May this renewed favour excite to more vigilance and circumspection, for surely the Lord looketh for fruit proportionable to labour bestowed.

9. A day I think profitably spent as to action, and I trust my mind pretty much preserved from "hurtful things; yet am truly desirous that every motive may be brought under the purifying operations of truth.

14. Answered my dear father impatiently. Surely I, who have so many weaknesses of my own, ought to bear with patience those of an aged parent.

16. Too unguarded in my conversation, speaking censoriously of an absent person, not enough keeping in view the golden rule of doing as I would be done by. O, for more watchfulness that I might escape condemnation, yet am thankful to feel the reproyer near. May he never leave or forsake me.

21. Hastened to Alton to see my dear sister Lettice; found her rather better again, but in the evening she altered for the worse, and a trying night succeeded; she was for a considerable time speechless and convulsed; but after awhile, reviving, called us separately to her, and took an affecting farewell; saying as she pressed us with fervour to her bosom, it was like rending her asunder, and that it seemed, from the nearness she felt for us," as though she could drink in our "spirits." She gave much advice to the servants, respecting their care of the dear children, begging

them not to leave them to strangers; adding "Oh "how they cling around my heart!"

22. A most trying day: my beloved sister's pain excruciating; but getting easier towards evening we ventured to go to bed, as she requested it.

24.

Called up between three and four o'clock this morning, my dear sister altering for the worse, and as we apprehended dying: yet the all-wise. Disposer of events, who cannot err, though to us his ways are unsearchable and past finding out, did not see meet to finish the work: she again revived a little, and took nourishing things. In the evening sitting in silence round her bed, our minds were made sensible of the overshadowing wing of heavenly love, when a friend was engaged in supplication by the bed-side: soon after this, the dear suffering creature was deeply tried with a severe conflict of spirit, fearing the hope she had entertained was not well grounded, which was very exercising to our minds, when these words. [alluding to Isaiah liv. 8.] sprang livingly in my mind, and also in my brothers, "for a moment I "hid my face from thee, but with everlasting "kindness will I return unto thee," which was a relief to us, although she was permitted to struggle with her fears for some time: but after awhile. broke out thus O, praise the Lord, I shall now 'soon have to rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Oh, the peace that I feel, it passes 'all understanding! O, sing praises, sing praises

To feel this rock, at such a time, how comfortable, &c.'

25. Sister Lettice lay pretty quiet most of the day; in the afternoon asking her to have a little wine, she said, "No, my dear sister, no more wine, till I drink the new wine.' Was nearly cold for several hours, yet again revived.

26. A dull quarterly meeting-day, several afflictive events rendering it unusually small; and all of us engaged in the solemn employment of watching round the dying bed of my beloved sister, who could not clearly articulate, yet made us sensible of her wants, and frequently prayed to be released; which awful event took place about five o'clock in the evening, leaving on our minds no doubt of her glorious change from pain anď sorrow to everlasting joy and rejoicing: which administered to us, who had seen her inexpressible sufferings, rather cause of humble thankfulness than excessive mourning; though we painfully felt the separation.

29. The remains of my beloved sister interred; and cannot but acknowledge it a favour that we had the company of some valuable friends on this solemn occasion, particularly dear Job Scott, whose company was truly acceptable.

FOURTH MONTH, 1793.

I. Our quarterly meeting (at Guildford).

Dear Job Scott bestowed much labour. May the fruits appear after many days. I was enabled to

get through the business of the meeting as clerk, to my humble admiration.

4.

I trust, amidst

my

manifold weaknesses as

a creature, I still love the appearance

of our.

blessed Redeemer, however small and lowly; either as a reprover or comforter. May I ever cherish it as the best of blessings.

10.

A fatiguing day; yet think, in the evening, I might have found time for retirement, if I had not been lukewarm. Content not thyself, O my soul, with making this remark, but be willing to abide under condemnation.

H. What an inestimable favour that there is, to this day, a Bethesda, for the Lord's children to repair to and wash; that they may feel their health renewed as from day to day!

14. Seasons of conflict between nature and grace, both in the morning and afternoon meetings; yet trust I may add, with thankfulness, that the latter prevailed in some degree. Oh, how was my poor mind tossed from wave to wave!

16. Too much outward in my mind, and dwelling on things unprofitable; but, retiring. awhile in the evening, have endeavoured, with divine assistance, to shake myself a little from earthly desires, and to cast my whole care on Him who hath hitherto blessed me; indeed far beyond. my deserts. Oh, the sweet peace which I feel when enabled to repose all my cares on him!

every anxious thought subsides. O, that I could dwell in this quiet habitation: but alas, how great is my instability!

23. How beautiful does the outward creation appear! What resemblance does my soul bear to it? I trust there is a little greenness, which is a sign of life at the root; though I doubt but little fruit. O, that encreasing faithfulness may appear.

24. Felt a wrong disposition rising this even ing, but was enabled to suppress it: envy at hearing the praise of another, at which I ought to rejoice; and I hope I now do; at least, I desire to do it.

30. Another busy morning, and the afternoon spent in visiting some relations; and though far from unprofitable company, yet I always find visiting about dissipates the mind.

FIFTH MONTH, 1793.

1. Was at the week-day meeting [at Alton]. this morning, in which I trust the watch was in a good degree maintained; yet think I scarcely ever remember a more exercising time; a sigh and a tear seemed all I could offer.

3. Came home. My poor thirsty soul abundantly replenished this morning, in our week-day meeting, with celestial rain. It is, I trust, with a degree of humble gratitude, that I make this remark. May I ever be enabled to number the