*“To rejoice evermore, is my portion under the sun. My heart dissolves with the goodness of God. Truly thou art unto me _a place of broad rivers_, Isaiah xxxiii. Blessed be the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! A stranger intermeddleth not with the happiness which I feel! The half cannot be told. O, it is heaven upon earth! After several exercises of faith, love and prayer, I lay down in peace. My heart is full; and yet
‘A point my good, a drop my store, ‘Eager I ask, and pant for more.’
“O how sweet is it to retire from the world; yea, even from converse with the holiest Christians, to wait upon God alone; and to get closer acquaintance with the blessed Jesus. Happy the man that can go to God at any time, praying to him with faith and fervency. My God, all my soul cries aloud for more of thy light and love. Manifest thyself more fully within me!”
“Lord, I know not that there is any one living, that has greater cause to love, and serve thee in truth, than myself; for thy ways of love towards me, have been, and still are very wonderful. O how many sins hast thou forgiven me? How many snares of the devil hast thou broken, and delivered me from? How many pains and afflictions hast thou supported me under? How many fears and sorrows hast thou from time to time, banished from my heart? Thou hast given me also of thy gifts; and with reverence I speak it, thou hast given me thy grace. Thou hast sent me to preach thy word, and given me favour in the eyes of the people; neither have I spent my strength in vain. I believe Lord thou hast given me thyself, and that thou wilt give me in, and with thee, both grace and glory!”
*“I retired to fast; and poured out my heart for my own soul, for the church of God, and for mankind in general; that God would reform the whole world. Days of fasting become sweet to me. I find more and more delight in them. But by grace I am saved. Jesus is my righteousness. Thro’ faith in his blood, I offer myself, and all I do to him. The favour of God I obtained by his death; the image of God is stamped upon my heart by his Spirit; and thro’ his intercession, I obtain everlasting life. And yet will he reward every man according to his works.”
“I was this day sensibly convinced of the danger of following impulses of any kind, unless supported by the express authority of scripture. Nature and _Satan_, suggest a variety of things, which having a shew of truth and goodness, often lead persons into extravagance and error. It seems however a sure rule, that whatsoever promotes or increases purity and meekness, love towards God, and our neighbour, must be from heaven. And whatsoever does not tend to this, ought to be rejected. But O what need is there here, of spiritual discernment, to distinguish between the real graces of the _Holy Ghost_, and the counterfeit appearances of the devil, and self-love! God of truth, and of love, lead and establish my soul in the paths of justice, mercy, truth, and humility. Make me of a quick understanding in thy fear; nor leave me a moment to my own wisdom, or strength. My help cometh from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Praise the Lord O my soul!”
“I adore thee, O my God, that thou hast made it lawful for me to pray to thee. Oh, how great is thy condescension to regard such a poor creature as me! I will extol thy goodness, O Lord, my king.”
“All day long my heart burned with the love of God. My desires were unutterable; but he who knows the mind of the Spirit, will grant me all my petitions.”
“I had close trials: but the consolations of God were so many, and so strong, that I was borne above them. My body and soul were exceedingly strengthened by the divine grace. The _baptism of fire_ I experience more than ever. But still I am a poor creature.”
“O how soon will this dream of life be ended! Lord, I long to see thee as thou art. Give me patience, gracious Lord.”
*“For about two hours in my room, I found such communion with God, as my pen cannot write: no, it is beyond the power of words to describe the happiness which I felt. Alas! that men should be so ungrateful to God, and such enemies to their own soul, as not to seek happiness in Jesus. O the delight of a soul fully united to God!”
“At his table, the Lord met me this day, in a wonderful manner. My whole frame was so affected and overpowered, that I was ready to resign my soul into his hands.”
“I was still more deeply sensible of God’s presence. My desire was so strong, that it even pained my breast exceedingly. Indeed I cannot tell what I then felt. It was the work of God; but he knows in what manner, and degree. The fire spread; the light shined; and the power wrought: in short, _God within me lived_! Sing a new song, O my soul; sing with a mighty voice. Proclaim to angels and men, the goodness of the Lord. Jesus help me to praise thee yet more and more!”