comfort. I am never better than when I am on the full stretch for God. God grant I may not, like Jehu, drive furiously at first, and afterwards fall back; but, forgetting those things which are behind, may I reach out to those things that are before, and press forwards towards the mark, for the prize of my high calling in Christ Jesus! Methinks I hear my dear friends say silently, Amen. And may the great God say so too.

Monday, March 6. Had near, if not more than a hundred at morning exposition; and it being the last day of my sojourning at Gibraltar, many came to me weeping, telling me what God had done for their souls, desiring my prayers, and promising me theirs in return. Others both gave and sent me tokens of their love, as cakes, figs, wine, eggs, and other necessaries for my voyage, and seemed to want words to express their affection. The good Lord note their kindnesses in his book, and reward them a thousand fold!

About twelve, went to the church, according to appointment, and made a farewell exhortation, as God gave me utterance, to a great number of weeping soldiers, women, &c.; after which we kneeled down, and having recommended each other to the care of God, I left them, went and took my leave of the two generals; visited the confined prisoner; dined at a gentlewoman's house of the town; left nearly fifty letters to be sent to England; and about four, went on board, accompanied to the sea-side with nearly two hundred soldiers, women, officers, &c., who all sorrowed at my departure, and wished me good luck in the name of the Lord. Surely I may now expect greater success abroad, having such an addition of intercessors in my behalf. O Lord, put their tears into thy bottle, and let their cry come unto thee.

Sampson's riddle has been fulfilled at Gibraltar Out of the eater came forth meat; out of the strong came forth sweetness. Who more unlikely to be wrought upon than soldiers? and yet I have not been amongst any set of people, where God has made his power more to be known. Many that were quite stark blind, have

VOI. VI.

received their sight; many that have fallen back, have repented, and turned unto the Lord again; many that were ashamed to own Christ openly, have waxen bold; and many that were saints have had their hearts filled with joy unspeakable, and full of glory. This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes. May he give a blessing to the books dispersed amongst them, and perfect the good work begun in their hearts, till the day of our Lord Jesus! May they be my joy and crown of rejoicing at the last day; and may God's mercies to me in every place make me more humble, more zealous, more thankful, and more steady to do or suffer whatever my dear Redeemer hath allotted for me. Into his hands I commend my spirit, as into the hands of an all powerful preserver.

About five came on board, and was gladly received by my flock, whom I hope to love better for being a little absent from them. Interceded and gave thanks, as usual, at night on deck; and was pleased that I was again retired from the world. It rained much, but that made us the more fervent. Water us, O Lord, we beseech thee, with the dew of thy heavenly benediction!

Tuesday, March 7. Went and conversed with, and dispersed some books amongst the soldiers that we took from Gibraltar. Three of them belonged to one of the societies, and desired with some others to come with me in our ship. God sanctify my ministry unto them! Most of the rest are of the Scots church, but seem very willing to conform. What a pity is it, Christ's seamless coat should be rent in pieces on account of things in themselves purely indifferent!

At dinner we were likely to be struck against by the man of war; but God had mercy on us, commanded the wind to shift about, and delivered us out of so great a danger. Oh, that we may show forth our thankfulness, not only with our lips, but in our lives! How ought creatures to live who are every moment liable to be hurried away by death to judgment !

This day we set sail from Gibraltar. At first the wind was fair, but afterwards blew contrary, which made both

me and many others sick. I should have wondered if God had not sent me a thorn in the flesh, after such abundant success. May I learn to suffer, as well as to do thy will, O God!

Wednesday, March 8. Had a useful conference with one who was an instrument, under God, of introducing me at Gibraltar, and who, I trust, will make a devout centurion. Grant this, Holy Father, for thy dear Son's sake!

Finished my exposition on the creed in the great cabin, and did my other duty in the ship, as usual. The wind blew hard, and God sent abroad his lightning great part of the day. J. D., friend H., and myself also, were sick, but not so as to prevent our intercession for absent friends. Whatever befalls me, O God, may I never forget their works and labour of love. As yet, blessed be God, they are always on my mind, and I bear them on my heart whensoever I go in and out from before the Lord. And nothing does and will support me more under all crosses, than the hopes of seeing them grown in grace when I return to England. O God prepare me for so great a blessing!

Gave myself, as much as my indisposition of body would give me leave, to the word of God and prayer; and was much affected with what is said of Hezekiah, 2 Chron. xxxii. 25, that because he rendered not again, was not thankful enough for the great things God had done for him, he was permitted to fall through the pride of his heart. Alas! what danger am I in of sharing the same fate! O, my friends, cry mightily unto God, that no such evil come upon me.

Thursday, March 9. Married a couple on deck. I endeavoured to give them a suitable exhortation after the solemnity was over, and hope this couple will call Christ to their marriage. It is through a neglect of this that we have so few happy matches.

The contrary wind still continuing, my sea-sickness increased; so that I was obliged to omit reading prayers to the soldiers, and go to bed sooner than usual. I

find this sickness will purge my body, and hope, through grace, it will purify my soul. Every branch that beareth fruit, says Christ, my father purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. May that scripture this day be fulfilled in my heart!

Friday, March 10. My bodily indisposition still increased; there was a great storm without, but, blessed be God, a calm within. Sometimes, indeed, my will would inwardly rebel, which plainly showed me what a distance I was from God. But I hope, through inward and outward sufferings, I shall at length be able to say in all things, Father, not my will, but thine be done.

Did my usual duty in the great cabin, and began expounding the ten commandments; interceded for friends on deck, and went to bed full of a sense of my own unworthiness. Oh, that I could always see myself in my proper colours! I believe I should have little reason to fall down and worship myself. God be merciful to me a sinner.

Saturday, March 11. Blessed be God, this morning the storm began to blow over, and light broke in upon my soul. Was enabled to read prayers and expound both in the cabin, and to the soldiers, with more vigour than I have since we left Gibraltar. Had reason to think my late indisposition had been sanctified to me. Suffering times are a Christian's best improving times. For they break the will, wean us from the creature, prove the heart; and by them God teaches his children, as Gideon by thorns and briars taught the men of Succoth.

All the time of my indisposition, my dear friend H. mourned over me like a dove. Blessed be God, familiarity does not breed contempt between us, but our love to each other increases daily. Jesus Christ is the only rock whereon alone true friendship can be built.

Sunday, March 12. Expounded with more enlargement than usual, and gave my people notice that I intended speaking to them one by one, to see what ac

count they could give of their faith. I have not ceased warning every one of you, says the apostle. May I follow his steps!

Preached the sermon God enabled me to make in the storm before we came to Gibraltar, in the great cabin; and God was pleased to set his seal to it. Had some close conversation with my companions about their interior; interceded for absent friends, and had reason to hope my weak efforts to promote his glory had not been in vain in the Lord. May God give me a thankful heart!

Monday, March 13. Blessed be God! this is the most comfortable day I have had since I came last aboard, slept better than usual; was enabled to compose freely; [perceived my appetite to return;] was enlarged much in intercession, and found I had reason to give thanks for my late indisposition. O, how gently does my gracious master deal with me! Though sorrow may endure for a night, yet joy cometh in the morning. Lord, grant I may spend that health thou hast now restored to me to thy honour and service! It is good for me that I have been a little chastised; for who knows but I might otherwise have perished by being lifted up above measure with my last success? Lord, give me humility, though it be through sufferings! So shall thy blessings never prove my ruin.

Thursday, March 14. Began to put in execution what I promised on Sunday,-inquired into the faith of those committed to my charge; and though all of them were not so great proficients as I could wish, yet I find they know enough to save them, if they put what they know in practice; so that they cannot charge God if they miscarry. Oh! that the Lord may give them his blessing!

Had much of the presence of God with me, and felt such a fervent love for my christian friends, that I feared how I should behave, were God to call any of them from me. But I trust sufficient for such an hour will be the strength thereof.

Wednesday, March 15.

Was much pleased with