greatly estranged and wandered far; yet in unspeakable love the good Shepherd remembered me, when I had forgotten him days without number; and about the twenty-seventh year of my age he stretched forth his crook, and gently drew me back into his fold. How is my heart tendered with a sense of his goodness as I write, that he should preserve my life until he had brought me acquainted with himself, and shown me the joys of his salvation. May these things sink deep in my heart, frequently pondering how much I owe to the Lord."

I.

SECOND MONTH, 1792.

Suffered my mind to be ruffled and soured by some cross occurrences this morning; which, however, I strove to suppress, and believe it was not discovered by others; but that did not satisfy me, not feeling that sweet peace which I prize above every other enjoyment. I retired awhile, and, centering down out of the cumbers and cares which had perplexed, was favoured to feel something of that healing virtue, which now, as formerly, heals every malady, and alone restores peace and tranquillity within our borders.

2. A pretty comfortable day, and I hope not spent in vain. Agreeable tidings in the evening of some ministering friends likely to come this way; which humbled me under a sense of the goodness

of the Almighty, who had thus inclined their hears to visit this poor spot.

5. When I brought my deeds to the light in my silent sitting at meeting this morning, methought I discovered in myself an eye too quicksighted to the failings of others, and not enough so to my own; and begged that eye might be plucked out, with every thing that is of an offensive nature.

II. On a review of this day think I may venture to say it hath been usefully and profitably spent.

13. A bustling day, being that of Godalming fair, yet I endeavoured to keep my mind as much out of it as I could; and, finding a little leisure, took a solitary walk out of the noise and bustle; in which my mind was sweetly impressed with a lively sense of the many blessings I enjoyed beyond thousands. It melted me into tears, and my heart overflowed with gratitude to the bountiful Author of them to one so unworthy. The day being very fine, and these impressions rendering my walk truly delightful, it was with reluctance I quitted the tranquil spot for the hurry and noise of the

town.

17. I found it hard work this morning at meeting to keep my poor weak mind from roving hither and thither, nor could I find a resting place, though I sought it with many tears, till near the conclusion, when I got more stayed, and felt a degree of sweetness cover my mind.

23. Rose this morning a little after two o'clock to watch with my dear uncle Kidd, who having several fine sleeps, I was desirous of improving this season of solemn quiet to my own advantage, by repairing to the inexhaustible fountain of all effectual help, feeling afresh my inability to do any thing aright, even to direct my own thoughts; for alas! are they not evil continually unless preserved under, the pure influence of his holy fear? O, that my soul might be arrayed therewith as with a garment, to defend it from the various assaults of an unwearied enemy. unwearied enemy. My mind sweetened and refreshed by this opportunity.

24. In our little silent gathering to-day my mind was replenished with celestial showers, yea, I was enamoured with the goodness and loving kindness of God, thus extended to the meanest of his works. What an unspeakable favour, that we finite creatures, should, while in the body, be permitted to feel in degree the weight of that glorious crown which is reserved for those that hold out to the end; but these seasons are rare, and intended doubtless to animate our faith; not that, we should tabernacle here, but press forward for the mark: O may I move on in fear and humility, and so witness preservation in heights as well as in depths.

THIRD MONTH, 1792.

4. When I sat down in meeting this morning a prayer arose in my heart, that I might be pre

served from forming to myself any likeness or image, and that I might be enabled to worship the living God in spirit and in truth, which petition, I trust, was measurably granted. The afternoon I thought rather heavy, yet not altogether uninstructive, it being shown me that there is but one path which leads to life. Oh, what need then of encreasing watchfulness!

5. Though by no means an idle day, yet I let trifling thoughts put by my retiring awhile to feel after a renewal of strength. Felt uneasy at this omission on going to bed, nor could I give sleep to mine eyes, till I had humbled myself before the Almighty, and craved the continuance of his fatherly protection.

8 & 9. Comfortable as to the outward: when that is the case I have often had to remark the enemy is most busy with his assaults; yet by frequently retiring inward to Him, whose name is a strong tower, I hope he hath not prevailed so as to destroy the good seed of the kingdom: strong have been my cries to the Lord that he would be pleased to preserve me from this devourer.

II.

11. A searching time this morning at meeting. Oh, how did I desire that every unclean thing might be brought forth and slain: that nothing might be spared, which was appointed for destruction; that the temple of my heart being made clean, the Lord might delight to take up his abode there! I felt his love afresh extended towards me; and my soul was prostrated before

him under a sense of his matchless goodness, and my own unworthiness.

14. Was thankful to feel a wrong disposition corrected. O, may I ever attend to the secret reproofs of this divine Instructor, who would assuredly lead out of all error and guide me into all truth; but, alas, how often do I miss my way, for want of a more steady adherence thereto; and so multiply crosses and difficulties, which more watchfulness might prevent!

23. My mind affected this morning with the account of the dangerous illness of a relation, who, I fear, is not fully prepared for the solemn change; and the prayer of my heart was, that she might be spared a little longer; in hopes she might improve so great a mercy to her everlasting benefit.

24. Felt weak and poor in my solitary sitting to-day, yet no room for repining, believing it my due, having idled away several hours before in frivolous reading.

27. The quarterly meeting at Alton; which I believe was a season of renewed favour to many minds: but being indisposed with head-ache, and meeting with many Friends, unsettled my mind.. I found it hard work to keep on the watch, so that I partook but in a small degree of divine good: yet in the meeting for discipline, was sweetly tendered at the reading of the testimony concerning dear Mary Merryweather; and living desires arose in my mind to that gracious Power, which had preserved her through the vicissitudes of time,