My soul is often made joyful in the work he assigns me; and often have I been led to conclude from what I find in my own soul, that, amidst all discouraging appearances, there is good done which I am not particularly acquainted with. Blessed be his Name, that some of his own children are fed; and there is some shaking among the dry bones; and if but one soul be saved in the Lord, through the ministry of the least of his servants, why should I complain? The will of the Lord be done! Amen.

1804.

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Dec. 14.-Another revolving year have I passed here below; a year crowned with mercies. how great is thy goodness which thou hast wrought for me! Vanity I have found inscribed on the creature in various instances to which my expectations have been directed; but thou hast far exceeded my most sanguine hopes: and while my expectations have been exceeded, my fears have been disappointed:

not one thing has failed of all that thou the Lord hast promised." All my dear children I see provided for as to this life, and choosing that better part which can never be taken from them; united in the dearest earthly bonds with those who fear God; pursuing together a better country, even an heavenly. Thus He is also making me to rejoice in hope. Often has it been the grief of my heart, that I could render no more unto the Lord. O to feel my soul more alive and fervent, more sincere, upright, and determined; but alas, my divided heart! When shall my dearest affections centre wholly in God? I have had my conflicts; and sometimes my heart has bled, and I have cried, I know not what to do! "but mine eyes are up unto Thee."

Once and again the Lord hath girded me with strength unto the battle, and bid me not be afraid. Well I remember one particular time of distressful anxiety, when, by means of a dream, the Lord "strengthened me with strength in my soul." In my

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multiplied beyond what, to human apprehension, was ever. probable; but oh, my mercies! they are more than can be numbered! They are great beyond expression: they are not only dropped down from the hand of God; they proceed, I trust, from his heart of love: they are the fruits of his purpose and grace from all eternity: they are springs of fresh consolation here, and pledges of joys unbounda ed and eternal! Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that "thou hast brought me hitherto?" A comfortable measure of bodily health, the pleasures of friendship, and every needfut earthly good provided for me and mine! These are no inconsiderable mercies: but a good hope, through grace, of eternal salvation, respecting myself, my dear partner, and all my dear children; these are mercies indeed! "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit shall rejoice in God my Saviour!" "Truly, O Lord, thou hast done well for thy servant, according to thy word." I asked wisdom for myself and mine, and thou hast given it me, even long life for evermore. It is now many years since I embraced thy promises, I trust, with my whole heart; and those promises have not been like a deceitful brook unto me. No: they have been a refreshing and neverfailing spring: they have been my shield and buckler. In the darkness of affliction, they have been my cheering lamp and my supporting staff; my faithful companion, and my song: and sometimes, in prosperity, they have added a sweetness of assurance to

all my creature enjoyments, and shone upon me with a brightness that exceeds the utmost glory of the world. And now, blessed be God, full of days, full of experience, and full of hopes, I seem to feel as the Israelite of old, appearing before the Lord with the joy of salvation in his heart, and the basket of first fruits on his head. His heart, no doubt, was often warmed with gratitude and love, when he stood and said: "I profess before the Lord, that I am come into the land which the Lord our God promised to our fathers." I trust God has been pleased to furnish me also with first fruits; the first fruits of the Spirit in my own soul, and in the souls of those who are very near and dear to me. I would stand ready with a mind prepared to present myself and my all a willing sacrifice unto the Lord, and gratefully acknowledge and profess I am come to the land of promise, and my dear family with me; and it is a goodly heritage. Lord, thou hast graciously remembered me and mine with the favour that thou bearest to thy people! Oh! it is mercy; it is great mercy! What shall a poor worthless creature say?

Thy favours, Lord, surprise my soul.

O to be bound fast, and to be for ever bound, to thee and to thy service! O to be more alive for God! to be emptied of sin, of self, of the world; and to have every power alive to thee, and every desire at rest in thee !-Blessed be God! I hope he