ties:" on the contrary, in all our afflictions he is afflicted. An earthly friend may, and does feel for us, yet often cannot relieve us; Jesus, on the contrary, not only sympathizes with us, but supports, upholds, and comforts us; and the very moment that deliverance is proper, he gives it. What a strong argument this for entire resignation to every dispensation of providence and grace. O may our hearts at all times sweetly acquiesce in all the holy will of God respecting ourselves, and those with whom we stand closely connected! His smile creates our day:

"In darkest shades if Christ appear,

Our dawning is begun."

I have felt a little of this of late tried for some days with severe conflicts, the fiery darts of the enemy were keenly pointed. In these very trying seasons we feel what poor helpless creatures we are how soon we should be utterly destroyed if left to grapple with our spiritual foes in our own strength. O how precious is a Saviour then! In tender mercy he drew near, rebuked the adversary, and smiled upon me. May he enable us, in every temptation, to look to him and over

come.

My soul strongly breathes after more of his mind and image, and for power to promote his cause and kingdom. I feel but as a babe in him, but do long, night and day, for the strength of a father. O to possess every purchased blessing!

I long also to hear of the prosperity of your soul. You have long walked through a wilder3

ness of trials and temptations. O that he now would bring you into a wealthy place! "Pray without ceasing," and do not faint, though an answer is not speedily given. The Lord will come in his own time, and rebuke the adversary for your sake, and your path shall be as "the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." I hope you will receive good accounts of your brother. Cast all your care upon God; and believe me ever,

Your affectionate parent in the Lord, D.M."

She thus concludes the year :—

31. I have been much drawn to secret prayer to-day, and spent more time in it than usual; avoiding every unnecessary avocation, and even some that were otherwise, in order to give myself wholly to prayer and spiritual exercises. I have found sweetness, and inward liberty; though the adversary was very busy, trying every method to intercept me. I do not prove all the power of prayer I wish, but I have certainly felt more of it these last eighteen months than in any former period. I wish to pray without ceasing. I see the necessity of praying always, and not fainting: but I find hope deferred fatigues the mind, and wearies the spirit. Yet I feel, through grace, determined to pray on, till I have it to say, not one word has failed of all that the Lord has spoken concerning me. Upon a retrospect of this year, now come to an end, I find I have

infinite cause to praise the Lord, much more so than I supposed, when, some days ago, I was consulting only my present feelings. It is melancholy to think how soon a sense of the Lord's goodness dies away from the soul, even after the strongest manifestations of his love. Lord, what is man that thou shouldest shew kindness to him! How ungrateful, insensible, unfaithful, and unprofitable. Yet still thou art good: but thou knowest whereof he is made, and rememberest he is but dust. O, how do I long to feel sovereign grace triumphing over all my weakness, ignorance, unbelief, fear, yea, every thing, that is contrary to the will of my God. Since January, 1783, the Father of Mercies has several times appeared in my behalf in a remarkable manner; in public, private, and secret indeed, times

without number, but more especially on three different occasions; twice at his own table, and once in secret. What consolation did he pour into my soul! With what communion with himself did he favour me, immediately before I was visited with a severe trial! Words cannot, may silence speak his praise. Some months after that, how wonderfully did he condescend to explain the dispensations of his providence and grace toward me, when they were so mysterious I could not understand them, and had well nigh sunk in the mire of despondency: but he took me out of that horrible pit, set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. Then was I made to ride

upon my high places for months, till again, through the power of temptation, the remains of unbelief, and the subtle workings of the adversary of souls, I was driven to extremity. Again Jehovah, who "sits above the water-floods, and remaineth King for ever," spoke to my soul with Divine power, and the mountains melted down. He condescended to tell me what he was doing, and what he would do, and how much I was mistaking his dealings with me. Amazing goodness! O to be humble, and thankful! Here again my head was lifted up above my foes, and I was made to triumph over those who threatened to lead me captive. When stretched upon a bed of sickness, O how did my God disappoint my fears, and exceed my expectations! My mind, which on these distressing occasions, used to be painfully languid, and often the seat of inexpressible fears, was refreshed with a sense of the Divine presence, and raised above the present affliction; and my lips, which used to be closed in these trying seasons, were opened to speak the praises of him who dealt so kindly with me. But time would fail to tell of all the instances of the goodness of my God, during the last twelve months; and not to me only, but to others also, with whom I stand nearly connected to some, by the ties of nature; to others, by those of grace. Suffice it to say, that he hath done all things well; and that eternity alone can bring to light, or make sufficiently known, all his goodness to VOL. II.

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me. With my soul, and all that is within me, I desire to bless and magnify his holy name;

Amen.

"To praise him for all that is past,

And trust him for all that's to come."

1785.

Diary and Correspondence continued.

January 12. Very frequently I have taken up my pen to give expression to my complainings; but now, I would indite thanks and praises to my God for his goodness. I entreated him to usher in the year with his blessing, and he has granted my request. He is a God of mercy: blessed are all those who put their trust in hinı. He gives me to know more and more that he is the hearer of prayer. On Sabbath last, I had an opportunity to renew my covenant engagement to the Lord, by sitting down at his table. While uniting in prayer with the great congregation, the Lord Jesus drew nigh, brought with him unutterable peace, and shed a heavenly serenity throughout my soul: this increased upon sitting down at the sacred table, and continued the.