CHAPTER X.

Exertions in behalf of the Irish Evangelical Society, &c.

January 1, 1821.-" On this day commences another portion of my time. Ought I to allow it to pass without recording the goodness of my God to me and mine during the past year? Blessings and sufferings have been ours; bereavements, sickness, recovery. Shall we not, with David, sing of mercy and judgment? Shall I not recal the interposition of that God, who heals our diseases, and who has restored me to health, at least, in a degree sufficient to enable me to prosecute my delightful employ of publishing to others the power and the grace of our Saviour? During my illness, I was favoured with the knowledge that my ministry had been useful. I must continue to preach the same truths, to look up to God for his blessing, and to press upon my own recollection, and on that of my dear people, the absolute necessity of the Spirit's agency, to render sermons useful and effectual for salvation. Mine, honoured by God as they have been, are destitute of all ingenuity and external ornament. One feature only to recommend them-they consist of Scripture truths, expressed and urged with freedom and warmth.

Yes, I am more and more convinced, that it is the naked sword of the Spirit, which pierces the heart. The sword may be decorated and ornamented with the trappings of human oratory, and may thus be more pleasing to the intelligent and refined parts of society, but these accompaniments will add nothing to its power. Let me then continue as long as I am able, to study, to pray, and to preach, and leave the issue to Him, who does more for us than we can either ask or think."

"Some excellent remarks, in a recent discussion upon diaries, have made me carefully review my motives for continuing this journal. Having so done, I have decided to perpetuate, for the benefit of my children and grand-children, a memorial of the goodness of God. I find also, that a daily record of particular events, and active duties, induces gratitude and watchfulness; while, from communion with my own heart, I obtain humbling views of myself, and a deeper sense of the purity and holiness of an omniscient God."

Jan. 3." Indisposed, and would gladly have remained in my beloved study, but was obliged to go to London to attend a special committee of the directors of the Missionary Society, to. arrange the plan of schools, at the Cape and in India, for the children of missionaries. In the evening, met, in my own vestry, the gentlemen who were to balance the accounts for repairs. Great was our joy and gratitude on finding that we had succeeded to raise nearly 12001. in less than two years."

Jan. 7.-" Yesterday was a trying day, but was able to preach three sermons and administer the

Lord's Supper. The unchangeable priesthood of our Saviour was my theme. The glory, the efficacy, and the perpetuity of the priesthood of Jesus Christ, is the glory of Scripture, the ground of salvation, and the hope of eternal life to perishing sinners."

10." Rose this morning languid and ill; sent for a coach, being unable to go by stage; went to the Deaf and Dumb election; the day was fatiguing. Returned home earlier than usual, filled with gratitude that I was able to render some little assistance to that valuable and useful Institution. Two of my early and zealous coadjutors in that good cause, have in the last year finished their labour, and gone to their rest. I must soon follow; but I desire to work whilst it is day, knowing that the night cometh, in which no man can work. My gracious Benefactor has done much for me; all I can do for Him, for His cause, and for His poor, is much too little."

11." Went yesterday morning to London, to obtain the pension of a poor widow from the India House. Returned, and commenced my weekly visits among the sick and poor members of my church. In the evening, preached the weekly lecture. My mind was anxious for the welfare of souls wandering from the paths of truth and holiness, but I had little pleasure in speaking. Feelings, however, are not the proper criteria of usefulness; pain and restlessness, the preceding night, had produced much debility in body, and weariness in spirit."

Jan. 12.-" Rose with less pain and difficulty in

breathing. After the devotional exercises of the morning, wrote letters, and went to the Bank to receive dividends for the Deaf and Dumb; from thence to Homerton, to attend the committee of the Old College. Assisted at the examination of two candidates for admission. They

appear promising young men. May they prove learned and faithful ministers of Christ! Returned home to prayer-meeting, and afterwards visited a sick friend.

25.-" Called to-day on a friend, to converse on the state of the Widows' Fund. We discussed some important topics, with a view to increase its revenue, and to extend its usefulness, and are to meet again respecting this important subject, which I long to assist before my season of labour finally closes. This, I have reason to think, will be soon; and yet, thinking so, may I not exclaim,

'Why is my heart so far from Thee,

My God, my chief delight?

Why are my thoughts no more by day
With Thee, no more by night?'

In the evening, preached at Orange-Street. A letter from Mr. G-informed me of his child's death. I sympathized with him, well remembering my own feelings when I lost my dear; but I have had reason to be thankful, and to acknowledge the mercy, that removed my little lamb to the fold above."

Jan. 28.-"Blessed be God for the preservation of the past night, and for the light of a day sacred

to the interests of the soul, and the things of a better world. May all my thoughts and all my desires harmonize with the holy character of this holy day; and whilst I preach to others, may I grow in grace, and make progress towards the New Jerusalem! I desire to be more fully acquainted with its glory, more powerfully assured of my interest in it, and more desirous of entering into the possession of it."

Feb. 2.-" Rose with pain in the side, and considerable oppression in the chest. In the morning, prepared tracts and essays for publication; in the afternoon, visited the sick and dying; in the evening, attended the prayer-meeting."

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3.- Another Sabbath is gone, and I have preached three sermons. Grant, O Lord, that I may be thankful for the assistance Thou hast afforded Thy unworthy servant, and that Thy Spirit and blessing may attend Thy ministers and Thy churches!"

4.-" Attended the printing committee of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and the general committee at twelve. Some of the letters read were of the most encouraging description. This glorious object is taking possession, with renewed vigour, of the understandings and the consciences of the wise and good. New translations into languages in which the holy Scriptures have never been printed, are fast increasing; and the day, we hope, is not far distant, when the Christian world shall hail their distribution in every country under the canopy of Heaven. In the evening, attended the missionary prayer-meet