“God and his ways were sweet to my soul this morning. Great was the peace of my mind, and the joy which arose from considering what the Lord had done for my soul. O how did I long to be altogether like him, _in righteousness and true holiness_! Throughout the day, I enjoyed sweet repose in the blood of _the Lamb_. In the evening I preached on _1 Corinthians i. 30._ And God did indeed pour of his gracious spirit into my soul. Truly we had a heaven upon earth! O that I had the tongue of an angel to glorify thee for all thy benefits!”
“_Thursday May 23._ I was in great trouble, going to preaching this morning. My temptations were sore, and my trials exceeding great; occasioned partly, by the condition of some, who for a time _ran well_, but are turned again to the flesh-pots of _Egypt_. While I preached however, on _Psalms xxiii. 1._ my _Shepherd_ gave me to feed upon his _hidden manna_.”
*“I found it hard work to be wholly set apart for God this day. I preached comfort to others, but could lay hold on little of it myself.”
“I am often like a day in spring; the sun shining bright for a little while, and soon withdrawing again. _The sun of righteousness_ often shines upon me, with his bright beams; but alas! the light is soon clouded, and the joy vanishes away. Yet still, blessed be God, my heart stands fast believing in the Lord. For I take it for granted, that the want of strong light and joy, no more argues want of faith, than the absence of unclouded day, argues no sun in the firmament.”
“An unusual fondness for company, brought deadness upon my soul. The vanities of the world importunately intruded upon me. If God were not on my side, I should have been long ago _as Sodom_, and _like unto Gomorrah_. Such vanities crouded in upon me at prayer, that even I forgot what I was saying. I am a man sorely distressed with the wandering of my heart. I arose from prayer and read, and prayed again. The Lord at length met me, and instantly released me from my sorrow, and gave me power to wait upon him without distraction.”
“_Saturday June 12._ Great was the comfort which I had in God. I had the full assurance of faith, that God was _my_ God, and Christ _my_ Saviour. O the happiness of knowing this!”
“_Tuesday 28._ I was deeply convinced of my depravity. O my God, I see the impurity of my heart in such a manner as frightens me. I know that Christ can have no communion with _Belial_; neither _righteousness_ with _unrighteousness_. Lord break not the _bruised reed_, nor quench the _smoaking flax_. Rather send down thy Holy Spirit, and set me free from the power of indwelling sin. Consume it O God. Cast out the spirit of uncleanness for Christ’s sake.”
“This afternoon I walked in the fields, and had a sweet meeting with my Lord. He gave me his love.”
“_Sunday_ morning. I was so stupid, that I could scarcely pray. Wandring thoughts crouded in upon me. O for an heart to pray. I find in general, that under the most afflictive trials, when I can in fervent prayer pour out my soul before the Lord, he gives me instant relief. But when I cannot pray, O then is my life burthensome to me; I cannot bear myself.”
“The word this morning, was sweet to the souls of the people. They seemed to drink of the fountain of the water of life. I had a glorious manifestation of the love of God to my soul. My delight surely is in the Lord, and his Son Jesus Christ. Thou art my God, my love, my joy, my help, my health, and my all in all! Blessed be thy name, _Amen_.”
“Too much given to talk; had not the usual longing after prayer and meditation. Yet the Lord helps mine infirmity.”
“I had great joy in my soul, and longing desires to be with Christ. O that even now, I could behold his lovely face, and amiable countenance!”
“_Friday, July 9th._ I had a lively sense of the Lord’s having blotted out my former transgressions; and that he had promised to give me _a clean heart_. I had great peace; my soul being filled with the love of God.”
“_Saturday 10._ Exercised this morning by false accusations. My only concern was, lest it should hinder the work of God. But in consideration of his over-ruling power and providence, I rested patiently on his will. My Jesus was made perfect through sufferings. O that I may be enabled to follow my master, in the way of the cross!”
Walking in a garden this day, God made it an _Eden_ to my soul; pouring his love into my heart. I partook of the water and the tree of life: and the hidden manna was rained from heaven into my soul!