gard to the latter object, and a disappointment (which at first seemed grievous, but now seems a mercy,) postpones my journey till to-morrow, and affords me opportunity to make preparation for it by a day of devotion.

My requests in regard to my journey are,—that God would prosper me therein, succeed me in all my business, preserve me and my wife in health and safety, and return us in due time to our family laden with rich experience of his goodness: that he would keep my house and family and parish in safety until my return; that I may find my friends in peace and happiness and enjoy them; that in all business I may feel my dependance on God alone for success; that I may be preserved from irritated feelings, and from imprudent or passionate expressions, in consequence of any diversity of opinions or misunderstandings in business; that I may be preserved from vain and wandering thoughts, from vain conversation, from a mean conformity to the world in things improper; and on the other hand, from sour, morose rigidity, and in a word, from being drawn away from God by intercourse with the world ; that I may be preserved from any airs which would be an expression of pride and self-importance, and consider myself as a minister of the meek and lowly Jesus, and as such, watched by a censorious world; that I may be preserved from the neglect of daily secret prayer in my absence; that I may enjoy my religious friends in a religious way, more than in former journeys, and derive more instruction, animation, and refreshment from them; that I may keep in mind that the honor of religion depends greatly on the conduct and examples of Christ's ministers; and that I may keep up a punctual observance of all my former resolutions during my absence.

These shall be my special petitions through the day. I resolve furthermore to devote some part of the day to prayer for friends, and that I will look over my memoirs and resolutions, make suitable reflections on myself, enter into a train of selfexamination, and renew my covenant with God; that I will remember Zion at the throne of grace, adore God for light lately received, and make those common petitions which appear suitable.

Evening. I have reviewed my memoirs and find myself too neglectful in observing my resolutions, especially some which (I am ashamed to say) were almost forgotten; though perhaps they were not of the first importance. God grant me grace so to conduct myself, that these resolutions will not rise up in judgment against me. Let me ever remember, that "it is better not to vow unto the Lord, than to vow and not pay." I have been rather desultory in my petitions to day, and have been not so clear as before in examination. I find it does not answer to seek God negligently, nor to think of enjoying a day of special devotion, unless the day is wholly consecrated to devotion. It will not answer to have the attention divided between religious and secular things on such days, and to resolve to devote only as much of the day to religion as shall seem convenient. Hours must be fixed and unchangeably consecrated. However, I have enjoyed some happiness, and I believe some fervency to day, and conclude with expressing a hope of the divine presence and blessing in our journey.

Sabbath morning, Sept. 10th. Last night I returned from my journey, laden with rich experience of God's goodness. Never did we find friends universally so kind and tender. We have accomplished our business more to our mind than we expected. No misunderstanding arose. All was love and success, and our temporal interest is better than we anticipated. Throughout the journey God appeared, more than in any former journey, willing to attend upon me whenever I was disposed for a moment to turn aside from the world to attend on him. He did not hide himself from my search. But I have abundant matter for self-accusation. I have, to a cruel degree, forsaken and forgotten God. I have abundant reason to accuse myself of vanity in thoughts and words, of levity, of worldly-mindedness and undue attempts to please the world by improper conformities, of idolatrous affections, &c. &c. Never was a visit more agreeable, so far as the world could contribute to make it so. And circumstances have been so ordered seemingly on purpose to give us a fair opportunity to determine whether the world or God can afford the most satis

faction. And here I record it to the praise of our adorable Master, that the happiness which I feel this morning in contemplating the affairs of his kingdom, is far superior to any which the world has afforded during my journey. I most deeply realize how much religion is superior to worldly good, how much better God is as a Master than the world.

Wednesday, Oct. 4th. In consequence of reading the prayers of Miss Anthony, and discovering her intense desire to obtain more clear and transforming views of God, I have been led to reflect on the great difference between her prayers and mine. I have been, for the most part, asking for particular exercises of divine power, to produce effects in regard to me, my friends, my people, and Zion at large. And in prayer my mind has been more on the desired effects, than on that fulness and glorious sufficiency of wisdom, power, goodness, majesty, condescension, patience, faithfulness and truth, which there is in God. Thus I have stopped at the threshold, without getting into the temple. Had I in prayer been more intent to gaze into God, and had I exercised myself more in adoration and praise, I believe my acquaintance with God would have been vastly greater, and my mind more transformed into his likeness. Let it in future be the burden of my prayer, "Lord, show me thy glory."

Sabbath morning, Oct. 8th. Expect to preach both parts of the day from Exodus xxxiii. 18. May I, under the influence of a delight in the essential glory of God, long, through the day, to bring it out to view, in order to exalt God in the esteem of men, to show them what ground of everlasting joy there is, to prepare them to enjoy the good which is within their reach, and to prepare them, by proper exercises towards God, to compose a part of a duly proportioned, well adjusted, harmonious, happy universe.

Sabbath, Dec. 17th. EXAMINATION. I have a solicitous fear that I shall be left of God to fall into sin. This is my most distressing apprehension. I fear sin more than any other evil. But why? Is it for fear of public shame? Is it for fear of final punishment? Is it for fear of those dreadful stings of

conscience which devils possess and dread? I think the reason is, that sin is wrong, and is what my nature, in sober frames, abhors. Good men may have stings of conscience. And if the heart hates what the conscience disapproves, it is a proof of religion. Well, if I know what it is to hate, I think I do detest those sins which most easily beset me. I think I hate to break sacred obligations and act an unworthy, wicked part. I think I hate to oppose that law and divine benevolence which seeks the diffusion of happiness. And if any good was offered me to be enjoyed in this world, I think I should choose exemption from sin and the free enjoyment of God before any other. O that I might keep my ordination vows and adorn my profession by holy examples!

Dec. 18th. Some years ago in a distant town I gave a poor disciple a coat. Last night he came, wearing the coat, and brought a boy to live with me, which I exceedingly wanted. Had it not been for the coat he would not have brought him. I was affected, and was reminded of the Scripture, "Cast thy bread upon the waters, for thou shalt find it after many days." May I never forget that it is profitable to lend to the Lord.

During the course of twenty-four hours the Lord has bestowed upon me four peculiar and distinguishing favors, and three of a less kind which are still worthy of more than common notice. Three of the four I had, I hope, trusted God for. The other was an unexpected and surprising favor. Is it not good to serve and trust the Lord? Indeed, he is a good Master. May I never forget the lesson which these dispensations have taught me.

Sabbath night, Dec. 24th. Have had a pleasant afternoon, though attended with some wanderings. Preached on the design and duty of prayer in consistency with the immutability of God. In the first prayer, had a train of reflections which left an impression on my mind of the folly of making calculations for happiness on worldly circumstances, and of indulging painful feelings on account of situation, &c. It appeared that all happiness must be derived from God, and that if I am bound down to the necessity of being happy in God, or being

wretched, I ought to consider it a great mercy. For, being in such a necessity, I have less temptation to forsake God for other objects. And I have learned that I cannot endure such temptations. If this situation be less calculated to wean me from the world, to afford me an opportunity to overcome my pride and other corruptions, to prepare for a life of usefulness and for a world of happiness, here let me live, and here let me die, and thank God for having put me in circumstances so favorable to my eternal well being.

EXAMINATION. Why is it that I feel calm and happy tonight? I think the following reasons conduce to this. (1.) A sense of the kindness and mercy of the Lord. (2.) More hope of his favor. (3.) More expectation and hope that as God has not cast me off forever, he will assist me in overcoming my corruptions and enable me to lead a holy, happy life. That God should own and bless and undertake to carry me through my warfare, seems the most desirable thing that could happen to me. I long to be delivered from pride, anger and vanity. The mercies of God seem affecting and pleasant. That he is on the mercy seat to hear when sinners pray, seems an inexpressible favor and happiness. The prophetic office of Christ, and the knowledge which he communicates, appear precious. It seems desirable that he who redeemed the Church should have the office of administering salvation to it. And the excellencies of Christ, his tenderness, love, faithfulness, and amiableness, seem to add a relish to the salvation which he imparts. Salvation tastes the sweeter for coming from him.

Sabbath morning, March 4th. This forenoon expect to explain the true character of Israel's God. I wish to do it with a sincere desire to lead the people to a true knowledge of themselves and of God. And I wish to be affected myself with a sense of the beauty of the divine perfections. In the afternoon expect to administer a pointed reproof for some growing evils in the place. May I speak with humility, with tenderness, and with effect.

Noon. I have attended to my mind, and think I can say