years neglected, and now perform so unworthily. Prayer is the breath of faith.

Oh, I am

Yet what

"Jan. 7. Surprised by a letter from Hannah More, to invite me to succeed Mr. Drewitt, at Cheddar, or to recommend a curate. unworthy, could it be brought about. a field to act upon. Lead me, O God, to that which is right. Shall I make any overtures to remove there or not? It has filled me with mingled contemplation and solicitude. Is it a call from God, or ought I rather to do his work here? Direct my heart, O God, from doubts and wanderings, into thy paths.

66

-8, Sunday. Snow and sleet. How cold are my affections! like this season. Warm my heart, O Lord! till it burn with the flames of devotion. Compose my thoughts into holy meditation, and let not the events of the day destroy them.

"Preached on the Epiphany, and on Christ among the doctors in the temple.

My heart heavy in reflecting how unworthy I am to think ever of succeeding Mr. Drewitt : to be placed in such a parish, with such neighbours and friends as that country would afford, might be an unspeakable benefit to me and my dear M-; but I hardly dare think of it. Lord, direct me for the best. I am a poor, weak, irresolute, sinful creature; without thee, I can do nothing.

"Jan. 10. What an awful idea is eternity: am I prepared to encounter it? 'Oh, spare me a little, that I may recover my strength before I go hence, and be no more seen!' Settle my opinions stedfastly, and above all, my affections on thyself, O Lord! Have mercy on the dear children whom thou hast given me, and may I give them back unto thee in Jesus Christ, their and my Saviour. I fear I have not taught N. all I ought, and of which he is capable. Let me lay this to heart, and recommend him to God in prayer.

"Much perplexed what to say to Mrs. More. Surely if vanity wanted food, it is here,-to be solicited by a Hannah More to supply the place of a Drewitt ! But a sense of unworthiness, thank God, represses emotions like these.

"-11. Much indisposed by a very severe cold; but alas! how much more sick in the inner man. I have nearly finished this month's portion for the Christian Observer.' May I grow daily more diligent, pious, and wise unto salvation, through God's blessing on my studies. 13. Better in body: I thank thee, O God; but there is much in my mind that wants healing. Oh! thou Redeemer of souls, and physician of hearts, purchase me entirely to thyself, and heal my diseases. I have sent off my packet to the 'Christian Observer.' The world fights against me, the flesh within me, and Satan both within and without. How shall I conquer, but in Christ

Jesus Help me to prepare, O Lord, for the service of thy sanctuary; and direct me to such thoughts and words as shall edify my hearers, and reach my own heart to a good purpose.

“Jan. 14. One fortnight more, and I shall be thirty-two in years by nature, but how old in grace? Sloth, detested sloth, how does it injure my advancement! Would to God I might now break all bonds, and fly in heart and soul to the possession of my God. There are moments when all heaven seems open before me; and others, when I tremble over the pit of sorrows.

"C 15. The sabbath is ended. I preached on the reason why Christ delivered his doctrine in parables; Matt. xiii. 10, 11. At Yaverland, read the Homily on the time and place of prayer. Went to Arreton; my excellent though humble friend, J. W. was there. I pray God I might sit at his feet in the kingdom of heaven: I know no other such Christian here. Would to God I were like him. I found much comfort with my society. Returned in thunder, lightning, and rain. Thought of death and of judgment. Oh, awful meditation! Let me examine my heart on its faith, hope, and love. Help me, O God! to pray; and so may thy blessing rest on me and mine.

"16. Another week and another mercy. Oh, teach me to number my days, that I may apply my heart unto wisdom.' Why am I alive? Why have I space to repent, when so many are

cut off? Who makes me to differ, either in outward or inward circumstances? Oh, my Lord and my God! to thee I owe every thing; yea, myself also. Let me then speedily pay the debt. "What method shall I take to cure my spiritual slothfulness? There must be a struggle and agony,-heaven must be taken with violence.

Day after day elapses.-Oh, time! oh, eternity! In spite of sorrows, calms and relaxations sometimes steal on me. Let me not deceive myself with a false peace. Sometimes I am tempted to doubt whether I am a real Christian. O teach me, my God, to answer this question with a right conscience.

"Jan. 17. I feel much uneasiness at not making more progress in the right way. The unfruitful tree shall be cut down and burned. Have mercy on me, and all my family, according to thy goodness, O Lord! Help me to form a right judgment, bind my affection to the truth, and so let my life shew it forth. Often, as my birth-day approached, have I made resolutions of a new life; but there has always been an enemy within and without, to prevail against me.

"Much pleased with Dr. Jackson, on the Catholic church,-a curious and beautiful mean between Arminianism and high Calvinism. Give me a firm and resolute heart, O'God! even such an one as thou wilt accept.

"Wrote to Hannah More, dubiously. Lord, direct me to choose for the best.

"Jan. 18. This day, with thy blessing, I shall go to feed my sheep at Bembridge. Grant me to do so with a faithful and a single heart. I always look upon that society as a humble ground for hope that the Lord means to do good through me; yet how often do I perform that duty with slothfulness. Give me, O God, more will, and strength, and grace, and power, and blessing, and success; and teach me to judge (if it so please thee) by the state of my people, of my own. Provide Cheddar with a successor to Drewitt, after thine own heart; and increase the number of true pastors, and of true sheep in thy pasture. 19. How vain are all attempts to find peace in aught but the Gospel! How the world steals upon the mind, and usurps the throne of God. Video meliora proboque, deteriora sequor.' Make me more discreet and considerate in the management of my property. Let justice and generosity be equally and forcibly remembered. I find my prayers languid and lukewarm to-day. Why is this? The fault must lie within.

"-20. Little Mary in a very high fever; Nugent beginning to have one. Teach me so to bear these trials, that they may be truly profitable unto me.

"24. Let me impress on my mind the value