the conquest; when my countenance is smooth and serene none but God knows what a rough heart it shadows; found the battle was the Lord's, Dined with Mr. W-d at Mr. Sowden's, occasional conversation caused most of us to weep, my memory will always retain the subject; rode with Mr. W-d to Mr. Cd, a back-slider from the truth once he rejoiced in, how is he now filled with his own ways.'

39

"TUESDAY 8.-Dined with Mr. Whitefield at Mrs. Herritage's with some of Lady Huntingdon's friends, conversation profitable. Mr. Whitefield's remark was, • God always makes use of strong passions for a great work.' He wept bitterly in prayer, and in which the whole company was moved."

"THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15.-Was much relieved from my late burden, though much tempted to doubt of the perpetuity of God's love, but was enabled to commit my way unto the Lord, expecting he will bring it to pass.".

"FRIDAY 16.-Much of this day was spent in sorting my letters. I think myself happy in enjoying so many valuable correspondents. Oh that I may follow them as they follow Christ. In the evening visited my sister-in-law, whom I found in dying circumstances, but without any apparent knowledge of God.

Prayed with her, and attempted to converse with her, but flesh failed."

"MONDAY 26.-This morning rose between six and seven, but poorly in body, comfortable in my soul. After breakfast walked with Mr. Hd to chapel; conversed part of the way of the things of God, much to my comfort.Preached from His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor.', My soul was much at liberty, Dined with Mr. Whitefield, and was enlivened by the table talk. Mrs. Sparks' relation of her experience, was of great use to me, and taught me how easily God could pull down every thought that exalteth itself."

From another diary begun 1775,

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13.-This day I left Lancaster, was in much weakness; many trials and many temptations I have been laboring under for five months; our parting was solemn and affecting, Lord grant the seed sown may bring forth fruit to thy glory.Preached a farewel discourse at Garstang, had liberty in my soul. Text Matthew xxv. 6." "WEDNESDAY EDNESDAY 14-After a comfortable lodging at Billsborough, and much edifying discourse with the family, proceeded to the Field, and preached at night from Acts xx. 32. It was a time of refreshment to my soul. Poor

t

Rparted with grief; I was much affected. Blessed be God, we have a prospect of a glorious meeting by and by."

"SATURDAY 16.-Was much interrupted in study this day; had many agreeable interviews with friends, but in the evening found my spirits low, and my mind very languid; O Lord quicken me according to thy word."

"SUNDAY 17.-This day has been a day of fat things; spiritual blessings multiplied on me abundantly. Mr. Medley's morning and evening sermons were a great comfort to me. I preached in the afternoon, but alas, though not altogether without help, how lifeless when compared with what I read. O that I may have a more growing acquaintance with my bible, and a more experimental knowledge of the great truths it reveals."

MONDAY 25.-This has been a day of continual hurry; very lifeless in preaching, both at Hardwick and Wem; my body faint and weak, my mind continually agitated, every thing seems gloomy. I am in a straight whe'ther to settle or continue an itinerant; I fear to take another step. Lord direct me."

"SATURDAY 30.-Studied the Hebrew scriptures much this day, together with the English. Wrote letters and prepared for the pulpit; in

general was refreshed, but towards night felt an awful gloom come upon my mind from considering the state of our colonies. If they are ruined, are not we the cause? Lord! the sin is ours'. Pardon us, and pity them."

"SUNDAY 31.-Awoke this morning with a frame suitable to the close of the year; found it good to draw near to the Lord; heard my old friend Mr. H at Shawbury church, from Psalm xc. 12; it was a rousing sermon, profitable to my soul. I preached at Hardwick at night, with more liberty than usual. Some conversation passed with Mrs. Powis, and I retired to bed in much serenity of mind. O that I may begin the new year with a new heart, and renewed in the spirit of my mind." "SATURDAY, JANUARY 6.-Came to Wem, found my soul in a spiritual frame, enjoyed liberty in family prayer, but barren in private prayer. Retired to bed in much weakness of body; Oh that my soul may be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might."

"MONDAY 8.-Slept little and very bad. In the night rose very poorly; spent the morning in reading and writing to Mr. Scott.Came to Whitchurch in the afternoon, a bad day to ride in, but the Lord was my preserver. At night he proved very gracious to me, by

giving me much light, life, and liberty while speaking from Isaiah xii. 3, 6. How pleasant it is to work for God, when God is with us in our work."

"SATURDAY 20.-Found myself dull and stupid a great part of the day. Was much in retirement, read the scriptures in the original, and closed the day with a sweet calm on my soul. Had never a more lively faith in Jesus, and a more heartfelt sense of his love."

FRIDAY 25.-After spending the day in company with many friends, I walked to Hardwicke, pretty comfortable in my soul. 1 dropped an inadvertent word this day, that much grieved me. What need have we to say set a watch, O Lord, over my lips."

"SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4.Sorely beset with my own heart. O how hard a matter to get into a spiritual frame. I am a teacher of others, and have much to learn myself. Through mercy was able to pay close attention to Mr. Moody's sermon, text Cant. i. 7. I preached twice with some liberty, the more to be remarked in the evening, because I went into the pulpit very sapless in my own mind. In my evening retirement was much struck with that part of Gurnal's Christian Armour, which treats of human learning, necessary furniture, levity to