skilful, my compassionate Physician. He can heal and strengthen my soul. What thousands on earth, what millions in heaven, can testify of his wisdom, kindness, and ability." Dec. 30." Last night preached at Fetterlane, and this evening at the Adelphi. My oppression in speaking was excessive, but it was not perceived. How does God perfect strength in the weakness and helplessness of his creatures? O that I might increase in mental and spiritual vigour! Thou, O Lord, hast promised 'power to the faint,' and 'strength' to those that have no might." 999 Jan. 1, 1826." This year has opened upon me and my family with beams of mercy. O that our hearts may be filled with gratitude and praise to Him who is the giver of all good, and who has such a claim upon the homage of our hearts and the devotion of our lives! By medical skill, and attentive nursing, I have been restored from that state of suffering which threatened life itself, but still I ought to esteem it only a short suspension of the hour of my dissolution. O Lord! prepare me for the great change: it may come not only soon, but suddenly; and I ought to have nothing to do but to give up my spirit into thy hands, for hast Thou not redeemed me, O Lord God of truth!" 10." Yesterday had a very fatiguing day, it being the election for the Deaf and Dumb. I must resign all duties in London. The tent must soon be taken down; but it is the Lord; let him do what seemeth him good. Jan. 23.-"Weary and ill through the last week, but yet was enabled to preach at Orangestreet on Thursday night: on Friday visited the sick; attended the prayer-meeting in the evening, and hope I felt thankful for so much assistance. On Saturday composed a sermon on 2 Tim. ii. 7." * *This entry receives its interest from being the last record penned by Mr. Townsend. EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS, &c. "MY VERY DEAR * "Edinburgh, June 28, 1800. "Through the kind and indulgent care of God, I was brought here in peace and safety last night; and though I have had a long and fatiguing journey, great is the cause for thankfulness, that every spring, every trace, every wheel, and the smallest link in every chain, had its commission to fulfil its office with punctuality. "My first companion, being of a talkative disposition, soon gave me a history of himself, which showed that he prospered, had money and land, &c. ; yet there seemed a spark of envy at a neighbour of his, who had in hand 400 loads of last year's hay, which he said was a fine thing indeed, since it fetched such a high price. "After travelling a few miles, he left us, when the coachman said, he thought I should find it irksome travelling alone. I told him there were times when a man was never so little alone as when by himself; he stared amazement, and left me, but desired an honest-looking Yorkshireman, who was outside, to come in. My new acquaintance being seated, a general conversation ensued, when, finding myself disposed to converse with him upon religion, I asked him respecting the number of churches and meetings in his neighbourhood, and to which he went. To church, to be sure, |