but what I have received. I am made truly conscious of my poverty and helplessness; this keeps me, perhaps, more sensible of my dependence than I should otherwise be; and creates, and keeps up, such a hungering and thirsting after larger measures of the Divine life, after God, and the possession of all his communicable fulness, as I cannot express. It mightily endears a Saviour to me: his suitability I so deeply feel, that my whole soul rests on him. Added to this, is the appointment, or at least, permission, by him who cannot err, of every possible modification of temptation; with a view, I doubt not, to promote the great and salutary purpose of drawing me more and more out of self, and sinking me deeper and deeper into Deity; till lost in the boundless ocean of love. But my receipts are so far short of my vast desires, that perhaps I am not always so thankful, or so sensible, as I ought to be, of what I have already received. My God is stilk most sensibly enforcing the necessity of living by simple faith; and indeed it is never better with me than when I do; every act brings in an increase. But the combined powers of darkness uniformly oppose this mode of living. I trust my gracious God will give me a fuller deliverance. Assist me with your prayers, till I obtain. I have at times such glorious views of sinking into Jehovah, and of what he is able to do for me, as I cannot explain; of such holy nearness to, and fellowship with Jesus, as is pleasing to experience: more especially, when considered VOL. II.

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as foretastes of what shall be shortly my perma nent experience. The Scriptures do so help, so strengthen and comfort, in all my various situations of soul, as is matter of great thankfulness. Forgive this minute detail.

I bless the Lord, who deals not only tenderly, but bountifully with you; and will, no doubt, in every case shew you the most excellent way. He calls at present for a costly sacrifice, which you will doubtless offer freely, upon that altar which sanctifies the gift.

I am pleased to hear that Mrs. G― still stands, and I hope you will remember me to her. Tell her, from me, that she is called, in a peculiar manner, in these very trying times, to stand firm, as a wall of brass, and as an iron pillar strong, in every difficulty. And thus, having endured temptation, she shall inherit the blessings annexed to the promises. I hope you will have wisdom given you from above; more and more be enabled to glorify your God, though in the fires; and increase daily in usefulness to his church and people.

I see that your present situation is both critical and difficult, and I endeavour to hold it up to your God daily, who has fitted you for it; and who will make you more than conqueror, through the blood of the Lamb. Go, then, thou servant of God, in his strength, and thy God will be with thee; and level every mountain, and raise every valley. He has given a large sphere of usefulness at this time, but satan will dispute every inch of ground: yet fear not; he shall fall

like Dagon before the ark; only be thou very courageous for the Lord thy God. Forgive the liberty of thus writing, but I feel pressed in spirit to do it. Remember the weakness of the writer, and, believe me, your friend in the best bonds, D. MAXWELL.

1794.

Diary and Correspondence continued.

January 3. The year 1793 is fled-it is numbered, and returned to him who gave it. Tell me, O my soul, what report has it carried with it as to thee? Could it say that it was thy constant desire and attempt to improve it for eternity?— for the glory of God, the good of thy fellowcreatures, and thy own best interest? What shall I say? O my God, if my heart do not deceive me, in a very low degree this has been the case. In all I have failed, but still at all this I have aimed. Upon a retrospect, I find much cause to thank my God, for mercies more in number than the hairs of my head, spiritual and temporal: for precious manifestations of Divine love and power; for various discoveries of the will of God; various teachings of the Holy Spirit, more especially respecting faith as to sanctification; and for much countenance in my attempt to live by

faith; for many remarkable and speedy returns to prayer for myself and others; for many interpositions in my behalf in troublesome cases, and perplexing business; for clear discoveries of the sacred Trinity-of the personality of the Holy Ghost; for much sweet fellowship with the Father, and the Son; for some little success in my feeble attempts to promote the spiritual good of others, especially Christians; for power to make many exertions, above my own strength, both in speaking, acting, and writing; for assistance in pecuniary matters, whereby I could more largely help others, &c. &e. When all these mercies, O my God, my wondering soul surveys, what humble, grateful love, should fill my heart!

March 7. Of a truth my God has been good to me since the 28th of February. On Sunday, I partook of the supper of the Lord, and upon the whole, the Lord was good to me; though not so much in the way of joy. On Monday evening, in public, the Lord Jesus surprised me with a glorious visit. With the Father also, I had fellowship; but the precious manifestation was in a more peculiar manner with the Son. For a long time past, my intercourse has been more sensibly with Jehovah himself; yet, through the medium of the Son: there is no other way of access to the Father. O how altogether lovely did Jesus appear! How inexpressibly sweet his love! Words fail to express either; but his presence, I may say, constitutes my heaven. In

'private, the same night, this goodness was repeated; and, through the week, my God seemed to bring and keep me near to himself; underneath, and around were spread the everlasting arms. But I feel surprised, and grieved, that I am not more remarkably changed into the Divine image, by those frequent and delightful manifestations of his love. O, my God, roll away my reproach in this respect! and enable me to the utmost, to take the mould Divine-for the glory of thy Name, the profit of my fellow-creatures, and the comfort of my own soul. O let every intermediate space be filled up with an increase of every grace of the Holy Spirit! Fears, as to public affairs, have increased, and yet liberty to plead with God concerning them continues. Lord God Omnipotent, arise and work for our safety; and O take not the gospel from us; permit us not to fall into cruel hands! Send a spirit of reformation and conversion plentifully down upon us, and stir up thy children to prayer.

April 11. The goodness of my God continues, with the addition of a keener edge on my spirit, to increase with all the increase of the Lord. On last Sabbath, a song of praise was put in my mouth. I felt rejoicing in my God in social prayer, and Christian conference. On Monday, Jehovah felt very nigh all day; yet I was exercised with painful temptations all the while. On Wednesday evening, it was a sweet time in public; and on Thursday, at home, my God disappointed my fears, and opened my mouth to