our judgments have fixed. In every other action of life, the same reasoning takes place. If we do not endeavour to do that which is right in every particular circumstance, though trifling, we shall be in great danger of letting the same negligence take place, in matters more essential, and travel backwards all our lives, instead of experiencing that progressive state, which leads to a habitation, where care and sorrow never enter. We should keep a vigilant and strict watch over ourselves, knowing that the enemy of our souls has various temptations to present, and where he cannot influence to sins of commission, frequently leads the mind to those of omission, on whose heels the former are likely soon to tread; for we are gradually led on from the one to the other, and the mind, enslaved by indulgence, and unwilling to exert itself, is soon reduced to a sink of corruption, and can hardly be roused from such a state to a proper sense of duty, or animated to live such a life, as will alone lead to glory hereafter.

August 30th.-The comfortable reflection, that a watchful Providence regulates every event, and that nothing happens to us but for wise and good ends, greatly tends to

alleviate every earthly care, and prevent that anxiety, which would otherwise be the por

tion of mortals.

If sickness, or even death approach us in our near connexions, if prospects of various sorrows present themselves to our view, how calm is that mind whose dependance is on the Lord, who considers all the evils of this life, as things, that endure but for a moment; and that they may work "for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory!"* It is often the earnest desire of my soul, that I may receive every dispensation with thankfulness; and that my will may be so wholly subjected to the Divine will, as to be able to say, with sincerity of heart, "Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.”

If we feel that all is right within, why should outward events disturb our repose? If the afflictions we meet with, are not judgments for past transgressions, and to rouse us more to a performance of duty in future, yet the sorrows that encompass us may be designed to wean us from this sublunary world, and engage us to fix our affections on heavenly objects, and lay up for ourselves treasures, where no thief can steal.

* II Cor. iv, 17.

September 26th.-On Thursday, the 23d, I went to pay a visit to a young woman lately married, with whom I have had a long intimacy. Every thing around the new-married couple seemed to bespeak affluence, and the conveniences of this life were plentifully bestowed. Certainly, to have servants obedient to a call, and a carriage ready to attend, are agreeable conveniences; and such circumstances as allow the dealing around us with a liberal hand, afford pleasing sensations to those who are possessed of sensibility of heart. But is not this elevation, too often, productive of pride? For my own part, I should have reason to fear being raised to such a state. A degree of selfsufficiency, and thinking more highly of ourselves for these goods of fortune, (which, in reality, make us no better than our fellowcreatures,) is apt to take place in the mind, and few sufficiently consider themselves as only stewards, accountable to their great Lord and Master, for all the blessings he bestows.

A meaner state of life, when exempted from poverty, is generally less dangerous; and many things we are obliged to submit to in such a condition, tend to humble the mind, and keep it in subjection. In most scenes of

life, there are pleasures sufficient to make us wish its continuance; and feeling this to be the case, we ought not to be desirous of greater temporal happiness, or ardent in its pursuit, knowing the necessity of having our affections set on things that are above, and being redeemed from the love of the world. Here we have no continuing city; all around us is transient and fading. We are only as travellers hastening to our eternal home, and if the accommodations we may meet with on the road are not quite what we would wish, yet we shall shortly be free from the necessity of any of them; and we should consider, that if the conveniences of life were greater, we should be less apt to look forward to the end of our journey; and, centering in present happiness, might quit our short-lived habitations with more regret.

October 15th." In thy presence, O God, is fulness of joy, and at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."* In deep and awful silence, we are led to meditate on thy glorious kingdom, and feel ardent breathings of soul, that we may be made partakers of that blessed inheritance. Happy are those moments, in which we feel ourselves thus in* Psalm xvi. 11.

fluenced, and drawing near to thee in spirit, worship before thy throne in reverential awe. Most gracious Being, more and more animate me with a love of thee, and with fervent desires to feel my heart devoted to thy service. Strengthen, O Lord God, if it be thy will, the impressions of duty; rouse me from sloth and negligence to a diligent waiting upon thee, and a watchful care that all may be done to thy glory. Let not the enticing pleasures of a deluding world steal my heart from thee, my everlasting Father; but so strengthen my hands, that I may be willing to give up all at thy command, and knowing that neither father nor mother, husband nor children, are to be preferred before thee, run the race that thou hast appointed me with singleness of heart. O Lord God, Thou whose penetrating eye sees the inmost recesses of my soul, Thou knowest, that in the hours of serious reflection, I am desirous of serving thee above all, though in deep humility, and a feeling sense of my own weakness, I am led to lament that how to perform that which I will, I know not. Assist my feeble endeavours, O gracious Father, and uphold me by thy power; remove every weight and every burden, and grant that I may so live, while in this tabernacle of clay,