♠ “better” replaced with “be better” per Errata
Lord shall my soul be carried by angels into _Abraham_’s bosom, or hurried by fiends into endless torments! Lord ’tis true, I am a great sinner; but Jesus is an Almighty Saviour. I entirely renounce all dependence upon myself.
“This all my hope, and all my plea, For me the Saviour died.”
Yes, my dearest Jesus thou did’st die for me: then I may be saved. Lord _I believe; help thou mine unbelief_. In the evening Mr. _H――――n_ gave an account of the life and death of Mr. _P――――l G――――d_, an eminent and useful preacher; and then gave out these lines, in which I joined with my whole heart:
“O may we thus our parting breath, Into the Saviour’s hand resign: O Jesus, let me die his death, And let his latter end be mine.”
We came home twenty minutes before ten, and I fell asleep with the same serious impressions on my spirit, which also lasted most part of the next day, and for several days after.
Sunday, August 2. In the evening Mr. _F――――l_ took his leave of us from these words in _Luke iv. 42_. _And he said I must go and preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent._ The next evening Mr. _J――――n_ took his, from _Romans viii. 17_. _And if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ._ He was exceeding lively. I found concern in parting with them. O may I profit more by the next!
*Thursday 6. Hearing this day of a very melancholy affair, concerning a person whom I knew only by sight: I was exceedingly stirred up to thankfulness, for being so situated, that it was almost impossible the like should befal me: I am surrounded with tender and careful friends, who continually watch over me in love: I am blest with parents, who by words when present with them, and by letters now absent,
“Warn me to shun the world’s delusive snares; Teach by their lives, and guard me by their prayers.”
And he has inclined my heart to listen to the instructions and advice, I daily receive from one or another. I went to our private meeting on Friday, and found my soul blest, and heartily joined in Mr. _B――――_’s prayer for the poor unhappy creature to suffer the ensuing day. Also I was greatly stirred up to pray for her, when in private at night.
Saturday 15. About one o’clock my aunt _B――――r_ and little cousins, arrived in _Chester_; I was extreamly glad to see them. O when will my dear parents come? Lord, thy time is best, only let me be resigned to thy will.
“Since none can doubt thy equal love, Unmeasurably kind, To thy unerring, gracious will Be every wish resign’d.”
Sunday 16. The ensuing week I was much indisposed, and did not go out till the next Saturday sev’night: during this time, my soul was kept in a calm reliance upon God, tho’ at times I found deadness; which I partly imputed to my disorder (a severe cold.)
Saturday, September 13. Mr. _P――――n_ going to _Ireland_, gave a very profitable discourse upon _John xvi. 31_. _Do ye now believe?_ Indeed this was a very comfortable day to my poor soul; which blessed be the Lord, was much refreshed in all the means of grace, both at sacrament, private prayer, and the preaching. This evening Mr. _T――――r_ arrived in _Chester_. O may his coming amongst us be productive of much good to this people, and to my poor soul!
Friday 18. This was a fast-day kept to intreat the Lord to revive his work in this land. Mr. _T――――r_ and my uncle prayed alternately, and with much power. O that it may be such a fast as the Lord approves of, and an acceptable day to him. On Saturday evening, Mr. _T――――r_ preached from _John xii. 22_. _Sir, we would see Jesus._ Lord I would see him too. O may it be now.
Monday 21. Mr. _H――――n_, who had accompanied Lady _M――――_ to town, with her and her brother, dined with us. She is the most affable lady I have ever seen, and dresses almost as plain ♦as we do.
♦ duplicate word “as” removed
Sunday, October 4. In the evening my soul was quickened while Mr. _T――――r_ was preaching on the parable of the dry bones.
*Tuesday, November 17. On this day were united, my uncle _F――――_, and my truly dear and respected friend Mrs. _M―――― L――――_. With unspeakable pleasure I embraced her, as a most dear loved relative. With the same satisfaction she was received by those of my aunts, who reside in this place, as their sister; and I doubt not will be by those who are now absent, when they hear the surprising tidings. My heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is, that they may be long blest with each other; that this union may be a means of uniting them more closely to the blessed bridegroom of the church; and that finally, they and we may be received into the family of heaven, with a _Well-done good and faithful servants, enter ye into the joy of your Lord_.